Association between previous splenectomy and gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs: 453 cases (2004-2009).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between previous splenectomy and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) in dogs. DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective case-control study. Animals-151 dogs treated surgically for GDV and 302 control dogs with no history of GDV. PROCEDURES: Computerized records of dogs evaluated via exploratory laparotomy or abdominal ultrasonography were searched, and dogs with GDV and dogs without GDV (control dogs) were identified. Two control dogs were matched with respect to age, body weight, sex, neuter status, and breed to each dog with GDV. Data were collected on the presence or absence of the spleen for both dogs with GDV and control dogs. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association of previous splenectomy with GDV. RESULTS: 6 (4%) dogs in the GDV group and 3 (1%) dogs in the control group had a history of previous splenectomy. The odds of GDV in dogs with a history of previous splenectomy in this population of dogs were 5.3 times those of dogs without a history of previous splenectomy (95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 26.8). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For the patients in the present study, there was an increased odds of GDV in dogs with a history of splenectomy. Prophylactic gastropexy may be considered in dogs undergoing a splenectomy, particularly if other risk factors for GDV are present.

Evaluation of coagulation in dogs with partial or complete extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction by means of thromboelastography.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize in vitro coagulation status in a cohort of dogs with extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction (EHBO) and to evaluate these patients for hypercoagulability by means of thromboelastography. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. Animals-10 dogs with EHBO and 19 healthy control dogs. PROCEDURES: Partial or complete EHBO was confirmed via exploratory celiotomy. Venous blood samples were collected for evaluation of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT); fibrinogen and D-dimer concentrations; protein C and antithrombin activities; and factor VII, VIII, and XI coagulant activities in plasma as well as thromboelastography in whole blood. Thromboelastography variables were measured from the thromboelastography tracing, and a coagulation index was calculated. Thromboelastography results were compared with those of healthy control dogs previously evaluated by the same laboratory. RESULTS: Hypercoagulability was diagnosed in all dogs with EHBO on the basis of a high coagulation index. Thromboelastography variables, including maximal amplitude, α-angle, and coagulation index, were significantly higher, and K (clot formation time) and R (reaction time) were significantly lower in these dogs than in control dogs. All dogs with EHBO had PT and APTT within respective reference ranges. Plasma D-dimer and fibrinogen concentrations were above reference ranges in 8 and 7 dogs, respectively, and protein C and antithrombin activities were below reference ranges in 3 and 1 dogs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In vitro hypercoagulability was commonly detected in dogs with naturally occurring EHBO. The traditional view of EHBO as a disease that causes hypocoagulability may need to be reconsidered.

Alterations in the hemostatic profiles of dogs with naturally occurring septic peritonitis.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize derangements in the hemostatic profiles of dogs with naturally occurring septic peritonitis and determine if such derangements were predictive of survival. DESIGN: Prospective, observational single cohort study. SETTING: University veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS: A total of 27 client-owned dogs with naturally occurring septic peritonitis. INTERVENTIONS: Standard treatment included fluid resuscitation, antimicrobial therapy, supportive care, and surgery provided at the discretion of the primary clinician. Blood was collected preoperatively and on days 1 and 3 postoperatively for platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, D-dimer and fibrinogen concentrations, total protein C (PC) and antithrombin (AT) activities, and thromboelastography. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Sixteen of 27 (59%) dogs survived. Preoperative PC deficiency was identified in 10 of 11 (91%) nonsurvivors and 2 of 15 (13%) survivors. Preoperative AT deficiency was identified in 10 of 11 (91%) nonsurvivors and 14 of 15 (93%) survivors. Compared to survivors, nonsurvivors had lower mean preoperative PC (98 ± 24% versus 49 ± 26%; P < 0.001) and AT (53 ± 9% versus 32 ± 16%; P < 0.001) activities. Anticoagulant activities decreased on day 1 postoperatively. As a predictor of survival, preoperative PC activity of more than 60% achieved a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 82%. Preoperative AT activity of more than 41.5% achieved a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 82%. The maximum amplitude, α angle, and coagulation index from preoperative thromboelastograms of survivors were significantly greater (more hypercoagulable) than nonsurvivors (P < 0.01), with the maximum amplitude being the most specific predictor of survival (100%). CONCLUSIONS: Deficiencies of PC and AT and hypercoagulability appear to be consistent features of naturally occurring canine sepsis and may be useful prognostic indicators in canine septic peritonitis.

Heterodimerization studies of calix[4]arene derivatives in polar solvents.

[reaction: see text] Several calix[4]arene derivatives propylated on the lower rim and substituted on the upper rim with amino or carboxyl groups have been synthesized. Examples include calixarenes substituted with alanino (C- and N-linked), amino, carboxy, carboxyphenyl, and amidino groups. The self-assembly of these derivatized calixarenes into heterodimers has been studied by NMR in DMSO-d(6) or CD(3)OD with 5% aqueous phosphate buffer.

Intestinal choristoma in the midcervical region of a dog.

A 5-year-old, neutered male, mixed-breed dog was evaluated for a fluctuant mass in the right midcervical region. The mass recurred following aspiration of its contents and after removal of the right sublingual and mandibular salivary glands. The lateral midcervical location of the mass and the serous nature of the fluid within the mass were inconsistent with a salivary mucocele. Excisional biopsy was curative and revealed an intestinal choristoma.

Volvulus of the colon in four dogs.

Four dogs were examined because of vomiting of 7 to 48 hours' duration. Gas-distended segments of intestine were identified radiographically in all dogs, but the affected portion of the intestinal tract could not always be identified as the colon. Volvulus of the colon was diagnosed during surgery in all 4 dogs. Gastrocolopexy was performed following derotation of the colon in 3 of the dogs. In 1 dog, a colectomy and an ileorectal anastomosis were performed. All 4 dogs survived. Volvulus of the colon should be considered as a cause of vomiting of short duration in dogs for which there is radiographic evidence of intestinal dilatation.