Role of the large intestine in the pathogenesis of diarrhea in weaned pigs

Abstract Objective To determine whether the large intestine may have a role in counterbalancing the loss of fluid from the small intestine of pigs with diarrhea. Animals 2 groups of pigs (1 from a specific-pathogen-free herd and 1 from a herd with a history of diarrhea). Procedure At weaning and 4, 7, 11, and 14 days after weaning, the percentage of dry matter in the large intestinal contents, total and individual concentrations of volatile fatty acids in large-intestinal contents and blood, and concentration of aldosterone in the blood were measured. Results Large intestinal contents of pigs with diarrhea had a lower percentage of dry matter, lower acetate and butyrate concentrations, and higher propionate concentrations than did those of specific-pathogen-free pigs, and blood of pigs with diarrhea also had lower total volatile fatty acids concentration, higher aldosterone concentration, and lower sodium concentration. Clinical Relevance The large intestine has a role in the pathogenesis of diarrhea in weaned pigs. ( Am J Vet Res 1998;59:696-703)