Comparison of the diagnostic yield of 3 and 5 mm laparoscopic liver biopsy forceps in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether 3 and 5 mm laparoscopic cup biopsy forceps provide samples of equivalent diagnostic quality in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Twelve colony cats undergoing a concurrent nutrition study. METHODS: Two biopsy forceps (3 and 5 mm) and three biopsy techniques (twist, pull, and twist + pull) were used to collect 68 laparoscopic liver samples. Biopsies were performed consecutively with the 3 and 5 mm biopsy sites adjacent to each other. Data analyzed included the number of portal triads and hepatic lobules, tissue crush and fragmentation, overall sample area (mm2 ), sample weight, and agreement regarding morphologic diagnosis. RESULTS: The 5 mm forceps provided more hepatic lobules, portal triads, and a larger tissue weight and histologic area (mm2 ) (p < .01). The twist and pull techniques provide more hepatic lobules and portal triads compared to the twist + pull technique while the twist + pull technique resulted in greater tissue crush compared to the twist technique (p = .0097). There was good agreement for morphological diagnosis between the 3 and 5 mm samples using the twist + pull technique but not for the twist or pull techniques. CONCLUSION: Liver samples can be safely collected with 3 or 5 mm laparoscopic biopsy forceps and provide sufficient tissue for histopathology analysis in cats, with minimal artifact. The diagnostic accuracy of 3 mm samples remains unknown. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although 3 mm laparoscopic cup biopsy forceps provided samples of sufficient diagnostic quality for histopathologic interpretation in cats, further studies are required to assess their diagnostic accuracy.

Management of penetrating thoracic wounds from a dog attack in a Nigerian dwarf goat: A case report.

Pet goat ownership has gradually increased in popularity and veterinarians are expected to provide gold-standard treatments for these animals. As in small-animal practice, decision-making regarding thoracic bite injuries is challenging because of the variability in clinical, radiographic, and surgical findings. Mortality rates from dog bite wounds in small animals range between 15.3 and 17.7%, and these cases represent 10% of all traumatic injuries referred to an emergency service; such information is not available regarding pet goats. The aim of this report is to describe a thoracic dog bite wound in a goat. It details the clinical, radiographic, and surgical findings and the repair, and reports the successful outcome, all to provide information to small-ruminant practitioners for treatment or referral. Future retrospective studies will help to determine prognostic factors for outcomes in goats with thoracic dog bite wounds. Key clinical message: Thoracic bite wounds are a challenge to manage, considering the potential severe underlying pathology and the absence of clear external injuries or clinical signs. Referring veterinarians and owners should be advised that goats with the presence of flail chest, pneumothorax, or rib fractures may require a higher level of intervention.

Prise en charge des plaies thoraciques pénétrantes consécutives à une attaque de chien chez une chèvre naine nigériane : rapport de cas. La possession de chèvres de compagnie a progressivement gagné en popularité et les vétérinaires devraient fournir des traitements de référence pour ces animaux. Tout comme dans la pratique des petits animaux, la prise de décision concernant les morsures thoraciques est difficile en raison de la variabilité des résultats cliniques, radiographiques et chirurgicaux. Les taux de mortalité par morsure de chien chez les petits animaux varient entre 15,3 et 17,7 %, et ces cas représentent 10 % de toutes les blessures traumatiques référées à un service d'urgence; ces informations ne sont pas disponibles concernant les chèvres de compagnie. Le but de ce rapport est de décrire une morsure thoracique de chien chez une chèvre. Il détaille les résultats cliniques, radiographiques et chirurgicaux ainsi que la réparation, et rend compte du résultat positif, le tout dans le but de fournir des informations aux praticiens des petits ruminants pour un traitement ou une référence. De futures études rétrospectives aideront à déterminer les facteurs pronostiques des résultats chez les chèvres présentant des morsures thoraciques de chien.Message clinique clé :Les morsures thoraciques sont un défi à gérer, compte tenu de la pathologie sous-jacente potentiellement grave et de l'absence de blessures externes ou de signes cliniques évidents. Les vétérinaires référents et les propriétaires doivent être informés que les chèvres présentant un volet thoracique, un pneumothorax ou des fractures des côtes peuvent nécessiter un niveau d'intervention plus élevé.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Anoplasty and rectovaginal fistula repair in a gilt with atresia ani: A case report.

