Penile prolapse and urethral obstruction secondary to lymphosarcoma of the penis in a dog.

A 5-year-old Chihuahua presented for clinical signs of dysuria and penile prolapse. Radiographic studies identified a urethral obstruction distal to the junction of the proximal and middle third of the os penis that appeared to be secondary to swelling of the penis. Penile resection combined with a scrotal urethrostomy was performed. Histopathological examinations of tissue samples of the body of the penis revealed lymphosarcoma. Lymphosarcoma of the penis is a rare finding in all species. It can occur as a primary tumor of the penis in dogs. Penile lymphosarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dogs affected with penile prolapse and dysuria.

Surface modification with PEO-containing triblock copolymer for improved biocompatibility: in vitro and ex vivo studies.

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) has been frequently used to modify biomaterial surfaces for improved biocompatibility. We have used PEO-polybutadiene-PEO triblock copolymer to graft PEO to biomaterials by gamma-irradiation for a total radiation dose of 1 Mrad. The molecular weight of PEO in the block copolymer was 5000. In vitro study showed that fibrinogen adsorption to Silastic, polyethylene, and glass was reduced by 70 to approximately 95% by PEO grafting. On the other hand, the reduction of fibrinogen adsorption was only 30% on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE). In vitro platelet adhesion study showed that almost no platelets could adhere to PEO-coated Silastic, polyethylene, and glass, while numerous platelet aggregates were found on the ePTFE. The platelet adhesion in vitro corresponded to the fibrinogen adsorption. When the PEO-grafted surfaces were tested ex vivo using a series shunt in a canine model, the effect of the grafted PEO was not noticeable. Platelet deposition on ePTFE was reduced by PEO grafting from 8170 +/- 1030 to 5100 +/- 460 platelets 10(-3) microm2, but numerous thrombi were still present on the PEO-grafted surface. The numbers of platelets cumulated on Silastic, polyethylene, and glass were 100 +/- 80, 169 +/- 35, and 24 +/- 22 platelets 10(-3) microm2, respectively. This is about 35% reduction in platelet deposition by PEO grafting. While the numbers of deposited platelets were small, the decreases were not as large as those expected from the in vitro study. This may be due to a number of reasons which have to be clarified in future studies, but it appears that in vitro platelet adhesion and fibrinogen adsorption studies may not be a valuable predictor for the in vivo or ex vivo behavior of the PEO-grafted surfaces.

Calcification potential of small intestinal submucosa in a rat subcutaneous model.

Glutaraldehyde treatment of collagen biomaterials promotes calcification, poor host-tissue incorporation, and ultimately mechanical failure of bioprotheses. Porcine small-intestinal submucosa (SIS) is a biomaterial which has been investigated for several applications including arterial and venous grafts and repair of tendon, ligament, body wall, and urinary bladder defects. The calcification potential of peracetic acid (PAA)-sterilized SIS was studied. Four test samples, (1) native (cleaned, untreated) SIS, (2) SIS sterilized with 0.1% PAA, (3) SIS treated with 0.25% glutaraldehyde for 20 min, and (4) commercially available glutaraldehyde-preserved porcine bioprosthetic heart valve cusp segments (GPV), were each implanted subcutaneously in each of 24 weanling rats. Six rats were euthanatized at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Evaluation of calcium concentration by atomic absorption spectroscopy and extent of mineralization and fibrosis by light microscopy were performed. Atomic absorption revealed no calcification in native or peracetic acid-treated SIS at any time point compared with preimplant calcium concentration. Statistically significant (P < 0.0001) calcification occurred in glutaraldehyde-treated materials (SIS and GPV) at each evaluation as compared to native and peracetic acid-treated samples. Histopathology indicated native and peracetic acid-treated SIS showed no implant mineralization (P < 0.0001) and little peri-implant fibrosis (P < 0.0001). Results suggested that native and peracetic acid-treated SIS have a low calcification potential and further study of this biomaterial is warranted.

