Colon
Colon is a part of the large intestine. Length of large intestine is smaller than small intestine but it called large intestine due to its larger diameter. Large intestine accounts for only 10-20% in length of the small intestine. The large intestine has the following functions:
- absorption of water and electrolytes
- storage of fecal material
- bacterial fermentation of the ingested food fibers
Colitis is the inflammation of the colon or large intestine that is caused due to straining while defecating. Dogs with colitis may have no other symptoms other than soft stool that may contain fresh blood or mucous. Commonly colitis is caused due to dietary intolerance/indiscretion and intestinal parasites.