Introduction

Definition

• Increased water content leading to changes in frequency, fluidity or volume of feces.
• Mechanisms (often more than one present):
  • Increased secretion.
  • Reduced absorption.
  • Altered permeability.
  • Altered motility.

Clinical classification of diarrhea

• Associated with systemic disease.
• Acute, mild, self limiting.
• Acute, severe.
• Chronic.
• Chronic and associated with protein loss.

Localizing diarrhea to small or large bowel

• Small intestinal diarrhea:
  • Mild increase in frequency (2-3 times per day).
  • Large volume of stool.
  • Color changes may occur.
  • Weight loss may occur.
  • There may be changed blood (melena) or steatorrhea.
• Large intestinal diarrhea:
  • Increased frequency (> 3 times per day).
  • Mucus often present.
  • Fresh blood often present.
  • Associated with urgency and straining.
  • No weight loss unless severe disease.

Acute diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea

Therapeutic trials

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Jergens A E, Crandell J M, Evans R et al (2010) A clinical index for disease activity in cats with chronic enteropathy. J Vet Intern Med 24 (5), 1027-1033 PubMed.
• Washabau R J, Day M J, Willard M D et al (2010) Endoscopic, biopsy, and histopathologic guidelines for the evaluation of gastrointestinal inflammation in companion animals. J Vet Intern Med 24 (1), 10-26 PubMed.
• Thompson K A, Parnell N K, Hohenhaus A E et al (2009) Feline exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: 16 cases (1992-2007). J Feline Med Surg 11 (12), 935-940 PubMed.
• Ruaux C G, Steiner J M, Williams D A (2005) Early biochemical and clinical responses to cobalamin supplementation in cats with signs of gastrointestinal disease and severe hypocobalaminemia. J Vet Intern Med 19 (2), 155-160 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Hall E J, German A J (2010) Diseases of the small intestine. In: Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 7th edn, edited by Ettinger S J, Feldman E C, St Louis, Saunders, pp 1526-1572.
• Allenspach K (2010) Diseases of the large intestine. In: Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 7th edn, edited by Ettinger S J, Feldman E C, St Louis, Saunders, pp 1573-1594.