A 2-year-old female Vietnamese potbellied pig was referred to the Large Animal Teaching Hospital at the Ontario Veterinary College for anoplasty and rectovaginal fistula repair. The presence of atresia ani and rectovaginal fistula had been previously diagnosed. Contrast radiography was used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the position of the fistula and terminal rectum. Under general anesthesia, the urethra was catheterized. An incision was made at the anatomic location of the anus, the rectovaginal fistula was isolated through deep dissection, and a Penrose drain was placed around it for caudal retraction. Transvaginal catheter placement through the fistula and into the rectum assisted with anatomic location. Once the urogenital and gastrointestinal tracts were clearly identified, the fistula was transected as close to the vaginal cavity as possible. The vaginal defect was sutured, and the fistula tract was mobilized 90° and sutured to the skin, creating the anal canal. Postoperative complications included constipation and cystitis. The gilt passed feces 5 d after surgery and was discharged on Day 11 of hospitalization. Normal urination and defecation were observed at the time, and fecal incontinence was resolved. Six months after surgical intervention, the gilt remained continent and no complications were reported. Key clinical message: Anoplasty and rectovaginal fistula repair were completed successfully in a gilt. Preservation of the fistula and its use during anal reconstruction may provide an internal anal sphincter and may be associated with improved continence.

Anoplastie et réparation de la fistule recto-vaginale chez une cochette avec atrésie anale : rapport de cas. Une femelle cochon vietnamien de 2 ans a été référée au Large Animal Teaching Hospital du Ontario Veterinary College pour une anoplastie et réparation d'une fistule recto-vaginale. La présence d'une atrésie anale et d'une fistule recto-vaginale avait déjà été diagnostiquée. Une radiographie de contraste a été utilisée pour confirmer le diagnostic et déterminer la position de la fistule et du rectum terminal. Sous anesthésie générale, l'urètre a été cathétérisé. Une incision a été faite à l'emplacement anatomique de l'anus, la fistule recto-vaginale a été isolée par dissection profonde et un drain de Penrose a été placé autour d'elle pour la rétraction caudale. Le placement d'un cathéter transvaginal à travers la fistule et dans le rectum a aidé avec la localisation anatomique. Une fois les voies urogénitale et gastro-intestinale clairement identifiées, la fistule a été sectionnée aussi près que possible de la cavité vaginale. Le défaut vaginal a été suturé et le trajet de la fistule a été mobilisé à 90° et suturé à la peau, créant le canal anal. Les complications postopératoires incluaient la constipation et la cystite. La cochette a expulsé des matières fécales 5 jours après la chirurgie et a obtenu son congé le 11e jour d'hospitalisation. Une miction et une défécation normales ont été observées à ce moment-là, et l'incontinence fécale a été résolue. Six mois après l'intervention chirurgicale, la cochette présentait encore de la continence urinaire et aucune complication n'a été signalée.Message clinique clé :L'anoplastie et la réparation de la fistule recto-vaginale ont été réalisées avec succès chez une cochette. La préservation de la fistule et son utilisation lors de la reconstruction anale peuvent fournir un sphincter anal interne et peuvent être associées à une meilleure continence.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography in dogs: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of indocyanine green (ICG) dose and timing of administration on near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging of the normal canine biliary tree. STUDY DESIGN: Preclinical prospective study. ANIMALS: Eight purpose-bred beagles. METHODS: The dogs were randomized to receive two of four intravenous ICG dose (low [L]:0.05 mg/kg or high [H]:0.25 mg/kg)/time (0 and 3 h prior to NIRF) combinations. NIRF images were collected every 10 min for 120 min. Target (cystic duct)-to-background (liver) ratios were calculated for all timepoints and compared. RESULTS: ICG cholangiography was successful in all dogs. The contrast ratio was above 1 in the L0 group by 20 min and reached its peak at 100 min. In the H0 group, the ratio was above 1 by 60 min and reached its peak at 90 min. Contrast ratios above 2 (fluorescence twice as bright in the cystic duct compared to the liver) were maintained from 180 to 300 min for L3 and H3 and was achieved after 80 min for L0. CONCLUSION: Low dose ICG provided better ratios early after injection compared to the high dose which remained highly concentrated in the liver tissue after injection. Both doses provided excellent visualization of the biliary tree at 3 h post injection, low dose ICG provided better ratios from 3 to 5 h post injection. Based on these results, 0.05 mg/kg of ICG administered at anesthetic premedication, or as early as 3 h prior to laparoscopic surgery should yield optimal fluorescence images. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides guidelines for NIRF cholangiography in clinically normal dogs.

