Silver-coated tibial plateau leveling osteotomy implants do not improve surgical site infection rates over noncoated implants in a randomized trial in 73 canines.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) in dogs undergoing a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) with silver-coated (SC) and noncoated (NC) TPLO plates. ANIMALS: 65 dogs (73 surgical procedures). METHODS: Client-owned dogs undergoing a TPLO procedure between November 2021 and May 2023 were prospectively enrolled. Dogs were randomly assigned either an SC or NC TPLO plate at the time of surgery. Follow-up was performed at 2 weeks and 8 weeks postoperatively by in-person examination, client questionnaire, or telephone interview. Dogs were followed up 100 days postoperatively for any incisional or implant complications. RESULTS: Among 73 stifles that underwent a TPLO, the overall SSI rate was 8.2% (6/73), with an infection rate of 14.3% (5/35) in the NC group and 2.6% (1/38) in the SC group; this difference was not significant (P = .17). Five of these infections were superficial, and only 1 deep SSI was recorded within the 100-day study period (NC group). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although no significant difference was noted between the SC and NC groups, likely due to a small sample size and overall low infection rate, there was a trend showing a higher infection rate in the NC group. No conclusions can be drawn on the impact of silver coating on deep or organ/space incisional infections due to the low incidence reported in this study (n = 1). Further investigation of SC TPLO implants in a larger and more long-term clinical study is warranted.

Ex vivo comparison of pin placement with patient-specific drill guides or freehand technique in canine cadaveric spines.

OBJECTIVE: To compare vertebral implant placement in the canine thoracolumbar spine between 3D-printed patient-specific drill guides (3DPG) and the conventional freehand technique (FH). STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo study. ANIMALS: Cadaveric canine spines (n = 24). METHODS: Implant trajectories were established for the left and right sides of the T10 through L6 vertebrae based on computed tomography (CT) imaging. Customized drill guides were created for each vertebra of interest. Each cadaver was randomly assigned to one of six veterinarians with varying levels of experience placing vertebral implants. Vertebrae were randomly assigned a surgical order and technique (3DPG or FH) for both sides. Postoperative CT images were acquired. A single, blinded observer assessed pin placement using a modified Zdichavsky classification. RESULTS: A total of 480 implants were placed in 240 vertebrae. Three sites were excluded from the analysis; therefore, a total of 238 implants were evaluated using the FH technique and 239 implants using 3DPG. When evaluating implant placement, 152/239 (63.6%) of 3DPG implants were considered to have an acceptable placement in comparison with 115/248 (48.32%) with FH. Overall, pin placement using 3DPG was more likely to provide acceptable pin placement (p < .001) in comparison with the FH technique for surgeons at all levels of experience. CONCLUSION: The use of 3DPG was shown to be better than the conventional freehand technique regarding acceptable placement of implants in the thoracolumbar spine of canine cadavers. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Utilizing 3DPG can be considered better than the traditional FH technique when placing implants in the canine thoracolumbar spine.

Impact of periarticular osteophytes of the distal tarsus diagnosed in nonlame yearling Standardbred horses on racing performance.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the radiographic prevalence of periarticular osteophytes of the distal tarsus in nonlame yearling Standardbred horses, and to evaluate its potential impact on race performance. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study. ANIMALS: Client-owned yearling Standardbred horses (n = 416). METHODS: Bilateral tarsal radiographs were available from all horses for review. Osteophytes were measured on radiographs using clinical visualization software and categorized by size. Racing records were obtained from the United States Trotting Association. Regression analysis was used to determine associations between presence or size of periarticular osteophytes and performance parameters with sex and gait covariates. RESULTS: Of 416 Standardbred yearlings without clinical lameness, 113 (27.1%) had distal tarsal periarticular osteophytes. Regression analyses revealed few associations between the presence of periarticular osteophytes and performance parameters. Affected horses had fewer starts at 4 years of age (incident rate ratio [IRR] 0.92, p = .01) and fewer lifetime starts (IRR 0.95, p = .003), but the effect size was small. Within the affected group, osteophyte size was only associated with number of starts at 3 (IRR 0.67, p < .0001). Sex and gait affected many performance parameters. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of distal tarsal periarticular osteophytes was similar to that in other breeds. Periarticular osteophytes of the distal tarsus appeared to be a largely incidental finding in nonlame yearling Standardbreds intended for harness racing. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Distal tarsal periarticular osteophytes in young, nonlame Standardbred horses should affect racing potential only minimally. This is in contrast to reports from other disciplines.

