Effect of oral trazodone on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of oral trazodone on the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective blinded, single-observer, randomized crossover experimental study. ANIMALS: Six adult (age 6.8 ± 1.6 months) healthy dogs (three males and three females), weighing 24.8 ± 3.4 kg (mean ± standard deviation). METHODS: Each dog was anesthetized twice with a minimum of 7 days between anesthetic episodes. Dogs were randomly assigned to be administered two treatments in a crossover design: premedication with trazodone (8 mg kg-1; TRAZ-ISO) orally 2 hours prior to an anesthetic episode or no (ISO). Dogs were anesthetized with intravenous propofol (6 mg kg-1) and isoflurane in >95% oxygen. Isoflurane MAC was determined using an iterative bracketing technique with electrodes placed in the buccal mucosa. Hemodynamic variables were compared at the lowest end-tidal isoflurane concentration at which each dog did not respond. A paired t test was used to assess the effect of treatment on outcome variables with significance set to a value of p < 0.05. RESULTS: The MAC concentration (mean ± standard deviation) in dogs administered TRAZ-ISO was 0.85 ± 0.17% compared with 1.02 ± 0.11% in those administered ISO (p = 0.01, 95% confidence interval -0.25 to -0.05), resulting in a mean MAC reduction of 17 ± 12%. There were no differences in hemodynamic variables between treatments. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Premedication of dogs with oral trazodone (8 mg kg-1) 2 hours prior to anesthetic induction has a significant isoflurane MAC sparing effect with no significant observed hemodynamic benefit.

Laparoscopic placement and urodynamic effects of an artificial urethral sphincter in cadaveric dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a laparoscopic approach for placement of a percutaneously controlled artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) in female cadaver dogs and compare the change in urethral pressure and lumen diameter after filling the device. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Canine female cadavers (n = 10). METHODS: A laparoscopic technique was used to implant the AUS in 10 cadaver dogs. Maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP), cystourethral leak point pressure (CLPP), and urethral luminal area were measured at 0, 25, 50, and 75% cuff inflation. Necropsy was performed after urethral pressure profilometry and cystoscopy data collection to assess for trauma caused by the procedure. RESULTS: Laparoscopic implantation was performed successfully in all 10 cadavers with no evidence of inadvertent trauma. Median MUCP at 0% AUS fill (48.9 cmH2 O) was significantly lower than 75% fill (243.5 cmH2 O). Median CLPP at 0% fill (5.0 cmH2 O) was significantly lower than 75% fill (23.2 cmH2 O). Significant differences were also found comparing urodynamic values 25 to 50%, 25 to 75%, and 50 to 75%. Cystoscopic evaluation revealed progressive decreases in urethral lumen area and significant differences between the urethral luminal area values as the AUS cuff was inflated. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic placement of an AUS can be performed successfully in cadaver dogs, improved urethral pressure profile parameters, and visibly occluded the urethral lumen. Further studies of laparoscopic placement in clinical cases affected by urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence are warranted.

Suture-Free Ureterovesical Anastomosis Using a Microvascular Anastomosis System: Canine Cadaveric Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a suture-free ureterovesical anastomosis using a microvascular anastomotic system (MAS) and compare the surgical time and bursting pressure to a sutured ureterovesical anastomosis (SA) with and without an extravesical seromuscular tunnel (EVSMT). STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, unblocked design, ex vivo study. ANIMALS: Three canine cadavers. METHODS: For each cadaver, the ureters were sectioned into 3 equal lengths. The 6 sections were randomly assigned to receive either the MAS or end-side SA. The first cadaver (3 MAS, 3 SA) was used to refine the technique, and the remaining 2 cadavers were used for evaluation. Surgical time and bursting pressure of the anastomosis were compared between MAS and SA (n = 6 per technique). After bursting pressure testing of each anastomosis, an SMT was created over the anastomoses. Bursting pressures were again recorded and compared across techniques. RESULTS: The surgery time was significantly shorter for MAS (median 5.4 minutes) than SA (median 15.8 minutes; P = .002). The bursting pressure was significantly higher for MAS (median 189.5 cmH2 O) than SA (median 64 cmH2 O; P = .002). The bursting pressure for MAS-EVSMT (median 398.5 cmH2 O) was not significantly different from the SA-EVSMT (median 321 cmH2 O, P = .567); however, the creation of an SMT significantly increased the bursting pressure for both techniques (P = .028, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the feasibility of a suture-free ureterovesical anastomosis in the canine cadaver using a commercially available MAS. The MAS anastomosis was faster and resulted in higher bursting pressures than SA. The creation of an SMT improved the bursting resistance of both techniques but there was no difference between the techniques covered by an EVSMT.

Suture-free technique for canine ureteral resection-anastomosis using a microvascular anastomotic system: a cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a suture-free technique for canine ureteral resection-anastomosis using a microvascular anastomotic system (MAS) and to compare surgical time and burst pressure of hand-sewn (HS) ureteral end-to-end anastomosis with the MAS technique. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental ex vivo study. ANIMALS: Canine cadavers (n = 8). METHODS: For each cadaver, 1 ureter was randomly assigned to undergo HS anastomosis and the contralateral ureter had MAS anastomosis. The first 3 cadavers (6 ureters) were used to refine the MAS technique. In the other 5 dogs, surgical time and ureteral burst pressure were compared between groups (n = 5 ureters/group). RESULTS: Preliminary procedures showed that selective impaling of the mucosa and submucosa (without muscularis and adventitia) is necessary to allow complete mechanical interlock of the anastomotic rings for the MAS technique. Median anastomotic time was significantly shorter for MAS (7.6 min) than HS (16.6 min; p = .029) and burst pressure higher for MAS (393 cm H2 O) than HS (180 cm H2 O; p = .012). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the feasibility of a suture-free technique of canine ureteral resection-anastomosis using a commercially available MAS. The MAS anastomosis was faster and had higher burst strength compared with the HS anastomosis.

Indicators of surgical stress and influence of clinical experience, simulation models, and cadaveric laboratory on the stress response of third-year veterinary students performing first elective surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of simulation models and previous surgical experience on subjective and objective stress levels of students performing their 1st elective surgery within the veterinary curriculum. SAMPLE: 141 third-year veterinary students. METHODS: Using a pre-post experimental design, salivary alpha-amylase, and cortisol were evaluated as markers of physiologic stress response before students' first elective surgery. Student self-reported State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores and quantitative measures of experience were correlated to biomarker results. RESULTS: No association was found for change in salivary biomarkers of stress, alpha-amylase, and cortisol, between baseline and presurgical samples accounting for gender, age, type of elective surgery performed, previous surgical experience, or simulation model use. Salivary cortisol levels were markedly elevated falling between the 66th and 99th percentile compared to an age and gender-matched population. Salivary alpha-amylase levels were also 2 to 3 times higher than those recorded by other health professionals. Veterinary student STAI scores were high falling between the 65th and 73rd percentile compared to working adults in the general population. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Veterinary students' salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase, and STAI scores fell into the upper 2/3rds of the general population, demonstrating a high level of stress. Simulation models and previous surgical experience were not associated with decreased stress. Further evaluation of the implementation of high-fidelity simulation models and the role of stress on performance is indicated.

