Congenital oesophageal hiatal hernia in a pug

Congenital sliding, oesophageal or type I hiatal hernia was diagnosed in a five-month-old pug puppy presented for evaluation of dyspnoea post feeding. The diagnosis was confirmed using plain film radiography. Surgical reduction of the hernia followed by plication of the oesophageal hiatus, oesophagopexy and left flank gastropexy permitted restoration of normal function. At 12 months of age, the dog was asymptomatic. This article describes the diagnosis and treatment of a congenital type 1 oesophageal hiatal herniation with unusual clinical presentation.     

Ultrasonography and surgical management of a perineal hernia in a donkey

This case report records a unilateral perineal hernia in a 7-year-old female donkey. The donkey had a history of unilateral swelling lateral to the left vulvar lip and difficulty in defaecation. Upon palpation, the swelling was painless, soft and reducible. Ultrasonography revealed a hyperechoic hernia sac containing dilated nonmotile bowel with homogenous hypoechoic contents. Primary herniorrhaphy was performed after repositioning of the herniated bowel. The donkey made an uneventful recovery with no recurrence or complications for 6 months of available follow-up. In conclusion, perineal hernia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of perineal swellings in donkeys. Clinical examination, ultrasonography and surgical exploration are valuable for definite diagnosis of perineal hernia in donkeys. Surgical herniorrhaphy was successful in correcting the problem in this case.     

Gall bladder torsion and rupture in a dog

A 6-year-old desexed female German Shepherd dog was referred to the Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital for assessment and management of acute onset vomiting, diarrhoea, polydipsia and lethargy of 2 days duration. Surgical, microbiological and histological findings were consistent with necrotising cholecystitis secondary to gall bladder torsion, resulting in gall bladder rupture and secondary non-septic bile peritonitis. A chronic peritoneopleural perforation resulting from an abdominal cavity foreign body and congenital peritoneopericardial hernia were also present. The dog made a full recovery following cholecystectomy, foreign body removal, repair of the peritoneopleural perforation and peritoneopericardial herniorrhaphy. This is the first recorded case of gall bladder torsion in the dog.     

Tetanus in the dog: review and a case-report of concurrent tetanus with hiatal hernia

: Tetanus with hiatal hernia was diagnosed in a four-month-old female sheepdog pup. The animal was treated with tetanus antitoxin, antibiotics, fluids and intensive nursing care for three weeks and subsequently made a full recovery.     

Imaging diagnosis: biliopleural fistula in a dog

A 3-year-old intact male Brittany Spaniel was admitted for thoracic gunshot wounds. Despite continued supportive care, the dog's condition deteriorated. Thoracic/abdominal ultrasound revealed a biliopleural fistula. Following fistula repair, the dog made a complete recovery. This case represented a diagnostic challenge because of the uncommon clinical presentation of a severe bile pleuritis in the absence of significant bile peritonitis. Biliopleural fistula is a rare condition but should be considered as a differential diagnosis in trauma patients with pleural effusion, especially those with penetrating thoracic injuries. Ultrasonography can be used to diagnose this disorder preoperatively.     

