Pectus excavatum in two littermate dogs

One male and 1 female, 8-week-old, schnauzer littermates were presented with moderate and mild pectus excavatum, respectively. External application of a coaptation splint to the ventral aspect of the thorax was used for correction of the sternal deformity in the male; conservative treatment was used in the female.     

Lung ring-down artifact as a sign of pulmonary alveolar-interstitial disease

Three dogs with presumptive cardiogenic pulmonary edema underwent a thoracic ultrasonographic examination. Multiple ring-down artifacts involving both sides of the thorax emanating from the pleural-lung interface were detected. When clinical and radiographic signs of pulmonary edema were resolved, ring-down artifacts were not observed. The ring-down artifact may be a useful diagnostic sign for screening the lung of animals with acute respiratory distress where radiographs are not feasible.     

Surgical correction of pectus excavatum in two cats

Two sexually intact male Bengal cats, one a 4-month-old weighing 2.8 kg and the other, a 3-month-old weighing 2.0 kg, were presented to the University of Missouri-Columbia Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of respiratory distress. On initial presentation, both cats were dyspneic, exercise intolerant, and had marked concave deformation of the caudal sternum. Surgical correction of pectus excavatum was performed using a cylindrical external splint and U-shaped external splint. Post-operative thoracic radiography revealed that there was decreased concavity of the sternum and increased thoracic height at the level of the caudal sternebrae in both cats.     

THORACIC RADIOGRAPHY IN THE NEONATAL FOAL: A PRELIMINARY REPORT

Thoracic radiographs from 22 neonatal foals were reviewed to investigate the radiographic appearance of the thorax in normal, immature, and septicemic foals, and in foals with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. The size and radiographic appearance of intrathoracic structures and abnormal lung opacities were evaluated. The craniocaudal and apicobasilar dimensions of the heart were 5.6–6.3 and 6.7–7.8 times the length of a midthoracic vetebral body, respectively, in normal, immature and septicemic foals. Apicobasilar measurements were greater (8.0–8.7) in the foals with respiratory distress syndrome. Normal foals had clear lung fields within 12 hours of birth. A more marked interstitial pattern was observed in immature and septicemic foals compared to normals. Diffuse air–space (alveolar) pattern with air bronchograms was seen in foals with respiratory distress syndrome. It was concluded from this series that thoracic radiographs taken 24–48 hours after birth may aid differentiation of normal foals, septicemic or immature foals, and foals with respiratory distress syndrome.     

Evaluation of a stented laryngoplasty for correction of cranial glottic stenosis in four dogs

After laryngeal surgery, cranial glottic stenosis secondary to laryngeal web formation was diagnosed as the cause of upper airway obstruction in 4 dogs. Initial treatment of 3 dogs by peroral laryngeal web excision resulted in rapid recurrence of clinical signs. Subsequently, these 3 and the fourth dog were treated by scar excision, mucosal flap coverage, and placement of a silicone intraluminal laryngeal stent for 14 days. By 5 months (average) after surgery, on the basis of clinical evaluation of exercise intolerance, respiratory distress, and stridor, all dogs had alleviation of upper airway obstruction.     

Computed Tomographic Features of Choanal Atresia in a Friesian Foal

A 3-week-old Friesian colt with a history of respiratory distress since birth was presented to our facility. Results after an endoscopy showed obstruction of the right nasal passage to the nasopharynx. Computed tomography was performed to further characterize this unilateral blockage. The images demonstrated a complete membranous obstruction of the ventral meatus, along with deviation of the vomer bone toward the left side of the nasal cavity. The diagnosis of unilateral choanal atresia was confirmed. This report is the first to describe computed tomographic features of choanal atresia in a foal.     

High mortality rate associated with bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) infection in Belgian white blue calves previously vaccinated with an inactivated BRSV vaccine

In a group of 60 Belgian White Blue calves less than 8 months old still housed in barns, a bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) outbreak was revealed on the basis of a direct diagnosis (immunofluorescence and virus isolation) performed on the lungs of dead animals, and the kinetics of BRSV neutralizing antibodies. Clinical signs, macroscopical and microscopical pulmonary lesions were also compatible with a BRSV infection. This outbreak is peculiar because the 35 oldest calves (204 +/- 29 days old) had been vaccinated 3-4 months before with an inactivated BRSV vaccine and 30% of these animals had died of respiratory distress. While they experienced a mild respiratory symptomatology, no death was recorded among the 25 youngest calves (69 +/- 29 days old) which had been left unvaccinated. Another peculiarity was found at the histological level where a massive infiltration of eosinophils was demonstrated in the pulmonary tissues of the dead animals. Together these data parallel the dramatic story described 30 years ago in children previously vaccinated with a formalin-inactivated human RSV (HRSV) vaccine upon a natural HRSV challenge. This illustrates that an immunopathological phenomenon also takes place after BRSV vaccination in cattle.     

