Gastroesophageal foreign bodies in dogs - endoscopy and surgical removal

Background: Gastroesophageal foreign bodies (GFD) are commonly diagnosed in dogs and are considered an endoscopic emergency that, although not resulting in serious clinical sequelae or mortality, can compromise the health and well-being of the patient. The use of the digestive endoscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of GFD can be a valuable and viable alternative. There are cases of GFD in dogs for which the indicated treatment is surgery, which can be performed using minimally invasive or conventional techniques, associated or not with flexible endoscopy. The objective of this work is to describe 16 cases of GFD removal in dogs demonstrating the efficiency of upper digestive endoscopy. Cases: Of the 16 GFD cases, 63% (10/16) were male and 37% (6/16) female. Most aged under 1 year (63%), puppies (5/16) and juveniles (5/16). The patient with the lowest body weight was a miniature pinscher weighing 0.8 kg (Case 14) and the heaviest was an American Pit Bull Terrier weighing 28 kg (Case 11), the mean body weight of patients diagnosed with GFD was 10.2 ± 6.7 kg. Small and medium breeds were more affected, 44.7% (7/16) and 44.7% (7/16), respectively, and large breeds (Golden Retrievier and Bull Terrier), from cases 1 and 4, the least affected, 12.6% (2/16) of the cases. The 16 patients underwent a 12 h food fast and a 4 h water fast, as gastrointestinal emptying in these cases of GFD can be influenced by these foreign bodies. All underwent general inhalation anesthesia with monitoring of physiological parameters (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and blood pressure) before, during and after EGD, being positioned in left lateral decubitus. The 16 canine patients with suspected GFD underwent EGD for diagnostic confirmation and removal of foreign bodies. Five esophageal FB were diagnosed, 31% (5/16), and 11 gastric FB, 69% (11/16). The most frequently diagnosed foreign bodies were bone and tissue, 37.5% (6/16) and 31% (5/16). Other foreign bodies were materials such as plastics, metals, rubber, foam and stone. Of the 16 cases of GFD, EGD efficiently treated 88% (14/16) without the need for hospitalization, with only supportive treatment for the remission of complications caused by the presence of foreign bodies in the gastroesophageal tract. The main complications related to the presence of GFD were esophagitis in 25% (4/16) of cases, gastritis in 38% (6/16) and both alterations in 13% (2/16). Discussion: In this work, we can observe that more than a third of the clinical cases of treated dogs were diagnosed with GFD, demonstrating that these cases are common in the veterinary clinic. Most of these animals were males less than 1 year old. The improvement of learning in this category can lead these animals to exacerbated oral exploration of new objects. Most FBs were found in the stomach because they were of adequate size, consistency and shape for their passage through the esophagus, whereas esophageal FBs were all bone fragments of rigid consistency with diameters and sizes larger than the esophageal lumen. The interval between the ingestion of the object and the veterinary care can be decisive for the removal of the FB in the esophagus or stomach. Most gastric FBs removed were fabrics and plastics, flexible objects that can pass through the esophageal lumen more easily. Removal of GFD by endoscopy was performed with a high success rate, with only 2 cases being resolved by esophagostomy and gastrotomy. Flexible endoscopy proved to be an efficient technique for removing treated GFD, which can help remove FB during esophagotomy and be associated with rigid endoscopy. Patients recovered quickly and without complications, but it is important to emphasize that inadequate maneuvers and conducts can determine other outcomes. The use of endoscopy for GFD removal needs to be more popularized, as it can ensure better results for dogs treated with GFD.

Hydronephrosis in a bitch with ovarian remnant syndrome - postsurgical complications

Background: Elective ovariohysterectomy (OH) is minimally invasive, but when performed incorrectly, it can lead to postsurgical complications, such as stump pyometra, ovarian remnant syndrome and foci of adhesion generated by tissue reactions to threads and materials used in vessel hemostasis. The formation of adhesions and successive surgeries predisposes patients to other diseases, such as ureteral obstruction and hydronephrosis. Thus, we reported a case of hydronephrosis in a bitch submitted to conventional OH, followed by ovariectomy (OV) due to ovarian remnant syndrome and consequent intraperitoneal adhesions caused by successive surgical interventions. Case: A 11-year-old mixed breed medium size bitch with a history of stump pyometra and ovarian remnant syndrome (SOR) was treated at the Veterinary Hospital-HV of UFPA after 2 previous surgeries. It had been spayed using conventional OH and underwent ovariectomy OV approximately 4 years ago, as it showed signs of estrus after the first surgery, characterizing SOR. On physical examination, its abdomen was distended especially in the left hemiabdomen, with no palpable pain. Ultrasonography showed a cavity in the topographic area of the left kidney, with anechoic content, thin walls, and defined contour. There were nonvascularized tubular structures, suggesting hydroureter and severe hydronephrosis. Exploratory celiotomy was performed, showing the intense presence of abdominal adhesions, followed by an incision in the abdominal midline from the xiphoid process in a caudal direction to the pubis, thereby showing the left kidney. After vesical drainage of 900 mL of renal filtrate, atrophy of the renal parenchyma and preservation of the renal capsule was considered, resulting in its complete resection, followed by the synthesis of the abdominal wall. In the postoperative period, the patient was properly monitored and obtained a satisfactory outcome manifested by a complete recovery. After vesical drainage of 900 mL of renal filtrate, atrophy of the renal parenchyma and preservation of the renal capsule only was considered, resulting in its complete resection, followed by the synthesis of the abdominal wall. In the postoperative period, the patient was properly monitored and obtained a satisfactory outcome manifested by a complete recovery. After vesical drainage of 900 mL of renal filtrate, renal parenchymal atrophy and preservation of the renal capsule only was adopted. Discussion: The choice of the conventional OH technique, followed by the failure to perform, favored the formation of adhesions only diagnosed late. Less invasive alternatives achieved less long-term damage. Excessive intracavitary manipulation and reaction to the nylon suture thread favored the development of these adhesions, and consequently, unilateral obstruction of the left ureter, hydroureter, hypertrophy, and destruction of the renal parenchyma, led the patient to undergo a third surgery, namely, unilateral nephrectomy. In this case, no changes were observed in serum levels, leaving only a subtle abdominal enlargement with hydronephrosis installed silently. There was no possibility of carrying out initial surgical planning, as the affected kidney, making unilateral nephrectomy necessary. Currently, the patient has normal renal function in the contralateral organ, with no clinical or laboratory changes because the affected kidney was not functional, making unilateral nephrectomy necessary. Currently, the patient has normal renal function with no clinical or laboratory changes because the affected kidney was not functional, making unilateral nephrectomy necessary. Currently, the patient has normal renal function in the contralateral organ, with no clinical or laboratory changes.

Percutaneous endoscopic retrieval of gizzard foreign body in a goose using an operative telescope

Background: Foreign bodies are most commonly diagnosed in stomach (proventriculus and gizzard) of galliformes birds and waterfowl. Endoscopyis routinely used to assess birds respiratory, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts. Endosurgeryis also used for sex determination and intra-coelomaticorgan biopsy. Benefits of endoscopic approaches are widely reported in birds. Conventional surgical approaches are far more invasive and risky for those patients. Thus, the purpose of this study was to describe a successful case of gizzard foreign body removal in a greylag goose (Anseranser), using a rigid endoscopic approach through a minimally invasive percutaneous access.Case: A 2-year-old female greylag goose, weighting 3,116 g, was referred to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital presenting apathy and anorexia for at least 24 h. The results on hematologic assessment were within normal range for the species. Radiographic examination indicated presence of radiopaque content, resembling gizzard sediment. Thus, the patient undergone to endoscopy for examination and aspiration of the content. The goose was fasted for 6 h. Anesthesia was induced by face mask and maintained by endotracheal tube, using isoflurane vaporized in 100% oxygen. The patient was positioned in the lateral recumbence. The patients neck was longer than the working length of the rigid endoscope. Thus, the telescope was [...]

Videodiagnosis of external urinary meatus obstruction and persistent urachus in heifer

Background: Persistent urachus conditions in calves are related to umbilical pathologies and might lead to uroperitoneum abnormalities, especially persistent urachus itself and bladder rupture. Videosurgery could be an interesting option for diagnoses of the genitourinary tract, given the relevance of genitourinary affections in calves. The aim of this report is to describe videosurgery resolution and performance in a case of external urinary meatus obstruction and persistent urachus in a heifer.Case: An eight-month-old Girolando heifer was admitted in the UNIFRAN Veterinary Hospital with the suspicion of persistent urachus. The owner reported that the animal was not urinating, and after a few days, it was noticed the presence of urine leaking from the umbilical site. It was also informed that another veterinarian had previously performed pure iodine infusion in probable urachus area for 5 days in a row in an attempt to obliterate the canal. Significant higher levels of urea, creatinine and fibrinogen were noticed in the exams executed, also leukocytosis and signs of pain when performed abdominal palpation. When urethral sounding was implemented, it showed difficulties and resistance in the introduction of the sound. In the vaginourethrocystoscopy, it was noticed a thin membrane in the external urinary meatus causing complete obstruction, which was easily perforated by the cystoscope sheath, allowing the attainment of urethra and part of cranial bladder inspection. In order to evaluate the flow of the urine, it was applied methylene blue by the cystoscope working channel in the interior of the urethra and the bladder, which was collected by sounding the urachus, confirming presence of persistent urachus. When realized a contrasted x-ray of the bladder, it was noticed extravasation of the contrast into the peritoneum, indicating that a surgical approach should be performed; however the owner did not authorize the realization of any surgical intervention...

Percutaneous endoscopic retrieval of gizzard foreign body in a goose using an operative telescope

Background: Foreign bodies are most commonly diagnosed in stomach (proventriculus and gizzard) of galliformes birds and waterfowl. Endoscopyis routinely used to assess birds respiratory, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts. Endosurgeryis also used for sex determination and intra-coelomaticorgan biopsy. Benefits of endoscopic approaches are widely reported in birds. Conventional surgical approaches are far more invasive and risky for those patients. Thus, the purpose of this study was to describe a successful case of gizzard foreign body removal in a greylag goose (Anseranser), using a rigid endoscopic approach through a minimally invasive percutaneous access.Case: A 2-year-old female greylag goose, weighting 3,116 g, was referred to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital presenting apathy and anorexia for at least 24 h. The results on hematologic assessment were within normal range for the species. Radiographic examination indicated presence of radiopaque content, resembling gizzard sediment. Thus, the patient undergone to endoscopy for examination and aspiration of the content. The goose was fasted for 6 h. Anesthesia was induced by face mask and maintained by endotracheal tube, using isoflurane vaporized in 100% oxygen. The patient was positioned in the lateral recumbence. The patients neck was longer than the working length of the rigid endoscope. Thus, the telescope was [...](AU)

Videodiagnosis of external urinary meatus obstruction and persistent urachus in heifer

Background: Persistent urachus conditions in calves are related to umbilical pathologies and might lead to uroperitoneum abnormalities, especially persistent urachus itself and bladder rupture. Videosurgery could be an interesting option for diagnoses of the genitourinary tract, given the relevance of genitourinary affections in calves. The aim of this report is to describe videosurgery resolution and performance in a case of external urinary meatus obstruction and persistent urachus in a heifer.Case: An eight-month-old Girolando heifer was admitted in the UNIFRAN Veterinary Hospital with the suspicion of persistent urachus. The owner reported that the animal was not urinating, and after a few days, it was noticed the presence of urine leaking from the umbilical site. It was also informed that another veterinarian had previously performed pure iodine infusion in probable urachus area for 5 days in a row in an attempt to obliterate the canal. Significant higher levels of urea, creatinine and fibrinogen were noticed in the exams executed, also leukocytosis and signs of pain when performed abdominal palpation. When urethral sounding was implemented, it showed difficulties and resistance in the introduction of the sound. In the vaginourethrocystoscopy, it was noticed a thin membrane in the external urinary meatus causing complete obstruction, which was easily perforated by the cystoscope sheath, allowing the attainment of urethra and part of cranial bladder inspection. In order to evaluate the flow of the urine, it was applied methylene blue by the cystoscope working channel in the interior of the urethra and the bladder, which was collected by sounding the urachus, confirming presence of persistent urachus. When realized a contrasted x-ray of the bladder, it was noticed extravasation of the contrast into the peritoneum, indicating that a surgical approach should be performed; however the owner did not authorize the realization of any surgical intervention...(AU)

