Outcome of and prognostic indicators for dogs and cats with pneumoperitoneum and no history of penetrating trauma: 54 cases (1988-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of and prognostic indicators for dogs and cats with pneumoperitoneum and no history of penetrating trauma. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 43 dogs and 11 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs and cats with radiographic evidence of pneumoperitoneum and no history of penetrating trauma were reviewed. Information collected included signalment, previous medical problems, initial complaint, duration of illness, physical examination findings, radiographic findings, laboratory abnormalities, abdominocentesis results, bacterial culture results, concurrent diseases, hospitalization time, and outcome. Abdominal radiographs were reviewed, and radiographic severity of pneumoperitoneum was classified. For those animals that underwent exploratory laparotomy, time from admission to surgery and results of histologic examination of biopsy specimens were recorded. RESULTS: 24 (44%) animals survived and were discharged from the hospital, but none of the variables examined was associated with whether animals survived. Rupture of the gastrointestinal tract was the cause of pneumoperitoneum in 40 animals. However, cause and location of gastrointestinal tract rupture was not associated with whether animals survived. Twenty-three of 40 (58%) animals that underwent exploratory laparotomy survived, compared with only 1 of 14 animals that did not undergo surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that pneumoperitoneum in dogs and cats without any history of penetrating trauma is most commonly associated with rupture of the gastrointestinal tract and requires immediate surgical intervention. Even when appropriate treatment is instituted, the shortterm prognosis is only fair.     

Underlying cause, pathophysiologic abnormalities, and response to treatment in cats with septic peritonitis: 51 cases (1990-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the underlying cause, pathophysiologic abnormalities, and response to treatment in cats with septic peritonitis and identify differences between cats that survived following treatment and cats that did not survive despite treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 51 cats with septic peritonitis. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for clinical findings; results of clinicopathologic testing, microbial culture, and radiography; diagnosis; treatment; and outcome. RESULTS: Signs of pain during palpation of the abdomen were reported for only 29 of 47 (62%) cats. Eight (16%) cats had relative bradycardia (heart rate < 140 beats/min). The most commonly isolated organisms included Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp, and Clostridium spp. The most common cause of peritonitis was gastrointestinal tract leakage (24 cats). No definitive source could be identified in 7 cats. Treatment, including exploratory surgery, was pursued in 23 cats, of which 16 (70%) survived and were discharged. There were no significant differences between survivors and nonsurvivors in regard to heart rate, age, rectal temperature, serum lactate concentration, WBC count, PCV, blood glucose concentration, or serum albumin concentration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that clinicopathologic abnormalities and outcome in cats with septic peritonitis are similar to those reported for dogs. However, certain features may be unique, including an absence of signs of pain during abdominal palpation, relative bradycardia, and apparent spontaneous peritonitis in some cats.     

Use of closed-suction drains to treat generalized peritonitis in dogs and cats: 40 cases (1997-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To determine outcome of dogs and cats with generalized peritonitis treated by means of closed-suction drainage. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 30 dogs and 10 cats with generalized peritonitis. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed, and information on signalment, clinicopathologic abnormalities, contamination source, results of microbial culture, surgical procedure performed, postoperative management, complications, and outcome was obtained. RESULTS: The gastrointestinal tract was the most common source of contamination. Abdominal fluid collected from 34 patients at the time of surgery was submitted for bacterial culture; results were positive for 28 (82%). The most commonly isolated organism was Escherichia coli. Postoperative complications included anemia (n = 21), hypoproteinemia (21), vomiting (9), edema (7), and diarrhea (5). Total solids concentration did not decrease during the first 48 hours after surgery, and all drains remained functional until removal. Twenty-eight patients survived to the time of discharge; 8 of the 12 animals that died did so within 18 hours after surgery. The only factor significantly different between patients that survived and patients that died was postoperative systolic blood pressure. Factors that were not significantly associated with outcome included detection of bacteria in the abdominal fluid, number of organisms cultured from the abdominal fluid, selection of antimicrobials for empiric treatment, and source of contamination. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that closed-suction drainage may be a useful method for treating generalized peritonitis in dogs and cats. No clinically important complications were associated with their use.     

SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOPERITONEUM SUBSEQUENT TO GASTRIC VOLVULUS IN TWO DOGS

In two dogs spontaneous pneumoperitoneum developed following gastric volvulus. The pneumoperitoneum resulted from splenic necrosis and Klebsiella pneumoniae peritonitis in one and from a gastric perforation near the gastroesophageal junction in the other. The first dog was successfully treated by splenectomy, abdominal lavage, and systemic antibiotic therapy; the other was treated by closure of the perforation, tube gastrostomy, abdominal lavage, and systemic antibiotic therapy. One dog was euthanized four weeks after surgery because of metastatic cancer, and the other was euthanized six weeks after surgery due to recurrence of abdominal distention and peritonitis.     

Evaluation of freshwater submersion in small animals: 28 cases (1996-2006)

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcome in dogs and cats evaluated after submersion in freshwater. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 25 dogs and 3 cats. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed for signalment; causes, location, and month of submersion; physical examination findings at admission; results of blood gas analysis; treatments administered; duration of hospitalization; and outcome, including evidence of organ failure or compromise. RESULTS: All submersions involved bodies of freshwater. Fourteen animals were submerged in man-made water sources, 13 were submerged in natural water sources, and the body of water was not recorded in 1 case. Twenty (71%) submersions occurred from May through September. Cause was identified in 16 animals and included extraordinary circumstances (n = 6), falling into water (5), breaking through ice (3), and intentional submersion (2). Twelve animals were found submerged in water with unclear surrounding circumstances. Treatment included administration of supplemental oxygen, antimicrobials, furosemide, corticosteroids, and aminophylline and assisted ventilation. Respiratory dysfunction was detected in 21 animals. Neurologic dysfunction was detected in 12 animals, hepatocellular compromise was detected in 6 animals, and cardiovascular dysfunction was detected in 4 animals. Three dogs had hematologic dysfunction, and 2 dogs had acute renal dysfunction. Eighteen (64%) animals survived to hospital discharge, but all of the cats died. In 9 of 10 nonsurvivors, respiratory tract failure was the cause of death or reason for euthanasia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that submersion is an uncommon reason for veterinary evaluation but is associated with a good prognosis in dogs in the absence of respiratory tract failure.     

Endoscopically Guided Balloon Dilatation of Benign Esophageal Strictures in 6 Cats and 7 Dogs

Benign esophageal strictures in 6 cats and 7 dogs were treated with endoscopically guided balloon dilatation. Six of 13 had a history of anesthesia within 3 weeks prior to the onset of signs; 8 animals had a single stricture, and 5 had multiple strictures, for a total of 19 strictures. Four of the 19 strictures were in the upper esophagus, 11 were in the middle esophagus, and 4 were in the lower esophagus. The luminal diameters ranged from 1 to 18 mm, with a mean of 5.1 mm. Twelve animals survived the immediate postprocedure period and had a total of 50 dilatation procedures performed; the mean number of procedures per animal was 4.2 (range, 2 to 8). Complications included mild bleeding and tearing (11 of 13), moderate bleeding (1 of 13), and esophageal perforation (1 of 13). The cat with the perforation was subsequently euthanized. Follow-up information was available on the 12 remaining animals; 9 were known to be alive 6 to 59 months (mean, 28.2 months) after dilatation. Two were euthanized, 1 for persistence of signs and the other for unrelated causes. One animal died of possible aspiration pneumonia. Three of 13 animals had complete and 9 had partial resolution of signs. Of the 9 animals with partial resolution, 7 were substantially better with dietary modification, 1 was moderately better, and 1 had minimal improvement. Eleven of 13 animals (85%) had a successful outcome with moderate to complete resolution of signs. Thus, it is concluded that endoscopically guided balloon dilatation is an effective and relatively safe treatment for benign esophageal strictures in dogs and cats.     

Idiopathic pneumoperitoneum in a dog.

A 13-year-old, neutered male standard poodle with tachypnea and abdominal distension was diagnosed with pneumoperitoneum. Pneumoperitoneum can be due to a perforated gastrointestinal tract, penetrating abdominal wounds, gas-producing bacterial peritonitis, or it can be iatrogenically introduced during surgery. Idiopathic pneumoperitoneum is a condition diagnosed in humans after exclusion of perforated gastrointestinal tract and other known causes of free intra-abdominal gas. This report suggests that dogs may suffer from a similar syndrome.     

