Endoscopic balloon dilation of benign esophageal strictures in dogs and cats

Endoscopic balloon dilation of benign esophageal strictures was performed in 18 dogs and 10 cats with a median age of 4 years. Stricture formation was associated with a recent anesthetic episode in 18 patients. Regurgitation was the most common clinical sign and was present a median of 4 weeks before dilation. Most animals had a single stricture; median diameter was 5 mm, and median length was 1 cm. Esophagitis and mucosal fibrosis were detected in 9 patients each. Dilation was performed with progressively increasing diameter balloons, from 6 to 20 mm. After dilation, mucosal hemorrhage was mild to moderate in most patients. Esophageal perforation was the only serious complication and occurred in 1 patient. Postdilation therapy consisted of administration of cimetidine, metoclopramide, sucralfate, and prednisone in most animals. The median number of dilation procedures performed in each animal was 2, with a range of 1-5. The median interval between dilations was 13 days. Stricture diameter markedly increased with subsequent dilations. Median duration of follow-up was 131 weeks. A successful outcome occurred in 88% of patients, with most animals able to eat canned, mashed, or dry food without regurgitation. Mucosal fibrosis was associated with a better clinical response score, while increasing age was weakly associated with fewer dilations. The dilation protocol used in this group of animals was safe and efficacious.     

A Combined Tension Band and Lag Screw Technique for Fixation of Olecranon Osteotomies

A combined tension band and lag screw technique for fixation of olecranon osteotomies was used in six canine clinical patients weighing 4.5 to 19 kg. After the proximal part of the ulnar shaft was exposed, a screw hole was drilled and tapped just cranial to the caudal cortex of the olecranon. An osteotomy was performed and the hole in the olecranon fragment was overdrilled to form a gliding hole. For reconstruction, the olecranon was reduced anatomically and compressed with a screw placed in lag fashion. With the trochlear notch exposed, a Kirschner wire was inserted cranial to the screw, using care not to enter the elbow joint. A double-twist figure-eight tension band wire was placed around the Kirschner wire in five dogs and around the screw in one dog. In this dog, a spiked washer was used with the screw because a small olecranon fragment had been produced by incorrect osteotomy position. A painful soft tissue swelling over the prominent washer, which resolved after implant removal, was the only complication attributed to the technique. The combined tension band wire and lag screw technique was a rapid and reliable method for fixation of olecranon osteotomies.     

Pathogenicity of Eperythrozoon suis alone and when mixed with Babesia trautmanni in experimentally-infected pigs

The pathogenicity of a single infection with Eperythrozoon suis and of a mixed infection of E. suis and Babesia trautmanni in experimentally-infected pigs, was described. In the pigs with a single infection, parasitaemia of E. suis was observed 4 days after blood inoculation. Although parasitaemia with this parasite was also observed on the 4th day in a mixed infection, the parasitaemia of B. trautmanni was not noted until 14 days after inoculation at a period when that of E. suis had started to fall. No parasitaemia was observed in any of the pigs in the splenectomized and unsplenectomized uninoculated control animals. The pigs carrying either single or mixed infections had pyrexia and their temperatures were consistently higher than those of the control animals. Infected pigs also showed anaemia with significant decline in Pcv, Hb and RBC values. The total WBC count rose in the infected pigs and the rise was more pronounced in pigs carrying E. suis alone. In addition, it was only in pigs infected by E. suis alone that a decline in the percentage of neutrophils and a rise in percentage lymphocytes was observed.     

Inherited hyperchylomicro-naemia in the cat: Lipoprotein lipase function and gene structure

Hyperchylomicronaemia was identified in a four-week-old Siamese kitten with lethargy, in-appetence, hindlimb ataxia and profound anaemia. The kitten was euthanased and at necropsy a thrombus was found occluding the caudal aorta. Two littermates later presented with lethargy, inappetence and hypertriglyceri-daemia which resolved after being weaned on to a low fat diet. A similar condition was subsequently diagnosed in a kitten born to the same sire but a different queen. The expression of hyperchylomicronaemia in two related litters was suggestive of an inherited, familial defect in the function of lipoprotein lipase (LPL). The activity of this enzyme was reduced in all three parents, the two recovered cases and two related, but apparently unaffected kittens, compared with a control group of unrelated cats belonging to the breeder. This reduction in activity was not attributable to defective activation of LPL by its serum cofactor apolipoprotein C-II or the presence in plasma of a factor that inhibited LPL. The gene that codes for LPL was examined by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis using a human LPL cDNA probe. The results showed that the cat has a similar, but not identical, LPL gene to man. However, there were no differences in the restriction fragment patterns obtained from affected, unaffected and control animals.     

