Complications associated with and outcome of surgical intervention for treatment of esophageal foreign bodies in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To identify complications associated with and short- and long-term outcomes of surgical intervention for treatment of esophageal foreign bodies (EFBs) in dogs. ANIMALS: 63 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Patient records from 9 veterinary hospitals were reviewed to identify dogs that underwent surgery for removal of an EFB or treatment or an associated esophageal perforation between 2007 and 2019. Long-term follow-up data were obtained via a client questionnaire. RESULTS: 54 of the 63 (85.7%) dogs underwent surgery after an unsuccessful minimally invasive procedure or subsequent evidence of esophageal perforation was identified. Esophageal perforation was present at the time of surgery in 42 (66.7%) dogs. Most dogs underwent a left intercostal thoracotomy (37/63 [58.7%]). Intraoperative complications occurred in 18 (28.6%) dogs, and 28 (50%) dogs had a postoperative complication. Postoperative complications were minor in 14 of the 28 (50%) dogs. Dehiscence of the esophagotomy occurred in 3 dogs. Forty-seven (74.6%) dogs survived to discharge. Presence of esophageal perforation preoperatively, undergoing a thoracotomy, and whether a gastrostomy tube was placed were significantly associated with not surviving to discharge. Follow-up information was available for 38 of 47 dogs (80.9%; mean follow-up time, 46.5 months). Infrequent vomiting or regurgitation was reported by 5 of 20 (25%) owners, with 1 dog receiving medication. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that surgical management of EFBs can be associated with a high success rate. Surgery should be considered when an EFB cannot be removed safely with minimally invasive methods or esophageal perforation is present.

Presumed septic sacroiliitis in a puppy with unilateral hind limb lameness and sciatic nerve neuropathy.

A 5-month-old female entire Dachshund presented with an acute onset of left hind limb lameness following intense play. There were concurrent intermittent neurological deficits in the left hind limb, and pain in the lumbosacral region and on dorsal flexion of the tail. Computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed an asymmetric widening of the left sacroiliac joint with loss of cortical margins, accompanied by mild osteolytic changes of the adjacent ilium and sacrum highly suggestive of septic sacroiliitis. There was also perilesional steatitis in the region of the sciatic nerve. An 8-week course of antimicrobial therapy was prescribed. Complete resolution of all clinical signs was noted at a 7-month follow up. Sacroiliitis should be considered as a differential for unilateral hind limb lameness with or without intermittent sciatic neuropathy in a puppy in the absence of other orthopaedic conditions.

Outcome of Supraglenoid Tubercle Fractures in 12 Dogs.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report the outcome and complications of surgical stabilization following fracture of the supraglenoid tubercle in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from three referral centres (Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Michigan State University and Veterinary Referral Hospital Hallam) were reviewed retrospectively for cases of supraglenoid tubercle fracture (n = 12). RESULTS: Overall success rate was 9/12. Major complication rate was 2/12 and minor complication rate was 9/12. All fractures that had major complications were comminuted. Methods of stabilization included pin and tension band wire (n = 5), lag screw (n = 2), plate fixation (n = 2), fragment removal (n = 2) and conservative management (n = 1). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Good outcomes can be achieved following fractures of the supraglenoid tubercle, although cases with comminution have a higher complication rate. Further research into the optimal method of fixation and postoperative management is required.