Epsilon aminocaproic acid for the prevention of delayed postoperative bleeding in retired racing greyhounds undergoing gonadectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) on the prevalence of postoperative bleeding in retired racing Greyhounds (RRG), and to assess its effects on selected thrombelastography (TEG) and fibrinolysis variables. STUDY DESIGN: Double-blinded, prospective, randomized study. METHODS: 100 RRG had elective ovariohysterectomy or orchiectomy and were administered EACA or placebo for 3 days after surgery. TEG variables were analyzed preoperatively and 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery. RESULTS: Thirty percent (15/50) of RRG in the placebo group had delayed postoperative bleeding starting 36-48 hours after surgery compared with 10% (5/50) in the EACA group (P = .012). On the TEG variables, the slopes for R and K time were significantly different between treatment groups (P <.05); the R and K time decreased over time in the EACA group after surgery whereas they increased in the placebo group. The angle, maximal amplitude (MA), and G slopes were also significantly different between treatment groups (P = .001, .001, and .006, respectively). The angle, MA, and G increased postoperatively over time in the EACA group and decreased in the placebo group. All these changes are supportive of hypercoagulability associated with EACA administration. CONCLUSION: Postoperative administration of EACA significantly decreased the prevalence of postoperative bleeding in RRG undergoing surgery by increasing the clot strength.

Ectopic ureters in male dogs: review of 16 clinical cases (1999-2007).

Ureteral ectopia is a well-described cause of urinary incontinence in female dogs, but this condition has not been completely characterized in male dogs. Sixteen male dogs with ectopic ureters were evaluated between Jan 1999 and Mar 2007. Male dogs were similar to female dogs with ectopic ureters in terms of breed, presenting complaint, age of onset, and bilateral nature of the ectopia. Diagnosis was made by expert interpretation of imaging techniques such as excretory urography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Overall, 11 of 13 dogs that had surgical correction of ectopic ureters were incontinent preoperatively. Urinary continence was restored in 82% of those dogs.

Partial penile amputation using a thoracoabdominal stapler in nine dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a novel technique for partial anatomic penile amputation using a thoracoabdominal stapler in dogs and to report any associated short-term peri-operative complications and clinical outcomes associated with the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records from a tertiary referral hospital were reviewed for dogs undergoing penile amputation and scrotal urethrostomy between October 2007 and December 2019. Data collected included patient signalment, clinical signs on presentation, indication for penile amputation, surgical technique, duration of surgery, post-operative complications, and short-term outcome. RESULTS: Nine dogs were included in the study. Indications for surgery were for treatment of chronic paraphimosis and priapism (n = 3), recurrent urethral prolapse (n = 2), balanoposthitis (n = 1), masses arising from the penis, prepuce, and/or urethra (n = 2), and penile trauma (n = 1). All dogs underwent a scrotal urethrostomy followed by a partial penile amputation with a thoracoabdominal stapler. All dogs suffered mild post-operative haemorrhage from the urethrostomy stoma. On recovery from general anaesthesia, 2/9 dogs were painful and another 2/9 dogs were dysphoric. Two dogs experienced incisional complications with mild swelling around the urethrostomy stoma. One dog experienced an infection of the penile amputation site 21 days after surgery. The short-term outcomes for this procedure were excellent in 8/9 dogs. These outcomes were based on owner assessment of comfort and monitoring throughout the recovery period, manual palpation of the surgical site at the time re-evaluation, and surgeon visualization of successful voluntary urination 14-35 days after surgery. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Use of a thoracoabdominal stapler is effective in achieving partial anatomic penile amputation in dogs.

Clinical presentation and outcome in cats with aural squamous cell carcinoma: a review of 25 cases (2010-2021).

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Ear canal neoplasia is uncommon in cats. Ceruminous gland adenocarcinoma is the most frequently reported malignant neoplasm of the feline ear canal, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm diagnosed in the feline middle ear. However, limited information exists on the outcome of cats diagnosed with SCC of the ear canal, middle or inner ear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the outcome of cats diagnosed with SCC affecting these locations. Medical records were reviewed at multiple institutions to identify cats with a definitive diagnosis of SCC. Twenty-five cats were identified. Eleven cats were treated with surgery, eight with medical management, two with coarse fractionated radiation therapy, two with a combination of coarse fractionated radiation therapy and chemotherapy, one with a combination of surgery and coarse fractionated radiation therapy, one cat with systemic chemotherapy and one cat received no treatment following diagnosis. The median survival time of cats treated with surgery was 168 days vs 85 days (P = 0.28) for those treated palliatively with either medical management, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: This case series documented that SCC of the ear canal, middle and/or internal ear is a locally aggressive tumor that carries an overall poor prognosis. The median survival time for cats treated with surgery was longer than that with any other modality, but this difference was not statistically significant.

