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.