An apparently healthy female British shorthair cat with a rare complication of colonic stenosis after flank approach ovariohysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Colonic stenosis is a rare postoperative complication of ovariohysterectomy in cats, leading to dyschezia and fecal diameter reduction. In cats, while there are reports of colonic stenosis after midline approach ovariohysterectomy, there are no specific reports of flank approach ovariohysterectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: This report describes a severe case of a one-year-old British shorthair female cat presenting with gastrointestinal signs, including dyschezia and reduced fecal diameter, three weeks after flank approach ovariohysterectomy. Despite abdominal radiography, proctography with barium sulfate, colonoscopy, CT, and hematological analysis, the cause of colonic stenosis remained unclear. During exploratory laparotomy, an annular tissue band was found encircling the descending colon, resulting in severe local stenosis. After excision of the tissue band, the presenting clinical signs of the cat were rapidly improved. This result suggests that colonic stenosis caused by tissue band should be considered when diagnosing postoperative complications in flank approach ovariohysterectomy in cats. CONCLUSION: Colon stenosis due to annular tissue band restriction should be considered one of the differentials for postoperative complications in flank approach ovariohysterectomy in cats.

Placement of an artificial urethral sphincter for treatment of passive urinary incontinence after inadvertent prostatectomy and balloon dilation treatment for stricture formation in a 5-month-old dog.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the management of incontinence with several therapies, culminating with the apparently successful treatment utilizing artificial sphincter placement following an inadvertent prostatectomy. ANIMAL: 5-month-old 7.5-kg male neutered Miniature Schnauzer. CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES: The patient was referred for dysuria and persistent stranguria following an iatrogenic total prostatectomy and urethrectomy. An extra pelvic urethral anastomosis was performed, followed by hospitalization for 2 weeks with a urinary catheter. The patient was further investigated for persistent stranguria, and a contrast urethrogram revealed a urethral stricture at the anastomosis site, which was treated with fluoroscopic balloon dilation. The stranguria resolved, but an acute nocturnal grade 3 passive urinary incontinence occurred, which was nonresponsive to medical management of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride and estriol. An artificial urethral sphincter was placed, leading to continence after 5 top-ups to a total volume of 0.9 mL. The patient remained continent for 5.5 weeks before abrupt incontinence recurred, which was resolved by another 0.1-mL top-up. No further signs of incontinence occurred in the 11 months following. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The placement of an artificial urethral sphincter successfully managed urinary incontinence in this patient. Continence was achieved with no significant complications other than a transient loss of continence. Long-term follow-up 14 months after sphincter placement revealed that the patient had remained continent since the final sphincter top-up. The owner reported a significant improvement in the patient's quality of life following successful incontinence management. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This case highlighted the benefits of placing an artificial urethral sphincter in managing urinary incontinence after select cases of prostatectomy in dogs that are unresponsive to medical management.

Comparison of the effectiveness of three different rhinoplasty techniques to correct stenotic nostrils using silicone models: A case study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of three different rhinoplasty techniques on the postoperative cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the nares and nasal vestibuli. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Ninety-nine 3D-printed, remolded silicone models of a single French bulldog's rostral nose. METHODS: Models were fabricated based on a computed tomographic (CT) scan of the nose of a French bulldog with moderately stenotic nares. Each model underwent either vertical wedge resection (VW), modified horizontal wedge resection (MHW), or ala-vestibuloplasty (AVP) performed by a single surgeon (n = 33 per group). Preoperative and postoperative CT scans of the models were performed, and CSAs of the airway from the nares to the caudal end of the nasal vestibules were calculated. RESULTS: All three rhinoplasty techniques increased CSAs (adjusted p values <.001) but to different levels caudally within the nasal vestibule. Vertical wedge resection achieved this up to the start of the alar fold, MHW up to halfway between the nares and the alar fold and AVP up to the caudal nasal vestibule. Average percentage increases in CSA were 26%, 15% and 74%, respectively. Ala-vestibuloplasty led to larger CSAs than VW and MHW from the nares to the caudal nasal vestibule (adjusted p values <.05). The proportional difference within each technique was <7%. CONCLUSION: Ala-vestibuloplasty resulted in a larger increase in the airway CSA of silicone modeled nares and nasal vestibules of a single French bulldog in comparison with VW and MHW. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Ala-vestibuloplasty can be considered for French bulldogs with moderately stenotic nares and evidence of nasal vestibular stenosis.

