Leiomyoma of a kidney in a dog: a rare diagnosis

A five-year-old, neutered male, Bernese Mountain Dog was referred because of a two-week history of hematuria and a one-week history of polydipsia and polyuria. Palpation of the dorsomedial mesogastrium revealed a mass on the left side, which was seen via radiography and ultrasonography to be attached to the left kidney. The left kidney and the attached mass were excised surgically, and the dog had an uneventful recovery. Histological examination of the mass revealed a dense proliferation of non-polymorphic spindle cells, which stained positive for smooth muscle actin via immunohistochemistry. Leiomyoma of the kidney was diagnosed. Postoperatively, there was mild azotaemia, which did not affect the general condition of the dog and was still present 15 months after surgery. Leiomyoma of the kidney is a benign tumor, and hematuria may be the only clinical sign.     

Surgical resection of a dysgerminoma in a mare

A mare was referred for further evaluation of a mass found in the left caudal abdomen during a routine postpartum reproductive palpation. The mare was clinically normal with no history of health problems. Ultrasonographic examination of the mass confirmed its presence, but the origin of the mass could not be accurately determined. Routine haematology and serum biochemistry results were within normal limits. The mare was initially treated conservatively with antibiotics, but the mass continued to increase in size, so it was surgically excised. The mass involved the left ovary. The mare showed transient abdominal pain after surgery, but developed no other complications and was in foal 7 months later. On histology, the mass was diagnosed as a dysgerminoma, a rare ovarian tumour of germ cell origin.     

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.     

Hypercalcemia in a dog: a challenging case

An 18-month-old, spayed female, mixed-breed dog was referred for investigation of persistent hypercalcemia. After extensive diagnostic evaluation, a tentative diagnosis of occult lymphosarcoma (LSA) was made and the dog was euthanized. At necropsy, infection with Heterobilharzia americana was diagnosed. In endemic areas, schistosomiasis should be included in the differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia, and a fecal examination should be performed in every dog with a hypercalcemia of unknown origin.     

Diagnosis of a uterine leiomyoma using hysteroscopy and a partial ovariohysterectomy in a mare

A 14-year-old quarter horse mare had a 2-year history of infertility and the presence of a mass in the right uterine horn. Prior to surgery, the mass was determined to be invasive by using ultrasonography and hysteroscopy. A partial ovariohysterectomy was performed. The mass was diagnosed histologically as a uterine leiomyoma.     

Fibrolipoma of a cryptorchid testis in a young bull

A six-month-old Japanese Black bull was found to have no left testis in the scrotum. A fist-sized mass was palpated per rectum. Two months later, hCG was injected and blood samples were collected before and after injection. No testosterone response to hCG was observed. On the cut surface of the excised mass, most of the mass was composed of homogeneous adipose-like tissue. The rest of the surface was composed of a well-circumscribed testicular parenchyma-like tissue (18 × 16 × 15 mm). Histology revealed diffusely distributed mature adipocytes and septa of fibrous connective tissue. Neither germ cells nor spermatozoa were observed in the seminiferous tubules. A diagnosis was made of fibrolipoma and aspermatogenesis of the left cryptorchid testis.     

Coxofemoral luxation in a border collie as a complication of a Clostridium tetani infection

A four-month-old male, entire, border collie was presented to the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals with a two day history of muscular spasms and "Risus sardonicus". Tetanus was diagnosed, and the dog was treated with tetanus antitoxin, antibiotics and supportive therapy. Coxofemoral luxation resulted as a complication of the tetanus and was successfully managed by performing a femoral head and neck excision. This is the first report of joint luxation associated with Clostridium tetani infection in a dog.     

Resection of a ceruminous adenocarcinoma in a horse by a modified vertical ear canal ablation

A 13‐year‐old Swedish Warmblood mare was presented for evaluation of a mass on the medial aspect of the left vertical ear canal. The mass was initially resected using monopolar loop diathermy. Histopathological diagnosis of the excisional biopsy was a low‐grade malignant ceruminous adenocarcinoma. The clinical and histopathological features of this previously unreported neoplasm in the horse are described. A modified vertical ear canal ablation was performed in order to remove the base of the neoplasm with adequate free margins. The surgical technique is described. No recurrence was noted 2 years after surgery and the appearance and function of the pinna were retained.     

