Gastrointestinal angiodysplasias diagnosed using video capsule endoscopy in 15 dogs

Abstract

Background: Angiodysplasia (AGD) is rarely diagnosed in dogs with gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and is reported in case reports in dogs.

Objective: Describe signalment, clinical and diagnostic features of dogs with gastrointestinal (GI) AGD diagnosed by video capsule endoscopy (VCE).

Animals: Dogs with overt or suspected GIB which underwent VCE.

Methods: Dogs for which a VCE was submitted for overt or suspected GIB from 2016 to 2021 were selected retrospectively. Medical records and full-length VCE recordings where AGDs were initially detected, were reviewed by 2 trained internists. AGD was considered definitive if 2 readers detected it. Signalment, clinical signs, blood work, medications, concurrent diseases, findings of previous conventional endoscopy, and surgical exploration (if applicable) of dogs with AGD were recorded.

Results: Definitive AGD was diagnosed in 15 of 291 (5%) dogs (12 males, 3 females). Twelve (80%) had overt GIB, 11 (73%) had hematochezia, and 6 (40%) had microcytic and hypochromic anemia. AGD was missed by conventional endoscopy in 9/9 dogs and exploratory surgery in 3/3 dogs. Thirteen capsules were administered by mouth (1 incomplete study), and 2 via endoscopy directly into the duodenum. AGD was visualized in the stomach of 3 dogs, in the small intestine of 4, and in the colon of 13 dogs.

Conclusion and clinical importance: Although rare, AGD should be considered in dogs with suspected GIB after a negative conventional endoscopy or surgical exporation. Video capsuel endoscopy appears to be a sensitive test to identify AGD within the GI tract.

Keywords: anemia; gastrointestinal bleeding; hematochezia; hemolytic anemia; melena; microcytosis; occult; overt.