Torsion of the descending colon in a cow

An acute intestinal obstruction caused by a torsion of the descending colon with incarceration and strangulation of the apex of the cecum was diagnosed in a mature Holstein cow. The clinical signs manifested were acute anorexia, depression, signs of abdominal pain, and absence of feces. Rectal examination revealed a sharp decrease in luminal size of the descending colon and taut bands at that level. The final diagnosis was obtained by exploratory celiotomy. Although surgical correction was attempted, the cow died of acute fecal peritonitis 18 hours postoperatively.

Acute intestinal obstruction caused by torsion of the descending colon in the cow has not been reported in the literature.

     

Tissue Reaction to Suture Material in the Feline Linea Alba A Retrospective, Prospective, and Histologic Study

Swelling and inflammation along the incision line were observed after elective ovariohysterectomy in 22 of 66 cats in a retrospective study. In a prospective study of 99 feline abdominal incisions closed with surgical gut, polyglactin 910, or polydioxanone, with and without subcutaneous closure, the least inflammation occurred when the linea alba was sutured with polyglactin 910 and the subcutaneous tissues were not sutured. Histologically, reactions in the linea alba of 12 other cats progressed from purulent to fibromononuclear to fibrous within 14 days after closure with gut, polyglactin 910, and polydioxanone. Microscopic evidence of seroma formation in 9 of 12 animals in which the subcutaneous tissue was not sutured suggested that surgical closure of subcutaneous dead space was indicated. The inflammatory reaction did not appear to be related to any one suture material as reactions were seen with all of them.     

Effects of preoperative administration of meloxicam on whole blood platelet aggregation, buccal mucosal bleeding time, and haematological indices in dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative administration of meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for pain control, on primary haemostasis in dogs. Twenty healthy female dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy were enrolled in the study. Sixty minutes before pre-anaesthesia, a single dose of meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg) was randomly administered intravenously (IV) to 10 dogs (treatment group) while control dogs received an equivalent volume of saline solution IV. Platelet aggregation, buccal mucosa bleeding time, platelet count and haematological indices were measured at 0, 1, 6 and 24 h after administration of meloxicam. Since significant differences between groups were not observed for any of the measured parameters, preoperative administration of meloxicam may be used for pain control before elective ovariohysterectomy in healthy dogs, without compromising primary haemostasis.     

Effects of preoperative administration of ketoprofen on anesthetic requirements and signs of postoperative pain in dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of preoperative administration of ketoprofen on anesthetic requirements and signs of postoperative pain in dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled clinical trial. ANIMALS: 22 clinically normal client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: 60 minutes before induction of anesthesia, 11 dogs were given ketoprofen (2 mg/kg [0.9 mg/lb], i.m.), and the other 11 were given saline (0.9% NaCl) solution. Dogs were premedicated with glycopyrrolate, acepromazine, and butorphanol and anesthetized with thiopental; anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane. Ovariohysterectomy was performed by an experienced surgeon, and butorphanol was given 15 minutes before completion of the procedure. Objective behavioral scores and numerical pain scores at rest and with movement were recorded every 2 hours for 12 hours after surgery and then every 4 hours for an additional 12 hours. RESULTS: Preoperative administration of ketoprofen did not reduce the dose of thiopental required to induce anesthesia or the end-tidal concentration of isoflurane required to maintain anesthesia. Activity levels and median objective behavioral scores were significantly higher 4 and 6 hours after surgery in dogs given ketoprofen than in dogs given saline solution. However, mean numerical pain scores in dogs given ketoprofen were not significantly different from scores for dogs given saline solution at any time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that preoperative administration of ketoprofen does not reduce anesthetic requirements in dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy but may reduce signs of pain after surgery. Results also suggest that the objective behavioral score may be a more sensitive measure of acute postoperative pain than traditional numerical pain scores.     

Retrograde intussusception of the descending colon secondary to multiple colonic hamartomas in a neonatal foal

A neonatal Thoroughbred filly presented with a 3-h history of abdominal pain and distention that failed to respond to medical treatment. Diagnostic evaluation, including abdominal ultrasound, barium enema and proctoscopy, was suggestive of atresia coli. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a pedunculated mass in the wall of the diaphragmatic flexure of the ascending colon. The mass, subsequently diagnosed as a hamartoma, was attached to a smaller hamartoma by a fibrous pedicle originating from the descending colon. The descending colon had intussuscepted retrograde into the ascending colon along the fibrous band. The filly was euthanised due to poor prognosis.     

