Linear versus non-linear gastrointestinal foreign bodies in 499 dogs: clinical presentation, management and short-term outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To compare clinical signs, clinicopathological abnormalities, imaging findings and outcome of dogs with linear and non-linear foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract. METHODS: Retrospective review of case records of dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of gastrointestinal foreign body. Signalment, history, clinical signs, clinicopathological data, diagnostic imaging studies, surgical and endoscopic procedures, hospital stay, costs and outcome were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 176 dogs had linear and 323 had non-linear foreign bodies. Dogs with a linear foreign body were more likely to have a history of vomiting, anorexia, lethargy and pain on abdominal palpation. They were also more likely to have the foreign body anchored in the stomach and continuing into the small intestine, experience intestinal necrosis, perforation and peritonitis, and require intestinal resection and anastamosis. The duration of hospitalisation was longer for dogs with linear foreign body (3 versus 2 days), and the cost of treatment was 10% higher. However, in both groups, 96% of dogs survived to hospital discharge. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dogs with a linear foreign body had more severe clinical signs and gastrointestinal pathology, and an increased duration of hospitalisation and cost of care. However, overall survival rates were not different in dogs with linear and non-linear foreign bodies.

Hyperglycemia in dogs and cats with head trauma: 122 cases (1997-1999).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether hyperglycemia is associated with head trauma in dogs and cats and whether the degree of hyperglycemia corresponds to severity of neurologic injury or outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 52 dogs and 70 cats with head trauma and 122 age- and species-matched control dogs and cats. PROCEDURE: Severity of head trauma was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Blood glucose concentrations recorded within 1 hour after admission were compared between case and control animals and among groups when case animals were grouped on the basis of severity of head trauma or outcome. RESULTS: Blood glucose concentration was significantly associated with severity of head trauma in dogs and cats and was significantly higher in dogs and cats with head trauma than in the control animals. However, blood glucose concentration was not associated with outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that dogs and cats with head trauma may have hyperglycemia and that degree of hyperglycemia was associated with severity of head trauma. However, degree of hyperglycemia was not associated with outcome for dogs and cats with head trauma. Because hyperglycemia can potentiate neurologic injury, iatrogenic hyperglycemia should be avoided in patients with head trauma.

Preoperative evaluation and management of the emergency surgical small animal patient.

The initial management and stabilization of the emergency surgical patient is challenging. A consistent systematic evaluation of the four major body systems, determination of the underlying cause, and aggressive stabilization before surgery can optimize the outcome.