Endoscopic Removal of Gastric Foreign Bodies with a Bottle Liner in 12 Dogs (2020-2023).

Endoscopy is widely used to remove gastric foreign bodies using grasping forceps and loop snares to manipulate and retrieve the foreign material. However, as not all foreign bodies can be removed using conventional endoscopic techniques, this case series describes the use of bottle liners for the removal of gastric foreign bodies in 12 dogs between 2020 and 2023. A 4 oz bottle liner (Drop-Ins) was placed at the end of the endoscope and pushed into the stomach. With the help of forceps introduced into the operating channel, the foreign body was pushed into the bottle liner. The bottle liner containing the foreign body was then extracted with the help of traction threads. The technique was used as the initial retrieval method in 5 dogs because of smooth (i.e., difficult to grasp) or sharp (i.e., that may damage the digestive tract mucosa during removal) foreign bodies and as a rescue procedure in 7 dogs. Foreign body retrieval was successful in all 12 dogs, with minor complications reported in 5 dogs (erosions and bleeding of the gastroesophageal sphincter). The use of a bottle liner represents an affordable alternative to gastrotomy when foreign bodies cannot be grasped with forceps or snares.

Use of real-time near-infrared fluorescence to assess gastric viability in dogs with gastric dilatation volvulus: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) for assessment of gastric viability and describe NIRF's influence on the surgeon's operative strategy in dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: Twenty dogs with GDV and 20 systemically healthy dogs. METHODS: Following gastric derotation, the surgeon's subjective assessment of gastric viability was recorded prior to near-infrared imaging. Changes in the surgeon's initial assessment of viability based on the visual pattern of gastric fluorescence was recorded. If nonviable (lack of defined vessels), a partial gastrectomy was performed and submitted for histopathology. The stapled gastrectomy line was imaged. Viable (defined vessels) and nonviable fluorescence intensities were compared with healthy dogs undergoing surgery for nongastrointestinal disease. RESULTS: Subjective assessment diagnosed 17 viable and three nonviable GDVs (2 fundi; 1 cardia). Near-infrared imaging demonstrated nonviable gastric fluorescence in 4 dogs (3 fundi/cardia; 1 fundus). The surgeon's margins for resection were altered in 3/20 dogs. Fluorescence intensity (cardia, fundus, body, pylorus) was lower in GDV viable (30.59%, p = .04; 38.17%, p < .01; 51.18%, p < .01; 44.12%, p= .01) and nonviable (11.00%, p < .01; 4.33%, p < .01; 57.67%, p = .22; 54.33%, p = .72) dogs compared to healthy controls (44.7%, 70.05%, 84.00%, 63.95%). Fundic fluorescence was less in nonviable gastric tissue in comparison with viable gastric tissue (p = .03). Fluorescence of the gastrectomy staple line approximated that of viable tissue. CONCLUSION: Near-infrared fluorescence can identify histologically confirmed nonviable gastric tissue. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These results provide enough evidence to support the implementation of NIRF as an adjunct to gross examination of the gastric wall in dogs with GDV.

Comparison of the results of sleeve gastrectomy, gastric pilication and liragulitide in obese rats.

Obesity, which is generally seen in adults, is a serious health problem. Diseases caused by obesity are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Liraglutide (LG) is an analogue of glucagon-like peptide-1, which slows gastrointestinal motility, resulting in decreased food consumption. Gastric plication (GP) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is the reduction of stomach volume by surgical means. We examined and compared the body mass index (BMI) changes, metabolic changes and changes in gastric histology in obese rats after LG injection with surgical methods such as SG and GP. In this research, 35 Wistar Albino female rats were used. Rats were divided into 5 groups with 7 rats in each group. Group (G) 1: The control group, fed with a normal calorie diet for 8 weeks. G 2: Sham group, G 3: SG group, G 4: GP group and G 5: LG group, fed with high-calorie feed for 4 weeks. At the end of the 4th week, the study was terminated by making appropriate interventions for the groups. When the blood glucose (BG) levels measured at the beginning, 4th week and 8th week of the experiment were evaluated, it was monitored that the BG level at the 8th week was the lowest in the LG group (p<0.05). It was observed that the preop Ghrelin and Leptin levels of the LG group were lower than those of the SG and GP groups (p<0.05). As a consequenc As a consequence of our metabolic investigations, we observed that the use of LG is at least as effective as SG.

