Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Colonic torsion and volvulus risk factors in dogs from 1992-2010
By Gagnon, Dominique & Brisson, Brigitte·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2013·Department of Clinical Studies, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Predisposing factors for colonic torsion/volvulus in dogs: a retrospective study of six cases (1992-2010).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of six dogs, including some large breeds, were diagnosed with colonic torsion (a twisting of the colon) after showing vague gastrointestinal symptoms. Many of these dogs had a history of a previous stomach condition called gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV) and had undergone a surgery called gastropexy to prevent it. During surgery, the vets found that some dogs had their intestines trapped around the gastropexy site. All but one of the dogs that had surgery survived and recovered well, highlighting the importance of quick diagnosis and treatment for this serious condition.
People also search for: dog colonic torsion symptoms · large breed dog gastropexy complications · dog gastrointestinal surgery recovery
Abstract
The purposes of this retrospective study were to review cases of colonic torsion/volvulus between July 1992 and August 2010 and to determine if any predisposing factors exist for the development of this condition. Six dogs were diagnosed with colonic torsion/volvulus during the study period. Four dogs had a history of previous gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV) with prophylactic gastropexy. Three of six dogs diagnosed with colonic torsion/volvulus had large intestinal entrapment and strangulation around the gastropexy site at the time of surgery. The history, clinical signs, physical examination, and radiologic findings were not specific for colonic torsion/volvulus in any dog. Early exploratory laparotomy was indicated to confirm the diagnosis and perform surgical correction of the affected bowel segments. Three of five dogs that underwent surgery had a left abdominal wall colopexy performed. All five dogs that underwent surgery in this study survived postoperatively. One patient was euthanized without surgical intervention. Results suggest that colonic torsion/volvulus should be considered in any large-breed dog with nonspecific gastrointestinal clinical signs and a history of previous gastropexy. Early recognition and prompt treatment of this condition may result in a good outcome.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23535755/