Comparison of two pre-surgical skin preparation techniques.

A one-step iodophor skin preparation solution was compared to chlorhexidine gluconate application as a pre-operative skin preparation method in 100 animals undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy. Pre-operative and intra-operative skin cultures demonstrated no difference in antiseptic efficacy. No animal in the study demonstrated signs of systemic infection, and no adverse local effects from either antiseptic were seen. The iodophor solution evaluated (DuraPrep) is a safe and effective pre-operative skin preparation agent in small animal patients undergoing clean surgical procedures.     

Behavioral alterations and severity of pain in cats recovering at home following elective ovariohysterectomy or castration

OBJECTIVE: To identify behavioral alterations in client-owned cats recovering at home following elective ovariohysterectomy or castration and determine owner perceptions regarding severity of postoperative pain. DESIGN: Cohort study. Animals-145 cats undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy (n = 80) or castration (65) at 4 veterinary clinics in Finland. PROCEDURES: Owners were asked to complete a questionnaire on their cats' behavior during the 3 days after surgery. Owners were also asked to indicate their perceptions of the severity of postoperative pain during these days by use of a 100-mm visual analog scale. RESULTS: Owners consistently indicated that there were changes in their cats' behavior, with the most commonly reported alterations being a decrease in overall activity level, an increase in the amount of time spent sleeping, a decrease in playfulness, and altered way of movement. Changes (ie, either an increase or decrease) in aggressive behavior were rare. Median pain score the day of surgery was 15.0 mm for male cats and 25.0 mm for female cats. Behavior score was significantly associated with day of observation, type of surgery (ovariohysterectomy vs castration), owner-assigned pain score, and veterinary clinic. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that behavioral alterations can be detected for several days after surgery in cats recovering at home following ovariohysterectomy or castration and emphasized owner concerns about the existence of postoperative pain.     

Clinical signs and treatment of chronic uterine torsion in two mares

Two mares were evaluated because of chronic uterine torsions of 2 and 4 weeks' duration; both were pyrectic, anemic, tachycardic, and anorectic, had signs of depression, and had an abnormal uterus and contents on transrectal examination. Both mares underwent cesarean section for lysis of adhesions from the uterus to the peritoneum, correction of the torsion, and ovariohysterectomy Both mares recovered with only minor complications and returned to be used as riding horses. Chronic uterine torsion should be considered in mares in late stages of gestation that have vague clinical signs and transrectal palpation findings that are unlike those described in typical cases of uterine torsion. Prognosis for life can be good after treatment by ventral midline celiotomy, cesarean section, correction of the torsion, and ovariohysterectomy.     

Subclinical intestinal duplication in a cat

An abdominal mass was identified upon palpation of the abdomen in a normal, asymptomatic, 1-year-old female domestic shorthair cat presented for elective ovariohysterectomy. Radiographic and ultrasound examinations demonstrated a well-circumscribed caudal abdominal mass. Ultrasound guided needle aspiration cytology was consistent with an accumulation of squamous epithelial cells. The mass was associated with the jejunum and was excised via resection anastomosis of the intestinal segment after ovariohysterectomy. Histologic examination provided the diagnosis of an intestinal duplication lined with epithelium typical of that in the esophagus. The cat recovered without complications.     

Longitudinal colonic torsion as a cause of tenesmus in an adult Irish Water Spaniel

CASE HISTORY: Torsion of the descending colon was diagnosed by barium enema radiography in an adult Irish Water Spaniel which had presented with tenesmus of 24 h duration. Treatment involved exploratory laparotomy, repositioning of the colon, colopexy and repair of a mesenteric rent. No definitive cause of the torsion could be established. The dog made an uneventful recovery from surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Animals presenting with constipation of undetermined cause should have large intestinal obstruction ruled out prior to administering bowel cleansing solutions per os and/or colonic enemas. Colonic obstruction by torsion should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in all cases of tenesmus.     

PREVALENCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF AN ULTRASONOGRAPHIC COLONIC MUSCULARIS HYPERECHOIC BAND PARALLELING THE SEROSAL LAYER IN DOGS

The muscularis layer of the canine colon has been reported to appear homogeneously hypoechoic on ultrasonography. A hyperechoic band in the muscularis layer paralleling the serosal surface has been observed by authors in routine canine abdominal ultrasound examinations. The purpose of this prospective and retrospective cross‐sectional study was to determine the prevalence of this lesion, characterize its ultrasonographic and postmortem histologic features, and correlate its presence with clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease. In the prospective study, all dogs that underwent routine abdominal ultrasonography by one of two observers during a 4‐week period were included without any exclusion criteria. One observer reviewed ultrasound images and recorded the presence or absence of this lesion and its distribution, e.g. focal (< 2 cm long) or diffuse (> 2 cm long). In the retrospective study, all dogs that had both abdominal ultrasonography and necropsy from January 2011 to December 2013 were included without any exclusion criteria. Histologic examinations were performed by two observers and Masson's trichrome stain was used to identify fibrous collagen. Prevalence for the hyperechoic band was 32% in the prospective and 4.8% in the retrospective sample populations, respectively. The hyperechoic band appeared as diffuse, focal, or a combination of both. Histologic sections were available for six dogs. In a few cases, the lesion corresponded to the presence of fibrous tissue in the myenteric plexus or in the tunica muscularis. None of the dogs had a history of diarrhea. Findings supported the hypothesis that a colonic muscularis hyperechoic band paralleling the serosal layer in dogs could be a normal variant rather than a marker of disease.     

Obstruction of the Ascending Colon in Cattle: I. Clinical Presentation and Surgical Management

Obstruction of the spiral loop of the ascending colon (spiral colon) due to adhesions causing extraluminal constriction was diagnosed in 8 cows during a 2-year period. The adhesions resulted from intraperitoneal injections in 7 cows and from previous intra-abdominal surgery in the 8th. Surgical correction was performed in 4 of the cows by uniting the bowel proximal and distal to the obstruction, thus creating an intestinal bypass. Approximately half of the large intestine was bypassed in this manner in 3 cows; all but a portion of the descending colon and rectum was bypassed in the 4th. Each of the cows survived surgery, although 1 died 30 days later, possibly as a result of a second obstruction caused by further adhesions. Appetite, general physical condition, and milk production returned after celiotomy and intestinal bypass. Feces were loose after operation but gradually firmed to near-normal consistency in 3 of the cows.     

Surgical Removal of a Descending (Small) Colon Foreign Body through a Secondary Paramedian Approach

Intestinal obstruction due to foreign body ingestion is one cause of colic in horses. Although it occurs more frequently in juveniles, adult horses also may be affected. The small colon is a common location in which foreign bodies can be found. Depending on the location of the obstruction in the small colon, different techniques to dislodge the foreign body toward areas where it can be safely exteriorized and removed can be attempted. Alternatively, different approaches to the abdomen can be performed to facilitate exteriorization of the obstructed segment and removal of the foreign body. This paper describes a case of large and small colon obstruction in an adult horse caused by two distinct foreign bodies. The large colon obstruction was removed through a pelvic flexure enterotomy using the ventral midline approach, and the small colon obstruction was removed through a small colon enterotomy using a paramedian approach. Information regarding signalment, history, clinical signs, surgical treatment, and follow-up status of the horse are described.     

Granulosa cell tumor in 8 African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)

A retrospective study involving eight African pygmy hedgehogs histopathologically diagnosed with granulosa cell tumors was conducted. The age at onset was 2.2–4.5 years, with a median age of 3.6 years. The most common clinical signs were hematuria and abdominal distension, which were observed in >50% cases. Exploratory laparotomy was performed in all cases, and ovariohysterectomy or excision of the abdominal mass was performed. Patients with only hematuria survived for >250 days after surgery, whereas those with initial ascites showed recurrence of ascites or tumor growth and survived for approximately 130 days after surgery. Intraperitoneal injection of carboplatin was performed in three recurrent cases. In one of these three cases, the tumor mass disappeared. Hence, carboplatin can be considered a potential antineoplastic drug for the treatment of granulosa cell tumors.     