A novel surgical approach for feline stenotic nares: Bilateral wedge resection of the dorsal lateral nasal cartilage in seven cases.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical correction of stenotic nares, one component of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), is not referenced as often in cats as it is in dogs. Similar to dogs, stenotic nares emerge as a significant contributor in the development of BOAS in cats. In this study, we propose that stenotic nares in brachycephalic cats arise from an elongated dorsal lateral nasal cartilage. The aim of this paper is to illustrate a novel surgical technique to alleviate stenosis-associated clinical signs by performing full-thickness bilateral wedge resection of the excessive cartilage. ANIMALS: Seven cats that underwent rhinoplasty with full-thickness bilateral wedge resection along the dorsal lateral nasal cartilage between 2019 and 2022 at Pan-Asia Veterinary Clinic in Taipei, Taiwan. METHODS: Clinical data of all cats included in the study were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical procedures were recorded. A full-thickness bilateral wedge resection was made along the dorsal lateral nasal cartilage adjacent to the non-hairy area. The full-thickness wedge resection was then apposed and closed, resulting in the abduction of the wing of the nostrils. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated according to follow-up sessions by the authors, and an owner survey was conducted at least 6 months post-surgery. RESULTS: All cats included in this study had a favourable outcome with no complications reported following surgery. The degree of nostril stenosis was improved, and relapse of clinical signs was not reported. Overall, the quality of life of cats that underwent rhinoplasty was significantly improved. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results support that the innovative procedure described in this study is highly promising and holds great potential in restoring quality of life and halting disease progression of cats with BOAS.

Surgical correction of stenotic nares using a single pedicle advancement flap technique in three brachycephalic cats.

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) comprises a group of anatomical upper respiratory tract abnormalities that collectively result in various degrees of upper respiratory tract obstruction. Stenotic nares is a common feature of BOAS, and in dogs, the main cause is axial deviation of the alar cartilage. In contrast, narrowing of the nares in cats is predominantly the result of a redundant skin fold at the junction of the ventral floor of the nostrils and the haired skin of the lip. Three brachycephalic cats with inspiratory obstruction were referred to the surgery department of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. The predominant cause of obstruction was nostril stenosis due to the presence of redundant skin on the ventral floor of the nares. All three cats underwent surgical correction using a single pedicle advancement flap technique, which was first described by Berns et al. (2020). All three cats had positive outcomes, with no surgical complications and no episodes of respiratory distress reported within a 9-month follow-up. Appropriate surgical treatment of feline patients with stenotic nares can result in good long-term outcomes.

Management of obstructive urethroliths, urethral pseudodiverticulum, and stricture by diverticulectomy, urethroplasty, and urethral stenting placement in a male goat.

A 5-year-old wether was presented for an acute onset of loss of appetite and inability to urinate. Urethral urolithiasis causing urethral obstruction was diagnosed and a cystostomy catheter was placed. The wether continued to be unable to urinate through the urethra and further developed a perineal pseudodiverticulum. Diverticulectomy followed by a urethroplasty using porcine small intestinal submucosa was performed to relieve the obstruction. The wether developed a urethral stricture following urethroplasty and the owners refused a perineal urethroplasty. Cystourethrography, fluoroscopic-guided balloon dilations, and urethral stent placement were done to establish urethral patency. The wether developed tissue ingrowth through the stent, resulting in recurrent obstruction that necessitated placement of covered urethral stents. Key clinical message: Although obstructive uroliths usually carry a guarded prognosis in small ruminants, the use of novel interventional radiology techniques along with urethroplasty using a xenograft allowed a wether to achieve urethral patency and normal urinations.

