Impaction
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Impaction is a medical condition that can occur mainly in reptiles when they consume something that they cannot digest. Common causes of impaction are rocks and sand which they might accidentally eat when attacking their prey. Once the substance is ingested it will block the digestive tract and if not treated will cause the death of the animal.
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[edit] Symptoms
Lack of appetite and acting lethargic. Also on many animals a large blue bruised looking spot will appear in the abdomen. This only shows though if the skin on the animal is clear enough to see the lower internal organs.
[edit] Treatment
A common way to treat impaction is to place the animal in a lukewarm bath and gently rub the area under the impaction to try and help the substance it has consumed pass. If this technique does not work after a few days, a vet trip would be in order.
[edit] Human Disease
Impaction is a pathologic condition in humans when an impassable mass of stone-like fecal matter collects in the rectum. It frequently occurs as a result of dehydration, inactivity, and medications, such as narcotics or psychotropic agents, which slow the peristalsis, and increase the time that the colonic mucosa will extract moisture from the fecal bolus.
[edit] Treatment
Treatment, though semingly brutal, can be lifesaving. It first involves attempts at moving the impaction by enema and failing that, breaking up the impaction transrectally by using a (gloved) finger, pressing the mass against the coccyx to fracture it into smaller pieces. Followup enema is usually required.
True treatment involves proper ongoing hydration, bulk in the diet, and exercise to prevent recurrence. Review of all medications to discontinue all those responsible, if not absolutely necessary, is indicated.
