Internal hemipelvectomy for treatment of obstipation secondary to pelvic malunion in 3 cats.

Abstract

Pelvic fractures are a common injury in cats, and both surgical and conservative management approaches have been described. One of the major complications of pelvic fractures managed conservatively is narrowing of the pelvic canal. Severe pelvic canal narrowing can result in constipation and subsequent megacolon. The purpose of this case series is to describe the long-term outcome for 3 cats with obstipation treated with internal hemipelvectomy because of megacolon secondary to pelvic canal narrowing after conservative management. All cats had a good functional outcome of the affected limb. Two cats required ongoing medical management for recurrent constipation. Overall, internal hemipelvectomy offers good long-term limb function; however, its success in relieving clinical signs of constipation requires additional research.