Thymic carcinosarcoma with melanocytic differentiation in a dog.

Carcinosarcomas are very rare tumors in dogs. Although carcinosarcomas with melanocytic differentiation arising from organs other than the thymus have been described in humans, this type of tumor has not been reported in dogs in any part of the body. We observed such a tumor in the cranial mediastinum of an 11-year-old spayed female dachshund. The dog was admitted to the clinic because of coughing, sporadic regurgitation, and dyspnea. Thoracic ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a large mediastinal mass that was surgically removed via sternotomy. The tumor was of thymic origin and demonstrated 3 distinct components: an epithelial component positive for pancytokeratin (AE1/AE3) and high molecular weight cytokeratin (CK5/CK6) with some cystic spaces; a mesenchymal component positive for vimentin; and in association with the epithelial part, a minor melanocytic component positive for Melan A. Histologic metastasis of the epithelial and melanocytic components was present within a tracheobronchial lymph node. The dog died 105 d after surgery, after an episode of acute dyspnea. Key clinical message: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of thymic carcinosarcoma with melanocytic differentiation.

Carcinosarcome thymique avec différenciation mélanocytaire chez un chienLes carcinosarcomes sont des tumeurs très rares chez le chien. Bien que des carcinosarcomes avec différenciation mélanocytaire provenant d'organes autres que le thymus aient été décrits chez l'homme, ce type de tumeur n'a été rapporté chez le chien dans aucune partie du corps. Nous avons observé une telle tumeur dans le médiastin cránien d'une femelle teckel stérilisée de 11 ans. Le chien a été admis à la clinique en raison de toux, de régurgitations sporadiques et de dyspnée. L'échographie thoracique et la tomodensitométrie ont révélé une masse médiastinale importante qui a été retirée chirurgicalement par sternotomie. La tumeur était d'origine thymique et présentait 3 composantes distinctes : une composante épithéliale positive pour la pancytokératine (AE1/AE3) et la cytokératine de haut poids moléculaire (CK5/CK6) avec quelques espaces kystiques; un composant mésenchymateux positif à la vimentine; et en association avec la partie épithéliale, un composant mélanocytaire mineur positif pour Melan A. Des métastases histologiques des composants épithéliaux et mélanocytaires étaient présentes dans un ganglion lymphatique trachéobronchique. Le chien est décédé 105 jours après l'intervention chirurgicale, à la suite d'un épisode de dyspnée aiguë.Message clinique clé :À la connaissance des auteurs, il s'agit du premier cas de carcinosarcome thymique avec différenciation mélanocytaire.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Evaluation of the vaginal and urinary microbiota of healthy cycling bitches.

BACKGROUND: While the urogenital microbiota has recently been characterized in healthy male and female dogs, the influence of sex hormones on the urogenital microbiome of bitches is still unknown. A deeper understanding of the cyclic changes in urinary and vaginal microbiota would allow us to compare the bacterial populations in healthy dogs and assess the impact of the microbiome on various urogenital diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize and compare the urogenital microbiota during different phases of the estrous cycle in healthy female dogs. DNA extraction, 16 S rDNA library preparation, sequencing and informatic analysis were performed to determine the vaginal and urinary microbiota in 10 healthy beagle dogs at each phase of the estrous cycle. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in alpha and beta diversity of the urinary microbiota across the different cycle phases. Similarly, alpha diversity, richness and evenness of vaginal bacterial populations were not significantly different across the cycle phases. However, there were significant differences in vaginal beta diversity between the different cycle phases, except for between anestrus and diestrus. CONCLUSION: This study strongly suggests that estrogen influences the abundance of the vaginal microbiota in healthy female dogs, but does not appear to affect the urinary microbiome. Furthermore, our data facilitate a deeper understanding of the native urinary and vaginal microbiota in healthy female dogs.

[Radiation therapy in veterinary medicine at the University of Liège]. / Radiothérapie en médecine vétérinaire à l'Université de Liège.

