USE OF COLOSTOMY TO MANAGE RECTAL DISEASE IN DOGS

Objective-The purpose of this study was to develop a diverting colosto my technique for use in dogs. Study Design-Clinical case series. Anima ls-Five client-owned dogs presented for diseases requiring diverting c olostomy during treatment. Methods-Diverting colostomy was performed i n five dogs. A ventral approach was used in the first dog and the colo n was exteriorized adjacent to the linea alba. The technique used in t he next four dogs involved creation of a left flank rod-supported loop colostomy in which the colon was exteriorized through a muscle-separa ting flank approach to the abdomen. Results-Peritoneal leakage of feca l material resulted in the perioperative death of the first dog. The f lank colostomies were maintained for times ranging from 3.5 weeks to 7 months. No major complications were observed, but skin excoriation oc curred occasionally around the stoma sites in all dogs. Conclusion-Div erting colostomy is a technique that is suitable for use in treatment of dogs with obstruction or leakage involving the distal colon or rect um. (C) Copyright 1997 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.