Use of laparotomy in a staged approach for resolution of bilateral or complicated perineal hernia in 41 dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of laparotomy as the initial step in the treatment of bilateral or complicated perineal hernia (PH) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION: Forty-one dogs with PH. METHODS: Dogs with bilateral or complicated PH treated by a 2-step approach between November 1997 and December 2001 were studied. Inclusion criteria for complicated PH were: recurrence of PH, unilateral PH with a major rectal dilatation, PH with a concurrent surgical prostatic disease, and PH with retroflexed bladder. Colopexy, vas deferens pexy, cystopexy, and prostatic omentalization were performed during laparotomy as needed. Later, PH was performed by internal obturator muscle flap (IOMF) or if there was a perineal rent or weakness on the contralateral side, appositional herniorrhaphy was performed. Outcome was followed for >/=6 months. RESULTS: PH were bilateral (20 dogs) or unilateral (21). Twenty-one (51%) dogs had prostatic disease (clinical or ultrasonography diagnosis; 17 confirmed histologically) and 12 (29%) had urinary bladder retroflexion. Forty-one colopexies, 32 vas deferens pexies, 6 cystopexies, and 9 prostatic surgeries (omentalization or perineal cyst resection) were performed. PH was performed 2-20 days (median, 6 days) later: 61 IOMF transpositions, 13 appositional. Mean follow-up time was 26.6 months (range, 6-54 months, median, 27 months). PH was resolved in 37 (90%) dogs; 4 dogs had recurrence, and all occurred within 6 months. Thirty-eight (92%) dogs had an improved quality of life (good in 34 dogs, fair in 4 dogs). Wound complications occurred in 7 dogs (17%). Postoperative urine dribbling occurred in 15 dogs (37%) and was irreversible in 7 dogs (17%). Postoperative fecal straining persisted in 18 dogs (44%), and was permanent in 4 dogs (10%). Fecal incontinence did not occur. CONCLUSIONS: In bilateral or complicated PH, fixation of the urinary bladder and colon, and treatment of prostatic disease increase the chances of resolution. Emptying of the perineal space by organ pexy allows improved observation during herniorrhaphy. Despite a 90% clinical resolution, dogs with complicated PH treated by a 2-step protocol may have persistent urinary and fecal disorders. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To improve the prognosis of bilateral or complicated PH, investigation and treatment of concomitant lesions (rectal, prostatic, bladder) should be part of a rational surgical strategy using a 2-step protocol.     

Ultrasound diagnosis: intra-abdominal torsion of a non-neoplastic testicle in a cryptorchid dog

A 6-month-old male bilaterally cryptorchid Boxer was examined for acute abdominal pain. The results of physical examination, laboratory testing, and ultrasonographic examination are presented. Intra-abdominal testicular torsion was suspected and confirmed at surgery. No evidence of neoplasia was found at histopathologic examination of the twisted testicle. A discussion of testicular torsion is presented.     

Successful treatment of hypereosinophilic syndrome in a dog

An 11-year-old crossbred dog was presented with a history of episodic vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and coughing. These signs had been present for several years. Marked peripheral eosinophilia (10.3 x 10(9)/L) was found. No underlying cause of reactive eosinophilia was apparent. Bone marrow aspiration biopsy showed hyperplasia of the eosinophilic cell line, with some increase in immaturity, although all cells were morphologically normal. There were numerous eosinophils in bronchial wash fluid and eosinophilic infiltrates were evident in biopsies of pancreas, liver, small intestine and colon but not stomach. Hypereosinophilic syndrome was diagnosed. The dog responded well to twice daily treatment with hydroxyurea and prednisolone. Clinical signs are well-controlled 16 months later.     

Successful treatment of an unusually large corneal epithelial inclusion cyst using equine amniotic membrane in a dog

A 10‐year‐old intact male Yorkshire Terrier was referred for investigation of a large raised and nonpainful corneal lesion oculus dexter. Clinical examination revealed a pale, translucent corneal mass, which occupied half of the corneal surface and measured 11 mm × 11 mm × 13 mm. The mass was removed by superficial keratectomy and equine amniotic membrane (AM) was transplanted into the large corneal defect to cover the wound and provide tectonic support for the remaining cornea. The mass was histologically confirmed as a corneal epithelial inclusion cyst. There was no evidence of recurrence or complication at the surgical site 100 days postoperatively. Corneal epithelial inclusion cysts are uncommon in dogs. Although superficial keratectomy is the recommended treatment for corneal inclusion cyst, the combination of superficial keratectomy and AM transplantation had to be considered as an alternative for repair of large corneal defects. This is the first case report of the combined application of AM and superficial keratectomy to successfully treat a corneal inclusion cyst in a dog.     

A true "triphasic" pattern: thoracolumbar spinal tumor in a young dog

An 8-month-old male Bernese Mountain Dog was referred with a history of hindlimb weakness that progressed to paresis on the right side. An intradural mass was detected in the spinal canal at the level of the 2nd and 3rd lumbar vertebrae. During surgical removal, 2 small fragments of the mass were prepared for cytologic examination by the squash technique. Cytologic examination revealed 3 different cell types: mesenchymal (stromal) cells, epithelial cells, and small undifferentiated hyperchromatic cells. On the basis of location and the triphasic cytologic pattern, a diagnosis of spinal nephroblastoma (thoracolumbar spinal tumor of young dogs) was made; histologic examination of the mass confirmed the cytologic diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a triphasic pattern in a cytologic sample; recognizing this pattern is an important aid in reaching a definitive cytologic diagnosis.     

