Intussusception in puppies: surgical treatment
4-month-old puppy recovering from viral gastroenteritis that starts vomiting, with tenesmus, scant bloody diarrhoea and a palpable tubular abdominal mass. An ileocolic intussusception is confirmed.
What is the most appropriate management?
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A. Non-surgical reduction by enema and medical treatment of the enteritis
Enema reduction, common in children, is unreliable in dogs and does not allow assessment of bowel viability. Treatment is surgical.
B. Laparotomy: gentle manual reduction if the bowel is viable, or enterectomy if it cannot be reduced or is devitalised; treat the cause
Correct. It is reduced by gently pushing the invaginated portion (intussusceptum) back out of the enveloping segment. If there are adhesions, necrosis or perforation, it is resected. The underlying enteritis or parasites must be treated.
C. Reduce it by pulling on the invaginated segment
Pulling on the intussusceptum can tear oedematous, friable bowel. It should be pushed out with gentle pressure.
D. Enteroplication of the entire intestine in every case, because it eliminates recurrence
Enteroplication is controversial: it does not completely eliminate recurrence and can cause obstruction or perforation. It is decided case by case.
lightbulb Key takeaway
In young dogs, intussusception is usually secondary to enteritis (parvovirus, parasites, diet changes); in adults, look for a mass or foreign body as the lead point. Watch for recurrence in the first days after surgery.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.