Prise en charge d'un bouc présentant des urétrolithes osbtructifs, un pseudodiverticule urétral et une stricture par diverticulectomie, urétroplastie et placement d'un stent urétral. Un bouc castré de 5 ans a été présenté pour une perte aigüe d'appétit et une incapacité à uriner. Un calcul urétral provoquant une obstruction urinaire a été diagnostiquée et une sonde de cystotomie placée. Le bouc a continué d'être incapable d'uriner pas son urètre et a développé un pseudodiverticule périnéal. Une diverticulectomie suivie d'une urétroplastie utilisant de la sous-muqueuse d'intestin grêle de porc a été réalisée pour soulager l'obstruction. Le bouc a développé une stricture urétrale à la suite de l'urétroplastie et les propriétaires ont refusé une urétroplastie périnéale. Une cystourétrographie, des dilatations par ballonnets guidées par fluoroscopie ainsi que le placement d'un stent urétral ont été réalisés afin de résoudre l'obstruction urétrale. Le bouc a développé une réaction tissulaire envahissant la lumière du stent, entrainant ainsi une nouvelle obstruction et nécessitant la mise en place de stents urétraux couverts.Message clinique clé :Bien que les urolithes obstructifs aient généralement un pronostic réservé chez les petits ruminants, l'utilisation de nouvelles procédures provenant de la médecine interventionnelle associées à une urétroplastie utilisant une xénogreffe a permis d'obtenir une perméabilité de son urètre et des mictions normales chez ce bouc.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Lumbar vertebral canal stenosis due to marked bone overgrowth after routine hemilaminectomy in a dog.

BACKGROUND: Bone overgrowth after decompressive surgery for lumbar stenosis resulting in recurrence of neurological signs has not been reported in veterinary literature. However, there are few cases described in human medicine. CASE PRESENTATION: A 13-month-old entire female dog, a crossbreed between a Springer Spaniel and a Border Collie, weighing 24 kg, was referred with a 5-day history of progressive spastic paraplegia, indicative of a T3-L3 myelopathy. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a right-sided L2-L3 compressive extradural lesion, compatible with epidural haemorrhage, which was confirmed by histopathology. The lesion was approached via right-sided L2-L3 hemilaminectomy and was successfully removed. One-year postoperatively the dog re-presented with pelvic limb ataxia. MR and computed tomography (CT) images demonstrated excessive vertebral bone formation affecting the right articular processes, ventral aspect of the spinous process of L2-L3, and contiguous vertebral laminae, causing spinal cord compression. Revision surgery was performed, and histopathology revealed normal or reactive osseous tissue with a possible chondroid metaplasia and endochondral ossification, failing to identify a definitive reason for the bone overgrowth. Nine-month postoperatively, imaging studies showed a similar vertebral overgrowth, resulting in minimal spinal cord compression. The patient remained stable with mild proprioceptive ataxia up until the last follow-up 18 months post-revision surgery. CONCLUSION: This is the first report in the veterinary literature of bone overgrowth after lumbar hemilaminectomy which resulted in neurological deficits and required a revision decompressive surgery.

Subtotal Pericardiectomy and Epicardiectomy for Treatment of Septic Pericarditis and Constrictive Epicarditis in a Dog.

A 1 yr old, 1.7 kg, spayed female Chihuahua was presented for respiratory distress and an enlarged cardiac silhouette as seen on thoracic radiographs. Echocardiogram revealed pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. Computed tomography revealed marked pleural and pericardial effusion, thickening of the pericardium caudally, and a mass along the mediastinum. Pericardial fluid obtained via pericardiocentesis showed suppurative inflammation with mixed anaerobic bacteria isolated on culture. Subtotal pericardiectomy and partial lung lobectomy was performed to treat septic pericarditis. Postoperative echocardiogram showed increased right-sided pressures consistent with constrictive epicarditis, and 10 days after surgery, the dog was re-presented for right-sided heart failure. An epicardectomy was performed. A definitive source of infection was not identified, although a penetrating foreign body (e.g., grass awn) was suspected. The dog recovered and 10 yr follow up revealed no evidence of constrictive pathology on echocardiogram. This case report demonstrates the successful treatment of septic pericarditis and constrictive epicarditis via subtotal pericardiectomy and epicardiectomy.

Clinical outcomes of the use of unidirectional barbed sutures in gastrointestinal surgery for dogs and cats: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical outcomes of gastrointestinal surgery using unidirectional barbed sutures in single-layer appositional closure in dogs and cats. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective and descriptive study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Twenty-six client-owned dogs; three client-owned cats. METHODS: Medical records of dogs and cats that received gastrointestinal surgery closed with unidirectional barbed sutures were reviewed to collect information on signalment, physical examinations, diagnostics, surgical procedures, and complications. Short- and long-term follow-up information was collected from the medical records, the owners, or the referring veterinarians. RESULTS: Six gastrotomies, 21 enterotomies, and nine enterectomies were closed with a simple continuous pattern with unidirectional barbed glycomer 631 sutures. Nine dogs had multiple surgical sites closed with unidirectional barbed sutures. None of the cases in the study developed leakage, dehiscence, or septic peritonitis during the 14-day short-term follow up. Long-term follow up information was collected for 19 patients. The median long-term follow-up time was 1076 days (range: 20-2179 days). Two dogs had intestinal obstruction due to strictures at the surgical site 20 and 27 days after surgery. Both were resolved with an enterectomy of the original surgical site. CONCLUSION: Unidirectional barbed suture was not associated with a risk of leakage or dehiscence after gastrointestinal surgery in dogs and cats. However, strictures may develop in the long term. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Unidirectional barbed sutures can be used during gastrointestinal surgery in client-owned dogs and cats. Further investigation of the role of unidirectional barbed sutures leading to abscess, fibrosis, or stricture is necessary.

Rapport de cas Suspected congenital unilateral ureteral atresia and hydronephrosis in a 6-year-old dog.

A 6-year-old neutered male giant schnauzer dog was presented to an emergency clinic with stranguria and pollakiuria. On physical examination, the abdomen was generally and non-painfully distended. Diagnostic imaging revealed several large, anechoic, fluid-filled, space-occupying lesions from the cranial to caudal abdomen placing extramural pressure on the bladder and urethra and apparently causing the clinical signs. Unilateral ureteral atresia with secondary ipsilateral hydronephrosis and hydroureter were diagnosed on post-mortem examination. Due to a lack of history of abdominal surgery or trauma and the absence of scarring or stenosis of the ureter, the condition was suspected to be congenital. Key clinical message: Although rare, hydronephrosis and hydroureter secondary to a congenital ureteral defect should be considered when a dog is presented with abdominal distension and several peritoneal and retroperitoneal space-occupying lesions on diagnostic imaging.

Atrésie urétérale unilatérale congénitale suspectée et hydronéphrose chez un chien de 6 ans. Un chien schnauzer géant mâle castré âgé de 6 ans a été présenté à une clinique d'urgence avec une strangurie et une pollakiurie. À l'examen physique, l'abdomen était distendu de manière générale et non-douloureuse. L'imagerie diagnostique a révélé plusieurs grandes lésions anéchoïques, remplies de liquide et occupant de l'espace de l'abdomen crânien à caudal, exerçant une pression extra-murale sur la vessie et l'urètre et causant apparemment les signes cliniques. Une atrésie urétérale unilatérale avec hydronéphrose ipsilatérale secondaire et hydro-uretère ont été diagnostiqués lors de l'autopsie. En raison d'un manque d'antécédents de chirurgie abdominale ou de traumatisme et de l'absence de cicatrices ou de sténose de l'uretère, la condition a été suspectée d'être congénitale.Message clinique clé :Bien que rares, l'hydronéphrose et l'hydro-uretère secondaires à une anomalie urétérale congénitale doivent être envisagées lorsqu'un chien présente une distension abdominale et plusieurs lésions péritonéales et rétropéritonéales occupant de l'espace à l'imagerie diagnostique.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Successful correction of stenotic nares using combined Alar Fold Lift-Up and Sulcus Pull-Down Techniques in brachycephalic cats: 8 cases (2017-2022).

OBJECTIVE: Describe surgical guidelines for a new technique to correct stenotic nares in brachycephalic cats. ANIMALS: 8 client-owned brachycephalic cats with stenotic nares between April 2017 and July 2022. PROCEDURES: 8 brachycephalic cats with severe stenotic nares presented to the Angell Animal Medical Center with the patient age ranging from 2 years to 9 years of age. Surgical correction was performed on each cat with the combined use of the "Alar Fold Lift-Up" and "Sulcus Pull-Down" techniques. RESULTS: Successful correction of the stenotic nares was achieved, enabling each cat to breathe normally. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The combined use of the "Alar Fold Lift-Up" and "Sulcus Pull-Down" techniques is simple to perform on an outpatient basis. Surgery is restricted to the adjacent skin and does not require the surgical alteration of the external nose or nares. Long-term follow-up indicates the procedure is effective in improving nasal breathing in each cat.

Use of a gum elastic bougie in a cat with severe upper airway stenosis.

Background: Gum elastic bougie (GEB) is an airway management device for patients who are difficult to intubate and its use has been reported in human medicine. However, to our knowledge, no reports in veterinary medicine have described oxygenation using GEB. We describe a case in which GEB was used to maintain oxygenation in a cat with severe upper airway stenosis. Case Description: A 10-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was diagnosed with a laryngeal tumor with severe upper airway stenosis. During anesthesia induction, the normal laryngeal structure could not be confirmed; orotracheal intubation was difficult, resulting in a "cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate" status. The GEB was inserted, making it possible to oxygenate the cat until a permanent tracheostoma could be created, but hypoventilation was noted. Conclusion: Although GEB are not useful for proper ventilation, they can be useful for temporary oxygenation in veterinary medicine when airway management is difficult.

Comparison of urethral length and orifice diameter in cats undergoing transpelvic or subpubic urethrostomy for perineal urethrostomy revision (cadaveric study).

OBJECTIVES: Stenosis is a postoperative complication reported in 12-17% of male cats that undergo perineal urethrostomy (PU). This study compared two different revision techniques for failed perineal urethrostomies. The first objective was to evaluate the feasibility of performing a transpelvic urethrostomy (TPU) after a previous, correctly performed PU in male cats. The second objective was to determine the residual urethral length, orifice diameter, and the position of the orifice relative to the pubic brim and anus after PU, TPU and subpubic urethrostomy (SPU). METHODS: Twenty male cat cadavers were randomly divided into two groups: TPU and SPU. In group TPU, PU was followed by TPU; in group SPU, PU was followed by SPU. After each procedure, the urethral orifice cross-section size was estimated by inserting the largest possible urinary catheter without resistance. Residual urethral length was measured both on contrast radiographs and after anatomical dissection. RESULTS: In all cats, TPU could be performed following a technically correct PU. The TPU resulted in a 1.5-times longer residual urethral length than SPU, based on contrast radiographs (P = 0.001) and confirmed by anatomical dissection (P <0.001). Relative to the initial urethral length, PU, TPU and SPU resulted in a reduction of 24%, 36% and 56%, respectively. The urethral orifice diameter after TPU did not differ from SPU (P = 1.000), and it was not statistically significantly different between TPU and PU (P = 0.317) or between SPU and PU (P = 0.655). The urethral orifice was located further away from the pubis (P <0.001) and closer to the anus (P <0.001) after TPU than after SPU. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Both TPU and SPU are possible revision surgeries following PU. As TPU preserves a significantly longer urethral length and requires less tissue dissection, the risk of urinary tract infections, urinary dermatitis and urinary incontinence might be less following TPU than SPU.

CT features of gastrointestinal spindle cell, epithelial, and round cell tumors in 41 dogs.

There is sparse published information on computed tomographic (CT) characteristics of canine gastrointestinal tumors. The purposes of this multi-center, retrospective, descriptive study were to describe the CT features of histologically-confirmed canine gastrointestinal spindle cell, epithelial, and round cell tumors and, when available, describe the corresponding ultrasound findings. The inclusion criteria were as follows: availability of pre-and post-contrast CT study, and a histopathological diagnosis of the lesions. Recorded parameters were tumor size, location, gastrointestinal wall layers involvement, lesion's growth and enhancement patterns, tumor margination, presence of stenosis, mineralization, ulcerations, lymphadenopathy, or other lesions in the abdomen/thorax. When available, ultrasound images were evaluated. Forty-one dogs met the inclusion criteria and had the following histological diagnoses: 21/41 (51%) spindle cells (7 leiomyomas, 14 leiomyosarcomas/gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)), 13/41 (32%) epithelial (adenocarcinoma), and 7/41 (17%) round cell (lymphoma) tumors. The growth pattern was concentric, eccentric, and mixed in epithelial, spindle cell, and round cell tumors, respectively. Spindle cell tumors had the largest main volume and involved the outer gastrointestinal layer with an unaffected inner layer. Leiomyosarcomas/GISTs showed irregular margins compared to leiomyomas. Only lymphomas showed multifocal gastrointestinal involvement. Nine carcinomas and six spindle cell tumors caused partial stenosis with secondary sub-obstruction. Mineralizations were more frequent in spindle cell tumors (10/21) and absent in lymphomas. Lymphadenomegaly was widespread in lymphomas, regional in leiomyosarcomas-GISTs and adenocarcinomas, and absent in leiomyomas. The reported CT features may be useful in prioritizing the differential diagnosis between spindle cell, epithelial, and round cell tumors, similar to those reported on ultrasound.