Evaluation of automated staple sizes on gastric layer incorporation and intraluminal pressure for partial gastrectomy closure in an ex vivo canine model.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of automated staple sizes on a cadaveric canine partial gastrectomy model. METHODS: Stomachs were transected through the gastric body axis and randomly allocated to two closure groups: Group B, thoracoabdominal (TA) stapler 3.5 mm staple cartridge (blue); Group G, TA stapler 4.8 mm staple cartridge (green). After construct completion, leak testing was performed for both groups and compared. Initial leakage pressure (ILP), maximal leakage pressure (MLP) and leakage location were recorded. Staple lines were evaluated by direct observation and fluoroscopy to assess sub-mucosal layer incorporation and staple conformation. Staple shape was classified as optimal or suboptimal. Significance was set at p less than 0.5. RESULTS: Following gastrectomy, the mean double gastric wall thickness was 7.82 ± 2.05 mm at the gastric body. Mean ILP was significantly lower in groups G (17.13 ± 1.19 mmHg) compared to group B (50.46 ± 6.03 mmHg, p = 0.0013). Similarly, mean MLP was significantly lower in group G (21.41 ± 1.39 mmHg) compared to group B (64.61 ± 10.21 mmHg, p < 0.0001). Although group G had higher percentage of B-shaped staple formation compared to group B, this was not significant (group G; 92.38%, group B; 54.56%; p = 0.054). CONCLUSION: The 3.5 mm TA staple cartridge (blue) achieved superior bursting pressures compared with the 4.8 mm TA staple cartridge (blue) for the closure of a canine partial gastrectomy model. Both staple sizes incorporated all gastric layers. No differences were noticed in optimal staple conformation between groups. In vivo investigation is warranted to evaluate the use of different staple sizes on gastric tissue perfusion, successful healing and post-operative stasis and dehiscence.

Laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy in felines: A cadaveric feasibility study and experimental case series in two cats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (LVSG) in feline cadavers using endoscopic stapling equipment and report clinical outcomes in two live feline subjects. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric study and experimental case series. ANIMALS: Ten feline cadavers; two feline subjects. METHODS: LVSG technique was refined on feline cadavers and included retraction of the liver, dissection of the stomach, assessment of proper location for gastrectomy via stapling, and leak testing. Appropriateness of gastrectomy, gastrectomy %, surgical times and complications were recorded. The procedure was performed on two live feline subjects, and they were followed for 4 months to report surgical complications. RESULTS: LVSG was completed in 9/10 cadavers and both live patients. Stenosis at the incisura was recorded in 2/9 cadavers. No obvious leaks were seen in the 8 cadavers that were tested or either live patient. The mean surgical time for all cadaver procedures and live patients was 110.4 and 115 minutes, respectively. Mean weight of resected cadaver stomach was 10 g and the mean % of the total stomach weight resected was 27.6%. No intra- or postoperative surgical complications occurred in the live subjects. CONCLUSION: LVSG technique appears feasible and safe for use in live patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This LVSG technique may be safely used for partial gastric resection in cats. Further studies are necessary to determine if it is effective at reversing the effects of obesity and diabetes in this population.

