Iatrogenic colonic entrapment in a cat after elective ovariohysterectomy

Abstract

A 5‐month‐old, spayed female domestic shorthair cat presented to the emergency department with rectal bleeding and lethargy subsequent to intended ovariohysterectomy earlier that day. An exploratory celiotomy revealed a loop of the distal descending colon and the colorectal junction encircled and entrapped by uterine horn remnants, which were ligated together around the intestine. This case represents a novel complication of ovariohysterectomy and illustrates the importance of adequate anatomic visualisation and appropriate surgical technique.