Intestine submucosa and polypropylene mesh for abdominal wall repair in dogs.

Continuing investigations of abdominal body wall reconstruction materials suggest that unacceptable implant complications continue and that the ideal material has not yet been found. This pilot study compared xenogeneic (porcine) small intestine submucosa (SIS) with polypropylene mesh (PPM) for repair of created partial-thickness (six dogs) and full-thickness (six dogs) abdominal wall defects. Postoperative clinical evaluation of all dogs showed no evidence of implant failure. Dogs were euthanized at 1, 2, and 4 months after surgery. The SIS implants were completely replaced by host tissue at 4 months as determined by immunohistochemistry. The resultant repair was well-organized, smooth, dense collagenous connective tissue that was well incorporated into the adjacent fascia and skeletal muscle fiber bundles. In the full-thickness defect dogs, omentum covered a significantly larger portion of PPM (P = 0.001) and was more firmly attached to PPM (P = 0.0001) compared to SIS/connective tissue repair. We conclude that xenogeneic SIS can be used as an abdominal body wall repair material in the dog and warrants further investigations.

Healing comparison of small intestine submucosa and ePTFE grafts in the canine carotid artery.

Continuing investigation of small-diameter vascular graft materials suggests that unacceptable graft complications continue and that the ideal material has not yet been found. We compared healing of xenogeneic small diameter grafts (3.5 to 5.0 mm diameter) made from porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS) implanted in the carotid artery to expanded polytetrafluorethylene (ePTFE) in the contralateral carotid in 8 dogs. Two dogs were sacrificed for graft evaluation at 7, 28, 90, and 180 days after surgery. Only one SIS graft was occluded at 28 days and the other 7 were patent. Six of 8 ePTFE grafts were occluded with thrombi. One was patent at 7 and one at 90 days. At 7 days post-implant, the luminal surface of the SIS graft was covered by a thick (30 microns), compact fibrin meshwork. By 28 days endothelial cells were seen completely covering the fibrin meshwork which stained for FVIII-related antigen. Smooth muscle cells were observed in the neo-intima. Most ePTFE grafts had fibrin on the luminal surface which formed fibrin thrombi with platelets and numerous red blood cells. Complete endothelial coverage of the ePTFE grafts was not observed by 180 days. There was not a pronounced neointima seen on the luminal surface of the graft. The vasa vasorum was present in the fibrous capsule surrounding the ePTFE graft, but it did not penetrate into the graft as seen in the SIS graft. At 90 days the SIS vascular graft had the histological appearance similar to a normal artery. The SIS graft potency and healing characteristics were superior to the synthetic ePTFE graft and warrant further investigation.

Comparison of the resistance to infection of intestinal submucosa arterial autografts versus polytetrafluoroethylene arterial prostheses in a dog model.

PURPOSE: Prosthetic graft infection represents a most challenging complication to the vascular surgeon. Although expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts have an acceptable patency rate, especially in the large-diameter arterial location, bacterial contamination of this material usually requires surgical removal of the graft. METHODS: We compared the resistance of large-diameter ePTFE grafts and grafts constructed of small intestinal submucosa (SIS) to deliberate infection with Staphylococcus aureus. Eighteen dogs were divided into two equal groups, and the infrarenal aorta was replaced with either ePTFE or SIS graft material. One hundred million S. aureus organisms were deposited directly on the graft at the time of surgery, and the dogs were observed for 30 days. RESULTS: One dog with an ePTFE graft died of hemorrhage from anastomosis site at 21 days. Of the remaining eight dogs with ePTFE grafts, four had positive culture results from the removed graft material, and all had histologic evidence for persistent infection. These dogs also had chronic fever, and the average white blood cell count at day 30 was 15,600/mm3. All nine dogs with SIS grafts had patent grafts, were afebrile after the first week, had an average white blood cell count of 11,500/mm3 at 30 days (p value = NS), had negative culture results, and had the histologic appearance of graft remodeling with collagen that was free of active inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that large-diameter arterial SIS grafts are more resistant to persistent infection with S. aureus than ePTFE grafts in this dog model of deliberate bacterial inoculation.

