Comparison of incisional gastropexy with and without addition of two full-thickness stomach to body wall sutures.

OBJECTIVE: To compare complications between a modified incisional gastropexy (MIG) technique and standard incisional gastropexy (SIG). ANIMALS: 347 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Dogs that had undergone SIG or MIG from March 2005 through April 2019 were identified through a medical record search of the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center. The MIG technique is identical to SIG except 2 additional simple interrupted sutures are added, 1 cranial and 1 caudal to the continuous suture line, going full thickness into the stomach to ensure engagement of submucosa. Medical record information was used to identify intraoperative, postoperative, and short-term complications, and telephone or email communication to pet owners and/or referring veterinarians was used to identify complications (short-term and long-term) after discontinuance of care at the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center. Intraoperative, postoperative, short-term, and long-term complications were analyzed in aggregate within 6 matched groupings: (1) gastropexy for gastric dilatation-volvulus, (2) prophylactic gastropexy without other procedures, (3) gastropexy with ovariohysterectomy, (4) gastropexy with castration, (5) gastropexy with splenectomy, and (6) gastropexy with celiotomy other than splenectomy. Overall rates of complications potentially attributed to gastropexy were compared between SIG and MIG using the Fisher exact test. Overall rates of complications not attributed to gastropexy were compared between SIG and MIG using the χ2 test. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in overall complication rates between SIG and MIG. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgeons who feel that engagement of gastric submucosa is important for gastropexy success may use the MIG technique with minimal fear of complications. However, superiority of one technique over the other cannot be determined on the basis of this study.

Addition of two full-thickness simple interrupted sutures to standard incisional gastropexy increases gastropexy biomechanical strength.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the acute strength (failure load and work to failure) of standard incisional gastropexy (SIG) and modified incisional gastropexy (MIG). ANIMALS: 37 pig cadavers. PROCEDURES: Stomachs and right abdominal walls were harvested from pigs euthanized for reasons unrelated to this study. The tissues were stored in lactated Ringer's solution overnight in a 5 °C cooler. Matching body wall and stomach tissue pairs were randomized and divided into 2 groups, on which either SIG or MIG was performed the following day. The MIG technique was identical to SIG except 2 additional simple interrupted sutures, 1 cranial and 1 caudal to the continuous suture line, were placed full thickness into the stomach to ensure engagement of the submucosa. After gastropexy, the samples underwent biomechanical testing. Information regarding change in position and load was generated by the MTESTQuattro software. Mode of failure was examined after the procedure was complete. RESULTS: The MIG had higher failure load and work to failure compared to SIG. All failures were caused by gastric tissue tearing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The MIG is biomechanically superior to SIG and may provide more security than SIG during healing. However, clinical study is needed to ascertain if there is a difference in gastropexy failure and complications between these 2 techniques.

Management and outcomes of 13 dogs treated with a modified Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication for lower esophageal sphincter achalasia-like syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To report the management and outcomes of dogs treated for lower esophageal sphincter achalasia-like syndrome (LES-AS) with modified Heller myotomy, Dor fundoplication, and with the use of a temporary gastrostomy tube. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. SAMPLE POPULATION: Thirteen client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records and a client survey were used to assess frequency of vomiting/regurgitation, quality of life (QoL), bodyweight, and feeding modifications at the following time points: prior to referral, postoperatively from discharge to first recheck (4-6 weeks), and from first recheck to survey (48 months). Postoperative and gastrostomy tube complications were surveyed and recorded. Pretreatment and 4-6 weeks postoperative videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) were compared. Two-sided t-tests were used to compare outcomes between survey time points. RESULTS: Postoperative VFSS scores (available in 9 dogs) improved over preoperative scores in 6 dogs, and 12/13 dogs survived to discharge. One dog was euthanized 3 days postoperatively due to aspiration pneumonia. Postoperative gastrostomy tube complications occurred in half of the dogs that survived to discharge. According to the owners, scores assigned to vomiting/regurgitation improved by 180% (P = .004), QoL by 100% (P = .004), and bodyweight by 63% (P = .035). CONCLUSION: Modified Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication and the use of a temporary gastrostomy tube improved clinical signs and owners' perceived quality of life in half of the dogs treated for LES-AS in our clinical setting. Oral sildenafil therapy discontinued postoperatively suggests that surgery was equally efficacious. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Modified Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication and temporary gastrostomy tube is a treatment option with potentially sustained benefits for dogs that have LES-AS.

