Intestinal atresia in calves: 22 cases (1978-1988)

A retrospective study of 22 calves afflicted with intestinal atresia was performed to determine typical signs of disease, treatment, and survival rate. All 22 calves, except 2 heifers with atresia ani and rectovaginal fistula, were examined when they were between 1 and 10 days old because of depression, anorexia, abdominal distention, and lack of feces. All calves had been observed to stand and suckle shortly after birth. Survival rate was influenced by the atretic segment affected: 0% (0/2 surgically treated) for atresia jejunal; 42% (5/12 examined) or 71% (5/7 recovering from general anesthesia) for atresia coli; and 63% (5/8 examined) or 71% (5/7 surgically treated) for atresia ani. Survival appeared to depend principally on early recognition, anatomic site affected, and successful surgical establishment of a patent intestinal tract.     

Preservation of the fistula for reconstruction of the anal canal and the anus in atresia ani and rectovestibular fistula in 2 dogs

OBJECTIVE: To report a technique for correction of atresia ani and rectovestibular fistula with fistula preservation, and outcome in 2 dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMALS: Two intact female puppies. METHODS: The fistula was approached by episiotomy. A vertical median perineal incision was made starting dorsal to the anal region and extended to surround the fistula. The rectum and vagina were separated, and the end of the fistula was sutured to the skin. RESULTS: Early postoperative complications included constipation, fecal incontinence, and perineal soiling, but long-term outcome was good in both dogs. CONCLUSION: With careful dissection, the fistula and internal anal sphincter can be preserved and used in the surgical reconstruction of the anal canal and anus. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preservation of the fistula may provide an internal sphincter that contributes to a better functional result during correction of atresia ani. A surgical approach that combines episiotomy and perineal incision for separation of the vagina and rectum, and preserves the fistula may decrease the risk of dehiscence.     

A rectovaginal fistula in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo) with a normal anus: a case report

Background: Rectovaginal fistula is a rare congenital disorder of dogs and cats that may occur with or without imperforate anus. The condition is characterized by a communication between the dorsal wall of the vagina and the ventral portion of the rectum, so that the vulva functions as a common opening for the urogenital and gastrointestinal tracts. Case presentation: A 3-year-old, 0.53 kg, surgically sterilized female ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was referred for passage of feces through the vulva, repeated vaginal discharge and vaginitis. Through physical examination, ultrasound, contrast radiographs, and CT scan exploration, the ferret was diagnosed with rectovaginal fistula which was surgically corrected. A vertical median perineal incision was made starting dorsally to the anal region and extended to surround the fistula. The rectum and vagina were closed separately. Conclusion and case relevance: Early postoperative complications included constipation, fecal incontinence, and perineal soiling in dogs and cats. No complications were observed with our ferret 7 and 15 days after the surgical correction. The purpose of this report is to describe a ferret with rectovaginal fistula as a sole anorectal abnormality that was treated by surgical correction for the first time.     

Congenital anorectal abnormalities in six dogs

Congenital anorectal abnormalities were diagnosed in three male and three female dogs. One dog had anal stenosis, three had a persistent anal membrane, and the other two had an imperforate anus associated with a rectovaginal fistula. Five of the dogs were treated surgically, and four of them which were followed up for periods ranging from one to five years continued to pass faeces normally.     

Surgical management of congenital and perinatal abnormalities of the urogenital tract

Surgical management of various congenital and perinatal abnormalities of the urogenital tract are discussed, including ruptured bladder, ruptured urachus, ureteral defect, patent urachus and umbilical remnant infection, ureteral ectopia, congenital inguinal hernia, and atresia ani and rectourethral or rectovaginal fistula.     

Spirocerca lupi esophageal granulomas in 7 dogs: resolution after treatment with doramectin

