Actinobacillosis in an alpaca (Lama pacos)

The death of a 6-week-old alpaca being treated for acute polyarthritis is described. Post-mortem and histological findings included fibrinous mural endocarditis, lung abscessation, acute passive congestion of the liver, embolic suppurative nephritis and chronic nonsuppurative polyarthritis. Actinobacillus suis was isolated from the heart lesion and in pharyngeal swabs from four of six clinically normal alpacas in the same flock.     

Volvulus of the large colon in a neonatal foal

A one‐day‐old Thoroughbred colt foal was presented for assessment of abdominal pain and reduced urine output. Physical examination of the foal revealed marked abdominal distension, mild tachycardia, tachypnoea and congested mucous membranes. A marked anechoic peritoneal effusion, intestinal hypomotility and mural thickening of the large colon were detected sonographically. Serosanguinous fluid was obtained by abdominocentesis. After haemodynamic stabilisation, the foal underwent general anaesthesia and exploratory laparotomy and a 720° volvulus of the large colon at the sternal and diaphragmatic flexures was identified. After correction of the volvulus, the intraoperative findings were consistent with nonviability of the affected portion of the colon. The owner declined partial colon resection and elected for euthanasia of the foal. Although rare in neonatal foals, large colon volvulus should be considered in foals with signs of abdominal pain, abdominal distension and ultrasonographic findings of colonic mural thickening and luminal distension.     

Trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction in New World camelids

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical findings, surgical treatment, and outcome associated with trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction in New World camelids. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Alpacas (7) and 1 llama. METHODS: Historical and clinical data were obtained from the medical records of New World camelids with a diagnosis of trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction confirmed by surgical exploration or necropsy. RESULTS: Seven camelids were <1 year old. Abnormal clinical findings included anorexia, reduced fecal output, recumbency, colic, abdominal distension, regurgitation, decreased serum chloride concentration, increased serum bicarbonate concentration, and/or elevated first gastric compartment chloride concentration. Survey abdominal radiographs obtained (4 animals) revealed gastric distension (4) and/or visualization of the obstruction (2). Diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy (1) or surgery (7). Right paracostal celiotomy was performed on all animals and duodenotomy (3) or retropulsion of the trichophytobezoar combined with third compartment gastrotomy (4) was used to remove the obstruction. Six animals survived to discharge and 5 were healthy at follow-up, 8-20 months later. The remaining discharged alpaca was healthy at 12 months but subsequently died of unrelated causes. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of trichophytobezoar duodenal obstruction should be considered in juvenile New World camelids with abdominal distension and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. Right paracostal celiotomy can be used for access to the descending duodenum and third gastric compartment for surgical relief of obstruction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Duodenal obstruction from bezoars should be considered in New World camelids <1year of age with abdominal distension and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis. Surgical relief of the obstruction by right paracostal celiotomy has a good prognosis.     

Determination of electrocardiographic parameters in healthy llamas and alpacas

OBJECTIVE: To determine electrocardiographic parameters in healthy llamas and alpacas. ANIMALS: 23 llamas and 12 alpacas. PROCEDURE: Electrocardiography was performed in nonsedated standing llamas and alpacas by use of multiple simultaneous lead recording (bipolar limb, unipolar augmented limb, and unipolar precordial leads). RESULTS: Common features of ECGs of llamas and alpacas included low voltage of QRS complexes, variable morphology of QRS complexes among camelids, and mean depolarization vectors (mean electrical axes) that were directed dorsocranially and to the right. Durations of the QT interval and ST segment were negatively correlated with heart rate. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: ECGs of acceptable quality can be consistently recorded in nonsedated standing llamas and alpacas. Features of ECGs in llamas and alpacas are similar to those of other ruminants. Changes in the morphology of the QRS complexes and mean electrical axis are unlikely to be sensitive indicators of ventricular enlargement in llamas and alpacas.     

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in a dog

An 8-month-old Labrador retriever bitch was evaluated for sudden-onset, progressive abdominal distension. Physical examination revealed an exaggerated inspiratory effort, severe ascites, bilateral jugular vein distension, and hypokinetic femoral arterial pulses. Thoracic auscultation detected tachycardia with muffled heart sounds, without audible cardiac murmurs. Thoracic radiographs identified severe right ventricular enlargement and pleural effusion. The electrocardiogram was consistent with incomplete right bundle branch block or right ventricular enlargement. Echocardiography demonstrated severe right ventricular and atrial dilation, secondary tricuspid regurgitation, and thinning and hypocontractility of the right ventricular myocardium. Left heart chamber sizes were slightly decreased, with normal left ventricular contractility. A diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy was reached, based on the characteristic clinical, electrocardiographic, radiographic and echocardiographic findings, and the exclusion of other causes of isolated right ventricular failure. Treatment effected good control of clinical signs, until acutely decompensated congestive right heart failure led to euthanasia after 4 months. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy is a well-described clinical entity in humans, and has previously been documented in 3 male dogs. The condition is characterised by progressive fibro-adipose replacement of right ventricular myocardium, while the left ventricle usually remains unaffected. It should be considered a differential diagnosis in any young dog presented with isolated right heart failure, syncope, or unexplained ventricular tachyarrhythmias. This article reports the 1st case of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in a female dog, and highlights its echocardiographic features.     

