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Colitis: Colon
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Colitis is a digestive disease characterized by colon inflammation. Specifically, it is an inflammation of the mucus membrane that lines the colon. The disease is often characterized by abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea.
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In brief, colitis is the term for inflammation of the colon. The chief feature of colitis is a gooey diarrhea, featuring mucus, fresh blood or both. The stool may start normal then finish soft or may seem gooey throughout. There is often accompanying cramping, gas, and a sense of immediate urgency (the sudden need to run for a bathroom). Vomiting can be a feature of this condition though the characteristic diarrhea is the hallmark. Colitis may be acute (lasting only a few days) or chronic (lasting weeks or months on end).
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Many treatments are available for cats with colitis. If at all possible, a specific cause for colitis should be identified so that proper treatment can be instituted. In otherwise healthy cats with colitis, outpatient treatments such as anti-parasitic medications or dietary modification may be recommended initially. If this approach is unsuccessful, additional tests (including colonoscopy and biopsy) are recommended to improve the chance of a specific and accurate diagnosis. Complete resolution of clinical symptoms may not be possible, even with an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
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A thorough physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests are needed to make an accurate diagnosis of colitis. Stool samples are usually examined for evidence of blood or infection. Often the colon is examined through a procedure called colonoscopy (kol-on-OS-ko-pee). An endoscope, or lighted flexible tube and camera attached to a television monitor, is inserted through the anus. This allows the doctor to see the inside lining of the colon and rectum. During the colonoscopy, the doctor may remove a tissue sample (called a biopsy) from the intestinal lining for further examination under the microscope.
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The most common causes of colitis are dietry indiscretion usually involving dairy products, and rich food sauces, fat or liver. A common cause of colitis in nervous animals is stress, this is often seen when such animals are kenneled for their owner's holidays. Less common causes of colitis are dietary intolerance. Sometimes these dietary intolerances are temporary and sometimes they are permanent. The presentation of undigested food in the colon for whatever reason can result in colitis. In these situations it is important to address the cause of the food being undigested, be it a failure of digestion or a hypermotile bowel. Another uncommon cause of colitis like symptoms in the dog are bacterial overgrowths in the bowel, the most likely is a bacteria called Clostridia.
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The disease known as colitis refers to the inflammation of the lining of the large intestine. The Colitis may be an acute or chronic membrane inflammation. Individuals with colitis may experience stomach pains, diarrhea, and other abdominal disturbances. To understand colitis, one must be know what the colon is all about. The colon is the part of the large intestine extending from the cecum to the rectum. The colon is largely responsible for maintaining water balance in the intestine.
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