Colonic Stricture Formation in a Dog Treated for Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome With a Rectal Foley Catheter

Objective

To describe the complications and subsequent surgical management of a colonic stricture associated with the use of a rectal Foley catheter for the treatment of a dog with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome.

Case Summary

A 5-year-old intact female Poodle mix initially presented with a 12-24-h history of bloody diarrhea and lethargy. A diagnosis of severe acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome was made, and the dog was hospitalized for supportive care including placement of an 18-French rectal Foley catheter to reduce patient fecal contamination. Four-quadrant antibiotic therapy was started when signs of sepsis were identified. The rectal Foley catheter remained in place for 72 h before removal. The patient made a full recovery and was discharged 5 days after initial presentation. Four weeks later, the patient returned with a 10-day history of obstipation, hyporexia, and intermittent vomiting. A colonoscopy was performed, which identified a complete colonic stricture consistent with the previous site of the rectal Foley catheter retention balloon. The stricture could not be dilated with a rectal balloon catheter, and subsequently, the dog underwent a colonic resection and anastomosis. Within hours postoperatively, the dog passed feces and was discharged the following day. At the 12-month follow-up, the patient was clinically well with no recurrence of obstipation or tenesmus.

New or Unique Information Provided

Risks associated with rectal Foley catheter use in dogs have not been previously reported; therefore, treating clinicians should carefully consider the potential complications before placement. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper in veterinary medicine to document the complications associated with the use of a rectal Foley catheter in a dog.