Radiation therapy has many indications in veterinary oncology and allows a multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of canine and feline patients. Radiation therapy can be recommended as a sole therapy in case of radiosensitive tumors or can be associated to surgery and/or chemotherapy after marginal excision for example. It can also be recommended as a palliative treatment for patients with an inoperable or painful tumor or disseminated disease. Radiation therapy significantly improves the quality of life and survival time of treated animals and should be part of the therapeutic modalities in veterinary medicine. The University of Liège developed the first veterinary center of radiation therapy in Belgium and can therefore participate in improving therapeutic management of cancerous animal patients.

La radiothérapie présente de nombreuses indications en oncologie vétérinaire et permet une approche multidisciplinaire pour le traitement de nos patients cancéreux canins et félins.La radiothérapie peut être recommandée seule pour le traitement de tumeurs radiosensibles, ou associée à la chirurgie et/ou la chimiothérapie notamment lors d'exérèse marginale. Elle a également sa place dans une prise en charge palliative de certains patients présentant une tumeur inopérable ou douloureuse, ou encore une maladie disséminée. La radiothérapie permet d'améliorer significativement la qualité et l'espérance de vie des animaux traités et à ce titre, doit faire partie de l'arsenal thérapeutique vétérinaire. L'Université de Liège possède, depuis peu, l'unique centre de radiothérapie vétérinaire en Belgique et peut ainsi participer à l'amélioration de la prise en charge des animaux cancéreux.

Selected biomarkers of oxidative stress in healthy Beagle dogs: A preliminary study.

Introduction: While oxidative stress has been studied in pathologic conditions in dogs, data in presumably healthy dogs and standardized protocols are lacking. This work purposed to bridge the gap by presenting provisional physiological ranges for oxidative stress biomarkers in a group of Beagle dogs. Methods: Based on our long-standing clinical expertise in the field of oxidative stress, nine plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress were evaluated for their concentrations (mean ± SD) in 14 healthy adult Beagle dogs. Results: Selected biomarkers were: vitamins C (7.90 ± 1.36 µg/mL) and E (34.1 ± 6.63 µg/mL), zinc (0.80 ± 0.17 mg/L), copper (0.54 ± 0.048 mg/L), selenium (256 ± 25.7 µg/L), total and oxidized glutathione (822 ± 108 µM and 3.56 ± 1.76 µM), myeloperoxidase (67.4 ± 56.2 ng/mL), and isoprostanes (340 ± 95.3 ng/mL). Glutathione peroxidase activity and superoxide anion production in whole blood were also measured. Glutathione peroxidase activity was 473 ± 34.0 IU/g of hemoglobin and superoxide anion production in whole blood was 18,930 ± 12,742 counts per 30 min. Reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione and copper/zinc ratios were, respectively, 280 ± 139 and 0.70 ± 0.15. Sex-related differences were recorded for zinc (p = 0.0081), copper/zinc ratio (p = 0.0036) and plasma isoprostanes (p = 0.0045). Conclusion: Provisional physiological norms covering 95% of our group were proposed for each biomarker and should be of interest for future studies of canine oxidative stress.

Urodynamic and morphometric characteristics of the lower urogenital tract of male Beagle littermates from four months to two years of age.

OBJECTIVE: To describe functional and anatomic changes of the lower urogenital tract of healthy male dogs during the sexually immature period and up to 2 years of age by urodynamic and morphometric assessment. ANIMALS: 6 sexually intact male Beagle littermates. PROCEDURES: Dogs underwent electromyography-coupled urodynamic tests, CT-assisted retrograde urethrography, prostatic washes, and blood sampling monthly from 4 through 12 months of age and then at 3-month intervals. Urodynamic and morphometric variables and serum canine prostate-specific esterase concentrations were analyzed by statistical methods. RESULTS: Integrated pressure of the urethra was significantly increased beginning at 8 months of age, compared with earlier time points. Urethral pressure peak amplitudes varied among anatomic regions. During bladder filling, few electromyographic signals were concurrent with urethral pressure peaks; these were most commonly detected in the penile portion of the urethra. Urethral length and prostate gland volume were significantly greater from 7 to 24 months of age than at younger ages. Urethral length was approximately 26 to 27 cm after 9 months, and prostate gland volume was approximately 11 to 12 cm3 after 11 months of age. Serum canine prostate-specific esterase concentrations correlated with prostate gland volume. Urinary bladder threshold volume was significantly increased at 6 months of age, compared with that at 4 months, with a maximum of 197.7 mL at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Urethral resistance was acquired at approximately 8 months of age, when growth of the lower urinary tract was incomplete. Electromyographic and integrated pressure measurement results and the distribution and amplitude of urethral pressure peaks highlighted the potential role of the prostate gland and possibly the bulbocavernosus muscles in control of continence.

