Page 705 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

32. The cat with signs of acute small

bowel diarrhea

Debra L Zoran

KEY SIGNS
● Loose to watery feces.
● ± Melena.
● No mucus or fresh blood.
● < 3 weeks duration.

MECHANISM?
● There are four recognized pathophysiologic mechanisms of diarrhea include osmotic, secre-
tory, increased permeability and altered motility.
Small bowel diarrhea is characterized by:
● Loose to watery feces.
● Increased volume of feces.
● Normal to increased frequency of defecation.
● No straining or tenesmus associated with defecation.
● If blood is present in feces it occurs as melena.
● Increased mucus is not present in the feces.
● Weight loss and vomiting are commonly observed concurrently.

WHERE?
● Small intestinal tract (duodenum, jejunum and ileum).
WHAT?
● Mild, acute small bowel diarrhea is a common problem that may be caused by a variety of self-
limiting factors, including dietary, infectious, parasitic or toxic agents. However, severe small
bowel diarrhea may be life-threatening and associated with severe systemic or GI disease.
Some diseases typically produce chronic diarrhea, but in the early stages are perceived as pro-
ducing acute diarrhea.

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