Fatal necro-haemorrhagic gastroenteritis and multifocal microthrombi secondary to food engorgement in a dog

Abstract

A previously healthy 5-year-old, female, spayed, mixed breed dog presented for acute abdominal distension and non-productive retching after consuming a large volume of kibble dog food. Abdominal radiographs confirmed food engorgement, and standard medical therapy was initiated with intravenous fluids and analgesics. After 36 hours of persistent abdominal distension and progressive hyperlactatemia, an exploratory laparotomy revealed generalised ischaemia throughout the gastrointestinal tract, spleen, and liver. Due to a poor prognosis, humane euthanasia was elected. Postmortem examination confirmed severe necro-haemorrhagic gastroenteritis and multifocal microthrombi. Clostridium perfringens was cultured from the small intestines, which may represent either an underlying cause or an opportunistic proliferation.