Splenic torsion in an alpaca

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical signs, diagnostic evaluation and surgical management of an alpaca with splenic torsion. ANIMALS: Six-year-old female alpaca. RESULTS: Splenic torsion and uterine torsion were the inciting cause for persistent abdominal discomfort in this alpaca. Rectal examination, abdominocentesis, and transabdominal ultrasonographic findings were suggestive of a splenic lesion. Surgical management involved splenectomy of a necrotized spleen. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare in occurrence, splenic torsion should be considered as a potential cause of abdominal discomfort in alpacas. Splenectomy is a reasonable and successful method of treatment for a devitalized spleen secondary to splenic torsion in alpacas. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Splenic torsion causes persistent abdominal discomfort in camelids and may be associated with uterine torsion. Rectal examination, transabdominal ultrasound and abdominocentesis are useful diagnostic tools to differentiate splenic torsion from other causes of abdominal discomfort. Splenectomy is an uncomplicated procedure in camelids and has a favorable prognosis.     

Sand impaction of the small intestine in eight dogs

Objective : To describe signalment, clinical findings, imaging and treatment of intestinal sand impaction in the dog. Methods : Medical records of dogs with radiographic evidence of small intestinal sand impaction were reviewed. Results : Sand impaction resulting in small intestinal obstruction was diagnosed in eight dogs. All dogs presented with signs of vomiting. Other clinical signs included anorexia, lethargy and abdominal pain. Radiographs confirmed the presence of radio-opaque material consistent with sand causing distension of the terminal small intestine in all dogs. Four dogs were treated surgically for their impaction and four dogs were managed medically. Seven of the eight dogs survived. Clinical Significance : Both medical and surgical management of intestinal sand impaction in the dog can be effective and both afford a good prognosis for recovery.     

Obstruction of the small intestine by a trichobezoar in cattle: 15 cases (1992-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine historical and clinical findings, treatment, and outcome for cattle with small intestinal obstruction caused by a trichobezoar. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 15 cattle. PROCEDURES: Medical records of cattle with a diagnosis of small intestinal obstruction by a trichobezoar from 1992 to 2002 were reviewed. Information pertaining to various aspects of diagnosis, treatment, and outcome was collected from records. RESULTS: Trichobezoars were more common in young cattle, and affected cattle did not deteriorate clinically as rapidly as cattle with other types of intestinal obstruction. The most common initial owner complaints included decreased or absent fecal output, inappetance, abdominal distension, and signs of abdominal pain. Common clinical findings were dehydration, decreased or absent rumen motility, signs of depression, splashing sounds during succussion of the abdomen, and a pinging sound on percussion of the abdomen. The jejunum was obstructed in 10 cattle. Hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis and chronic inflammation were common laboratory findings. All 4 cattle that underwent abdominocentesis had peritonitis. The obstructing trichobezoar was removed surgically in 9 cattle, of which 7 survived and 2 died. The 6 cattle treated medically died or were euthanized. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Obstruction of the small intestine by a trichobezoar is uncommon, but it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cattle with signs of intestinal obstruction, particularly if they are younger than 4 years of age and have a history of nonacute signs of intestinal obstruction. Surgical removal appears to be a favorable method of treatment and should be considered when this condition is suspected.     

Pulmonary artery compression in a Thoroughbred colt due to a mediastinal abscess

In the case presented, a young horse was referred for further evaluation based on a presumptive diagnosis of pulmonic valve endocarditis, bronchopneumonia and a cranial mediastinal abscess based on thoracic ultrasound, echocardiography and clinical signs. However, further echocardiographic evaluation revealed that the abscess was compressing the right ventricular outflow track causing outflow obstruction, a murmur associated with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (acquired pulmonic stenosis) and right ventricular hypertrophy. Vegetative endocarditis was not present. Medical management was unsuccessful, but surgical drainage and long‐term antimicrobial therapy were effective and the horse returned to a successful racing career.     

