For Referring Veterinarians

At times, it is essential to confirm the location of the large intestine on radiographs when determining if an intestinal lesion warrants surgical intervention.  Negative contrast colonography, aka pneumocolon, is indicated to determine whether a foreign body or obstructive pattern is small intestinal in origin or to investigate large intestinal lesions such as intussusceptions and intraluminal masses.  All you need is a large syringe, air and a long catheter (red rubber or Foley will do).

Intestinal intussusception occurs when the bowel telescopes within an adjacent bowel segment due to discrepancies in localized bowel motility and is categorized by the location of origin.  A portion of the mesentery and its vascular supply is oftentimes incorporated into the intussusception.  Intussusception can be detected on palpation as a tubular soft tissue mass.  Underlying bowel disease precipitates this lesion in many cases including viral enteritis and intestinal parasitism/infections in young dogs and neoplasia in…

Septic peritonitis is a challenging problem to diagnose and treat in dogs and cats. Early diagnosis may improve survival as it will lead to quicker surgical resolution and elimination of the septic foci. Part of the challenge is that is that the physical examination only positively predicts those that require surgery 50% of the time (Walters, 2003).  Dr. Natashia Evans and Dr. Jayme Hoffberg gives the following tips to help diagnose septic peritonitis: Tips for Diagnosing…