Comparing 3 mm and 5 mm laparoscopic liver biopsy samples in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether 3 mm cup biopsy forceps (CBF) provide equivalent diagnostic samples to 5 mm CBF for histopathologic diagnosis, bacterial culture, and copper quantification. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical prospective study. ANIMALS: Ten client-owned dogs, presenting for laparoscopic liver biopsy (LLB). METHODS: Dogs underwent LLB, and paired samples were collected using 3 and 5 mm CBF. Portal triad and hepatic lobule counts, crush and fragmentation artifacts, copper concentration, bacterial culture results, and agreement on histopathologic diagnosis were compared. RESULTS: Both CBF sizes allowed for easy sample collection and resulted in minimal hemorrhage. An average of 12.13 (confidence limit (CL): 9.4-14.9) and 17.84 (CL: 15.1-20.6) portal triads were obtained using a 3 and 5 mm CBF, respectively (p = .0003). A portal triad count of 11 or more was achieved in 73.3% of the 3 mm and 93.3% of the 5 mm samples. Gwets AC1 coefficient showed a high level of agreement (0.8) for overall histopathologic diagnosis (p < .0001). The 3 mm CBF crush scores were higher (median of the differences: -1; range: -1 to 1) (p = .035). There was no difference in fragmentation scores (p = .935). CONCLUSION: The 3 mm CBF yielded smaller samples in terms of size and portal triad count compared with the 5 mm CBF. However, the portal triad count was sufficient in a majority of samples and histologic agreement with the 5 mm CBF was excellent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In dogs, a 3 mm CBF yields adequate samples for histopathologic interpretation, copper quantification, and bacterial culture.

Quantification of circulating tumour cells over time in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma.

Enumeration of circulating tumour cells (CTC) has shown promise for prognostication and guidance of therapeutic decisions in human cancers. The objective of this study was to enumerate CTC over time in dogs with naturally occurring osteosarcoma (OSA), and to determine correlation with patient outcome. Twenty-six dogs with OSA and no evidence of metastatic disease at the time of amputation were enrolled. Dogs were assessed for lung metastases and CTC prior to and following amputation, and at each chemotherapy visit. Twenty-one dogs completed the study. Nineteen dogs were euthanized and two were alive and free of metastases. Overall survival time ranged from 88 to 1058 days (median survival time (MST) 374 days). Increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity, advanced age, and higher body weight were significantly associated with lower MST. Dogs with OSA had a mean of 356 (0 to 4443) CTC/106 leukocytes. In 12 of 15 dogs that developed radiographic evidence of metastasis, a pre-metastatic CTC spike was retrospectively detectable on average 36.5 (1-100 days) days prior to metastasis and was associated with significantly shorter MST (301 ± 64 vs. 626 ± 55 days; p = .0107). In a multivariable analysis, dogs with a CTC spike were 10× more likely to die compared with those without. These results suggest that a spike in CTC frequency precedes detection of metastasis in dogs with OSA and is associated with shorter survival. More frequent enumeration of CTC in a larger cohort of dogs with OSA may be warranted.