Effect of a hydrocolloid dressing on first intention healing surgical wounds in the dog: a pilot study

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of a hydrocolloid dressing for the treatment of surgical wounds in dogs. METHODS: Six healthy young female dogs of medium size and different breed underwent ovariohysterectomy. Histological evaluation was performed on biopsies taken from the edges of the wounds at day 7. The dressing was applied on one half of the wound according to manufacturer's instructions; the second half served as control. Biopsy specimens were fixed in a 10% formalin buffered solution pH 7.4, paraffin embedded and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. For clinical assessment, the presence and quality of exudate, erythema of the surrounding area, swelling and correct apposition of the wound margins were evaluated. RESULTS: The hydrocolloid dressing was easy to use. The clinical quality of the treated skin wounds was superior to the non-treated ones. Comparison of histological features between treated and untreated wounds showed a more regular organisation of the granulation tissue in the treated wounds, with fibroblasts being aligned parallel to the overlying epidermis. The number of inflammatory cells and the extension of granulation tissue were less prominent and less widespread in treated compared to untreated wounds. CONCLUSION: The dressing performed very well in terms of adhesiveness and flexibility. It was useful in the management of surgical wounds to avoid contamination and ameliorate the epithelialisation rate and granulation tissue morphology of the surgical scar.     

Imaging diagnosis: CT findings in a dog with intracranial hemorrhage secondary to angiostrongylosis

A seven-month-old Cocker Spaniel had a cough, acute lethargy, decreased responsiveness, and episodes of hyperexcitability. There were bilateral generalized increased lung sounds, bilateral episcleral hemorrhage, and systemic hypertension. Prolonged buccal mucosal bleeding time and elevated D-dimer concentrations were detected. Radiographically, there was a generalized moderate unstructured interstitial pattern. In thoracic CT images, there was a diffuse moderate hyperattenuating appearance of the bronchial walls and interstitium and diffuse areas of moderate bronchiectasis. The brain CT images were characterized by marked hyperattenuating well-defined masses. In addition, there were smaller hyperattenuating and hypoattenuating masses scattered throughout the cerebral and cerebellar parenchyma. A zinc sulphate flotation test confirmed large numbers of Angiostrongylus vasorum L1 larvae. Despite therapy the dog continued to deteriorate and underwent euthanasia. Postmortem examination confirmed the presence of multiple intracranial and extracranial hemorrhages. Angiostrongylosis should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses in dogs presenting with neurologic signs consistent with acute intracranial haemorrhage.     

Successful medical treatment of an orbital osteoma in a dog

A 6‐year‐old neutered male German Shepherd‐mixed breed with a 2‐month history of bilateral conjunctival hyperemia, epiphora, and a firm, slowly progressive swelling of the medial canthal region of the left eye (OS) was examined. Ophthalmic examination OS revealed a firm and smooth mass, extending from the medial canthus toward the medial orbital wall. Indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed indentation of the nasal part OS, which corresponded to the position of the orbital mass. Orbital neoplastic diseases were the main differential considerations. Computerized tomography revealed a bony smooth orbital mass without bone destructive features. Biopsy was performed, and histologic features were suggestive of osteoma. Systemic nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory (NSAID) drugs resulted in complete mass regression and absence of clinical signs for 5 years following initial diagnosis. This report describes the first case of canine orbital osteoma, which was responsive to NSAIDs.     

