Genome Wide Association Study with Imputed Whole Genome Sequence Data Identifies a 431 kb Risk Haplotype on CFA18 for Congenital Laryngeal Paralysis in Alaskan Sled Dogs.

Congenital laryngeal paralysis (CLP) is an inherited disorder that affects the ability of the dog to exercise and precludes it from functioning as a working sled dog. Though CLP is known to occur in Alaskan sled dogs (ASDs) since 1986, the genetic mutation underlying the disease has not been reported. Using a genome-wide association study (GWAS), we identified a 708 kb region on CFA 18 harboring 226 SNPs to be significantly associated with CLP. The significant SNPs explained 47.06% of the heritability of CLP. We narrowed the region to 431 kb through autozygosity mapping and found 18 of the 20 cases to be homozygous for the risk haplotype. Whole genome sequencing of two cases and a control ASD, and comparison with the genome of 657 dogs from various breeds, confirmed the homozygous status of the risk haplotype to be unique to the CLP cases. Most of the dogs that were homozygous for the risk allele had blue eyes. Gene annotation and a gene-based association study showed that the risk haplotype encompasses genes implicated in developmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Pathway analysis showed enrichment of glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans biosynthesis, which play a key role in repairing damaged nerves. In conclusion, our results suggest an important role for the identified candidate region in CLP.

Balloon catheter as an extraction device for caudal vena cava adrenal tumor thrombectomy in a dog: A case report.

OBJECTIVE: To report the use of a balloon catheter as an extraction device for a posthepatic caval thrombus in a dog with a right adrenal tumor. ANIMALS: Twelve-year-old male neutered Chihuahua mix dog. STUDY DESIGN: Case report METHODS: The dog presented for the evaluation of a hepatic mass. Computed tomography of thorax and abdomen was performed, and a right lateral liver lobe mass and a right adrenal mass were noted. The adrenal mass had a caval thrombus extending almost to the level of the right atrium. Traditional methods of tumor thrombectomy were unsuccessful. Extraction of the thrombus was facilitated by passing a balloon catheter through the caudal vena cavotomy until it was cranial to the thrombus, inflating the balloon and slowly withdrawing the catheter. RESULTS: A malignant pheochromocytoma was diagnosed on histology. The dog had a subjectively assessed good quality of life until it was euthanized 118 days postoperatively for acute dyspnea. CONCLUSION: Balloon catheter-assisted thrombectomy was successful in removing an extensive caval thrombus that was otherwise difficult to extract via conventional methods. This technique can be considered in cases with extensive tumor thrombus either as a method of choice or when other methods of thrombus extraction have failed.

Arterial supply to the scrotum: A cadaveric angiographic study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the dominant arterial supply to the scrotum. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental anatomic study. ANIMALS: Intact male canine cadavers (n = 10). METHODS: Barium sulfate was injected into the internal iliac artery (n = 7) or into the pudendoepigastric trunk (n = 3). The perineal, scrotal, and prescrotal skin was sharply dissected from cadavers and radiographed. Angiograms were subjectively reviewed by 3 investigators. RESULTS: Angiograms were completed successfully in all 10 dogs, with no difference between frozen and fresh cadavers. The dominant blood supply to the scrotum was consistently identified as arising from the ventral perineal arteries, originating from the internal pudendal arteries, coursing ventrally and cranially toward the caudal scrotum before terminating as the dorsal scrotal arteries (n = 7). The blood supply to the cranial scrotum was more limited (n = 3) as only the cranial border of the scrotum was perfused by the ventral scrotal arteries. CONCLUSION: Based on this anatomic perfusion study, the dorsal scrotal arteries appear to supply a larger area than the ventral scrotal arteries. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These results provide evidence to justify further consideration of a scrotal flap using the caudal perineal skin as the main cutaneous pedicle to reconstruct defects located on the caudal, medial, and lateral thighs in dogs. Such a flap should be based on the caudal blood supply and the base of this flap should be located caudal to the scrotum to preserve its main blood supply.

Outcome of a dog with urinary bladder osteosarcoma treated with a total cystectomy and ureterocutaneostomy.

