Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ultrasonographic diagnosis of small-intestinal intussusception in three foals.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1989
- Authors:
- Bernard, W V et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Studies · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this study, three young horses (foals) were found to have a condition called small-intestinal intussusception, where part of the intestine folds into itself. The veterinarians used ultrasound imaging to see this condition, which showed a target-like pattern in the intestines due to swelling. They noted that the ultrasound could help quickly identify this serious issue, which is important for deciding if surgery is needed. By diagnosing this condition with ultrasound, the chances of successful treatment may be improved.
Abstract
Small-intestinal intussusceptions were diagnosed in 3 foals. Cross-sectional ultrasonography through the apex of the intussusceptum revealed a target-like pattern with a thick hypoechoic rim. The thick hypoechoic rim was caused by severe edema of the entering and returning walls of the intussusceptum. At the more proximal portion of the intestines, where parietal edema was less severe, the image appeared as 2 concentric rings and an inner circular area. The outer ring and inner circular area were hypoechoic and represented the returning and the entering wall of the intussusceptum. An additional cross-sectional pattern can be described as double concentric rings, with the inner lumen represented by a central echogenic core. Longitudinal scannings of the involved intestinal section revealed a different view of the same anatomic situation, with 2 hyperechoic areas delineated by 3 stripes of hypoechoic intestine. Ultrasonography of a foal's abdomen provides a clinician with a rapid noninvasive technique that may aid in the differential that may aid in the differential diagnosis of colic. The ultrasonographic diagnosis of intussusception may improve the recognition of a surgical lesion and improve the potential for successful treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2645258/