Billroth II procedure for the treatment of spontaneous gastrointestinal perforation in two cats.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 9-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat (cat 1) and a 10-year-old castrated male Maine Coon cat (cat 2) were presented for recurrent feline lower urinary tract disease after receiving outpatient care from their primary veterinarians. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination findings for both cats were initially within reference limits. After a short period of hospitalization, both cats developed peritoneal effusion; results of cytologic analysis of a sample of the fluid were consistent with septic peritonitis. During exploratory laparotomy, perforation of the pylorus or proximal portion of the duodenum secondary to ulceration was identified. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Both cats underwent partial duodenectomy, partial gastrectomy (pylorectomy), and gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II procedure). The cats recovered from surgery and returned to a normal quality of life; however, each had mild episodes of anorexia but maintained a stable body weight. Cat 2 required additional surgery for trichobezoar removal 7 weeks later but recovered quickly. At 7 months after trichobezoar removal, cat 2 developed intermittent vomiting, but clinicopathologic, abdominal ultrasonographic, and upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopic findings were within reference limits. At 9 (cat 2) and 13 (cat 1) months after the Billroth II procedure, both cats were reported to be in good general health and without gastrointestinal signs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In both cats, the Billroth II procedure was technically straightforward and associated with a full recovery and good medium- to long-term quality of life. A Billroth II procedure could be considered for treatment of cats with large mural lesions in the pyloroduodenal region.

Evaluation of staple line reinforcement after partial gastrectomy closure in an ex vivo canine model.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of stapling on leakage pressures after canine partial gastrectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Gastric specimens from 24 adult canine cadavers. METHODS: Partial gastrectomy constructs were assigned to one of three closure techniques (n = 8 per group): group 1, stapled closure with a 90-mm thoracoabdominal stapling device and a 4.8-mm staple cartridge; group 2, hand-sewn double-layer inverting suture closure with 3-0 glycomer 631; and group 3, staple line reinforcement with an inverting Cushing suture pattern. Leakage and pressure testing were performed. Initial leakage pressure (ILP), maximal leakage pressure (MLP), and leakage location were recorded. Significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: Placement of a Cushing suture (group 3) increased ILP and MLP by 3.2-fold and 2.8-fold, respectively, compared with stapled closures alone (P < .001). Constructs closed with double-layer suture closure reached ILP and MLP 4.5-fold and threefold greater, respectively, compared with those with stapled closures alone (P < .001). Maximal leakage pressure did not differ between groups 2 and 3 (P = .14). Leakage occurred from the inverting suture line in all constructs of groups 2 and 3 and from staple holes in six of eight group 1 constructs. CONCLUSION: Double-layer suture closure of canine partial gastrectomies achieved superior biomechanical properties compared with stapled closure techniques. Reinforcing staple closures with an inverting suture line improved resistance to leakage. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Reinforcing single-layer closure of partial gastrectomies with an inverting Cushing pattern is recommended to improve resistance to leakage. In vivo investigation is warranted to evaluate influence of closure technique on gastric healing, postoperative stasis, ischemic injury, and postoperative dehiscence.

Partial Gastrectomy at the Time of Splenectomy in Two Dogs With Splenic Neoplasia and Gastric Involvement.

Splenic malignancies are reported in 30%-76% of dogs presenting with splenic masses, and splenectomy is the cornerstone in their management. However, long term prognosis is guarded due to the high rates of distant metastases reported both for HSA and nonangiogenic nonlymphomatous sarcomas. Metastases from splenic tumors usually occur to regional lymph nodes, liver, omentum, and lungs. These case series aim to describe 2 cases of splenic neoplasia with gastric involvement and report the surgical technique and outcomes associated with the condition. Two mixed-breed dogs were referred for a splenic mass and underwent explorative celiotomy. In both cases, the splenic mass was firmly attached to the gastric wall, and splenectomy with concurrent partial gastrectomy was thus performed. In case 1, liver lobectomy due to a hepatic mass was also performed. In case 2, the regional nodes were also excised due to lymphoadenomegaly. Both dogs recovered uneventfully from surgery and were discharged from the hospital at 72 and 96 hours. Histopathological examination was costent with splenic undifferentiated sarcoma and hepatic adenocarcinoma in one dog. The other dog had a diagnosis of malignant fibrous histiocytoma with nodal metastases. Neoplastic invasion of the stomach was histologically confirmed in both dogs. Adjuvant chemotherapy was refused, and both dogs were euthanized due to tumor progression at 71 and 58 days, respectively. According to our results, splenectomy with concurrent gastrectomy is feasible in dogs with splenic tumours involving the gastric wall. However, long term prognosis is poor, as previously reported for metastatic splenic sarcomas.

