Complications following full-thickness small intestinal biopsy in 66 dogs: a retrospective study

Abstract

Objectives: To retrospectively report the complications seen after full-thickness multiple small intestinal biopsies were performed in 66 dogs.

Methods: Animals that died as a result of enteric wound breakdown were compared with the surviving population to identify fatal risk factors.

Results: Seventeen dogs had hypoalbuminaemia and eight had albumin levels below 20 g/I at surgery. Twelve dogs had concurrent disease, of which seven had skin disease. Seven dogs suffered minor complications which resolved with treatment. Eight dogs (12 per cent) died or were euthanased between three and nine days postoperatively (mean [sd] 4.5 [2.1]) due to enteric wound breakdown. Seven of these dogs developed septic peritonitis and one died of haemorrhage. No statistically significant differences were identified in any of the parameters examined for the development of fatal enteric wound dehiscence.

Clinical significance: Full-thickness intestinal biopsy is not a benign procedure. However, this study concludes that there are no consistent predictors for patients at increased risk of enteric wound breakdown.