Primary intraocular primitive neuroectodermal tumor (retinoblastoma) causing unilateral blindness in a gelding

A 14-year-old gray gelding was presented for investigation of a visible, pale-colored ocular mass in the right eye. An intraocular mass was identified clinically and ultrasonographically as originating from the superior nasal quadrant of the ciliary body and retina. The mass occupied the majority of the vitreous chamber and some of the superior anterior chamber of the eye. The affected eye was blind. Following exenteration, a primary intraocular primitive neuroectodermal tumor (i.e. a retinoblastoma/medulloepithelioma), a rarely described intraocular mass in adult horses, was identified by pathologic examination. The gelding returned to normal use following a short recovery period.     

Experiments to determine the fate of dead birds at sea

This paper describes three experiments aimed at determining the proportion of dead birds at sea which come ashore and are found by members of the public, and discusses the results in relation to wind velocities. From 11% to 58% of the ringed (Larus spp.) corpses thrown into the Irish Sea between Liverpool and the Isle of Man on three occassions in 1973 and early 1974 were recovered. There were large differences between experiments in the timing of the recoveries, although half usually occurred within 11–14 days of dropping. The resultant wind velocities during the time the first bodies recovered from each experiment were at sea were calculated. Comparison of the observed and expected tracks of these bodies confirmed that the wind was the main factor influencing the direction of drift. Gull corpses drifted at a minimum of 2·55±0·93% of the wind speed, although there was much variation and some travelled at over 4% windspeed. With a few exceptions, the observed distribution of recoveries could be broadley predicted by wind vector analysis. The amount of onshore wind when the bodies had reached coastal waters was not related to the subsequent recovery rates. Further experiments are necessary if some of our findings are to be explained and examination of the effect of tidal cycles on the beaching of corpses would also be of value.     

Aetiology and diagnosis of persistent nasal disease in the dog: a retrospective study of 42 cases

Forty-two dogs with a history of persistent nasal disease were evaluated by a combination of clinical examination, thoracic and nasal radiography, retroflexed endoscopy and biopsy, and anterograde rhinoscopy and blind nasal biopsy. A definitive diagnosis was made in 91 per cent of cases. Neoplasia was the most common diagnosis (33 per cent of cases), followed by inflammatory rhinitis (24 per cent). Other diagnoses included periodontal disease (10 per cent), aspergillosis (7 per cent) and foreign bodies (7 per cent). Adenocarcinoma was the most common tumour diagnosed. The clinical findings were found to be too variable to be used as specific diagnostic criteria. Anterograde rhinoscopy and retroflexed endoscopy had higher specificity and sensitivity than radiology for the diagnosis of neoplasia, inflammatory rhinitis, aspergillosis and foreign bodies. With a systematic approach to the investigation of persistent nasal disease, a definitive diagnosis can be successfully obtained in the vast majority of cases.     

Antegrade pyelography for suspected ureteral obstruction in cats: 11 cases (1995-2001)

OBJECTIVE: o determine sensitivity and specificity of radiography, ultrasonography, and antegrade pyelography for detection of ureteral obstructions in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 11 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records of cats that had radiography, ultrasonography, and antegrade pyelography performed for suspected ureteral obstructions were examined. Ultrasound-guided pyelocentesis and fluoroscopic-assisted antegrade pyelography were performed on 18 kidneys in 11 cats. Obstructive ureteral lesions were confirmed in all cats by surgical or necropsy examination. Sensitivity and specificity of survey radiography, ultrasonography, and antegrade pyelography for identification of ureteral obstructions were calculated. Surgical or necropsy findings were used as the standard for comparison. RESULTS: All cats were azotemic. Mean +/- SD serum creatinine and BUN concentrations were 10.2 +/- 6.1 and 149 +/- 82 mg/dL, respectively. Fifteen of 18 ureters were found to be obstructed at surgery or necropsy. Sensitivity and specificity were 60 and 100% for radiography and 100 and 33% for ultrasonography, respectively, in identification of ureteral obstructions. Leakage of contrast material developed in 8 of 18 kidneys during antegrade pyelography and prevented diagnostic interpretation in 5 of 18 studies. For the 13 diagnostic studies, specificity and sensitivity were 100% by use of the antegrade pyelography technique. Correct identification of the anatomic location of the ureteral obstruction was obtained in 100% of diagnostic antegrade pyelography studies and in 60% of radiography or ultrasonography studies. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Antegrade pyelography can be a useful alternative in the diagnosis and localization of ureteral obstructions in azotemic cats, although leakage of contrast material may prevent interpretation of the study.     

