Intestinal Volvulus in Cetaceans

• Published in: Veterinary Pathology
• Main Authors: Begeman, L., Leger, J. A. St., Blyde, D. J., Jauniaux, T. P., Lair, S., Lovewell, G., Raverty, S., Seibel, H., Siebert, U., Staggs, S. L., Martelli, P., Keesler, R. I.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publications 2012
• Subjects: General Veterinary; toothed whales
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0300985812465327; http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0300985812465327; http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full-xml/10.1177/0300985812465327

Intestinal volvulus was recognized as the cause of death in 18 cetaceans, including 8 species of toothed whales (suborder Odontoceti). Cases originated from 11 institutions from around the world and included both captive ( n = 9) and free-ranging ( n = 9) animals. When the clinical history was available ( n = 9), animals consistently demonstrated acute dullness 1 to 5 days prior to death. In 3 of these animals (33%), there was a history of chronic gastrointestinal illness. The pathological findings were similar to those described in other animal species and humans, and consisted of intestinal volvulus and a well-demarcated segment of distended, congested, and edematous intestine with gas and bloody fluid contents. Associated lesions included congested and edematous mesentery and mesenteric lymph nodes, and often serofibrinous or hemorrhagic abdominal effusion. The volvulus involved the cranial part of the intestines in 85% (11 of 13). Potential predisposing causes were recognized in most cases (13 of 18, 72%) but were variable. Further studies investigating predisposing factors are necessary to help prevent occurrence and enhance early clinical diagnosis and management of the condition.