Spastic Colon

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                      General Information



Spastic colon is an intermittent irritability of the large bowel

is often related to psychological stress.  Leaving your pet alone

for long periods, boarding it in a kennel, strenuous exercise

and extended confinement may cause spastic or irritable colon.

During episodes of spastic colon, affected pets frequently pass

small amounts of soft or runny stools.  Often only a clear,

blood-tinged mucus is passed.  While physical examination,

laboratory tests and radiographs (x-rays) are needed to rule out

the presence of other diseases, these tests are normal in most

instances of spastic colon.  Several stool specimens are often

checked to rule out intestinal parasitism.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Give all medication as directed.  Call the doctor if you are

    unable to give any prescribed medication.



2.  Diet:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Feed the normal diet. 



    ____A special diet is required.  Feed as follows: 





3.  Water:  Follow the instructions checked. 



    ____Provide clean, fresh water at all times. 



    ____Restrict water consumption as follows:





4.  Activity:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Allow normal activity.



    ____Restrict activity as follows:





       Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet strains or passes bloody stools.



    * Your pet loses weight or seems depressed.



    * Your pet's problem recurs after apparent recovery.



    * There is a change in your pet's general health.