Videos

Join Now

Intussusception in a cat | VETgirl Veterinary Continuing Education Videos

Stop procrastinating and join VETgirl! Get clinically relevant CE on your time.

Join Now

Need Help?

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education video, we discuss intussusception, which is defined as the “invagination of a segment of the intestinal tract, into the lumen of an adjoining segment.” Anything that causes increased peristalsis, such as infectious disease (e.g., parvovirus, panleukopenia), foreign bodies, or intestinal parasites, etc. can lead to an intussusception. A majority of pets with an intussusception are < 1 year of age. An intussusception can lead to a complete intestinal obstruction and eventually cause bowel compromise, potentially leading to perforation and sepsis. As intussusception is a life-threatening emergency, prompt recognition, stabilization, and surgical intervention are warranted as soon as possible.

In this video, an 11-week old, male intact, Maine Coon kitten presented to the emergency services with a history of profuse vomiting, anorexia and lethargy. This kitten was fed a raw food diet and proceeded to vomit within hours of eating. Radiographs performed by the referring veterinarian showed poor abdominal detail (as is often seen with young pediatric patients); however, gas dilation of several intestinal loops was also noted. The kitten was transferred to a referral practice for continued care.

On presentation, the patient had a tense, painful abdomen. Initial clinicopathologic data revealed dehydration. Treatment included intravenous fluid therapy to correct dehydration, maropitant, pantoprazole, and analgesic therapy (e.g., a fentanyl CRI).

So how do we diagnose an intussusception? Although barium studies have been described as diagnosing an intussusception, its use is discouraged due to risk of abdominal leakage in the event of a perforation. Ideally, an abdominal ultrasound should be performed. In this patient, multiple hyperechoic and hypoechoic concentric rings surrounding a hyperechoic center, known as the concentric rings sign, was identified, which is characteristic of an intussusception.

Prompt surgical intervention was initiated; a portion of the the intussusception was manually reduced, and a portion of compromised bowel was removed via a resection and anastomosis. Enteroplication of the remaining small intestines was performed to reduce the risk of recurrence (although there is some controversy on performing this). The patient recovered well and was discharged 2 days later on fenbendazole. When in doubt, make sure to keep intussusception on your list of differentials of any young vomiting patient.

Check out our other VETgirl videos for great tips and advice.

Only VETgirl members can leave comments. Sign In or Join VETgirl now!