Neurological causes of diaphragmatic paralysis in 11 alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

Background: Diaphragmatic paralysis is a relatively uncommon medical condition in animals not reported in alpacas. Objectives: Describe the signalment, physical examination, diagnostic testing, clinical, and histopathologic findings related to diaphragmatic paralysis in alpacas. Animals: Eleven alpacas with spontaneous diaphragmatic paralysis. Methods: A retrospective study examined medical records from a 10‐year period and identified 11 alpacas with confirmed diaphragmatic paralysis admitted to Washington State University and Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospitals between September 2003 and October 2009. Results: The 11 alpacas ranged in age from 2 to 12 months. Fluoroscopic imaging confirmed the presence of bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis in the 7 alpacas that were imaged. Arterial blood gas analyses showed hypercapnea, hypoxemia, and low oxygen saturation. Seven alpacas died or were euthanized between 2 and 60 days after onset of respiratory signs. Histopathologic examination of tissues found phrenic nerve degeneration in the 6 alpacas that were necropsied and additional long nerves examined demonstrated degeneration in 2 of these animals. Two animals had spinal cord lesions and 2 had diaphragm muscle abnormalities. No etiologic agent was identified in the alpacas. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The etiology for diaphragmatic paralysis in these alpacas is unknown. A variety of medical treatments did not appear to alter the outcome.     

Severe sepsis in cats: 29 cases (1986-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To document the clinical, clinicopathologic, and pathologic findings in cats with severe sepsis, identify abnormalities unique to this species, and identify criteria that could be used antemortem to diagnose the systemic inflammatory response syndrome in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 29 cats confirmed to have severe sepsis at necropsy. PROCEDURE: Pertinent history, physical examination findings, and results of hematologic and biochemical testing were extracted from medical records. RESULTS: Clinical diagnoses included pyothorax, septic peritonitis, bacteremia secondary to gastrointestinal tract disease, pneumonia, endocarditis, pyelonephritis, osteomyelitis, pyometra, and bite wounds. Physical examination findings included lethargy, pale mucous membranes, poor pulse quality, tachypnea, hypo- or hyperthermia, signs of diffuse pain on abdominal palpation, bradycardia, and icterus. Clinicopathologic abnormalities included anemia, thrombocytopenia, band neutrophilia, hypoalbuminemia, low serum alkaline phosphatase activity, and hyperbilirubinemia. Necropsy findings included multi-organ necrosis or inflammation with intralesional bacteria. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that severe sepsis in cats is characterized by lethargy, pale mucous membranes, signs of diffuse abdominal pain, tachypnea, bradycardia, weak pulses, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypothermia, and icterus. Recognition of this combination of clinical findings should facilitate the diagnosis of severe sepsis in cats.     

Malignant neoplasia in four alpacas.

Malignant neoplasia in 4 alpacas was characterized by acute onset of clinical signs and rapidly deteriorating condition. Postmortem examination revealed metastatic or multicentric neoplasia in the abdominal organs of alpacas 1, 3, and 4 and an extensive thoracic mass in alpaca 2. Immunohistochemical stains supported a diagnosis of B-cell lymphosarcoma in alpacas 1-3 and a neuroendocrine neoplasm in alpaca 4.     

Clinicopathological features of lymphosarcoma involving the thoracic cavity in the horse

The clinical and post mortem features of 11 cases of lymphosarcoma involving the thoracic cavity are reviewed. The clinical findings included inappetence, weight loss, pectoral oedema, dyspnoea, pleural effusion and distension of the jugular veins. Dysphagia was present in three cases. At post mortem examination lesions were found in the abdomen as well as the chest in eight cases; clinical signs of abdominal disease were present in two cases. The features of nine other similar cases recorded in the literature are reviewed.     

Atresia coli in a nine-week-old kitten

A case of blind-end atresia coli in a kitten surviving for 66 days is presented. Human cases of intestinal atresia are often attributed to injuries sustained in utero to a previously normal fetus. Neither clinical nor autopsy findings gave conclusive evidence regarding the aetiology of the condition in the kitten; the only sibling affected from a litter of five. The case is interesting because the kitten survived nine weeks without any clinical signs other than abdominal distension.     

Johne's disease in alpacas (Lama pacos) in Australia

SUMMARY: Johne's disease was diagnosed in 10 alpacas ( Lama pacos ) in Australia between February 1993 and May 1994. Eight of the animals were between 12 and 24 months of age, one was a 6-year-old female, and one was a 4-year-old male. Five, including the 6-year-old and the 4-year-old alpacas, showed weight loss and diarrhoea before death or slaughter. The other cases showed no clinical signs of Johne's disease but 4 gave a positive result on faecal culture and one gave a positive result on testing with the caprine ACID assay and had acid-fast organisms in its faeces. At necropsy, all cases had grossly enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes. Johne's disease was diagnosed after histological examination of the lymph nodes with conventional culture and polymerase chain reaction testing of tissue samples. This report outlines the clinical, epidemiological, and pathological findings in these cases.     

Omasal dilation and displacement in 4 Holstein dairy cows

Cases of omasal dilation and displacement in 4 dairy cows are described. The disease was initially diagnosed by a combination of history and clinical signs that included right-sided abdominal distension, rectal palpation, and decreased milk production. The condition was confirmed by laparotomy or necropsy.     