Transvenous retrograde portography for identification and characterization of portosystemic shunts in dogs

Transvenous retrograde portography for identification and characterization of portosystemic shunts in dogs A method for transvenous retrograde portography (TRP) in dogs suspected to have a portosystemic shunt (PSS) and results in 20 dogs are described. For TRP, dogs were anesthetized and positioned in left lateral recumbency A dual-lumen balloon-tipped catheter was inserted into the right jugular vein and advanced into the azygos vein. The balloon was inflated to occlude the azygos vein, and contrast material was injected during fluoroscopic evaluation. The catheter was then positioned in the caudal vena cava just cranial to the diaphragm. The balloon was again inflated to occlude the vena cava, and contrast material was again injected. Once a shunt was identified, selective catheterization was attempted with a guide wire and angled catheter. A PSS was identified in 18 of the 20 dogs. In 10 of the 18, the shunt vessel could be selectively catheterized, allowing measurement of portal pressures while the shunt was occluded with the balloon. In 1 dog, results of TRP were normal, but subsequent exploratory celiotomy revealed a single extrahepatic PSS, which was surgically attenuated. The other dog in which results of TRP were normal did not have a macroscopic PSS. In dogs suspected to have a PSS, TRP may be a useful adjunctive diagnostic test that is less invasive than operative mesenteric vein portography and allows measurement of portal pressures before and after temporary shunt occlusion.     

Removal of an intracoelomic hook via laparotomy in a sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus)

A twenty-one-year-old male sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) demonstrated signs of chronic weight loss even though its appetite remained unchanged. In addition, the gradual development of a red, circular lesion on its ventral body was noted. After months without any significant changes, a ventral fistula appeared revealing the tip of a wire exposed within its center. The shark was immobilized via intramuscular remote injection through dartgun with etomidate; removed from its exhibit tank; and clinically examined with radiographic imaging, a cell blood count/serum chemistry evaluation, and the use of a metal detector along the body wall. A metallic hook was identified in the coelom about 10 cm cranial to the external fistula. The shark was transferred to an isolation pool for 1 mo. A second immobilization via immersion in eugenol was conducted in order to perform a celiotomy. The hook was located in a liver lobe and was surgically removed. After a prolonged recovery from anesthesia, the shark was released into its primary tank and recovered uneventfully, although some of the skin sutures sloughed prematurely.     

Cullen's sign and haemoglobinuria as presenting signs of retroperitoneal haemorrhage in a dog

Haemoglobinuria and periumbilical discoloration (also known as Cullen's sign) are clinical signs uncommonly reported in veterinary patients. This report describes a case of retroperitoneal haemorrhage in a dog, associated with haemoglobinuria and Cullen's sign. To the authors' knowledge, these clinical signs have not previously been reported singularly or in combination with retroperitoneal haemorrhage in dogs. A neutered male Shetland sheepdog, which was presented for haematuria, also had an abdominal mass, abdominal pain and a large area of periumbilical discoloration. Laboratory studies determined that haemoglobinuria was the cause of the red-coloured urine. Abdominal radiographs suggested a splenic mass and a coeliotomy was performed. During the induction and throughout the anaesthetic period the dog was hypertensive and a large haematoma originating from the right retroperitoneal space was identified at surgery. The cause of the haemorrhage was uncertain but a ruptured phaeochromocytoma was thought possible on the basis of the persistent hypertension and the location of the haemorrhage.     

