Volvulus in a 20 years old captive hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius, Linnaeus, 1758)

Authors

  • Andreia Garcês CECAV and Department of Verinary Scieneces, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
  • Isabel Pires Inno- Serviços Veterinários, R. Cândido de Sousa 15, 4710-503 Braga, Portugal.
  • Nuno Alvura Maia Zoo, Rua da Estação, 4470-184 Maia, Portugal.
  • Adelina Gama CECAV and Department of Verinary Scieneces, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
  • Anabela Alves CECAV and Department of Verinary Scieneces, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
  • Filipe Silva CECAV and Department of Verinary Scieneces, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
  • Paula Rodrigues CECAV and Department of Verinary Scieneces, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.

Keywords:

Hippopotamus amphibius, mortality, volvus, pathology, intestine

Abstract

A volvulus is a twisting of the intestine on its mesenteric axis that could result in bowel obstruction and ischemic injury. Here the authors report a case of intestinal volvulus in a 20 years old captive hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius, Linnaeus, 1758), the first well described case in this specie. The animal died suddenly after a previous history of diarrhea. At post mortem examination the animal presented a good body condition and abdominal distention. Upon opening of the peritoneal cavity, a large twisted segment of small intestine was observed. The segment rotated on its mesenteric axis and was dilated with gas and fluid and with dark red coloration, due to hemorrhage. The cause of death was intestinal volvulus. Its diagnosis is a challenging to veterinary surgeons due to the progressive onset of the symptoms that can delay the both diagnosis and the treatment thus resulting in progressing to the acute fulminating type with bowel infarction and death.

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Published

2020-10-08

How to Cite

Garcês, A., Pires, I., Alvura, N., Gama, A., Alves, A., Silva, F., & Rodrigues, P. (2020). Volvulus in a 20 years old captive hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius, Linnaeus, 1758). Journal of Advanced Veterinary Research, 10(4), 261-262. Retrieved from https://www.advetresearch.com/index.php/AVR/article/view/529

Issue

Section

Case Report