Intestinal Intussusception in Dogs (Intestinal Invagination, Intussusception)
- Synonyms: Intussusception
- Occurrence: common
- Location of disease: Abdomen/pelvis
When to visit the vet?
Emergency see a veterinarian immediately
You can find an interesting overview of gastrointestinal problems in dogs, supplemented with information on the intestinal microbiome and the importance of probiotics, here: https://petsvetcheck.de/fachbeitrag/magen-darm-probleme-beim-hund/
Definition
Intussusception, also known as intestinal invagination, is a serious condition in which one part of the intestine telescopes into an adjacent section, leading to a blockage and potentially the death of the affected intestinal segment.
The most important facts at a glance
Intussusception, also known as intestinal telescoping, is a condition in dogs in which one intestinal segment slides into another, similar to a telescope. This condition commonly occurs in young dogs but can also affect older dogs. The exact cause is often unknown; however, irregular intestinal movements, infections, parasites, or foreign bodies in the intestine can play a role. Symptoms include Vomiting, Abdominal pain, and Diarrhea. Diagnosis requires a thorough examination by a veterinarian, often supported by imaging procedures such as ultrasound. Treatment typically consists of surgical intervention to untwist the intestine, with part of the intestine needing to be removed in severe cases. Supportive therapy with fluid administration, pain medication, and antibiotics can promote recovery. The prognosis depends heavily on the speed of diagnosis and treatment. Prevention is difficult, but regular deworming and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk. Research focuses on better diagnostic techniques and minimally invasive surgical procedures to accelerate recovery and reduce complications. The role of intestinal flora / gut microbiota and genetic factors are also being studied to improve understanding of the condition and develop preventive strategies.
Causes
Intussusception is a condition in which one intestinal segment pulls into another, similar to a collapsible telescope. This condition commonly occurs in young dogs but can also affect older animals. The small intestine is most frequently affected, although the large intestine may be involved in some cases.
The exact cause of intussusception is often unknown, although several predisposing factors are known. One of the main triggers is irregular intestinal movement, which can be caused by various factors such as infections, parasitic burdens, or inflammatory bowel diseases. These abnormal movements cause one part of the intestine to slide into the adjacent section.
Another cause can be a foreign body in the intestine that disrupts normal passage / transit and triggers intussusception. Furthermore, Tumors or a polyp in the intestine can lead to intussusception, as they can serve as a “pull point” for the retraction of an intestinal segment. Postoperative changes, such as Scar tissue formation, can also increase the risk of intussusception.
Symptoms
The symptoms of intussusception in dogs can vary but are often acute and severe. One of the most common signs is Vomiting, which can be either acute or chronic. This symptom occurs because stomach contents cannot flow normally into the intestine.
Another common symptom is Diarrhea, which may be bloody if the intestinal lining is damaged. Dogs with intussusception may also show Pain in the abdominal area, which can be noticeable through Restlessness, whimpering, or a hunched posture.
Loss of appetite and weight loss are also common symptoms, as the dog is unable to absorb food properly. In severe cases, dehydration and general weakness can occur because the body cannot absorb enough fluids and nutrients.
Therapy
Intussusception usually requires surgical intervention to untangle the affected intestinal segment and restore normal bowel function. During the operation, the veterinarian will manually push back the telescoped intestinal segment. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove a portion of the intestine if it is irreversibly damaged.
After surgery, the dog often receives supportive therapy that includes fluid administration and pain medication to promote recovery. Antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection, especially if part of the intestine has been removed.
In some mild cases, especially when intussusception is detected early, non-surgical treatment may be attempted by using an enema to resolve the telescoping. However, this method is less reliable and is not frequently used.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis for intussusception in dogs depends heavily on how quickly the condition is diagnosed and treated. Early intervention typically leads to a good prognosis, especially when no severe complications occur.
However, if a significant portion of the intestine must be removed or if complications such as peritonitis occur, the prognosis may be worse. Intensive follow-up care is crucial to minimize the risk of recurrence or further complications.
Long-term complications are rare but possible. These include adhesions in the abdominal cavity or impaired bowel function. Regular monitoring and follow-up examinations are important to ensure the dog’s well-being.
Prevention
Prevention of intussusception is difficult since the exact cause is often unknown. Nevertheless, some measures can be taken to reduce the risk. Regular deworming can help prevent parasitic infections that can lead to abnormal intestinal movements.
A balanced, high-fiber diet can also help promote intestinal health and regulate peristalsis. It is important to avoid sudden dietary changes, as they can disrupt the intestine.
Regular veterinary examinations are crucial for detecting health problems early. If a dog shows symptoms such as Vomiting or Diarrhea, it should be presented to a veterinarian immediately to enable early diagnosis and treatment.
Outlook on current research
Intussusception in dogs is a serious medical problem in which part of the intestine slides into an adjacent section, similar to a telescope. This can lead to obstruction and impair blood supply to the affected intestinal segment. Current research focuses on improving diagnostic techniques to detect intussusception earlier and more precisely. Ultrasound and endoscopic methods are being further developed to provide veterinarians with more accurate and less invasive tools.
Another area of research focuses on optimizing surgical techniques for treating intussusception. Traditionally, surgical reduction is performed to untwist the intestine, but new minimally invasive techniques are being investigated to accelerate recovery and reduce postoperative complications. Laparoscopic procedures show promising results in clinical studies, as they require smaller incisions and shorten healing time.
