Fluoroscopic and endoscopic localization of an esophagobronchial fistula in a dog

A 10-month-old, intact male Chihuahua presented for a 7-month history of regurgitation and coughing. Survey radiographs revealed a soft-tissue opacity within the distal esophagus. A contrast study confirmed the presence of an esophagobronchial fistula. Endoscopic removal of foreign material within the esophagus allowed for visualization of an esophageal diverticulum. Bronchoscopic examination revealed the presence of an abnormal opening in a right caudal tertiary bronchus. Passage of a cardiac guidewire was accomplished, confirming the presence of the fistula and aiding its subsequent surgical removal.     

Diagnosis and treatment of presumptive postobstructive pulmonary edema in a Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi).

A free-ranging, adult male Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) was immobilized and evaluated for hematuria following routine capture. Prior to anesthetic recovery, the panther was fitted with a telemetry collar. After an initially quiet recovery, the panther began thrashing in the transport cage, and was again immobilized. Pink foam was evident from the nostrils, and crackles were ausculted over the chest, indicating pulmonary edema. Postobstructive pulmonary edema was diagnosed based on history, clinical signs, radiographic evaluation, and blood gas analysis. The animal was treated intensively for several hours with diuretics, oxygen, and manual ventilation. The panther responded rapidly to therapy and was released back into the wild 48 hr after presentation. Postobstructive pulmonary edema, also called negative-pressure pulmonary edema, may be underrecognized in veterinary medicine. In this case, the telemetry collar, in conjunction with anesthetic recovery in a small transport crate, may have contributed to tracheal obstruction. Wildlife veterinarians and biologists should be aware of the risk of airway obstruction when placing tracking collars, and animals should be continuously monitored during anesthetic recovery to ensure the presence of a patent airway.     

Single-phase methylene diphosphate bone scintigraphy in the diagnostic evaluation of dogs with osteosarcoma

In this study, 25 dogs each with a histopathologically diagnosed appendicular or axial osteosarcoma were prospectively and consecutively examined by methylene diphosphate nuclear scintigraphy. Scannings that revealed scintigraphically enhanced focal increased activity via bone uptake of the 99mTc methylene diphosphate radionuclide at sites other than the primary tumor site were compared with scintigrams obtained from dogs without osteosarcoma. Secondary scintigraphic sites were evaluated by survey radiography and, if possible, by histologic examination (biopsy or necropsy specimens). On the basis of our findings, scintigraphy seems to be more efficient than physical examination and radiographic bone survey for the diagnosis of multicentric, metachronous, or metastatic canine osteosarcoma.     

ENLARGING BILATERAL FEMORAL CONDYLAR BONE CYSTS WITHOUT SCINTIGRAPHIC UPTAKE IN A YEARLING FOAL

Bilateral subchondral bone cysts of the femoral condyles were diagnosed by conventional radiography in a 14 month old Appaloosa colt. Surgical debridement was performed, and over the next 18 months the appearance of the cysts was evaluated with radiography and bone scintigraphy. On the preoperative scintigrams, increased radiopharmaceutical uptake was associated with the cysts. Despite continued radiographic enlargement, the cysts did not demonstrate increased radiopharmaceutical uptake post-operatively.     

Intravenous regional anesthesia (Bier block) in a dog.

Intravenous regional anesthesia was used in an adult dog as part of a balanced approach to general anesthesia for amputation of the 4th digit of its right hind limb. It allowed the concentration of isoflurane to be reduced to 0.5%.     

Developmental changes in composition and quality of prickly pear cactus cladodes (nopalitos)

The composition and quality of edible tender stems or cladodes of 3 Prickly Pear Cactus species (Opuntia amyclaea, O. ficus-indica, and O. inermis) were studied at different stages of development. This traditional Mexican vegetable is called nopalitos in Spanish and cactus leaves in English. Cladodes harvested when 20 cm in length have the following average composition per 100 g: 91.7 g of water, 1.1 g of protein, 0.2 g of lipid, 1.3 g of ash, 1.1 g of crude fiber, 4.6 g of complex carbohydrates and 0.82 g of simple sugars, 12.7 mg of ascorbic acid and 28.9 µg of carotenes. The cladode's juice has an average pH of 4.6, 0.45% titratable acidity and 6.9% soluble solids. The components which varied most during development of the cladodes were: carotenes, acidity and total carbohydrates which increased, and protein and crude fiber (acid-detergent) which decreased. The nutritive value of the tender cladodes in the stages of growth at which they are commonly harvested and consumed (15 to 25 cm long weighing 50 to 80 g per stem), was similar for the 3 species.