Long-term follow-up of laryngeal Rhinosporidium seeberi diagnosed by PCR and treated with laser ablation and voriconazole nebulization in a retired thoroughbred polo horse.

A 21-year-old retired polo Argentinian thoroughbred horse from a teaching herd was presented for a routine bronchoalveolar lavage demonstration, during which an incidental finding of a granulomatous mass on the dorsal aspect of the epiglottis was made. Rhinosporidium seeberi was suspected from a histological section obtained from an initial biopsy, and the mass was removed via laser surgery for cytology and PCR. Sequencing of the PCR amplicons confirmed the diagnosis of R. seeberi. A treatment protocol of nebulized voriconazole for 10 d postoperatively was used. Long-term follow-up required 2 more laser surgeries plus oral fluconazole to resolve the remaining fungal spores. However, 2.5 y later, there was no evidence of remaining fungal spores. Key clinical message: Horses from endemic regions can potentially be exposed to R. seeberi. Based on its travel history, this horse may have contracted the infection in South America, California, or Alberta. Treatments administered, including diode laser resection, voriconazole antifungal nebulization, and oral fluconazole administration, were successful but required repeated interventions.

Suivi à long terme du Rhinosporidium seeberi laryngé diagnostiqué par PCR et traité par ablation au laser et nébulisation au voriconazole chez un cheval de polo thoroughbred pur-sang à la retraiteUn cheval thoroughbred argentin de polo retraité de 21 ans, issu d'un troupeau d'enseignement, a été présenté pour une démonstration de lavage broncho-alvéolaire de routine, au cours de laquelle une découverte fortuite d'une masse granulomateuse sur la face dorsale de l'épiglotte a été faite. Rhinosporidium seeberi a été suspecté à partir d'une coupe histologique obtenue à partir d'une biopsie initiale, et la masse a été retirée par chirurgie au laser pour cytologie et PCR. Le séquençage des amplicons PCR a confirmé le diagnostic de R. seeberi. Un protocole de traitement au voriconazole nébulisé pendant 10 jours après l'opération a été utilisé. Le suivi à long terme a nécessité 2 autres interventions chirurgicales au laser et du fluconazole oral pour éliminer les spores fongiques restantes. Cependant, 2,5 ans plus tard, il n'y avait aucune trace de spores fongiques restantes.Message clinique clé:Les chevaux des régions endémiques peuvent potentiellement être exposés à R. seeberi. D'après ses antécédents de voyage, ce cheval pourrait avoir contracté l'infection en Amérique du Sud, en Californie ou en Alberta. Les traitements administrés, notamment la résection au laser à diode, la nébulisation antifongique au voriconazole et l'administration orale de fluconazole, ont été efficaces mais ont nécessité des interventions répétées.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Laser-Assisted Retropharyngeal Rigid Nasopharyngoscopy in Dogs.

This article reviews minimally invasive approaches to the nasopharynx. It also introduces a novel approach, transbuccal retrograde rigid pharyngoscopy, and describes three cases in which this approach was used.

Laser-Assisted Turbinectomy in Dogs.

This article discusses the laser-assisted turbinectomy (LATE) procedure and indications for its performance in dogs suffering from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). The article summarizes landmark works that reported, for the first time, endoscopic-assisted identification and treatment of structures within the brachycephalic nose that contribute to intranasal obstruction and resistance to breathing, specifically hypertrophic and aberrant nasal turbinates. Brachycephaly is discussed in the context of how these aberrations form and how definitive treatments such as LATE and adjunctive treatments such as ala vestibuloplasty, folded flap palatoplasty, and others may ameliorate the negative effects and improve patient outcomes associated with aberrant intranasal conchal configurations.

Diode laser ablation of progressive pigmented iris lesions in 317 cats (356 eyes) appears overall safe and effective in decreasing progression of iris pigmentation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel scoring system of feline pigmented iris lesions prior to utilization of diode laser ablation of progressive pigmented iris lesions and to retrospectively evaluate short- and long-term patient outcomes following transcorneal diode laser ablation. ANIMALS: 317 client-owned cats (356 eyes) were included. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Records of cats undergoing diode laser ablation from January 2000 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. A novel clinical grading system to describe severity of feline iris hyperpigmentation was developed. Recorded parameters included signalment, operated-upon eye, presurgical iris pigmentation score, intraocular pressure, visual status, postoperative complications, repeat laser surgery, patient status at last follow-up, time to death, and presumptive or known cause of death. RESULTS: Complications included corneal ulceration (25/356 [7%]), glaucoma (18/356 [5%]), uveitis (4/356 [1.1%]), and corneal edema (3/356 [0.8%]). Enucleation was performed in 12 eyes due to blindness and secondary glaucoma. Repeat laser due to continued progression of pigment was performed in 18.5% of eyes. Two study patients were euthanized due to presumptive metastatic disease. Of the 250 cats for whom confirmation was available via phone call or medical records, 240 (96%) were alive at 1 year. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Diode laser ablation appears safe overall and may be effective in decreasing progression of feline iris pigmentation. Complication risks appear minimal.

