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Question
03 Apr 2006
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puppy constipation.
We have a 13 week old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy ( male) who is very large for his age and has great difficulty in passing stools. The vet said that he has a very narrow pelvis and that this might improve as he grows, also he might have to have his annal glands removed. Does amybody know of a diet that will help him to have less difficulty in passing stools or any other information. He is a beautiful puppy with a really nice temprement and it is terrible to see him suffer. Does anyone know if this is common with Rhodesian Ridge backs. Could it be because he is so big - feet already the size of a large dog and about twice as heavy as his sister who is fine.
Please help
Please help
CyberVet
It is very important that a differentiation be made between constipation and straining to pass stools.
Constipation is when very large, very hard stools are ultimately passed with great difficulty. This may be as result of incorrect diet or a weakness of the colon (called megacolon). If that is the case, it will usually be managed with special diets and soft, safe laxatives.
More common will be apparent difficulty passing soft or normal stools. One will see excessive straining and then ultimately a small amount of stool or mucous is passed. This can be caused by many different reasons including infections, worms, and any of the causes of diarrhoea. It will be managed differently and according to the cause.
Dr Malan van Zyl
Veterinary Specialist Physician
Cape Town
Constipation is when very large, very hard stools are ultimately passed with great difficulty. This may be as result of incorrect diet or a weakness of the colon (called megacolon). If that is the case, it will usually be managed with special diets and soft, safe laxatives.
More common will be apparent difficulty passing soft or normal stools. One will see excessive straining and then ultimately a small amount of stool or mucous is passed. This can be caused by many different reasons including infections, worms, and any of the causes of diarrhoea. It will be managed differently and according to the cause.
Dr Malan van Zyl
Veterinary Specialist Physician
Cape Town
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