Ultrasonographic and CT evaluation of gastrointestinal obstruction in dogs

Gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction is one of the primary differential diagnoses for vomiting dogs. Plain radiography is a readily available screening test for the presence of mechanical obstruction. Radiographic features suggestive of mechanical obstruction include intestinal dilation, a visible foreign body, a so-called gravel sign, intestinal stacking, and 2 distinct groupings of bowel that differ in diameter. The limited accuracy of radiography in identification of mechanical obstruction coupled with the greater availability of ultrasonography to veterinary practitioners has resulted in increased use of abdominal ultrasonography for the identification of GI obstruction.
Source: Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: Surgery (Soft Tissue) Source Type: research