How do you treat intussusception in dogs?

Treatment of intussusceptions in dogs and cats is generally surgical. Occasionally percutaneous manual reduction of the intussusception may be successful and not recur. Surgical management involves either manual reduction or resection and anastomosis or both. Exploratory laparotomy is performed on the ventral midline.

What can cause intussusception in dogs?

An intussusception is incited by abnormal motility (movement) of the bowel which can be caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, intestinal parasites, intestinal foreign bodies, dietary changes, intestinal tumors, and surgical procedures previously performed on the bowel.

How is intussusception corrected?

Sometimes intussusception will repair itself while a child has a barium enema. In many cases, the healthcare provider can correct the problem by giving an air enema or saline enema. This is done by placing a small tube in your child’s rectum.

How common is intussusception in dogs?

Intussusception is when a part of the intestine telescopes or folds in on itself. It can occur in pets of all shapes and sizes. Around 80% of affected animals are less than a year old and, in dogs, those under three months are at highest risk.

Can intussusception fix itself in dogs?

Intussusceptions can be chronic or intermittent, meaning that they will reduce themselves spontaneously and then reform. Dogs or cats with a history of vomiting or diarrhea for more than a day or two should be evaluated by your primary care veterinarian, particularly if associated with depression and loss of appetite.

How long does it take to recover from intussusception?

Most children will be fully recovered in one month and can resume some normal activities. Your child’s pediatric surgeon can advise as to what sports are allowed.

How serious is intussusception in dogs?

The prognosis for pets with an intussusception is good as long as recurrence of the problem can be prevented and excessive amounts of bowel do not have to be removed. It has been reported that between 11% and 20% of dogs will have a recurrence of the problem following surgical correction.

Does intussusception require surgery?

Though intussusception is rare in adults, most cases of adult intussusception are the result of an underlying medical condition, such as a tumor. In children, the intestines can usually be pushed back into position with a minor procedure. In adults, surgery is often required to correct the problem.

How is intussusception treated in children?

Treatment. Intussusception is not usually immediately life-threatening. It can be treated with either a water-soluble contrast enema or an air-contrast enema, which both confirms the diagnosis of an intussusception, and in most cases successfully reduces it.

Can you poop with intussusception?

Your child may pass a normal stool, but the next stool may look bloody. A red, mucus, or jelly-like stool is usually seen with intussusception.

Can you eat with intussusception?

After surgery for intussusception you should eat a regular diet with a variety of healthy foods. Ask the surgeon if you, your baby, or toddler needs to be on a special diet to avoid certain foods.

Is intussusception life-threatening?

Intussusception is a life-threatening illness. If left untreated, it can cause serious damage to the intestines, since their blood supply is cut off. Intestinal infection can occur, and the intestinal tissue can also die.

What can cause a dog to get intussusception?

Around 80% of affected animals are less than a year old and, in dogs, those under three months are at highest risk. It can be caused by an intestinal blockage or a bacterial infection. Intestinal worms and abdominal tumours are also potential triggers.

Can a German Shepherd have intestine intussusception?

Called gastroesophageal intussusception (GEI), this form appears most frequently in the German shepherd dog. In addition, if there is a total obstruction, the animal will have severe complications potentially and symptoms that are more severe.

Can a recurrence of an intussusception be treated?

Recurrence of intussusceptions is common, so even if the intussusception can be manually reduced, surgery is often recommended to perform procedures designed to decrease the incidence of recurrence. During surgery the affected area bowel is easily identified (Figure 3).

When to see a veterinary surgeon for intussusception?

Many veterinarians prefer to send these patients to an ACVS board-certified veterinary surgeon for ongoing care. Occasionally intussusceptions can be manually reduced by manipulation of the affected bowel through the abdomen or they reduce themselves spontaneously. In most cases, however, surgery is required to treat this problem.