Histologic evaluation of mandibular and medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes during staging of oral malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To assess histologic evaluation of mandibular lymph nodes (MLNs) and medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes (MRLNs) for metastatic disease during tumor staging for dogs with oral malignant melanoma (OMM) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). DESIGN: Retrospective multi-institutional study. ANIMALS: 27 dogs with OMM and 21 dogs with OSCC. PROCEDURES: Medical record databases of 8 institutions were searched to identify dogs with OMM or OSCC that underwent unilateral or bilateral extirpation of the MLNs and MRLNs during the same procedure between January 2004 and April 2016. Information extracted from the records included signalment, primary mass location and size, diagnostic imaging results, histologic results for the primary tumor and all lymph nodes evaluated, and whether distant metastasis developed. RESULTS: Prevalence of lymph node metastasis did not differ significantly between dogs with OMM (10/27 [37%]) and dogs with OSCC (6/21 [29%]). Distant metastasis was identified in 11 (41%) dogs with OMM and was suspected in 1 dog with OSCC. The MRLN was affected in 13 of 16 dogs with lymph node metastasis, and 3 of those dogs had metastasis to the MRLN without concurrent metastasis to an MLN. Metastasis was identified in lymph nodes contralateral to the primary tumor in 4 of 17 dogs that underwent contralateral lymph node removal. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated histologic evaluation of only 1 MLN was insufficient to definitively rule out lymph node metastasis in dogs with OMM or OSCC; therefore, bilateral lymphadenectomy of the MLN and MRLN lymphocentra is recommended for such dogs.

Long-term outcome of the transobturator vaginal tape inside out for the treatment of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in female dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of the transobturator vaginal tape inside out (TVT-O) in female dogs with urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Incontinent spayed female dogs (n = 12). METHODS: TVT-O tape was inserted in 12 incontinent bitches diagnosed with USMI. Follow-up information was evaluated by a telephone questionnaire, and a continence score was attributed. RESULTS: One year after surgery, 7 of 12 (58%) dogs were completely continent. Two dogs were removed from the long-term analysis (1 dead and 1 lost). At a median follow-up time of 85 months (range, 28-95), 4 of 10 dogs were completely continent without medical treatment. Incontinence recurred in 6 dogs at a median time of 2 months after surgery (range 1-20). Among these 6 dogs, 4 regained continence, and 2 had sporadic episodes of incontinence with additional medical treatment. No postoperative complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: TVT-O alone was successful in maintaining long-term continence in 40% of the dogs. Additional postoperative medical treatment was effective in restoring continence in another 40% of the dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: TVT-O provides an alternative treatment of USMI in female dogs that is safe and less invasive than standard surgical techniques.

Urethral intussusception following traumatic catheterization in a male cat.

An 8-year-old, European male shorthair cat was presented with lower urinary tract obstruction. He was catheterized and referred. Retrograde cysto-urethrography suggested a urethral mass. Intussusception of the urethra with a partial rupture of the urethra was visualized. A perineal urethrostomy was performed. The cat was clinically normal at 15 months' follow-up.

