Implementation of Contrast Radiography for the Diagnoses of Jejunojejunal Intussusception and Its Surgical Management in a Persian cat

Intussusception is one of the most common cause of bowel obstruction in small animals practice. The purpose of the study was to assess how contrast radiography identify the gastrointestinal blockage and also to share the successful correction method. A 7-months old female Persian cat was referred to Teaching and Training Pet Hospital and Research Center (TTPHRC), Purbachal, Dhaka, because of chronic vomiting, anorexia, weight loss, severe dehydration lasting 31-days. On abdominal palpation, a sausage like firm mass was palpated in the abdomen. No common predisposing factors could be established. At diagnosis part, a barium contrast meal was offered to the patient and the gastrointestinal tract was imaged radiographically at 20-30 minutes’ interval. The patient showed radiographic evidence of gastric dilatation, filling up of the barium meal in the stomach, gastric distention of the small intestine and a diagnosis of bowel obstruction was made tentatively. A surgical operation was decided upon immediately to correct the obstruction. Following exploratory laparotomy revealed presence of intussusception and concrete diagnosis was made as jejunojejunal intussusception. The intussuscepted segments were removed perfectly by applying manual traction without serosal adhesions. As a result of intensive and supportive postoperative care, the patient fully recovered without facing any complications even after poor general condition. Therefore, the author can conclude that contrast radiography imaging technique was useful in diagnosing the gastrointestinal obstruction and will be helpful in early detection and to provide proper therapy. And finally, good prognosis depends on prompt and concrete diagnosis and exact treatment with considering underlying disease conditions.