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


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Shales
C J
CJ
Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES.
Warren
J
J
Anderson
D M
DM
Baines
S J
SJ
White
R A S
RA
D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D011996:Records / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies