Pre-renal azotaemia in a pony with an oesophageal obstruction.

A case of pre-renal azotaemia is described in a 12 year old pony resulting from oesophageal obstruction of 8 days duration. Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, inorganic phosphate, sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate concentrations were monitored throughout the recovery period. After relief of the obstruction normal blood concentrations were quickly restored.     

Obstruction of the small intestine caused by a hairball in 2 young beef calves

Two beef calves, with a history of anorexia and absence of feces, were dehydrated and bloated on presentation. Intestinal obstruction was suspected based on clinical and laboratory findings. Hairballs obstructing the small intestine were removed surgically and the calves recovered. Intestinal obstruction due to hairballs has not been described before.     

Oesophageal obstruction by a hairball in a cat

Oesophageal obstruction caused by a hairball is described in a nine-year-old Persian cat. Diagnosis was based upon radiological and oesophagoscopic findings. The obstruction was managed conservatively by forceps delivery of part of the hair, repulsion of the remainder into the stomach, and oral laxative medication. The fur was clipped prophylactically. At follow up one month later, oesophageal function was normal.     

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.     

Functional urethral obstruction in 3 dogs: clinical and urethral pressure profile findings

Three dogs with dysuria and urine retention caused by excessive functional urethral resistance are described. All dogs had clinical histories and urologic signs that previously would have been classified as detrusor-urethral dyssynergia. Diagnosis of functional urinary obstruction was established by exclusion of anatomic urinary obstruction and confirmed by urethral pressure profilometry. In 2 cases, multiple pressure deflections recorded in the urethral pressure profile suggested spasm of urethral musculature, whereas in a 3rd dog, abnormally high pressures were recorded along a portion of the proximal urethra. Functional urinary obstruction was associated with prostatitis in 1 dog and with a history of urethral calculi in 1 dog, and no underlying disorder could be identified in the remaining dog. All 3 dogs improved with medical treatments that included alpha adrenergic antagonists. The etiology, diagnosis, and pharmacologic management of functional urinary obstruction are discussed.     

Fluoroscopic stent placement for the relief of malignant urethral obstruction in a cat

The clinical features and interventional therapy in the case of a female cat with urinary tract obstruction secondary to neoplasia are presented. This form of neoplasia in cats is rare and therapeutic intervention to relieve urinary tract obstruction caused by malignancy has been described only once. This is the first report of a self-expandable metallic stent placed in a feline urethra to relieve obstruction caused by malignancy and the first report of the use of a unique composite metallic stent (Platinol™) in a cat. In conclusion, the palliative stenting of the feline urethra may be a valid therapeutic intervention for malignancies. Further studies are required to determine the optimal size and type of stent that will provide the greatest benefit.     

Strangulation of the small intestine by an anomalous congenital band in a yearling

Strangulating obstruction of the small intestine by anomalous mesenteric bands is an uncommon cause of colic in horses. The most commonly reported bands are mesodiverticular bands that are embryological remnants of the vitelline arteries. Despite the congenital nature of the anomaly, a wide age range of horses can be affected. This report describes a case of small intestinal strangulating obstruction caused by an unusual, anomalous congenital band attached to the ileocaecal fold in a yearling colt. Information including case background, history, clinical, laboratory, surgical and pathological findings is described.     

Esophageal obstruction by antibiotic boluses in a thoroughbred filly: A case report

A case of equine midcervical esophageal obstruction by medicinal boluses is described. A discussion of the physical and endoscopic examination is included. Attempts at medical and manipulative therapy including massage, intraesophageal probing and endoscopically assisted efforts to snare the obstruction were nonrewarding. A standing midcervical esophagotomy was performed to facilitate the removal of the entrapped boluses. A positive contrast esophagram obtained five days after surgery indicated an absence of leakage of contrast media from the lumen of the esophagus. The filly was returned to athletic competition at seven days following surgery. No evidence of dysphagia or esophageal obstruction was reported six months following surgery. In this particular case, a standing midcervical esophagotomy afforded a successful alternative when manipulative and medical therapy proved inadequate.     

An unusual case of hydronephrosis in a bitch

Hydronephrosis may be due to acquired or congenital causes. In this article the clinical and pathological features of a ureteric mass causing unilateral hydronephrosis in a young bitch are described and the nature of the obstruction is discussed.     

HEMANGIOSARCOMA IN THE MAIN PULMONARY ARTERY OF A DOG

The clinical, radiological and necropsy findings in a five-year old dog with a hemangiosarcoma in the main pulmonary artery are described. Hemangiosarcoma in this location has not been previously described in the dog, the typical location in the heart being the right atrium and auricle. The tumor in this dog caused both a perfusion deficit to the right lung and obstruction of right ventricular outflow, which eventually caused right heart failure.     

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF NONANESTHETIZED CATS WITH UPPER AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION

Upper airway obstruction is a potentially life‐threatening problem in cats and for which a noninvasive, sensitive method rapid diagnosis is needed. The purposes of this prospective study were to describe a computed tomography (CT) technique for nonanesthetized cats with upper airway obstruction, CT characteristics of obstructive diseases, and comparisons between CT findings and findings from other diagnostic tests. Ten cats with clinical signs of upper airway obstruction were recruited for the study. Four cats with no clinical signs of upper airway obstruction were recruited as controls. All cats underwent computed tomography imaging without sedation or anesthesia, using a 16‐slice helical CT scanner and a previously described transparent positional device. Three‐dimensional (3D) internal volume rendering was performed on all CT image sets and 3D external volume rendering was also performed on cats with evidence of mass lesions. Confirmation of upper airway obstruction was based on visual laryngeal examination, endoscopy, fine‐needle aspirate, biopsy, or necropsy. Seven cats were diagnosed with intramural upper airway masses, two with laryngotracheitis, and one with laryngeal paralysis. The CT and 3D volume‐rendered images identified lesions consistent with upper airway disease in all cats. In cats with mass lesions, CT accurately identified the mass and location. Findings from this study supported the use of CT imaging as an effective technique for diagnosing upper airway obstruction in nonanesthetized cats.     