A 10-year-old, neutered female, French bulldog was presented with a history of dysuria, hematuria, stranguria, and pollakiuria. Diagnostic tests revealed a large mass at the neck of the bladder without any evidence of metastatic disease. Total cystectomy with bilateral cutaneous ureterostomy creation was elected. Histopathology of the bladder mass revealed extraskeletal osteosarcoma, which was resected completely. Neither recurrence nor metastasis had been detected as of 65 months after surgery. Extraskeletal osteosarcomas are typically malignant and carry a poor prognosis. This is the first report of bladder osteosarcoma in a dog treated by total cystectomy and ureterocutaneostomy with excellent long-term control.

Issue d'un chien atteint d'un ostéosarcome de la vessie traité par cystectomie totale et urétérocutanéostomie. Une femelle bouledogue français stérilisée âgée de 10 ans a été présentée avec une histoire de dysurie, d'hématurie, de strangurie et de pollakiurie. Les tests diagnostiques ont révélé une large masse au col de la vessie sans aucun signe de maladie métastatique. Une cystectomie totale avec création d'urétérostomie cutanée bilatérale a été choisie. L'histopathologie de la masse vésicale a révélé un ostéosarcome extra-squelettique, qui a été complètement réséqué. Aucune récidive ni métastase n'avait été détectée à 65 mois après la chirurgie. Les ostéosarcomes extra-squelettiques sont généralement malins et ont un mauvais pronostic. Il s'agit du premier rapport d'ostéosarcome de la vessie chez un chien traité par cystectomie totale et urétérocutanéostomie avec une excellente gestion à long terme.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

The effects of a proprietary Manuka honey and essential oil hydrogel on the healing of acute full-thickness wounds in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a proprietary Manuka honey essential oil hydrogel on the healing of acute, full-thickness wounds in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, controlled, randomized, experimental study. ANIMALS: Purpose-bred, adult, female beagles (n = 10). METHODS: Two 2 × 2 cm surgical wounds were created bilaterally on the trunk of each dog; each side was randomized to receive HoneyCure® (HOC) or standard-of-care (CON) dressings. Cranial wounds were for histopathological analysis and the caudal wounds for culture and planimetry. Total and open wound areas were measured with digital image planimetry at 15 time points. From these data, percent contraction and percent epithelialization were calculated. Tissue biopsies were obtained at 7 time points and histologic features scored. Cultures were obtained at 2 time points. RESULTS: Epithelialization was 11.7, 10.4, and 10.1 percentage points higher in HOC wounds compared to CON wounds at days 16, 18, and 21 respectively. Wound contraction and histological scores did not differ between groups. Cultures were positive in 7/40 (17.5%) wounds, with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated evenly. There was no difference of infection rate between the two groups; all infections were superficial and did not require treatment. CONCLUSION: This study did not provide evidence to support the application of HoneyCure® in small, acute wounds in healthy dogs. However, application may be beneficial in the early proliferative stage of wound healing and in wounds that would benefit from early, robust epithelialization.

Results of owner questionnaires describing long-term outcome in Norwich terriers with upper airway syndrome: 2011-2018.

BACKGROUND: Norwich terriers are affected by an upper airway syndrome (NTUAS) but little is known about outcome in affected dogs. OBJECTIVE: To determine outcome in dogs with NTUAS using owner questionnaires. ANIMALS: Thirty-four client-owned dogs. METHODS: At initial assessment, owners were questioned about respiratory noises and exercise tolerance. A NTUAS score was prospectively constructed based on the number and severity of obstructive lesions detected endoscopically (range, 0-25). Owner questionnaires on respiratory noises, exercise tolerance, and quality of life (QOL) were obtained 2.2-9.3 years (median, 4.2 years) after endoscopy. RESULTS: Dogs ranged from 0.5 to 10.7 years of age (median, 4.75 years) at initial examination and no correlation was found between age and NTUAS score (median, 13; range, 1-25). Of 5 possible laryngeal abnormalities, 7 dogs had 1-2, 10 dogs had 3, and 17 dogs had 4-5 abnormalities (median, 3.5). Surgery was performed in 15 dogs, which had higher NTUAS scores (18.5 ± 6.3) than dogs that did not have surgery (7.7 ± 4.7, P < .0001). Scores for QOL ranged from 0 to 31 out of 40, with higher scores indicating worse QOL. Owner surveys resulted in QOL scores of ≤3 in 25/31 dogs (81%), with worse scores in dogs that had surgery performed (median 5, vs 0; P = .003). No correlation was noted between NTUAS and QOL scores, but age at follow-up was weakly associated with worse QOL. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Despite variable severity of NTUAS scores, owners reported excellent QOL for most Norwich terriers examined.

