Omental torsion in a captive polar bear (Ursus maritimus).
This is the first case report of an omental torsion in a polar bear (Ursus maritimus). A captive, 23-yr-old, 250-kg, intact female polar bear presented to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center with a 2-day history of lethargy, depression, and vomiting. Abdominal ultrasound identified large amounts of hyperechoic free peritoneal fluid. Ultrasound-guided abdominocentesis was performed and yielded thick serosanguinous fluid compatible with a hemoabdomen. An exploratory laparotomy revealed a large amount of malodorous, serosanguineous fluid and multiple necrotic blood clots associated with a torsion of the greater omentum and rupture of a branch of the omental artery. A partial omentectomy was performed to remove the necrotic tissue and the abdomen was copiously lavaged. The polar bear recovered successfully and is reported to be clinically well 6 mo later. This condition should be considered as a differential in bears with clinical signs of intestinal obstruction and hemoabdomen.
Jose L
JL
Mendez-Angulo
Francisco J
FJ
Funes
Ava M
AM
Trent
Michelle
M
Willette
Kerry
K
Woodhouse
Anna C
AC
Renier
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D009852:Omentum / Q000473:pathology*; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D014102:Torsion Abnormality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D001503:Ursidae