Pyloric localisation in 57 dogs of breeds susceptible to gastric dilatation-volvulus in the UK using computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the location of the pylorus using CT in dog breeds susceptible to gastric dilatation-volvulus in the UK. METHODS: Descriptive anatomical study. Abdominal CT scans of 57 client-owned dogs were reviewed to assess pyloric position relative to the 9th, 10th, 11th and 13th ribs and 2 and 3 cm caudal to the 13th rib at the 8, 9 and 10 o'clock positions. The angle of the pylorus from the centre of the abdominal cavity relative to the sagittal plane was also determined. RESULTS: In 88 per cent of cases, the pylorus was located in the right cranioventral abdomen with 63 per cent positioned at the 9-10 o'clock position. The overall distance between the pylorus and right abdominal wall (RAW) at the 13th rib 10 o'clock position was equivalent to 29 per cent of ventral abdominal length, significantly greater than the median overall distance of ∼14 per cent of ventral abdominal length between the pylorus and RAW at the 9th or 10th rib 10 o'clock position (P<0.0001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Common gastropexy locations may result in considerable displacement of the pylorus relative to its natural anatomic location. Further case-control studies are required to assess the clinical significance of this finding.

Penile amputation and scrotal urethrostomy in 18 dogs.

The objective of this study was to report the signalment, indications for surgery, postoperative complications and outcome in dogs undergoing penile amputation and scrotal urethrostomy. Medical records of three surgical referral facilities were reviewed for dogs undergoing penile amputation and scrotal urethrostomy between January 2003 and July 2010. Data collected included signalment, presenting signs, indication for penile amputation, surgical technique, postoperative complications and long-term outcome. Eighteen dogs were included in the study. Indications for surgery were treatment of neoplasia (n=6), external or unknown penile trauma (n=4), penile trauma or necrosis associated with urethral obstruction with calculi (n=3), priapism (n=4) and balanoposthitis (n=1). All dogs suffered mild postoperative haemorrhage (posturination and/or spontaneous) from the urethrostomy stoma for up to 21 days (mean 5.5 days). Four dogs had minor complications recorded at suture removal (minor dehiscence (n=1), mild bruising and swelling around the urethrostomy site and mild haemorrhage at suture removal (n=2), and granulation at the edge of stoma (n=1)). One dog had a major complication (wound dehiscence and subsequent stricture of the stoma). Long-term outcome was excellent in all dogs with non-neoplastic disease. Local tumour recurrence and/or metastatic disease occurred within five to 12 months of surgery in two dogs undergoing penile amputation for the treatment of neoplasia. Both dogs were euthanased.

Mast cell tumour and cutaneous histiocytoma excision wound healing in general practice.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether wounds from incomplete mast cell tumour excisions are at greater risk of healing complications than wounds from complete excisions, or cutaneous histiocytomas. METHODS: Mast cell tumours and cutaneous histiocytomas submitted to Nationwide Laboratories between November 1, 2007 and April 30, 2008 were selected. Questionnaires were sent to submitting veterinarians requesting details of tumour characteristics, clinical approach to the tumour and wound healing. RESULTS: Three hundred and eighty-six mast cell tumours and 524 cutaneous histiocytomas were identified. One hundred and eighty-five mast cell tumours and 244 cutaneous histiocytomas questionnaires were returned (47% response). Wound complications arose in 20% of mast cell tumours and 21% of cutaneous histiocytomas. Multivariable analysis confirmed that larger tumours, tumours on the feet and a soft/"baggy" appearance, were significantly associated with a greater frequency of problems, leading to delayed wound healing and dehiscence. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Incomplete mast cell tumour excision does not lead to greater risk of wound complications. Mast cell tumour surgical wounds have a similar rate of wound complications as cutaneous histiocytoma wounds.

A nasal dermoid sinus in an English bull terrier.

A five-year-old, entire female English bull terrier was presented with a six-week history of intermittent facial swelling and nasal pain, following an incident of nasal trauma. A small opening was present at the mucocutaneous junction on the dorsal nasal planum. Examination under general anaesthesia allowed catheterisation of this opening and confirmed the presence of a tract passing caudally. Plain radiographic examination of the region was unremarkable. Positive contrast sinography demonstrated contrast material filling a midline tract that passed caudally and subcutaneously towards the nasal bone. This tract was surgically excised. Histopathological examination of the excised tissue, together with the clinical findings, led to the diagnosis of nasal dermoid sinus.

Diagnostic accuracy of indium-111 platelet scintigraphy in identifying left ventricular thrombi.

This study defines the optimum imaging time window after injection of labeled platelet suspension for detection on left ventricular (LV) thrombi, identifies the most useful imaging views, and determines the reproducibility of this technique. A total of 662 images obtained from 64 patients were analyzed retrospectively on 2 separate occasions by 3 observers blinded as to patient identity, view (right anterior oblique, anterior, left anterior oblique, and left lateral), and time after injection of the platelet suspension that the images were obtained (0 to 2, 3 to 4, and 5 to 6 days). Images were categorized as either positive or negative. In every case surgical or autopsy verification of the presence or absence of LV thrombus was possible. The best combination of sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy was found in the 3- to 4-day period in the left anterior oblique view and was 54 +/- 5% (mean +/- standard deviation), 98 +/- 1%, and 85 +/- 2%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy were not enhanced by adding additional views (right anterior oblique, left lateral, and anterior) to the left anterior oblique view in the 3- to 4-day time period. However, using multiple views, localization of thrombi to the left ventricle was facilitated. In a second retrospective analysis, a comparison of day 0 with day 3 to 4 images enhanced sensitivity and accuracy to 65 (p less than 0.001) and 90% (not significant), respectively. Specificity was unchanged at 99%. Mean intra- and interobserver agreement was 91 and 88%, respectively. Thus, (1) indium-111 platelet scintigraphy is a reproducible and specific technique for identifying LV thrombus, and (2) we advise imaging on day 0 and again 3 to 4 days after injection of the platelet suspension in right anterior oblique, left anterior oblique, left lateral, and anterior views to maximize accuracy and to facilitate localization of LV thrombus.