Characterization of the Fecal Microbiome in Dogs Receiving Medical Management for Congenital Portosystemic Shunts.

Background: The GI microbiome has not been characterized in dogs being medically managed for congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS). Objectives: To characterize the fecal microbiome in a population of dogs being medically managed for CPSS. Animals: 27 client-owned dogs. Methods: Prospective cohort study enrollment of fecal samples was performed with follow-up data collected retrospectively. The overall fecal dysbiosis index (DI) and individual bacterial abundances were determined using real-time qPCR. Medical management, clinical findings, clinicopathologic, and outcome variables were collected, and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations between these variables and overall DI and bacterial abundances. Numerical variables were evaluated with general linear models for normality and equal variance using Shapiro-Wilk test and Levene's test, respectively. Results: All dogs were administered a hepatic diet and lactulose, while antibiotics were used in 22 (81.5%) and acid suppressants in 7 (25.9%). Seventeen dogs (63.0%) had a DI >2. The median DI in this population was 3.02 (range 4.23-8.42), and the median DI in dogs receiving and not receiving antibiotics was 4.3 (range -4.23-8.42) and 1.52 (range -1.62-5.43), respectively. No significant association between any of the analyzed variables and the DI was identified. There was a significant association between the use of metronidazole and a larger abundance of E. coli (p = 0.024). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Dysbiosis appears to be common in dogs that are being medically managed for CPSS, though the clinical significance remains unclear.

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In collaboration with the American College of Veterinary Radiology.

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.

Paramedian incisional complications after prophylactic laparoscopy-assisted gastropexy in 411 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and types of paramedian incisional complications after prophylactic laparoscopy-assisted gastropexy (LAG) in dogs and to evaluate potential risk factors for complications. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective study. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs (N = 411). METHODS: Records for dogs that underwent single-incision-port laparoscopy-assisted gastropexy (SIPLAG) or multiple-port laparoscopy-assisted gastropexy (MPLAG) at five veterinary referral hospitals were reviewed. Information regarding signalment, surgical procedures, perioperative care, and incisional complications was collected. Follow-up information was obtained by review of medical records and/or communication with owners. Potential risk factors for complications were examined statistically. RESULTS: Paramedian incisional complications were observed in 78 of 411 (19%) dogs. The most common complication was seroma formation, which occurred in 51 (12.4%) dogs. Surgical site infections were observed in 16 (3.9%) dogs, and dehiscence or development of excessive scar tissue at the incision site were each observed in nine (2.2%) dogs. Complications resolved with conservative treatment in 75 of 78 (96.2%) dogs and with surgical treatment in three of 78 (3.8%) dogs. The odds of complications were approximately twice as high in dogs undergoing SIPLAG than in dogs undergoing MPLAG (odds ratio, 2.03; P = .006). CONCLUSION: Minor paramedian incisional complications, particularly seroma formation, were frequently observed after LAG. Most complications were successfully managed conservatively. Single-incision-port laparoscopy-assisted gastropexy was associated with a higher complication rate compared with MPLAG. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Owners should be informed that there is a relatively high rate of minor paramedian incisional complications after LAG. The risk of complications appears to be higher for SIPLAG than for MPLAG.