Plantar osteochondral fragments in young Standardbreds are associated with minimal joint inflammation at the time of surgical removal.

BACKGROUND: Plantar osteochondral fragments (POF) are common but their effect on joint health of young Standardbreds in race training is largely unknown. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the inflammatory effects of POF in metatarsophalangeal joints of young Standardbreds as a step towards developing evidence-based recommendations for surgical removal. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODS: Forty-nine Standardbred horses (age 11-33 months) presented for surgical removal of POF from 56 metatarsophalangeal joints. Synovial tissue collected at arthroscopy was subjected to histopathology. IL-1ß, TNF-α, and PGE-2 were measured in synovial fluid using ELISA. Digital arthroscopy images were scored for inflammation. Racing performance data were retrieved from a public database. RESULTS: Median time in race training prior to surgery was 8 weeks (IQR 4-12; range 0-40). There was minimal evidence of synovial inflammation as assessed by histopathology (median total score 2/20, IQR 0-2, range 0-5) or arthroscopy (median average total score 2.67/15, IQR 1.79-4, range 0-8.83). IL-1ß was not detected in any sample. TNF-α (median 0 pg/mL, IQR 0-0) and PGE-2 (median 56.6 pg/mL, IRQ 40.5-99.8) were measured at low levels. Weeks in training prior to surgery was associated with the number of starts in the season after surgery (incidence rate ratio 1.02, 95% CI 1.00, 1.04, P = .03). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Small sample size from a single breed with a relatively short training time prior to surgery. CONCLUSIONS: There was minimal evidence of synovial inflammation in the metatarsophalangeal joints in this population of young Standardbred horses with POF. It is possible that POF may result in a different inflammatory response than other fragments because they are generally well-embedded in situ. These findings suggest that, in Standardbreds, race training can commence several weeks prior to surgical removal of POF with minimal detrimental effects on joint health, although further investigation of long-term effects of POF on joint health is warranted.

INTRODUCTION/CONTEXTE: Les fragments plantaires ostéochondraux (POF) sont communs mais leur effet au niveau sur la santé articulaire chez les jeunes Standardbreds en entraînement de course demeure inconnu. OBJECTIFS: Évaluer les effets inflammatoires des POF des articulations métatarsophalangiennes chez les jeunes Standardbreds dans le but d'ajouter à l'évidence disponible concernant les recommandations pour leur retrait chirurgical. TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Étude de cohorte descriptive clinique. MÉTHODES: Quarante-neuf chevaux Standardbreds (âgés 11-33 mois) ont été présentés pour retrait chirurgical de POF en provenance de 56 articulations métatarsophalangiennes. Un échantillon de membrane synoviale recueilli au moment de l'arthroscopie a été soumis en histopathologie. IL-1ß, TNF-α, and PGE-2 ont été mesurés dans le liquide synovial par ELISA. Les images digitales d'arthroscopie ont été évaluées pour la présence d'inflammation. Les données de performance en course ont été retrouvées via une base de données publique. RÉSULTATS: Le temps médian de retour à l'entraînement suivant la procédure chirurgicale était de 8 semaines (IQR 4-12; étendu 0-40). Peu d'inflammation synoviale a été détectée en histopathologie (score médian total 2/20, IQR 0-2, étendu 0-5) ou arthroscopie (score médian total 2.67/15, IQR 1.79-4, étendu 0-8.83). IL-1ß a été détectée dans aucun échantillon. TNF-α (médiane 0 pg/mL, IQR 0-0) et PGE-2 (médiane 56.6 pg/mL, IQR 40.5-99.8) ont été détectés en faible quantité. Le nombre de semaines à l'entraînement avant la procédure chirurgicale était associé au nombre de départs pour la saison suivant la chirurgie (IRR 1.02, P = 0.03). LIMITES PRINCIPALES: Petite taille d'échantillon provenant d'une seule race de chevaux ayant une période d'entraînement relativement courte avant la procédure chirurgicale. CONCLUSIONS: Il y a peu d'évidence d'inflammation synoviale dans les articulations métatarsophalangiennes chez cette population de jeunes chevaux Standardbreds ayant des POF. Il est possible que les POF entraînent une réponse inflammatoire différente des autres fragments puisqu'ils sont généralement bien attachés dans l'articulation. Ces résultats suggèrent que chez les Standardbreds, l'entraînement de course puisse commencer plusieurs semaines avant le retrait chirurgical des POF en ayant des effets délétères minimaux pour la santé articulaire. Ceci dit, davantage de recherche est nécessaire pour établir les effets à long-terme de ces POF sur la santé articulaire.