Invagination urétrale secondaire à un cathétérisme traumatique chez un chat mâle. Un chat européen male de 8 ans présentant des signes d'obstruction du bas appareil urinaire a été cathéterisé et référé. L'urétrographie rétrograde suggérait une masse urétrale. Une intussusception de l'urètre avec une rupture partielle de l'urètre a été visualisée. Une urétrostomie périnéale a été réalisée. Le chat était cliniquement normal 15 mois après l'intervention.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Effects of manipulations to detect sliding hiatal hernia in dogs with brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of manipulations aimed at increasing the transdiaphragmatic pressure gradient on the gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) of dogs with brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome (BAOS), and to identify the manipulation that most improves the detection of GEJ abnormalities and sliding hiatal hernia (SHH) in dogs with BAOS. STUDY DESIGN: In vivo experimental pilot study and prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Five purpose-bred Beagles and 20 dogs diagnosed with BAOS. METHODS: Respiratory and digestive clinical signs as well as respiratory and GEJ abnormalities were scored. The presence of SHH was investigated using radiography and endoscopy in standard conditions. Endoscopic investigation was repeated after manipulations including manual pressure on the cranial abdomen (MP), Trendelenburg position (30°), or temporary complete endotracheal tube obstruction (ETO). RESULTS: No SHH was detected in any normal dog under any condition. Sixty-five percent of dogs with BAOS presented with digestive clinical signs, including vomiting and/or regurgitation. SHH was observed in only one dog via radiography and was not detected via endoscopy. Manipulations during endoscopy influenced GEJ abnormalities and allowed the detection of SHH in 2 (30°), 4 (ETO), and 5 (MP) dogs, respectively. Digestive clinical signs correlated with GEJ abnormalities observed only in dogs with ETO (P = .02). CONCLUSION: Manipulations aimed at increasing the transdiaphragmatic pressure gradient during endoscopy in BAOS dogs allowed the detection of GEJ abnormalities and SHH that were not detected under standard conditions. Although MP allowed detection of SHH in more dogs than ETO, scores under MP did not correlate with digestive clinical signs. Therefore, ETO may be more accurate manipulation for the detection of GEJ abnormalities in BAOS dogs.

Surgical management of ectopic ureters in dogs: Clinical outcome and prognostic factors for long-term continence.

OBJECTIVE: To determine outcomes after surgical correction of ectopic ureters (EU) and identify prognostic factors for long-term continence. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Forty-seven dogs (36 females and 11 males). METHODS: Medical records (1999-2016) of dogs with surgical correction of EU were reviewed. A continence score (1 = incontinent, 2 = sporadic incontinence, 3 = continent) was attributed preoperatively, at discharge, 1 month postoperatively, and at long-term evaluation. RESULTS: Twenty-eight dogs had unilateral and 19 dogs had bilateral EU (57 intramural and 9 extramural). Nineteen dogs had a pelvic bladder. Neoureterostomy with dissection (n = 50), ureteroneocystotomy (n = 9), or nephroureterectomy (n = 7) were performed. Thirty-three dogs were neutered: 32 before or during the surgery and 1 after surgery. Colposuspension was performed during surgical correction in 15 dogs. Adjuvant medical treatment improved postoperative continence scores. Median continence scores were greater at discharge (3), at 1 month postoperatively (3), and at long-term evaluation (3) than before surgery (1). At long-term evaluation (mean 46.1 months), a score of 1 was observed in 19%, a score of 2 in 7%, and a score of 3 in 74% of the dogs. CONCLUSION: Overall, good (score 2) to excellent (score 3) long-term outcome was achieved in 81% of dogs. Long-term continence was improved with medical treatment and neutering was not associated with an increased risk of recurrence of incontinence in this population of dogs.

Use of a Boari flap and renal descensus as treatment for proximal ureteral rupture in a cat.

