CPB 697 RESEARCH SEMINAR

DEPARTMENT OF COMPARATIVE PATHOBIOLOGY

Vimala Vemireddi, BVSc & AH, MS

Graduate Student in Anatomic Pathology

Department of Comparative Pathobiology

Purdue University

“Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction (CIPO) In A Dog”

Thursday, November 2, 2006

VPTH 112

3:30 p.m.

ABSTRACT:

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IPO) is characterized by defective intestinal propulsion and dilation without any obstructive lesions in the lumen. Sections of surgically resected intestines from a 7.5-year-old, spayed female Bichon Frise were evaluated. The dog had a 3-month history of vomiting, diarrhea followed by constipation, lethargy, anorexia, and weight loss. Gross examination of the intestinal biopsies revealed dilated loops of intestine with thin tunica muscularis and thickened serosa. Histological lesions were limited to the tunica musuclaris with sparing of the mucosa and submucosa. The lesions in the tunica muscularis are characterized by fibrosis, atrophy with or without smooth muscle degeneration, and mononuclear cell infiltration. Lesions were consistent with chronic IPO (CIPO). The underlying cause of this condition has not been definitively established although immune-mediated mechanisms are suspected in some cases. Immunosuppressive therapy may be beneficial, particularly in early stages of the disease. Full thickness intestinal biopsies are essential to make a diagnosis in suspected cases.