Hirschsrpung disease is congenital absence of myenteric plexus (long-term constipation without excretion for 3-4 weeks.
- With an incidence of 1/5000 bitchs, the most cited feature of Hirschsprung disease is absence of ganglion cells: notably in males, 75% have none in the recto-sigmoid, and 8% with none in the entire colon.
- The enlarged section of the bowel is found proximally, while the narrowed, aganglionic section is found distally; the absence of ganglion cells results in a persistent over-stimulation of nerves within the affected region, resulting in contraction and manifesting itself as delayed passage of meconium, abdominal distention, and constipation.
- Treatment of Hirschsprung disease consists of surgical removal (resection) of the abdominal section of the colon, followed by reanastomosis.