Concentrations of 15F2t isoprostane in urine of dogs with intervertebral disk disease

OBJECTIVE: To measure 15F(2t) isoprostane concentrations in the urine of dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OHE) and dogs undergoing surgery because of intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) and to assess relationships between urinary concentrations of 15F(2t) isoprostanes and neurologic score in dogs with IVDD. ANIMALS: 11 dogs undergoing OHE and 32 dogs with IVDD undergoing hemilaminectomy. PROCEDURES: Paired urine samples were obtained at induction of anesthesia and approximately 1 hour after OHE (controls) and were collected from dogs with IVDD at induction of anesthesia (28 samples) and approximately 1 hour after hemilaminectomy (31 samples); 26 paired urine samples were obtained from dogs with IVDD. Urinary isoprostane concentrations were measured by use of a commercial ELISA, and results were adjusted on the basis of urinary creatinine concentrations. Differences in the mean isoprostane-to-creatinine ratio were analyzed. Neurologic score was determined in dogs with IVDD by use of the modified Frankel scoring system. RESULTS: Urinary isoprostane-to-creatinine ratios were significantly higher in dogs with IVDD than in control dogs before and after surgery. There was no significant difference between values before and after surgery for either group. There was a significant correlation of neurologic score and urinary isoprostane-to-creatinine ratio because dogs that had higher neurologic scores (ie, less severely affected) generally had higher isoprostane-to-creatinine ratios. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Urinary isoprostane-to-creatinine ratios were higher in dogs with IVDD before and after surgery. Analysis of these data suggests that dogs with IVDD are in a state of oxidative stress and that preemptive treatment with antioxidants warrants further investigation.     

Evaluation of catheter-associated urinary tract infections and multi-drug-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from the urine of dogs with indwelling urinary catheters

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs with indwelling urinary catheters in an intensive care unit (ICU) and the frequency of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli UTIs in those dogs. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: All dogs in the ICU with an indwelling urinary catheter from January 2003 through December 2003. PROCEDURES: Urine samples and rectal swab specimens were collected at admission and every 3 days until discharge from the hospital. Escherichia coli isolates from urine samples and rectal swab specimens and those from dogs that were temporally or spatially associated with dogs with MDR E coli UTIs underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was performed on MDR isolates from urine and rectal swab specimens. RESULTS: Urinary catheters were placed in 137 dogs. Twenty-six UTIs were diagnosed, 15 on the day of admission and 11 after 3 or more days of catheterization. Of 12 dogs with E coli UTIs, 6 were infected at admission and 6 acquired the infection in the ICU. Two MDR E coli UTIs were detected, 1 of which was acquired in the ICU. One MDR E coli urinary isolate had an electrophoresis pattern similar to that of rectal isolates from the same dog. Urinary E coli isolates were most frequently resistant to ampicillin and cephalothin. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ICU-acquired MDR E coli UTI likely originated from the dog's intestinal flora during hospitalization. Dogs that have been referred from a community practice may have MDR E coli UTIs at the time of admission.     

The use of retrievable electrodes for recording gastric myoelectric activity after spontaneous gastric dilatation volvulus in dogs.

Gastric myoelectric activity was measured in 10 dogs with spontaneous gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Myoelectric activity was recorded with temporary, retrievable wire electrodes placed on the serosal surface of the stomach after derotation and tube gastrostomy. Gastric myoelectric activity was recorded for 1 hour daily, beginning with the day of surgery (less than 24 hours), 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 hours after surgery. Recordings were also obtained for 1 hour daily after feeding, beginning 24 hours after surgery. Bradygastria was the predominate dysrhythmia immediately after surgery and at hour 24. The mean slow wave frequency was more than normal at hours 48 to 168 due to an increase in tachygastria and arrhythmias. The slow wave frequency significantly decreased after feeding at hours 120 and 144. The overall mean percentage of dysrhythmias was significantly decreased after feeding at hour 72 only. The mean percentage of spike activity ranged from 37.7 +/- 12.5 to 75.7 +/- 6.2 throughout the 8-day study period. Thus, gastric myoelectric activity was disrupted in these dogs with spontaneous GDV and subsequent tube gastrostomy. Feeding did not greatly diminish these dysrhythmias.     

