Long-term results of subtotal colectomy for acquired hypertrophic megacolon in eight dogs

To evaluate the long-term results of subtotal colectomy for acquired hypertrophic megacolon in the dog. Eight dogs with acquired hypertrophic megacolon underwent subtotal colectomy with preservation of the ileocolic junction. Long-term follow-up was obtained by clinical records and telephone intervi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of small animal practice 2008-12, Vol.49 (12), p.618-624
Main Authors: Nemeth, T, Solymosi, N, Balka, G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal Feed - adverse effects
Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena - physiology
Animals
bone meal
Colectomy - veterinary
colon
constipation
Defecation - physiology
disease diagnosis
dog diseases
Dog Diseases - surgery
Dogs
exercise
Female
histopathology
hypertrophy
Male
megacolon
Megacolon - surgery
Megacolon - veterinary
mortality
outcomes
peritonitis
Physical Conditioning, Animal - physiology
postoperative complications
prognosis
signs and symptoms (animals and humans)
surgery
Time Factors
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:To evaluate the long-term results of subtotal colectomy for acquired hypertrophic megacolon in the dog. Eight dogs with acquired hypertrophic megacolon underwent subtotal colectomy with preservation of the ileocolic junction. Long-term follow-up was obtained by clinical records and telephone interviews with the owners. Eight large-breed dogs (age range: 6 to 12 years; mean age: 10·75 years) were enrolled. The use of bone meal, low levels of exercise, chronic constipation with dyschesia and tenesmus refractory to medical management were factors predisposing dogs to acquired hypertrophic megacolon. The diagnosis was confirmed in all animals by abdominal palpation, plain radiography and postoperative histopathological findings. There were no intraoperative complications. One dog died as a result of septic peritonitis. The clinical conditions (that is, resolution of obstipation and stool consistency) of the remaining seven dogs were improved at discharge; all animals returned to normal defecation in five to 10 weeks (mean: 7·3 weeks) and were alive 11 to 48 months (mean: 40·5 months) after surgery. Predominantly bony diet and/or low levels of physical activity may predispose dogs to acquired hypertrophic megacolon. Our results emphasise the long-term effectiveness of subtotal colectomy with preservation of the ileocolic junction in this condition.
ISSN:0022-4510
1748-5827
DOI:10.1111/j.1748-5827.2008.00624.x