Resuscitation of an anaesthetised foal with uroperitoneum and ventricular asystole

A 2‐day‐old male Quarter Horse foal was diagnosed with uroperitoneum and ruptured bladder. Intravenous fluid therapy was initiated prior to anaesthesia and repeated unsuccessful attempts were made to drain the abdomen of accumulated urine. Prior to anaesthesia the foal exhibited clinical signs of abdominal compartment syndrome. When anaesthetised the accumulated urine was drained by free flow through a small abdominal stab incision after aseptic site preparation. A few minutes later electrocardiography indicated second degree atrioventricular block which progressed into third degree atrioventricular block and ventricular asystole. The foal was resuscitated by closed chest compressions, mechanical ventilation, sympathomimetic and antimuscarinergic drugs. When anaesthetising these neonatal patients one must be prepared to handle potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias and, prior to surgery, the danger posed by increased intra‐abdominal pressure should be weighed against the need for diluting plasma potassium.     

Conservative management of uroperitoneum in a gelding.

Uroperitoneum as a sequela to urethral calculus in an adult gelding was successfully managed by use of subischial urethrotomy and abdominal drainage. Necrosis of bladder mucosa was seen endoscopically, but a tear or rupture was never identified. Peritonitis developed but was controlled with antibacterial treatment. Although uroperitoneum is usually a sequela to bladder rupture and the ideal treatment is surgical repair, conservative management may be warranted in selected cases.     

Successful surgical management of a medial humeral epicondyle fracture in a Thoroughbred foal

A 2-week-old 75 kg Thoroughbred filly was presented for the investigation of an acute forelimb lameness. Radiographs revealed a fracture of the medial epicondylar physis of the left humerus (Salter–Harris type II fracture). The fragment was removed via arthrotomy under general anaesthesia. Two months post-operatively, the foal was sound and at 2 years had resumed normal turn out. This case report describes a previously unreported surgical treatment for a fracture of the medial epicondylar physis in a foal.     

Medical management of a large intra-abdominal mass caused by Rhodococcus equi in a foal

A 4-month-old Thoroughbred filly presented with pyrexia, inappetence and diarrhoea. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a multilobulated abdominal mass that was determined to be associated with the caecum using computed tomography. Computed tomography also identified mesenteric lymphadenopathy and a pulmonary mass in the left caudal lung lobe. Percutaneous aspiration of the abdominal mass yielded pure growth of Rhodococcus equi. The filly responded in a positive fashion to the administration of clarithromycin, rifampin and gallium maltolate. Follow-up computed tomography revealed complete resolution of the abdominal mass and lymphadenopathy. Extrapulmonary disorders associated with R. equi should be considered even when thoracic ultrasonography reveals no evidence of pulmonary pathology. Although intra-abdominal abscesses have a grave prognosis, successful treatment is possible. Gallium maltolate can be safely administered to foals and may improve patient outcomes.     

Conservative management of iatrogenic bladder rupture and uroperitoneum in a gelding with urolithiasis

This report details a case of iatrogenic bladder rupture in a gelding that was successfully treated with conservative management. Rupture occurred at the time of attempted cystoscopy, whilst the bladder was being insufflated with air for further investigation of stranguria and suspected urolithiasis. The gelding was treated with temporary perineal urethrostomy, peritoneal lavage and drainage of urine from the bladder and made a complete recovery.     

Medical and surgical management of severe barium aspiration in a dog

Objective– To describe the medical and surgical management of a unique case of barium sulfate aspiration pneumonia in a dog. Case Summary– A 5‐year‐old spayed female black Labrador Retriever weighing 33 kg was presented for evaluation of barium aspiration pneumonia. Approximately 200 mL of barium had been instilled into the caudal lung lobes via an improperly placed orogastric tube. Right caudal, right middle, and accessory lung lobectomies were performed, and the dog was managed intensively for 19 days in the hospital. New or Unique Information Provided– This is the first report of a complete diagnostic work‐up including bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage, culture, thoracotomy, and pulmonary histopathology for severe barium sulfate aspiration in a dog with an excellent outcome.     

Medical and surgical management of esophageal foreign body in a ferret

A ferret was examined because of anorexia, repeated episodes of regurgitation, and subsequent dehydration. Radiography had revealed a radiodense midesophageal foreign body. Results of endoscopy of the esophagus, however, could not confirm the diagnosis. Contrast radiography revealed esophageal perforation, with subsequent penetration of the foreign body into the right pleural space, causing pleural effusion. Surgical repair of the esophagus was performed, and a gastrostomy feeding tube was inserted to provide adequate nutrition during esophageal healing. Nine days after surgery, radiography revealed a severe stricture at the esophageal surgical site. Surgery was repeated; the esophagus was transected, the stricture was removed, and esophageal tissues were closed in 2 layers. Systemically administered antibiotics and gastrostomy tube feedings were continued throughout the post-operative healing period. The esophagus healed with a mild stricture that diminished over time in response to corticosteroid administration.     

