Debridement and primary closure of a mesenteric duodenal perforation in a dog

A 7-year-old male mixed intact breed dog was presented with a 6-day history of lethargy and anorexia. A linear foreign body was diagnosed and an exploratory laparotomy performed. The foreign body was pushed orad and removed via gastrotomy. Two mesenteric duodenal perforations were found: one at the level of the common bile duct and a second at the duodenal flexure. Both lesions were debrided and primarily closed in a simple interrupted appositional pattern. A gastrostomy tube and closed suction drain were placed routinely. The dog recovered without complications and ate voluntarily the first day postoperatively. The drain and gastrostomy tube were removed without incident at 4 and 15 days, respectively. Five months postoperatively the dog was reported to be clinically normal. Debridement and primary closure may represent an alternative to more extensive surgery with rerouting for duodenal perforations in select cases.