Comparison of left fourth and fifth intercostal space thoracotomy for open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether ease of access to thoracic structures for performing open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OC-CPR) differed between fourth and fifth intercostal space (ICS) left lateral thoracotomies in dogs, and to determine if "shingling" improved access for OC-CPR manipulations. DESIGN: Prospective single-blinded study. SETTING: Laboratory. ANIMALS: Twelve mixed breed canine cadavers weighing approximately 20 kg. INTERVENTIONS: Left lateral thoracotomies were performed at the 4th ICS (n = 6) or 5th ICS (n = 6). Shingling at the 4th or 5th ICS, as applicable, was performed after initial data collection and outcomes were reassessed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Three evaluators blinded to the surgical approach scored the following parameters on a 0 to 10 scale (0 = easiest, 10 = most difficult): ease of access of the phrenicopericardial ligament, ease of pericardial incision, ease of appropriate hand position, ease of aortic access, ease of Rumel tourniquet application, and ease of proper placement of defibrillation paddles. Objective measurements (time to completion or number of attempts) were made for all but ease of pericardial incision and ease of appropriate hand position. Outcomes were reassessed after shingling. The 5th ICS was superior for ease of aortic access (P = 0.042), time to visualization of aorta (P = 0.009), and ease of application of a Rumel tourniquet (P = 0.019). When comparing scores pre- and post-shingling, shingling improved time to visualization of the aorta (P < 0.001), time to placement of Rumel tourniquet (P < 0.001), ease of paddle placement (P = 0.017), and time to paddle placement (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Either 4th or 5th ICS thoracotomy may provide adequate access to intrathoracic structures pertinent to performing OC-CPR in dogs weighing approximately 20 kg, but 5th ICS was preferred for most manipulations, and shingling improved access for most of the measured parameters.

A retrospective comparison of carbon dioxide surgical laser and non-laser excision for removal of cutaneous and subcutaneous soft-tissue sarcomas in dogs.

Aims: To compare the duration of anaesthesia, surgery, and postoperative hospitalisation, the proportion of tumours excised with complete histologic margins and immediate postoperative surgical site complications in dogs undergoing removal of cutaneous or subcutaneous soft tissue sarcomas (STS) by either carbon dioxide (CO2) laser or non-laser surgical excision methods. Methods: Medical records of dogs that underwent surgical excision of cutaneous and subcutaneous STS at the University of Missouri between December 2004 and May 2018 were evaluated. The study population consisted of client-owned dogs that underwent CO2 laser (n = 4) or non-laser (n = 20) excision of a single STS. Data recorded included: signalment, duration of anaesthesia, surgery and postoperative hospitalisation, tumour characteristics, completeness of histologic margins, postoperative complications, adjunctive therapy, and other procedures at the time of surgery. Results: There was no evidence of a difference in mean age, body weight or tumour size between groups. Similarly there was no evidence of a difference in the duration of anaesthesia or surgery, or in the proportion of dogs whose STS were removed with complete histologic margins between dogs whose STS was removed using laser or non-laser surgical excision methods. However, the duration of postoperative hospitalisation trended towards being longer for the laser excision group (p = 0.061). Conclusions: These data provide preliminary evidence that excision of cutaneous or subcutaneous STS with CO2 surgical laser is comparable to non-laser methods for the measured outcomes.

Retrospective multicentric study comparing durations of surgery and anesthesia and likelihoods of short- and long-term complications between cats positioned in sternal or dorsal recumbency for perineal urethrostomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the durations of surgery and anesthesia and the likelihoods of short- and long-term postoperative complications between cats positioned in sternal recumbency versus dorsal recumbency for perineal urethrostomy (PU). ANIMALS: 247 client-owned cats that underwent PU between January 2004 and December 2015 at 6 veterinary teaching hospitals and 1 private veterinary referral hospital. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed, and signalment, presenting complaints, previous history of urethral obstruction or PU, diet fed, medications administered, indication for PU, durations of surgery and anesthesia for PU, suture type and size, suture pattern for skin closure, and short- and long-term postoperative complications were recorded. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify differences in durations of surgery and anesthesia and the likelihoods of short- and long-term complications between cats positioned in sternal recumbency and those positioned in dorsal recumbency. RESULTS: Patient position was not associated with durations of surgery and anesthesia for PU, even if a concurrent cystotomy was necessary or the patient required repositioning from sternal to dorsal recumbency. Likewise, patient position was not associated with the likelihood of short- and long-term complications. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The observed lack of differences in outcomes between sternal and dorsal recumbency suggested that logistic considerations and personal preference can continue to guide veterinarians when positioning cats for PU.