Evaluation of a selective neurectomy model for low urethral pressure incontinence in female dogs

OBJECTIVE: To develop a model of low urethral pressure incontinence and compare the relative contributions of the pudendal and hypogastric nerves with urethral function by performing selective neurectomy and ovariohysterectomy in dogs. ANIMALS: 19 healthy Foxhounds. PROCEDURE: Dogs were allocated into 2 groups. The first group (10 dogs) underwent bilateral hypogastric neurectomy and ovariohysterectomy and subsequent bilateral pudendal neurectomy. The second group (9 dogs) underwent bilateral pudendal neurectomy and subsequent hypogastric neurectomy and ovariohysterectomy. Urethral pressure profilometry and leak point pressure (LPP) tests were performed before and after each neurectomy. RESULTS: Before surgery, mean +/- SD LPP and maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP) in all dogs were 169.3 +/- 24.9 cm H2O and 108.3 +/- 19.3 cm H2O, respectively; these values decreased to 92.3 +/- 27 cm H2O and 60.7 +/- 20.0 cm H2O, respectively, after both selective neurectomy surgeries. There was a progressive decline of LPP after each neurectomy; however, MUCP decreased only after pudendal neurectomy. Fifteen dogs had mild clinical signs of urinary incontinence. All dogs appeared to have normal bladder function as indicated by posturing to void and consciously voiding a full stream of urine. Urinary tract infection did not develop in any dog. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hypogastric and pudendal neurectomy and ovariohysterectomy caused a maximum decrease in LPP whereas pudendal neurectomy caused a maximum decrease in MUCP. IMPACT ON HUMAN MEDICINE: This model may be useful for evaluation of treatments for improving urinary control in postmenopausal women.     

Comparison of postoperative pain after ovariohysterectomy by harmonic scalpel-assisted laparoscopy compared with median celiotomy and ligation in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of postoperative pain after ovariohysterectomy by harmonic scalpel-assisted laparoscopy (HALO) and traditional ovariohysterectomy (OVH) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, blinded, prospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Sixteen, purpose-bred, intact female, Beagle dogs. METHODS: Dogs were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (8 dogs), which had OVH by HALO, and Group 2 (8 dogs), which had traditional OVH. Physiologic data, abdominal nociceptive threshold scores, and University of Melbourne pain scores (UMPS) were recorded at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery. Blood samples for measurement of plasma cortisol, glucose, and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) concentrations were collected at the time of the incision, and 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery. RESULTS: No significant surgical complications occurred. The HALO mean surgical time was significantly longer (55.7 minutes) than traditional OVH (31.7 minutes). No significant differences were observed between groups for the pain measures of heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, CPK, and glucose concentrations. The OVH group had significantly higher mean plasma cortisol levels at hour 2 after surgery than the HALO group (P=.0001). The mean UMPS were significantly higher in OVH than the HALO group at all postoperative times (P=.0001). The mean nociceptive threshold measurements revealed significantly higher tolerated palpation pressures in HALO than OVH at all postoperative times, except hour 72 (P=.0002). CONCLUSIONS: Dogs appeared to be in less pain with HALO than OVH. The harmonic scalpel coagulated ovarian and uterine vessels completely with minimal collateral damage to surrounding tissues. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: HALO is a safe alternative to OVH and offers a minimally invasive and less painful method of surgery.     

