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Clair S. Park, Josue E. Lugardo, Colleen E. Mans
Background:
Colonic torsion and volvulus in dogs are surgical emergencies involving twisting or rotation of the colon, leading to ischemia, necrosis, endotoxemia, and potentially death. Previous reports suggested high mortality rates; however, more recent studies have shown improved outcomes with surgical intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical presentation, complications, and outcomes associated with colonic torsion and volvulus in dogs.
Methods:
This retrospective study reviewed medical records from 28 client-owned dogs that underwent surgery for colonic torsion and volvulus between 2014 and 2024. Data included demographics, preoperative findings, surgical procedures, complications, and short- and long-term outcomes. Statistical analyses focused on descriptive statistics.
Results:
-Demographics: The study included 28 dogs, predominantly Labrador Retrievers, Great Danes, and German Shepherd Dogs. The median age was 7 years, and the median weight was 40.7 kg.
-Preoperative Findings: Common clinical signs were vomiting (78.5%), inappetence (39.2%), lethargy (35.7%), and diarrhea (35.7%). Radiographs commonly revealed gas distension of the colon.
-Surgery: Most dogs (85.7%) underwent left-sided colopexy. Other procedures included subtotal colectomy, gastrocolopexy, and gastropexy. Intraoperative complications were rare.
-Outcomes: Survival to discharge was 96.4%. Postoperative complications occurred in 32.1% of cases, primarily hypoalbuminemia, superficial surgical site infections, and mesenteric torsion. Long-term follow-up (median 20.5 months) showed a 100% survival rate at 6 months, with no major complications reported in 14 of 16 dogs followed for over 12 months.
-Mortality: Two dogs (7.1%) died in the perioperative period, but these deaths were associated with severe complications unrelated to the initial torsion.
Limitations:
The study was retrospective, with variability in treatment protocols and limited long-term data for some dogs. In some cases, colonic torsion spontaneously resolved before surgery, potentially affecting outcome interpretation.
Conclusions:
Surgical correction of colonic torsion and volvulus in dogs leads to excellent survival rates and favorable long-term outcomes. Surgeons should carefully assess bowel viability and avoid premature euthanasia based on intraoperative findings. Prophylactic gastropexy may reduce the risk of further gastrointestinal displacement disorders, but its relationship with colonic torsion requires further study.
Figure 1—Left lateral radiograph of the abdomen of a 7-year-old castrated male Labrador Retriever with a radiographic diagnosis of colonic torsion on the initial study (A) followed by spontaneous resolution (B) in a study of 28 dogs that underwent surgery for colonic torsion and volvulus. A—A markedly distended colon with a “pinching” of the proximal colon (white arrowhead) is seen at the level of L2. B—The subsequent study shows resolution of the narrowing of the colon.
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