Clinical findings and diagnostic value of post-traumatic thoracic radiographs in dogs and cats with blunt trauma

Objective: To characterize the clinical findings in dogs and cats that sustained blunt trauma and to compare clinical respiratory examination results with post‐traumatic thoracic radiography findings. Design: Retrospective clinical study. Setting: University small animal teaching hospital. Animals, interventions and measurements: Case records of 63 dogs and 96 cats presenting with a history of blunt trauma and thoracic radiographs between September 2001 and May 2003 were examined. Clinical signs of respiratory distress (respiratory rate (RR), pulmonary auscultation) and outcome were compared with radiographic signs of blunt trauma. Results: Forty‐nine percent of dogs and 63.5% of cats had radiographic signs attributed to thoracic trauma. Twenty‐two percent of dogs and 28% of cats had normal radiographs. Abnormal auscultation results were significantly associated with radiographic signs of thoracic trauma, radiography score and presence and degree of contusions. Seventy‐two percent of animals with no other injuries showed signs of thoracic trauma on chest radiographs. No correlation was found between the radiographic findings and outcome, whereas the trauma score at presentation was significantly associated with outcome and with signs of chest trauma but not with the radiography score. Conclusion: Thoracic trauma is encountered in many blunt trauma patients. The RR of animals with blunt trauma is not useful in predicting thoracic injury, whereas abnormal chest auscultation results are indicative of chest abnormalities. Thorough chest auscultation is, therefore, mandatory in all trauma animals and might help in the assessment of necessity of chest radiographs.     

Ischemic bandage injuries: a case series and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE:To determine the prognosis and distribution of ischemic injuries caused by inappropriate bandaging of the lower limb in dogs and cats. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. ANIMAL POPULATION: Eleven client-owned animals, including 9 dogs and 2 cats with a history of injuries consistent with incorrect application of a bandage. METHODS: Medical records for dogs and cats referred to the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital with limb wounds between 1995 and 1999 were reviewed for clinical history and referring veterinary surgeons' reports, indicating that the injury was directly related to the application of a bandage to the limb. RESULTS: The indications for bandage application included 2 postoperative cruciate ligament ruptures, 2 lacerations, 3 internal fixations, an onychectomy, a shoulder dislocation, a dog bite, and a tendon strain. None of the patients had other body systems involved or underlying or concurrent diseases. Five different types of bandage were described (support, Robert Jones, pressure, splint, and Velpeau), and no particular age or breed was overrepresented. Of the 11 animals, 5 required full-thickness skin grafts, 3 had to have digits amputated, and 2 required limb amputations. Nine animals survived, but only 4 became fully functional on the affected limb. CONCLUSIONS: Bandage-related injuries are potentially serious sequelae to a routine procedure. A guarded prognosis should be given when there is loss of deeper structures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A review of bandaging principles is presented. Method of application, choice of materials, and close monitoring of the bandage are important factors in preventing iatrogenic injury.     

A wound retraction device for laparoscopic-assisted intestinal surgery in dogs and cats

Objectives: To report experience with laparoscopic‐assisted intestinal resection and anastomosis for treatment of discrete intestinal masses using a novel wound retraction device. Study Design: Case series. Animals: Dogs (n=2) and cats (6). Methods: Dogs and cats with discrete intestinal masses identified by ultrasonography without evidence of intestinal perforation or peritonitis, were included. A 2 portal technique was used; 1 portal was enlarged for insertion of the wound retraction device through which the intestine was examined as thoroughly as possible. The diseased portion of the intestine was exteriorized through the wound retractor and resection and anastomosis of the intestinal mass performed. Results: Of the 8 animals, laparoscopic‐assisted intestinal resection and anastomosis through the wound retractor was performed in 2 dogs and 3 cats. In 3 cats, based on either location or extent of the lesion, 2 were converted to laparoscopic‐assisted intestinal biopsies and 1 to an open colocolostomy. No other intra‐ or perioperative complications were encountered and all animals survived to discharge. Conclusions: Laparoscopic‐assisted intestinal resection and anastomosis can be performed in select canine and feline patients with modestly sized, discrete intestinal masses.     