Effect of up to 30-days of storage at different temperatures on detection of feline kidney injury molecule-1 in urine.

BACKGROUND: In humans, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) is a biomarker of acute kidney injury that can be quantified in urine. Preliminary investigation in cats with experimentally induced acute kidney injury showed that KIM-1 urine concentration correlated with kidney injury histopathology scores. A lateral flow assay (LFA) has recently become available for patient-side feline KIM-1 measurement. In vitro parameters of the assay have not yet been determined. The objectives of this study were to determine detection of KIM-1 in urine stored at different temperatures over time, to establish the linear range of the LFA, and to assess the intra-assay repeatability of measurements.  RESULTS: Ten urine samples with a range of KIM-1 concentrations were stored at room temperature (22o C), 4o C or -20o C, and tested with the LFA on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 30. The concentration of KIM-1 in samples was not significantly different from the day 0 value, except one sample that had been stored for 30 days at room temperature yielded a significantly higher value. The assay results had a correlation coefficient of 0.922. The mean coefficient of variation for all samples was 15.7%. The slope of the curve of expected versus measured values in samples diluted two-fold nine times was 0.908, and results were linear over all dilutions. CONCLUSIONS: The LFA for feline KIM-1 yields consistent results from stored urine samples. These characteristics will allow for KIM-1 to be measured retrospectively if immediate testing is not feasible. Within assay precision was high, and linearity over 9 logs of dilution suggests suitability for a range of subclinical and clinical kidney injuries.

ACVIM consensus statement on diagnosis and management of acute canine thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion.

BACKGROUND: Thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (TL-IVDE) is the most common cause of acute paraparesis and paraplegia in dogs; however, guidelines on management of the condition are lacking. OBJECTIVES: To summarize the current literature as it relates to diagnosis and management of acute TL-IVDE in dogs, and to formulate clinically relevant evidence-based recommendations. ANIMALS: None. METHODS: A panel of 8 experts was convened to assess and summarize evidence from the peer-reviewed literature in order to develop consensus clinical recommendations. Level of evidence available to support each recommendation was assessed and reported. RESULTS: The majority of available literature described observational studies. Most recommendations made by the panel were supported by a low or moderate level of evidence, and several areas of high need for further study were identified. These include better understanding of the ideal timing for surgical decompression, expected surgical vs medical outcomes for more mildly affected dogs, impact of durotomy on locomotor outcome and development of progressive myelomalacia, and refining of postoperative care, and genetic and preventative care studies. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Future efforts should build on current recommendations by conducting prospective studies and randomized controlled trials, where possible, to address identified gaps in knowledge and to develop cost effectiveness and number needed to treat studies supporting various aspects of diagnosis and treatment of TL-IVDE.

Excellent Agreement of In-Person Scoring versus Scoring of Digitally Recorded Simulated Suture Skills Examination.

This study's objective was to evaluate the agreement between in-person performance scores and digitally recorded assessment scores by the same examiner using a simulated suturing skill examination. With ethics approval, veterinary students underwent a simulated skills examination proctored by an in-person examiner and simultaneously digitally recorded using two wide-angle cameras mounted overtop and to the side of the surgical field. Performance scores were based on a nine-item rubric. In-person examination scores were compared for agreement with those obtained by blind review of the digital recording of the same session, by the same examiner, 6-18 months following the in-person examination. Thirty-nine students were enrolled. All rubric categories could be assessed during digital assessment of the recording from the camera mounted above the surgical area. In two instances, the side digital recording had to be reviewed to confirm correct needle holder grip. Concordance correlation between performance scores from in-person and post hoc digital assessment was excellent (r = .93). The excellent agreement between in-person and digital assessment suggests that digitally recording skills examinations can provide adequate suturing skills assessment, presenting several benefits. Digitally recorded assessment allows for anonymity, which can reduce assessor bias/favoritism, provide a record of performance that students can review and critically self-reflect upon, and reduce the number of in-person examiners required to complete surgical skills examinations. Additionally, digitally recorded assessment could become an option for students who experience anxiety performing a skills exam in the presence of an examiner.