Gastric Intravascular Lymphoma in a Dog: Case Report and Literature Review.

Intravascular lymphoma (IVL) is a rare, high-grade, extranodal lymphoma characterized by selective proliferation of neoplastic lymphocytes within the lumen of small vessels. A 10 yr old female intact mixed-breed dog was presented with a 7 mo history of vomiting and anorexia. Physical examination revealed abdominal discomfort. Ultrasonography and endoscopy identified a submucosal gastric mass. Excision was performed by partial gastrectomy and histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed a T-cell IVL. The owner declined chemotherapy, and the dog was instead treated palliatively with prednisolone. Two months after surgery, vomiting recurred and abdominal ultrasonography revealed a large gastric ulcer with focal peritonitis. The dog was euthanized 4 mo after initial presentation and postmortem examination confirmed IVL recurrence in the stomach and an isolated nodule of neoplastic cells in the omentum. No involvement of other organs was found following histopathological examination. This is the first description of primary gastric intravascular lymphoma causing chronic vomiting in a dog.

Transdiaphragmatic Gastrotomy for the Extraction of Distal Esophageal Foreign Bodies in 13 Dogs (1997-2016).

The records of 13 dogs with distal esophageal foreign body obstruction not amenable to endoscopic management that had transdiaphragmatic gastrotomy (TG) for the foreign body extraction were reviewed. West Highland white terriers were over-represented. Mean age of the dogs at presentation was 38.6 mo, and mean duration of clinical signs associated with esophageal foreign bodies was 5.8 days. A TG was performed via an eighth or ninth left intercostal thoracotomy, and clinical results were successful in 12 dogs. In 1 dog, gastrotomy failed to retrieve a foreign body and esophagotomy was performed. Foreign bodies that were removed included 3 fishhooks and 10 animal bones. Postoperatively, all dogs developed esophagitis, 1 dog showed esophageal stricture, and 1 dog died of pyothorax associated with esophageal perforation 1 day postsurgery. Overall, 12 dogs survived and were free of clinical signs after a median follow-up time of 17 mo. TG is an effective surgical technique for the retrieval of distal esophageal foreign bodies.

Compensatory gastric stretching following subtotal gastric resection due to gastric adenocarcinoma in a diamond python (Morelia spilota spilota).

CASE REPORT: A 7-year-old male diamond python (Morelia spilota spilota) presented with a 2-month history of anorexia and a discrete intracoelomic mass, approximately 15 cm in length, located 90 cm from the head and approximately two-thirds of the snout to vent length. Physical examination determined the mass was likely to be stomach, testes or the right kidney. Radiographs showed a soft tissue opacity mass in the region of the stomach; fine needle aspirate demonstrated cellular debris admixed with bacteria and degenerate heterophils. Exploratory coeliotomy revealed a gastric mass involving 90% of the length of the stomach, partially occluding the gastric lumen. A subtotal gastrectomy was performed; the neoplastic tissue was removed with 2 cm margins, leaving 1 cm of stomach wall and the pyloric sphincter caudally that was anastomosed to the oesophagus. Four large nematodes were found within the necrotic lumen of the mass tightly adhered to the gastric mucosa. Ascarid nematodes were identified morphologically and further confirmed by molecular diagnostics as Ophidascaris spp. Histopathological evaluation of the excised mass revealed a gastric adenocarcinoma. Postoperatively the snake suffered from gastrointestinal dysfunction and maldigestion and was managed with slurry feeding for month. Three months postoperatively the snake was gaining weight, eating without assistance and digesting whole prey, which was incrementally increased in size. Gastroscopy 6 months postoperatively revealed the presence of a functional stomach with a functional pyloric sphincter and 8.5 cm of gastric mucosa caudal to the anastomosis between the oesophagus and stomach. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of almost complete subtotal gastric resection in an Australian python, with evidence of compensatory gastric stretching resulting in a functional stomach.

