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Colonic Resection and Anastomosis in Dogs
What are Colonic Resection and Anastomosis?
A colonic resection followed by anastomosis is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the large bowel or colon is removed and the remaining ends are then connected. This surgery is used in emergency settings when a blockage or a severe perforation is present in the digestive tract. It also can be a scheduled operation to remove growths on the large bowel or colon.
The goal of this procedure is to resume regular function to the bowels. A dog cannot survive if its digestive tract is compromised. This surgery is complicated and should only be performed by an ACVS board-certified veterinary surgeon. Resections of the small bowel are more common, however, the overall surgery is very similar to removing sections of the colon.
Colonic Resection and Anastomosis Procedure in Dogs
To determine if the dog is stable enough for general anesthesia, blood work will need to be run. This will assess the animal's overall health and its ability to clot. Ultrasounds of the large bowel and colon will be performed to locate the object, tumor, or damage that is compromising the digestive tract. The dog should be of proper weight at the time of the surgery, as underweight animals experience more complications with this specific operation.
To begin the surgery, either one large abdominal incision will be made, or multiple smaller incisions will be used for laparoscopy. The rectum will be thoroughly washed prior to the procedure. Once the abdomen is visualized, the surgeon will identify all deadened tissue by its black appearance. Purple tissue may be salvaged in some cases. The damaged or affected area will then be divided using clamps. It can then be removed from the body. The new ends should be cleaned before they are reconnected. Sutures or staples can be used to attach these pieces. The use of staples is gaining popularity due to their efficiency. The anterior wall should then be reinforced. To ensure that the anastomosis is completely closed, a 25 gauge needle can be used to test if any leaks are present. At this point, the abdominal incision can be closed.
Efficacy of Colonic Resection and Anastomosis in Dogs
Removing problematic portions of the bowel can be a very effective way to restore function to the digestive system. It is a permanent procedure, as sections of the colon are taken out of the body. Overall survival of the dog will depend on whether an underlying disease is present, or if other life-threatening injuries also exist.
Colonic Resection and Anastomosis Recovery in Dogs
The dog should be closely monitored as it comes off of anesthesia. Once the dog can walk again, non-vigorous activity can be promoted as it may lessen the chance of a clot developing. It is not uncommon for a dog who has experienced a colon resection to go through a period of vomiting followed by abdominal distention. If this issue does not let up on its own, a nasogastric tube may need to be put in place to ease the problem. If that does not alleviate symptoms, the anastomosis may not have properly taken. The dog must generally wait 12 hours before eating and drinking may resume. If the dog has not begun to regularly eat by the fifth day after surgery, it may need TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition).
Pain medication will be prescribed after the procedure is done, lasting through the healing process. Intravenous fluids may need to be administered for some time after the operation. A dextrose supplement may also be given at this time. Upon discharge, the dog will be prescribed a course of antibiotics. An Elizabethan collar can be helpful in preventing the dog from licking or scratching at its wounds.
Cost of Colonic Resection and Anastomosis in Dogs
The cost of a colonic resection and anastomosis will generally range from $1,000 up to $8,000. Using a specialist may lead to higher costs, but is also associated with more positive outcomes. Blood tests, diagnostic imaging, and medication prescriptions also contribute to the overall price. There are generally not any alternatives to a colonic resection and anastomosis that will save the animal. If other injuries are present, the vet bill may be significantly higher than with surgery alone.
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Dog Colonic Resection and Anastomosis Considerations
Certain complications may arise with the use of general anesthesia. Risks are also increased if the animal suffers from heart problems. Peritonitis may develop in some dogs after having this procedure. In cases which a foreign body has been removed, the chance of the anastomosis leaking is greater. If the dog has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, the worth of the surgery should be weighed against the likelihood of survival and quality of life thereafter.
Colonic Resection and Anastomosis Prevention in Dogs
Steps can be taken to prevent a colonic resection and anastomosis from being needed. To prevent foreign objects being lodged inside your dog, do not let the dog play with toys unsupervised. If a toy breaks, take it from the dog and dispose of it. Do not let your dog chew on sticks or stones. To prevent your dog from sustaining severe injuries from trauma, keep it on a leash at all times when outdoors. It may be wise to stay away from busy roads or highways as well.
