Surgical management of ileocolic intussusception in two dogs

Background: Intussusception is the invagination or telescoping of one part of the bowel into an adjacent part which causes bowel obstruction, and compromises blood flow to the affected portion. It can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract; however, usually occurs in the middle portion of the small intestine or where the small intestine joins the large intestine. Although ileocolic intussusception is common in dogs, its proper surgical management is urgent to save the life of the animal.Methods: Two mixed-breed dogs of5-7 months old and 12-14 kg BW were presented with hemorrhagic and protruded mass of bowel through anus. Clinical examination revealed intussusception with severe dehydration in the dogs, and there after ventral midline laparotomy was performed in both dogs which exposed and confirmed the cases as ileocolic intussusceptions. Results: The laparotomy was successful in both cases which involved certain level of intestinal resection and anastomosis. Postoperatively, the dogs were provided with adequate feed and necessary drugs; and successfully improved after 14 days of operation. Conclusion: Ileocolic intussusception in dogs can be successfully treated by urgent laparotomy with intestinal resection and anastomosis, which resumes the adequate potency and vitality of the bowel segments.