Torsion of the descending colon in a cow

An acute intestinal obstruction caused by a torsion of the descending colon with incarceration and strangulation of the apex of the cecum was diagnosed in a mature Holstein cow. The clinical signs manifested were acute anorexia, depression, signs of abdominal pain, and absence of feces. Rectal examination revealed a sharp decrease in luminal size of the descending colon and taut bands at that level. The final diagnosis was obtained by exploratory celiotomy. Although surgical correction was attempted, the cow died of acute fecal peritonitis 18 hours postoperatively.

Acute intestinal obstruction caused by torsion of the descending colon in the cow has not been reported in the literature.

     

Congenital malformation of the large colon causing colic in a horse

An abnormal mesocolic attachment which resulted in a stellate malformation of the left colon adjacent to the pelvic flexure was suspected to be the cause of intermittent episodes of colic in a horse. Resection and side-to-side anastomosis of the large colon at the level of the sternal and diaphragmatic flexures was performed and the horse made an uneventful recovery from surgery. Only minor serum biochemical changes were observed in the initial postoperative period. The abnormal mesocolic attachment was probably a congenital anomaly.     

Radiographic findings and clinical factors in dogs with surgically confirmed or presumed colonic torsion

Colonic torsion is a life‐threatening condition in dogs and radiographic findings for this condition have not been well described. The purpose of this retrospective case series was to describe radiographic findings and clinical signs in a group of dogs with colonic torsion. Inclusion criteria were dogs presenting during the period of 2006 and 2016, and that had abdominal radiography and a surgically confirmed or presumed diagnosis of colonic torsion. For each dog, clinical data were recorded from medical records and imaging findings were recorded from retrieved plain radiographs and positive contrast radiographs in which barium enema was performed. Fourteen dogs met inclusion criteria. Of these, nine dogs had colonic torsion confirmed at surgery, with five dogs having surgical confirmation of colonic congestion or mesenteric torsion. Radiographic findings included segmental distention of the colon (14/14), focal narrowing of the colon (11/14), displacement of cecum (11/14), displacement of descending colon (14/14), and mild to no small intestinal distention (14/14). In cases where barium enema was performed, focal narrowing of the colon and longitudinal striations that course in a helical pattern were identified, termed the “torsion sign.” Vomiting was the most common clinical sign observed (12/14), followed by abdominal pain in a small majority of cases (8/14). Severe abdominal pain and hypovolemic shock were uncommon in the patients reported (3/14). Colonic torsion should be considered as a differential diagnosis for dogs with radiographic segmental colonic distention with displacement of the descending colon and cecum. Barium enema is recommended for more definitive diagnosis.     

Longitudinal colonic torsion as a cause of tenesmus in an adult Irish Water Spaniel

CASE HISTORY: Torsion of the descending colon was diagnosed by barium enema radiography in an adult Irish Water Spaniel which had presented with tenesmus of 24 h duration. Treatment involved exploratory laparotomy, repositioning of the colon, colopexy and repair of a mesenteric rent. No definitive cause of the torsion could be established. The dog made an uneventful recovery from surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Animals presenting with constipation of undetermined cause should have large intestinal obstruction ruled out prior to administering bowel cleansing solutions per os and/or colonic enemas. Colonic obstruction by torsion should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in all cases of tenesmus.     

Radiographic and CT features of colonic entrapment due to an omental rent in a dog

A 2‐year‐old female spayed Great Dane presented for inappetence and lethargy. Abdominal radiographs revealed a severely gas‐distended segment of colon. Computed tomography was performed and characterized a 180° anticlockwise colonic torsion with entrapment in a mesenteric/omental rent without vascular compromise. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed entrapment, but not colonic torsion. Computed tomography provided important information to assist clinical management decisions for this dog with colonic entrapment.     

CT findings in five dogs with surgically confirmed colonic torsion

Colonic torsion is a life‐threatening condition that results in colonic ischemia, necrosis, perforation, sepsis, and eventual death. The aim of this multicenter, retrospective case series study was to describe the CT findings in dogs with surgically confirmed colonic torsion. Medical records were searched for dogs with surgically confirmed colonic torsion following abdominal CT. Five dogs met the inclusion criteria. Three had a history of chronic intermittent diarrhea prior to presentation. Two dogs presented with acute vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and one dog presented with acute vomiting and lethargy. Computed tomographic findings in all dogs with surgically confirmed colonic torsion include: “whirl sign,” displacement and distension of the cecum and colon, focal narrowing of the colon, and distension of the mesenteric vasculature in all dogs (5/5); streaky peritoneal fat and peritoneal effusion (4/5), pneumatosis coli (2/5), small intestinal distension (2/5), portal vein thrombosis (1/5), and reduced colonic wall contrast enhancement (1/5). In all dogs (5/5), the torsion site was the descending colon and demonstrated an anticlockwise rotation. At surgery, three of the five dogs had a partial colonic torsion with hyperemia at the site of obstruction and two of the five dogs had a complete torsion with marked necrosis of the colonic wall. Displacement of the colon and cecum, segmental distension and focal narrowing of the colon, the presence of a “whirl sign” and distension of the mesenteric vasculature are CT findings highly suggestive of colonic torsion.     

