Recurrent bilateral exophthalmos associated with metastatic thymic carcinoma in a pet rabbit

A five-year-old, castrated, male chinchilla rabbit was presented for evaluation of recurrent bilateral exophthalmos. Besides a transient and stress-related exophthalmos with protrusion of both third eyelids, the ophthalmological examination was unremarkable. Plain radiography of the thorax revealed a large precardial mass of soft tissue density. Cytological preparations from the thoracic mass were dominated by small, mature lymphocytes with approximately 10 to 20 per cent lymphoblasts. Computed tomography of the head showed a symmetrical laterodorsal deviation of both eyes without evidence of retrobulbar masses. On necropsy a large cystic mass was present in the cranial thorax associated with severe hydrothorax, hydropericardium and ascites. Histology identified the precardial mass as thymic carcinoma with metastases in the kidneys. This case illustrates the difficulty of diagnosing thymic tumours based on cytological or histological features of the primary tumour alone. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of recurrent bilateral exophthalmos associated with a metastatic thymic carcinoma in a pet rabbit.     

The treatment of corneal ulcers

The anatomy of the cornea and the method of assessing corneal damage are described. The many causes of ulcerative keratitis are stated. The general principles of treatment are set down. Particular treatments are then described according to the causative agent and to the type of ulcer. In a paper of this length it will not be possible to consider the specific treatment of each and every type of corneal ulceration that occurs in the dog. The causes of ulcerative keratitis are many and this paper will consider the general principles involved and, in particular, some of the more common varieties of corneal ulcer. Résumé. On a décrit l'anantomie de la cornée et la méthode pour évaluer le dommage cornéen. Les nombreuses causes de la kératite à hypopyon sont réglées. Les principes généraux du traitement sont posés. Puis les traitements particuliers sont décrits selon l'agent pathogène et le type de l'ulcère. Zusammenfassung . Die Anatomie von der Hornhaut und die Methode, die kornealen Schäden zu abzuschätzen, werden beschrieben. Viele Ursachen von Hypopyonkeratitis werden angegeben. Die allgemeinen Grundsätze der Behandlung werden aufgeschoben. Dann werden besondere Behandlungen nach dem verursachenden Mittel und nach dem Typ vom Geschwür beschrieben.     

Unilateral nephrectomy for hydronephrosis in a pet rabbit.

A young rabbit was diagnosed with unilateral hydronephrosis. The affected kidney was surgically removed. Nearly 3 years after the nephrectomy, the rabbit is doing well. The diagnosis, surgery, and pathophysiology of unilateral renal obstruction are discussed in this article.     

Grid keratotomy as a treatment for superficial nonhealing corneal ulcers in 10 horses

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical symptoms of 10 cases of superficial nonhealing corneal ulcers in horses and to evaluate the results of grid keratotomy in these patients. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Ten horses with superficial nonhealing corneal ulceration in one eye. PROCEDURE: The signalment, history and clinical symptoms are reported of 10 patients with superficial nonhealing corneal ulcers during the period from August 2003 to February 2005. Grid keratotomy was performed in all cases. In addition, the surgical procedure of grid keratotomy and response to therapy are described. RESULTS: Horses generally responded well to grid keratotomy (eight cases healed after one grid keratotomy and one horse healed after a second grid keratotomy; one case was not available for follow-up). Only 2/10 had discomfort after treatment and only 2/9 had some degree of scarring after treatment. The healing time, which was known in seven cases, averaged 8.4 days (+/- SD 4). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Grid keratotomy is an appropriate option for treatment of superficial nonhealing corneal ulcers in horses. The procedure is simple to perform. It generally induces a rapid and uncomplicated healing of the cornea. Only in a limited number of cases does a small amount of scarring occur.     

Use of bilateral temporary nephrostomy catheters for emergency treatment of bilateral ureter transection in a cat

A 2-year-old Himalayan cat was examined because of 4 days of vomiting, lethargy; and anorexia. The cat had undergone hysterectomy and removal of left ovarian remnants 5 days earlier. Results of laboratory testing and excretory urography were consistent with uremia and bilateral ureteral obstruction. Nephrostomy catheters were placed to drain urine and allow time for physiologic diuresis prior to definitive repair. During the next 2 days, the cat's physiologic status improved greatly. The cat underwent exploratory surgery, and both ureters were found to be ligated. The healthy proximal portions of the ureters were implanted into the bladder. Six months after surgery, the cat was doing well, and excretory urography demonstrated that both ureters were patent. Bilateral obstruction of the ureters is a life-threatening condition that can be difficult to correct in cats. Placement of nephrostomy catheters allows time for improvement in the cat's physiologic status prior to the protracted anesthesia time needed for surgical repair of the ureters.     

Taenia serialis causing exophthalmos in a pet rabbit

A 16-month-old, male, neuter Dwarf Lop rabbit presented with exophthalmos of the right eye of 3 weeks duration. Under sedation an ultrasound of the right eye was performed and showed an orbital hypo-echoic area posterior and ventrolateral to the right globe, which was presumed to be a cyst. Fine needle aspirate removed 5.5 mLs of straw-colored fluid from the cyst, which allowed the globe to return to its normal position. Two months later the rabbit re-presented with exophthalmos of the right eye. Exploratory surgery was performed and a large cystic structure was removed from the ventro-lateral conjunctival fornix. Histology confirmed the cyst to be a coenurus of Taenia serialis.     

Ectopic Psoroptes cuniculi infestation in a pet rabbit

A case of Psoroptes cuniculi infestation of the ears and body of a pet rabbit, with severe lesions on the skin of the caudoventral abdomen, is reported. Treatment with ivermectin injection followed by fipronil application appeared to be safe and was successful in eliminating infection.     

Use of grid keratotomy for the treatment of indolent corneal ulcer in a llama

A case of indolent corneal ulcer in a llama (Llama glama) is described. Diagnostic testing included a complete ophthalmic examination with corneal cytologic and histopathologic examination. Successful management involved grid keratotomy and topical application of neomycin-polymixin-bacitracin and atropine 1% ointments. Weekly follow-up examinations are described until healing was considered complete.