Acute respiratory distress in cattle.

The term "fog fever" was originally used identify a disease of adult cattle grazing lush pastures in the autumn. Unfortunately, the name has subsequently been applied to other respiratory disorders which occurred under different epidemiological circumstances, so that the name "fog fever" has lost much of its original specificity and become almost synonymous with "acute respiratory distress". The pulmonary lesions in 151 cattle, of all ages, with acute respiratory distress are described in this report. While most of the animals were referred as examples of "fog fever", in only 43 of the 151 cases were the clinical signs, epidemiology and post mortem findings consistent with that disease. Twelve other pulmonary disturbances were encountered in the other animals and the pathology of these conditions has bee described.     

Gram-negative bacterial infection in neonatal New World camelids: six cases (1985-1991).

Gram-negative bacterial infections were documented in 6 neonatal New World camelids (5 Ilamas and 1 alpaca). The organisms isolated from blood before death or from multiple organs after death were Escherichia coli (n = 3), Actinobacillus sp (n = 1), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 1). Only 2 crias survived, and 1 became blind secondary to retinal detachment and ocular inflammation, which developed after treatment for bacterial infection. Abnormal events during the perinatal period (prematurity, dystocia, cesarean section, weak at birth) were reported in all 6 crias. Signs of depression, convulsions, and/or coma were observed in all animals. Diarrhea and respiratory distress were also noticed in the 3 crias that died shortly after admission. Serum immunoglobulins were assessed, but without the benefit of a stall-side test specific for Ilama immunoglobulins. All crias were suspected to have poor transfer of maternal immunoglobulins. Hemograms and serum biochemical values prior to the initiation of treatment were obtained on 5 of the 6 crias. Total nucleated cells ranged from 1,400 to 23,100 cells/microliter. Four of the 5 crias has a left shift, and 2 crias had toxic neutrophils. Serum glucose concentrations, measured in 5 of 6 crias, ranged from 83 to 293 mg/dl. Serum creatinine values were high in 2 of 5 crias, 1 of which had acute tubular necrosis. Three crias with high serum electrolyte (sodium, chloride, or potassium) values subsequently died. Arterial blood gas values were assessed in 3 crias, 1 of which had respiratory alkalosis and mild hypoxemia.     

Open surgical correction combined with an external splint for correction of a non-compliant pectus excavatum in a cat

A 4-month-old domestic shorthair female cat weighing 1.3 kg was presented for evaluation of respiratory distress. The animal showed evident dyspnoea with exercise intolerance and a marked concave deformation of the sternum. After measurements of the fronto-sagittal and vertebral indexes, the pectus was classified as moderate and surgery was elected. Surgical correction was performed using an open approach to the sternum with osteotomy of the last sternebra and costochondral junctions of the eighth and ninth ribs bilaterally. A silicone based, U-shape external splint was manufactured and used to stabilise the sternum. Immediate and 5-week postsurgical radiographs revealed a decreased concavity of the sternum and an increase thoracic height at the level of the last sternebra. Postoperative results suggest that this technique could be an effective and economical option for cats with pectus excavatum with a non-compliant sternum.     

Plasma haptoglobin concentration in swine after challenge with Streptococcus suis

Eight 15-week-old pigs, reared under specific pathogen-free conditions, were inoculated with Streptococcus suis serotype 2. The animals were monitored before and after challenge by measuring rectal temperature, recording specific clinical symptoms and collecting blood samples for haptoglobin determination. Twenty-four hours after infection, the average haptoglobin plasma concentration of the animal group increased significantly and reached a maximum 4 days post-inoculation, followed by a constant mean level until the end of the trial on day 10. In spite of individual differences between the animals, an increase in haptoglobin concentration of at least 2.5 times above normal was observed in all infected pigs 1 day after challenge. Twenty-four hours after challenge, lameness was observed in five animals and an elevated body temperature was observed in seven of the eight experimental infected animals. These are the classical clinical symptoms of streptococcal infection. Haptoglobin was shown to increase in acute S. suis infection in pigs.     

