IMAGING DIAGNOSIS - RADIOGRAPHY, ULTRASONOGRAPHY, AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF A GIANT FECALOMA CAUSING STERCORAL PERFORATION OF THE COLON IN A DOG WITH A PROSTATIC ABSCESS

Colonic perforation in 4 dogs following treatment with meloxicam

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical findings and treatment of 4 dogs that developed colonic perforation shortly after meloxicam administration.

SERIES SUMMARY

Three cases were treated with meloxicam for variable nonspecific signs including lethargy and pyrexia. Hemorrhagic diarrhea developed following meloxicam administration in 2 cases. Gastrointestinal perforation was suspected on diagnostic imaging leading to exploratory celiotomy in all 3 cases. Partial colectomy was performed in 2 cases and suture repair with serosal patching in 1 followed by broad spectrum antimicrobials. All 3 dogs recovered from surgery well. One dog that had undergone perineal herniorrhaphy and received meloxicam perioperatively collapsed and died 7 days postsurgery. Postmortem examination revealed ulceration and perforation of the ascending colon with resultant generalized septic peritonitis. Histopathologic findings in all cases showed full thickness infiltration of the colonic wall with inflammatory cells along with ulceration and perforation. Thrombosis of vessels underlying the ulcerated areas was also noted.

NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED

This report suggests that colonic perforation may be a complication of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in some cases. To the authors' knowledge, this has not previously been described in dogs. Colonic perforation associated with NSAIDs administration may be more commonly identified in dogs with concurrent morbidities. Caution may be warranted when using NSAIDs in dogs with colonic pathology or possible risk factors to develop such pathology. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential for a positive outcome.

Acute colonic impaction and faecaloma due to canine benign prostatic hyperplasia - Case report

The present case report describes the clinical signs and case resolution of an intact 9-year-old male crossbreed dog with spontaneous constipation. The dog presented with abdominal pain, lack of appetite, tenesmus and without signs of defecation in the last 4 days. No important alterations were observed in the complete blood count and biochemistry. A substantial obstruction caused by a faecaloma and a prostate with increased size was observed on X-rays. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was confirmed by ultrasonography (size: 48.29 cm3) and by testing the serum canine prostate-specific arginine esterase concentration (105.97 ng/mL). Colon impaction was resolved with rectal enemas within two days. BPH was treated with osaterone acetate. Ultrasonographic checks were performed after 60 and 180 days from the demission and a concrete constant reduction of prostatic volume and of the clinical signs was established. Faecaloma is an uncommon finding in male dogs, and it occurs especially as a consequence of BPH. Colon impaction in patients with BPH is usually subclinical, but it is important to underline how, in severe cases, perforation of the colon and faecal peritonitis can occur, leading to fatal conditions for the animal. In conclusion, prostatic enlargement should always be considered in male dogs suffering from colonic impaction.