Longitudinal colonic torsion as a cause of tenesmus in an adult Irish Water Spaniel

Authors: Newington AN, Milner HR
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 52, Issue 1, pp 40-43, Feb 2004
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Companion animal, Dog
Subject Terms: Abdomen, Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Diagnostic procedures, Imaging, Surgery, Treatment/therapy
Article class: Clinical Communication

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Abstract: CASE HISTORY: Torsion of the descending colon was diagnosed by barium enema radiography in an adult Irish Water Spaniel which had presented with tenesmus of 24 h duration. Treatment involved exploratory laparotomy, repositioning of the colon, colopexy and repair of a mesenteric rent. No definitive cause of the torsion could be established. The dog made an uneventful recovery from surgery.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Animals presenting with constipation of undetermined cause should have large intestinal obstruction ruled out prior to administering bowel cleansing solutions per os and/or colonic enemas. Colonic obstruction by torsion should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in all cases of tenesmus.
KEY WORDS: Colon, torsion, volvulus, intestinal obstruction, large bowel obstruction, canine, Irish Water Spaniel

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