Seven dogs with Spirocerca lupi esophageal granulomas were identified based on the site of involvement (ie, distal esophagus) and characteristic endoscopic appearance. Six dogs presented with signs of esophageal disease and 1 dog was asymptomatic. Ova were only identified in the feces of 2 dogs. On thoracic radiographs, 4 dogs had evidence of a caudodorsal mediastinal mass, and 2 of these dogs had spondylitis of midthoracic vertebrae. On endoscopy, single esophageal nodules were observed in 5 dogs, 1 dog had 3 nodules, and 1 dog had 6 nodules. All 7 dogs were treated with doramectin at a dosage of 200 microg/kg SC at 14-day intervals for 3 treatments. Dogs had physical and endoscopic examinations at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after treatment. By 6 weeks, clinical signs had resolved in 6 dogs (1 dog was asymptomatic), and the esophageal nodules had completely resolved in 4 dogs, and incompletely resolved in 3 dogs. Two dogs with incomplete resolution were treated again with doramectin at 500 microg/kg PO daily for an additional 6 weeks. Complete resolution of the esophageal nodules was confirmed by endoscopy in all dogs. Nodules had resolved in 4 dogs by 6 weeks, in 2 dogs by 12 weeks (after 6 weeks additional daily oral therapy), and in 1 dog 22 months after the initial 200 microg/kg treatment regimen. No dog experienced adverse effects to the drug, and all symptomatic dogs have been free of disease for periods ranging from 3 to 4 years.     

Thoracic, Abdominal and Vertebral Actinomycosis

The clinical, laboratory, radiographic, and histologic features and the response to therapy in three dogs with actinomycosis are reported. One dog (dog 1) had a 12-cm nonresectable mass extending from the ventrolateral chest wall into the left ventricular myocardium. Another dog (dog 2) had a diffuse peritonitis with "sulfur granules" and two large masses. One of these masses was nonresectable involving adjacent abdominal structures. A third dog (dog 3) had a subvertebral mass at T1-3 producing quadraplegia. Two dogs had periosteal reactions involving adjacent sternebrae (dog 1) or ribs and vertebral bodies (dog 3) that are characteristic of Actinomyces spp infections. In dogs 1 and 2 the diagnosis was based on the morphologic and tinctorial properties of free sulfur granules and/or tissue granules. Culture results were variable. Tissue from dog 1 yielded no growth, while polymicrobial infections, which included Actinomyces spp, were identified in dogs 2 and 3. Actinomyces odontolyticus was isolated from dog 3. Although the actinomycotic granulomas were either not excised or only partially excised from dogs 1 and 2, both animals were cured by the oral administration of high doses of penicillin G for 19 and 6 months, respectively. Dog 3 responded dramatically to the same antibiotic therapy given for 5 months. However, within 4 months of discontinuing treatment an abscess and draining fistulous tracts developed in the left axillary region. Two surgical fistulectomies and additional penicillin therapy were required to cure this animal. These cases and the current veterinary and human literature on actinomycosis are used to propose a rational approach to the treatment of actinomycosis in the dog.     

Effect of milbemycin oxime against Ancylostoma caninum in dogs with naturally acquired infection

Twenty-six mixed-breed (14 males, 12 females) dogs were used in a double-blind study to evaluate the effect of milbemycin oxime against naturally acquired infection with Ancylostoma caninum. Dogs were ranked and paired, on the basis of number of hookworm eggs/g of feces, and treatment was randomly assigned. Each dog was given either the study drug or placebo (1 tablet/11.4 kg [0.5 mg/kg] of body weight). Eggs per gram of feces enumeration was done on days 3 and 7 after treatment, and dogs were euthanatized on day 7. On day 3, 5 of the 13 dogs in the milbemycin-treated group had hookworm eggs in the feces (results of the McMaster test). In these dogs, mean number of eggs per gram of feces had decreased markedly (from 5,289 to 452) and, by day 7, was 114. At necropsy, 16 A caninum adults were recovered from 2 of the milbemycin-treated dogs. On day 3, 12 of the 13 dogs in the placebo-treated group had hookworm eggs in the feces. Mean number of eggs per gram of feces in these dogs decreased slightly (from 5,243 to 2,646), but did not decrease further by day 7. A mean number of 54.4 A caninum adults was recovered from 12 of the 13 placebo-treated dogs at necropsy. Milbemycin oxime had 97.8% efficacy against A caninum. Results also indicated that milbemycin oxime may be effective against Trichuris vulpis, but not against Dipylidium caninum.     

