BACKGROUND Fecal incontinence is highly prevalent in the general population and especially in risk groups. Obesity is also common and is associated with comorbidities that impair general health and interfere with daily activities. Identifying mutable factors for fecal incontinence, such as stool consistency, is of paramount importance to improve quality of life. OBJECTIVE The aim of this stud...

Problem statement: There is evidence that the addition of 3% STA-LITE polydextrose to a dry food reduces clinical signs of osteoarthritis in dogs. For the application of polydextrose as functional ingredient of dog foods, information as to its impact on the acceptance of food, feces consistency, fecal odor and digestibility of macronutrients and minerals is required. Approach: A feeding experim...

BACKGROUND The prevalence and risk factors for infection with enteropathogens in dogs frequenting dog parks have been poorly documented, and infected dogs can pose a potential zoonotic risk for owners. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence and risk factors of infection with enteropathogens and zoonotic Giardia strains in dogs attending dog parks in Northern California and to compa...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the result of posterior myectomy in children with chronic constipation who underwent to this surgery. METHODS Forty eight children with chronic constipation who did not respond to diet, laxative, or enema were included. Children with abnormal barium enema showing transitional zone were excluded. Children with documented metabolic...

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to characterize differences in health-related quality of life among women presenting for treatment of fecal incontinence. METHODS Among 155 women presenting for treatment of fecal incontinence in a specialty clinic, validated questionnaires measured impact on quality of life (Modified Manchester Health Questionnaire) and severity (the Fecal Incontinence Sever...

PURPOSE To date, no measures of fecal incontinence severity or its impact on quality of life have been validated for telephone interview. This study was designed to 1) compare responses of a self-administered and a telephone-administered Fecal Incontinence Severity Index; 2) compare a self-administered Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale to the Manchester Health Questionnaire after modifyi...