Injuries to the cranial cruciate ligament and associated structures: summary of clinical, radiographic, arthroscopic and pathological findings from 10 horses

The clinical, radiographic, arthroscopic and pathological findings of 10 horses with injury to the cranial cruciate ligament are presented. The most consistent clinical signs included moderate to severe distension of the femoropatellar joint and a Grade III to a Grade V out of V lameness. Craniocaudal instability could be elicited in five horses under general anaesthesia and in one conscious horse. Radiographic evaluation of the stifles revealed that avulsion fracture of the medial intercondylar eminence was the most common finding in six out of 10 horses. Arthroscopic examination of the affected femorotibial joints were performed in five horses. This confirmed the presumptive diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament injury or rupture. Post mortem examinations were performed on two horses which documented partial tears of the cranial cruciate ligament.     

Endocarditis in a cow

Bacterial endocarditis of the tricuspid valve was diagnosed in a cow with weight loss, reduced milk production, and intermittent fever. Clinical signs of disease included jugular and mammary vein pulses, tachycardia, large cardiac silhouette, and grade-III/V holosystolic murmur. The diagnosis was also supported by echocardiographic findings and isolation of Streptococcus viridans from blood samples. The cow was treated with penicillin, furosemide, acetylsalicylic acid, heparin, and potassium chloride and survived 14 months after the diagnosis, producing 1 live calf and 4 viable embryos. The cow's heart rate exceeded an upper normal limit of 80 beats/min during most of the initial 4 months of treatment. Additional clinical signs of disease that were observed during treatment included diarrhea, ventral edema, and coughing. General medicine and cardiology textbooks have previously minimized the potential benefits of anticoagulant use in cases of septic endocarditis. The advent of routinely performed embryo transfer procedures may make treatment of endocarditis feasible in cattle with exceptional genetic merit.     

Liver lobe torsion in dogs: 13 cases (1995-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To determine history, results of diagnostic testing, surgical findings, complications, and outcome for dogs with liver lobe torsion (LLT). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 12 dogs (1 with 2 episodes). PROCEDURE: Signalment, clinical signs, clinicopathologic findings, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings, surgical and histologic findings, complications, and hospitalization time were evaluated. RESULTS: The most common clinical signs were nonspecific abnormalities (eg, vomiting, lethargy, and anorexia) of acute or chronic duration. All dogs were large-breed dogs (median body weight, 37.2 kg [82 lb]). Biochemical abnormalities included high alanine amino-transferase (n = 12) and aspartate aminotransferase (11) activities. Results of abdominal ultrasonography were supportive of the diagnosis in 5 of 8 cases. Affected lobes included the left medial lobe (n = 4), left lateral lobe (3), papillary process of the caudate lobe (2), caudate lobe (1), and right lateral lobe (1). Exploratory celiotomy and liver lobectomy were performed in 12 of 13 cases, and in 11 of those 12 cases, the dog survived. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that development of nonspecific clinical signs of vomiting, lethargy, and anorexia in conjunction with high serum hepatic enzyme activities and mature neutrophilia in a medium-sized or large-breed dog should increase the index of suspicion for LLT. Abdominal ultrasonography with Doppler assessment may be useful in establishing the diagnosis. The long-term outcome for dogs that survive the hospitalization period is excellent.     

THE SONOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF INTESTINAL MUCOSAL FIBROSIS IN CATS

The medical records of 11 cats with full‐thickness intestinal biopsies and histopathologic confirmation of segmental mucosal fibrosis were reviewed. All cats received an abdominal ultrasonographic evaluation. The sonographic feature of a small intestinal mucosal hyperechoic band paralleling the submucosa was present in all cats. Other intestinal sonographic findings included wall thickening, and altered wall layering (increased mucosal echogenicity, thickened submucosa, and/or muscularis layer). None of the cats had complete loss of wall stratification. All cats had clinical signs related to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract at the time of presentation. Three of the 11 cats had palpably thickened small intestinal loops, 3/11 abdominal pain, and 2/11 abdominal fluid. Histopathologically, mucosal fibrosis was associated with inflammatory cell infiltrates in all cats. In those cats with histopathologic evidence of mural fibrosis, all cats had a visible hyperechoic band through several intestinal segments. We speculate that the hyperechoic mucosal band represents the zone of mucosal fibrosis. Independently and prospectively, we reviewed the clinical presentation of 35 cats having this visible hyperechoic mucosal band on ultrasound. Twenty‐four of these 35 cats had clinical signs related to the digestive system at the time of record. Our study suggests that the hyperechoic mucosal band represents fibrosis, and in presence of concurrent GI signs, further diagnostic tests may be warranted.