Persistent urinary incontinence in female Golden Retrievers following laser ablation of intramural ectopic ureters may be associated with the presence of historical urinary tract infection.

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictive factors for postoperative continence in female Golden Retrievers following cystoscopic-guided laser ablation of intramural ectopic ureters (CLA-EU). ANIMALS: 41 client-owned female entire Golden Retrievers with uni- or bilateral intramural ectopic ureter(s) were retrospectively enrolled. METHODS: Patients were diagnosed with ectopic ureters with a combination of ultrasonography and cystoscopy. CLA-EU was performed for all dogs so that each ureteral opening was considered to be in an appropriate position by a single operator. All dogs had short-term follow-up 4 weeks and long-term follow up > 10 weeks after the procedure via telephone, which included urinary continence scoring. Clinical factors and ultrasonographic and cystoscopic findings from initial presentation were evaluated to identify predictive factors for postoperative continence. RESULTS: Short-term urinary continence was achieved in 46.3% of dogs with no additional medical therapies. Presence of historical urinary tract infections prior to CLA-EU (OR, 0.130; 95% CI, 0.020 to 0.621; P = .018) was negatively correlated and ureteral dilatation (OR, 34.260; 95% CI, 1.813 to 2,143; P = .043) was positively correlated with likelihood of urinary continence. Long-term urinary continence was achieved in 63.4% of dogs, and presence of historical urinary tract infections was negatively prognostic (OR, 0.173; 95% CI, 0.023 to 0.856; P = .048). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Female Golden Retrievers undergoing CLA-EU have similar outcomes to those reported for other mixed-breed cohorts with > 30% of dogs failing to regain urinary continence. Historical urinary tract infections were significantly associated with both short- and long-term urinary continence in our population.

Retrospective evaluation of ceruminous gland tumors confined to the external ear canal of dogs and cats treated with biopsy and CO2 laser ablation.

BACKGROUND: Treatments currently available for ceruminous gland tumors include surgery and radiation therapy, which come with high financial costs and frequent complication and recurrence rates. HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the treatment, response, complication, and recurrence of ceruminous gland tumors confirmed with biopsy and ablated using CO2 laser. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records from Iowa State University and the University of Illinois between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2021. Electronic medical records were evaluated for a histopathologically confirmed ceruminous gland tumor via video-otoscopic aided biopsy and subsequent CO2 laser ablation. Signalment, tumor type, size, location within the ear canal, length of time tumor was present before presentation, advanced imaging, and follow-up including recurrence were assessed. RESULTS: Fourteen ceruminous gland adenomas (4 dogs, 10 cats) and 12 ceruminous gland adenocarcinomas (7 dogs, 5 cats) were identified. Bacterial otitis externa was present in 4/26 (15%) animals. Recurrence was identified in 1/14 (7%) ceruminous gland adenomas and 1/12 (8%) ceruminous gland adenocarcinomas. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Video-otoscopic aided biopsy and CO2 laser ablation of ceruminous gland tumors in dogs and cats is a viable treatment option with low recurrence and complication rates with CO2 laser ablation.

Quantitative bioimaging of copper in frozen liver specimens from cats using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) as a tool for measuring concentrations and determining accumulation of copper in frozen liver specimens from cats. METHODS: Six frozen liver specimens were evaluated by qualitative copper staining and quantitative flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Tissue specimens were cryo-sectioned and quantitative bioimaging of copper was performed using LA-ICP-MS. Results were compared with those obtained using conventional methods. RESULTS: Of the six specimens, only one showed positive staining for copper with rhodanine. Using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), one specimen showed a deficient copper level (<100 µg/g dry weight), two specimens had copper within the reference interval (RI; 150-180 µg/g) and three specimens had copper concentrations above the RI. Bioimaging from LA-ICP-MS showed inhomogeneous distribution of hepatic copper. The areas with dense copper accumulation were represented as hotspots in the liver specimens. Hepatic copper quantification by LA-ICP-MS correlated well with copper quantified by FAAS (r = 0.96, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Our findings suggest that quantitative bioimaging by LA-ICP-MS could be used to demonstrate the distribution and concentration of copper in frozen liver specimens from cats. The distribution of copper in these specimens was inhomogeneous with dense accumulation represented as hotspots on tissue sections. A positive correlation of hepatic copper concentrations determined by LA-ICP-MS and FAAS was found. Further studies to establish an RI for hepatic copper using this technique and to further determine its clinical utility are warranted.