Many cancers cannot be prevented, but certain things have been proven to speed up the progression of cancer. To minimize potential risks, feed your dog a high quality diet and provide it with exercise. Do not expose the dog to cigarette smoke or other known cancer-causing toxins. When getting a dog, always inquire about its family health history. This can help you know what issues you need to screen the dog for throughout its life.
Colonic Resection and Anastomosis Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Poodle x Shih-Tzu
Nine Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Streched Colon
Stretched colon and accumulation of fecal matter, he has to be helped out, he cannot defecate on his own.
July 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
I'm sorry that is happening to your dog, that does happen occasionally. The best thing for him to do would be to stay with your veterinarian for IV fluids or supportive care as directed. Without knowing more about your dog or a situation, it is hard for me to comment, but it would be best to follow your veterinarian's advice. I hope that everything goes well for your dog and he feels better soon.
July 27, 2020
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Sitz sou
Clock
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
When is barium study nessassary, 14lb dog ate pillow stuffing, vomit, no bowel movement 3 days, cannot eat, asked vet do barium study today as no block in x ray, vet called after 12 hours did not think study nessassary, will think about it tomorrow. Worried.
Jan. 19, 2018
0 Recommendations
The decision to use contrast media (barium study) would be dependent on the symptoms presented and if an obstruction was suspected which hasn’t shown on an x-ray; we generally use barium in cases where we suspect anomalies in the gastrointestinal tract so that they can be identified more easily. The decision is down to your Veterinarian, but an exploratory laparotomy may be more useful. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Jan. 19, 2018
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Maltese
Snow
9 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Eating, Lethargic, Vomiting ,
My dog already had a colonic and anastomosis procedure. He is not healing like he should. Not eating food. The vet wants to go into surgery again to find out what could be the underlying problem . He has had two surgical already. Fluid in the abdomen
Dec. 19, 2017
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for contacting us about Snow. If he isnt doing well after the major surgery that he had, a recheck exporatory is a valid procedure. There is always a risk with intestinal surgery of the suture site breaking down and leaking intestinal contents into the abdomen. your veterinarian is suggesting the next logical step in determining why he isn't recovering normally after his original surgery. I hope that he recovers well.
Dec. 19, 2017
Frightening, t took my 14 lb dog to vet today
For a barium study sad the vet did not get around to it. 12 hours now all night I'm afraid the obstruct will worsen. He said the study takes 4 hours and he just us not sure if a study is nessassary. A wasted day and night in a veteenary hospital.
Jan. 19, 2018
Sam W.
Thank you very much.
Dec. 19, 2017
Snow's Owner
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Labrador Retriever
Charlie
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Painful
Fecal Incontinence
Odd Behavior
Rectum Pain
My dog Charlie is a beautiful 8 year old chocolate lab around 82 pounds. For two years she has been in and out of the vet for her colon polyp mass. It started out with blood streaks on the stool. No mental/emotional changes or behaviors and no apparent pain. We took her in and she initially had the pull through procedure to remove the distally located polyp. Within a week she was normal, happy and no complications. The polyp was benign. A year has passed and we saw more blood in her stools. So we brought her in yet again, this time it was a bit further into the colon and now they did the colonic resection and anastomoses. $10,000 later we are suffering watching our once happy pup suffer so greatly. The tumor was completely resected and they got clean margins. They days passing she slowly began to pass stool, but not easily at all. She has left so many poops everywhere about the house and yelps in severe pain 70% of the time. SHE NEVER pooped in the house prior to having this surgery. The poop is well formed and no blood. She is just not herself, she is staying in the garage, SHE never poops in the grass anymore it has to be on carpet or flooring and even the sidewalk. Charlie is still sweet and kind hearted but she eats less and rarely drinks water. I cry often thinking I ruined my beautiful Charlie. We took her to the vet multiple times since the surgery and nothing was wrong that they could find. X-rays and ultra sound showed no abnormalities. PLEASE help save my chocolate morsel I love her so very much, any opinions are welcomed !
