Omental torsion in a captive polar bear (Ursus maritimus)

Mendez-Angulo, J. L., Funes, F. J., Trent, A. M., Willette, M., Woodhouse, K. and Renier, A. C. (2014) Omental torsion in a captive polar bear (Ursus maritimus). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 45(1), pp. 169-72. (PMID:24712179)

Abstract

This is the first case report of an omental torsion in a polar bear (Ursus maritimus). A captive, 23-yr-old, 250-kg, intact female polar bear presented to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center with a 2-day history of lethargy, depression, and vomiting. Abdominal ultrasound identified large amounts of hyperechoic free peritoneal fluid. Ultrasound-guided abdominocentesis was performed and yielded thick serosanguinous fluid compatible with a hemoabdomen. An exploratory laparotomy revealed a large amount of malodorous, serosanguineous fluid and multiple necrotic blood clots associated with a torsion of the greater omentum and rupture of a branch of the omental artery. A partial omentectomy was performed to remove the necrotic tissue and the abdomen was copiously lavaged. The polar bear recovered successfully and is reported to be clinically well 6 mo later. This condition should be considered as a differential in bears with clinical signs of intestinal obstruction and hemoabdomen.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Woodhouse, Dr Kerry
• Authors: Mendez-Angulo, J. L., Funes, F. J., Trent, A. M., Willette, M., Woodhouse, K., and Renier, A. C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
• Publisher: American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
• ISSN: 1042-7260
• ISSN (Online): 1937-2825