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204 Coprophagia

to control contamination of the abdomen passed gently and slowly (see Acute General SUGGESTED READING
with liquid feces during surgery. Treatment above). Byers CG, et al: Feline idiopathic megacolon.
VetBooks.ir Prevention Client Education AUTHOR: Lori Ludwig, VMD, MS, DACVS
Compend Contin Educ Vet 28:658-665, 2006.
Early repair of pelvic fractures can prevent
Warn owners that diarrhea can be severe after
EDITOR: Elizabeth A. Swanson, DVM, MS, DACVS
obstruction of pelvic canal. Pelvic canal narrow-
usually persistent in dogs but usually resolves
ing > 45% carries a high risk of constipation. subtotal colectomy. Diarrhea/soft stools are
in cats within 8 weeks. If the cecum is removed
Technician Tips during surgery, consider treatment for bacterial
Avoid colon perforation during enemas by using overgrowth if diarrhea persists for more than
a well-lubricated red rubber catheter that is 8 weeks.

Coprophagia

BASIC INFORMATION HISTORY, CHIEF COMPLAINT • Dietary supplements or substances applied
Owners typically report recurrent episodes directly to the stool itself to alter taste and
Definition of stool consumption, including the pet’s texture have unreliable efficacy.
The consumption of fecal matter, involving the own feces and/or those belonging to another • Although coprophagy can be offensive
patient’s own stools and/or those produced by animal. and distressing to many owners, it is a
other animals normal behavior in dogs. Treatment
PHYSICAL EXAM FINDINGS strategies directed toward behavioral
Epidemiology • Typically unremarkable unless associated with modification are recommended but often
SPECIES, AGE, SEX a GI cause unsuccessful.
• Ubiquitous behavior among domestic dogs • Halitosis may be noted.
• Associated with exploratory behavior in Acute General Treatment
puppies Etiology and Pathophysiology • Minimize access to feces by establishing
• Normal component of husbandry in nursing • Although distressing for pet owners, appropriate hygiene in the pet’s environment.
bitches and queens during early lactation coprophagy is a common and typically • Employ the use of a head collar or basket
• Otherwise rare in cats normal behavior among dogs. muzzle to deter negative behavior on
• Specific attributes of stool, such as odor, walks.
RISK FACTORS texture, and taste, may have a unique appeal. • Ensure prompt removal of feces after
• Conditions associated with maldigestion/ defecation.
malabsorption DIAGNOSIS • Prevent access to litter boxes in the house-
• Polyphagia hold. The installation of a baby gate may be
• Central nervous system (CNS) disturbances Diagnostic Overview useful to act as a physical barrier.
that result in pica The diagnosis is based on history and is typically • Reward desirable behaviors with praise and
• Insufficient social interaction and environ- reported by owners. affection.
mental enrichment • Consider the use of a remote-controlled
• Thiamin deficiency Differential Diagnosis citronella collar to discourage the behavior.
• Primary GI disease (exocrine pancreatic • Avoid inadvertently reinforcing the behavior
CONTAGION AND ZOONOSIS insufficiency [EPI], malabsorptive conditions) in attention-seeking cases.
Increased risk of gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism • Behavioral conditions (pica, anxiety, attention-
(e.g., hookworms, roundworms) seeking) Nutrition/Diet
• Ensure the pet is receiving a complete and
GEOGRAPHY AND SEASONALITY Initial Database balanced diet that is life stage and species
Recognized year-round, although weather pat- • Physical examination appropriate.
terns may impact exposure and accessibility of • Fecal flotation • Address abnormalities in body condition
stool, and temperature may alter the appeal. • A thorough history should be obtained, score (BCS); aim for a BCS of 4-5/9 on a
Frozen stool is particularly alluring for some including diet, appetite, fecal score, environ- 9-point scale.
dogs. ment, and behavioral patterns.
• If a primary medical disturbance is suspected, Behavior/Exercise
ASSOCIATED DISORDERS CBC, serum biochemistry panel, and uri- • Ensure adequate exercise and environmental
• Behavioral conditions (pica, anxiety, attention nalysis should be performed ± other tests enrichment to reduce boredom.
seeking) based on clinical indication (e.g., trypsin-like • Address predisposing factors such as com-
• GI disturbances immunoreactivity [TLI]). pulsive behaviors.
• Malnutrition
Clinical Presentation TREATMENT PROGNOSIS & OUTCOME
DISEASE FORMS/SUBTYPES Treatment Overview Behavior is likely to continue if client
• Autocoprophagy: ingestion of own feces • If a primary disorder is present (e.g., EPI), compliance toward prevention, supervi-
• Allocoprophagy: ingestion of another animal’s appropriate medical therapies should be sion, and environmental management is
feces directed to the cause. poor.

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