title: Clinical laboratory evaluation of small intestinal function.
abstract: Although diarrhea as a consequence of dysfunction of the small intestine (SI) is a common presenting problem in practice, most cases are acute, nonfatal, and self-limiting, and they require only symptomatic support. Thus, the need for any investigation of SI function beyond physical examination is a clinical judgment made on the potential of the problem being persistent, contagious, or life-threatening. Acute, severe, or bloody diarrhea; concurrent signs of systemic illness; or chronic diarrhea (which is not self-limiting) indicate a need for more detailed investigations. In all cases, the fluid and electrolyte needs of the patient must be addressed even while the diagnostic effort is in progress.
authors: Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, England.
authors: E J
authors: EJ
authors: Hall
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004285:Dogs; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000502:physiology*