Ileocecocolic volvulus in a German shepherd dog

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Diagnostic Imaging in Animals
• Canine Gastroenterology

Background:

• Ileocecocolic volvulus is a rare but serious condition in dogs.
• Risk factors such as previous abdominal surgeries and chronic enteropathy can predispose dogs to intestinal compromise.
• Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for successful surgical intervention.

Observation:

• A German Shepherd presented with clinical signs suggestive of intestinal obstruction.
• The dog had a history of multiple abdominal surgeries and concurrent chronic enteropathy.
• Diagnostic imaging was performed to evaluate the abdominal condition.

Findings:

• Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) with multiplanar reformatting was the most sensitive imaging modality.
• A characteristic "whirl-sign" on CT was indicative of volvulus.
• Radiographs and ultrasound were less sensitive in diagnosing the condition.
• Surgical intervention involved a combination of colopexy and cecopexy.

Implications:

• CT imaging, particularly with the identification of the "whirl-sign", is highly valuable for diagnosing canine intestinal volvulus.
• Surgical fixation techniques like colopexy and cecopexy can be effective in treating ileocecocolic volvulus.
• Understanding predisposing factors aids in risk assessment and preventative strategies for intestinal complications in dogs.