songster- constipation, obstipation

Question 1

Constipation

Answer 1

Infrequent & difficult evacuation of dry, hard feces
- Mechanical obstruction (colon or rectum)
- Metabolic/endocrine (dehydration, e-lyte abnorms, hypothyroidism, obesity- exacerabtes it)
- Diet (fiber?)

Question 2

Obstipation

Answer 2

Inability to defecate as a result of long-standing constipation

Question 3

Most common cause of obstipation in CATS?

Answer 3

Megacolon (due to dysfunction of colonic smooth muscle)

Question 4

Colonic diameter: normal versus megacolon

Answer 4

Normal: < 1.28
Megacolon: > 1.48

Question 5

Function of soluble versus insoluble fiber?

Answer 5

Soluble = improves colonic smooth muscle motility

Insoluble: increases fecal bulk

Question 6

Lactulose & Miralax are what type of laxatives?

Answer 6

Hyperosmotic: are comprised of poorly absorbed molecules that reside in the colon for for longer –> draw water into them

Question 7

What prokinetic is sued to enhance colonic motility in Megacolon?

Answer 7

Cisapride (Propulsid®)