Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Iguana with small intestine blockage and twisting treated with surgery
By Wills, Sarah et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2016·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Proximal duodenoileal anastomosis for treatment of small intestinal obstruction and volvulus in a green iguana (Iguana iguana).
- Species:
- reptile
Plain-English summary
A 13-year-old female green iguana was brought in after six days of vomiting, not eating, and being lethargic. The vet found her abdomen was swollen, and tests showed issues like high blood sugar and low chloride levels. Surgery revealed a serious blockage in her intestines, and about 80% of her small intestine was removed and reconnected. Fortunately, she recovered well and was reported to be doing fine a year later.
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Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION A 13-year-old female green iguana (Iguana iguana) was examined because of a 6-day history of vomiting, anorexia, and lethargy and a 4-day history of decreased fecal and urate output. CLINICAL FINDINGS Physical examination revealed a distended abdomen, signs of depression, pallor, tachycardia, harsh lung sounds, and vomiting. Abdominal radiographs revealed gas distention of the stomach and small intestine with fluid lines evident on the lateral view. Plasma biochemical analysis indicated hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis, hyperglycemia, and hyperuricemia. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Exploratory laparotomy confirmed a diagnosis of small intestinal entrapment and 170° volvulus involving approximately 80% (20 to 30 cm) of the small intestine. The portion of the small intestine extending from the middle portion of the duodenum to the caudal extent of the ileum was resected, and end-to-end anastomosis of the remaining small intestine was performed. The iguana recovered without apparent complications and was reportedly doing well 1 year after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings suggested that iguanas, as hindgut fermenters, may tolerate > 70% resection of the small intestine with a good outcome and no clinical evidence of residual gastrointestinal dysfunction.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27767426/