Traction suture fixation technique using a capsular tension ring fragment for severe lens displacement during cataract surgery in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the traction suture fixation technique for severely displaced lenses (≥180°) using a capsular tension ring (CTR) fragment during cataract surgery in dogs, and to retrospectively investigate its clinical outcomes. ANIMALS STUDIED: Eight dogs (nine eyes). PROCEDURES: The medical records of dogs with severe lens displacement (≥180°) due to cataracts that underwent traction suture fixation during cataract surgery using a CTR fragment at the Grand Animal Hospital (Hyogo, Japan) between November 2019 and September 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The retrieved data included the signalment, type of CTR, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: A single CTR fragment was used to fix the capsular bag to the sclera in six eyes, and two CTR fragments were used at two sites in three eyes. The lengths of the CTR fragments used were 1 one-fifth fragment, 3 one-fourth fragments, and 8 one-third fragments. Postoperative complications included uveitis (nine eyes), glaucoma (one eye), posterior iris adhesion (one eye), corneal ulcer (one eye), and intracorneal stromal hemorrhage (one eye). Vision was maintained in all dogs during the follow-up period (2 months to 2 years and 8 months) without recurrent capsular bag displacement. CONCLUSIONS: This technique can correct and stabilize capsular bag displacement relatively easily through a small incision during cataract surgery in dogs with severe lens displacement. Intraocular lens implantation was also possible.

Serum and Fecal 3-Bromotyrosine Concentrations in Dogs with Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathy: Clinical Parameters and Histopathological Changes.

Chronic inflammatory enteropathies (CIEs) in dogs involve the infiltration of gastrointestinal tissue with inflammatory cells. This study aimed to assess the sensitivity of serum and fecal 3-bromotyrosine (3-BrY) concentrations in dogs with CIE. The difference in 3-BrY concentrations in dogs with different gastrointestinal (GI) pathological changes was also assessed. In total, 68 dogs with CIE were enrolled in the study. The median serum 3-BrY concentration was 3.3 µmol/L, while the median 3-day mean and maximum fecal 3-BrY concentrations were 38.9 and 63.2 mmol/g of feces, respectively. The median serum C-reactive protein concentration was 45.0 mg/L. The median 3-day mean and maximum fecal α1-proteinase inhibitor concentrations were 6.1 and 9 µg/g of feces, respectively. Increased 3-BrY concentrations were observed in 90.9% of CIE dogs based on serum concentrations, 75.8% based on mean fecal concentrations, and 69.4% based on maximum fecal concentrations. A weak correlation (ρ = 0.31, p < 0.0118) was found between serum CRP and serum 3-BrY concentrations. There was no correlation between the canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index and serum or fecal 3-BrY concentrations (p > 0.05). Additionally, no significant difference in serum or fecal 3-BrY concentrations was found among CIE dogs with different GI pathological changes (p > 0.05). In conclusion, dogs with CIE have increased 3-BrY concentrations in serum and fecal samples. However, 3-BrY concentrations may not accurately indicate the severity of gastrointestinal inflammation.

Extravesicular, two-layer, side-to-side ureteroneocystostomy combined with tension-relieving techniques for feline proximal ureteral obstruction: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical technique for extravesicular, two-layer, side-to-side ureteroneocystostomy combined with tension-relieving techniques (ETSUTT) for feline proximal ureteral obstruction and report clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Ten privately-owned cats with ureteral obstruction near the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ). METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for cats with ureteral obstruction close to the UPJ that underwent ETSUTT (2018-2021). The ETSUTT procedure consisted of a modified extravesicular technique (two-layer, side-to-side ureteroneocystostomy) and tension-relieving techniques (renal descensus, ureterocystopexy, and nephrocystopexy). RESULTS: All cats survived through discharge. In all cats, postoperative blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations were decreased, compared with preoperative concentrations. Perioperative complications included ureteral catheter dislodgement (3), transient pollakiuria (2), and dysuria (1), but no specific treatments were required. Urinary tract infection was observed postoperatively in three of the 10 cats. The median follow-up was 648 days (min-max: 86-1229 days). Seven of the 10 cats were alive without recurrent ureteral obstruction at the end of this retrospective study. CONCLUSION: The ETSUTT procedure was successfully performed without major complications in cats with ureteral obstruction occurring near the UPJ. Use of ETSUTT provided a fair-to-good, long-term prognosis in cats that were otherwise difficult to manage. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This novel procedure, ETSUTT, was feasible, safe, and could be a viable treatment option for feline proximal ureteral obstruction, including the UPJ, especially for obstructions caused by stricture.

