Pencil thin stool
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A vet will put on gloves and check with his/her fingers for any abnormalities in the dog's rectal area. When a dog has pencil-thin poop, a vet will therefore typically conduct a physical examination including a rectal exam. Finding the source of anything obstructive or compressive causing a stricture in the passage of stools in this location, is important. Presence of a Rectal MassĪs mentioned, flat or narrow pencil-thin stools in dogs can be due to some degree of pressure or blockage changing the shape of the stool before it leaves the rectum. There are several possible underlying causes of narrow, pencil-thin poop in dogs that require investigation. Narrow stools in dogs may be indicative of an issue in the dog's colon or rectum restricting the poop as it comes out. If this is a one-time occurrence, it's a good idea to keep an eye on future bowel movements and see if it continues to happen.Ĭhecking with a veterinarian upon noticing any changes in a dog's bowel habits - such as narrower than normal stools, especially if it lasts longer than one to two weeks, is always recommended. The presence of pencil-like stools, also sometimes referred to as ribbon-like, thin, flat or narrow stools, may be indicative of a problem if they occur with a certain frequency. A dog's poop shape is due to its formation within the intestines. The cylindrical log-like shape is suggestive of the dog's lower intestine or rectum being in good shape.
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Stool softeners may help in situations where straining is not recommended (e.g., after pelvic floor surgery).Normal dog stool is typically solid brown in color and shaped like a log, that is, cylindrical and preferably, easy to pick up, leaving no mess behind. Although these agents are not indicated for relief of opioid-induced constipation, they are often used for that purpose. Use of fibre and lactulose were also strongly recommended, although the quality of evidence was weaker owing to small and heterogeneous studies. In a recent systematic review, 7 the American College of Gastroenterology strongly recommended (based on moderate- to high-quality evidence) that polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350), a stimulant laxative, prucalopride or linaclotide be used ( Box 2). When fibre is ineffective, other commonly used agents have adequate evidence to support their use for chronic constipation. This can be achieved through dietary changes or with the addition of a soluble fibre supplement, such as psyllium 6–12 g/d for at least a two-week trial. 1 Surgical management or retraining may help, but specialist expertise is generally required.Ī “step-up” regimen is generally advocated for the management of constipation, with the use of fibre supplementation and increased fluid intake as first-line treatment in primary care. Such disorders include anatomic causes (e.g., large rectocele, rectal prolapse) and poor relaxation of the pelvic floor. In cases where straining and difficulty with evacuation are the most prominent symptoms, further evaluation for a defecation disorder may be helpful. Many disease states may cause or contribute to constipation, such as Parkinson disease. 2 Current medications should be reviewed for constipating agents (e.g., narcotics, anticholinergic agents, calcium-channel blockers), and potential contributing factors such as recent travel (which may cause changes in eating patterns or dehydration) should be examined. 1 Variations in stool diameter are generally not concerning, unless the stools become progressively thinner (“pencil-thin stools”) intermittently thin stools alternating with normal-caliber ones are not clinically significant.
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1 Symptoms or signs that suggest serious disease (i.e., alarm features) include progressive weight loss, blood in the stool, abdominal or rectal mass, or anemia (in men or postmenopausal women). 1 It is extremely common and is mostly due to insufficient intake of dietary fibre.
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What questions should the patient be asked about her constipation?Ĭonstipation is broadly defined as unsatisfactory defecation characterized by infrequent stools, difficult stool passage or both.
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