Small intestinal submucosa as a vascular graft: a review.

Continuing investigations of vascular graft materials suggest that unacceptable graft complications continue and that the ideal graft material has not yet been found. We have developed and tested a biologic vascular graft material, small intestine submucosa (SIS), in normal dogs. This material, when used as an autograft, allograft, or xenograft has demonstrated biocompatibility and high patency rates in aorta, carotid and femoral arteries, and superior vena cava locations. The grafts are completely endothelialized at 28 days post-implantation. At 90 days, the grafts are histologically similar to normal arteries and veins and contain a smooth muscle media and a dense fibrous connective tissue adventitia. Follow-up periods of up to 5 years found no evidence of infection, intimal hyperplasia, or aneurysmal dilation. One infection-challenge study suggested that SIS may be infection resistant, possibly because of early capillary penetration of the SIS (2 to 4 days after implantation) and delivery of body defenses to the local site. We conclude that SIS is a suitable blood interface material and is worthy of continued investigation. It may serve as a structural framework for the application of tissue engineering technologies in the development of the elusive ideal vascular graft material.

Acquired arteriovenous fistula secondary to castration in a dog.

A 6-year-old castrated male Basset Hound was examined because of a 1-year history of a pulsating mass in the right inguinal region. The pulsatile mass was diagnosed as an arteriovenous fistula by physical examination and angiography. Surgical exploration revealed that the right testicular artery and vein, the artery of the ductus deferens, and the cremasteric artery were involved in the fistula. The fistula was believed to have developed secondary to castration performed at 6 months of age. The mass and associated vessels were completely excised and signs of recurrence were not observed 13 months after surgery.

Small intestinal submucosa as a superior vena cava graft in the dog.

Autogenous spiral vein grafts and ePTFE have been used for reconstruction of the superior vena cava with moderate success. We tested autogenous small intestine submucosa as a superior vena cava interpositional graft in nine dogs. All dogs received aspirin and warfarin sodium for the first 8 weeks after surgery. Graft patency was evaluated by serial venography. One dog died from excessive anticoagulation. Eight dogs were sacrificed at periodic intervals until 72 weeks after surgery. Patent grafts had no evidence of thrombosis, aneurysm, or stenosis. The grafts consisted of dense, organized collagenous connective tissue with a complete endothelial cell layer on the luminal surface. Two dogs are alive at 28 and 34 months after surgery. Graft patency was 89% (eight of nine grafts). We conclude that autogenous small intestine submucosa can be used as a superior vena cava graft in the dog and is worthy of further investigations.

A model of left ventricular dysfunction caused by intracoronary adriamycin.

Experimental evaluation of new therapy for congestive heart failure has been hampered by the lack of a simple and reliable animal model of heart failure. This study was undertaken to develop a canine model of chronic left ventricular dysfunction. A left thoracotomy was performed in 9 adult mongrel dogs. A 1.5-mm Silastic (Dow Corning) catheter with an attached subcutaneous access port was positioned in the left main coronary artery. Six animals received five weekly infusions of Adriamycin (doxorubicin hydrochloride) (10 mg/wk), and 3 received saline solution. Hemodynamic studies were performed before insertion of the catheter and 2 weeks after completion of the infusions. In animals that received Adriamycin, rest ejection fraction declined from 0.54 +/- 0.03 to 0.35 +/- 0.03, cardiac output fell from 5.6 +/- 0.6 to 3.9 +/- 0.5 L/min, and left ventricular end-diastolic volume increased from 76 +/- 9 to 99 +/- 12 mL (p less than 0.05). There was a small increase in right atrial pressure (2.7 +/- 1 versus 5.7 +/- 1 mm Hg) but no change in right ventricular ejection fraction (0.31 +/- 0.04 versus 0.30 +/- 0.03). In no animal did alopecia, weight loss, neutropenia, or anemia develop. Histological changes consistent with Adriamycin-induced cardiac toxicity were found in each dog. No significant hemodynamic or histological changes occurred in the control animals. Administration of Adriamycin into the left main coronary artery causes left ventricular dysfunction without resulting in systemic side effects or compromising right ventricular function. This animal model could be used to evaluate the effects of new possible therapy, such as cardiomyoplasty, on left ventricular failure.