Epidemiology of viral haemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis in a free-living population of wild rabbits

From January 1993 to June 1996, the epidemiology of myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD) was studied in a free-living population of wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Spain by means of serological surveys and radiotracking. Myxomatosis was endemic and associated with the breeding period. Its serological pattern was characterised by a 100 per cent prevalence of antibodies in adult rabbits and a rapid increase in antibodies in young rabbits in their first year. No mortality from myxomatosis was detected in adults, and mortality in young rabbits could not be estimated because of interference by predators and scavengers and the deaths of many radiotagged rabbits inside their burrows. VHD was also an endemic disease associated with the breeding period. Adults had a higher prevalence of antibodies against VHD than young rabbits, reaching values of 80 to 90 per cent. During the study, there was an increase in rabbit numbers as a result of a decrease in mortality from predation which was associated with an increase in mortality due to VHD and in the prevalence of antibodies to VHD. Mortality from VHD was lower in rabbits with VHD antibodies than in seronegative rabbits, but some mortality from the disease was also detected in seropositive rabbits. The annual mean mortality rate due to VHD in adult rabbits was estimated to be 21.8 per cent.     

Gastric emptying of liquids in the dog: serial test meal and modified emptying-time techniques

A serial test meal technique was used in the dog to evaluate the gastric emptying of a liquid test meal. On separate days, a phenol red test meal was placed in the stomach and completely aspirated at different times. A composite representation of the gastric emptying pattern was obtained for each dog, and a set of normative data was generated. Three emptying determinants (emptying time, half-life, and starting index) were calculated. The basic pattern of canine gastric emptying was linear and declined exponentially or as a function of the square root of the gastric volume. A modified emptying-time technique (METT) correlated well with the serial test meal and a set of normative values was determined. The METT was performed by aspirating test meal from the stomach 30 minutes after instillation. The METT was a simple and inexpensive technique that could be performed in 1 short testing period. With the METT, the half-life of gastric emptying was calculated, using the log of the percentage of retention of test meal; gastric emptying time was calculated, using the square root of the percentage of retention of test meal. Acetylpromazine was shown not to alter gastric emptying of a liquid test meal.     

Pathophysiology of equine postoperative ileus: effect of adrenergic blockade, parasympathetic stimulation and metoclopramide in an experimental model

An experimental model of postoperative ileus was developed in ponies using trauma to, and exposure of, a length of small intestine which gave rise to a reproducible and reversible set of changes in gut activity. This was assessed by recordings of electrical and mechanical activity and by propulsion of spheres from stomach to anus. Activity was depressed, especially in the stomach and colon, and transit was slowed. All drugs given increased electromechanical activity but propranolol was the least effective and did not alter the delayed transit of spheres. Yohimbine was more effective and the addition of bethanechol produced a little extra propulsive action. Metoclopramide had the best effect, virtually returning transit to normal and was the only drug fully restoring coordination of gastric and small intestinal activity which was disrupted by the ileus procedure. Loss of gastroduodenal coordination is probably the central lesion in equine ileus and may be mediated by dopamine.     

BRUCELLA CULTURES TYPED BY THE WHO BRUCELLOSIS CENTRE AT THE COMMONWEALTH SERUM LABORATORIES, MELBOURNE

Results of the typing of Brucella cultures received at the WHO Brucellosis Centre, CSL, Melbourne, from 1968-1976 are presented. The distribution of the biotypes of cultures recovered throughout Australia is shown on a host and State basis and atypical cultures are discussed. Cultures identified from Australia were Br. abortus, biotypes 1, 2 and 4 and Strain 19; Br. suis, biotype 1 and Br. ovis. Br. melitensis biotypes 1, 2 and 3 were recorded only as exotic human infections from the Mediterranean area and from laboratory infections. Br. abortus, biotype 1 was the most common bovine and human isolate and was found in horses, a goat and a sheep. There was a low incidence of Br. abortus, biotype 2 in cattle and it was found in 1 horse. Br. abortus, biotype 3 was not found in Australia but was submitted from Tanzania. Br. abortus, biotype 4 was rare in cattle and was found once in a horse. Br. abortus, Strain 19 was found occasionally in cattle and once from a test guinea pig. Br. suis, biotype 1 was found in both man and pigs in Queensland and New South Wales whereas biotype 3 was isolated only in New Guinea from pigs and cattle. Br. ovis was submitted from 3 States. Br. canis has not been found in Australia.     