Uterine torsion of 720 degrees in a midgestation cow

A 720 degrees uterine torsion was diagnosed in a cow at 161 days of gestation. The uterine torsion was reduced by laparotomy and intra-abdominal manipulation. An emphysematous fetus was removed vaginally. The cow was treated medically for associated metritis and peritonitis. Uterine torsions in cattle most commonly occur at parturition and only rarely exceed 360 degrees.     

Retrograde intussusception of the descending colon secondary to multiple colonic hamartomas in a neonatal foal

A neonatal Thoroughbred filly presented with a 3-h history of abdominal pain and distention that failed to respond to medical treatment. Diagnostic evaluation, including abdominal ultrasound, barium enema and proctoscopy, was suggestive of atresia coli. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a pedunculated mass in the wall of the diaphragmatic flexure of the ascending colon. The mass, subsequently diagnosed as a hamartoma, was attached to a smaller hamartoma by a fibrous pedicle originating from the descending colon. The descending colon had intussuscepted retrograde into the ascending colon along the fibrous band. The filly was euthanised due to poor prognosis.     

Rectal hemorrhage associated with vascular ectasia in a young dog.

Rectal bleeding in a 7-month-old 13-kg sexually intact female mixed-breed dog was determined to be associated with vascular ectasia of the small intestine, descending colon, rectum, and anus. Microscopically, the telangiectasia was associated with lymphangiectasia and focal ulceration. Surgical intervention resulted in incomplete resection of the lesion and only temporary amelioration of clinical signs. The dog's age was compatible with a congenital origin for the defect, but an acquired cause could not be excluded.     

Intestinal leiomyoma in a cow.

A 10-year-old white Fulani Bunaji cow with clinical signs of ruminal stasis and melaena, was euthanised following discovery of a neoplasm in the spiral colon. Histopathological examination revealed a leiomyoma.     

Torsion and volvulus of the transverse and descending colon in a German shepherd dog

A German shepherd dog was presented two months after surgery for correction of acute gastric dilatation volvulus. The dog had been diagnosed with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Radiographs revealed marked gaseous distension of one loop of intestine with a generalised increase in intestinal gas content. A 360 degrees anticlockwise rotation of the descending and transverse colon, around the longitudinal axis of the mesocolon, was diagnosed at exploratory coeliotomy. The transverse and descending colon appeared uniformly necrotic and an end-to-end colo-colic resection and anastomosis was performed. The dog initially made satisfactory postoperative progress but was euthanased on the third postoperative day after it developed an intestinal intussusception.     

Feline urological syndrome

CASE HISTORY: Torsion of the descending colon was diagnosed by barium enema radiography in an adult Irish Water Spaniel which had presented with tenesmus of 24 h duration. Treatment involved exploratory laparotomy, repositioning of the colon, colopexy and repair of a mesenteric rent. No definitive cause of the torsion could be established. The dog made an uneventful recovery from surgery.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Animals presenting with constipation of undetermined cause should have large intestinal obstruction ruled out prior to administering bowel cleansing solutions per os and/or colonic enemas. Colonic obstruction by torsion should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in all cases of tenesmus.     

Illness associated with abdominal adhesions in a cow

A mature Holstein cow became inappetent , dehydrated and weak, with a marked drop in milk production, 17 days after a dead calf was removed by cesarean section. Laparotomy revealed adhesions among the cecum, jejunum, colon, bladder and uterus. Transection of the adhesions resulted in recovery; however, the cow was sent to slaughter a month later because of apparent recurrence of the abdominal adhesions.     

Surgical treatment of noncommunicating duplication of the colon in a dog

A 4-month-old sexually intact male Jack Russell Terrier was evaluated because of stranguria and tenesmus. A tubular abdominal mass was palpable abdominally and rectally. Radiographic examination of the abdomen revealed a soft tissue mass located laterally and to the left of the descending colon, which was associated with extraluminal colonic obstruction and urethral compression. During abdominal exploratory surgery, a large cystic mass that was adhered to the antimesenteric border of the descending colon was removed. Porcine small intestinal submucosa was used to reinforce repair of the excision site. Histologic examination of samples of excised tissue identified normal colonic epithelium supported by submucosa and muscular tunics, which was consistent with duplication of the colon. The embryologic etiology of alimentary duplication is poorly understood, and colonic duplication is an extremely rare congenital anomaly.     

