Complications of enteroplication for the prevention of intussusception recurrence in dogs: 35 cases (1989-1999)

Abstract

Objective: To compare complication and recurrence rates in dogs treated for intussusception that underwent enteroplication to rates in dogs treated for intussusception that did not undergo enteroplication.

Design: Retrospective study.

Animals: 35 dogs with intestinal intussusception.

Procedure: Information on signalment, clinical signs, potential predisposing causes, surgical technique, opioid administration, use of enteroplication, postoperative complications, and whether the intussusception recurred was obtained from the medical records.

Results: Dogs ranged from 8 weeks to 10 years old. Opioids were administered in the perioperative period in 34 dogs. Enteroplication was performed in 16 dogs. Complications of enteroplication that required a second surgery were identified in 3 dogs. None of the 16 dogs that underwent enteroplication had a recurrence of intussusception, whereas 1 of the 19 dogs that did not undergo enteroplication had a recurrence. Rate of intussusception recurrence and likelihood that a second surgical procedure would be required were not significantly different between dogs that underwent enteroplication and dogs that did not.

Conclusions and clinical relevance: Results suggest that enteroplication may be associated with life-threatening complications in dogs, but the likelihood of a dog requiring a second surgical procedure following surgical correction of intussusception was not different between dogs that underwent enteroplication at the time of the initial surgery and dogs that did not.