Urinary Catecholamine and Metanephrine to Creatinine Ratios in Dogs with Hyperadrenocorticism or Pheochromocytoma,and in Healthy Dogs

Background: Urinary catecholamines and metanephrines are used for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma (PHEO) in dogs. Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) is an important differential diagnosis for PHEO. Objectives: To measure urinary catecholamines and metanephrines in dogs with HAC. Animals: Fourteen dogs with HAC, 7 dogs with PHEO, and 10 healthy dogs. Methods: Prospective clinical trial. Urine was collected during initial work‐up in the hospital; in dogs with HAC an additional sample was taken at home 1 week after discharge. Parameters were measured using high‐pressure liquid chromatography and expressed as ratios to urinary creatinine concentration. Results: Dogs with HAC had significantly higher urinary epinephrine, norepinephrine and normetanephrine to creatinine ratios than healthy dogs. Urinary epinephrine, norepinephrine, and metanephrine to creatinine ratios did not differ between dogs with HAC and dogs with PHEO, whereas the urinary normetanephrine to creatinine ratio was significantly higher (P= .011) in dogs with PHEO (414, 157.0–925.0, median, range versus (117.5, 53.0–323.0). Using a cut‐off ratio of 4 times the highest normetanephrine to creatinine ratio measured in controls, there was no overlap between dogs with HAC and dogs with PHEO. The variables determined in urine samples collected at home did not differ from those collected in the hospital. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Dogs with HAC might have increased concentrations of urinary catecholamines and normetanephrine. A high concentration of urinary normetanephrine (4 times normal), is highly suggestive of PHEO.     

Intra- and Interindividual Variation in Urine Osmolality and Urine Specific Gravity in Healthy Pet Dogs of Various Ages

Urine specific gravity (Usg) and urine osmolality (Uosm) are used routinely to assess renal concentrating ability, but limited data on these variables are available for healthy dogs. Consequently, we studied the intra- and interindividual variations in Usg and Uosm in healthy dogs as well as the influence of age and gender on these variables. Dogs were selected for health and anestrus in female dogs through the use of a detailed questionnaire. Eighty-nine owners collected morning and evening urine samples from their dogs on 2 consecutive days. In 8 dogs in which the Uosm of different samples varied more than 50%, owners collected urine for 24 hours at 2-hour intervals during the day and at 4-hour intervals at night. The possible effect of changes in adrenocortical function with age was assessed by measurements of urinary corticoid/creatinine (C/C) ratios. Among all samples, Uosm ranged from 161 to 2,830 mOsm/kg and Usg from 1.006 to > 1.050. In the morning, Uosm (1,541 ± 527 mOsm/kg, range 273–2,620 mOsm/kg) and Usg (1.035 ± 0.010, range 1.009- > 1.050) were higher than in the evening (Uosm 1,400 ± 586 mOsm/kg, range 161–2,830 mOsm/kg; Usg 1.031 ± 0.012, range 1.006- > 1.050). The interindividual coefficient of variation in Uosm was 34.2% for morning urine samples and 41.9% for evening samples. In 8 dogs with large differences in urine concentration, there were 2– to 3-fold increases or decreases in Uosm during the day, and the intraindividual coefficient of variation was 33.0%. There was no relation between gender and urine concentration. Urine concentration in both the morning and evening samples decreased with age. Urinary corticoid/creatinine ratios did not change with age. It can be concluded that Uosm and Usg vary widely among healthy dogs. Urine concentration is generally lower in the evening than in the morning and is not related to gender. Urine concentration decreases with age, and this cannot be ascribed to an associated increase in endogenous corticoids. In some dogs, Uosm varies widely during the day, with an intraindividual coefficient of variation approaching the interindividual coefficient of variation. This may be regarded as a biologic variation but also could represent an early undi-agnosed clinical abnormality.     

The Effects of Illness on Urinary Catecholamines and their Metabolites in Dogs

Background: Urinary catecholamines and metanephrines have been proposed as a diagnostic tool for identifying canine pheochromocytomas, but the effects of critical illness on urine concentrations of catecholamines and metanephrines currently are unknown. Objectives: To examine the effects of illness on urine concentrations of catecholamines and metanephrines in dogs. Animals: Twenty‐five critically ill dogs and 25 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched control dogs. Methods: Prospective observational study. Urine was collected from healthy and critically ill dogs, and urine concentrations of epinephrine, norepinephrine, metanephrine, and normetanephrine were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Urinary catecholamine and metanephrine : creatinine ratios were calculated and compared between groups. Results: Urinary epinephrine, norepinephrine, metanephrine, and normetanephrine : creatinine ratios were higher in critically ill dogs when compared with a healthy control population (P= .0009, P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Illness has a significant impact on urinary catecholamines and their metabolites in dogs. Further investigation of catecholamine and metanephrine concentrations in dogs with pheochromocytomas is warranted to fully evaluate this test as a diagnostic tool; however, the findings of this study suggest that the results may be difficult to interpret in dogs with concurrent illness.     