Postoperative outcomes of combined surgery comprising dorsal laminectomy, transarticular screws, pedicle screws and polymethylmethacrylate for dorsal fixation in 21 dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively review the efficacy of combined surgery comprising dorsal laminectomy and dorsal fixation using screws and polymethylmethacrylate as treatment for dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS). ANIMALS: 21 client owned dogs diagnosed with DLSS and treated surgically. PROCEDURES: Based on clinical records, signalments, clinical signs, findings from orthopedic and neurological examinations, imaging findings, and postoperative complications were evaluated at the following time points: preoperatively, postoperatively, and 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery. RESULTS: In all 21 cases, clinical signs were alleviated, proprioceptive deficits were improved from 3 months after surgery, and no recurrence of clinical signs was observed during the observation period. Minor complications were observed in 6 cases (28.6%), including implant failure in 2 (9.5%), delayed healing of surgical wounds in 2 (9.5%), seroma in 1 (4.8%), and swelling of the affected area in 1 (4.8%). There was no case with major complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Combined surgery comprising dorsal laminectomy and dorsal fixation using screws and polymethylmethacrylate is a useful treatment that can improve long-term clinical signs in dogs with DLSS.

Intralesional steroid injection after endoluminal esophageal stricture dilatation in a cat.

Background: Benign esophageal strictures arise from various etiologies, mostly severe esophagitis. Although endoscopic balloon dilation is still the first-line therapy, refractory or recurrent strictures do occur and remain a challenge to the endoluminal treatment. The aim of this report was to communicate a recurrent esophageal stricture resolution in a cat treated with balloon dilatation and steroid injections in Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Case Description: A 1-year-old spayed mix-breed female cat was consulted to the Veterinary Endoscopy Service for recurring regurgitation after two previous esophageal dilations. The cat had received doxycycline for Mycoplasma spp. infection and 20 days after the treatment consulted for dysphagia and regurgitation. Upper esophagogastroscopy (UGE) was performed with an Olympus CV-160 8.7 mm diameter endoscope; an annular 7 mm stricture was observed 3 cm caudal to the cranial esophagus sphincter. Three balloon dilatations procedures were performed with a Boston Scientific Controlled Radial Expansion (CRE) balloon 8-10-12 mm of 1 minute each. Because of ongoing clinical signs, another UGE was performed 15 days from the first procedure: a 3 mm stricture was encountered, balloon dilatation was repeated with 6-10-12 mm diameter, and a four-quadrant triamcinolone was injected in the submucosa. Clinically, the cat could eat with no alterations until day 20, where it started with mild dysphagia. Another UGE was performed, and the known stricture conserved a 11 mm diameter and balloon dilatation 12-15-16.5 mm with triamcinolone injection was repeated 30 days after the previous procedure. The cat could eat kibbles with no clinical signs in an 11-month follow-up. Conclusion: The alternative to triamcinolone injection after balloon dilatation presented in this clinical report was successful and it could be a therapeutic option for recurrent esophageal strictures in cats as it is in human medicine.

Renal Dysplasia with Hydronephrosis and Congenital Ureteral Stricture in Two Holstein-Friesian Calves.

We investigated the pathological characteristics of renal dysplasia with hydronephrosis and congenital ureteral stricture in two calves. Macroscopically, the affected kidneys were enlarged and the renal calyces were dilated and associated with ureteral strictures. Histopathologically, multifocal regions of mesenchyme were observed in the renal medulla. This mesenchyme was weakly eosinophilic with haematoxylin and eosin, blue with Alcian blue and pale blue with Masson's trichrome, and was immunopositive for vimentin and smooth muscle actin, consistent with persistent mesenchyme. There was asynchronous differentiation of the renal cortex characterized by immature glomeruli, immature tubules and arteriolar proliferation. Similar persistent mesenchyme was observed in the ureteral walls with ureteral stricture, and the ureteral musculature or smooth muscle bundles had a disorganized arrangement. Congenital ureteral stricture appeared to have caused ureteral obstruction and hydronephrosis. The lesions may represent a new phenotype of renal dysplasia with concomitant congenital ureteral stricture in Holstein-Friesian calves.