Surgical Repair and Management of Congenital Intestinal Atresia in 68 Calves

Objective— To determine outcome and survival rate after surgical treatment of intestinal atresia, gender predilection, and effect of rectal palpation on the cause of atresia coli in calves.
Study Design— Prospective clinical study.
Animals— Newborn calves (n=68).
Methods— Data collected were husbandry system, anamneses, physical examination findings, surgical treatments, and postoperative results. Calves with atresia ani, and with atresia coli et recti had anal reconstruction and right flank colostomy, respectively. In midflank colostomized calves, the inner muscular layers were dissected to form a valve-like stoma.
Results— Of 68 calves with intestinal atresia, 37 were treated surgically. Anal reconstruction was performed in 21 calves with atresia ani with a long-term survival rate of at least 6 months with good condition. Colostomy was performed in 14 calves with atresia coli and 1 with atresia coli et recti; survival rate was 73%. The case morbidity rate for intestinal atresia was 13.8% and for atresia coli, 5.7% in the hospital population. No gender predilection for occurrence of atresia ani and atresia coli was identified. Palpation per rectum for early pregnancy diagnosis did not predispose to atresia coli.
Conclusion— Surgical treatment of atresia ani through circular anal skin removal has a good prognosis for survival. Colostomy is not an acceptable treatment from the calf's perspective because of the resulting poor condition but the high survival rate is important to allow continued milk production of the dam.
Clinical Relevance— Early diagnosis, supportive treatment, and surgical correction are important in management of atresia coli.     

Treatment of atresia ani type I by balloon dilatation in 5 kittens and one puppy

Atresia ani is the most common anorectal anomaly in small animals. In the present study, an anal stricture (atresia ani type I) in five 3 to 8 weeks old kittens and one 4 month old puppy was treated by balloon dilation. In 4 kittens and the puppy the stricture was eliminated permanently and without complications by a single intervention. Only the smallest kitten with the most severe stenosis developed a rectal fistula as a complication of repeated balloon dilation, which necessitated surgical correction. Balloon dilation proved to be an efficient therapeutic method for anal atresia type I, and can be recommended as the treatment of choice.     

IN THIS ISSUE – June 2010

Surveillance for West Nile virus in Australia: role of the little raven · Fertility in mares after surgical correction of rectovaginal fistula · Development of method for serial blood sampling from conscious dogs · Specificity of a commercial snake venom detection kit in dog and cat urine · Femoral component failure in canine cemented total hip replacement · Hepatic myelolipoma incarcerated in a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a cat · Diclofenac sodium and flunixin meglumine with antibacterial treatment of respiratory disease of calves · Lead-free petrol reduces risk of acute lead poisoning in Australian cattle     

Rectovaginal fistula with atresia ani in three kittens.

Rectovaginal fistula with atresia ani was diagnosed in 3 kittens. Physical abnormalities included abdominal distension, bulging of the perineum, and lack of an anal opening. Vaginography was helpful in determining the type of malformation present in 2 cases. In each kitten attempts were made to surgically correct the anatomic malformations. Various post-operative complications such as fecal incontinence, would dehiscence, constipation, and excessive scar tissue formation occurred and are discussed.     

Ventral abdominal, transdiaphragmatic approach for implantation of cardiac pacemakers in the dog

Surgical implantation of a sutureless myocardial electrode and pulse generator was performed in 18 dogs, using a ventral abdominal, transdiaphragmatic approach. Twelve dogs were greater than or equal to 10 years old. The 18 dogs weighed from 3 to 54 kg. Indications for permanent cardiac pacemaker implantation included complete (3rd degree) atrioventricular block, sick sinus syndrome, and sinus bradycardia. Few complications developed during or after surgery. One dog died during surgery from ventricular fibrillation, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was found at necropsy. Five dogs died 1 to 19 months after surgery (mean, 8.6 months) because of renal failure, hepatic cirrhosis, congestive cardiomyopathy, or idiopathic causes. Twelve dogs were alive 1 to 48 months after surgery (mean, 15.1 months). The surgical approach was used a second time in 3 dogs to replace the myocardial electrode wire and pulse generator 4, 16, and 26 months after surgery; technical complications were not associated with the second surgery in these 3 dogs. In 2 dogs that had initial pacemaker implantation via lateral thoracotomy, a transdiaphragmatic approach was used to replace the myocardial electrode lead and pulse generator 25.5 and 26 months after surgery. According to results of this study, the ventral abdominal, transdiaphragmatic approach for permanent pacemaker implantation in the dog is a simpler technique, with decreased surgery time, decreased time of tissue exposure, and decreased rate of infection, as compared with results described by investigators who used lateral thoracotomy or midline celiotomy and caudal one-third median sternotomy.     