Risk factors associated with short-term outcome and development of perioperative complications in dogs undergoing surgery because of gastric dilatation-volvulus: 166 cases (1992-2003)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate risk factors associated with death and development of perioperative complications in dogs undergoing surgery for treatment of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 166 dogs. PROCEDURES: Records of dogs with confirmed GDV that underwent surgery were reviewed. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with development of complications (ie, hypotension, arrhythmias, gastric necrosis necessitating gastrectomy, disseminated intravascular coagulation, peritonitis, sepsis, postoperative dilatation, postoperative vomiting, and incisional problems) and with short-term outcome (ie, died vs survived to the time of suture removal). RESULTS: Short-term mortality rate was 16.2% (27/166). Risk factors significantly associated with death prior to suture removal were clinical signs for > 6 hours prior to examination, combined splenectomy and partial gastrectomy, hypotension at any time during hospitalization, peritonitis, sepsis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Partial gastrectomy was not a significant risk factor for death but was for peritonitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, sepsis, and arrhythmias. Age, gastrectomy, and disseminated intravascular coagulation were risk factors for development of hypotension. Use of a synthetic colloid or hypertonic saline solution was associated with a significantly decreased risk of hypotension. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that the prognosis for dogs undergoing surgery because of GDV is good but that certain factors are associated with an increased risk that dogs will develop perioperative complications or die.     

Prospective evaluation of laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy in dogs susceptible to gastric dilatation

OBJECTIVE: To determine long-term outcome associated with laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy in prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) in susceptible dogs and to evaluate use of laparoscopy to correct GDV. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 25 client-owned large-breed dogs. PROCEDURE: 23 dogs susceptible to GDV were referred as candidates for elective gastropexy. These dogs had a history of treatment for gastric dilatation, clinical signs of gastric dilatation, or family members with gastric dilatation. Laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy was performed. One year after surgery, abdominal ultrasonography was performed to evaluate the attachment of the stomach to the abdominal wall. Two dogs with GDV were also treated with laparoscopic-assisted derotation of the stomach and gastropexy. RESULTS: None of the dogs developed GDV during the year after gastropexy, and all 20 dogs examined ultrasonographically had an intact attachment. Another dog was euthanatized at 11.5 months for unrelated problems. Two dogs with GDV successfully underwent laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy after the stomach was repositioned. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy resulted in a persisting attachment between the stomach and abdominal wall, an absence of GDV development, and few complications. Dogs with a high probability for development of GDV should be considered candidates for minimally invasive gastropexy. Carefully selected dogs with GDV can be treated laparoscopically.     

Combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy in dogs susceptible to gastric dilatation-volvulus

This prospective study describes a simple method of combining laparoscopic ovariectomy and laparoscopic-assisted prophylactic gastropexy and determines the duration of surgery, complications, and long-term outcome including prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Laparoscopic ovariectomy and laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy were performed on 26 sexually intact female dogs susceptible to GDV. The mean surgery time was 60.8 ± 12.4 min. No GDV episode was seen during the study period (mean follow-up: 5.2 ± 1.4 y). All dogs had an intact gastropexy attachment assessed by ultrasonography at 1 y. Post-operative complications were minor and owners were satisfied with the procedure. Combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and laparoscopic- assisted gastropexy appears to be a successful and low morbidity alternative procedure to both ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy and gastropexy via open ventral-midline laparotomy.     