Primary repair of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated full thickness gastrointestinal ulcers in 11 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcomes of dogs that underwent primary repair of gastroduodenal perforations associated with the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). A secondary objective was to identify clinicopathological findings that predisposed dogs to postoperative death. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Eleven dogs with complete gastric or duodenal perforation related to administration of an NSAID that underwent primary surgical repair. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for dogs that presented with peritonitis due to a complete gastroduodenal perforation while receiving NSAIDs between November, 2011 and January, 2021. Data collected included patient characteristics, clinical signs, clinicopathological results, surgical details, and postoperative management and outcome. RESULTS: All dogs were large breeds (mean weight 42 kg; range 22-75 kg), with a mean age of 7.35 years. Nine dogs from a total of 11 (82 %) received a concurrent corticosteroid and NSAID, or a higher dose/frequency/length of NSAID administration than recommended by the manufacturer. All gastroduodenal perforations were found in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Eight of 11 (73%) dogs survived to discharge. The median postoperative duration of follow up was 444 days (range 2-1460 days). No association was detected between ulcer size or location and mortality. CONCLUSION: Most dogs who underwent primary repair of complete gastroduodenal ulcers survived. Gastroduodenal perforations were generally due to the administration of higher or longer doses of NSAIDs, or concurrent administration of another NSAID or corticosteroid. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Primary closure may be associated with a high success rate in dogs with full thickness gastroduodenal ulcers.

Complications and outcomes associated with laparoscopic-assisted splenectomy in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report the perioperative characteristics and outcomes of dogs undergoing laparoscopic-assisted splenectomy (LAS). ANIMALS: 136 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Multicentric retrospective study. Medical records of dogs undergoing LAS for treatment of naturally occurring splenic disease from January 1, 2014, to July 31, 2020, were reviewed. History, signalment, physical examination and preoperative diagnostic test results, procedural information, complications, duration of hospitalization, histopathologic diagnosis, and perioperative outcomes were recorded. Perioperative complications were defined using the Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group - Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (VCOG-CTCAE v2) guidelines. RESULTS: LAS was performed for treatment of a splenic mass (124/136 [91%]), immune-mediated disease (7/136 [5%]), splenomegaly (4/136 [3%]), or immune-mediated disease in conjunction with a splenic mass (1/136 [1%]). Median splenic mass size was 1.3 cm3/kg body weight. Conversion to open laparotomy occurred in 5.9% (8/136) of dogs. Complications occurred in 78 dogs, with all being grade 2 or lower. Median surgical time was 47 minutes, and median postoperative hospital stay was 28 hours. All but 1 dog survived to discharge, the exception being postoperative death due to a suspected portal vein thrombus. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In the dogs of this report, LAS was associated with low rates of major complications, morbidity, and mortality when performed for a variety of splenic pathologies. Minimally invasive surgeons can consider the LAS technique to perform total splenectomy in dogs without hemoabdomen and with spleens with modest-sized splenic masses up to 55.2 cm3/kg, with minimal rates of complications, morbidity, and mortality.