Repair of a Traumatically Induced Oronasal Fistula in a Cat with a Rostral Tongue Flap

Repair of an extensive oronasal fistula in a cat was accomplished by the use of a tongue flap. The dorsal surface of the tongue was debrided of mucosa and the edges were trimmed to produce a bleeding surface. Rotation of the tongue 180 degrees upon its long axis allowed the debrided surface to be sutured in apposition with the palatine mucosa. The mouth was wired closed and the cat was fed blenderized canned cat food for 4 weeks through a pharyngostomy tube. The tongue pedicle was amputated in successive stages to stimulate collateral circulation. Complications included a partial dehiscence along one edge of the suture line, which was corrected by resuturing.     

Treatment of a coxofemoral luxation in a pony using a prosthetic capsule technique

Objective: To report open reduction and joint stabilization using a prosthetic capsule technique for treatment of a craniodorsal coxofemoral luxation in a lightweight pony. Study Design: Clinical report. Animals: Pony stallion (8 years old, 113 kg). Methods: A craniodorsal approach to the coxofemoral joint was performed under general anesthesia. After open reduction, a prosthetic capsule technique was used. Four 3.5 mm self‐tapping cortical anchor screws were implanted: 2 screws were inserted above the cranial aspect of the dorsal acetabular rim, and 2 screws were inserted into the femoral neck. Subsequently, a #5 USP ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene suture was placed through these anchor screws in figure‐8 fashion to serve as a prosthetic capsule. Routine closure and a medial patellar desmotomy completed the surgical procedure. Postoperatively, the pony was cross tied for 4 weeks to prevent it from lying down. Results: Neither short‐term nor long‐term complications occurred and the pony was sound at the follow‐up examination performed 15 months postoperatively. Conclusions: A prosthetic capsule technique can be used successfully to stabilize the coxofemoral joint after open reduction of a craniodorsal luxation in a lightweight pony.     

Pneumopericardium associated with a pulmonary-pericardial communication in a dog

A 6-year-old 18-kg (39-lb) spayed female Standard Poodle was referred for treatment of pneumopericardium. The dog did not have severe clinical signs relating to the pneumopericardium, and the diagnosis was made incidentally while investigating the cause of a cough. Computed tomography revealed an air-filled structure consistent with a bulla to the right of the heart base that appeared to communicate with the pericardial cavity Because spontaneous resolution of the pneumopericardium seemed unlikely and cardiac tamponade was a possibility, exploratory thoracotomy was performed. A lobulated bulla was found at the hilus of the right middle lung lobe adhered to the underlying pericardial sac, and a 4-cm-diameter communication from the pericardium to the pulmonary bulla was found. Right middle lung lobectomy was performed, and the pericardiotomy and pericardial opening were sutured. The dog recovered without complications. In previously reported cases of pneumopericardium involving a cat and a dog, the condition resolved spontaneously. In this dog, in contrast, surgical resection of the affected lung lobe with pericardial reconstruction was required for resolution of the pneumopericardium.     

Ectopic pregnancy through a caesarean scar in a ewe

CASE HISTORY: A routine ultrasonographic examination for pregnancy diagnosis in a 3-year-old ewe revealed a normal embryo located in the uterine cavity and an abnormal mass located in the abdomen. At the time of examination, the ewe was 4.5?months pregnant, but 10?months previously she had undergone a caesarean section due to dystocia.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: The abnormal mass (12?cm × 8?cm) was located outside the uterine cavity; it was anechoic at the periphery, and in the centre there was an echogenic embryo-like structure. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, which revealed an ectopic pregnancy through the caesarean scar.

TREATMENT: The ectopic foetus was excised and the caesarean scar was repaired. The ewe made a complete recovery and the intrauterine pregnancy was completed to full-term, resulting in the birth of a healthy female lamb 35?days after the removal of the ectopic foetus.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ectopic pregnancies have previously been described in ewes. As far as the authors are aware, this is the first report of an ectopic pregnancy through a caesarean scar in sheep or any other farm animal species.     

Diaphragmatic hernia in a cat mimicking a pulmonary mass

A seven-year-old castrated British shorthair cross cat was presented for coughing of five-weeks duration. Thoracic radiographs and an unguided bronchoalveolar lavage showed changes consistent with inflammatory airway disease. In addition, a soft tissue density was evident in the thoracic films between the heart and the diaphragm. Exploratory thoracotomy demonstrated a diaphragmatic hernia, probably congenital in origin, with incarceration of a portion of the hepatic parenchyma. The herniated portion of liver was resected surgically and the defect in the diaphragm closed. The cat was given a 10-day course of doxycycline post-operatively and the cough did not recur subsequently. In retrospect, the hernia was potentially an incidental problem, the cat's coughing being attributable to inflammatory airway disease.     