Partial gastrectomy for resection of a gastric leiomyoma in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus).

CASE DESCRIPTION A 4-year-old sexually intact male pet guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) was evaluated for a routine wellness examination. CLINICAL FINDINGS During physical examination, a small mass was palpated in the cranial aspect of the abdomen. Abdominal radiographic and ultrasonographic findings were suggestive of a gastric mass. Cytologic evaluation of a fine-needle aspirate of the mass was indicative of spindle cell proliferation most consistent with a sarcoma. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME The patient was anesthetized, and an exploratory laparotomy and partial gastrectomy were performed to resect the gastric mass. Histologic and immunohistochemical examinations of the mass revealed that it was a gastric leiomyoma. The patient recovered from surgery without complications. No evidence of mass recurrence was observed during an abdominal ultrasonographic examination performed approximately 19 months after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE To our knowledge, this was the first report of the clinical diagnosis and successful surgical treatment of a gastric neoplasm in a guinea pig. Gastric leiomyomas are not uncommon in guinea pigs, and although benign, they can cause clinical signs if they become large enough to impair gastric function. Gastrointestinal surgery should be considered as a treatment option for guinea pigs with similar gastric neoplasms.

Localization and chemical coding of the dorsal motor vagal nucleus (DMX) neurons projecting to the porcine stomach prepyloric area in the physiological state and after stomach partial resection.

The aim of our study was to localize and define immunocytochemical characteristic of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMX) neurons projecting to the porcine stomach prepyloric region in the physiological state and after gastric partial resection. To identify the stomach-projecting perikarya, the neuronal retrograde tracer--Fast Blue (FB) was injected into the studied region of control and resection group (RES). In the RES group, on 22nd day after FB injection, the partial resection of the stomach region previously injected with FB was performed. Sections were immunostained with ChAT, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), galanin (GAL), substance P (SP), leu-enkephalin (LENK), and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART). In the DMX of control and RES group, the stomach-projecting perikarya were found in the entire extent of the nucleus bilaterally. Within control animals, 30.08 ± 1.97 % of the gastric DMX perikarya expressed PACAP, while other substances were found only in the neuronal fibers. In the RES group DMX, PACAP was found in 45.58 ± 2.2 %, VIP in 28.83 ± 3.63 %, NOS in 21.22 ± 3.32 %, and GAL in 5.67 ± 1.49 % of the FB-labeled gastric perikarya. Our data implicate PACAP, VIP, NOS, and GAL as neuronal survival promoting substances and the CART-, LENK-, SP- NOS-, and GAL-immunoreactive processes in control of the gastric vagal neurons in the pig.

Canine giant hypertrophic gastritis treated successfully with partial gastrectomy.

A 4 yr old castrated male Jack Russell terrier was presented with a 2 mo history of vomiting, anorexia, and weight loss. Abdominal radiographs and ultrasound supported the diagnosis of gastric outflow obstruction. Celiotomy and gastrotomy revealed a large, narrowly based mass originating from the mucosa of the dorsal gastric body, occupying the lumen of the stomach and protruding through the pylorus into the duodenum. A partial gastrectomy was performed to excise the mass along with a 1 cm margin of grossly normal tissue. Giant hypertrophic gastritis was diagnosed via histopathology of the excised tissue. Giant hypertrophic gastritis is a rarely diagnosed disease of canines, characterized by giant gastric folds, hypoalbuminemia, and mucosal hypertrophy. Long-term treatment success has not been previously reported. In the case described herein, surgical excision of the affected gastric tissue provided complete resolution of clinical signs. Twelve mo following surgery, no recurrence of either vomiting or weight loss had been noted and the dog was clinically normal.