Intradiploic epidermoid cyst in a dog.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 10-year-old 7-kg (15.4-lb) neutered male Shih Tzu was referred for evaluation because of a sudden onset of dullness and intermittent vomiting of 1 to 2 weeks' duration. Two days prior to evaluation, clinical signs had worsened and 1 seizure was reported. CLINICAL FINDINGS: A 3.5 × 2.5-cm soft, dome-shaped mass of the right occipital region of the head was noted on physical examination. Radiography and CT confirmed the presence of the mass and indicated its intra- and extracranial expansion. The MRI images showed compression of the cerebellum by the mass, with distinct margins of hypointensity on both T1- and T2-weighted images. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Surgery was performed, and the mass was completely excised. The dog had mild ataxia, hypermetria, and head tremors after surgery. Histologic examination of the mass yielded a diagnosis of intradiploic epidermoid cyst. On examination 3 weeks after surgery, the previous neurologic signs had resolved. On examination 25 months after surgery, the dog remained free of clinical signs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present report described the clinical signs, diagnostic imaging results, and successful surgical removal of an intradiploic epidermoid cyst in a dog. Long-term prognosis may be good with complete removal of intradiploic epidermoid cysts in dogs.

Effect of Midazolam on Vestibular Signs in Two Geriatric Dogs with Vestibular Disease.

An abrupt balance impairment, including leaning, falling, and rolling, occurred after IV administration of 0.2 mg/kg midazolam as a preanesthetic medication in two geriatric dogs with a history of nystagmus and head tilt. In the second case, leaning, falling, and rolling recurred after recovery from general anesthesia but gradually ceased after IV administration of 0.01 mg/kg flumazenil. These two cases suggest that the IV administration of midazolam was responsible for the balance impairment in dogs who were suspected to have idiopathic peripheral vestibular disease.

Evaluation of various carbon dioxide laser settings on the time and number of laser beam passes required to make a full-thickness skin incision and amount of laser-induced tissue artifact.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the time and number of laser beam passes required to make full-thickness skin incisions and extent of laser-induced tissue artifacts following use of a CO2 laser at various settings. SAMPLE: 24 skin specimens from six 5-month-old porcine carcasses. PROCEDURES: 4 full-thickness skin specimens were harvested from the flank regions of each carcass within 30 minutes after euthanasia and randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups. Three 5-cm-long incisions were made in each specimen with a CO2 laser (beam diameter, 0.4 mm) set to deliver a continuous wave of energy alone (groups 1 and 2) or in superpulse mode (groups 3 and 4) at 10 (groups 1 and 3) or 20 (groups 2 and 4) W of power. The time and number of passes required to achieve a full-thickness incision were recorded, and extent of laser-induced tissue artifact (as determined by histologic evaluation) was compared among the 4 groups. RESULTS: Mean time required to make a full-thickness skin incision for groups 2 and 4 (power, 20 W) was significantly less than that for groups 1 and 3 (power, 10 W). Mean number of passes was lowest for group 2 (continuous wave at 20 W). Extent of laser-induced tissue artifact was greatest for group 4 (superpulse mode at 20 W). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results provided preliminary information regarding use of CO2 lasers to make skin incisions in veterinary patients. In vivo studies are necessary to evaluate the effect of various CO2 laser settings on tissue healing and patient outcome.

Comparison of right lateral versus left lateral versus sternal recumbence intra-abdominal pressure measurements in normal dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if there is a difference in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) among 3 anatomic body positions (right lateral, left lateral, and sternal recumbence) in apparently healthy dogs. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. SETTING: University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. ANIMALS: Fourteen apparently healthy male dogs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After mild sedation with dexmedetomidine, a water manometer attached to a Foley urinary catheter was used to measure IAP in 3 different body positions in each dog. There was no significant difference in IAP between right lateral (3.87± 3.16 cm H2 O), left lateral (4.45 ± 3.22 cm H2 O), and sternal recumbence (4.04 ± 3.57 cm H2 O). CONCLUSIONS: Based on data from these 14 apparently healthy dogs, these 3 body positions can be used interchangeably for monitoring an individual dog. However, more research in dogs is needed to see if this conclusion holds true when IAP is abnormal.

