Gastro - Diseases of the Colon Flashcards
What is the normal function of the colon?
Fluid storage, motor function, mucus secretion, passive water flux, and bacteria flora
Do anaerobes or aerobes prevail in the colon?
anaerobes
What are clinical signs of colon disease?
LB diarrhea, hematochezia, mucus, tenesmus, frequent defecation, small volumes of stool, and there are rarely systemic signs
What are the causes of chronic colitis?
Infectious (parasites, fungi), infiltrative disease, intussusception, and motility disturbances
What infiltrative disease can cause chronic colitis?
IBD colitis, neoplasia, and mycotic colitits
Where does Trichuris vulpis preside?
the cecum and the colon
Is diarrhea due to Trichuris vulpis chronic or acute?
It can be acute, chronic, or intermittent
What is the treatment of choice for Trichuris vulpis?
fenbendazole for 5 days
What are the common causes of bacterial colitis?
Clostridial species (perfringens and difficile), Salmonellosis, E. coli, and C. jejuni
What common etiologic agent of bacterial colitis is zoonotic?
Campylobacter jejuni
Why is bacterial colitis tough to diagnose?
because the problem bacteria are commensals
What is the etiologic agent of fungal/algal colitis?
Histoplasmosis
What clinical signs are associated with fungal colitis?
Large bowel diarrhea +/- systemic signs
How is fungal colitis diagnosed?
rectal scrapes/endoscopic biopsy; urine Ag
What is the therapy of choice for fungal colitis?
itraconazole/fluconazole for long-term therapy of 4-6 months
Prednisone to reduce inflammation seen with fungal death for 1-2 weeks
What is the prognosis for Prototheca colitis?
poor
What causes the clinical signs of inflammatory bowel disease?
infiltrates and mediators
How is inflammatory bowel disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis of exclusion and GIT biopsy
How is Inflammatory Bowel Disease treated?
nutrition and drugs
What are some structural causes of chronic GI disease?
intussusception and neoplasia
What are some metabolic diseases that cause chronic GI disease?
Renal disease, liver disease, Addison’s disease, and hyperthyroidism
What are some parasites that cause chronic GI disease?
Giardia, Cryptosporidia, T. felis, and Physaloptera
What are some infectious diseases that cause chronic GI disease?
FeLV/FIV, Toxoplasmosis, and histoplasmosis
How would you treat chronic enteropathy due to Giardia?
Fenbendazole
If you have a dog or cat that comes into the clinic and has chronic enteropathy, what is the first therapy you should try?
You have already ruled out parasites.
Try a food trail
In cats - 7 day elimination trial
In dogs - 14 day elimination trial