Morphology and volume of Meibomian glands ex vivo pre and post partial tarsal plate excision, cryotherapy and laser therapy in the dog using microCT.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the morphology and volume of Meibomian glands (MG) of dogs with microCT before and after partial tarsal plate excision (PTPE), cryotherapy, and laser therapy. PROCEDURE: MicroCT scans were made of 12 upper lids (ULs) and lower lids (LLs) of 12 dogs. After undergoing PTPE, 10 ULs and LLs were scanned again, and one UL and one LL was scanned after laser therapy and one UL and one LL after cryotherapy. RESULTS: The length of the area containing MGs did not change pre- and post-PTPE, and cryo- or laser therapy. The mean number of MGs in the ULs and LLs was 30.50 and 29.42, respectively, and did not change during the procedures. The average length of one individual MG was 2.60 mm. The mean volume of MGs in the 10 ULs and LLs pre-PTPE was 21.45 and 17.2 mm3 , respectively, and 12.84 and 11.25 mm3 in the UL and LL after PTPE, respectively. The mean volume of MGs decreased from 29.78 mm3 precryotherapy to 28.91 mm3 post-treatment and in the lower eyelid from 22.87 to 22.4 mm3 after cryotherapy. The mean volume of MGs in the UL and LL before laser therapy was 8.95 and 6.78 mm3 , respectively, and after 9.25 and 6.38 mm3 , respectively. CONCLUSION: MicroCT is a valuable tool to determine the morphology and the volume of MGs and to demonstrate changes that occur after PTPE, laser-, and cryotherapy. There is no need for additional preparation, such as staining, of the specimen prior to scanning.

A retrospective case series of the postoperative outcome for 30 dogs with inflammatory interdigital nodules, surgically treated with carbon dioxide laser and a nonantimicrobial wound-healing protocol.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory interdigital nodules (IIN) affecting the paws of dogs is a multifactorial and painful condition. Surgery using carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser has been shown to be helpful in the management. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To assess a postoperative treatment protocol without use of antibiotics following CO2 laser surgery for IIN treatment. ANIMALS: Forty-seven paws, in 30 client-owned dogs, with IINs affecting the interdigital web between the 4th and 5th digits of the forepaws, surgically treated using CO2 laser, were included. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for demographic details, medication use and wound healing using a set wound care protocol. Time to resolution of the surgical wounds and the postoperative outcome were assessed. RESULTS: The mean healing time was 34 days. Resolution was seen in 42 of 47 paws with complications in five paws (11%), including development of new fistulae or nonhealing granulation tissue. Surgery was repeated in those five cases. Relapse occurred during the follow-up period of five-19 months in six paws (13%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study shows that surgical treatment with CO2 laser for interdigital nodules is successful in most cases. The postoperative outcome using a wound-healing protocol avoiding use of antimicrobials can be used without compromising patient care whilst following antimicrobial stewardship guidelines.

A Case Series of 11 Horses Diagnosed with Bone Spavin Treated with High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT).

The aim of this work was to characterize and describe the effect of High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) used in the treatment of chronic osteoarthritis in horses. Over a 2 year period, 11 horses with diagnosed bone spavin were treated with HILT as a monotherapy. The horses chosen for this report presented hind limb lameness, were positive in a spavin flexion test and showed improvement after intra-articular anesthesia of the tarsometatarsal joint. Additionally, all the horses presented radiological signs of tarsus osteoarthritis and had not been treated for bone spavin for a minimum of 6 months. Each horse received 10 HILT therapies over 14 days' treatment time with the same laser protocol. At post-treatment orthopedic examination, 4 horses (36%) had improved 2 lameness grades (in the 5 grade American Association of Equine practitioners lameness scale), 4 horses (36%) had improved 1 lameness grade and 3 horses (28%) did not improve. Additionally, 3 horses were totally sound after HILT. Post-treatment spavin test result improvement was observed in 5 horses (45%), and 6 horses (55%) showed the same spavin test grade as before treatment. There were no horses that were sound in the spavin test performed after HILT. Therefore, it seems probable that the application of HILT in horses suffering from bone spavin may decrease joint pain, which influences visual lameness reduction.

