Cecal inversion and subsequent colocolic intussusception in a red wolf (Canis rufus gregoryi)

A 2-yr-old female red wolf (Canis rufus gregoryi) presented with weight los s and diarrhea. Abnormal clinical pathology included low serum calcium, sod ium, chloride, globulin, and albumin levels. Differential diagnosis include d infectious enteritis, intestinal parasitism, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatic or renal disease, and malnutrition. The wolf was treated empiricall y, but did not improve. A second examination revealed persistent poor muscu lature and stool quality. Abdominal palpation revealed a firm mass; contras t radiography confirmed an intussusception. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a colocolic intussusception involving the cecum. Following reduction of th e colocolic intussusception, cecal inversion (cecocolic intussusception) wa s identified. Because the cecal inversion could not be reduced, typhlectomy was performed through a colotomy incision. Bacterial culture of peritoneal fluid yielded two strains of Escherichia coli. Postoperatively, the wolf w as placed on antibiotics and a soft diet. The diet was gradually returned t o its normal formulation and the wolf progressively gained weight. Physical examination 7.5 mo following initial presentation revealed normal body wei ght and condition. To our knowledge, this is the first recorded incidence o f cecal inversion with concurrent colocolic intussusception.