Proteomic Assessment of Extracellular Vesicles from Canine Tissue Explants as a Pipeline to Identify Molecular Targets in Osteosarcoma: PSMD14/Rpn11 as a Proof of Principle.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly malignant bone tumour that has seen little improvement in treatment modalities in the past 30 years. Understanding what molecules contribute to OS biology could aid in the discovery of novel therapies. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) serve as a mode of cell-to-cell communication and have the potential to uncover novel protein signatures. In our research, we developed a novel pipeline to isolate, characterize, and profile EVs from normal bone and osteosarcoma tissue explants from canine OS patients. Proteomic analysis of vesicle preparations revealed a protein signature related to protein metabolism. One molecule of interest, PSMD14/Rpn11, was explored further given its prognostic potential in human and canine OS, and its targetability with the drug capzimin. In vitro experiments demonstrated that capzimin induces apoptosis and reduces clonogenic survival, proliferation, and migration in two metastatic canine OS cell lines. Capzimin also reduces the viability of metastatic human OS cells cultured under 3D conditions that mimic the growth of OS cells at secondary sites. This unique pipeline can improve our understanding of OS biology and identify new prognostic markers and molecular targets for both canine and human OS patients.

Multi-institutional study of long-term outcomes of a ventral versus lateral approach for mandibular and sublingual sialoadenectomy in dogs with a unilateral sialocele: 46 cases (1999-2019).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the long-term outcomes of a ventral versus lateral surgical approach for mandibular and sublingual sialoadenectomy in dogs with a unilateral sialocele. ANIMALS: 46 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical records of dogs that underwent unilateral sialoadenectomy between 1999 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed, and information was collected regarding signalment, clinical signs, historical treatment, swelling location, diagnostic imaging findings, sialoadenectomy approach, adjunctive treatments, intraoperative complications, hospitalization time, postoperative complications, recurrence, and contralateral sialocele development. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in incidences of intraoperative complications, recurrence, or postoperative complications between dogs in which a lateral versus ventral approach was used. Clinically important intraoperative complications included iatrogenic tears in the oral mucosa, ligature slippage from the duct end, hemorrhage, and possible lingual nerve transection. Surgical experience was associated with the likelihood that intraoperative complications would develop. Suspected recurrence was reported in 2 of 26 (8%) dogs that underwent a lateral approach and 2 of 12 (17%) dogs that underwent a ventral approach. Hospitalization time was significantly shorter with the lateral approach than with the ventral approach. Postoperative complications had a short-term onset and occurred in 4 of 25 (16%) dogs that underwent a lateral approach and 3 of 12 (25%) dogs that underwent a ventral approach. Age and presence of a pharyngeal sialocele were associated with development of postoperative complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Long-term outcomes for ventral and lateral approaches to sialoadenectomy were favorable and appeared to be comparable. Further prospective study into potential associations of sialoadenectomy approach, age, and pharyngeal sialoceles on outcome is needed.

Surgical management and outcome of dogs with primary spontaneous pneumothorax: 110 cases (2009-2019).

OBJECTIVE: To describe surgical management and associated outcomes for dogs with primary spontaneous pneumothorax. ANIMALS: 110 client-owned dogs with primary spontaneous pneumothorax that underwent surgical management. PROCEDURES: Medical records at 7 veterinary teaching hospitals were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, history, clinical signs, radiographic and CT findings, surgical methods, intraoperative and postoperative complications, outcomes, and histopathologic findings. Follow-up information was obtained by contacting the referring veterinarian or owner. RESULTS: 110 dogs were included, with a median follow-up time of 508 days (range, 3 to 2,377 days). Ninety-nine (90%) dogs underwent median sternotomy, 9 (8%) underwent intercostal thoracotomy, and 2 (2%) underwent thoracoscopy as the sole intervention. Bullous lesions were most commonly found in the left cranial lung lobe (51/156 [33%] lesions) and right cranial lung lobe (37/156 [24%] lesions). Of the 100 dogs followed up for > 30 days, 13 (13%) had a recurrence of pneumothorax, with median time between surgery and recurrence of 9 days. Recurrence was significantly more likely to occur ≤ 30 days after surgery, compared with > 30 days after surgery. Recurrence > 30 days after surgery was rare (3 [3%]). No risk factors for recurrence were identified. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Lung lobectomy via median sternotomy resulted in resolution of pneumothorax in most dogs with primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Recurrence of pneumothorax was most common in the immediate postoperative period, which may have reflected failure to identify lesions during the initial thoracic exploration, rather than development of additional bullae.

