Diagnosis and surgical correction of gastrointestinal obstruction secondary to an intestinal trichophytobezoar in a red-necked wallaby (Notamacropus rufogriseus)

Background

: Trichophytobezoars have been reported in a variety of mammalian taxa, including macropods, but successful antemortem diagnosis and surgical excision in macropods is rare.

Case description

: An 11-month-old, castrated male, red-necked wallaby (Notamacropus rufogriseus) was presented for evaluation of a sudden onset of lethargy, anorexia, tremoring, and ataxia. The wallaby was hospitalized and started on supportive care. Baseline bloodwork showed wa low normal white blood cell count and a low normal potassium. Abdominal radiography and computed tomography were subsequently performed and demonstrated severe gastric dilatation secondary to gastric and small intestinal foreign bodies. Based on the diagnostic imaging findings, a laparotomy with gastrotomy and enterotomy was performed to successfully remove the gastric and small intestinal foreign bodies, which were trichophytobezoars. The wallaby recovered fully from the procedure.

Conclusions and case relevance

: Abdominal radiography and computed tomography were strongly supportive of intestinal mechanical obstruction. Gastrotomy and enterotomy successfully relieved a small intestinal mechanical obstruction in a clinically ill macropod who, postoperatively, was apparently healthy for at least 14 months. Gastrointestinal bezoars should be considered a differential diagnosis for macropods with nonspecific gastrointestinal signs.