Radiology Case

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Radiographic findings: There are two moderately to severely dilated segments of small intestine that are filled with a radiopaque granular material within the mid abdomen. The remainder of the gastrointestinal tract is within normal limits. The prostate seen on the edge of the film is mildly enlarged. There is an incidental finding of moderate coxofemoral osteoarthritis.

Radiographic impression: Partial small intestinal obstruction by a granular material (likely sand/dirt).

Comments: This intestinal loop can be differentiated from a feces-filled colon since there is a curvature caudally (arrows) instead of cranially, as seen on the VD. The absence of significant dilation of the intestine oral to the obstruction indicates that there is only partial obstruction of the intestine or that a complete obstruction has just occurred. Gas dilation of the intestines has been experimentally shown to occur one to three hours post obstruction.1 An enterotomy confirmed an impaction of a jejunal loop with sand.

References

1. O'Brien TR. Small Intestine. Radiographic diagnosis of abdominal disorders in the dog and cat : radiographic interpretation, clinical signs, pathophysiology. Philadelphia: Saunders, WB, 1978;302-311.

Dr. John Feleciano, DVM, DACVR
Dr. Renee Leveille, DVM, DACVR

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