Influence of feline brachycephaly on respiratory, gastrointestinal, sleep, and activity abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of brachycephaly on respiratory, gastrointestinal, sleep, and activity-related parameters in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective questionnaire-based study. ANIMALS: A total of 194 BC and 1003 non-BC cats. METHODS: Owners completed an online questionnaire regarding respiratory, gastrointestinal, sleep, and activity-related parameters. Response options were scored, and individual scores summed to give a total clinical severity score for each cat. RESULTS: Brachycephalic cats had more frequent snoring (odds ratio [OR] 6.89; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.06-9.41), sneezing (OR 6.52; CI: 4.75-8.98), nasal discharge (OR 8.26; 95% CI 5.77-11.85), coughing (OR 1.75; CI: 1.17-2.59), and dyspnea (OR 5.32; CI: 3.42-8.28); shorter activity before becoming dyspneic (OR 2.71; CI: 1.93-3.79), slower recovery from activity (OR 3.17; CI: 2.19-4.57), lower activity levels (OR 2.16; CI: 1.59-2.95), and increased respiratory noise (OR 6.68; CI: 4.71-9.52); and more hypersalivation (OR 2.50; CI: 1.47-4.16), halitosis (OR 1.40; CI: 1.00-1.95), and difficulty chewing (OR 5.19; CI: 3.65-7.38). Median clinical severity scores were higher for BC cats than non-BC cats (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Brachycephalic cats (BC) were at risk for respiratory, gastrointestinal, and activity-related symptoms compared to non-BC cats. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Some BC cats exhibit clinically relevant symptoms and behaviors as reported by owners. Medical or surgical interventions may improve these symptoms and warrant investigation.

The effect of repeated freezing and thawing on the suture pull-out strength in equine arytenoid and cricoid cartilages.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of repeated freezing and thawing on the suture pull-out strength in arytenoid and cricoid cartilages subjected to the laryngoplasty (LP) procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Ten grossly normal equine cadaveric larynges. METHODS: Bilateral LP constructs were created using a standard LP technique. One hemilarynx was randomly allocated to the single freeze and thaw group and the other allocated to the repeated freeze and thaw (3 complete cycles) group. The suture ends of each LP construct were attached to a load frame and subjected to monotonic loading until construct failure. Mean load (N) and displacement (mm) at LP construct failure were compared between groups. RESULTS: All LP constructs failed by suture pull through the arytenoid cartilage. The mean load at failure was similar between groups (118.9 ± 25.5 N in the single freeze and thaw group and 113.4 ± 20.5 N in the repeated freeze and thaw group, P = .62). The mean displacement at failure was similar between groups (54.4 ± 15.1 mm in the single freeze and thaw group and 54.4 ± 15.4 mm in the repeated freeze and thaw group, P = .99). CONCLUSION: Repeated freezing and thawing did not affect the suture pullout strength of the arytenoid and cricoid cartilages. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Laryngeal specimens that have been subjected to repeated freezing and thawing can be utilized in the experimental evaluation of LP procedures because there is no alteration of the suture pull-out strength of the relevant cartilages.

Effects of a single dose of orally and rectally administered misoprostol in an in vivo endotoxemia model in healthy adult horses.

