Adhesive Bowel Obstruction

This study demonstrates the clinical and radiological presentation of intestinal adhesions and obstructions in a stranded narrow-ridged finless porpoise and discusses the possible cause of death. The main reason for the intestinal lesions was likely related to parasitic infection; however, further studies should be conducted to determine the relationship between parasitic infections and adhesive bowel obstruction. This is the first case study report of intestinal adhesions and obstructions in a narrow-ridged finless porpoise, and it provides a valuable reference for confirming a diagnosis of adhesive bowel obstruction using post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT). In this case report, we present a rare occurrence of a narrow-ridged finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sunameri), discovered on the coast of Jeju Island, Republic of Korea, that was afflicted with adhesive bowel obstruction (ABO), a life-threatening condition that has scarcely been reported in cetaceans. Diagnosis of ABO was confirmed via radiological and clinical assessments. Post-mortem computed tomography and necropsy revealed ABO between two loops of the jejunum at the L8 level. The mesenteric tissue covering the intestinal lesion was severely thickened with increased tension. Both bowel loops were fixed to the mesentery and acutely angulated, leading to asymmetrical thickening of the cross-sectional bowel walls. The intestinal lumen was stenosed because of pressure from the firm mesenteric band, and no fecal matter was observed in the lumen of the posterior bowel or rectum. Calcified nodules were detected, and histological analysis suggested parasitic or suspected post-parasitic infections. The primary cause of the intestinal lesions is presumed to be a reaction related to parasitic infection. However, further investigations would establish a definitive link between parasitic infections and ABO in this species. This case highlights the importance of studying rare medical conditions in wildlife, providing valuable insights into marine mammal health.