Preventive measures are another area of research. It is being investigated which dietary and lifestyle factors can reduce the risk of intussusception. Some studies suggest that certain nutritional strategies that promote intestinal health could reduce the risk of intussusception. Furthermore, the genetic predisposition for this disease is being investigated to understand which dog breeds are more susceptible and why.
The role of the gut microbiota is also being intensively researched. Scientists are investigating how changes in the bacterial composition of the intestine can affect the likelihood of intussusception. Initial results suggest that balanced intestinal flora / gut microbiota could play a protective role by supporting the health of the intestinal mucosa and reducing Inflammatory conditions.
Future research also focuses on the development of new drugs that could help alleviate the symptoms of intussusception or even avoid the need for surgery. Medications that affect intestinal motility are being investigated to determine whether they can help return the intestine to its normal position without the need for surgical intervention.
Overall, intussusception in dogs remains an active research area, with the goal of improving both diagnosis and treatment and ultimately enhancing the well-being of affected animals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is intestinal invagination in dogs?
2. What symptoms does a dog with intestinal invagination show?
3. How is intestinal invagination diagnosed?
4. What causes intestinal invagination in dogs?
5. Can intestinal invagination resolve on its own?
6. How is intestinal invagination treated?
7. Which dogs are most at risk?
8. Are there preventive measures against intestinal invagination?
9. What is the prognosis for dogs with intestinal invagination?
10. Can humans also get intestinal invagination?
Literature
- Larose, P. C., Singh, A., Giuffrida, M. A., Hayes, G., Moyer, J. F., Grimes, J. A., Runge, J. J., Curcillo, C., Thomson, C. B., Mayhew, P. D., Bernstein, R., Dominic, C., Mankin, K. T., Regier, P., Case, J. B., Arai, S., Gatineau, M., Liptak, J. M., & Bruce, C. (2020). Clinical findings and outcomes of 153 dogs surgically treated for intestinal intussusceptions. Veterinary Surgery, 49(5), 870–878. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.13442
- Patsikas, M. N., Papazoglou, L. G., & Paraskevas, G. K. (2019). Current views in the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal intussusception. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 37, Article 100360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcam.2019.100360
- Kneissl, S. M., Frühwald, T., Hausberger, K., Scheidl, S., & Kramer, M. (2025). Comparison of pre- and intraoperative findings in 35 cats and 60 dogs undergoing laparotomy. Veterinary Sciences, 12(11), Article 1018. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12111018
- Thomsen, B. J., Myers, R. K., & Balsa, I. M. (2022). Colonic-colonic intussusception in a dog secondary to a gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 36(5), 1883–1888. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16513
- Neumann, G., McCullough, S., Stanton, R., & O’Hara, A. (2022). Noninvasive hydrostatic reduction of an ileocecocolic intussusception in a dog. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 63(12), 1258–1262.
- Rallis, T. S., Papazoglou, L. G., Adamama-Moraitou, K. K., & Prassinos, N. N. (2000). Acute enteritis or gastroenteritis in young dogs as a predisposing factor for intestinal intussusception: A retrospective study. Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series A, 47(8), 507–511. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0442.2000.00292.x
- Applewhite, A. A., Cornell, K. K., & Selcer, B. A. (2001). Complications of enteroplication for the prevention of intussusception recurrence in dogs: 35 cases (1989–1999). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 219(10), 1415–1418. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2001.219.1415
- Levitt, L., & Bauer, M. S. (1992). Intussusception in dogs and cats: A review of 36 cases. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 33(10), 660–664.
- Larose, P. C., Singh, A., Giuffrida, M. A., Hayes, G., Moyer, J. F., Grimes, J. A., Runge, J. J., Curcillo, C., Thomson, C. B., Mayhew, P. D., Bernstein, R., Dominic, C., Mankin, K. T., Regier, P., Case, J. B., Arai, S., Gatineau, M., Liptak, J. M., & Bruce, C. (2020). Clinical findings and outcomes of 153 dogs surgically treated for intestinal intussusceptions. Veterinary Surgery, 49(5), 870–878. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.13442
- Patsikas, M. N., Papazoglou, L. G., & Paraskevas, G. K. (2019). Current views in the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal intussusception. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 37, Article 100360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcam.2019.100360
- Kneissl, S. M., Frühwald, T., Hausberger, K., Scheidl, S., & Kramer, M. (2025). Comparison of pre- and intraoperative findings in 35 cats and 60 dogs undergoing laparotomy. Veterinary Sciences, 12(11), Article 1018. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12111018
- Thomsen, B. J., Myers, R. K., & Balsa, I. M. (2022). Colonic-colonic intussusception in a dog secondary to a gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 36(5), 1883–1888. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16513
- Neumann, G., McCullough, S., Stanton, R., & O’Hara, A. (2022). Noninvasive hydrostatic reduction of an ileocecocolic intussusception in a dog. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 63(12), 1258–1262.
- Rallis, T. S., Papazoglou, L. G., Adamama-Moraitou, K. K., & Prassinos, N. N. (2000). Acute enteritis or gastroenteritis in young dogs as a predisposing factor for intestinal intussusception: A retrospective study. Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series A, 47(8), 507–511. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0442.2000.00292.x
- Applewhite, A. A., Cornell, K. K., & Selcer, B. A. (2001). Complications of enteroplication for the prevention of intussusception recurrence in dogs: 35 cases (1989–1999). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 219(10), 1415–1418. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2001.219.1415
- Levitt, L., & Bauer, M. S. (1992). Intussusception in dogs and cats: A review of 36 cases. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 33(10), 660–664.