Obturator-Assisted Prolapse for Access to and Sampling of Colorectal Masses in Seven Dogs

Abstract

The gold standard for diagnosis of colorectal masses is surgical biopsy; however, this is not always logistically or economically feasible. The authors present an alternative to established flexible and rigid endoscopic approaches when case limitations require such an approach. In seven dogs, after the identification of a mass on physical exam and computed tomographic evaluation, the colorectum was accessed using obturator-assisted prolapse to isolate discrete masses and perform shielded sampling via core needle biopsy. Histopathologic diagnosis was adequate for treatment planning in all dogs. No major complications were recorded 65–475 days after the procedure. This technique may be useful when traditional endoscopy and surgery for biopsy of colorectal masses is unavailable.