Clinical signs,diagnosis and treatment of three dogs with angiostrongylosis in Ireland

: Infection with Angiostrongylus vasorum was diagnosed at necropsy on a dog that died from acute pulmonary haemorrhage, and on recovery of L1 larvae by Baermann examination of faeces from two dogs, one of which had abdominal pain and retroperitoneal haemorrhage, while the other had right-sided heart failure due to cor pulmonale. The presenting signs included syncope (one dog), exercise intolerance (two dogs), cough (two dogs), abdominal pain (one dog) and depression (one dog). One-stage prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were prolonged in two dogs, buccal mucosal bleeding time was prolonged in one dog and globulin was elevated in all three dogs. Two dogs were treated with fenbendazole and recovered.     

Repair of urethral defects using fascia lata autografts in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of urethroplasty using a free fascia lata (FL) graft in the dog. STUDY DESIGN: In vivo experimental study. ANIMALS: Mixed-breed dogs (n=14). METHODS: Half of the circumference of the urethra, approximately 1.5 cm long, was excised in 14 male dogs to induce a urethral defect. FL (approximately 2 cm x 2 cm) harvested from the lateral thigh was sutured to the urethra using a 3-0 polyglactin 910 continuous pattern. Dogs were monitored daily for bladder distention and had urethral catheters until normal voiding was observed. On day 60, each dog had a positive contrast urethrogram, and then 8 dogs were euthanatized for gross and histologic examination. Six dogs were monitored for urologic problems for 6 months, and a positive contrast urethrogram was repeated. RESULTS: All dogs recovered successfully; 4 dogs had difficulty voiding for 2-3 days and urine was aspirated from these dogs every 3 hours until signs of painful urination disappeared. On positive contrast urethrograms, urethral anatomy was considered normal except in 4 dogs that had an irregular contour. Gross urethral examination confirmed an absence of ulceration, stricture, diverticula, or fistula formation, and the FL-lined graft survived in all dogs. No degenerative and reparative responses were observed. On histologic examination of the penile urethra, the lumen was intact, covered with transitional epithelium, and surrounded by corpus spongiosum with cavernous spaces and blood-filled vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Free FL grafts are incorporated satisfactorily and would appear to be useful for repairing urethral defects. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: FL grafts should be considered for repair of urethral defects in dogs.     

Surgical correction of cor triatriatum dexter in a dog under extracorporeal circulation

A shiba inu dog with marked abdominal distension was diagnosed with cor triatriatum dexter and surgical correction was performed under extracorporeal circulation. The total duration of cardiac arrest was 11 minutes and total perfusion time was 34 minutes. The dog had an uneventful postoperative recovery. Postoperative contrast radiography of the caudal vena cava revealed normal flow into the right heart. Abdominal distension was no longer observed. Although several methods have been used to treat cor triatriatum dexter in dogs, the authors consider surgical correction under extracorporeal circulation to be a reliable approach.     

Choledochal tube stenting for decompression of the extrahepatic portion of the biliary tract in dogs: 13 cases (2002-2005)

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinicopathologic features, surgical management, complications, and long-term outcome associated with diseases of the extrahepatic portion of the biliary tract treated via choledochal stent placement in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 13 dogs. PROCEDURE: Data were obtained from medical records, and follow-up information was obtained via reexamination or telephone interview with owners or referring veterinarians. RESULTS: 10 dogs had extrahepatic biliary obstruction (EHBO), 6 as a result of pancreatitis. Two dogs had rupture of the common bile duct associated with cholelithiasis. In 1 dog, a stent was placed prophylactically after gastroduodenostomy was performed for a perforated duodenal ulcer. Nine of 13 dogs survived the perioperative period and were discharged. No recurrence of EHBO or other complications developed in the discharged dogs while the stents were in place. Median follow-up period from surgery to last owner contact was 13.3 months. In 1 dog, the stent was removed endoscopically 10 months after surgery and EHBO recurred 9 months after stent removal because of cholangitis. In 4 of 5 dogs that were discharged from the hospital, in which the fate of the stent could be confirmed and the stent was secured to the duodenal wall with absorbable suture materials, the stents were passed in the feces 1 to 11 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Choledochal tube stenting is an effective method of decompression of the extrahepatic portion of the biliary tract in dogs and provides a less complex alternative to traditional cholecystoenterostomy techniques in select cases.     