Surgical management of diffuse polypoid cystitis using submucosal resection in a dog.

A 6-year-old, spayed female Labrador retriever was presented with clinical signs of stranguria, pollakiuria, and hematuria of 12 weeks' duration. A bacterial urinary tract infection, diffuse polypoid cystitis, and emphysematous cystitis were diagnosed. Antibiotic therapy combined with extensive resection of the mucosa and submucosa associated with polypoid lesions resulted in complete resolution of clinical signs and resolution of the remaining polypoid lesions. Polypoid cystitis is an uncommon but clinically relevant and reversible condition of the urinary bladder. Resection of mucosa and submucosa of the urinary bladder in dogs with polypoid cystitis may be a useful surgical treatment and can be considered as an alternative to partial cystectomy or mucosal resection.

Randomized controlled trial to evaluate a novel two-catheter technique for urethral catheterization in anesthetized healthy female cats and small dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a novel 2-catheter technique for urethral catheterization in female cats and small dogs and compare the time required for and success rates achieved by use of the novel technique versus traditional methods (blind technique in cats and digital palpation in dogs) as performed by personnel (catheter placers [CPs]) with different levels of experience in urinary catheter placement. ANIMALS: 39 healthy sexually intact female animals (24 cats and 15 dogs weighing < 10 kg). PROCEDURES: 2 CPs were board certified in veterinary surgery, 1 of whom had experience with the novel technique, and the other did not. The third CP was a veterinary surgical intern who was unfamiliar with the novel technique. For each animal enrolled in the study, 1 CP performed catheterization with the novel technique and traditional methods. Data recorded included the time required for successful catheterization and whether a successful catheterization was achieved within a 3-minute time limit. RESULTS: The overall success rates were 79.5% (31/39 animals) with the novel technique and 43.6% (17/39 animals) with traditional methods. Median times for successful catheter placement were 48 seconds for the novel technique and 41 seconds for traditional methods. Among CPs, success rates or times to successful catheter placement did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Study results suggested that the novel 2-catheter technique for urethral catheterization may be a more efficient option than traditional methods for gaining access to the urinary bladder in cats and small dogs, particularly when patient size limits use of instrumentation or digital palpation.

Anesthetic risk during subsequent anesthetic events in brachycephalic dogs that have undergone corrective airway surgery: 45 cases (2007-2019).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether previous corrective upper airway surgery in brachycephalic dogs would decrease perianesthetic complications in subsequent anesthetic events. ANIMALS: 45 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Brachycephalic dogs undergoing any combination of staphylectomy, nasal alaplasty, or laryngeal sacculectomy that were anesthetized at a later date for additional surgical procedures or imaging from August 2, 2007, to February 8, 2019, had their medical records reviewed during both anesthetic events for signalment, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, perianesthetic drug administration, anesthetic duration, presence and total time of positive-pressure ventilation, procedure invasiveness, and perianesthetic complications such as bradycardia, hypothermia, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, vomiting or regurgitation, dysphoria, respiratory distress, hypoxemia, reintubation, and prolonged periods of recovery. RESULTS: The odds of having complications during the postanesthetic period following subsequent anesthetic events were decreased by 79% in dogs having previous surgical intervention to correct clinical signs of brachycephalic airway syndrome. Intra-anesthetic bradycardia increased the odds of developing a postanesthetic complication by 4.56 times. Every 15-minute increase in anesthetic duration increased the odds of having a postanesthetic complication by 12% and having an intra-anesthetic complication by 11%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Previous corrective upper airway surgery decreased odds of postanesthetic complications in brachycephalic dogs that underwent subsequent anesthetic events. Findings in this study indicated that corrective upper airway surgery for brachycephalic dogs may reduce postanesthetic complications following subsequent anesthetic events, which may reduce perianesthetic morbidity in patients undergoing multiple surgical or diagnostic imaging procedures.

