Enterolithiasis in Two Cats: Clinical, Radiographic, and Surgical Findings
Abstract
Enterolithiasis is a rare gastrointestinal disorder characterized by mechanical obstruction caused by enteroliths formed within the intestinal lumen. Dietary composition, environmental factors, and breed predisposition have been reported to contribute to enterolith formation, with these structures typically developing through mineral accumulation around foreign materials. Although enterolithiasis is relatively common in horses, it has been rarely reported in cats and dogs. Surgical intervention is considered the most effective treatment option in clinically symptomatic cases. In this case report, two cats presented to our faculty clinic with complaints of lethargy and weight loss were evaluated. Hematological examinations revealed anemia in both cases. Abdominal radiographs demonstrated multiple similarly sized radiopaque structures within the small intestinal lumen. Surgical exploration revealed jejunoileal dilatation and ileocecal stenosis. In one case, removal of the enteroliths alone was sufficient, whereas the other case required enterotomy followed by segmental intestinal resection and anastomosis. These cases indicate that enterolithiasis should be considered among the differential diagnoses in patients presenting with chronic gastrointestinal signs and multiple radiopaque intestinal structures. The aim of this case report was to describe the clinical, radiographic, and surgical findings of enterolithiasis in two cats and to contribute to the limited literature regarding this rare condition in small animal practice.
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Ethical Statement
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Veterinary Surgery
Journal Section
Case Report
Authors
Simge Bayraktar
0000-0002-4181-2334
Türkiye
Sıla Çınar
0000-0003-2447-1619
Türkiye
Lora Koenhemsi
0000-0002-4979-170X
Türkiye
Batuhan Neyse
0000-0001-6862-482X
Türkiye
Early Pub Date
June 13, 2026
Publication Date
June 15, 2026
Submission Date
March 11, 2026
Acceptance Date
June 12, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 19 Number: 2
