Use of barium enema for identification and classification of congenital anal atresia in a dog: case report

Main Article Content

Júlia Borrelli Aielo
Fernanda Barnabé Jurado
Marta Maria Circhia Pinto Luppi
Paula Cristina Guimarães
Carolina Akel Ferruccio
Isabel de Siqueira Rotenberg
Alice Bueno Tarelho
Isabella Leme Silva
Michele Andrade de Barros

Abstract

Congenital anomalies of the rectum and anus, although rare, have great clinical relevance, with anal atresia being the most common, especially in dogs. This malformation may occur in isolation or be associated with alterations of the gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts. Diagnosis is based on history, clinical signs, physical examination, and imaging tests, with the barium enema standing out as an effective method for the anatomical and functional evaluation of the colon and rectum. This report describes a case of type I anal atresia in a two-month-old Lhasa Apso dog, accompanied by two perianal fistulas. The diagnosis was confirmed by contrast radiography with barium enema, and the patient underwent surgical correction. Despite an initially satisfactory postoperative recovery, the animal developed complications due to canine distemper and eventually died. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and the use of barium enema in the characterization of anorectal anomalies.

Article Details

Section

MEDICINA VETERINÁRIA

Author Biographies

Júlia Borrelli Aielo, Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas

Veterinary resident at the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas (PUC-Campinas), Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Campinas, SP, Brazil.

Fernanda Barnabé Jurado, Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas

Veterinary resident at the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas (PUC-Campinas), Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Campinas, SP, Brazil.

Marta Maria Circhia Pinto Luppi, Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas

Professor (Ph.D.) at the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas (PUC-Campinas), Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Campinas, SP, Brazil.

Paula Cristina Guimarães, Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas

Professor at at the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas (PUC-Campinas), Department of Anesthesiology, Campinas,
SP, Brazil.

Carolina Akel Ferruccio, Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas

Veterinary resident at at the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas (PUC Campinas), Department of Anesthesiology, Campinas, SP, Brazil.

Isabel de Siqueira Rotenberg, Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas

Veterinary resident at at the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas (PUC-Campinas), Department of Anesthesiology, Campinas, SP, Brazil.

Alice Bueno Tarelho, Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas

Veterinary resident at at the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas (PUC-Campinas), Department of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Campinas, SP, Brazil.

Isabella Leme Silva, Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas

Veterinary resident at at the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas (PUC-Campinas), Department of Large Animal
Medical and Surgical Clinics, Campinas, SP, Brazil.

Michele Andrade de Barros, Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas

Professor (Ph.D.) at at the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas (PUC-Campinas), Department of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Campinas, SP, Brazil.

How to Cite

Use of barium enema for identification and classification of congenital anal atresia in a dog: case report. Revista de Educação Continuada em Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, [S. l.], v. 24, n. 00, 2026. DOI: 10.36440/recmvz.v24.38884. Disponível em: https://www.revistamvez-crmvsp.com.br/index.php/recmvz/article/view/38884. Acesso em: 3 jun. 2026.