Diagnosis and surgical correction of gastrointestinal obstruction secondary to an intestinal trichophytobezoar in a red-necked wallaby (Notamacropus rufogriseus)

Background: : Trichophytobezoars have been reported in a variety of mammalian taxa, including macropods, but successful antemortem diagnosis and surgical excision in macropods is rare. Case description: : An 11-month-old, castrated male, red-necked wallaby (Notamacropus rufogriseus) was presented for evaluation of a sudden onset of lethargy, anorexia, tremoring, and ataxia. The wallaby was hospitalized and started on supportive care. Baseline bloodwork showed wa low normal white blood cell count and a low normal potassium. Abdominal radiography and computed tomography were subsequently performed and demonstrated severe gastric dilatation secondary to gastric and small intestinal foreign bodies. Based on the diagnostic imaging findings, a laparotomy with gastrotomy and enterotomy was performed to successfully remove the gastric and small intestinal foreign bodies, which were trichophytobezoars. The wallaby recovered fully from the procedure.Conclusions and case relevance: : Abdominal radiography and computed tomography were strongly supportive of intestinal mechanical obstruction. Gastrotomy and enterotomy successfully relieved a small intestinal mechanical obstruction in a clinically ill macropod who, postoperatively, was apparently healthy for at least 14 months. Gas-trointestinal bezoars should be considered a differential diagnosis for macropods with nonspecific gastrointestinal signs.