Intraoperative cholangiography and bile duct flushing in 47 dogs receiving laparoscopic cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease: A retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a laparoscopic approach for performing intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) and bile duct flushing (BDF) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in dogs. To investigate the clinical outcomes of dogs undergoing these procedures for the treatment of benign gallbladder disease, ie gallbladder mucocele (GM) or cholecystitis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Forty-seven client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records of client-owned dogs with benign gallbladder diseases that underwent IOC and BDF during LC between September 2016 and December 2019 were reviewed. Of these dogs, only dogs with GM or cholecystitis were included in the study. The fundus dissection first method was used for LC. Intraoperative cholangiography and BDF procedures were performed laparoscopically using a catheter inserted into the cystic duct following dissection within the subserosal layer of the gallbladder. Videos recorded during each procedure were reviewed, and data on procedure duration, completion, outcome, and technical approach were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-seven dogs were included in the study. The median procedure time for BDF and IOC was 4 min (range, 2-48 min), and no intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSION: During LC, BDF and IOC were performed safely and successfully. Intraoperative cholangiography identified obstructions and strictures in the common bile duct that were not detected using BDF alone. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings suggest that BDF and IOC are both safe and time effective and should be considered for routine use by surgeons during LC.

Laparoscopic resection of retroperitoneal paraganglioma close to caudal vena cava in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To report laparoscopic resection of retroperitoneal paraganglioma close to the caudal vena cava in a dog. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMAL: Twelve-year-old, neutered male Jack Russell terrier. METHODS: The dog had undergone three previous cystotomies for bladder stones. On follow-up ultrasonographic evaluation, a 14-mm × 17-mm tumour was incidentally detected in the dorsal midline of the caudal abdomen. The dog underwent computed tomography (CT) imaging and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of the tumour under general anaesthesia. CT imaging showed that the tumour was close to the caudal vena cava. There was no evidence of metastasis. Neuroendocrine tumour was suspected on cytologic examination. Based on these findings, laparoscopic tumour resection was performed using a vessel-sealing device. The operation time was 136 minutes. RESULTS: The dog was stable after recovery from anaesthesia and discharged to home the next day. Histopathological diagnosis of the tumour was a paraganglioma. The dog remained without clinical evidence of recurrent tumour or metastasis for 670 days after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Retroperitoneal paraganglioma in dogs is uncommon, but it is one of the differential diagnoses of a retroperitoneal tumour. Laparoscopic resection of a retroperitoneal paraganglioma was successfully performed in the dog. Laparoscopic resection conferred the advantages over open surgery of being minimally invasive, providing better visualization of the surgical field through pneumoperitoneum and semisternal patient recumbency, and allowing for magnification of the operative field, which facilitated the ease and safety of the procedure.

Fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations and dysbiosis in dogs with chronic enteropathy.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence shows an important relationship between the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota and host health. Microbial metabolites are believed to play a critical role in host-microbial interactions. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are major end products of bacterial carbohydrate fermentation in the intestinal tract. Decreased concentrations of SCFAs have been observed in humans with GI disease. However, large-scale clinical data in dogs are lacking. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: To evaluate fecal concentrations of SCFAs and the fecal microbiota in healthy control (HC) dogs and dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE). ANIMALS: Forty-nine privately owned HC dogs and 73 dogs with CE. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Fecal concentrations of SCFAs were measured using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Illumina sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were utilized to evaluate the fecal microbiota. RESULTS: Fecal concentrations (median [range] µmol/g of dry matter) of acetate were lower (P = .03) in dogs with CE (185.8 [20.1-1042.1]) than in HC dogs (224.0 [87.7-672.8]). Propionate were also lower (P < .001) in dogs with CE (46.4 [0.4-227.9]) than in HC dogs (105.9 [1.6-266.9]). Moreover, total SCFAs were lower (P = .005) in dogs with CE (268.1 [21.8-1378.2]) than in HC dogs (377.2 [126.6-927.0]). Dysbiosis in dogs with CE was characterized by decreased bacterial diversity and richness, distinct microbial community clustering compared with that in HC dogs, and a higher dysbiosis index. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Dogs with CE had an altered fecal SCFA concentration accompanied by significant changes of the fecal microbiota.