Effect of oral administration of gabapentin on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of oral administration of gabapentin (20 mg/kg) on the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in dogs. ANIMALS: 6 healthy adult dogs (3 males and 3 females with a mean ± SD body weight of 24.8 ± 1.3 kg). PROCEDURES: Each dog was anesthetized twice. Dogs were initially assigned to 1 of 2 treatments (gabapentin [20 mg/kg, PO] followed 2 hours later by anesthesia maintained with isoflurane or anesthesia maintained with isoflurane alone). A minimum of 7 days later, dogs received the other treatment. The MAC of isoflurane was determined by use of an iterative bracketing technique with stimulating electrodes placed in the maxillary buccal mucosa. Hemodynamic variables and vital parameters were recorded at the lowest end-tidal isoflurane concentration at which dogs did not respond to the stimulus. Effect of treatment on outcome variables was analyzed by use of a paired t test. RESULTS: Mean ± SD MAC of isoflurane was significantly lower when dogs received gabapentin and isoflurane (0.71 ± 0.12%) than when dogs received isoflurane alone (0.91 ± 0.26%). Mean reduction in MAC of isoflurane was 20 ± 14%. Hemodynamic variables did not differ significantly between treatments. Mean time to extubation was significantly less when dogs received gabapentin and isoflurane (6 ± 4 minutes) than when dogs received isoflurane alone (23 ± 15 minutes). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Oral administration of gabapentin 2 hours before anesthesia maintained with isoflurane had a MAC-sparing effect with no effect on hemodynamic variables or vital parameters of dogs.

Risk of anesthesia-related complications in brachycephalic dogs.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether brachycephalic dogs were at greater risk of anesthesia-related complications than nonbrachycephalic dogs and identify other risk factors for such complications. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS 223 client-owned brachycephalic dogs undergoing general anesthesia for routine surgery or diagnostic imaging during 2012 and 223 nonbrachycephalic client-owned dogs matched by surgical procedure and other characteristics. PROCEDURES Data were obtained from the medical records regarding dog signalment, clinical signs, anesthetic variables, surgery characteristics, and complications noted during or following anesthesia (prior to discharge from the hospital). Risk of complications was compared between brachycephalic and nonbrachycephalic dogs, controlling for other factors. RESULTS Perianesthetic (intra-anesthetic and postanesthetic) complications were recorded for 49.1% (n = 219) of all 446 dogs (49.8% [111/223] of brachycephalic and 48.4% [108/223] of nonbrachycephalic dogs), and postanesthetic complications were recorded for 8.7% (39/446; 13.9% [31/223] of brachycephalic and 3.6% [8/223] of nonbrachycephalic dogs). Factors associated with a higher perianesthetic complication rate included brachycephalic status and longer (vs shorter) duration of anesthesia; the risk of perianesthetic complications decreased with increasing body weight and with orthopedic or radiologic procedures (vs soft tissue procedures). Factors associated with a higher postanesthetic complication rate included brachycephalic status, increasing American Society of Anesthesiologists status, use of ketamine plus a benzodiazepine (vs propofol with or without lidocaine) for anesthetic induction, and invasive (vs noninvasive) procedures. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Controlling for other factors, brachycephalic dogs undergoing routine surgery or imaging were at higher risk of peri- and postanesthetic complications than nonbrachycephalic dogs. Careful monitoring is recommended for brachycephalic dogs in the perianesthetic period.