The use of Savary-Gilliard dilators in the treatment of an oesophageal stricture in a cat.

Oesophageal strictures in cats and dogs are relatively rare and the cause of this disorder can be multifactorial. However, the most common cause in cats is an inflammatory process.Conservative treatment strategies for this disorder includes image-guided interventions. Endoscopic methods are a form of a minimally invasive surgical treatment of the oesophageal strictures. Several endoscopic methods for the therapy of this condition are known, one of them is Savary-Gilliard dilators technique.In the present study of a case of oesophageal stricture in a cat, caused probably by doxycycline treatment without water administration, the authors used the Savary-Gilliard dilators as a therapy for its condition. The animal underwent 3 endoscopy procedures, where in the third one no abnormality in the oesophagus was observed. Moreover, the cat was asymptomatic 6 months after the last oesophagoscopy.In the authors opinion, based on the present case, some experience of the authors and previously described studies, the Savary-Gilliard dilators seems to be a safe, effective, relatively cheap and minimally invasive method of the oesophageal stricture therapy in the cat.

Distraction Stabilization of Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis: Technique and Mid- to Long-Term Outcome in 30 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the dorsal laminectomy, annulectomy and distraction stabilization with pins and polymethylmethacrylate technique, its complications and outcome in the management of canine degenerative lumbosacral stenosis. To determine pre- and post-surgical foraminal width and vertebral step changes. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective clinical study. METHODS: Medical records (2005-2020) of dogs treated (n = 30). Clinical signs, Modified Frankel Score, Texas Spinal Cord Injury Score, pain score (dorsal palpation of spine, tail dorsiflexion), imaging findings and complications were retrieved pre-operatively, perioperatively and at long-term follow-up. RESULTS: The most common presurgical imaging findings were disc protrusion (24/25) and sclerosis of the caudal end-plate of L7 (23/30). On short- to long-term assessment 18 out of 21 dogs exhibited clinical improvement and all exhibited improved pain scores (p < 0.0001). Catastrophic complications occurred in 3 dogs, and major complications occurred in 5, of which 3 required additional surgery. Mean lumbosacral step defect reduced 60% (1.8 mm ± 2.5 mm pre-surgery to 0.7mm ± 0.9mm post-surgery, p = 0.1585). Mean foraminal width significantly increased 50% long-term (3.3 mm ± 1.0 mm pre-surgery to 5.0 mm ± 0.9 mm post-surgery, p < 0.0001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dorsal laminectomy, annulectomy and distraction stabilization is a complex procedure which can significantly increase foraminal width, reduce pain and improve gait characteristics in dogs in the short- to long-term, and should be performed by surgeons experienced in lumbosacral pin placement.

Treatment of a heart base tumor and chylothorax with endovascular stent, stereotactic body radiation therapy, and a tyrosine kinase inhibitor in a dog.

An 8-year-old 28-kg male castrated rough collie was evaluated for persistent chylothorax secondary to right atrial mass. Cardiac ultrasound and computed tomography revealed a right atrial intra- and extraluminal mass with partial obstruction of the cranial vena cava and secondary chylothorax. Vascular stent placement was elected to alleviate cranial vena cava obstruction and secondary chylothorax. An 18 mm × 180 mm self-expanding stent was deployed in the region of the stricture, spanning the cranial vena cava and right atrium. An intrathoracic drainage catheter and subcutaneous port were placed within the right hemithorax, and antiplatelet therapy was initiated. Four weeks later, the dog underwent stereotactic body radiation therapy. Three months following treatment, the dog was diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia and received antiarrhythmic therapy and antiangiogenic/antiproliferative medication (Palladia™). Subsequent evaluations confirmed the resolution of arrhythmia and pleural effusion. Combined vascular stent placement and stereotactic body radiation therapy for the treatment of a right atrial intraluminal and extraluminal mass leading to cranial vena cava compression and subsequent chylothorax may lead to long-term survival. A good outcome was achieved in this patient due to resolution of pleural effusion, as well as cytoreduction and presumably delayed progression of tumor growth.