The Use of Colonic Irrigation to Control Fecal Incontinence in Dogs With Colostomies

ObjectiveTo determine if once‐daily colonic irrigation results in fecal continence for a 24‐hour period in dogs with colostomies and if colonic volume increased in response to the irrigation. Study DesignA prospective controlled experimental study. AnimalsFour intact male and one intact female mixed breed dogs. MaterialsAll dogs received left end‐on paralumbar colostomies. Four dogs received once‐daily colonic irrigation for 8 weeks, whereas the control dog did not. Daily fecal weights were recorded for the length of the study in all dogs. Barium enema studies and volumetric studies were used to determine colonic volumes. ResultsDaily fecal weights were significantly decreased in treatment dogs compared with the control dog. Colonic volume increased in irrigated dogs in response to daily irrigation over the 8 week period of the study. ConclusionsColonic irrigation resulted in significantly decreased fecal production over a 24‐hour period. Therefore management of dogs with colostomies would be more practical and cost effective. It did not result in complete fecal continence in this study. Further clinical studies are indicated to determine if longer periods of irrigation would result in complete continence. Clinical RelevanceIndications for colostomy in dogs are limited, but more radical surgical procedures for the treatment of colorectal neoplasia, trauma, and strictures might be possible if colostomy could be made more acceptable for owners. Colonic irrigation can make management of colostomies in dogs easier.