Extensive small bowel resection in dogs and cats: 20 Cases (1998-2004)

Abstract

Objective - To determine outcome in dogs and cats that underwent extensive (ie, ≥ 50%) resection of the small intestine and identify factors associated with outcome. Design - Retrospective case series. Animals - 13 dogs and 7 cats. Procedure - Medical records were reviewed, and follow-up information was obtained. Results - In all 7 cats and in 8 of the 13 dogs, extensive intestinal resection was performed because of a foreign body. Mean ± SD estimated percentage of intestine that was removed was 68 ± 14% (range, 50% to 90%). Two dogs were euthanized 3 days after surgery because of dehiscence of the surgical site and development of septic peritonitis; 1 dog died of acute respiratory distress syndrome 5 days after surgery. The remaining 10 dogs and 7 cats were discharged from the hospital, and follow-up information was available for 15 of the 17. Median survival time was 828 days, and 12 of the 15 animals for which long-term follow-up information was available had good outcomes. However, none of the factors examined, including percentage of intestine resected, were significantly associated with outcome. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance - Most dogs and cats that underwent extensive resection of the small intestine had a good outcome. The amount of intestine resected was not associated with outcome. These data may be useful in providing prognostic information in cases of extensive small intestinal resection.