Radiographic and Ultrasonographic Findings in Three Surgically Confirmed Cases of Small Intestinal Ischemia Related to Mesenteric Volvulus or Intestinal Torsion in Dogs

This case report describes the radiographic and ultrasonographic findings of
three surgically confirmed cases of mesenteric volvulus or intestinal torsion in
dogs. In all three cases, ultrasonographic findings included segmental ileus
and absent or markedly reduced peristalsis of the affected small intestine, and
partial loss of wall layering with increased overall echogenicity of the intestinal
wall, but with normal to mildly increased wall thickening. No blood flow
was detected in the affected small intestinal wall when assessed with colour
Doppler. A moderate amount of peritoneal effusion was also detected with
hyperechoic omental and mesenteric fat tissue throughout the peritoneal cavity.
Few reports describe ultrasonographic findings of small intestinal ischemia
in small animals. In all three cases presented here, ultrasound was helpful
in demonstrating typical intestinal wall changes and helped to obtain the correct
diagnosis of ischemic disease of the small intestine.