Colonic torsion in 4 Great Danes

Abstract

Objective To describe 4 Great Danes with colonic torsions and describe the risk of torsion recurrence in this breed, which has not previously been reported. This study also describes pneumocolon as a rapid and noninvasive diagnostic for confirmation of colonic torsion. Series summary Four Great Danes were presented with nonspecific gastrointestinal (GI) clinical signs. Colonic torsion was diagnosed in each case with either plain radiography identifying pneumocolon or contrast radiography (barium enema). Bloodwork in each case revealed nonspecific changes. Each case had a previous gastropexy, 3 of which were prophylactic and 1 as a surgical emergency for gastric dilatation–volvulus. Three cases had favorable outcomes with emergency surgical intervention and returned to normal activity levels with resolution of clinical signs. Two cases of colonic torsion recurred, 1 of which occurred subsequent to a prior left‐sided colopexy. One case of recurrence had persistent clinical signs following surgical revision and was euthanized. New or unique information provided This is the first report describing pneumocolon to identify a colonic torsion, providing a rapid and low‐morbidity diagnostic aid and to describe the recurrence of colonic torsion in 2 dogs. Support to a previous hypothesis for an association between colonic torsion and altered GI motility is provided. Prior publications reporting colonic torsion and entrapment in German Shepherd Dogs associated with disruption of the duodenocolic ligament reported no recurrence following correction without colopexy. The recurrence in these 2 dogs suggests colonic torsion in Great Danes may represent a different or more severe form of this condition.

Case report: Diagnosis and surgical treatment of delayed traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with hepatothorax and enterothorax in a small dog

“…In the clinical field of small animals, barium sulfate has always been considered an important tool for diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases. Barium sulfate should be avoided in certain diseases, such as gastrointestinal perforation ( 20 ). If the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract is poor, it can lead to barium peritonitis.…”