Use of pyloroplasty (Y-U) to treat presumed delayed gastric emptying in a cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus).

A 4-yr-old cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) with a 2-yr history of chronic intermittent vomiting and spiral bacteria-associated gastritis presented with dramatically increased vomiting frequency and marked intermittent abdominal distention. Physical examination revealed loss of muscle mass and poor fur coat quality. Contrast radiography was consistent with delayed gastric emptying due to presumed gastric outlet obstruction. Both Y-U pyloroplasty and incisional gastropexy were performed, and no subsequent vomiting has been observed for 3 yr with the exception of three episodes during the immediate postoperative period. The cause of delayed gastric emptying was not determined, although a gastric motility disorder associated with gastric bacterial infection and elevated gastrin levels was suspected.     

Use of laser rhinoscopy to treat a nasal obstruction in a captive California sea lion (Zalophus californianus).

Laser rhinoscopy was used to treat a nasal obstruction in a captive California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). The rehabilitated, adult, female sea lion developed mucopurulent, intermittent, bilateral nasal discharge and functional nasal obstruction 20 mo after acquisition by the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. A 3-mm-thick soft tissue structure spanning the region between the soft and hard palates, a deviated nasal septum, and several nasopharyngeal polyps were identified. Biopsies and cultures of the obstructive web showed ulcerative granulation tissue with suppurative inflammation, bacterial infection, and a partial section of an arthropod larva (not speciated). Laser rhinoscopy was performed to relieve the caudal nasopharyngeal obstruction and ablate the polyps. The sea lion appeared to breathe through the nares with lessened nasal discharge for a period of 6 wk after laser therapy, but within 8 wk the mucopurulent nasal discharge returned, the obstruction had reformed, and the sea lion was euthanized. Postmortem examination confirmed antemortem diagnoses of caudal nasopharyngeal obstruction secondary to inflammatory tissue; however, no additional sections of arthropod parasites were located microscopically.     

Cerebral infarction and myocardial fibrosis in a white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar).

A white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar) lost the use of its right hand. Complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, electrocardiographic findings, blood pressure, and radiographic work-up were normal, but the gibbon died 2 days later. The gibbon was serologically positive for herpes simplex I and Epstein-Barr virus. Necropsy and histopathology showed acute infarction of the right cerebrum and multifocal to coalescing severe myocardial fibrosis.     

Fatal human herpesvirus type 1 infection in a white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar).

This report documents a case of spontaneous, fatal, and likely recrudescent human herpesvirus type 1 (HHV-1) infection in a captive white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar) confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). An approximately 44-year-old, captive, female, white-handed gibbon with a history of recurrent conjunctivitis and occasional seizures became acutely weak, disoriented, and ataxic. A postictal state was suspected by caretakers and veterinary staff, and euthanasia was ultimately elected because of lack of clinical improvement with supportive care. No significant abnormalities were detected at necropsy. Histologically, sections of cerebrum and midbrain contained minimal to mild, multifocal lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis with numerous intranuclear viral inclusions within astrocytes and some neurons. The presumptive diagnosis of HHV-1-induced encephalitis was strengthened by nested PCR amplification of a segment of the herpesvirus DNA polymerase gene. Sequences from this region have been found to be unique to each herpesvirus species, thus identifying HHV-1 as the likely etiologic agent in this case. Positive HHV-1 serology from several years before the terminal episode suggested that the disease was most likely due to recrudescence of latent HHV-1 infection.     

Use of ketoconazole in treatment of dermatophytosis in a dog

Ketoconazole, an antifungal imidazole derivative, was used successfully to treat Tricophyton mentagrophytes infection in a dog. The drug was administered orally (11 mg/kg of body weight, q 24 h) and continued for 90 days. Though ketoconazole is not licensed currently for veterinary purposes, it has been used successfully to treat dermatophyte infections as well as intermediate and deep fungal diseases in both dogs and cats. In this case, ketoconazole was found to be nontoxic and less expensive than griseofulvin in the treatment of dermatophytosis.     

Use of lomustine to treat cutaneous nonepitheliotropic lymphoma in a cat

A 17-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was referred for evaluation of severe skin lesions, including ulceration, nodule formation, erythema, and alopecia. Cutaneous nonepitheliotropic lymphoma was diagnosed histologically. There was no evidence of visceral organ involvement, but renal function was decreased. The cat was treated with lomustine (45.5 mg/m2, PO, q 21 d), and skin lesions resolved after administration of the third dose. No severe toxicoses were identified. Results suggest that lomustine may be useful for treatment of cutaneous nonepitheliotropic lymphoma in cats; however, optimal dosage, efficacy, and potential adverse effects must be determined.     

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in a gibbon (Hylobates lar)

A case of secondary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) in a Lar gibbon, apparently secondary to an adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, is reported.
Résumé. On rapporte un cas d'ostéoarthropathie secondaire chez un gibbon Lar, apparement secondaire à une adénosarcome du pancréas.
Zusammenfassung. Ein Fall von sekundärer Osteoarthropathie (HOA) ist in einem Lar Gibbon berichtet, offenbar sekundär nach einem Drüsenkrebs des Pankreas.     