Parotid Duct Ectasia in a Dog.

A 3yr old spayed female Brittany was referred with a cylindrical mass on the right side of her face. Three months earlier, a small stone embedded in the right parotid duct was noted and removed through a ductal incision by the referring veterinarian. At referral, the dog's general physical condition was normal except for a cylindrical mass on the right cheek. Skull radiographs showed a possibly retained sialolith or dystrophic mineralization within the previous surgical site. Aspiration of the mass yielded a thick, yellow/tan, mucopurulent fluid. Cytology of the fluid demonstrated degenerative neutrophils without bacteria. The cylindrical mass was excised with a carbon dioxide laser. The caudal end of the mass was connected to the parotid salivary gland and the rostral one-third of the mass tapered to a point. The caudal end of the mass was ligated with 3-0 polydioxanone and excised immediately rostral to the ligation. Histopathology revealed that the mass was parotid duct ectasia. The dog completely recovered with some mild temporary facial paresis and had no recurrence of parotid duct ectasia at 4 mo follow-up. The case report describes a dog with an unusual parotid salivary duct ectasia caused by parotid duct sialolith removal.

Mechanical dilation, botulinum toxin A injection, and surgical myotomy with fundoplication for treatment of lower esophageal sphincter achalasia-like syndrome in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Megaesophagus (ME) carries a poor long-term prognosis in dogs. In people, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) achalasia is a rare cause of ME that may respond to targeted intervention. Dogs with lower esophageal sphincter achalasia-like syndrome (LES-AS) have been described recently, warranting investigation of analogous targeted treatment. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Evaluate response of dogs with LES-AS to LES mechanical dilation and botulinum toxin A (BTA) injections, with or without surgical myotomy and fundoplication. We hypothesized that clinical and videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) features of LES-AS would improve after treatment targeting functional LES obstruction. ANIMALS: Fourteen client-owned dogs with LES-AS diagnosed by VFSS. METHODS: Retrospective study. Dogs diagnosed with LES-AS underwent treatment between April 2015 and December 2017. Outcome measures included client perception of clinical severity, body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), regurgitation frequency, and VFSS parameters (ME, esophageal motility, gastric filling). Dogs with positive responses were considered candidates for LES myotomy with fundoplication. RESULTS: By a median IQR of 21 (IQR, 14-25) days after mechanical dilation and BTA, clients reported clinical improvement in 100% of dogs, BW increased 20.4% (IQR, 12.7%-25%), pre- and post-treatment BCS was 3 (IQR, 3-4) and 5 (IQR, 4-5), respectively, and frequency of regurgitation decreased by 80% (IQR, 50%-85%). Duration of effect was 40 (IQR, 17-53) days. Despite clinical improvement, ME and abnormal esophageal motility persisted in 14 dogs. Six dogs subsequently underwent myotomy and fundoplication and maintained improvement observed after mechanical dilation and BTA. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Dogs with LES-AS experienced significant, temporary, clinical improvement after mechanical dilation and BTA. Preliminary results suggest myotomy with fundoplication provide lasting clinical benefit despite persistence of ME.

Evaluation of leak pressure and closure time for double-layer esophagotomy closure with an interrupted or a continuous suture pattern.

OBJECTIVE To compare the leak pressure and amount of time required to perform closure for 2 double-layer esophagotomy closure techniques. SAMPLE 28 intrathoracic esophageal segments harvested from 38 porcine cadavers. PROCEDURES Longitudinal 3-cm esophagotomy incisions made in porcine cadaveric esophagi were closed with 2 double-layer closure techniques. Fifteen incisions were closed with a simple interrupted pattern, and 13 incisions were closed with a simple continuous pattern. Leak pressure, bursting wall tension, and closure time were compared between suture patterns by use of a t test or Mann-Whitney rank sum test. RESULTS Median leak pressures differed significantly between segments closed with the simple interrupted pattern (16.0 mm Hg; range, 5.4 to 54.9 mm Hg) and the simple continuous pattern (38.7 mm Hg; range, 11.3 to 81.9 mm Hg). Median bursting wall tension differed significantly between the simple interrupted pattern (0.63 × 105 dynes/cm; range, 0.16 × 105 dynes/cm to 2.89 × 105 dynes/cm) and the simple continuous pattern (1.79 × 105 dynes/cm; range, 0.44 × 105 dynes/cm to 4.70 × 105 dynes/cm). Mean ± SD closure time differed significantly between the simple interrupted pattern (19.2 ± 2.0 minutes) and the simple continuous pattern (14.7 ± 1.5 minutes). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In the study reported here, double-layer simple continuous closure resulted in a higher median postoperative leak pressure and higher median postoperative bursting wall tension and could be performed more rapidly than the double-layer simple interrupted closure on these porcine cadaveric specimens.