Pathophysiologic study of 3-methylindole-induced pulmonary toxicosis in immature cattle

In 5 Friesian calves given 3-methylindole (3-MI) (100 mg/kg once a week for 8 weeks, except calf 4, given a 50 mg/kg dose on weeks 3 to 8), pulmonary function (PF) values and arterial blood gas tensions (PaO2 and PaCO2) were measured 24 hours after dosing was done and were correlated with clinical, biochemical, and pathologic changes. Three of the calves (No. 1, 2, and 3) showed acute respiratory distress syndrome 24 hours after the first 3-MI treatment, with a large increase in respiratory frequency, minute viscous work, and PaCO2 and a large decrease in tidal volume, dynamic lung compliance, and PaCO2. They died 36, 38, and 84 hours after dosing. Pulmonary function changes were compatible with the severe pulmonary edema and alveolar damage observed at necropsy. The 2 other calves, after they were given the 1st dose, showed only subacute respiratory distress syndrome with less severe changes in PF values recorded at 24 hours. Furthermore, they became progressively more tolerant to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weekly treatments, and showed base-line PF values after the 5th weekly treatment. Pathologic changes were not observed in lung biopsy material from these 2 animals at 2 and at 12 weeks after the 8th (or last) 3-MI treatment.     

Percutaneous, ultrasonographically guided technique of catheterization of the abdominal aorta in calves for serial blood sampling and continuous arterial blood pressure measurement

The study describes a technique of ultrasonographically guided transcutaneous catheter implantation into the abdominal aorta of 29 6- to 8-week-old German Holstein calves. Catheters were implanted between the left transverse processes of L3 and L4, left in place for 2 days and used for serial blood sampling and continuous measurement of blood pressure. Complete cell counts and clinical examination were performed before, as well as 1 and 5 days after implantation. Catheterization was successful in all calves. The catheter was patent for blood sampling and pressure recordings at all times. A significant decrease in red blood cells was found in all animals after catheterization, which remained reduced for 5 days. Clinical signs of anaemia were absent. In conclusion, ultrasonographically guided catheterization of the abdominal aorta provides a continuous arterial access in calves, whereby the minimal invasive technique and the ultrasonographical guidance reduces accidental tissue trauma and pain for the animal.     

Surgical management of bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis in a dog

Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis of uncertain cause developed in a 3-month-old Golden Retriever. A surgical procedure for tightening the diaphragmatic muscle was used to help alleviate the dog's respiratory distress. During thoracotomy, the central tendon of the diaphragm was plicated, using an interlocking suture pattern. The dog improved after surgery, and although complete recovery from paralysis was achieved only on one side, the dog has remained clinically normal 1 year after surgery.     

Prognostic value of surgical and postoperative findings in cattle with abomasal volvulus.

A prospective study evaluating the prognostic value of surgical and postoperative findings in 80 cattle with abomasal volvulus was performed. Surgical correction of abomasal volvulus was performed in all animals. After surgery, cattle were categorized into 3 groups: productive (acceptable milk production or appetite, n = 59), salvaged (poor milk production or appetite, n = 10), and nonsurvivors (n = 11). Cattle with omasal-abomasal volvulus had a significantly (P less than 0.005) worse prognosis than cattle without omasal involvement. Large abomasal fluid volume, venous thrombosis, and blue or black abomasal color before decompression were all indicative of a poor prognosis. Most cattle had poor or fair appetites the first day after surgery; productive animals had marked improvement in appetite over the next 3 days. All cattle observed to have a good appetite within 3 days after surgery were later determined to be productive animals. The heart rate decreased in all groups after surgery; however, tachycardia (heart rate greater than 80 beats/min) was sustained in cattle that were later salvaged for slaughter. Diarrhea was observed after surgery in 54% of cattle. The duration of diarrhea was significantly shorter (P = 0.009) in productive cattle than in salvaged and nonsurviving cattle. The presence or absence of diarrhea was only of predictive value when considered in conjunction with the estimated abomasal fluid volume.     