Effects of flunixin meglumine on dogs with experimental gastric dilatation-volvulus.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) was created experimentally and maintained for 90 minutes in 16 anesthetized, mixed-breed dogs. After the GDV was corrected, normal saline solution (0.044 mL/kg intravenously [IV]) was administered to eight dogs (controls), and flunixin meglumine (2.2 mg/kg IV) was administered to eight dogs. Microspheres labeled with radioactive cobalt, scandium, tin, or niobium were injected intravenously at baseline (before GDV) and minutes 90, 100, and 270, respectively, to determine tissue blood flows. Plasma endotoxin and prostacyclin were measured at the same intervals. Electrocardiogram, mean arterial pressure, portal pressure, and cardiac output were recorded continuously. Dogs were euthanatized at minute 270 and necropsied. There was no significant difference between treatment groups for any measured variable at any time. Endotoxin levels increased significantly during GDV. Prostacyclin levels were lower in dogs treated with flunixin meglumine than in controls at minutes 210 and 270. Histopathologic findings were similar for all dogs and consistent with those associated with endotoxemia. Flunixin meglumine treatment did not alter cardiac indices or tissue blood flows significantly. However, elevation of prostacyclin was inhibited by flunixin meglumine, which suggested that continued effects of endotoxic damage might be attenuated or inhibited.

Comparison of survey radiography with ultrasonography and x-ray computed tomography for clinical staging of subcutaneous neoplasms in dogs.

A study of 26 dogs (examined consecutively) with infiltrative subcutaneous neoplasms (mastocytoma, n = 11; soft tissue sarcoma, n = 13; and adenocarcinoma, n = 2) was conducted. Dogs were evaluated by physical examination, survey radiography, ultrasonography (US), and x-ray computed tomography (CT) prior to surgical excision of the tumor. The purpose of the evaluation was to accurately define gross neoplastic margins before surgical excision and to determine whether a difference could be observed between routine clinical staging (physical examination and survey radiography) and more detailed clinical staging (US and CT imaging). The clinical stage of 5 of 26 neoplasms assessed by US and of 17 of 26 neoplasms assessed by CT was determined to be more advanced because of previously undetected neoplasia, greater neoplastic size, or greater tissue invasiveness. Preoperative imaging of infiltrative subcutaneous neoplasms, using US and CT, is highly recommended to accurately determine gross neoplastic margins.

Acquired myasthenia gravis in a cat with thymoma.

A 4-year-old castrated Abyssinian cat was evaluated for profound neuromuscular weakness. Results of electromyography and repetitive nerve stimulation tests were normal. Thoracic radiography revealed a cranial mediastinal mass, which was excised and identified as a thymoma. Serum acetylcholine receptor antibodies were detected at high concentration, supporting a diagnosis of acquired myasthenia gravis. Clinical signs of disease responded to treatment with pyridostigmine and corticosteroids.

Prevention of reperfusion injury in surgically induced gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs.