Proteomic analysis of urine from male dogs during early stages of tubulointerstitial injury in a canine model of progressive glomerular disease

Background: Sensitive and specific noninvasive biomarkers for tubulointerstitial injury are lacking, and proteomic techniques provide a powerful tool for biomarker discovery. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify novel urinary biomarkers of early tubulointerstitial injury in canine progressive renal disease using both 2‐dimensional differential in‐gel electrophoresis (2‐D DIGE), which identifies individual proteins, and surface‐enhanced laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (SELDI‐TOF), which generates protein peak profiles. Methods: Urine was collected from 6 male dogs with X‐linked hereditary nephropathy (XLHN) at 2 time points (TP): 1) the onset of overt proteinuria (urine protein:creatinine ratio>2) and 2) the onset of azotemia (creatinine ≥1.2 mg/dL); corresponding renal biopsies were analyzed from 3 of the dogs. Urine samples from the 6 dogs were subjected to analysis by 2‐D DIGE and SELDI‐TOF. Urinary retinol‐binding protein (RBP) was evaluated in 25 male dogs with XLHN and normal control dogs by Western blot analysis. Results: Clinical data and histologic evaluation revealed reduced renal function and increased tubulointerstitial fibrosis at TP 2. A number of urine proteins and protein peaks were differentially present at the 2 time points, with several known biomarkers of renal disease identified in addition to several promising new biomarkers. RBP was first detected in urine approximately 2 months before onset of azotemia (TP 2), but after onset of overt proteinuria, and amounts increased with progression of disease. Conclusions: Proteomic techniques were successfully used to identify urinary biomarkers of renal disease in dogs with XLHN. Urinary RBP is a promising biomarker for early detection of tubulointerstitial damage and progression to end‐stage renal disease.     

Occurrence and recurrence of gastric dilatation with or without volvulus after incisional gastropexy

This study investigated recurrence of gastric dilatation without (GD) or with volvulus (GDV) after incisional gastropexy (IG) in dogs that underwent IG for prevention of GDV. Signalment, concurrent surgical procedures, presence of GD or GDV at the time of IG were obtained from medical records of dogs that underwent IG. Owners were contacted to determine whether the dogs experienced GD or GDV after IG, dates of postoperative GD or GDV episodes, survival status, date of death for deceased dogs. Gastric dilatation and GDV recurrence rates were calculated for 40 dogs that had at least 2 y follow-up from the time when IG was performed and for dogs that experienced GD or GDV during the follow-up period. No dogs experienced GDV after IG and 2 dogs (5.0%) experienced GD after IG. The results suggest that GD and GDV rates after IG may be comparable to recurrence rates after other methods of gastropexy.     

Evaluation of kidney injury in dogs with pyometra based on proteinuria, renal histomorphology, and urinary biomarkers

Background: Proteinuria is a feature of pyometra‐associated renal dysfunction, but its prevalence and clinical relevance are not well characterized. Objectives: To define which subset of dogs with pyometra has clinically relevant kidney injury by quantification of proteinuria; light, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopic examination of kidney biopsy specimens; and measurement of urinary biomarkers. Animals: Forty‐seven dogs with pyometra. Ten clinically healthy intact bitches of comparable age. Methods: Prospective study. Routine clinicopathological variables including urinary protein to creatinine ratio (UPC) were analyzed. Validated assays were used to quantify urinary biomarkers for glomerular (urinary albumin, urinary immunoglobulin G, urinary C‐reactive protein, urinary thromboxane B₂) and tubular function (urinary retinol‐binding protein, urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐d ‐glucosaminidase). Kidney biopsy specimens from 10 dogs with pyometra and dipstick urine protein concentrations of 2+ or 3+ were collected during ovariohysterectomy. Urinalysis was repeated within 3 weeks after surgery in 9 of the 10 dogs. Results: UPC (median, range) was significantly higher in dogs with pyometra (0.48, 0.05–8.69) compared with healthy bitches (0.08, 0.02–0.16) (P < .01). Twenty‐two of 47 dogs with pyometra had UPC>0.5, 12 had UPC>1.0, and 7 had UPC>2.0. Glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial nephritis were common kidney biopsy findings in proteinuric dogs with pyometra. Dogs with glomerulosclerosis (5/10), either global or focal and segmental, had UPC>1.0 at ovariohysterectomy and afterward. Dogs with structural glomerular and tubular changes mostly had urinary biomarker to creatinine ratios above the 75th percentile. Conclusion: Dogs with pyometra and UPC>1.0 or high ratios of urinary biomarkers appear likely to have clinically relevant renal histologic lesions and require monitoring after ovariohysterectomy. Future studies should evaluate the role of pyometra‐associated pathogenic mechanisms in causing or exacerbating focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis in dogs.     