Transcranial photobiomodulation (laser) therapy for cognitive impairment: A review of molecular mechanisms and potential application to canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD).

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common degenerative brain disorder of aging people which shares many clinical and pathological features with canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). CCD is considered a naturally occurring model of human AD. Transcranial photobiomodulation therapy (tPBMT), also known as transcranial laser therapy, entails delivering photons of near infrared to infrared light from the skin surface of the scalp to the underlying brain. Specific molecular cellular receptors, called chromophores, absorb this energy, and use it to initiate biological reactions with potential therapeutic benefit. Improvement in cognitive ability using tPBMT has been documented in rodent AD models and human clinical trials. The purposes of this review are to provide an overview of the suspected molecular mechanisms of action of tPBMT for the treatment of cognitive decline and to propose potential application of this treatment modality for dogs affected by CCD.

Outcomes of 25 female dogs treated for ectopic ureters by open surgery or cystoscopic-guided laser ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To report outcomes after the correction of ectopic ureter (EU) by open surgery or cystoscopic-guided laser ablation (CLA) in female dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study from 2011 to 2018. ANIMALS: Twenty-five female dogs. METHODS: Data collected included signalment, clinicopathologic data, procedural data, complications, and short-term and long-term outcomes. Complications were graded as minor or major if a surgical revision was required. Continence status was scored subjectively (1 = completely incontinent to 10 = fully continent). RESULTS: Fifteen dogs had bilateral EU and 24 had intramural EU (iEU). Open surgical correction included 13 neoureterostomies, 2 neocystoureterostomies, and a combination of these in 2 dogs. Eight dogs underwent CLA. Eighteen dogs experienced minor complications (72%), and 2 experienced major complications (8%). One-month postoperative continence was achieved in 20/25 (80%) dogs (median score of 10). Incontinence recurred at a median time of 24.9 months in 5 dogs but responded to medical treatment. Overall, dogs remained continent for 66 months (median) and 22/25 (88%) dogs achieved continence with adjunction of medical/surgical treatment in incontinent ones. Fewer minor complications and postoperative recurrences of incontinence were documented after CLA than neoureterostomy (P < .01 and P < .05). CONCLUSION: Ectopic ureter correction by open surgery or CLA resulted in a subjectively good prognosis, most dogs reaching continence within a month of surgery, although incontinence occasionally recurred in the long term. CLA was associated with fewer complications and incontinence recurrences than neoureterostomy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cystoscopic-guided laser ablation should be preferred to correct iEU to prevent short-term complications and the recurrence of incontinence. Further studies should investigate the cause of postoperative recurrence of urinary incontinence.

Cystoscopic-guided scissor transection of intramural ectopic ureters as a novel alternate minimally invasive treatment option to laser ablation in female dogs: 8 cases (2011-2020).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of cystoscopic-guided scissor transection of ectopic ureters (CST-EU) in female dogs. ANIMALS: 8 incontinent female dogs with intramural ectopic ureters. PROCEDURES: For this retrospective case series, data were collected from medical records of dogs that underwent CST-EU to relocate the ectopic ureteral orifice to an anatomically normal trigonal location between June 2011 and December 2020. Outcome after hospital discharge was determined using owner telephone questionnaires. RESULTS: Ectopic ureters were bilateral in 4 of the 8 dogs, and all dogs had other urogenital tract anomalies. Owner questionnaire follow-up was available for 7 dogs, and results indicated 6 dogs had improved urinary continence immediately following the procedure. At the last follow-up (44 to 3,384 days after CST-EU), 3 of the 7 dogs were completely continent with CST-EU alone, 3 others became continent or were markedly improved with the addition of medications for urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence, and 1 required ureteroneocystostomy, colposuspension, and an artificial urethral sphincter to become fully continent. Owners of 5 of the 7 dogs reported that they considered the outcome of CST-EU as good to excellent, and all owners reported that they would consider having CST-EU performed again should they have another incontinent dog. Complications were minor, and only 3 dogs showed transient lower urinary tract signs after CST-EU. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated CST-EU could provide a safe, effective, minimally invasive alternative in the absence of laser technology for the treatment of intramural ectopic ureters in female dogs.

Extensive progressive pigmented viral plaques in a Chihuahua dog.

