Omental torsion in a captive polar bear (Ursus maritimus)

• Main Authors: Mendez-Angulo, Jose L., Funes, Francisco J., Trent, Ava M., Willette, Michelle, Woodhouse, Kerry, Renier, Anna C.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: American Association of Zoo Veterinarians 2014
• Subjects: Ursus maritimus
• Online Access: https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/252790/; https://www.jstor.org/stable/24551242

This is the first case report of an omental torsion in a polar bear (Ursus maritimus). A captive, 23-yr-old, 250-kg, intact female polar bear presented to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center with a 2-day history of lethargy, depression, and vomiting. Abdominal ultrasound identified large amounts of hyperechoic free peritoneal fluid. Ultrasound-guided abdominocentesis was performed and yielded thick serosanguinous fluid compatible with a hemoabdomen. An exploratory laparotomy revealed a large amount of malodorous, serosanguineous fluid and multiple necrotic blood clots associated with a torsion of the greater omentum and rupture of a branch of the omental artery. A partial omentectomy was performed to remove the necrotic tissue and the abdomen was copiously lavaged. The polar bear recovered successfully and is reported to be clinically well 6 mo later. This condition should be considered as a differential in bears with clinical signs of intestinal obstruction and hemoabdomen.