Gastric emptying of nondigestible radiopaque markers after circumcostal gastropexy in clinically normal dogs and dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus.

Using radiopaque particles mixed with food, gastric emptying was assessed in healthy dogs not subjected to surgery, in healthy dogs 9 to 35 days after circumcostal gastropexy, and, in dogs 1 to 54 months after surgical treatment and recovery from gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Circumcostal gastropexy surgery did not alter the 90% gastric emptying time for radiopaque particles in healthy dogs. However, 90% gastric emptying time was significantly (P less than 0.05) increased after circumcostal gastropexy in dogs with GDV, compared with healthy dogs after the same surgical procedure and recovery period. These results imply that dogs with GDV have delayed gastric emptying of solid particles. Whether delayed gastric emptying of markers detected in affected dogs after surgical treatment and recovery was the result or the cause of GDV was not determined. Results indicate that circumcostal gastropexy could be recommended as a prophylactic procedure for GDV in large breeds with deep thorax, because delayed gastric emptying of markers secondary to the surgical procedure is unlikely.     

Measurement of aldosterone in feline, canine and human urine

BACKGROUND: Systemic hypertension is an important problem in older cats associated with kidney disease and hypokalaemia, suggesting that excessive activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system might contribute to the hypertensive state. Fluctuations in plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone concentrations complicate the interpretation of these assays. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether measurement of urinary aldosterone excretion in cats aided the investigation of hypertension. METHODS: Urine concentrations of free (ethyl acetate extract) and 18-glucuronidated aldosterone (acid hydrolysis before extraction) were measured by radioimmunoassay in normal, normotensive and hypertensive azotaemic cats (n=11 per group). Urine samples from 11 healthy human volunteers and eight normal dogs were also analysed for comparison. Urinary aldosterone concentration was corrected for the urinary creatinine concentration. RESULTS: Cats excreted 7.3 times less free aldosterone than human beings, and no free aldosterone was detected in dog urine. Acid hydrolysis led to large increases in aldosterone recovery from both human beings and dog but not feline urine. No significant effect of hypertension or azotaemia on feline urinary aldosterone concentration was found. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Measurement of aldosterone in feline urine using the available methodology has limited or no utility in investigating feline hypertension.     

Gastropexy with an automatic stapling instrument for the treatment of gastric dilatation and volvulus in 20 dogs

Surgical stapling equipment was used to create a gastropexy in 20 dogs undergoing emergency surgery for gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). The technique involved creation of a tunnel between the seromuscular layer and the submucosa of the pyloric antrum, and a matching tunnel beneath the right m. transversus abdominis. The arms of a gastrointestinal anastomosis stapling device were introduced into the tunnels, and the device was fired to create the gastropexy. One dog died of systemic sequelae of GDV during the early postoperative period. None of the remaining 19 dogs developed a recurrence of GDV during follow-up periods ranging from 5 to 43 months. In 11 dogs, the integrity of the gastropexy was evaluated by abdominal ultrasonography and either negative contrast gastrography or double contrast gastrography; in these dogs, the radiographic and/or the ultrasonographic findings were suggestive of an intact gastropexy. There were no complications involving the gastropexy staple line. The results of this study indicate that an effective and consistent permanent gastropexy can be created, using surgical stapling equipment.     