CASE DESCRIPTION A 6-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was evaluated because of signs of abdominal pain and anuria of 12 hours' duration after vehicular trauma. CLINICAL FINDINGS Lethargy, mydriasis, bradycardia, abdominal distension, and signs of pain on abdominal palpation were observed. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed moderate urinary bladder distension without evidence of free abdominal fluid; hematologic evaluation revealed leukocytosis with high BUN and serum creatinine concentrations. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME The patient was hospitalized, medical stabilization was attempted, and an indwelling urinary catheter was placed. Urinary output was < 1 mL/kg/h (< 0.45 mL/lb/h), and signs of abdominal pain persisted despite treatment. The next day, ultrasonographic examination revealed fluid in the retroperitoneal space, and ureteral rupture was suspected. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed retroperitoneal fluid accumulation; a large hematoma surrounded the right kidney and perirenal structures. An abdominal drain was placed to aid patient stabilization. Three days later, IV pyelography revealed rupture of the proximal part of the right ureter. Ureteroneocystostomy was performed with elongated cystoplasty through a Boari flap and caudal transposition of the right kidney (renal descensus). On follow-up examination 18 months after treatment, the cat was free of clinical signs, and results of ultrasonography, CBC, and serum biochemical analysis were unremarkable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that a Boari flap procedure with renal descensus could be a feasible alternative in the management of proximal ureteral rupture in cats, but research is needed in this area.

Urodynamic investigation by telemetry in Beagle dogs: validation and effects of oral administration of current urological drugs: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Vesico-urethral function may be evaluated in humans and dogs by conventional urodynamic testing (cystometry and urethral pressure profilometry) or by electromyography. These techniques are performed under general anaesthesia in dogs. However, anaesthesia can depress bladder and urethral pressures and inhibit the micturition reflex. The primary objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the use of telemetry for urodynamic investigation in dogs. We also aimed to determine the applicability of telemetry to toxicologic studies by assessing the repeatability of telemetric recordings. RESULTS: Conventional diuresis cystometry was performed in six continent adult female Beagle dogs prior to surgical implantation of telemetric and electromyographic devices. In the first phase of the telemetric study, continuous recordings were performed over 8 days and nights. Abdominal, intravesical and detrusor threshold pressures (Pdet th), voided volume (Vv), urethral smooth muscle electrical activity and involuntary detrusor contractions (IDC) were measured during the bladder filling phase and during micturition episodes.Vv recorded during telemetry was significantly lower than bladder volume obtained by diuresis cystometry. Repeatability of telemetric measurements was greater for observations recorded at night. IDC frequency and Pdet th were both lower and Vv was higher at night compared to values recorded during daytime.In the second phase of the telemetric study, phenylpropanolamine, oestriol, bethanechol, oxybutynin or duloxetine were administered orally for 15 days. For each drug, continuous recordings were performed overnight for 12 hours on days 0, 1, 8 and 15. Electromyographic urethral activity was significantly increased 8 days after oestriol or duloxetine administration. No significant changes in bladder function were observed at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: In dogs, the high repeatability of nocturnal telemetric recordings indicates that this technique could provide more informative results for urologic research. Urethral smooth muscle electrical activity appears to be modified by administration of drugs with urethral tropism. In this pilot telemetric study, bladder function was not affected by oral administration of urological drugs at their recommended clinical dosages. Experimental studies, (pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic) and clinical studies are warranted to further define the effects of these drugs on vesico-urethral function in dogs.

Xanthine urolithiasis causing bilateral ureteral obstruction in a 10-month-old cat.

Xanthine urolithiasis was diagnosed in a 10-month-old intact female domestic shorthair cat presented with acute renal failure due to bilateral ureteral obstruction. Ultrasonography revealed the presence of multiple uroliths in both kidneys and ureters that were not detectable on previous survey radiographs. Medical management failed and ureteral obstruction persisted with no evidence of stone migration into the bladder. Bilateral ureterotomy with urolith removal was performed in order to relieve the obstruction. The cat recovered from surgery, and blood urea nitrogen and creatinine values decreased within normal limits 6 days postoperatively. Urolith analysis by infrared spectrometry determined xanthine composition, and a higher blood and urine concentration of hypoxanthine and xanthine was also found. At 1-year follow-up, the cat was free of clinical signs. However, ultrasonography of the abdomen revealed small-size calculi in both kidneys, despite the low protein diet intake. The very young age of the animal suggests a possible congenital xanthinuria.

