Double Intestinal Intussusception due to Acute Enteritis in a Young Tibetan Spaniel Dog

Case Description- A six-month-old female Tibetan spaniel dog with repeated rectal prolapse and unsuccessful treatments was referred to the clinic of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Razi University (Kermanshah, Iran). Regarding the patient’s history colopexy was done through celiotomy incision, but 3 days later the patient was referred again with recurrence of prolapse. Clinical Findings- On abdominal palpation, a sausage like mass was palpated in the abdomen. The clinical parameters were in the normal range, but stool samples proved the presence of giardia. The hemagglutination test for parvovirus was positive as well. Treatment and Outcome- Exploratory celiotomy revealed presence of double intussusception. The intussuscepted segments were edematous and congested with adhesions and signs of devitalization. Resection and re-anastomosis were performed. The patient died 24 hours after surgery. The owner did not allow post-mortem examination, though the actual cause of death was remained unknown. The animal death could be related to weakness due to parvovirus and giardia enteritis, delay in treatment of underlying disease, electrolyte imbalance, surgical stress and inadequate postoperative management. Clinical Relevance-Puppies and kittens show higher incidence of intussusception than adult animals. Any portion of the alimentary tract may be involved, but previous studies have indicated that the majority of intussusceptions in small animal are enterocolic. Prompt and precise diagnosis and accurate treatment with considering underlying diseases such as infectious enteritis and endoparrasitism is very important to save the patient life.