Use of cryopoor plasma for albumin replacement and continuous antimicrobial infusion for treatment of septic peritonitis in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To report the successful management of a dog with septic peritonitis and septic shock secondary to enterectomy dehiscence using novel techniques for identification of intestinal dehiscence and for septic shock treatment. CASE SUMMARY: A 5-year-old castrated male Bernese Mountain Dog presented for lethargy 6 days following enterotomy for foreign body obstruction. Septic peritonitis was identified due to dehiscence of the enterotomy site, and resection and anastomosis were performed using a gastrointestinal anastomosis and thoracoabdominal stapling device. Postoperatively the patient experienced severe hypotension, which responded to norepinephrine constant rate infusion (CRI) after failing to improve with fluid therapy or dopamine CRI. Further treatment included antimicrobial CRI and supportive care including careful fluid therapy. Due to low effective circulating volume paired with intersititial fluid overload and large volume abdominal effusion, fluid therapy consisted of a combination of human serum albumin, canine albumin, synthetic colloids, and isotonic crystalloids. Cryopoor plasma (CPP) was used as a source of canine albumin and intravascular volume. On Day 4, food dye was given through a nasogastric tube due to suspicion of dehiscence of the anastomosis site. Dehiscence was confirmed during abdominal exploratory, and a second resection and anastomosis was performed. Abdominal partial closure with vacuum-assisted closure device was performed. Supportive care was continued with CPP CRI and imipenem CRI. Planned relaparotomy to change the vacuum-assisted closure device was performed 48 hours later, with abdominal closure 96 hours after anastomosis. The patient was discharged on Day 15. Recheck 12 months later was normal. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This case includes novel techniques such food dye via nasogastric tube to identify anastomosis dehiscence, use of CPP as a source of canine albumin, and antimicrobial CRI in a dog with septic peritonitis.

Vestibular, vaginal and urethral relationships in spayed and intact normal dogs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the urogenital anatomy in sound spayed and intact dogs. Fourteen intact and 12 spayed sound dogs had their lower urogenital tract evaluated with conventional vaginourethrography, computed tomography (CT) vaginourethrography and uroendoscopy under general anesthesia. Measurements for each of the three imaging modalities were made. Measurements included vaginal length, vaginal height, vaginal width, vestibule length, vestibule height, vestibule width, cingulum height, cingulum width, cingulum area, urethral length, urethral height, urethral width, angle of urethra to vestibule and angle of vagina to vestibule. Group comparisons were made between sound spayed and intact dogs. In general, most measurements were greater in intact dogs compared to spayed dogs regardless of imaging modality utilized. Group-weight interactions (P<0.01) were found on conventional vaginourethrograms (vaginal height and length and vestibule height, length and width) and CT vaginourethrograms (vaginal length, vestibule height, length and width, cingulum area, urethral width and angle of vagina to vestibule). A three-way interaction (P<0.01) for vaginal length, vaginal height and vestibule height was also identified. Vestibule length and height, cingulum height and urethral length were larger (P<0.01) with increasing dog weight and in intact dogs for both conventional and CT vaginourethrograms. No difference in vestibulovaginal ratio was observed between intact dogs and spayed dogs (P=0.0221). One of 14 intact dogs and 8 of 12 spayed dogs had vestibulovaginal ratios <0.33 on conventional vaginourethrograms. Anatomical differences in the lower urogenital tract between spayed and intact dogs emphasizes the need to establish normal reference ranges for spayed and intact dogs.