Urodynamic and morphometric characteristics of the lower urogenital tracts of female Beagle littermates during the sexually immature period and first and second estrous cycles.

OBJECTIVE: To compare values of lower urogenital tract urodynamic and morphometric variables determined during the prepubertal (sexually immature) period and first and second estrous cycles in healthy female Beagle littermates to determine functional and anatomic changes of the lower urogenital tract during those periods. ANIMALS: 5 female Beagle littermates. PROCEDURES: Urethral pressure profilometry, diuresis cystometry, and vaginourethrography were performed when dogs were 3.5, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8.5, and 9 months old and during proestrus; estrus; early, middle, and late diestrus; and early and late anestrus of the first and second estrous cycles. RESULTS: At the end of the prepubertal period, values of urodynamic and morphometric variables increased significantly, compared with values at earlier times. Maximum bladder capacity developed when dogs were 9 months old. In all dogs, the bladder was intermittently located in an intrapelvic position during the prepubertal period; the bladder was intra-abdominal from the time dogs were 9 months old until the end of the study. Urethral pressure decreased significantly during estrus and early diestrus of the first and second estrous cycles. Bladder capacity increased significantly during diestrus of both estrous cycles. Urethral and vaginal lengths were significantly longer during proestrus and estrus than they were during anestrus. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Values of lower urogenital tract urodynamic and morphometric variables were influenced by age and phases of the estrous cycle of immature and young adult Beagles in this study. Age of dog and phase of estrous cycle should be considered when interpreting urodynamic and vaginourethrography data.

Open surgical correction combined with an external splint for correction of a non-compliant pectus excavatum in a cat.

A 4-month-old domestic shorthair female cat weighing 1.3 kg was presented for evaluation of respiratory distress. The animal showed evident dyspnoea with exercise intolerance and a marked concave deformation of the sternum. After measurements of the fronto-sagittal and vertebral indexes, the pectus was classified as moderate and surgery was elected. Surgical correction was performed using an open approach to the sternum with osteotomy of the last sternebra and costochondral junctions of the eighth and ninth ribs bilaterally. A silicone based, U-shape external splint was manufactured and used to stabilise the sternum. Immediate and 5-week postsurgical radiographs revealed a decreased concavity of the sternum and an increase thoracic height at the level of the last sternebra. Postoperative results suggest that this technique could be an effective and economical option for cats with pectus excavatum with a non-compliant sternum.

Urodynamic and haemodynamic effects of a single oral administration of ephedrine or phenylpropanolamine in continent female dogs.

This study investigated the effects of a single oral administration of ephedrine (2 mg/kg) or phenylpropanolamine (PPA) (1.5 mg/kg) on the vesico-urethral and cardiovascular functions in continent female dogs. Urethral pressure profilometry (UPP), arterial blood pressures and heart rate were measured in five control dogs and after single-dose treatment with ephedrine or PPA at T(0), T(2h), T(4h), T(6h), T(12h), T(18h) and T(24h). UPPs were performed under propofol anaesthesia and other measurements were performed on awake dogs. A telemetric urodynamic investigation was performed on three additional dogs for 24 h after the administration of each drug. Urethral pressures increased over 4-6 h and urethral functional lengths increased 2-6h after administration of both drugs. During micturition, a decrease in detrusor pressure coupled with an increase in bladder volume was observed after ephedrine administration and there was also an increase in bladder volume after PPA had been given. With both drugs increased arterial blood pressures at 4-6 h were compensated by a decreased heart rate over 12 h. Urethral function was improved after both ephedrine and PPA, and bladder function also improved during micturition following ephedrine.

Clinical evaluation of a single daily dose of phenylpropanolamine in the treatment of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in the bitch.

The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the efficacy of a single daily oral dose of phenylpropanolamine (PPA) in the treatment of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) in bitches. Nine bitches diagnosed with USMI were treated with a single daily dose [1.5 mg/kg body weight (BW)] of PPA for at least 1 month. Urethral pressure profiles (UPP) were performed in 7 dogs before treatment and repeated in 4 of them after treatment. Treatment with PPA resulted in long-term continence in 8/9 bitches. One dog did not respond to PPA and was treated surgically later. Recheck UPPs showed a significant increase in maximal urethral closure pressure in the 4 bitches after treatment with PPA compared to before treatment. In conclusion, long-term continence can be achieved in bitches affected with USMI after administration of a single daily dose of PPA (1.5 mg/kg BW).