Urethrotomy and urethrostomy in the dog

An incision, or urethrotomy, is made into the urethral lumen to remove or relieve an obstruction temporarily. When permanent diversion of urine flow proximal to an obstructed, severely damaged, or diseased urethra is required, a urethrostomy is performed. Urethrostomy is also performed to diminish the risk of urethral obstruction due to recurrent urinary calculi that are not likely to be resolved with medical therapy. Whenever possible, to reduce the risk of urethral stricture or recurrent urinary tract infection, urethral surgery is avoided when an obstruction can be relieved by retrohydropropulsion or catheterization. Urethrotomy can be performed in the prescrotal or perineal regions depending on the level of the urethral obstruction. Although urethrostomy can be made in the perineal and antepubic positions, scrotal urethrostomy is the procedure of choice provided the lesion is distal to this area. Specific urethrotomy and urethrostomy procedures are described, including discussion about selection of the appropriate procedure for the urethral problem, patient stabilization considerations, general postoperative management, and risk of complications.     

Observations on urethral obstruction in male cats

The clinical management of urethral obstruction in male cats is described and discussed.
Résumé. Les soins cliniques de l'ohstruction urétrale dans les chats mâles sont décrits et discutés.
Zusammenfassung. Die klinische Behandlung der Harnrährenobstruktion bei Katern wird heschriehen und besprochen.     

Tracheo–oesophageal fistula as a complication of an oesophageal foreign body in the dog – a case report

A transthoracic oesophagotomy for the removal of an oesophageal foreign body from a 1^–year–old Yorkshire Terrier bitch is described. The surgical and anaesthetic management of this case was complicated by a tracheo–oesophageal fistula which had arisen as a sequel to oesophageal obstruction.     

Biliary tract surgery in the dog: a review

The indications for surgery on the biliary system in the dog are discussed with reference to the anatomy, specific disease syndromes and associated clinical signs. Surgical procedures are described for the treatment of biliary tract obstruction or rupture, and applicable cases reported in the literature are reviewed. The pathogenesis of bile peritonitis is also briefly discussed.     

The Pathology of Unilateral Pyometra in the Bitch

Abstract— —Twelve cases of Unilateral Pyometra are described with particular reference to the pathology of the genital tract.
As a result of this study, it was concluded that the disparity in size between the two uterine horns was due to interference with drainage from one horn. The causes of obstruction of the uterine lumen are discussed, in particular, torsion of the uterus and stenosis of the lumen which is of significance in all forms of pyometra.
One case that might be described as true Unilateral Pyometra was observed.     

Clinical Features and Prognostic Variables in 109 Horses with Esophageal Obstruction (1992–2009)

Background: Esophageal obstruction is common in horses and can result in life‐threatening complications. Previous studies have described clinical findings in horses with esophageal obstruction, but there are no reports that attempt to make correlations of clinical findings with outcome. Hypothesis: Specific clinical features of horses with esophageal obstruction are associated with increased likelihood of complications. Animals: One hundred and nine horses with esophageal obstruction. Methods: Retrospective cross‐sectional study. All clinical records of horses admitted between April 1992 and February 2009 for esophageal obstruction were reviewed. The association among 24 clinical, hematological, biochemical, therapeutic variables and the likelihood of complications was investigated by a univariable logistic regression model, followed by multivariable analysis. Results: Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that intact males (P= .02), age >15 years (P < .01), and a need for general anesthesia (P < .01) were associated with the development of complications after an episode of esophageal obstruction. Increased respiratory rate (>22 breaths/min) and moderate or severe tracheal contamination, although not associated with complications as a whole, significantly increased the risk of developing aspiration pneumonia (P≤ .01). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Signalment, clinical variables, and endoscopic findings were confirmed as important tools in assessing the severity of the esophageal lesion and pulmonary involvement. Knowledge of risk factors for the development of complications will aid in making informed decisions to optimize treatment and assist in the assessment of prognosis.     

Radiographic techniques and interpretation of the acute abdomen

Radiography is a familiar and available imaging modality for the evaluation of patients with acute abdominal distress. Potential causes for acute abdominal distress include the hepatobiliary system, spleen, urogenital tract, and gastrointestinal tract. Radiographic signs associated with specific conditions are described, including gastric-dilation volvulus, urinary bladder rupture, ureteral rupture, urethral rupture, pancreatitis, and small intestinal obstruction. Additionally, contrast procedures that can be beneficial in evaluating the patient with acute abdomen, including positive contrast cystography, urethrography, excretory urography, and peritoneography, are described.     

Intranasal epidermoid cyst causing upper airway obstruction in three brachycephalic dogs

This case report describes three brachycephalic dogs with intranasal epidermoid cysts that were causing additional upper airway obstruction. Although epidermoid cysts have been described in several locations in dogs, to the authors’ knowledge intranasal epidermoid cysts have not been previously reported. All dogs had mucopurulent to haemorrhagic nasal discharge. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head revealed the presence of unilateral or bilateral intranasal cystic lesions obstructing the nasal cavities partially or completely, with atrophy of the ipsilateral nasal turbinates. The cystic lesions were surgically excised in all dogs using a modified lateral alveolar mucosal approach to the affected nasal cavity. Aerobic, anaerobic and fungal culture of the cystic contents were negative and histology of the excised tissue was consistent with a benign intranasal epidermoid cyst in each dog. Upper airway obstruction was clinically improved in two dogs.