Anaesthetic Challenges During Colonoscopy-Induced Intestinal Perforation in a Cat

Dany Elzahaby; Bérénice Lutz; Isabelle Iff

doi:10.3390/vetsci13070707

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Anaesthetic Challenges During Colonoscopy-Induced Intestinal Perforation in a Cat

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Anaesthetic Challenges During Colonoscopy-Induced Intestinal Perforation in a Cat

Dany Elzahaby, Bérénice Lutz and Isabelle Iff

Veterinary Sciences, Vol.13(7), 707

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13070707

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Abstract

colonoscopy

perforation

cat

embolism

pneumoretroperitoneum

While colonoscopies are generally benign procedures, rare complications such as colonic perforation may result in life-threatening consequences. A 15-year-old neutered male British Shorthair cat underwent colonoscopy for investigation of chronic gastrointestinal signs and persistent tenesmus. During endoscopic evaluation of a distal colonic stricture, the cat developed sudden tachycardia, severe hypoxaemia, and a dramatic decline in end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2), accompanied by diffuse subcutaneous emphysema. Intestinal perforation was suspected, and venous blood gas analysis revealed a markedly enlarged EtCO2–PvCO2 gradient, consistent with severe ventilation–perfusion mismatch and contributing to a presumptive diagnosis of pulmonary air embolism. Anaesthetic management focused on ventilatory adjustments, including an increased respiratory rate and initially high, then moderate peak inspiratory pressures, aimed at reducing EtCO2 and improving oxygenation. However, improvements in oxygen saturation were limited and the cat was euthanised. Contrast-enhanced post-mortem computed tomography confirmed a distal colonic perforation with extensive air dissemination, including pneumoretroperitoneum, pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and subcutaneous emphysema.

Details

Title: Anaesthetic Challenges During Colonoscopy-Induced Intestinal Perforation in a Cat
Authors/Creators: Dany Elzahaby (Author) - Murdoch University, The Animal Hospital At Murdoch University
Bérénice Lutz
Isabelle Iff - Kantonsschule Olten
Publication Details: Veterinary Sciences, Vol.13(7), 707
Publisher: MDPI
Identifiers: 991005904378607891
Murdoch Affiliation: The Animal Hospital At Murdoch University
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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