OBJECTIVE: To describe misoprostol pharmacokinetics and anti-inflammatory efficacy when administered orally or per rectum in endotoxin-challenged horses. ANIMALS: 6 healthy geldings. PROCEDURES: A randomized 3-treatment crossover design was performed with a minimum washout period of 28 days between treatment arms. Prior to endotoxin challenge (lipopolysaccharide, 30 ng/kg IV over 30 minutes), horses received misoprostol (5 µg/kg once) per os (M-PO) or per rectum (M-PR) or water as control (CON). Clinical parameters were evaluated and blood samples obtained to measure plasma misoprostol free acid concentration, leukocyte counts, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) leukocyte gene expression and serum concentrations. RESULTS: In the M-PO treatment arm, maximum plasma concentration and area under the concentration-versus-time curve (mean ± SD) were higher (5,209 ± 3,487 pg/mL and 17,998,254 ± 13,194,420 h·pg/mL, respectively) and median (interquartile range) time to maximum concentration (25 min [18 to 34 min]) was longer than in the M-PR treatment arm (854 ± 855 pg/mL; 644,960 ± 558,866 h·pg/mL; 3 min [3 to 3.5 min]). Significant differences in clinical parameters, leukocyte counts, and TNFα or IL-6 gene expression or serum protein concentration were not detected. Downregulation of relative gene expression was appreciated for individual horses in the M-PO and M-PR treatment arms at select time points. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Considerable variability in measured parameters was detected among horses within and between treatment arms. Misoprostol absorption and systemic exposure after PO administration differed from previous reports in horses not administered LPS. Investigation of multidose administration of misoprostol is warranted to better evaluate efficacy as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic.

Performance of predictive models of survival in horses undergoing emergency exploratory laparotomy for colic.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate previously published predictive survival models in a population of horses undergoing colic surgery in the midwestern United States. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study; single referral hospital. ANIMALS: A total of 260 horses met the inclusion criteria. METHODS: Medical records of horses undergoing surgical treatment for colic were reviewed. Previously published models were applied to cohort data to predict outcome. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy for prediction of short-term survival were calculated. RESULTS: Single-variable and multivariable models performed similarly for prediction of survival, with a mean 79% sensitivity (range: 44%-94%), 48% specificity (range: 22%-83%), 63% PPV (range: 56%-72%), 73% NPV (range: 60%-83%), and 64% accuracy (range: 59%-72%). Blood lactate ≤6 mmol/l and the colic severity score (CSS) were highly sensitive for prediction of survival; however, both had poor specificity. CONCLUSION: Single-variable and multivariable predictive models did not perform as well for prediction of survival in the study cohort compared to original reports, suggesting that population-specific factors contribute to patient survival. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Predictive models of survival developed in one population may be less reliable when used to predict outcome in horses undergoing colic surgery from an independent population. Additional model testing and refinement using data from multiple surgical centers could be considered to improve prediction of outcome for horses undergoing laparotomy for treatment of colic.

Evaluation of the airway mechanics of modified toggle laryngoplasty constructs using a vacuum chamber airflow model.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the airway mechanics of modified toggle LP constructs in an airflow chamber model and compare these to the airway mechanics of standard LP constructs. STUDY DESIGN: Ex-vivo experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Fifty-one equine cadaveric larynges. METHODS: Bilateral LP constructs were performed using a modified toggle (n = 23) or a standard (n = 21) LP technique. Constructs were tested in an airflow model before and after cyclic loading which was designed to mimic postoperative swallowing. The cross-sectional area (CSA), peak translaryngeal airflow (L/s), and impedance (cmH2 0/L/s) were determined and compared between LP constructs before and after cycling. RESULTS: The mean CSA of the rima glottidis of the modified toggle LP constructs was 15.2 ± 2.6 cm2 before and 14.7 ± 2.6 cm2 after cyclic loading, and the mean CSA of the rima glottidis of the standard LP constructs was 16.4 ± 2.9 cm2 before and 15.7 ± 2.8 cm2 after cyclic loading. The modified toggle LP constructs had similar peak translaryngeal impedance before and after cyclic loading (p = .13); however, the standard LP constructs had higher peak translaryngeal impedance after cyclic loading (p = .02). CONCLUSION: The modified toggle and standard LP constructs had comparable airway mechanics in an ex-vivo model. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Further investigation is warranted to determine the extent to which the modified toggle LP technique restores normal airway function in horses with RLN.

