Successful management of gastroesophageal intussusception in an adult puma (Puma concolor)

Abstract

A 7-year-old entire female puma (Puma concolor) presented with a history of regurgitation and diarrhoea of 2 weeks duration. Conventional medical management was initially attempted to alleviate the clinical signs, which were unsuccessful. Oesophagoscopy allowed for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal intussusception (GEI) through the observation of gastric mucosa in the lumen of the distal portion of the oesophagus. The intussusception was reduced using the endoscope, which did not result in resolution because the intussusception recurred within 24 hours. A ventral midline celiotomy was performed, followed by a left-sided belt loop gastropexy. No postoperative complications related to the surgery were observed. The puma resumed eating within 48 hours following the surgery, and no regurgitation recurred for a period of 24 months following surgery. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first report of GEI in a puma that was successfully resolved.