Long-term outcomes of 54 dogs with tracheal collapse treated with a continuous extraluminal tracheal prosthesis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical placement of a continuous extraluminal tracheal prosthesis (CETP) and report the subsequent postoperative clinical outcomes in dogs with tracheal collapse. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Fifty-four dogs. METHODS: Medical records of dogs in which cervical and/or thoracic inlet tracheal collapse was diagnosed and treated by placement of a CETP between 2010 and 2017 were reviewed to evaluate postoperative complications, changes in respiratory function, and survival. Histological examinations of tracheal tissues performed in 2 dogs at 51 and 57 months after surgery were also reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-three (98%) dogs survived to discharge. Postoperative complications included laryngeal paralysis (1 dog), disseminated intravascular coagulation (1 dog), and recurrent tracheal collapse (2 dogs). None of the dogs exhibited clinical evidence of tracheal necrosis. Preoperative dry, harsh cough resolved in 87% of the dogs after surgery. Goose honking cough was resolved in 25 of 26 (96%) dogs. Median follow-up time was 30 months (range, 16 days to 76 months). The survival rate at 36 months was 86% (CI: 75%-96%). On histological examination in 2 dogs, the tracheal tissue surrounding the prosthesis was well preserved and without evidence of chronic inflammation. CONCLUSION: Continuous extraluminal tracheal prosthesis placement in dogs with tracheal collapse resulted in low postoperative complication rates and good long-term outcomes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Continuous extraluminal tracheal prosthesis placement provides a viable alternative surgical option for managing dogs with tracheal collapse.

Altered lipoprotein profiles in cats with hepatic lipidosis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess serum lipoprotein profiles using rapid single-spin continuous lipoprotein density profiling (CLPDP) in healthy control cats and cats with hepatic lipidosis (HL). METHODS: Analysis of serum lipoprotein profiles using the CLPDP was performed in 23 cats with HL and 20 healthy control cats. The area under the curve for each lipoprotein fraction, triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins (TRLs), low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), was calculated. Serum cholesterol and TG concentrations were measured using a clinical chemistry analyzer. RESULTS: Serum cholesterol and TG concentrations were not significantly different between healthy control cats and cats with HL ( P = 0.5075 and P = 0.2541, respectively). LDL content was significantly higher in cats with HL than in healthy control cats ( P = 0.0001), while HDL content was significantly lower in cats with HL than in healthy control cats ( P = 0.0032). TRL content was not significantly different between the two groups ( P = 0.0699). The specific fraction (1.037-1.043 g/ml) within nominal LDL in serum distinguished healthy control cats from cats with HL with a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 90%. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Serum lipoprotein profiles were altered in cats with HL, even though serum cholesterol and TG concentrations were not significantly different compared with healthy control cats. The CLPDP might be a useful tool for assessing lipid metabolism in cats with HL.

Evaluation of density gradient ultracentrifugation serum lipoprotein profiles in healthy dogs and dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Changes in proportions of lipoprotein classes have been described in disease states in humans. In veterinary medicine, hyperlipidemia can cause complications, such as cutaneous xanthomas, liver disease, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis, glomerular disease, lipemia retinalis, or peripheral neuropathy, but there are few reports regarding lipoproteins in diseased animals. For canine serum, we partially validated continuous lipoprotein density profiling (CLPDP), a novel density gradient ultracentrifugation technique. We examined canine lipoproteins separated by CLPDP by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We compared lipoprotein profiles between healthy control dogs ( n = 29) and dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI; n = 28) using CLPDP. Dogs with EPI included those untreated (EPI-NT; n = 6) and those treated with enzyme supplementation (EPI-T; n = 22). Our preliminary assay validation showed that CLPDP was repeatable (CV = 11.2%) and reproducible (CV = 10.6%) in canine serum. The diameters of lipoproteins analyzed by TEM were similar to those reported previously. Dogs in the EPI-NT group had more severe dyslipidemia than dogs in the EPI-T group. Dogs in the EPI-T group had lipoprotein profiles similar to healthy control dogs. CLPDP might be a useful tool for evaluating dyslipidemia in dogs.