Colonic torsion and volvulus in dogs is associated with a low mortality rate and good long-term outcome

To describe clinical findings, complications, and short- and long-term outcomes associated with colonic torsion and volvulus in dogs.

28 client-owned dogs.

Multi-institutional, retrospective study. Medical records were searched for dogs of any age, body weight, sex, and breed that underwent surgery for colonic torsion and volvulus. Collected data included signalment, previous history, preoperative findings, time until surgery, intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, length of hospitalization, survival to discharge, and outcomes.

28 dogs were included. Thirteen of 28 dogs (46.4%) had preexisting gastrointestinal conditions. Nine of 28 dogs (32.1%) had a gastropexy performed prior to presentation. Ten dogs (35.7%) were found to have a resolution of colonic torsion and volvulus at the time of the surgery. All but 1 dog (27 of 28 [96.4%]) survived to discharge. Two dogs died during the postoperative period, yielding a mortality rate of 7.1%. Postoperative complications were noted in 9 dogs (9 of 28 [32.1%]). Long-term follow-up information was available in 16 of 28 dogs (57%). Among 16 dogs with at least 6 months' follow-up, all dogs (16 of 16 [100%]) were alive at 6 months postoperatively. Two dogs developed mesenteric torsion after the initial surgery.

Dogs with colonic torsion and volvulus undergoing surgery can have an excellent survival-to-discharge ratio with a low mortality rate. Surgeons should not be prompted to euthanize or assume a guarded prognosis solely on the basis of the intraoperative appearance of the bowel and should consider all factors prior to making decisions. Owners should be informed of the risk of developing further torsional diseases after surgery.