Short Bowel Syndrome—A case report in a dog and discussion of the pathophysiology of bowel resection

An 8‐year‐old dog was investigated because of severe diarrhoea and weight loss following massive intestinal resection 15 months earlier. Positive contrast radiographic studies demonstrated (1) a short bowel with an increased diameter, (2) the absence of an ileo‐colic sphincter, and (3) a rapid transit time. Para‐amino benzoic acid (PABA) and xylose absorption tests, and quantitative twenty‐four hour faecal fat analysis demonstrated mildly reduced PABA absorption, marked xylose malabsorption, and steatorrhoea. Complete control of diarrhoea was achieved by the administration of a low‐fat diet. An elemental diet supplement containing amino‐acids, simple sugars, minerals and vitamins, and medium chain triglyceride oil were subsequently used in an attempt to improve nutrition. Oral antibiotics were prescribed in an attempt to reduce the suspected overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. The long‐term effects of dietary supplements and antibiotics could not be assessed because the dog was destroyed after a sudden deterioration in condition, probably due to severe gastric ulceration observed at autopsy. The pathophysiologic changes associated with intestinal resection are discussed in relation to possible therapeutic measures.