Dogs that have been spayed are at an increased risk for a condition clinically known as colonic stricture. This condition occurs when the colon's diameter is restricted by fibrous scar tissue that has wrapped around the descending colon, reducing its normal function. The most common treatment for this condition is to perform surgery to remove the fibrous tissues from around the colon. There are several symptoms of this potentially serious condition, which should not be ignored. If your dog shows any of these symptoms over a prolonged period, seek the opinion of a veterinarian.
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Partial Obstruction
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If the dog's bowel is only partially obstructed by the fibrous tissues, the symptoms can be less severe and easier to overlook, because the colon is, at this point, still able to function. Symptoms would include vomiting and diarrhea, which happen off and on over the course of one or several weeks. These symptoms will often go away for one or more days, only to return with no apparent explanation.
Complete Obstruction
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As the colonic stricture becomes more severe, it is possible that the colon's diameter will be reduced to the point that nothing can pass through it. This results in what is known as complete obstruction. When this occurs, dogs will experience sharp, sometimes sudden, abdominal pains, and her abdomen will begin to bloat significantly. A dog who suddenly begins biting her side and whining is likely suffering from this condition. Animals that have a fully obstructed colon will also vomit with any food intake. If the vomiting begins to resemble diarrhea in color or odor, becomes projectile vomiting, or is green and has mucus in it, make an appointment with your vet. If the vomit appears black and sticky, this is very likely blood, and you should contact your veterinarian immediately. The most prominent sign of total bowel obstruction is your dog's inability to defecate. She will become constipated and unable to pass any solid waste, diahrreal matter or gas.
Intestinal Strangulation
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Should the fibrous tissue causing the colonic stricture become tight enough to restrict blood flow to the colon, a condition known as peritonitis, or intestinal strangulation, will occur. Should the dog̵7;s obstruction continue to this stage, her overall condition will deteriorate rapidly. The bowel will, in a relatively short amount of time, develop gangrene and the damaged section of intestine may need to be completely removed.
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