Extensive exophytic pigmented viral plaques developed on a Chihuahua dog causing pruritus and discomfort. Neither the medical treatments used nor a papillomavirus vaccine resulted in clinical improvement. Laser surgery removed some plaques, yet others developed. This case illustrates the difficulty in treating viral plaques and the progressive nature of this disease.

De vastes plaques virales pigmentées exophytiques se sont développées sur un Chihuahua, provoquant prurit et inconfort. Ni les traitements médicaux utilisés ni un vaccin contre le papillomavirus n'ont entraîné d'amélioration clinique. La chirurgie au laser a enlevé certaines plaques, mais d'autres se sont développées. Ce cas illustre la difficulté de traiter les plaques virales et le caractère évolutif de cette maladie.

Se desarrollaron extensas placas virales pigmentadas exofíticas en un perro Chihuahua que causaban prurito y malestar. Ni los tratamientos médicos utilizados ni la vacuna contra el virus del papiloma resultaron en una mejoría clínica. La cirugía con láser eliminó algunas placas, pero se desarrollaron otras. Este caso ilustra la dificultad para tratar las placas virales y la naturaleza progresiva de esta enfermedad.

Placas virais pigmentadas exofíticas extensas se desenvolveram em um cão Chihuahua, causando prurido e desconforto. Nem os tratamentos médicos utilizados nem a vacina contra o papilomavírus resultaram em melhora clínica. A cirurgia a laser removeu algumas placas, mas outras se desenvolveram. Este caso ilustra a dificuldade no tratamento das placas virais e a natureza progressiva da doença.

Retrospective evaluation of cystoscopic-guided laser ablation of intramural ectopic ureters in female dogs.

BACKGROUND: Cytoscopic-guided laser ablation (CLA) is a technique that can be used to correct intramural ectopic ureters (EUs) in dogs. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe clinicopathologic, imaging, and cystoscopic findings in dogs undergoing CLA for intramural EU correction, and whether any of these findings are associated with continence outcomes. ANIMALS: Thirty-one client-owned dogs undergoing CLA between 2009 and 2019. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. Data collected from medical records included signalment, clinical findings (including continence score at presentation), clinicopathologic findings (serum biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and urine culture results before CLA), ultrasonography, and cystoscopy findings. Follow-up information was collected at 1 day to 1 week, 1 week to 1 month, and at >1 month time points after CLA. Final continence score was determined based on this follow-up information. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine factors that were associated with final continence score. RESULTS: Median continence score of dogs at initial evaluation was 2 (range, 2-4). Median continence score after CLA alone was 3 (range, 1-5). Seventeen of 31 (54.8%) dogs received adjunctive medical management after CLA. Median continence score after CLA with or without adjunctive medical management was 5 (range, 1-5). Overall, 67.7% of dogs were considered continent after CLA with or without adjunctive medical management. No preoperative or perioperative factors were found to be associated with final continence score. CONCLUSIONS: Cystoscopic-guided laser ablation for intramural EU in female dogs provides improvement in incontinence. Dogs remaining incontinent after CLA may improve with adjunctive medical management. Surgical management is required to manage incontinence in dogs with extramural EU.

Resection of vaginal septum using endoscopic-guided sealing devices in female dogs: 8 cases (2015-2018).

OBJECTIVES: Vestibulovaginal septal remnants are congenital anomalies that are often concurrent with ectopic ureters in bitches. During endoscopic laser ablation of the ectopic ureter, the vaginal septum should be cut in the same surgical session. However, sometimes, the septal length and thickness make the procedure extremely long and challenging with lasers. This study aimed to describe the use of sealing devices for septal cuts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched medical records for female dogs presented for ectopic ureters with endoscopic laser ablation that had a vaginal septum equal or longer than 4 cm in length that were treated using vesseal-sealing devices. RESULTS: Medical records of 37 patients were retrieved. Of those, 8 patients were eligible for inclusion in the case series. Weight of included dogs ranged from 10 to 27 kg, and age ranged from 3 to 60 months. Three of these patients had the septum resected using the LigaSure™ device, and five of them using the ENSEAL® device. The median time of septum resection using the vessel-sealing devices was 100 seconds (range 60 to 130s). No obvious complications were detected when using the described technique. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The sealing devices used by the authors allowed a rapid and uneventful resection of the vaginal septum in the cases described herein.