Comparison of enterotomy leak pressure among fresh, cooled, and frozen-thawed porcine jejunal segments.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether stored (cooled or frozen-thawed) jejunal segments can be used to obtain dependable leak pressure data after enterotomy closure. SAMPLE 36 jejunal segments from 3 juvenile pigs. PROCEDURES Jejunal segments were harvested from euthanized pigs and assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups (n = 12 segments/group) as follows: fresh (used within 4 hours after collection), cooled (stored overnight at 5°C before use), and frozen-thawed (frozen at -12°C for 8 days and thawed at room temperature [23°C] for 1 hour before use). Jejunal segments were suspended and 2-cm enterotomy incisions were made on the antimesenteric border. Enterotomies were closed with a simple continuous suture pattern. Lactated Ringer solution was infused into each segment until failure at the suture line was detected. Leak pressure was measured by use of a digital transducer. RESULTS Mean ± SD leak pressure for fresh, cooled, and frozen-thawed segments was 68.3 ± 23.7 mm Hg, 55.3 ± 28.1 mm Hg, and 14.4 ± 14.8 mm Hg, respectively. Overall, there were no significant differences in mean leak pressure among pigs, but a significant difference in mean leak pressure was detected among treatment groups. Mean leak pressure was significantly lower for frozen-thawed segments than for fresh or cooled segments, but mean leak pressure did not differ significantly between fresh and cooled segments. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Fresh porcine jejunal segments or segments cooled overnight may be used for determining intestinal leak pressure, but frozen-thawed segments should not be used.

Evaluation of jejunostomy tube feeding after abdominal surgery in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of postoperative intrajejunal feeding and to evaluate the association of preoperative plasma albumin concentrations with intrajejunal feeding-related complications and clinical outcome. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. SETTING: University veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Sixty-four dogs. INTERVENTIONS: Jejunostomy tube placement during abdominal surgery. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Most dogs (81%) survived. The median intrajejunal feeding period was 2.1 days (range: 1-16 days; n = 64). Only 3 (5%) dogs received their estimated resting energy requirement by intrajejunal feeding. Of dogs that were fed intrajejunally (58 out of 64), most (55 out of 58) received intrajejunal feeding within 24 hours after surgery. Energy provision via the jejunal feeding tube did not differ between dogs with and without complications (P = 0.592), or between nonsurvivors and survivors (P = 0.298). Thirty-five dogs ate voluntarily concurrently with intrajejunal feeding. Of dogs that ate voluntarily concurrently with intrajejunal feeding for ≤50% of the postoperative period, most (74%) survived to discharge. Complications were seen in 22% of dogs, and none were life-threatening; gastrointestinal signs were most common. There was no difference in preoperative plasma albumin concentration between dogs with and without complications (P = 0.432) and between nonsurvivors and survivors (P = 0.727). Fecal score was not significantly different between the 2 liquid diets studied (FormulaV Enteral Care HLP and CliniCare Canine/Feline; P = 0.927). CONCLUSIONS: A jejunostomy tube placed during abdominal surgery was likely to be used at the study institution. Few complications were seen and none were life-threatening. Intrajejunal feeding was initiated early after surgery and did not interfere with the initiation of voluntary oral intake. Fecal scores were high and were useful for an objective assessment of fecal consistency in dogs with intrajejunal feeding.

Canine Sialolithiasis: Two Case Reports with Breed, Gender, and Age Distribution of 29 Cases (1964-2010).

This study was conducted to investigate the clinical data of two cases of canine sialolithiasis and to analyze 29 cases identified in the Veterinary Medical Database by year of admission, breed, gender, and age. Medical records from the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital were reviewed and two dogs diagnosed with sialolithiasis (calcium oxalate) were identified between 1990 and 2010. The two dogs had cervical or pharyngeal sialocele and were successfully treated by sialolith removal and concurrent sialoadenectomy. Signalments of dogs with sialolithiasis between 1964 and 2010 were collected from the Veterinary Medical Database and evaluated. Several breeds of dogs were represented and the 10 to <15 yr old age group was shown to have significant association with sialolithiasis. Sialolithiasis is a rare veterinary condition. In this study, older dogs were at higher risk. In dogs, concurrent sialocele was common and good outcome could be expected after surgical removal of sialoliths with concurrent sialoadenectomy.

