Pelvic osteotomy as a treatment for obstipation in cats with acquired stenosis of the pelvic canal: six cases (1978-1989)

Abstract

Pelvic osteotomy with removal or repositioning of bone was performed as treatment for obstipation in 6 domestic shorthair cats with stenosis of the pelvic canal. Narrowing of the pelvic canal was the result of pelvic fracture or sacroiliac luxation in all cats. Tenesmus and obstipation began shortly after pelvic injury in 3 cats and 5 to 12 months after injury in the remaining cats. The duration of clinical signs ranged from 36 hours to 36 months. The duration of large intestinal obstruction influenced the outcome of surgery. Surgical widening of the pelvic canal helped eliminate signs of obstruction when signs were of less than 6 months' duration (n = 2). When signs of obstipation had continued for a longer period, and megacolon had developed, such treatment was minimally effective (n = 4).