Vestibular, vaginal, and urethral relations in spayed dogs with and without lower urinary tract signs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the urogenital anatomy in female spayed dogs with and without signs of lower urinary tract disease by using conventional vaginourethrography, computed tomography (CT) vaginourethrography, and uroendoscopy. Nineteen dogs with lower urinary tract disease and 12 normal dogs were evaluated prospectively. Measurements made included vaginal length, vaginal height, vaginal width, vestibule length, vestibule height, vestibule width, vestibulovaginal ratios, cingulum height, cingulum width, cingulum area, urethral length, urethral height, urethral width, angle of urethra to vestibule, and angle of vaginal to vestibule. Group comparisons were made between dogs with and without lower urinary tract disease. Comparisons between conventional vaginourethrography and CT vaginourethrography were made when the same anatomical measurement was made by the 2 imaging modalities. There was no significant difference in all of the measurements (P > .01), including vestibulovaginal ratios and cingulum areas, between dogs with and without lower urinary tract disease. There was a larger proportion of dogs with a vestibulovaginal ratio <0.33 in normal dogs (8 of 12) compared with the clinical dogs (8 of 16). A significant difference between vestibulovaginal ratios or cingulum areas between dogs with and without lower urinary tract disease could not be identified. This suggests that a vestibulovaginal ratio of <0.33 may only be an incidental finding and the term "vestibulovaginal stenosis" may need to be redefined.

Urinary Incontinence in Juvenile Female Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers: Hospital Prevalence and Anatomic Urogenital Anomalies.

Urinary incontinence in juvenile female dogs is often associated with urogenital anatomic anomalies. Study objectives include: (1) determine hospital prevalence of urinary incontinence in juvenile female soft-coated wheaten terriers (SCWTs) compared to other affected dogs; (2) characterize anatomic anomalies affecting urinary incontinent juvenile female SCWTs utilizing uroendoscopy; and (3) compare incidence of ectopic ureters, paramesonephric remnants, and short urethras in juvenile female urinary incontinent SCWTs to other juvenile female dogs with urinary incontinence. We hypothesize juvenile SCWTs have an increased prevalence of urinary incontinence and an increased incidence of ectopic ureters, paramesonephric remnants, and short urethras compared to non-SCWTs with urinary incontinence within our hospital population. Medical records of female dogs 6 mo of age and younger with clinical signs of urinary incontinence and video uroendoscopic evaluation presenting to The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center from January 2000 to December 2011 were reviewed. Twelve juvenile SCWTs and 107 juvenile non-SCWTs met the inclusion criteria. Juvenile SCWTs were found to have an increased hospital prevalence of urinary incontinence compared to other affected breeds. Observed anomalies in SCWTs include: ectopic ureters, shortened urethras, paramesonephric remnants, and bifid vaginas. This information will help guide veterinarians in recognizing a breed-related disorder of the lower urogenital tract in SCWTs.

Cystoscopy: techniques and clinical applications.

Cystoscopy is a powerful tool for characterization of lower urinary tract disease in dogs and cats. Current applications of cystoscopy include diagnostic and interventional techniques. This article reviews cystoscopy equipment, procedures, and common applications of cystoscopy. A review of normal anatomy and common lower urinary tract lesions identifiable with cystoscopy is also presented.

Digital fluoroscopic excretory urography, digital fluoroscopic urethrography, helical computed tomography, and cystoscopy in 24 dogs with suspected ureteral ectopia.

The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic utility of helical computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of ectopic ureters in the dog and to compare these findings with those of digital fluoroscopic excretory urography and digital fluoroscopic urethrography. Ureteral ectopia was confirmed or disproved based on findings from cystoscopy and exploratory surgery or postmortem examination. Of 24 dogs (20 female, 4 male) evaluated, 17 had ureteral ectopia. Digital fluoroscopic excretory urography and CT correctly identified ureteral ectopic status and site of ureteral ectopia (P < .05). Urethrography did not reliably detect ureteral ectopia. No false-positive diagnoses of ureteral ectopia were made in any of the imaging studies. Cystoscopic findings significantly agreed with findings during surgery in determining ureteral ectopic status and ectopic ureter site. One false-positive cystoscopic diagnosis of unilateral ureteral ectopia was made in a male dog. Kappa statistics showed better agreement between CT and both cystoscopy and surgical or postmortem examination findings with regard to presence and site of ureteral ectopia compared with other imaging techniques. CT was more useful than other established diagnostic imaging techniques for diagnosing canine ureteral ectopia.