Surgical correction of colonic duplication in a cat

A 2-year-old, castrated male Manx cat was presented for anorexia, obstipation, and straining to defecate. Imaging tests revealed a cystic mass associated with the descending colon. Three surgical explorations over several years were performed before complete resection of the cystic mass was achieved. Histopathology of the mass revealed normal colonic structures consistent with colonic duplication. Complete resection of a noncommunicating duplicate colon may allow successful treatment of this condition and resolution of associated clinical signs.     

Uterine torsion followed by jejunal incarceration in a partially everted urinary bladder of a cow

A case of bladder eversion with intestinal entrapment in a cow is described. The condition occurred in conjunction with a 180 degrees right side uterine torsion. The cow responded well to corrective surgery.     

Volvulus of the colon in a Cat

We report the first case of colonic volvulus in a cat. A 12-year old spayed, female domestic shorthair cat with chronic bowel disease presentated with one-day history of lethargy and anorexia. Physical examination abnormalities included cachexia, poor perfusion, and poor skin turgor. A large, non painful, gas-filled, tubular structure, occupying the majority of the abdominal cavity was noted by palpation. Abdominal radiographs revealed a gas-filled displaced colon. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed a volvulus at the root of the colonic mysetery, along with a partial torsion of the distal colon. The majority of the colon was determined to be necrotic and was surgically resected. Due to persistent hypotension and perceived poor prognosis, the cat was euthanized.     

Cecal volvulus in a dairy cow: partial resection of the proximal portion of the ascending colon

Cecal volvulus in a dairy cow with vascular compromise of the proximal portion of the ascending colon was corrected surgically with preservation of the ileocecocolic junction. Partial cecectomy was combined with resection of the proximal portion of the ascending colon and anastomosis of the remaining cecum to the distal portion of the ascending colon. The procedure was done with the use of mechanical suturing devices while the cow was standing. Previously, general anesthesia and relocation of the ileocecocolic junction had been suggested.     

Steady-state response characteristics of a pulse oximeter on equine intestine

The steady-state response characteristics of a pulse oximeter were evaluated on intestinal segments of seven clinically normal halothane-anesthetized horses. Arterial oxygen tension greater than 200 mm of Hg, end tidal carbon dioxide from 30 to 35 mm of Hg, and systemic mean arterial pressure greater than 70 mm of Hg were maintained throughout the recording periods. Values for percentage of pulse oximeter oxygen saturation, pulsatile blood flow, and percentage of signal strength were recorded from jejunum, ileum, cecum, left ventral colon, left dorsal colon, and descending colon. Probe placement on intestinal segments was recorded as over or not over visible subserosal or transmural vessels. There was no significant difference between median values on the basis of vessel codes for pulse oximeter oxygen saturations, pulsatile flow, and signal strength. Median values recorded for pulse oximeter oxygen saturation were 93% from jejunum and ileum and 95% from cecum, left ventral colon, left dorsal colon, and descending colon; median values for pulsatile flow were 576 from jejunum, 560 from ileum, 560 from cecum, 574 from left ventral colon, 578 from left dorsal colon, and 560 from descending colon; median values for signal strength were 50% from jejunum, 67.5% from ileum, 60% from cecum, 75% from left ventral colon, 50% from left dorsal colon, and 52.5% from descending colon. Median values obtained from each anatomic location were not significantly different for pulsatile flow or signal strength. Median pulse oximetry oxygen values recorded from jejunum and ileum were significantly lower than values obtained from other intestinal segments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Extensive umbilical herniation of the large colon in a foal

A 5‐month‐old Warmblood cross colt was presented with focal swelling of the ventral abdomen extending from the umbilicus to the scrotum in the absence of colic signs. Palpation and ultrasound examination revealed the presence of incarcerated large intestine within the subcutaneous space adjacent to the caudal ventral abdomen and prepuce. Surgery was performed and revealed that the umbilical hernia sac had ruptured, and confirmed that the left dorsal and ventral colon were present in the subcutaneous space. The mild degree of vascular compromise of the large colon did not necessitate resection and so it was replaced within the abdomen. The abdominal wall defect was closed and the subcutaneous dead space was reduced by using a walking suture pattern. Herniation of the large colon through the umbilicus with dissection through the subcutaneous tissues of the ventral abdominal wall and prepuce has not been previously reported in foals. Ultrasonography permits differentiation of herniated small intestine from large intestine.