Vorloka A. DVM, MSc, Plakentia Veterinary Clinic | Dourdas G. DVM, CSAVP/Soft Tissue Surgery, Plakentia Veterinary Clinic
Introduction
Pelvic symphysiotomy has been described for treatment of intrapelvic neoplasms. In this study we performed the above technique for the excision of a colorectal adenocarcinoma in a dog.
Clinical case
A 9-year-old Golden Retriever was presented with diagnosis of a colorectal adenocarcinoma. CT revealed thickening of the colorectal wall. Clinical symptoms included hematochezia and pain during defecation. Laboratory results were within normal limits. A ventral midline incision was made, and an osteotomy of the pubic symphysis was performed with an oscillating saw. This technique provided access to the pelvic canal and excision of the adenocarcinoma was managed.
Results
The dog was prone to splay its legs when walking the first days after surgery. The dog had partial fecal incontinence and was discharged 6 days postoperatively receiving metronidazole. 1 month after surgery, the patient was becoming progressively continent. 15 months after surgery, the patient is fully continent without any lameness.
Conclusions
Surgical excision is generally the primary treatment for intestinal adenocarcinoma. To our knowledge, there have been only a few published reports of the use of pelvic symphysiotomy.
