Predisposing Factors for Colonic Torsion/Volvulus in Dogs: A Retrospective Study of Six Cases (1992–2010)

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.

CT findings in five dogs with surgically confirmed colonic torsion

“…The current study findings are in agreement with previous studies stating that colonic torsion is a rare condition, typically seen in adult, male, large breed dogs such as Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds . The reason for a higher incidence in males remains unknown .…”

“…Other clinical signs such as diarrhea, tenesmus, and anorexia have also been reported . It has been suggested that dogs with prior history of gastrointestinal disease and/or abdominal surgery may be predisposed to developing colonic torsion …”

“…suggested that dogs with prior history of gastrointestinal disease and/or abdominal surgery may be predisposed to developing colonic torsion. 4,6 The radiographic signs of colonic torsion in dogs have recently been described. 2 The most common radiographic signs include segmental distension and focal narrowing of the colon and displacement of the descending colon and cecum.…”

Occurrence of small intestinal volvulus in a terrier puppy–a case report

“…Mesenteric volvulus has no pathognomonic clinical signs, although the presentation often contains weakness, recumbency, abdominal pain and distension and shock in acute cases and also there may be a history of vomiting, diarrhea, hematemesis, or hematochezia that were in agreement with present case [7,8] .…”

“…Bacteria can be readily absorbed from the peritoneum and enter the systemic circulation. By the time these changes are present, lesions are irreversible and the prognosis is poor [3,8,9] . In addition, major tissue damage not only happens during the period of ischemia, but also when the ischemia is dismissed and the tissues are reperfused.…”