Mammary gland ultrasound evaluation of Jersey cattle breed

Background: Ultrasound allows the udder evaluation of lactating cattle, through parameters such as the area of the cistern of the mammary gland and teat, and can reveal structures with different echogenicity, indicating injuries as mastitis, edema, hematoma, abscess, atrophy and fibrosis in the mammary gland parenchyma. The aim of this study was to observe the clinical, morphometric and sonographic assessment of the mammary gland of Jersey cows, evaluating the correlation of this exam and the production of milk. Materials, Methods & Results: Nine Jersey breed cows, aged 3 to 9 years, in a variable order of first to seventh lactation were evaluated. Animals were submitted to general and specific clinical examination of the mammary gland. For the evaluation, inspection and palpation of the gland cistern and teat cistern, measuring with tape measure the udder circumference and width and height of each mammary quarter was held, and length measurements of the four teats individually using a caliper. By palpation the mammary gland parenchyma was classified as nothing worthy of note and fibrosis. After this evaluation, the mammary glands were evaluated using ultrasound, analyzing biometrics and echotexture in order to detect and/or confirm possible changes identified in prior palpation. The diameter of the gland and teat cistern were measured, and the echogenicity of each region a [...](AU)

Mammary gland ultrasound evaluation of Jersey cattle breed

Background: Ultrasound allows the udder evaluation of lactating cattle, through parameters such as the area of the cistern of the mammary gland and teat, and can reveal structures with different echogenicity, indicating injuries as mastitis, edema, hematoma, abscess, atrophy and fibrosis in the mammary gland parenchyma. The aim of this study was to observe the clinical, morphometric and sonographic assessment of the mammary gland of Jersey cows, evaluating the correlation of this exam and the production of milk. Materials, Methods & Results: Nine Jersey breed cows, aged 3 to 9 years, in a variable order of first to seventh lactation were evaluated. Animals were submitted to general and specific clinical examination of the mammary gland. For the evaluation, inspection and palpation of the gland cistern and teat cistern, measuring with tape measure the udder circumference and width and height of each mammary quarter was held, and length measurements of the four teats individually using a caliper. By palpation the mammary gland parenchyma was classified as nothing worthy of note and fibrosis. After this evaluation, the mammary glands were evaluated using ultrasound, analyzing biometrics and echotexture in order to detect and/or confirm possible changes identified in prior palpation. The diameter of the gland and teat cistern were measured, and the echogenicity of each region a [...]

Estudo vídeoassistido via vaginal com tentativa de histeroscopia para inseminação artificial em ovinos / Vaginal video-assisted study with attempt to hysteroscopy for artificial insemination in sheep

Whereas intrauterine deposition of semen is essential to obtain high rates of fertilization, the aim of thisstudy was to develop a new technique of video-assisted transcervical artificial insemination. It was used a rigidendoscope with 17.5 cm by 2.5 mm of diameter to facilitate the passage of cervical rings and allow intrauterinedeposition of semen. The frequency of types of cervical ostium was 40%, 30%, 20% and 10%, beeing papilla,smooth, flap and rosettes respectively. The average penetration was 1.4 ± 0.96 cervical rings, and the access tothe uterus was impossible in 100% of animals, semen was deposited on superficial cervical region in 90% ofanimals and 10% in the mean cervical region, average time of passage was 4' and 10'', obtaining 10% ofpregnancy rate. It was concluded that the studied technique requires adaptations as semi-flexible and smaller indiameter optics to provide better results.(AU)

Estudo vídeoassistido via vaginal com tentativa de histeroscopia para inseminação artificial em ovinos / Vaginal video-assisted study with attempt to hysteroscopy for artificial insemination in sheep

Whereas intrauterine deposition of semen is essential to obtain high rates of fertilization, the aim of thisstudy was to develop a new technique of video-assisted transcervical artificial insemination. It was used a rigidendoscope with 17.5 cm by 2.5 mm of diameter to facilitate the passage of cervical rings and allow intrauterinedeposition of semen. The frequency of types of cervical ostium was 40%, 30%, 20% and 10%, beeing papilla,smooth, flap and rosettes respectively. The average penetration was 1.4 ± 0.96 cervical rings, and the access tothe uterus was impossible in 100% of animals, semen was deposited on superficial cervical region in 90% ofanimals and 10% in the mean cervical region, average time of passage was 4' and 10'', obtaining 10% ofpregnancy rate. It was concluded that the studied technique requires adaptations as semi-flexible and smaller indiameter optics to provide better results.