Digested matter then passes through the various portions of the large intestine: the cecum, the colon, the rectum and the anal canal. The total length of the large intestine is about 70 cm (28 in) in dogs.
- The cecum and colon. The cecum, which is very short, has the same function as the colon, which is dorsally located in the loins. The cecum and the colon absorb any nutrients that were not absorbed by the small intestine (particularly water). The remaining material is partially digested by the intestinal microbial flora, but this is a secondary function in dogs. The resulting nutrients are absorbed as in the small intestine.
The large intestine also forms, stores and evacuates fecal material: the stools.
- The rectum and anal canal are located in the pelvic cavity. As in all carnivores, they store and evacuate fecal matter.
- Defecation. Fecal material is eliminated in three steps. First, in an essentially behavioral step, the dog "looks for a place". Dogs tend to leave their living area to defecate. Next, there is a stage of mechanical preparation: the dog assumes a particular attitude through contraction of various muscles. Finally, evacuation per se occurs when the large intestine contracts forcefully.
Site et CRM réalisé par ActivSoft Zenengo
Log in