规模化猪场蓝耳病血清学调查

蓝耳病是影响规模化猪场繁殖性能的主要传染性疾病,笔者在江苏省6个年产万头商品猪的规模化猪场猪群中随机采集297头种猪及仔猪血清进行蓝耳病血清学调查,使用IDEXX酶联免疫吸附诊断试剂盒,检测蓝耳病病毒抗体。结果表明,2个未免疫接种老猪场猪群抗体阳性率52%,断奶仔猪群阳性率39.1%;2个免疫接种老猪场猪群抗体阳性率94%,断奶仔猪群阳性率89.8%。而较新猪场的种猪群阳性率28.6%,断奶仔猪群阳性率5%。     

Hyperbilirubinemia in sick cattle.

Hyperbilirubinemia was present in 387 out of 1279 sick cattle admitted to the clinic of the Ontario Veterinary College. One hundred and ninety five of these had a total serum bilirubin of 17 mumol/L or greater. Clinical records, laboratory data and when available, pathology reports from these 195 animals were examined in an attempt to explain the reason for the high bilirubin levels. The hyperbilirubinemia in 187 of these was mainly due to an increase in unconjugated bilirubin. Jaundice, liver disease or anemia was not a feature and alkaline phosphatase was not elevated. The 195 animals with hyperbilirubinemia suffered from a variety of diseases that seemingly were unrelated to the increased bilirubin. The most frequently described signs were anorexia and rumen stasis. Liver disease was diagnosed in eight animals and in these clinical jaundice, and increased conjugated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase was a feature. It was concluded that hyperbilirubinemia occurred in many diseases of cattle and in most instances was related to a failure of the liver to remove unconjugated bilirubin from the serum rather than to a failure of the liver to excrete conjugated bilirubin.     

Placement of bone screws in a standing horse for treatment of a fracture of the greater tubercle of the humerus

A mature Thoroughbred gelding that was used as a high level jumper presented for evaluation of a nonweightbearing forelimb lameness following a fall. Radiographs revealed a complete, noncomminuted, minimally displaced sagittal fracture of the greater tubercle. Supporting limb laminitis was a major concern in the short term based on the severe lameness at presentation. Open reduction with internal fixation was chosen over stall rest in an attempt to more rapidly return the weightbearing function to the limb. The procedure was performed standing and 3 bone screws were placed standing in an attempt to avoid implant or catastrophic bone failure that can accompany recovery from general anaesthesia. The day following surgery the lameness was significantly improved as the horse was able to bear some weight on the heel. The gelding was discharged 5 days following surgery and was fully weightbearing at the walk. Six months following surgery the horse was free of lameness and resumed training. This report describes our experience and rationale in placing bone screws in a standing horse for treatment of a greater tubercle fracture.     

OSSEOUS METAPLASIA IN THE RENAL PELVIS OF A DOG WITH HYDRONEPHROSIS

A 3-year-old male Sheltie dog was presented with abdominal distension, diarrhea, and vomiting. Hematologic and blood chemistry studies revealed a mild anemia and a few leukocytes in the urine. Radiographic examination was made, and a large mass with calcified trabeculae was present in the ventral right cranial quadrant of the abdomen. Exploratory celiotomy was performed, and a mass identified as the right kidney was removed. The excised kidney was cystic and multiloculated, and contained areas of bone and cartilage. This mass weighed 1120 g and was in excess of ten percent of the dog's body weight. Transitional epithelium can stimulate osseous metaplasia. The presence of both tissues in a biopsy specimen might indicate urinary tract disease.     