Repair of a Frontal Sinus Eversion in a Horse

A large, bony protuberance from the frontal bone of a horse was found radiographically to communicate with the frontal sinus and to be similar in appearance. The mass was removed surgically, and the communicating defect with the sinus was repaired using synthetic mesh. Recovery was uncomplicated.     

Repair of a Mandibular Defect With a Free Vascularized Coccygeal Vertebra Transfer in a Dog

Bilateral mandibular defects in a male mongrel dog were repaired. On the left side, a free vascularized coccygeal bone graft that included the median caudal artery and caudal vein was used to correct the defect. On the right side, the defect was bridged with a bone plate and screws. For further immobilization, the muzzle was temporarily taped for 3 weeks and a pharyngostomy tube was used for nutritional support. The dog was able to eat dry commercial food satisfactorily within 2 months of surgery despite mild malocclusion. Radiographs taken 2 months and 18 months postoperatively showed bony union with graft hypertrophy in the left mandible, whereas the right mandibular defect showed protracted nonunion. The results indicate that vascularized coccygeal vertebra transfer provides an alternative for the management of canine mandibular defects.     

Epidural myelolipoma in a Husky-cross: a case report

Epidural spinal myelolipoma was diagnosed in an 11.5-year-old castrated male Husky-cross that was evaluated at the veterinary teaching hospital due to progressive thoracolumbar spinal hyperaesthesia and mild proprioceptive pelvic limb ataxia. A focal, ill-defined mildly inhomogenous extradural mass lesion was detected by MRI. The dog was euthanized. At necropsy an extradurally located reddish mass of about 2.5 cm in diameter was present in the vertebral canal. The mass was identified histopathologically as an epidural myelolipoma.     

Practical usefulness of a therapeutic soft contact lens for a corneal ulcer in a racehorse

Therapeutic soft contact lenses (TSCL) were applied to a thoroughbred racehorse with corneal ulcer refractory to topical medication. The insertion of the TSCL was conducted on day 36 using a nose twitch under sedation, auriculopalpebral nerve block, and topical anesthesia. The lens was retained, with the duration of wear lasting 114 days. Ocular pain improved immediately and fluorescein tests were negative 17 days after insertion. The horse was able to undergo training and ran in two races while wearing the TSCL. Thus a TSCL was found to be clinically useful for treating corneal ulcers in racehorses.     

Laparoscopic Repair of a Bladder Rupture in a Foal

Ruptured bladder was diagnosed in a 90-day-old Thoroughbred colt that had suffered a open, comminuted tibial fracture 2 days earlier. The bladder rupture was identified by laparoscopic examination of the abdomen and was repaired using a laparoscopic stapling instrument. This technique provided good visualization and allowed repair of the rupture with minimal intervention. Ten months after surgery, the foal was admitted to a referral surgical practice because of colic and stanguria. A urinary calculus was removed from the penile urethra by urethrotomy. Laparoscopic repair of the bladder with nonabsorbable staples may be contraindicated because of possible urolith formation.     

Use of a dynamic compression plate and a cable cerclage system for repair of a fracture of the radius in a horse

A pregnant 9-year-old Peruvian Paso mare was evaluated because of a fracture involving the left radius. On examination, grade IV/V lameness of the left forelimb was observed; radiography of the limb revealed a longitudinal oblique displaced fracture that extended from the caudal cortex of the radial mid-diaphysis into the humeroradial joint. To minimize the development of degenerative joint disease in the humeroradial joint, repair with internal fixation was recommended. A dynamic compression plate was applied to the cranial aspect of the radius; three 2-mm stainless steel cable cerclages were positioned around the mid- and proximal diaphysis. The horse was maintained in a sling for 8 to 12 hours daily for 3 weeks after surgery. Five months after surgery, the mare had foaled without complications, and grade I/V lameness during trotting only was observed. The combination of 1 dynamic compression plate and cable cerclage may provide satisfactory stabilization of this type of fracture in small to medium-sized horses.     

Surgical repair of a thoracic meningocele in a foal

A 6 week old American Paint filly was admitted for evaluation of a dorsal thoracic mass suspected to be a meningocele. The diagnosis was confirmed by plain and contrast enhanced computed tomography. Surgical repair was performed by dissection of the base of the meningocele followed by ligation. No postoperative complications occurred. Contrast enhanced computed tomography was useful to confirm the diagnosis of meningocele and rule out a meningomyelocele.