A case report of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy left-side gastropexy to resolve a recurrent gastric dilatation in a dog previously treated with right-side gastropexy for gastric dilatation volvulus.

A 6-year-old, large-breed, female dog was evaluated for gastric dilatation (GD). The dog was affected by GD volvulus, which had been surgically treated with gastric derotation and right incisional gastropexy. Recurrence of GD appeared 36 hours after surgery. The dilatation was immediately treated with an orogastric probe but still recurred 4 times. Therefore, a left-side gastropexy by percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was performed to prevent intermittent GD. After PEG tube placement, the patient recovered rapidly without side effects. Several techniques of gastropexy have been described as a prophylactic method for gastric dilatation volvulus, but to the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of left-sided PEG gastropexy performed in a case of canine GD recurrence after an incisional right gastropexy.

2-Oxoglutaric acid administration diminishes fundectomy-induced osteopenia in pigs.

Partial surgical removal of the stomach (fundectomy, FX) leads to osteopenia in animals and humans. FX adversely affects the bone. 2-oxoglutaric acid is a precursor of glutamine and hydroxyproline--the most abundant amino acid of collagen. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of 2-oxoglutaric acid on FX-evoked osteopenia in pigs. Eighteen castrated male pigs of the Pulawska breed were used. Twelve pigs were subjected to FX and divided into two groups: FX + AKG (the AKG group; AKG at the daily dosage of 0.4 g/kg of body weight) and FX + Placebo (the FXC group; received CaCO(3) as placebo). Remaining six pigs were sham-operated (the SHO group). The pigs were euthanized at the age of 8 months and long bones were collected. Area bone mineral density (aBMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured; morphology, geometry and biomechanical properties were determined. Moreover, the serum concentrations of selected hormones and one marker of bone metabolism were determined. FX caused osteopenia in the pigs and treatment with AKG greatly reduced these effects of FX in pigs. Negative effect of fundectomy on the skeletal system leading to decreased bone mass in pigs is associated with lowered body gain and activity of the gastric-hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Better definitions of each of the local and systemic hormonal and structural components associated with fundectomy-induced decreased bone mass that separately and together determine the whole bone properties may lead to identify opportunities for prevention.

Evaluation of risk factors for morbidity and mortality after pylorectomy and gastroduodenostomy in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To (1) identify and describe the type and frequency of postoperative complications after pylorectomy and gastroduodenostomy in dogs and (2) identify preoperative and intraoperative risk factors, including the presence of neoplasia, prognostic for patient mortality after surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=24) treated by pylorectomy and gastroduodenostomy. METHODS: Medical records (2000-2007) for 2 teaching hospitals of dogs treated that had pylorectomy and gastroduodenostomy were reviewed. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative data were obtained from the medical record. RESULTS: Of the 24 dogs, 75% survived 14 days, but 10 (41%) died by 3 months. Overall median survival time (MST) was 578 days. On log-rank univariate analysis, preoperative weight loss (P=.001) and malignant neoplasia (P=.01) were associated with decreased survival time. Dogs with malignant neoplasia had a MST of 33 days. Common postoperative morbidity included hypoalbuminemia (62.5%) and anemia (58.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Pylorectomy with gastroduodenostomy has a good short-term outcome but long-term survival time is poor in dogs with malignant neoplasia. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Overall, most dogs treated with pylorectomy and gastroduodenostomy survived the postoperative period; however, preoperative weight loss and malignant neoplasia were associated with decreased survival time. Because dogs with malignant neoplasia have markedly shortened survival times, pertinent preoperative, diagnostics steps should be exhausted to identify underlying neoplasia.

