A Case Report on the Use of Colotomy to Treat Constipation Associated with Spinal Cord Injury

Urinary and bowel dysfunction is a condition that encompasses loss of bladder and bowel control which is characterized bypartial or complete loss of defecation and urination. Urinary and bowel dysfunction is multifactorial and mainly caused by spinalcord injury at the lumbosacral level or more cranial. The present case report was aimed to show techniques and outcomes ofcolotomy to resolve constipation secondary to bowel dysfunction in a cat. A 1-year-old female cat weighing 1.3 kg was presentedto Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a history of anorexia dullness, abdominal distension, and absence of defecation for thelast 8-days. Clinical examination revealed stunted growth, poor body condition, very weak anal and pedal reflex, distended abdomen, dehydration, and lateral recumbency. Based on the history and clinical findings the case was diagnosed as constipation andexploratory laparotomy was indicated after sufficient stabilization. The caudal ventral midline was used to perform colotomy toremove accumulated feces. Post-operatively fluid therapy, antibiotics, laxative, and vitamins were administered accordingly. Upon52-days follow-up; the patient was able to pass her feces completely, while urine retention and incontinence remains unresolved.Therefore, the owner was advised how to apply gentle external compression of the bladder to assist urination