Ruptured congenital jejunal diverticulum resulting in a mechanical gastrointestinal tract obstruction in a dog

Abstract

An 18-month-old female neutered English Springer Spaniel was referred due to persistent vomiting for 48 hours, following a five-week history of gastrointestinal symptoms that failed to respond to symptomatic medical management. Clinical examination revealed a firm tubular structure in the mid-abdomen, which was painful on palpation. Biochemistry showed hypoproteinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and low serum alkaline phosphatase. A right lateral abdominal radiograph was consistent with a mechanical obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. An exploratory coeliotomy was performed and an annular jejunal stricture was identified and excised. Histopathology confirmed the presence of a stricture secondary to a ruptured congenital or developmental jejunal diverticulum arising from the antimesenteric border of the gastrointestinal tract. This has not previously been reported in dogs. The dog made an uncomplicated recovery from surgery and has been asymptomatic for the past 18 months.