Small intestinal volvulus and colonic rupture in a dog after gastric dilation and volvulus

An adult Standard Poodle was presented with gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV). An emergency laparotomy was performed, during which the stomach was derotated and an incisional gastropexy was performed. The dog recovered uneventfully from surgery and was stable for two days. Three days postoperatively, his condition declined markedly. Evidence of peritonitis was found on abdominal ultrasound, with no clearly identified underlying cause. The dog was euthanased and underwent gross postmortem examination. A small intestinal volvulus and macroscopic evidence of strangulation of a section of colon transversum with intestinal perforation was found. There were no lesions identified associated with the stomach or gastropexy site. This case report discusses possible reasons for the development of the intestinal volvulus and the strangulation and rupture of the colon in a dog after GDV surgery.