Feasibility, complications, and quality of visualization using video capsule endoscopy in 40 dogs with overt or questionable gastrointestinal bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Prospective studies describing video capsule endoscopy (VCE), its feasibility, and complications in dogs are limited. OBJECTIVE: To assess VCE, quality of visualization, complications, and risk factors for incomplete studies in dogs with overt or questionable gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). ANIMALS: Forty dogs with overt or questionable GIB. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, interventional study. From August 2017 to March 2020, dogs were examined by VCE (ALICAM) because of overt or questionable GIB. Reported outcomes included diagnostic results of VCE study, quality of visualization, and complications. Risk factors for incomplete studies were evaluated using logistic regression. RESULTS: In total, 40 dogs (13 overt, 27 questionable GIB) were included. The capsules were administered PO in 29 and endoscopically in 11 dogs (6 duodenum, 5 stomach). One capsule was not retrieved. In 24 of 39 recordings, bleeding lesions were identified (10 overt GIB, 14 questionable GIB). Overall, the quality of visualization was poor to limited in the stomach and colon, and adequate to good in the small intestine. The most common complication was an incomplete study in 15/39 studies, particularly after oral administration (13/28). Risk factors for incomplete study after oral administration included administration of simethicone or opioids, chronic enteropathy, and capsule gastric transit time >6 hours. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Video capsule endoscopy can be used to diagnose a variety of lesions causing bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs with questionable GIB. Incomplete studies are the most common complications in dogs after oral administration of capsules.

Diagnostic evaluation of urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio in dogs with gastrointestinal bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio (UCR) is a marker for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in people. OBJECTIVES: To assess the usefulness of UCR to predict occult GIB and distinguish upper from lower GIB in dogs. ANIMALS: Eighty-nine dogs with GIB and 65 clinically healthy dogs. Dogs were grouped according to 65 overt GIB and 24 occult GIB, and based on lesion localization (37 upper, 13 lower, and 8 both). METHODS: Seventy-four dogs were included retrospectively and 15 dogs prospectively. Serum urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations, UCR, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were compared between groups. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess if variables could distinguish occult GIB from being healthy and upper from lower GIB. RESULTS: The UCR was significantly higher in dogs with overt GIB compared to control dogs (P = .02) and dogs with occult GIB (P = .05). The UCR was not significantly associated with occult GIB vs being healthy, or upper vs lower GIB (P > .05 each). Dogs with higher hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit had significantly lower odds of having occult GIB than being healthy (P < .0001 each). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The UCR does not seem to be a clinically useful marker of occult GIB and appears to have poor discriminatory ability between upper and lower GIB. An increased UCR in a dog without signs of overt GIB, especially if its hematocrit is within the middle or upper reference interval, does not appear to warrant prompt prescription of gastrointestinal protectants.