Canine gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a naturally acquired condition of large-breed dogs primarily and is associated with high mortality. The clinical course suggests that reperfusion injury may be important in the pathogenesis of GDV. To evaluate the role of xanthine oxidase and iron-dependent lipid peroxidation (which are purported mechanisms of reperfusion injury) in the pathogenesis of GDV-related mortality, we created experimental GDV in 21 dogs. These dogs were then treated with either allopurinol (a xanthine oxidase inhibitor), U74006F (an experimental lipid peroxidation inhibitor), or saline solution (NaCl, 0.85%). Three of 8 dogs died in the allopurinol-treated group, none of 5 died in the U74006F-treated group, and 4 of 8 died in the saline solution-treated group. Tissue malondialdehyde concentration, a nonspecific indicator of lipid peroxidation, was significantly (P less than 0.05) greater in the duodenum, jejunum, colon, liver, and pancreas of the saline-solution treated and allopurinol-treated dogs than in the same tissues of the U74006F-treated dogs after surgical correction of the GDV (ie, during reperfusion), compared with malondialdehyde concentrations determined before inducing GDV. The results of this study support the concept that lipid peroxidation associated with reperfusion injury is important in the pathogenesis and high mortality of canine GDV. Furthermore, this lipid peroxidation and mortality may be preventable by appropriate and timely treatment.

Small intestinal submucosa as a small-diameter arterial graft in the dog.

Autogenous saphenous vein, human umbilical vein, modified bovine collagen, Dacron, and PTFE have been used as small-diameter arterial grafts with moderate success. We tested autogenous small intestine submucosa as a small-diameter arterial graft in both a carotid and femoral artery (mean ID 4.3 mm) of 18 dogs (total of 36 grafts). All dogs received aspirin and warfarin sodium for the first 8 weeks after surgery. Graft patency was evaluated by Doppler ultrasound techniques and angiography. Two grafts ruptured and 5 grafts occluded by 21 days after surgery. One graft became occluded at 14 weeks. Fifteen dogs were sacrificed at periodic intervals until 48 weeks after surgery. Patent grafts had no evidence of infection, propagating thrombus, or intimal hyperplasia. Graft aneurysmal dilation occurred in 4 grafts (11%). The grafts were composed of a dense organized collagenous connective tissue with no evidence of endothelial cell growth on the smooth luminal surface. Three dogs are alive at 76 to 82 weeks after surgery. Overall, graft patency was 75%. Graft patency after cessation of anticoagulation therapy was 92.3% (12 of 13 grafts). We conclude that autogenous small intestinal submucosa can be used as a small-diameter arterial graft in the dog and is worthy of further investigation.

Surgical excision of ectopic thyroid carcinoma involving the base of the tongue in dogs: three cases (1980-1987).

Localized thyroid carcinoma involving the base of the tongue was diagnosed in 3 dogs examined because of a midline cervical mass rostroventral to the larynx. These masses had been present for 4 to 12 months and were firm, nonsensitive, and fixed in position. One dog had progressive dysphagia and dyspnea. Masses were surgically excised together with the base of the tongue and portions of the hyoid apparatus. Severe dyspnea that developed immediately after surgery in 1 dog was managed by tracheostomy intubation for 4 days. Transient dysphagia developed in all dogs. Hydration was maintained by IV fluid administration until water and food of gruel consistency could be swallowed 1 to 6 days after surgery. Consistency of food was gradually thickened to normal, as swallowing improved 6 days to 2 months after surgery. One dog developed aspiration pneumonia that resolved after antimicrobial administration and improved swallowing that prevented further aspiration. After 9 months, 3 years, and 6 years, the dogs were clinically normal.

Small intestinal submucosa as a large diameter vascular graft in the dog.

Autogenous saphenous vein and synthetic materials, such as Dacron and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, have been used extensively as vascular grafts with moderate success. Improved success rates for vascular graft surgery may be possible if superior graft material was available. We tested the use of autogenous small intestinal submucosa (SIS) as a large diameter (10 mm) vascular graft in the infrarenal aorta of 12 dogs. One dog died with graft thrombosis within 48 hr of surgery. Nine dogs were sacrificed at various times during a 52-week post-surgical period and showed patent grafts without infection, thrombosis, intimal hyperplasia, or adverse effects upon blood pressure. There was no ultrastructural evidence of endothelial cell growth on the luminal surface of the SIS graft which was composed of a dense, non-thrombogenic, organized collagenous connective tissue. The SIS material was approximately one order of magnitude less elastic than natural aorta and showed an immediate dilatation of approximately 18% after exposure to the systemic blood pressure. However, there was no progressive dilatation during the 52-week postsurgical period. Two dogs remain alive at 8 and 52 weeks post-surgery with patent grafts as determined by positive contrast radiography and Doppler studies. We conclude that autogenous small intestinal submucosa can be successfully used as a large diameter arterial graft in the dog and is worthy of further investigation.

