Hiatal Hernia Repair by Restoration and Stabilization of Normal Anatomy An Evaluation in Four Dogs and One Cat

Clinical signs of esophageal hiatal hernia in four dogs and one cat included regurgitation, vomiting, hematemesis, hypersalivation, dysphagia, and dyspnea. Thoracic radiographs, esophagram, and fluoroscopy were used to demonstrate cranial displacement of the esophagogastric junction and part of the stomach through the esophageal hiatus. Other findings included megaesophagus, esophageal hypomotility, gastroesophageal reflux, and pneumonia. Medical therapy failed to resolve the clinical signs. Reduction in size of the esophageal hiatus, fixation of the esophagus to the diaphragmatic crus (esophagopexy), and a left fundic gastropexy were performed. Surgical results were considered good to excellent.     

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in the Dog An Experimental Study

Percutaneous nephrostomies (PN) were created with teflon fascial dilators under fluoroscopic guidance, to implant stones bilaterally into the renal pelves of five dogs weighing 7 to 35 kg. Between one and seven stones of 0.25 to 1.00 cm diameter were implanted into each renal pelvis. Two to 4 weeks later, PN tracts were recreated, and the implanted renal stones were successfully removed under fluoroscopic and endoscopic visualization. Results of gross and histopathologic evaluation of the kidneys 2, 7, 14, 30, and 90 days after stone removal showed minimal, localized renal parenchymal trauma. Complications, although infrequent, included proximal ureteral tears and hemorrhage. Difficulty was encountered in maneuvering equipment around large or numerous stones. Canine percutaneous nephrolithotomy was successful despite great variation in kidney size, as well as variations in the number, size, and shape of stones in the upper urinary tract.