Long-term outcome of female dogs treated for intramural ectopic ureters with cystoscopic-guided laser ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To report the complications and long-term outcome of female dogs with intramural ectopic ureter(s) (iEU) undergoing cystoscopic-guided laser ablation (CLA) and determine the effect of post-CLA neutering on urinary continence. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION: Thirty-four client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records of female dogs that had iEU-CLA were reviewed. A 10-point continence score was assigned before, immediately after, and at a minimum of 12 months postprocedure via owner telephone contact. Neutering status prior to and postprocedure was recorded. RESULTS: Continence scores increased in all dogs after CLA (p < .0001, mean duration of follow-up: 63.9 ± 5.7 months) with an increase of the median score from 2 (preprocedure) to 10 (postprocedure). A urethral tear occurred in 2/34 dogs immediately after the procedure, successfully managed conservatively. Mild hematuria was present in 2/34, lasting less than 48 h. Postoperative urinary tract infections were documented in 6/34 dogs. Two dogs died of urinary-related issues at 1 and 5 months after CLA. Complete and near-complete urinary continence (scores 9 and 10/10) was achieved in 26/32 dogs including 3 dogs requiring medical (2) or surgical interventions (1). Post-CLA neutering did not affect continence scores (p = .44). CONCLUSION: A large proportion of dogs regained and maintained full continence after CLA alone. Subsequent medical or surgical therapy allowed further improvements when needed. Post-CLA neutering did not negatively impact urinary continence score. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The beneficial effect of iEU-CLA in female dogs is long standing and not affected by postprocedural neutering.

Treatment of a Congenital Imperforate Vestibulovaginal Junction and Secondary Hydrocolpos With Endoscopic Laser Ablation in Two Dogs.

Two dogs were evaluated for clinical signs including dysuria, stranguria, and/or dyschezia. Physical examination findings were consistent with a caudal abdominal and intra-pelvic mass. Imaging with abdominal ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a tubular fluid-filled structure. In 1 dog computed tomography identified the fluid-filled structure to be the vagina and hydrocolpos was suspected. Endoscopic evaluation of the urogenital tracts identified imperforate vaginas in both dogs, and endoscopic-guided laser ablation was used to create a vaginal opening into the vestibule. Initial response to treatment was positive in both dogs, although 1 dog developed a recurrence of hydrocolpos 1-month after treatment. Endoscopic laser ablation provided a minimally invasive option for opening an imperforate vagina and no procedural complications occurred. Further evaluation is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of this procedure.

Outcomes Following Transcorneal Diode Laser Ablation of Uveal Cysts: 48 Horses (2006-2020).

Uveal cysts can lead to undesirable behaviors and poor performance in horses. Transcorneal laser ablation has been proposed as a safe and effective treatment for uveal cysts suspected of causing behavioral changes but outcomes have been reported in only a small number of horses. In this retrospective study, records were identified for horses who had undergone transcorneal cyst ablation using a diode laser. Information was collected regarding signalment, behavioral or performance issues reported prior to the procedure, and complications. Owners were contacted to provide follow-up information regarding resolution of behavioral issues. Seventy eyes from 48 horses were treated. Undesirable behaviors or performance issues were reported prior to the procedure in 35 horses, and follow-up information was provided for 22 of those horses. Of these 22 horses, 59% of owners reported significant improvements in behavior or performance, 27% reported some improvement, and 14% reported no improvement. No significant complications were reported in association with the procedure. Although follow-up data were available for only a subset of horses, transcorneal diode laser ablation was an effective means of resolving owner-reported behavioral or performance complaints believed to be caused by uveal cysts for many of the horses in this group. Further work is needed to assess effects of uveal cysts on equine behavior and to characterize effects of transcorneal diode laser ablation prospectively.

[Cystoscopic-guided laser ablation for treatment of ectopic ureteroceles in 2 female dogs]. / Zystoskopiegeführte Laserablation zur Korrektur ektopischer Ureterozelen bei 2 Hündinnen.

Two female intact Labrador Retriever dogs (6 and 3 months of age, respectively) presented with a history of urinary incontinence. In both dogs, abdominal ultrasound revealed evidence of a unilateral ectopic ureterocele. Diagnosis of ureteral ectopia was established urethrocystoscopically by visualization of the ureteral orifice in the urethra, and an intramural course was confirmed via retrograde contrast fluoroscopy. Ectopic ureteral orifices were stenotic in both dogs. Cystoscopic- and fluoroscopic-guided laser ablation of the ectopic ureter were performed with a Hol:YAG laser. Following the procedure, both dogs were fully continent without any medical treatment. Cystoscopic- guided laser ablation of ureteroceles was effective and safe in these 2 dogs. Thus, this minimally invasive technique for the treatment of ectopic ureteroceles provides an alternative to surgical intervention.