Extensive small bowel resection in dogs and cats: 20 cases (1998-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To determine outcome in dogs and cats that underwent extensive (ie, > 50%) resection of the small intestine and identify factors associated with outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 13 dogs and 7 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed, and follow-up information was obtained. RESULTS: In all 7 cats and in 8 of the 13 dogs, extensive intestinal resection was performed because of a foreign body. Mean+/-SD estimated percentage of intestine that was removed was 68+/-14% (range, 50% to 90%). Two dogs were euthanized 3 days after surgery because of dehiscence of the surgical site and development of septic peritonitis; 1 dog died of acute respiratory distress syndrome 5 days after surgery. The remaining 10 dogs and 7 cats were discharged from the hospital, and follow-up information was available for 15 of the 17. Median survival time was 828 days, and 12 of the 15 animals for which long-term follow-up information was available had good outcomes. However, none of the factors examined, including percentage of intestine resected, were significantly associated with outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Most dogs and cats that underwent extensive resection of the small intestine had a good outcome. The amount of intestine resected was not associated with outcome. These data may be useful in providing prognostic information in cases of extensive small intestinal resection.     

Primary pulmonary osteosarcoma treated by thoracoscopy-assisted lung resection in a dog

A 6-year-old female, intact boxer presented with acute respiratory distress due to a mass in the left cranial thorax. The tumor, which originated in the left lung and was shown by histology to be an osteosarcoma, was removed by lateral thoracotomy. The dog died from unrelated disease 7 mo later and no tumor was evident at necropsy.     

Field evaluation of parvaquone against naturally occurring East Coast fever

Parvaquone (Clexon Cooper) was clinically tested for efficacy as a treatment for East Coast Fever (Theileria parva parva infection) in naturally infected cattle. The drug showed a suppressive effect on Theileria schizonts and piroplasms. A recovery rate of 79% was recorded. Best results were obtained when Clexon treatment was initiated in the early stage of the disease, before many red blood cells were invaded and before respiratory distress was evident. A carrier state in animals recovered from East Coast Fever is suspected.     

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome in the calf

Thirty-five calves were delivered by caesarean section near to term. During the operation amniotic fluid was collected for determination of the lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio. Clinical examination of the calves and analysis of blood gas concentration (venous blood) were carried out within the first hour of life. Fifteen out of 35 calves under examination did not show clinical or blood gas disorders in the course of the first hour of life. In these calves, the L/S ratio, which represents a measure for the maturity of the surfactant system, averaged 2.6. The other 20 calves, however, developed a respiratory distress syndrome together with a progressive respiratory and metabolic acidosis within the first hour of life. The L/S ratio in the animals affected with respiratory distress syndrome reached an average value of 1.5 which was significantly below that of the calves not suffering from respiratory distress. Eleven of the 20 calves which developed respiratory distress syndrome died within the first 60 hours of life. The most striking findings in the post mortem examinations of these animals were intracranial haemorrhages and pulmonary lesions (hyaline membranes, interstitial and alveolar oedema). On the basis of the significantly lower L/S ratio and the post mortem findings, it is to be assumed that the respiratory distress syndrome in calves, equally with that in infants, is attributable to a surfactant deficiency.     

Fractures of the mandible and maxilla.

External fixation is an effective method for stabilization of many mandibular fractures. Thorough physical examination and patient stabilization should be instituted before attending to the fractures and associated soft tissue trauma. Normal occlusion rather than perfect reduction is the goal of oral fracture repair. Loose teeth or teeth in the fracture should be removed, as should any avascular bone fragments. Soft tissue wounds should be treated as for any contaminated wound. Mucosal wounds are allowed to heal by second intention. Although prophylactic perioperative antibiotics are indicated, they are usually not needed postoperatively. The three basic types of external fixators described include the Kirschner-Ehmer splint, pins or screws and acrylic, and the biphase splint. All three types are relatively easy to apply, and the principles of their application are similar. A minimum of two pins or screws are placed percutaneously in each fragment, avoiding the mandibular canal. The Kirschner-Ehmer splint is more easily adjustable than the biphase splint or the pin-acrylic splint, which use acrylic connecting bars. The advantages of fixators that use acrylic bars are that the pins or screws need not all be in the same plane and that they are more lightweight than the Kirschner-Ehmer splint. The disadvantages of the biphase splint are its increased expense and its use being limited to larger dogs. External fixators are well tolerated by the animals, and postoperative care is minimal. Mandibular fractures are usually healed in 3 to 5 weeks, and the fixators can be removed with the animal under sedation.