Clostridial Enteropathies, Hamster

The cecum is usually distended with gas and a fetid watery or semiliquid content (Figs. 357, 358). Occasionally, the cecum is not distended and contains only a small amount of fluid. The cecal content may be cream, tan, or red (bloody) in appearance. Infrequently, pseudomembranous plaques are adhered to focal areas of the cecal mucosa. The small intestine and colon may be distended with fluid chyme. Often, the distal ileum and proximal colon are also hyperemic or hemorrhagic. If the animal had clinically apparent diarrhea, the distal (terminal) colon and rectum are usually distended with watery stool, but sometimes they are empty.