no edit summary
Line 25: Line 25:  
===Diagnosis===
 
===Diagnosis===
   −
Diagnosis is made on the above clinical signs and a combination of confirmatory tests. Large volumes of nasogastric reflux may be obtained; greater than 2L of fluid with a pH greater than 5 is considered abnormal. Rectal examination may indicate multiple distended loops of small intestine, a finding that usually indicates the need for surgical intervention. Ultrasonographic examination often reveals a distended, oedematous, fluid-filled small intestine proximal to the strangulated segment. The intestinal wall is hypoechoic and peristalsis may be absent.
+
Diagnosis is made on the above clinical signs and a combination of confirmatory tests. Large volumes of nasogastric reflux may be obtained; greater than 2L of fluid with a pH greater than 5 is considered abnormal. Rectal examination may indicate multiple distended loops of small intestine, a finding that usually indicates the need for surgical intervention. Ultrasonographic examination often reveals a distended, oedematous, fluid-filled small intestine proximal to the strangulated segment. The intestinal wall is hypoechoic and peristalsis may be absent. PCV and total protein are increased with a concurrent increase in respiratory rate to compensate for metabolic acidosis. Abdominocentesis may initiall yield a mildly serosanguineous fluid; as strangulation continues, the fluid becomes turbulent with a large increase in white blood cells and protein.
 
   
 
   
    
===Treatment===
 
===Treatment===
   −
Treatment for this condition is surgical and consists of correction of the volvulus via a ventral midline coeliotomy. Following reduction of the volvulus, nonviable bowel is resected and an end-to-end anastamosis is performed.
+
Treatment for this condition is surgical and consists of correction of the volvulus via a ventral midline coeliotomy. This must be performed within hours of the vovlulus occurring due to the significant cardiovascular deterioration associated with the condition. Following reduction of the volvulus, nonviable bowel is resected and an end-to-end anastamosis is performed.
 +
 
 
===Prognosis===
 
===Prognosis===
  
906

edits