Case Study

Intestinal stricture and obstruction in a 4 year old FS Springer Spaniel dog

A 4-year-old FS Springer Spaniel dog was presented for vomiting and tenesmus with the owner believing that that the pet may have gotten into a waste basket containing gum and wrappers. CBC was within normal limits whereas the only abnormality on serum chemistry was hyperglobulinemia. Survey abdominal radiographs showed a large radiopaque stomach and gas distended small intestine.

A 4-year-old FS Springer Spaniel dog was presented for vomiting and tenesmus with the owner believing that that the pet may have gotten into a waste basket containing gum and wrappers. CBC was within normal limits whereas the only abnormality on serum chemistry was hyperglobulinemia. Survey abdominal radiographs showed a large radiopaque stomach and gas distended small intestine.

Sonographic Differential Diagnosis

Small intestinal obstructive pattern, probable foreign body, stricture, or focally compromised intestine

Image Interpretation

The gastrointestinal tract revealed a significant dilation of the stomach and distal small intestine with fluid material. Small intestinal obstructive material was noted measuring approximately 3.5 cm with areas of adhesion in the region caudal to the spleen. The presence of empty small intestine with dilated small intestine in the same view comprises an obstructive pattern.

DX

Intestinal ileus, functional obstruction

Outcome

On exploratory laparotomy the intestines were attached to the abdominal wall creating a stricture (see photo) but a GI foreign body could not be found. Liberating the adhesion was enough to restore function and the patient recovered uneventfully.

Comments

Intestinal resection and likely anastomosis would be recommended. Foreign matter or focally compromised bowel could present in this manner, therefore intestinal biopsies of the compromised region would be ideal.