Intussusception in a Nigerian Indigenous Dog: A Case Report and Probable Associated Pathologic Mechanisms

Abstract

Intussusception, a serious gastrointestinal disorder characterized by invading one segment of the intestine into another, poses significant health risks in veterinary medicine. This case report presents the clinical and pathological findings of intussusception in a 10-month-old brown male Nigerian indigenous dog (NID). The dog, which had no history of vaccination, underwent abdominal surgical procedures including gastrotomy and intestinal resection with anastomosis seven days prior to death. Postoperatively, the dog exhibited clinical signs of vomiting and weakness despite treatment with penicillin-streptomycin antibiotics and a bland diet. Necropsy revealed severe pathological changes, including congested liver, gastric haemorrhage, peritoneal adhesions, leakage of intestinal contents into the peritoneum, peritonitis, intestinal congestion with intussusception, and infarction at anastomosed intestinal sites. These findings highlight the multifaceted nature of intussusception, involving mechanical obstruction, compromised blood supply, and systemic infection. The case emphasizes the challenges in managing post-surgical complications and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in severe gastrointestinal disorders in dogs. This manuscript, therefore, contributes to the veterinary literature by providing a detailed description of the clinical course, pathological findings, and potential complications associated with intussusception in Nigerian indigenous dogs. The insights gained from this case report are crucial for improving diagnostic accuracy, optimizing treatment strategies, and enhancing clinical outcomes in similar clinical scenarios.