Changes

*Diarrhoea- bloody and mucoid  

*Diarrhoea- bloody and mucoid  

*Tenesmus and Haematochezia in cases of ileocaecocolic intussusception

*Tenesmus and Haematochezia in cases of ileocaecocolic intussusception

====Chronic Intussusception====

====Chronic Intussusception====

===Radiography===

===Radiography===

Plain abdominal radiographs do not always provide a definitive diagnosis. In cases of complete obstruction distented loops of intestine and a tubular soft tissue mass are usually obvious, but a partial obstruction will produce much more subtle signs which may be missed.

Plain abdominal radiographs do not always provide a definitive diagnosis. In cases of complete obstruction distented loops of intestine and a tubular soft tissue mass are usually obvious, but a partial obstruction will produce much more subtle signs which may be missed.

A barium enema or upper gastrointestinal contrast study can be useful in identifying the site of obstruction but may result in delay of treatment and should be used cautiously as leakage of contrast into the abdominal cavity will result in peritonitis.  

 

A barium enema or upper gastrointestinal contrast study can be useful in identifying the site of obstruction but may result in delay of treatment and should be used cautiously as leakage of contrast into the abdominal cavity will result in peritonitis.

The classic appearance of an intussusception is described as a 'coiled spring'.  

===Ultrasound===

===Ultrasound===

[[Principles of Fluid Therapy|Fluid therapy]] and correction of electrolyte and acid-base abnormalities should be carried out prior to surgical correction.  

[[Principles of Fluid Therapy|Fluid therapy]] and correction of electrolyte and acid-base abnormalities should be carried out prior to surgical correction.  

Surgery is required to manually reduce the intussusception, it may be necessary to resect and anastomose the intestine in cases where the  adhesions have formed.  This decision depends on the viability of the intestines, as determined by the colour, vascular supply and presence or absence of peristalsis.It is important to preserve as much of the intestine as possible to avoid [[Short Bowel Syndrome|short bowel syndrome]].  

'''Surgery''' is required to manually reduce the intussusception, it may be necessary to '''resect and anastomose''' the intestine in cases where the  adhesions have formed.  This decision depends on the viability of the intestines, as determined by the colour, vascular supply and presence or absence of peristalsis.It is important to preserve as much of the intestine as possible to avoid [[Short Bowel Syndrome|short bowel syndrome]].  

Complications include dehiscence at the site of anastomosis, [[Peritonitis - Cats and Dogs|peritonitis]], recurrence (11-20%, most common within 1-5 days post surgery), ileus, intestinal obstruction and short bowel syndrome. Recurrence can be prevented by enteroplication of the small intestine, or by a left-sided gastroplexy of the fundus in cases of gastroesophageal intussusception.

Complications include dehiscence at the site of anastomosis, [[Peritonitis - Cats and Dogs|peritonitis]], recurrence (11-20%, most common within 1-5 days post surgery), ileus, intestinal obstruction and short bowel syndrome.  

 

Recurrence can be prevented by '''enteroplication''' of the small intestine, or by a left-sided gastroplexy of the fundus in cases of gastroesophageal intussusception.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

This depends on the location, completeness and duration of the intusussception.  The prognosis is good in animals treated with early surgical intervention and aggressive supportive care.  The prognosis is poor for animals with perforated intestine and peritonitis.

This depends on the location, completeness and duration of the intusussception.  The prognosis is good in animals treated with early surgical intervention and aggressive supportive care.  The prognosis is poor for animals with perforated intestine and peritonitis.

==Literature Search==

==Literature Search==