GASTROENTEROLOGY
Fibre Responsive
Diarrhoea
Dr Liesel van der Merwe, BVSc MMedVet (Med) Small Animals
Some patients presenting with diarrhoea can be managed
with diets containing specific types and levels of fibre. Determining which diet is most effective is often trial and error.
The colon helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and
absorb nutrients; it is also the major site of faecal storage until
expulsion and provides an environment for microorganisms.
Disruptions to normal colonic function lead to changes in
both absorption and motility; clinically, this often manifests
as large-bowel diarrhoea. The patients history will include
clinical signs such as increased frequency, increased urgency, tenesmus, small vol