Surgical Treatment of Bile Peritonitis in 24 Dogs and 2 Cats: A Retrospective Study (1987–1994)

Objective — The purpose of this study was to determine the signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, outcome, and factors affecting outcome of dogs and cats surgically treated for bile peritonitis. Study Design — Retrospective study. Animals or Sample Population — Twenty-four dogs and two cats surgically treated for bile peritonitis. Methods — The medical records of dogs and cats surgically treated for biliary effusions at the Ohio State University and Michigan State University between 1987 and 1994 were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed to compare factors affecting outcome. Results — The cause of the biliary effusion was determined in 24 animals, and resulted from disruption of the biliary tract secondary to trauma (n = 13) or necrotizing cholecystitis (n = 11). Determination of the bilirubin concentration of the abdominal effusion was the only diagnostic test that was 100% effective in diagnosing bile leakage before surgical intervention. The bilirubin concentration of the effusion was consistently at least two times higher than the serum bilirubin concentration. Bacteriologic culture and sensitivity revealed that a septic, biliary effusion was usually associated with multiple types of gram-negative bacteria. The overall survival rate was 50% (13 of 26). The peripheral white blood cell count was significantly lower in survivors (mean 20,608/uL) compared with nonsurvivors (mean 35,712/uL). The immature neutrophil count was also significantly lower in survivors (mean 686/uL) than in nonsurvivors (4,852/uL). Only 27% (3 of 11) of the animals with a septic biliary effusion survived. In contrast, 100% (6 of 6) of the animals in which no bacteria were isolated from the abdominal effusion survived. Open abdominal drainage was not a successful treatment for 7 of 9 animals with septic biliary effusions. Survival was not significantly affected by the distribution of the peritonitis, cause of biliary effusion, or duration of clinical signs before surgical intervention. Conclusions — Patients with sterile biliary effusions have a much lower mortality rate than those with septic biliary effusions. The successful treatment of sterile biliary effusions does not require open abdominal drainage, and is not affected by the duration of the effusion. Clinical Relevance — This retrospective study provides information that may aid the surgeon in the diagnosis and treatment of bile peritonitis.     

Indications, management, and outcome of long-term positive-pressure ventilation in dogs and cats: 148 cases (1990-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To determine outcome of positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) for 24 hours or longer and identify factors associated with successful weaning from PPV and survival to hospital discharge in dogs and cats. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 124 dogs and 24 cats that received PPV for 24 hours or longer. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed for signalment, primary diagnosis, reason for initiating PPV, measures of oxygenation and ventilation before and during PPV, ventilator settings, complications, duration of PPV, and outcome. Animals were categorized into 1 of 3 groups on the basis of the reason for PPV. RESULTS: Group 1 patients received PPV for inadequate oxygenation (67 dogs and 6 cats), group 2 for inadequate ventilation (46 dogs and 16 cats), and group 3 for inadequate oxygenation and ventilation (11 dogs and 2 cats). Of the group 1 animals, 36% (26/73) were weaned from PPV and 22% (16/73) survived to hospital discharge. In group 2, 50% (31/62) were weaned from PPV and 39% (24/62) survived to hospital discharge. In group 3, 3 of 13 were weaned from PPV and 1 of 13 survived to hospital discharge. Likelihood of successful weaning and survival to hospital discharge were significantly higher for group 2 animals, and cats had a significantly lower likelihood of successful weaning from PPV, compared with dogs. Median duration of PPV was 48 hours (range, 24 to 356 hours) and was not associated with outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that long-term PPV is practical and successful in dogs and cats.     