Permanent Lateral Deviation and Stenosis of the Cervix in an Infertile Jennet

Congenital abnormalities of the uterus and the cervix are rare in horses, often associated with infertility, despite normal ovarian activity and sexual behaviour. An abnormality of the cervix in a 5‐year‐old jennet with a history of infertility was described. Clinical and ultrasound examination of the genital tract showed a normal development of the uterus with regular cyclic activity in both the ovaries. Vaginoscopy revealed a normal development of the vagina and a cervix deviated on the left side of the vagina by a thick dorsoventral fold. The lateral deviation was permanent in any stage of oestrus cycle. Furthermore, the cervical os was narrow and digital penetration was not realizable. Using a 5‐mm catheter, the full penetration was not possible even during oestrus; moreover, the inoculation of fluid could be revealed in uterus by ultrasound (fluid was not present before inoculation), demonstrating a minimal patency. An abnormal and permanent lateral displacement of a stenotic cervix was suspected as the primary cause of infertility in the jennet.     

The incidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation in dogs with malignant tumor

The incidence of DIC in 208 dogs with a malignant tumor was evaluated. The incidence of DIC was 9.6% in dogs with a malignant tumor which was a solid tumor in all. In 164 dogs with a malignant solid tumor, the incidence of DIC was 12.2%. The incidence of DIC in dogs with hemangiosarcoma, mammary gland carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the lung was significantly higher than that in dogs with other malignant tumors. These results suggested that special care in looking for DIC should be taken in dogs with a malignant solid tumor.     

Omentalization of cystic sublumbar lymph node metastases for long-term palliation of tenesmus and dysuria in a dog with anal sac adenocarcinoma.

A 13-year-old castrated male Bassett Hound was examined because of a 2-week history of severe constipation and tenesmus. Radiography revealed a large cystic mass in the caudal portion of the abdomen that was compressing the urethra and obstructing the pelvic canal. A small perianal mass was also noticed in the region of the left anal sac. Exploratory surgery was performed, but the mass was deemed unresectable. Instead, the mass was incised, drained, and omentalized in an attempt to establish continuous drainage after surgery. Cytologic evaluation of the perianal mass was consistent with a diagnosis of anal sac adenocarcinoma. Histologic evaluation of the abdominal mass revealed it was a lymph node effaced by adenocarcinoma. Despite the poor prognosis for anal sac adenocarcinoma with metastatic spread to the sublumbar lymph nodes, tenesmus and dysuria in this dog remained palliated until the dog's death 18 months after surgery. Omentalization was successful in providing a continuous method of fluid drainage for this cystopapillary abdominal tumor.     

Prepubic urethrostomy and vaginoplasty in a female cat

A 1-year-old, intact female, domestic shorthaired cat was presented for dysuria resulting from perineal scarring subsequent to injuries incurred during a cat fight. A prepubic urethrostomy was performed to manage the dysuria. Eleven months later, the cat was re-presented with a 3-day history of pyrexia and inappetence. A pinpoint opening extending 0.5 cm ventral to the anus on midline, exuding a clear discharge, was noted in the perineal region. A contrast fistulogram was performed, and a vaginoperineal fistula was diagnosed. The fistulous tract was a result of vulvar stricture from the trauma of the cat fight. A vaginoplasty was performed to create an opening for vaginal secretions. This is the first published report of a prepubic urethrostomy performed in a female cat.     

SPONTANEOUS PANCREATIC ISLET CELL ADENOMA WITH PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY IN A PET RAT (RATTUS NORVEGICUS)

A pancreatic islet cell adenoma was suspected in a 2.5-year-old pet rat that was presented for lethargy and progressive paraparesis. Hypoglycemia was confirmed using a handheld glucometer. Mild improvement was noted after initial corticosteroid treatment. No evidence of a pituitary mass was identified on magnetic resonance imaging. Although a slight treatment response was observed following drug administration the patient's clinical condition deteriorated to the point that the owners elected to have the rat euthanized. Histopathologically, an islet cell adenoma was identified within the pancreas, along with peripheral neuropathy and muscle atrophy, which were consistent with clinical findings. Immunohistochemical staining of neoplastic cells was positive for insulin. Pancreatic islet cell adenomas are not commonly reported, and their clinical prevalence in pet rats is undetermined. The current report describes a case of pancreatic islet cell adenoma in a rat with concurrent peripheral neuropathy secondary to hypoglycemia.