Table 69-1.
SMALL BOWEL VERSUS LARGE BOWEL DIARRHEA
| Observation | Small Intestine | Large Intestine |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of defecation | Normal to slightly increased | Very increased |
| Fecal output | Large volumes | Small volumes frequently |
| Urgency or tenesmus | Absent | Present |
| Dyschezia | Absent | Present with rectal disease |
| Mucus in feces | Absent | Present |
| Exudate (WBC) in feces | Absent | Present sometimes |
| Hematochezia (red blood) | Rare | Frequent |
| Melena (digested blood) | Present sometimes | Absent |
| Steatorrhea | Present sometimes | Absent |
| Flatulence and borborygmus | Present sometimes | Absent |
| Weight loss | Present sometimes | Rare |
| Vomiting | Present sometimes in dogs; frequent in cats | Occasional |
WBC, white blood cells.