Surgical hand antisepsis in veterinary practice: evaluation of soap scrubs and alcohol based rub techniques.

Recent studies have shown that hydro-alcoholic solutions are more efficient than traditional medicated soaps in the pre-surgical hand antisepsis of human surgeons but there is little veterinary literature on the subject. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of medicated soaps and a hydro-alcoholic solution prior to surgery using an in-use testing method in a veterinary setting. A preliminary trial was performed that compared the mean log(10) number of bacterial colony forming units (CFU) and the reduction factors (RF) between two 5-min hand-scrubbing sessions using different soaps, namely, povidone iodine (PVP) and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), and the 1.5-min application of a hydro-alcoholic rub. A clinical in-use trial was then used to compare the hydro-alcoholic rub and CHX in a surgical setting. Sampling was performed using finger printing on agar plates. The hydro-alcoholic rub and CHX had a similar immediate effect, although the sustained effect was significantly better for the hydro-alcoholic rub, while PVP had a significantly lower immediate and sustained effect. The hydro-alcoholic rub showed good efficiency in the clinical trial and could be considered as a useful alternative method for veterinary surgical hand antisepsis.

Transobturator vaginal tape inside out for treatment of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in female dogs: cadaveric study and preliminary study in continent female dogs.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To describe a surgical technique adapted from the "transobturator vaginal tape inside-out" (TVT-O) used in women and to define the trajectory of the tape on canine cadavers, and (2) to determine the urodynamic and morphological effects of the TVT-O in continent bitches. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric and experimental in vivo study. ANIMALS: Fresh female canine cadavers (n=12) and spayed female Beagle dogs (2). METHODS: (1) TVT-O was inserted in 12 cadavers. Dissection was performed and distances between the tape and neighboring structures were recorded. (2) TVT-O was inserted in 2 continent female Beagle dogs. Urethral pressure profilometry and vaginourethrograms were performed preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and 2, 4, and 6 months postoperatively. Histopathology was performed 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: (1) TVT-O tape was consistently located in a perineal space before entering the obturator foramina and was located at a safe distance from major neurovascular structures including the femoral vessels and obturator nerve. (2) TVT-O was performed without any surgical or postoperative complications in 2 continent bitches. Histopathologic examination of the tissues surrounding the tape revealed a mild fibroblastic proliferation with a mild to minimal lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: TVT-O is a feasible and accurate procedure that can be performed in continent bitches with a low risk of complications.

Transobturator vaginal tape inside out for treatment of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence: preliminary results in 7 female dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the transobturator vaginal tape inside-out (TVT-O) in incontinent female dogs affected with urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) and to determine its urodynamic and morphologic effects. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Incontinent spayed female dogs (n=7). METHODS: TVT-O tape was inserted in 7 incontinent female dogs diagnosed with USMI. Urethral pressure profilometry (UPP) and vaginourethrograms were performed preoperatively, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Clinical efficacy of the technique was evaluated and complications reported. Follow-up information was evaluated by a telephone questionnaire. RESULTS: All dogs were continent immediately after the procedure. Incontinence recurred 2 months after surgery in 1 dog and was treated by phenylpropanolamine administration. At mean follow-up time of 11.3 months, 6 of 7 dogs were continent. An iatrogenic urethral tear occurred intraoperatively in 1 dog. No postoperative complications were encountered. The postoperative UPPs showed significantly increased maximal urethral closure pressure and integrated pressure. Postoperative vaginourethrograms were unremarkable. The surgical procedure did not modify the location of the urinary bladder neck in dogs with a "pelvic urinary bladder" preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: TVT-O was efficient in maintaining short term continence in 6 of 7 dogs affected with USMI.