Use of fluoxetine to treat stereotypical pacing behavior in a brown bear (Ursus arctos)

A 12-year-old, male, brown bear (Ursus arctos) named Abdi exhibited stereotypical pacing behavior. He was kept as a pet for 10 years by local villagers, then he was rescued and taken to the Karacabey Bear Sanctuary in July 2001. His physical condition was extremely poor. Because he had never lived with other bears, he was terrified and refused to integrate with them. After 6 months he was healthy physically but observations by the keepers indicated that he was pacing all day. He was treated with fluoxetine (0.62 mg/kg orally every 24 hours) for 6 months, and had been observed totally for 18 months. After stereotypy ceased completely, he was transferred to the large naturalistic enclosure and did not show any stereotypical behavior during the subsequent observation period (1 year). He was treated successfully using a combination of fluoxetine, the provisioning of extra space, and the addition of novel stimulation in a naturalistic enclosure. The space and stimulation could be sufficient to mimic the therapeutic effect of the pharmacological therapy in the long term.     

Use of a sclerosing agent (1% polidocanol) to treat an orbital mucocele in a dog

A case of a salivary gland mucocele in a dog causing nonpainful exopthalmos with dorsolateral deviation of the globe and protrusion of the third eyelid. Diagnosis was made via ultrasound and confirmed with computed tomography. Aspiration of the cystic material along with injection of a sclerosing agent, 1% polidocanol (Aethoxysklerol), was used to destroy the mucocele. Follow-up monthly examination post injection confirmed resolution of clinical signs to date, namely abnormal globe position, with no complications observed.     

Use of a carbon dioxide laser to treat ceruminous gland hyperplasia in a cat

This case report describes the skin condition ceruminous gland hyperplasia of the ears of a cat. The diagnosis was made through histopathology. Treatment consisted of carbon dioxide laser ablation of the cystic structures and postoperative care associated with the surgery, as well as a hydrolyzed protein diet, weekly ear cleaning and intermittent topical corticosteroid drops in the ears to minimize the reoccurrence of the cysts.     

Use of phenytoin to treat digitalis-induced cardiac arrhythmias in a miniature Shetland pony

Two miniature Shetland ponies showing clinical signs of Digitalis purpurea (foxglove) poisoning were examined. One animal died shortly afterwards, but the second was treated successfully with the anti-arrhythmic agent, phenytoin, and was discharged after 16 days.     

Use of intralesional cisplatin to successfully treat distal limb haemangiosarcoma in a foal

A 4-month old, 200 kg, grey warmblood colt presented for a firm, non painful mass on the distal medial aspect of the left third metatarsus. Excisional biopsy revealed a diagnosis of haemangiosarcoma. Equine haemangiosarcoma is uncommon and only limited reports of successful treatment are available. The prognosis for survival is therefore considered to be poor. After two separate incidences of recurrence with incomplete excision of the tumour, intralesional treatment with cisplatin without excision or debulking was performed on three separate occasions. Intralesional cisplatin injection was performed at monthly intervals for three treatments. Four years post treatment with cisplatin, the horse remained in remission. This case report describes the diagnostic and treatment challenges for successful treatment of a primary haemangiosarcoma on the distal limb of a warmblood foal using intralesional cisplatin chemotherapy.     

Use of bisphosphonates to treat severe idiopathic hypercalcaemia in a young Ragdoll cat

A 3-year-old Ragdoll cat was referred for investigation of polyuria, polydipsia, vomiting, weight loss and hypercalcaemia. Serum biochemical abnormalities included total and ionised hypercalcaemia and hypophosphataemia. Following clinical investigations a diagnosis of idiopathic hypercalcaemia was made. Because of the severity of the hypercalcaemia and the associated clinical signs, treatment for hypercalcaemia was commenced with pamidronate. Major electrolyte abnormalities were detected but, remarkably, were accompanied by minimal clinical signs. The cat was subsequently treated with oral alendronate and is clinically normal 15 months later. Reports of the use of bisphosphonates in cats are limited and close monitoring of patients is recommended.     

Use of cyclosporine to treat granulomatous meningoencephalitis in three dogs

Use of cyclosporine to treat granulomatous meningoencephalitis in three dogs Three dogs with a presumptive diagnosis of granulomatous meningoencephalitis were treated with orally administered cyclosporine. In 2 dogs, cyclosporine administration replaced initial corticosteroid administration, and in 1 dog, cyclosporine was the only treatment used. One dog had the focal form of the disease in the brainstem, 1 dog had the focal form in the forebrain associated with a concurrent ocular form, and 1 dog had the disseminated form of disease. At 12-month follow-up, the 2 dogs with the focal form of the disease had no clinical signs. The dog with the disseminated form improved only partially, and euthanasia was performed 3 weeks after initial evaluation. Cyclosporine was considered effective at an initial dosage of 6 mg/kg (2.7 mg/lb) every 12 hours. Adverse effects associated with cyclosporine administration included transient lymphopenia, excessive shedding, and focal symmetric hair discoloration.