Creatinine in the dog: a review

Creatinine is the analyte most frequently measured in human and veterinary clinical chemistry laboratories as an indirect measure of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Although creatinine metabolism and the difficulties of creatinine measurement have been reviewed in human medicine, similar reviews are lacking in veterinary medicine. The aim of this review is to summarize information and data about creatinine metabolism, measurement, and diagnostic significance in the dog. Plasma creatinine originates from the degradation of creatine and creatine phosphate, which are present mainly in muscle and in food. Creatinine is cleared by glomerular filtration with negligible renal secretion and extrarenal metabolism, and its clearance is a good estimate of GFR. Plasma and urine creatinine measurements are based on the nonspecific Jaffé reaction or specific enzymatic reactions; lack of assay accuracy precludes proper interlaboratory comparison of results. Preanalytical factors such as age and breed can have an impact on plasma creatinine (P-creatinine) concentration, while many intraindividual factors of variation have little effect. Dehydration and drugs mainly affect P-creatinine concentration in dogs by decreasing GFR. P-creatinine is increased in renal failure, whatever its cause, and correlates with a decrease in GFR according to a curvilinear relationship, such that P-creatinine is insensitive for detecting moderate decreases of GFR or for monitoring progression of GFR in dogs with severely reduced kidney function. Low sensitivity can be obviated by determining endogenous or exogenous clearance rates of creatinine. A technique for determining plasma clearance following IV bolus injection of exogenous creatinine and subsequent serial measurement of P-creatinine does not require urine collection and with additional studies may become an established technique for creatinine clearance in dogs.     

Successful medical treatment for globe penetration following tooth extraction in a dog

A five‐year‐old entire male Tibetan Terrier was referred for left‐sided periorbital swelling and blepharospasm 4 days following ipsilateral maxillary tooth extraction. Examination of the left eye revealed mild exophthalmos, pain on retropulsion, and absent menace response and pupillary light reflexes. Examination of the posterior segment was not possible owing to the anterior segment pathology. Differential diagnoses considered were iatrogenic globe penetration and peribulbar abscess/cellulitis. Ocular ultrasound was consistent with a penetrating wound to the globe. Treatment with systemic prednisolone and marbofloxacin, and topical atropine sulfate 1%, prednisolone acetate, and brinzolamide was started. Marked clinical improvement allowed visual confirmation of the perforation. Oral prednisolone was tapered over the following 10 weeks. At final re‐examination (10 months), the patient was visual, and fundic examination revealed an additional chorioretinal scar, most likely an exit wound that was obscured by vitreal debris on initial examinations. Neither scar was associated with retinal detachment. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of successful medical management of iatrogenic globe penetration following exodontic procedures.     

Acupuncture treatment for idiopathic Horner's syndrome in a dog

A one-year-old female English Cocker Spaniel dog with idiopathic Horner''s Syndrome is described. The specific clinical signs in this specimen were miosis, ptosis, enophthalmos, and prolapsed nictitans for 2 days following sudden onset. According to history taking, ophthalmic, neurological, and radiological examination, the patient was diagnosed with idiopathic Horner''s syndrome. Manual acupuncture treatment was applied to the dog on local points two times in 2 days. The local acupoints were ST-4 (Di Chang) and GB-1 (Tong Zi Liao). The day after the initial acupuncture treatment, clinical signs related to idiopathic Horner''s syndrome had almost disappeared. The day after the second treatment, specific clinical signs were completely absent. During this period, the dog did not receive any orthodox treatment. Thus, it is suggested that manual acupuncture might be an effective therapy for idiopathic Horner''s syndrome.     

Imaging diagnosis: pneumothorax and focal peritonitis in a dog due to migration of an inhaled grass awn

A 1-year-old working Kelpie developed pneumothorax and focal peritonitis after inhalation of a grass awn that migrated from the lung, through the diaphragm, into the peritoneal cavity. Radiographic evidence of sternal lymph node enlargement was fundamental in the diagnosis of intraperitoneal disease and prompted abdominal ultrasound leading to definitive diagnosis.     

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of a nasopharyngeal cyst in a dog

A 21-month-old boxer dog was presented with clinical signs caused by nasopharyngeal obstruction. A mineralised mass in the nasopharynx was identified by radiography. Computed tomography allowed accurate anatomical localisation of the cystic lesion and identification of an ossified wall. Surgical removal of the mass by a ventral approach resulted in complete resolution of clinical signs. Histopathological examination strongly suggested that the cyst was derived from remnants of Rathke's pouch.