Vaginal resection and anastomosis for treatment of vestibulovaginal stenosis in 4 dogs with recurrent urinary tract infections

CASE DESCRIPTION-4 dogs were evaluated because of recurrent urinary tract infections. CLINICAL FINDINGS-All dogs had recurrent urinary tract infections and similar clinical signs; 3 dogs had urinary incontinence. Digital vaginal examination revealed vestibulovaginal stenosis in all dogs, which was confirmed by results of contrast vaginourethrography. From image measurements, the vestibulovaginal ratio (ratio of the height of the vestibulovaginal junction to the maximum height of the vagina on a lateral vaginourethrogram) was calculated for each dog. Three dogs had severe stenosis (vestibulovaginal ratio, < 0.20; severe stenosis is defined as a vestibulovaginal ratio < 0.20), whereas the fourth dog had moderate stenosis (vestibulovaginal ratio, 0.24; ratio range for moderate stenosis is 0.20 to 0.25). TREATMENT AND OUTCOME-All dogs were anesthetized for surgical correction of the vestibulovaginal stenosis. Vaginal resection and anastomosis of the stenosis was performed in all 4 dogs, with 1 dog also undergoing episioplasty. Complete resolution of clinical signs was apparent in 3 dogs; 1 dog had postoperative complications including pollakiuria and stranguria, which resulted in rectal and vaginal prolapse. This dog underwent ovariohysterectomy, after which clinical signs resolved. All dogs had resolution of urinary tract infections at the time of follow-up (6 to 8 months after surgery). CLINICAL RELEVANCE-Resection and anastomosis may resolve recurrent urinary tract infections in dogs with severe or moderate vestibulovaginal stenosis. Episiotomy was not necessary for success of surgical treatment, and overall, that procedure increased morbidity, the severity of intraoperative hemorrhage, and duration of surgery.     

Surgery of metastatic anal sac adenocarcinoma in five dogs

OBJECTIVE: To identify survival and morbidity information after surgery for metastases from apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinomas (AGACA). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Five dogs with AGACA. METHODS: Medical records of dogs that had surgery for treatment of metastatic AGACA between 1993 and 2003 were reviewed. Criteria for inclusion required that dogs had lymphadenectomy, with or without further debulking, as part of their treatment for metastatic AGACA and that the tissue was histologically confirmed as consistent with the primary AGACA. Signalment, history, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic data, imaging findings, surgical complications, number of surgeries, survival times, and cause of death were recorded. All dogs had a complete blood count, serum biochemical profile, serum electrolytes, 3-projection thoracic radiographs, abdominal radiographs and/or abdominal ultrasonography, and histologic confirmation of metastatic AGACA invading the regional lymph nodes and caudal abdomen. RESULTS: No surgical complications occurred. Three dogs were euthanatized; median survival, 20.6 months. One dog was alive for 19 months postoperatively. One dog had 5 sequential surgical procedures: 1 iliac lymphadenectomy and 4 debulking procedures of metastatic neoplastic tissue around and dorsal to the iliac vessels extending into the pelvic cavity, and was alive 54 months after initial surgery. CONCLUSION: Dogs with anal sac adenocarcinoma metastases to the iliac lymph nodes can experience long-term survival after surgical excision of the metastatic lesion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Lymphadenectomy may afford long-term survival to patients with metastatic anal sac adenocarcinoma.     

Results of thoracic duct ligation in dogs with chylothorax

Thoracic duct lymphangiography and ligation were done on 15 dogs with idiopathic chylothorax. Lymphangiography revealed thoracic lymphangiectasia in all dogs; none had a thoracic duct rupture. Lymphangiography immediately after ligation demonstrated missed branches of the thoracic duct in 4 of the 15 dogs. Eleven of the 15 dogs are alive and doing well. Eight of the 11 had no radiographic or clinical signs of pleural effusion (mean follow-up, 31.5 months; range, 4 to 75 months). The other 3 living dogs had persistent effusion; 2 were successfully managed with a pleuroperitoneal shunt (follow-up, 15 months) or pleurodesis (follow-up, 5 months), respectively, and 1 was not treated because the effusion was mild and the dog did not have clinical signs of disease (follow-up, 14 months). Four of the 15 dogs died or were euthanatized because of persistent effusion (mean follow-up, 11.5 months; range, 3 to 24 months). Considering the lack of treatment alternatives for dogs with idiopathic chylothorax, these results support thoracic duct ligation as a treatment method for dogs.