Perioperative red blood cell transfusion requirement for various surgical procedures in dogs: 207 cases (2004-2013).

OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative RBC transfusion among dogs undergoing liver lobectomy, splenectomy, partial gastrectomy, rhinotomy, thyroidectomy, perineal herniorrhaphy, and intrathoracic surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 207 client-owned dogs that underwent various surgeries. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed for dogs that had undergone liver lobectomy, splenectomy, partial gastrectomy, rhinotomy, neoplastic thyroidectomy, perineal herniorrhaphy, or intrathoracic surgery. Transfusion requirement (packed RBC, whole blood, and bovine hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier) and survival rate at 2 weeks after surgery were compared among dogs undergoing the various surgeries. RESULTS: Patients undergoing splenectomy and liver lobectomy were significantly more likely to receive RBC transfusion when each was compared with patients undergoing all other procedures. A significant association was found between body weight and perioperative RBC transfusion, with greater odds of transfusion as body weight increased. Dogs receiving perioperative RBC transfusions were significantly less likely to survive to 2 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that dogs undergoing splenectomy and liver lobectomy may require RBC transfusion perioperatively. Veterinarians who perform these procedures should plan accordingly and have packed RBCs or whole blood donors readily available.

Plasma lactate concentrations and comparison of two point-of-care lactate analyzers to a laboratory analyzer in a population of healthy cats.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a reference interval for plasma lactate in a population of healthy adult cats on a laboratory analyzer (Nova Biomedical Critical Care Xpress [CCX]) and 2 commercially available point-of-care (POC) analyzers (Abbott i-STAT [i-STAT] and Nova Biomedical Lactate Plus [LP]), and to compare the level of agreement of lactate measurement between the laboratory analyzer and POC analyzers. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: University veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Forty-seven healthy adult cats. INTERVENTIONS: Jugular phlebotomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In this population, plasma lactate reference interval was 0.67-5.44 mmol/L for the CCX, 0.65-5.16 mmol/L for the i-STAT, and 0.68-4.39 mmol/L for the LP. Comparisons were made between lactate measurements on 2 point-of-care analyzers and the laboratory analyzer using the Bland-Altman method. For the comparison of CCX and i-STAT, the bias was -0.10 mmol/L; for the CCX and LP, the bias was -0.24 mmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of plasma lactate in cats using the i-STAT showed acceptable agreement with the CCX. The LP showed weaker agreement. However, both POC analyzers are suitable for measurement of lactate in cats, provided results from different POC analyzers are not directly compared. This study identified a larger reference interval for plasma lactate concentration in cats than what has been previously reported.

Morphine and buprenorphine do not alter leukocyte cytokine production capacity, early apoptosis, or neutrophil phagocytic function in healthy dogs.

Opioids have immunomodulatory properties in many species, but there is little information pertaining to these properties in dogs. Our objective was to compare the in vivo effects of morphine, buprenorphine, and control solution on innate immune system function and apoptosis in healthy dogs. Six adult dogs received a 24-hour infusion of morphine, buprenorphine, or control solution (saline) in a randomized, controlled, crossover block design. Leukocyte apoptosis, phagocytosis, and oxidative burst were evaluated using flow cytometry. Lipopolysaccharide, lipoteichoic acid, and peptidoglycan-stimulated leukocyte production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 were determined using canine specific multiplex assays. No significant treatment effects were detected among groups. These data suggest that healthy dogs could be less sensitive to the immunomodulatory effects of acute opioid administration compared with other species. Larger investigations in healthy and immunologically challenged dogs are recommended prior to application of these results in clinical patients.

Core curriculum illustration: trans-scaphoid volar perilunate fracture-subluxation.

This is the 11th installment of a series that will highlight one case per publication issue from the bank of cases available online as part of the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) educational resources. Our goal is to generate more interest in the use of our online materials. To view more cases online, please visit the ASER Core Curriculum and Recommendations for Study online at http://www.aseronline.org/curriculum/toc.htm .