Causes of cardiopulmonary arrest, resuscitation management, and functional outcome in dogs and cats surviving cardiopulmonary arrest

Objective: To describe the functional outcome of canine and feline survivors of cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) and the clinical characteristics surrounding their resuscitation. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Veterinary teaching hospital. Animals: Client‐owned dogs (15) and cats (3) with CPA. Interventions: None. Measurements and main results: Eighteen animals were identified to have survived to discharge following CPA. Cardiopulmonary arrest was associated with anesthesia with or without pre‐existing disease in 10 animals, cardiovascular collapse in 5 animals, and chronic disease with an imposed stress in 3 animals. All CPAs were witnessed in the hospital. The most common initial rhythm at CPA was asystole (72%). Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was achieved in less than 15 minutes from the onset of cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation (CPCR) in all animals. No animals had a recurrence of CPA after the initial CPA. Animals were of a wide range of ages (0.5–16 years) and breeds. Two animals were neurologically abnormal at discharge, one of which was normal at 2 months following CPA. Conclusions: A good functional recovery after CPCR was documented in the small number of CPA survivors presented in this study. This may be due to the reversible nature of their inciting cause of CPA, early detections of CPA (‘witnessed’), and/or the animal's underlying normal health status.     

Endoscopic-Assisted Intracranial Tumor Removal in Dogs and Cats: Long-Term Outcome of 39 Cases

Background: The benefits of endoscopic assistance to remove intracranial tumors in small animals are not described.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic-assisted intracranial tumor removal in dogs and cats.
Animals: Thirty-three dogs and 6 cats with intracranial tumors.
Methods: Retrospective study. CBC, serum chemistry profile, coagulation testing, blood typing, and systemic tumor staging, which included 3-view thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound examination, were performed to detect other significant underlying disease in preparation of the animal for surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging was used in 37/39 cases to image the brain tumor. Surgical approach was dictated by the location of the tumor. Histopathologic examination of the tumor tissue was performed in all cases. Animals were followed throughout their postoperative course for complications and survival times. Statistical analysis (Kaplan-Meier curves) was performed to obtain median survival times in dogs with meningiomas.
Results: Use of an endoscope resulted in visualization of residual tumor and potentially more complete removal of the brain tumors. There were no clinically important complications associated with the use of the endoscope. Median survival time was 2,104 days for dogs with forebrain meningiomas surgically removed with endoscopic assistance and 702 days for dogs with caudal brain meningiomas.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: These results demonstrate that the use of an endoscope to assist in brain tumor removal is apparently safe and might result in improved survival times.     

Retained surgical swabs in 13 dogs

To report the signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical findings and outcome in dogs and cats with retained swabs, medical records of dogs and cats that were referred to four referral centres were reviewed. Cases in which a retained surgical swab was identified during surgery at the referral hospital were selected for further study. The signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical findings and outcome in these cases were reviewed. Thirteen dogs with retained surgical swabs were included in the study. Bodyweight ranged from 9 to 45 kg. The initial surgery was a 'non-routine' abdominal procedure in seven dogs, ovariohysterectomy in five dogs and perineal hernia repair in one dog. Time from initial surgery to presentation at the referral centre ranged from four days to seven years. Treatment involved major surgery in eight of the 13 dogs. Outcome was excellent in 12 of 13 cases, one dog was euthanased.     

Retrospective evaluation of partial parenteral nutrition in dogs and cats

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the use of partial parenteral nutrition (PPN) in dogs and cats. The medical records of all dogs and cats receiving PPN between 1994 and 1999 were reviewed to determine signalment, reasons for use of PPN, duration of PPN administration, duration of hospitalization, complications, and mortality. Complications were classified as metabolic, mechanical, or septic. One hundred twenty-seven animals (80 dogs and 47 cats) were included in the study, accounting for 443 patient days of PPN. The most common underlying diseases were pancreatitis (n = 41), gastrointestinal disease (n = 33), and hepatic disease (n = 23). Median time of hospitalization before initiation of PPN was 2.8 days (range, 0.2-10.7 days). Median duration of PPN administration was 3.0 days (range, 0.3-8.8 days). Median duration of hospitalization was 7 days (range, 2-20 days). In the 127 animals receiving PPN, 72 complications occurred. These included metabolic (n = 43), mechanical (n = 25), and septic (n = 4) complications. The most common metabolic complication was hyperglycemia (n = 19), followed by lipemia (n = 17) and hyperbilirubinemia (n = 6). Most complications were mild and did not require discontinuation of PPN. Ninety-three (73.2%) of the 127 patients were discharged. All 4 animals with septic complications were discharged from the hospital. The presence, type, and number of complications did not impact the duration of hospitalization or outcome. However, animals that received supplemental enteral nutrition survived more often than those receiving PPN exclusively. Although PPN seems to be a relatively safe method of providing nutritional support, future studies are warranted to determine its efficacy.     

