Case of the week 7.2.18
Publication Date: 2018-07-02
History
6-month-old intact female Great Dane. 3-day history of anorexia and vomiting. Radiographs taken at the referring veterinarian were suspicious for foreign body obstruction.
6 images
Quizz
- Based on those radiographs, choose the right answerI can see the foreign body and the dog is mechanically obstructed. I go to surgery.
No :(I can't see the foreign body but the dog is still mechanically obstructed based on the pattern of intestines. I go to surgery
No :(I can see the foreign body and the dog is not mechanically obstructed. I treat medically.
No :(I can't see the foreign body and the dog is not mechanically obstructed. I treat medically.
Yes ! :)
Findings
Orthogonal radiographs of the abdomen are available for interpretation.
The serosal margin detail is normal.
The entire small intestinal tract is moderately, homogeneously fluid distended displaying numerous interspersed gas bubbles throughout. There is a markedly gas distended intestinal segment within the mid aspect of the abdomen, which has a reverse C shape on the VD view and likely representing the cecum. The visible aspect of the colon is also moderately to markedly fluid filled. The stomach contains a small amount of gas and fluid.
The liver, spleen and unobscured aspect of the urinary bladder are within normal limits. The kidneys are obscured by superimposed intestines.
The physes are open consistent with the young patient age.
Diagnosis
Diffusely fluid filled intestinal tract with numerous interspersed gas bubbles is most consistent with functional ileus from severe enteritis.
No radiographically evident foreign body or obstructive gastrointestinal process is identified.
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