Evaluation of a bladder tumor antigen test as a screening test for transitional cell carcinoma of the lower urinary tract in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the veterinary version of the bladder tumor antigen (V-BTA) test as a screening test for transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the lower urinary tract of dogs. ANIMALS: 229 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: Urine samples from dogs were shipped overnight to a single laboratory to facilitate testing within 48 hours of collection by use of the V-BTA rapid latex agglutination urine dipstick test. Groups of dogs included the following: 1) dogs with TCC of the lower urinary tract, 2) healthy control dogs, 3) unhealthy control dogs with non-TCC urinary tract disease, and 4) unhealthy control dogs without urinary tract disease. Test sensitivity and specificity were calculated by use of standard methods. Logistic models were developed to assess the effect of disease status, test conditions, urine composition, and signalment on the performance of the V-BTA test. RESULTS: A total of 229 urine samples were analyzed, including 48 from dogs with suspected (n = 3) or confirmed (45) TCC. Test sensitivities were 88, 87, and 85% for all dogs with (suspected and confirmed) TCC, dogs with confirmed TCC at any site, and dogs with confirmed TCC of the urinary bladder, respectively. Test specificities were 84, 41, and 86% for healthy control dogs, unhealthy control dogs with non-TCC urinary tract disease, and unhealthy control dogs without urinary tract disease, respectively. The test performed slightly better on centrifuged urine samples than on uncentrifuged urine samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results indicate that the V-BTA test is useful in screening for urinary tract TCC in dogs.     

Duration, complications, stress, and pain of open ovariohysterectomy versus a simple method of laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To describe a simple method of laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy (LAOHE) and compare duration of surgery, complications, measures of surgical stress, and postoperative pain with open ovariohysterectomy (OHE) in dogs. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: 20 healthy sexually intact female dogs weighing >10 kg (22 lb). PROCEDURES: Dogs were randomly allocated to receive conventional OHE or LAOHE. Intraoperative complications, anesthetic complications, total anesthesia time, and total surgery time were recorded. Serum cortisol and glucose concentrations, temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate were measured preoperatively and 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively. Pain scores were assigned by a nonblinded observer at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively. Duration of surgery, pain scores, objective measures of surgical stress, anesthetic complications, and surgical complications were compared between OHE and LAOHE. RESULTS: Age, weight, PCV, and duration of surgery did not differ between treatment groups. Nine of 10 dogs in the OHE group required additional pain medication on the basis of pain scores, whereas none of the dogs in the LAOHE group did. Blood glucose concentrations were significantly increased from preoperative concentrations in the OHE group at 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours postoperatively and at 1 hour postoperatively in the LAOHE group. Cortisol concentrations were significantly increased at 1 and 2 hours postoperatively in the OHE group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: LAOHE caused less pain and surgical stress than OHE and may be more appropriate for an outpatient setting.     

Effects of general anesthesia and surgery on renal function in healthy dogs

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate renal function in healthy dogs undergoing general anesthesia and ovariohysterectomy without concurrent IV administration of fluids. ANIMALS: 35 healthy client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs were medicated with promazine hydrochloride (0.05 mg/kg of body weight, SC) approximately 45 minutes before induction of anesthesia with thiopental sodium (10 to 15 mg/kg, IV). Anesthesia was maintained with 2% halothane in oxygen. Ovariohysterectomies were performed by senior veterinary students under the direct supervision of a veterinary surgeon. Renal function was assessed (serum urea and creatinine concentrations, fractional clearance of sodium, urine alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and gamma-glutamyltransferase [GGT] activities, urine specific gravity, and enumeration of renal tubular epithelial cells in urine sediment) prior to and 24 and 48 hours after surgery. RESULTS: Duration of general anesthesia ranged from 80 to 310 minutes. Urine specific gravity and ALP activity and serum urea and creatinine concentrations did not change over time. Fractional clearance of sodium decreased 24 and 48 hours after surgery, whereas urine GGT activity and the ratio of urine GGT activity to urine creatinine concentration increased 24 hours after surgery, compared with presurgery values. Renal tubular epithelial cells increased in number in urine sediment from 11 of 35 (31.4%) dogs and 5 of 35 (14.3%) dogs 24 and 48 hours after surgery, respectively. However, this increase was not clinically relevant. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Intravenous administration of fluids to healthy dogs undergoing general anesthesia and elective surgery may not be necessary for maintenance of renal homeostasis.