Spontaneous gastroduodenal perforation in 16 dogs and seven cats (1982-1999)

The records of 23 dogs and cats diagnosed with spontaneous gastroduodenal perforation (GDP) were retrospectively reviewed. Survival was 63% in dogs and 14% in cats. Rottweilers <5 years of age were overrepresented. Clinical evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding was common in dogs but not in cats. Shock was an uncommon presenting condition in dogs and was not closely linked to outcome. In fact, progression of an ulcerating lesion to GDP was not associated with marked changes in symptoms exhibited by many patients in this study. Most GDPs were associated with histopathological evidence of subacute or chronic peritoneal reaction at the time of diagnosis. This suggests that diagnostic methods employed lacked sensitivity in identifying early perforating lesions, and that dramatic signs of acute abdomen following gastroduodenal perforation may not be as common as was previously thought.     

Non-coagulopathic spontaneous hemothorax in dogs

Objective: To determine the history, clinicopathologic findings, underlying causes, and outcomes for dogs with non‐coagulopathic spontaneous hemothorax. Design: Retrospective case series. Setting: University referral hospital. Animals: Sixteen client‐owned dogs. Interventions: The medical records database was searched for dogs with hemothorax. Dogs with trauma, secondary coagulopathy, recent thoracic surgery, or pericardial intervention were excluded. For the remaining dogs, signalment, clinical signs, clinicopathologic findings, radiographic findings, histopathologic findings, interventions, and outcome were recorded. Measurements and main results: The most common presenting signs were tachypnea (n=9) and lethargy (n=5), typically of <1‐week duration. The most common cause of non‐coagulopathic spontaneous hemothorax in dogs was neoplasia, which was diagnosed in 14 patients (88%). Identified malignancies included hemangiosarcoma (n=1), malignant mesothelioma (n=1), metastatic ovarian carcinoma (n=1), osteosarcoma (n=2), and pulmonary carcinoma (n=2). An intrathoracic mass was visualized in 7 other dogs; however, histopathology was not obtained. Pancreatitis and lung lobe torsion were each diagnosed in 1 dog, and survival was prolonged with both surviving at least 1 year post discharge. Only 6 of 14 dogs that were diagnosed with neoplasia were discharged from the hospital. For the 4 dogs with cancer with available outcome data, median survival time was 16 days (range 1–70 days). Two dogs were lost to follow‐up and had unknown survival times. Conclusions: The development of non‐coagulopathic spontaneous hemothorax warrants a high‐index suspicion for neoplasia, in particular thoracic wall neoplasia.     

Conversion from diagnostic laparoscopy to laparotomy: risk factors and occurrence

Objective: To determine reasons for conversion from diagnostic laparoscopic procedures to celiotomy in dogs and cats. Study Design: Case series. Animals: Dogs (n=54), cats (40). Methods: Medical records (2004–2008) were reviewed for dogs and cats that had diagnostic laparoscopic or laparoscopic‐assisted biopsy. Numbers of conversions to laparotomy were recorded, including cause and type (elective versus emergent), postoperative complications, and short‐term outcome. Specific risk factors for conversion, including signalment, preoperative diagnostics, and surgical findings were assessed; categorical variables were tested by χ² and Fisher's exact tests; continuous variables by Student's t‐test and Wilcoxon's rank‐sum tests; multivariate logistic regression models were created. Results: Twenty animals (21%) had laparoscopic conversion; 13 (65%) were considered elective and 7 (35%) emergent conversions. There was no significant difference between animals requiring and those not requiring conversion for age, weight, sex, body condition score, clinical signs, previous abdominal surgery, or surgeon experience. Significant risk factors for conversion included low total solids (P=.03), presence of a solitary liver tumor (P<.01), and diagnosis of neoplasia (P<.01). Conclusions: A conversion rate of 21% was found in this population of dogs and cats undergoing laparoscopic diagnostic procedures. A preoperative finding of a solitary liver tumor, low total solids, and diagnosis of malignancy were all significant risk factors for conversion.