Longitudinal colonic torsion as a cause of tenesmus in an adult Irish Water Spaniel.
METHODS
Torsion of the descending colon was diagnosed by barium enema radiography in an adult Irish Water Spaniel which had presented with tenesmus of 24 h duration. Treatment involved exploratory laparotomy, repositioning of the colon, colopexy and repair of a mesenteric rent. No definitive cause of the torsion could be established. The dog made an uneventful recovery from surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Animals presenting with constipation of undetermined cause should have large intestinal obstruction ruled out prior to administering bowel cleansing solutions per os and/or colonic enemas. Colonic obstruction by torsion should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in all cases of tenesmus.
Milner
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Veterinary Surgical Specialties, PO Box 8169, Riccarton, Christchurch, New Zealand. helenmilner@hotmail.com
Newington
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