Pancreatic abscess in dogs: six cases (1978-1986).

Pancreatic abscess was diagnosed by exploratory celiotomy in 6 dogs. The most common clinical signs included acute onset of lethargy (n = 5), anorexia (n = 6), vomiting (n = 5), and diarrhea (n = 2). Physical examination revealed pain response to abdominal palpation (n = 5), depression (n = 5), icterus (n = 3), fever (n = 3), and cranial abdominal mass (n = 2). Consistent preoperative clinicopathologic abnormalities included leukocytosis with left shift, observance of toxic neutrophils on the blood smear, hyperlipasemia, hyperamylasemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity. In 5 of 6 dogs, abdominal radiography revealed increased soft tissue density in the cranial portion of the abdomen. Ultrasonography performed on 4 dogs confirmed pancreatic mass. In all dogs, exploratory celiotomy revealed a cavitary pancreatic mass that contained sterile, mucopurulent material. Histopathologic diagnoses included acute necrotizing or chronic-active pancreatitis and steatitis. Two dogs were euthanatized at the time of diagnosis, and the remaining 4 were treated by use of pancreatic debridement(s), open abdominal drainage, and intensive administration of fluids and antibiotics. One dog was euthanatized 4 days after surgery, because of progressive pancreatic abscessation. Three dogs recovered and were discharged.

Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy in the clinically normal dog.

Pituitary function and short-term clinical effects after transsphenoidal hypophysectomy were investigated in clinically normal dogs. In study I, 8 dogs were given polyionic fluids IV during the first 12 hours after surgery. In study II, 4 dogs were given polyionic fluids IV and glucocorticoid supplementation for 7 days. Pituitary function was assessed by evaluating basal ACTH concentrations and results of a growth hormone stimulation test before and 1 and 12 weeks after hypophysectomy, an ACTH stimulation test, a thyrotropin-releasing hormone-stimulation test, and a modified water deprivation/vasopressin response test before and 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after hypophysectomy. Gross and histologic evaluations of the surgery site, thyroid and adrenal glands, and skin were done at 12 weeks after surgery. Four dogs from study I died within 27 hours after hypophysectomy. Postmortem examinations of these dogs revealed liver and lung congestion compatible with circulatory collapse. None of the dogs in study II died. For the surviving dogs in both studies, diabetes insipidus developed immediately after hypophysectomy and resolved within 2 weeks. Hypernatremia also developed immediately after hypophysectomy and resolved by 1 week. Production of ACTH was evident at 1 and 12 weeks after hypophysectomy in all dogs, and results of ACTH stimulation tests after surgery were not notably different from results obtained before surgery. Results of thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation and growth hormone-stimulation tests supported the diagnosis of hypothyroidism and hyposomatotropism attributable to hypophysectomy. Histologic examination revealed thyroid atrophy, epidermal and dermal atrophy, and normal adrenal glands in all dogs and remnants of the hypophysis in 2 dogs from study I.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Partial mandibulectomy for treatment of mandibular fractures in dogs: eight cases (1981-1984).

Partial mandibulectomy was performed in 8 dogs with open or infected mandibular fractures (3 second degree and 5 third degree) because of economic restriction, osteomyelitis, or severe bone and soft tissue injury. Six dogs ate voluntarily by the second day after surgery, and 2 dogs required pharyngostomy tube feeding for 2 to 6 days. Complications included oral wound dehiscence (3 dogs), shifting of the mandible toward the operated side (6 dogs), and drooping of the tongue (2 dogs). Slight malocclusion was of no consequence, and all dogs were eating normally at follow-up evaluations (10 days to 24 months; median, 13 months). Mandibular function was maintained in all dogs.