Canine intestinal volvulus. A report of nine new cases

The records of nine dogs with intestinal volvulus were reviewed. Most were young adult (median 2.6 years) males (6/9) of medium to large breeds. Vigorous activity, dietary indiscretion, or trauma preceded volvulus. Signs included a peracute to acute onset of vomiting, hematochezia, a moderately distended and often painful abdomen, and shock. Normal packed cell volume, altered white blood cell count, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypokalemia, pathologic bowel dilatation, and serosanguineous abdominal fluid were common clinical findings. Jejunum was most often affected. One dog survived with surgical management.