Medical and surgical management of pyothorax.

Pyothorax is the accumulation of septic suppurative inflammation within the pleural cavity. The cause and source of infection in dogs and cats often are unknown. Management of these cases can be challenging, because controversy exists over the best method for treatment. Reported outcomes and recurrence rates vary widely.     

Surgical management of Rhodococcus equi metaphysitis in a foal

A chronic Rhodococcus equi metaphysitis involving the distal growth plate of the left third metatarsal bone had induced a longstanding lameness in a young foal. Abnormal hematologic values included mild anemia, hyperfibrinogemia, mild leukocytosis, and neutrophilia. Radiography of the distal portion of MT3 revealed a radiolucent zone on the medial aspect of the growth plate, and small pieces of bone suggestive of sequestra. Treatment with erythromycin estolate and rifampin, aggressive surgical debridement, and cancellous bone grafting helped resolve the bone infection.     

Laparoscopic assisted surgical removal of a congenital rectal hamartoma in a foal

In this report we describe a 3‐week‐old Paint horse filly that presented with rectal bleeding associated with a protruding mass. Rectal bleeding in neonates can be caused by infectious agents, trauma, congenital defects, rectal tears or tumours. Histopathology was performed on an avulsed piece of tissue. A second mass was identified endoscopically and was removed using a stapling instrument per rectum under endoscopic guidance and laparoscopic assistance. The mass was diagnosed as a rectal hamartoma. Recovery was uneventful.     

Medical and surgical management of the glaucoma patient

Glaucoma usually causes rapid blindness in small animals and should be treated as a true ophthalmic emergency. Current treatment is directed toward decreasing intraocular pressure to protect the optic nerve and preserve vision. These treatment methods include various medical and surgical methods that are often combined for a particular patient. No magic drugs or surgeries exist to permanently control glaucoma; the clinician often has to switch to assorted methods of treatment after the previous treatments fail to control the intraocular pressure. Newer theories on the cause of glaucoma involve various vascular and toxic effects on the optic nerve rather than simple mechanical damage to the nerve from increased ocular pressure. Therefore, treatments designed to protect the optic nerve from biochemical alterations are probably the future of treating this challenging disease.     

Medical and surgical management of traumatic elbow luxation in a juvenile ferret.

Elbow luxation is a common orthopedic injury in the ferret. The injury is usually caused by trauma but can also occur spontaneously. The most successful treatment involves a combination of surgical and medical intervention. Surgical treatment includes open reduction of the elbow joint and stabilization with orthopedic implants. Medical treatment includes external coaptation, analgesia, and prevention of infection. Owner compliance also plays an important role in return to full function of the luxated ferret elbow joint.     

Recurrent convulsions in a thoroughbred foal: management and treatment.

A thoroughbred foal had a convulsive attack 12 hours after birth followed by further convulsions on the 10th, 11th and 12th days after birth. It was treated successfully by medication with primidone, feeding by stomach tube and careful nursing.     

Foot management in the foal and weanling.

Foot management and hoof care of foals, weanlings, and yearlings tends to be considered a specialist job. Many farriers and veterinary surgeons have little exposure to young and growing stock. Nevertheless, a variety of angular and flexural limb deformities can benefit from simple podiatry techniques, which can be performed provided that a few basic rules are followed. The combined skills of the farrier and veterinary surgeon offer many young horses with angular or flexural limb deformities a chance of a future athletic career.     

Urethral and bladder rupture in a neonatal colt with uroperitoneum

This case report documents uroperitoneum due to bladder and pelvic urethral rupture in a 9 h old Standardbred colt born after severe dystocia. Three surgical procedures were required to manage rupture of the urinary bladder, urethral rupture, and ventral abdominal hernia with evisceration of a loop of jejunum. After 40 days of hospitalisation the colt was discharged without any further complication.     

Nonsurgical management of ruptured urinary bladder in a critically ill foal

A small tear in the urinary bladder of a severely debilitated 4-day-old foal was managed with an indwelling urinary catheter connected to a urine collecting system. Fluid therapy, parenteral nutrition, and antimicrobial agents were used during the initial management of the ruptured bladder. Aseptic technique for catheter care and systemic administration of antimicrobial agents prevented the development of bacterial cystitis. Catheter management required constant monitoring, but the bladder defect was sealed within 5 days. Fungal arthritis caused by Candida tropicalis, immune-mediated anemia, diarrhea, constipation, venous thrombosis, and pneumonia were observed during 43 days of hospitalization. Although the foal died at 3 months of age, serum creatinine concentration and electrolyte values remained within normal limits during the 3-month period.