Gastropexy with an automatic stapling instrument for the treatment of gastric dilatation and volvulus in 20 dogs.

Surgical stapling equipment was used to create a gastropexy in 20 dogs undergoing emergency surgery for gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). The technique involved creation of a tunnel between the seromuscular layer and the submucosa of the pyloric antrum, and a matching tunnel beneath the right m. transversus abdominis. The arms of a gastrointestinal anastomosis stapling device were introduced into the tunnels, and the device was fired to create the gastropexy. One dog died of systemic sequelae of GDV during the early postoperative period. None of the remaining 19 dogs developed a recurrence of GDV during follow-up periods ranging from 5 to 43 months. In 11 dogs, the integrity of the gastropexy was evaluated by abdominal ultrasonography and either negative contrast gastrography or double contrast gastrography; in these dogs, the radiographic and/or the ultrasonographic findings were suggestive of an intact gastropexy. There were no complications involving the gastropexy staple line. The results of this study indicate that an effective and consistent permanent gastropexy can be created, using surgical stapling equipment.

Gastric ulceration subsequent to partial invagination of the stomach in a dog with gastric dilatation-volvulus.

CASE DESCRIPTION-An 8-year-old castrated male German Shepherd Dog was evaluated because of abdominal distension, retching, and vomiting. CLINICAL FINDINGS-Gastric dilatation-volvulus was suspected on the basis of the dog's signalment, history, clinical signs, and results of clinicopathologic analyses and abdominal radiography. Celiotomy was performed, and gastric dilatation-volvulus was confirmed along with splenomegaly. Gastric invagination was performed over an area of gastric necrosis. The dog was reevaluated 21 days later after an episode of collapse. Findings of physical examination and clinicopathologic analyses were suggestive of internal hemorrhage. Abdominal ultrasonography and subsequent celiotomy revealed severe gastric ulceration at the gastric invagination site, splenic torsion, and a focal splenic infarct. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME-Splenectomy and gastrectomy of the necrotic tissue were performed. The dog was discharged from the hospital, and the owner was instructed to administer gastroprotectants and feed the dog a bland diet. The dog was reported to be healthy 3.25 years after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE-Findings suggest that complications associated with the gastric invagination procedure include severe gastric ulceration that may require subsequent surgery. Prolonged treatment with gastroprotectants following gastric invagination surgery may be necessary to avoid gastric ulceration in dogs.

Evaluation of laser Doppler flowmetry for measurement of capillary blood flow in the stomach wall of dogs during gastric dilatation-volvulus.

OBJECTIVES: To validate laser doppler flowmetry (LDF) for measurement of blood flow in the stomach wall of dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). ANIMALS: Six purpose-bred dogs and 24 dogs with naturally occurring GDV. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental and clinical. METHODS: Capillary blood flow in the body of the stomach and pyloric antrum was measured with LDF (tissue perfusion unit (TPU) before and after induction of portal hypertension (PH) and after PH plus gastric ischemia (GI; PH + GI) and compared with flow measured by colored microsphere technique. Capillary flow was measured by LDF in the stomach wall of dogs with GDV. RESULTS: PH and PH+GI induced a significant reduction in blood flow in the body of the stomach (P = .019). A significant positive correlation was present between percent changes in capillary blood flow measured by LDF and colored microspheres after induction of PH + GI in the body of the stomach (r = 0.94, P = .014) and in the pyloric antrum (r = 0.95, P = .049). Capillary blood flow measured in the body of the stomach of 6 dogs that required partial gastrectomy (5.00+/-3.30 TPU) was significantly lower than in dogs that did not (28.00+/-14.40 TPU, P = .013). CONCLUSIONS: LDF can detect variations in blood flow in the stomach wall of dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: LDF may have application for evaluation of stomach wall viability during surgery in dogs with GDV.