Recto and Repro

Anal Sacs

Two small pouches located on either side of the anus. They are lined with sebaceous glands that produce a foul smelling fluid

Anal Gland Abscess

A painful infection of the anal glands. During an infection, exudate builds up in the sac, preventing the foul smelling fluid from leaving

Adenocarcinoma

Cancer of the glands

Constipation

The infrequent or difficult evacuation of stool

Obstipation

Constipation unresponsive to therapy, implying a potential loss of colonic function. Results in dilation of the colon

Megacolon

Dilation of the colon, often with hypomotility or hypertrophy, resulting from chronic obstipation

Warm Tap Water

A simple and often effective solution, especially for mild constipation

Isotonic Saline

A solution that can help to hydrate the colon

Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate (DSS)

A stool softener that helps to soften hard stool

Exhaustive Medical Therapy

Generally performed prior to surgical intervention using a variety of diets and colonic motility modifiers

Subtotal Colectomy

The surgical procedure of choice in cats with megacolon. This technique is performed regardless of how much of the colon appears diseased. The surgical objective is to remove all of the colon except what is necessary to reestablish bowel continuity

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)

Involves taking a small needle with a syringe and suctioning a sample of cells directly from the tumor and placing them on a microscope slide. A veterinary pathologist then examines the slide under a microscope. In some cases, results may not be entirely clear and a biopsy may be necessary

Biopsy

A surgical excision of one or more pieces of the tumor. The pieces are then examined by a veterinary pathologist under the microscope. Histopathology is helpful in making a diagnosis, and can also indicate how the tumor is likely to behave. Alternatively, the tumor may be fully excised and sent for histopathology.

Rectal Strictures

A narrowing of the rectum due to scar tissue formation, often resulting from trauma, inflammation, or underlying conditions

Perianal Fistulas

Abnormal, ulcerated tracts or tunnels that develop in the perianal tissues and skin, most commonly around the anus

Antimicrobials

Prescribed in the induction phase to treat secondary bacterial infections. A hypoallergenic food trial may be recommended since many cases have been linked to an underlying allergy

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

A syndrome characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract, leading to impaired digestion and nutrient absorption. It is a syndrome rather than a disease

Colitis

Inflammation of the colon’s lining

Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy

A minimally invasive diagnostic technique that allows the clinician to evaluate the mucosal surfaces of the rectum, colon, ileocolic sphincter, cecum, and distal small intestine

Ileum

Small intestine

Gastroduodenoscopy

Examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum

Colonoscopy

Examines the rectum, colon, cecum, and potentially the distal ileum. Rigid endoscopes are mainly used for proctoscopies

Relaxin Blood Test

Measures a specific hormone that can detect pregnancy, but false negatives can occur if performed too early or with small litters. A positive test only confirms pregnancy at the time of testing, not it’s success