Symphyseal distraction-osteotomy using a novel spacer of spirally fashioned orthopaedic wire for the management of obstipation

• Published in: Journal of feline medicine and surgery 2007-02, Vol.9 (1), p.23-28
• Main Authors: Prassinos, Nikitas N., Adamama-Moraitou, Katerina K., Gouletsou, Pagona G., Rallis, Timoleon S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; bone fractures; case studies; Cat Diseases - etiology; Cat Diseases - surgery; Cats; constipation; Constipation - etiology; Constipation - surgery; Constipation - veterinary; Female; Fractures, Malunited - complications; Fractures, Malunited - surgery; Fractures, Malunited - veterinary; Internal Fixators - veterinary; Male; Osteotomy - veterinary; Pelvic Bones - injuries; Pelvic Bones - surgery; pelvis; surgery; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1098-612X; 1532-2750
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jfms.2006.06.001

Three domestic shorthair cats, one male and two females, 17.6 ± 6.5 months old and 3.5 ± 0.4 kg body weight, were admitted with a 6.6 ± 1.1 (range 6–8) month history of recurrent bouts of obstipation. Defecatory difficulties had started within a month of conservatively managed pelvic fractures. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed severe colonic distension with faeces and a narrow pelvic canal caused by malunion of the pelvic fractures. A pelvic symphyseal distraction-osteotomy (SDO) technique was performed, using a novel metal spacer of spirally fashioned orthopaedic wire. Pelvic canal enlargement allowed the insertion of an index finger into the rectum. Following this, no further episodes of obstipation occurred during a follow-up period of 1–3 years. The SDO technique may be successful for the treatment of obstipation secondary to post-traumatic pelvic canal stenosis in the cat, if the colon motility is not already permanently affected.