ACQUIRED URETEROVAGINAL FISTULA SECONDARY TO OVARIOHYSTERECTOMY IN A DOG: DIAGNOSIS USING ULTRASOUND-GUIDED NEPHROPYELOCENTESIS AND ANTEGRADE URETEROGRAPHY

A one year old Jack Russel terrier became urinary incontinent one week after elective ovariohysterectomy. Intravenous urography and cystourethrography showed right hydronephrosis but failed to demonstrate the cause of incontinence. Nephropyelocentesis under ultrasound guidance produced exudate and subsequent antegrade ureterography demonstrated a ureterovaginal fistula. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed this diagnosis and indicated that the ureter had been included in a ligature around the vaginal stump. This is an uncommon complication of ovariohysterectomy.     

Left dorsal displacement of the large colon in the horse

Left dorsal displacement of the large colon is a condition unique to the horse that results in an obstruction of the colon and signs of colic. This condition may be successfully treated medically with analgesia, i.v. or oral fluids and feed restriction, exercise with or without administration of phenylephrine, or rolling under general anaesthesia with or without administration of phenylephrine, or a combination of these conservative options. Surgical correction via standing left flank laparotomy or, more commonly, ventral midline laparotomy under general anaesthesia, is required in cases where conservative therapy is unsuccessful. Recurrence rates range from 3.2% to 21%. Surgical attempts to prevent recurrence of this condition include large colon resection, colopexy, and ablation of the nephrosplenic space.     

Feline urological syndrome

CASE HISTORY: Torsion of the descending colon was diagnosed by barium enema radiography in an adult Irish Water Spaniel which had presented with tenesmus of 24 h duration. Treatment involved exploratory laparotomy, repositioning of the colon, colopexy and repair of a mesenteric rent. No definitive cause of the torsion could be established. The dog made an uneventful recovery from surgery.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Animals presenting with constipation of undetermined cause should have large intestinal obstruction ruled out prior to administering bowel cleansing solutions per os and/or colonic enemas. Colonic obstruction by torsion should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis in all cases of tenesmus.     

Postoperative Complications and Survival after Enterolith Removal from the Ascending or Descending Colon in Horses

Objective: To compare incidence of postoperative complications and survival of horses that had surgery for enterolithiasis of the ascending (AC) or descending (DC) colon. Study design: Case series Animals: Horses (n=236) that had celiotomy for AC (n=97) or DC (n=139) enterolithiasis. Methods: Medical records (1999–2005) were reviewed for signalment, presenting clinical signs, surgical findings, postoperative complications, and short‐term survival until discharge. Information on performance and survival ≥1 year was obtained by telephone or mailed questionnaire. Results: Number of postoperative complications did not differ between groups (P=.76). The most frequently identified short‐term complications for all horses were incisional problems, gastric ulceration, ileus, diarrhea, fever, and anorexia. Horses with DC enteroliths had a significantly higher incidence of anorexia (P=.04) and fever (P=.01). The most common complications after hospital discharge were incisional problems, laminitis, weight loss, and colic. Although more DC horses were euthanatized intraoperatively (P=.02), no differences were detected for horses that survived until discharge (P=.18) or ≥1 year after discharge (P=.47). Conclusions: Number or type of postsurgical complications or survival after surgery was not influenced by enterolith location and horses have a favorable prognosis for long‐term survival after enterolith removal, regardless of site of obstruction in the colon. Clinical Relevance: Incidence of postoperative complications and survival are not affected by the site of enterolith obstruction in the colon.     

Postoperative pain control in cats: clinical trials with medetomidine and butorphanol

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the analgesic effects of medetomidine (MED) and butorphanol (BTO) in cats after ovariohysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: A placebo-controlled, blinded monocenter clinical study. ANIMALS: Healthy adult female client-owned cats. METHODS: Sixty-four cats weighing 3.15 +/- 0.6 kg, presented to the University of Helsinki's Small Animal Teaching Hospital for routine elective ovariohysterectomy, received MED at 15 microg/kg (n = 18), BTO at 0.1 mg/kg (n = 23), or saline (PL) (n = 23) intramuscularly immediately after ovariohysterectomy. Level of pain perception, degree of restlessness, and extent of sedation were scored subjectively before and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after test-drug administration. RESULTS: BTO provided the best pain relief, followed by MED. Saline provided the least pain relief. Both MED and BTO effectively and identically prevented postoperative restlessness. MED and BTO produced an identical degree of sedation that was better than the PL. CONCLUSIONS: Both MED (at 15 microg/kg) and BTO (at 0.1 mg/kg) prevent postoperative pain in cats after ovariohysterectomy. Clinical Relevance-MED and BTO are useful for preventing postoperative pain in cats.