Gastrointestinal angiodysplasias diagnosed using video capsule endoscopy in 15 dogs

Abstract

Background Angiodysplasia (AGD) is rarely diagnosed in dogs with gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and is reported in case reports in dogs. Objective Describe signalment, clinical and diagnostic features of dogs with gastrointestinal (GI) AGD diagnosed by video capsule endoscopy (VCE). Animals Dogs with overt or suspected GIB which underwent VCE. Methods Dogs for which a VCE was submitted for overt or suspected GIB from 2016 to 2021 were selected retrospectively. Medical records and full‐length VCE recordings where AGDs were initially detected, were reviewed by 2 trained internists. AGD was considered definitive if 2 readers detected it. Signalment, clinical signs, blood work, medications, concurrent diseases, findings of previous conventional endoscopy, and surgical exploration (if applicable) of dogs with AGD were recorded. Results Definitive AGD was diagnosed in 15 of 291 (5%) dogs (12 males, 3 females). Twelve (80%) had overt GIB, 11 (73%) had hematochezia, and 6 (40%) had microcytic and hypochromic anemia. AGD was missed by conventional endoscopy in 9/9 dogs and exploratory surgery in 3/3 dogs. Thirteen capsules were administered by mouth (1 incomplete study), and 2 via endoscopy directly into the duodenum. AGD was visualized in the stomach of 3 dogs, in the small intestine of 4, and in the colon of 13 dogs. Conclusion and Clinical Importance Although rare, AGD should be considered in dogs with suspected GIB after a negative conventional endoscopy or surgical exporation. Video capsuel endoscopy appears to be a sensitive test to identify AGD within the GI tract.