Biomechanical properties of canine staphylectomies closed with barbed or smooth suture.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the duration of closure and biomechanical properties of staphylectomies closed with absorbable bidirectional barbed suture or smooth monofilament suture in a simple continuous or interrupted pattern STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo study SAMPLE POPULATION: Soft palates (n = 60) harvested from mesaticephalic canine cadavers METHODS: One centimeter of tissue was excised from the caudal border of each soft palate, and the oral and nasopharyngeal mucosal surfaces were apposed with 2-0 bidirectional Quill Monoderm knotless closure device barbed suture (Q), 3-0 Monocryl in a simple continuous (MC) pattern, or 3-0 Monocryl in a simple interrupted (MI) pattern (n = 20 per group). Duration of closure was compared between groups. Tissues were tested under tension to failure, and mode of failure data were collected by video capture. RESULTS: Closure time was longer for MI closures than for Q and MC closures, with means of 259.9, 215.4, and 196.7 seconds, respectively (P < .0001). No difference was detected in yield force, force to first tissue rupture, maximum force, and energy required for yield and maximum force between groups. Energy to yield was 190.0, 167.8, and 188.95 N-mm for MI, Q, and MC closures, respectively. CONCLUSION: Biomechanical properties of staphylectomies closed with barbed or smooth sutures did not differ in this cadaveric model. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Barbed suture can be considered as an alternative for closure of canine staphylectomies. These results provide evidence to justify additional research to evaluate clinical outcomes in dogs undergoing staphylectomy.

DDB2 Genetic Risk Factor for Ocular Squamous Cell Carcinoma Identified in Three Additional Horse Breeds.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common cancer affecting the equine eye. A missense variant within the gene damage-specific DNA binding protein 2 (DDB2 c.1013C>T, p.Thr338Met) was previously identified as a causal recessive genetic risk factor for the development of ocular SCC within Haflingers, Belgian Draft horses, and Rocky Mountain Horses, but not in the Appaloosa or Arabian breeds. This study aimed to evaluate three cases of ocular SCC in additional breeds and determine if DNA testing for the DDB2 variant in warmblood horses and Connemara ponies is warranted. Histopathology confirmed ocular SCC in all three cases and DNA testing confirmed each horse was homozygous for the DDB2 risk factor. The DDB2 risk allele frequency was estimated to be 0.0043 for Holsteiners (N = 115), 0.014 for Belgian Warmbloods (N = 71), and 0.22 for Connemara Ponies (N = 86). Taken together these data support using DNA testing for DDB2 in Connemara Ponies to assist in mate selection and clinical management. Given the low observed allele frequencies in both the Holsteiner and Belgian Warmblood breeds and that the case under investigation was a warmblood cross-bred, evaluating additional SCC affected warmbloods is warranted to fully determine the importance of DDB2 genotyping as a risk factor in warmblood breeds.

Long-term outcome after stifle arthroscopy in 82 Western performance horses (2003-2010).

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcome of horses engaged in Western performance disciplines after stifle arthroscopy and identify prognostic factors for return to performance. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Eighty-two Western performance horses undergoing stifle arthroscopy. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for horses involved in athletic performance/training for various Western performance disciplines and undergoing arthroscopy for lameness localized to the stifle. Follow-up was obtained ≥2 years postoperatively by telephone interviews with the owners. Preoperative and intraoperative findings as well as postoperative treatment were analyzed for their association with return to athletic performance as the primary outcome of interest. RESULTS: The most common disciplines represented were cutting (n = 38), Western pleasure (n = 13), and reining (n = 13). Approximately 40% (32/82) of horses returned to intended use after surgery. Increased age, higher degree of lameness, longer duration of lameness, and the presence of partial-thickness cartilage lesions decreased the odds of returning to athletic performance. Postoperative therapies (intra-articular: stem cells, corticosteroids, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein, hyaluronic acid/polysulfated glycosaminoglycans; systemic: nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs, hyaluronic acid/polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, oral joint supplements) did not affect the odds of returning to intended use. CONCLUSION: Less than half of the Western performance horses that underwent stifle arthroscopy returned to intended use. Older age, longer duration of lameness, and presence of partial-thickness cartilage lesions affected the odds of a horse returning to intended use. Postoperative therapies did not affect the outcome in this population. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The prognosis of Western performance horses undergoing stifle arthroscopy is as guarded as that previously reported in horses of other disciplines.

