Intestinal Intussusception in Cats

April 20, 2009

Burkitt, J. M., K. J. Drobatz, et al. (2009). “Signalment, history, and outcome of cats with gastrointestinal tract intussusception: 20 cases (1986-2000).” J Am Vet Med Assoc 234(6): 771-6.

The medical records of 20 cats were evaluated for a retrospective study of gastrointestinal intussusception. The diagnosis for intussusception was confirmed either by surgical exploration or on necropsy. Ten of the cats were less than 1 year of age, 9 were six years of age or older, and the remaining cat was 2 years of age. The most common reasons for presentation were anorexia (14/17), lethargy (12/17), and vomiting (12/17). Fourteen cats had reported medical conditions in the preceding 30 days. The major physical examination findings were dehydration, poor body condition, signs of abdominal pain, and an abdominal mass. While abdominal radiographs were useful in indicating the presence of a possible intestinal obstruction, abdominal ultrasonography appears the most accurate pre-surgical method for diagnosis of intussusception in cats. Thirteen of the cats underwent surgical exploration, with manual reduction alone performed in 2 cats and resection with anastomosis performed in 11 cats. Twelve of the 20 cats had an enteroenteric intussusception, predominantly jejuno-jejunal, and 8 had an entero-colic intussusception. Histologic examination of the tissue indicated that young cats may be more likely to have idiopathic intussusception, and older cats may be more likely to have primary gastrointestinal disease such as lymphoma or inflammatory bowel disease [VT].
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Related articles:
Patsikas, M., L. Papazoglou, et al. (2003). “Ultrasonographic findings of intestinal intussusception in seven cats.” J Fel Med Surg 5(6): 335-343.
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Doherty, D., E. Welsh, et al. (2000). “Intestinal intussusception in five postparturient queens.” Vet Rec 146(21): 614-616.
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