Laparoscopic colopexy for recurrent rectal prolapse in a Maltese dog

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Techniques
• Small Animal Medicine

Background:

• Recurrent rectal prolapse is a challenging condition in small-breed dogs, often requiring repeated interventions.
• Previous treatments like manual reduction and purse-string sutures can be temporary solutions.

Observation:

• A 10+ year old, 2.5-kg Maltese dog presented with recurrent rectal prolapse.
• The prolapse was reducible but caused straining and fecal accumulation.
• The dog had undergone two previous treatments within four months.

Findings:

• Laparoscopic colopexy using three ports was performed successfully.
• The distal colon was retracted and secured to the abdominal wall with intracorporeal sutures.
• The dog experienced an uneventful recovery with normal appetite, activity, and defecation.

Implications:

• Laparoscopic colopexy is a clinically viable and effective treatment for rectal prolapse in small-breed dogs.
• This minimally invasive approach offers a potentially permanent solution with good long-term outcomes.
• Further studies could explore this technique's efficacy across a broader range of small-breed dogs.