Diagnosis and management of hepatic copper accumulation in a Skye terrier

A one-year-old, neutered female Skye terrier presented with anorexia, vomiting, seizures and ascites. Portal venography demonstrated the presence of multiple acquired portosystemic shunts. Hepatic biopsy confirmed the presence of copper accumulation and fibrosis. Treatment included ursodeoxycholic acid therapy, colchicine and oral zinc. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report detailing successful management of Skye terrier hepatopathy.     

Evaluation of ameroid ring constrictors for the management of single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in cats: 23 cases (1996-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To document the signalment; history; clinical signs; clinicopathologic, diagnostic imaging, and surgical findings; perioperative complications; and long-term clinical results of ameroid ring constrictor (ARC) placement on single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (PSS) in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 23 cats treated with an ARC on a single extrahepatic PSS. PROCEDURE: An ARC was placed surgically around the PSS. Portal pressure was measured prior to ARC placement, with complete temporary PSS occlusion, and after ARC placement. Cats were scheduled for recheck transcolonic portal scintigraphy 8 to 10 weeks after surgery. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone interview with the owners. RESULTS: An ARC was successfully placed in 22 of 23 cats. Intraoperative complications, consisting of PSS hemorrhage, occurred in 2 cats. Mean (+/- SD) portal pressure (n = 15) was 6.7+/-2.9 mm Hg before PSS manipulation, 18.6+/-7.7 mm Hg with complete temporary PSS occlusion, and 6.9+/-2.7 mm Hg after ARC placement. Postoperative complications developed in 77% (17 of 22) of cats after ARC placement, and included central blindness, hyperthermia, frantic behavior, and generalized motor seizures. Perioperative mortality rate was 4.3% (1 of 23). Persistent shunting was identified in 8 of 14 cats. Overall, 75% (15 of 20) of cats had an excellent long-term outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Placement of an ARC on single extrahepatic PSS in cats resulted in low surgical complication and perioperative mortality rates, but most cats did have substantial postoperative complications. Persistent shunting was common, although many cats with persistent shunting were clinically normal.     

Oesophageal stricture in a cat due to oral administration of tetracyclines

A three-year-old, male neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented with dysphagia and regurgitation following treatment with oral doxycycline and oxytetracycline for Haemobartonella felis infection. Fluoroscopy confirmed the presence of multiple strictures along the entire length of the oesophagus. Balloon dilatation was performed successfully on two occasions and the symptoms resolved. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of oesophageal strictures associated with oral administration of tetracyclines in a cat in the UK.     

Dermoid sinus at the lumbosacral junction in an English springer spaniel

A dermoid sinus was identified in a springer spaniel that presented with hindlimb neurological deficits. The sinus was continuous with the dura mater at the level of the lumbosacral junction. The presence of hair and debris adjacent to neural tissue had elicited a myelitis. A dorsal laminectomy was required to allow complete surgical resection of the sinus. The dog's neurological status improved after treatment and this improvement was maintained over a five-month follow-up period.     

Preliminary clinical observations on the use of piroxicam in the management of rectal tubulopapillary polyps

Rectal tubulopapillary polyps were diagnosed in eight dogs following proctoscopy and mucosal pinch biopsy. Histological examination of the pinch biopsies revealed evidence of malignant transformation in three of the cases. The remaining cases were diagnosed as benign polyps. Inflammatory changes were observed in four cases. Seven dogs were treated with piroxicam suppositories and one with oral piroxicam. All dogs were re-examined after four to six weeks of piroxicam therapy and the extent of haematochezia, tenesmus and faecal mucus production was reduced in all cases. The owners of seven of the dogs considered the improvement in clinical signs to be good or excellent. Cases with and without evidence of inflammation responded equally well. This finding supports the hypothesis that piroxicam has an antineoplastic effect due to apoptosis and alteration in the cell cycle. Medical management with piroxicam may provide a non-invasive treatment option for dogs with rectal polyp formation in which surgical treatment is likely to be associated with complications such as incontinence, infection and wound breakdown, or where the owner declines such treatment.