Morphology of the cisterna chyli in nine dogs with idiopathic chylothorax and in six healthy dogs assessed by computed tomographic lymphangiography.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the morphology of the lymphatics in the region of the cisterna chyli in healthy dogs and in dogs with idiopathic chylothorax by using computed tomographic lymphangiography. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Nine dogs with idiopathic chylothorax and six healthy dogs. METHODS: Computed tomographic lymphangiograms were reviewed to evaluate the number of cisterna chyli branches, total cross-sectional area of the branches normalized to the cross-sectional area of the aorta, number of branches with cross-sectional area greater than 25% of the aorta cross-sectional area, and ratio of the total perimeter to the total cross-sectional area of the branches. Data (mean ± SD) were compared between unaffected dogs and dogs with idiopathic chylothorax. RESULTS: The cisterna chyli included more branches in dogs with chylothorax (4.30 ± 1.57) than in unaffected dogs (1.67 ± 0.56, P = .02), occupying a relative perimeter approximately double that in unaffected dogs (P < .001). The relative cross-sectional area of the cisterna chyli was approximately twofold smaller in affected (0.73 ± 0.35) than in unaffected (1.63 ± 0.91, P = .02) dogs. The fraction of dogs with branches greater than 25% of the cross-sectional area of the aorta tended to be larger in unaffected dogs (P = .07). Most larger branches were located dorsal or to the right of the aorta. CONCLUSION: The cisterna chyli of dogs with idiopathic chylothorax contained smaller and more numerous branches compared with that of unaffected dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Altered cisterna chyli morphology may impact the surgical approach for cisterna chyli ablation in dogs with idiopathic chylothorax.

Long-term clinical outcomes of dogs with single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts attenuated with thin film banding or ameroid ring constrictors.

OBJECTIVE: To compare long-term clinical outcomes of dogs with single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (CEHPSS) treated with thin film banding (TFB) consisting of polyolefin fiber or ameroid ring constrictor (ARC) placement in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective, two-center clinical study. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs (n = 123) with single CEHPSS undergoing gradual attenuation via TFB (n = 85) or ARC (n = 38). METHODS: Medical records of dogs with CEHPSS were reviewed. Follow-up data were collected from the referring veterinarian and/or owner via standardized questionnaire. Data were analyzed to compare short-term mortality rate and long-term outcome (>6 months). RESULTS: Dogs in the TFB group were older than dogs in the ARC group (median age, 19 vs 12 months, respectively; P = .01). There was no difference in survival to discharge between dogs in the TFB (81/85 [95.3%]) and ARC (37/38 [97.4%]; P > .99) groups. Preoperative levetiracetam was more frequently administered to dogs treated with TFB (64/85 [75.3%]) than to dogs treated with ARC (15/38 [39.5%;] P = .0002). Postoperative seizures were reported in 10 (8.1%) dogs; their prevalence did not differ between dogs treated with TFB (9/85 [10.6%]) and dogs treated with ARC (1/38 [2.6%]; P = .17). Median follow-up time for dogs treated with TFB (58.0 months, range 8-130) and ARC (63.3 months, range 7-138; P = .24) did not differ. CONCLUSION: Gradual attenuation of a single CEHPSS with either TFB or ARC resulted in similar long-term clinical outcomes and low postoperative morbidity and mortality rates. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Thin film banding (polyolefin fiber) offers an alternative leading to clinical outcomes similar to ARC in dogs with single CEHPSS.

Single-Port Laparoscopic Treatment and Outcome of Dogs with Ovarian Remnant Syndrome: 13 Cases (2010-2018).

Ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS) is a condition resulting from incomplete removal of ovarian tissue during ovariectomy and/or ovariohysterectomy. Single-port laparoscopy (SPL) is an alternative to ventral midline laparotomy for treatment of ORS. Medical records of 13 client-owned female dogs who underwent SPL for the treatment of ORS were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate surgical technique and outcome. Dogs who had undergone a previous attempt at open ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy were included. Major intraoperative complications did not occur and conversion to open laparotomy was not required. In 1 dog, an SPL + 1 technique was used, in which an additional port was placed cranial to the single-port device to aid in dissection and tissue manipulation. Median surgical time was 45 min (range, 30-90 min). Clinical signs related to estrus had resolved in 11 of 13 dogs with a median follow-up time of 18 mo. Two of 13 dogs were lost to follow-up at 3 mo postoperatively; however, signs of estrus had resolved at time of last follow-up. SPL treatment for ORS was feasible and successful in this cohort of dogs. Reduced surgical time was found in this study compared with previous reports investigating multiple-port laparoscopic treatment of ORS.