Effects of 2 preparation methods and long-term storage on structural integrity and bacterial loads of equine amnion.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of tissue preparation and long-term storage methods on structural integrity and risk of bacterial contamination of equine amnion. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental investigation SAMPLE POPULATION: Amniotic membranes from 8 healthy mares (n = 440 tested samples). METHODS: Samples for baseline bacteriology and histology were taken after removal of debris. The remaining tissue was divided and processed with 0.05% chlorhexidine or 2% iodine/0.25% acetic acid. Processed amnion samples were assigned to 1 of 9 combinations of storage media (saline, chlorhexidine, acetic acid) and temperature (4 °C, -20 °C, -80 °C). Samples were submitted for quantitative bacteriology and histopathology at 1 week, 4 weeks, and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. RESULTS: Baseline bacterial levels ranged from <200 to > 150 000 colony-forming units (cfu)/mL. None of the potentially pathogenic bacteria in baseline samples were subsequently cultured throughout the study. Nonpathogenic bacteria (median 20 cfu/mL), most commonly Bacillus sp, were cultured sporadically across storage conditions. Tissue architecture was minimally affected histologically by processing protocol, storage temperature, or storage duration. CONCLUSION: The 2 processing protocols tested here resulted in minimal bacterial contamination or loss of structural integrity of equine amnion stored for up to 12 months at 4 °C, -20 °C, or -80 °C. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Amnion collected during the foaling season may be stored for up to 12 months without significant bacterial contamination or structural alterations.

Pulmonary gas exchange and plasma lactate in horses with gastrointestinal disease undergoing emergency exploratory laparotomy: a comparison with an elective surgery horse population.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize pulmonary gas exchange and arterial lactate in horses with gastrointestinal disease undergoing anesthesia, compared with elective surgical horses, and to correlate these variables with postoperative complications and mortality. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Horses undergoing emergency laparotomy for acute intestinal disease (n = 50) and healthy horses undergoing elective surgery in dorsal recumbency (n = 20). METHODS: Arterial blood gas analysis was performed at predetermined intervals on horses undergoing a standardized anesthetic protocol. Alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient was calculated. Predictive factors for postoperative complications and death in colic horses were determined. RESULTS: Arterial oxygen tension (P(a) O(2)) varied widely among horses in both groups. P(a) O(2) significantly increased in the colic group after exteriorization of the ascending colon. P(a) O(2) and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient were not significantly different between groups, and neither were correlated with horse outcome. Arterial lactate in recovery ≥ 5 mmol/L was associated with a 2.25 times greater relative risk of complications and lactate ≥ 7 mmol/L was associated with a 10.5 times higher relative risk of death. CONCLUSION: Colic horses in this population were not more likely to be hypoxemic than elective horses, nor was gas exchange impaired to a greater degree in colic horses relative to controls. Arterial lactate sampled immediately after anesthetic recovery was predictive for postoperative complications and death.

Alimentary-associated carcinomas in five Vietnamese potbellied pigs.

CASE DESCRIPTION: 5 Vietnamese potbellied pigs were evaluated for abdominal distress that had not responded to medical treatment (4 pigs) or a draining tract of the cranial abdomen of unknown duration (1 pig). CLINICAL FINDINGS: Clinical signs in the pigs included anorexia, vomiting, and constipation. Physical examination revealed a palpable abdominal mass in all pigs. Radiography revealed distended loops of small intestine in 2 pigs. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: 3 pigs were treated successfully with wide-margin excision of the abdominal masses, and 2 were euthanized. Primary tumors were diagnosed at necropsy or through histologic evaluation of biopsy specimens obtained during surgery. Types of tumor included cholangiocellular carcinoma, transmural gastric carcinoma, small intestinal adenocarcinoma, metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma, and carcinoma. The tumors involved the stomach, small intestine, spiral colon, liver, and gall bladder. All 3 surgically treated pigs survived at least 9 months after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although rare, neoplasia of the alimentary system should be considered among the differential diagnoses for potbellied pigs with signs of abdominal distress. Wide-margin excision of the neoplastic tissue may result in a good outcome in affected pigs.