Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Long-term outcomes of colon surgery for megacolon in dogs
By Nemeth, T et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2008·Department and Clinic of Surgery and Ophthalmology·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Long-term results of subtotal colectomy for acquired hypertrophic megacolon in eight dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
An older large-breed dog, aged between 6 to 12 years, was diagnosed with acquired hypertrophic megacolon, which caused severe constipation and difficulty passing stool. After confirming the diagnosis through physical exams and X-rays, the dog underwent a subtotal colectomy, a surgery to remove part of the colon. Following the surgery, the dog showed significant improvement and returned to normal bowel movements within 5 to 10 weeks. Most of the dogs in the study lived for over three years after the procedure, highlighting the surgery's effectiveness in treating this condition.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term results of subtotal colectomy for acquired hypertrophic megacolon in the dog. METHODS: Eight dogs with acquired hypertrophic megacolon underwent subtotal colectomy with preservation of the ileocolic junction. Long-term follow-up was obtained by clinical records and telephone interviews with the owners. RESULTS: Eight large-breed dogs (age range: 6 to 12 years; mean age: 10.75 years) were enrolled. The use of bone meal, low levels of exercise, chronic constipation with dyschesia and tenesmus refractory to medical management were factors predisposing dogs to acquired hypertrophic megacolon. The diagnosis was confirmed in all animals by abdominal palpation, plain radiography and postoperative histopathological findings. There were no intraoperative complications. One dog died as a result of septic peritonitis. The clinical conditions (that is, resolution of obstipation and stool consistency) of the remaining seven dogs were improved at discharge; all animals returned to normal defecation in five to 10 weeks (mean: 7.3 weeks) and were alive 11 to 48 months (mean: 40.5 months) after surgery. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Predominantly bony diet and/or low levels of physical activity may predispose dogs to acquired hypertrophic megacolon. Our results emphasise the long-term effectiveness of subtotal colectomy with preservation of the ileocolic junction in this condition.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18793255/