A CNTNAP1 Missense Variant Is Associated with Canine Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy.

Laryngeal paralysis associated with a generalized polyneuropathy (LPPN) most commonly exists in geriatric dogs from a variety of large and giant breeds. The purpose of this study was to discover the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms in a younger-onset form of this neurodegenerative disease seen in two closely related giant dog breeds, the Leonberger and Saint Bernard. Neuropathology of an affected dog from each breed showed variable nerve fiber loss and scattered inappropriately thin myelinated fibers. Using across-breed genome-wide association, haplotype analysis, and whole-genome sequencing, we identified a missense variant in the CNTNAP1 gene (c.2810G>A; p.Gly937Glu) in which homozygotes in both studied breeds are affected. CNTNAP1 encodes a contactin-associated protein important for organization of myelinated axons. The herein described likely pathogenic CNTNAP1 variant occurs in unrelated breeds at variable frequencies. Individual homozygous mutant LPPN-affected Labrador retrievers that were on average four years younger than dogs affected by geriatric onset laryngeal paralysis polyneuropathy could be explained by this variant. Pathologic changes in a Labrador retriever nerve biopsy from a homozygous mutant dog were similar to those of the Leonberger and Saint Bernard. The impact of this variant on health in English bulldogs and Irish terriers, two breeds with higher CNTNAP1 variant allele frequencies, remains unclear. Pathogenic variants in CNTNAP1 have previously been reported in human patients with lethal congenital contracture syndrome and hypomyelinating neuropathy, including vocal cord palsy and severe respiratory distress. This is the first report of contactin-associated LPPN in dogs characterized by a deleterious variant that most likely predates modern breed establishment.

The impact of tongue dimension on air volume in brachycephalic dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the dimensions and density of the tongue in brachycephalic and mesaticephalic dog breeds and to document the relative extents of the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airways occupied by the tongue and palatal tissues. STUDY DESIGN: Case control study. ANIMALS: Sixteen brachycephalic dogs and 12 mesaticephalic dogs. METHODS: The volume of the tongue was measured with computed tomography in all dogs. Cross-sectional areas of tongue, oropharynx, nasopharynx, and palatal soft tissue were evaluated at two levels, the caudal aspect of the hard palate and the level of the hamulae of the pterygoid. Density of the tongue and soft palate were measured. All variables were compared between brachycephalic and mesaticephalic dogs (P ≤ .05). RESULTS: Absolute tongue volumes did not differ between groups, the volume of the tongue was greater in brachycephalic dogs than in mesaticephalic dogs when expressed relative to (a) body weight (median 5650, interquartile range [IQR] 4833-6522 vs median 4454, IQR 4309-4743, respectively), (b) ratio between skull length/width (70 833, IQR 62490-126 209 vs 48 064, IQR 22984-64 279, respectively), and (c) skull length (689.93, IQR 618.55-970.61 vs 460.04, IQR 288.77-561.69, respectively). The proportion of air (oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal)/soft tissue (tongue and palatal tissue) in brachycephalic dogs was decreased by approximately 60%, and the tongue was approximately 10 times denser in brachycephalic dogs than in mesaticephalic dogs. CONCLUSION: A relative macroglossia was detected in brachycephalic dogs along with reduced air volume in the upper airway. Tongues of brachycephalic dogs were denser than those of mesaticephalic dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The relative macroglossia in brachycephalic breeds may contribute to upper airway obstruction.

Norwich terriers possess a greater vertebral heart scale than the canine reference value.

Previous studies have demonstrated evidence that normal reference ranges for radiographic vertebral heart scale values can vary among dog breeds. The purpose of this retrospective, observational study was to determine whether the normal vertebral heart scale values published by Buchanan and Bücheler for lateral radiographs are applicable to the Norwich terrier. Secondary objectives were to determine if clinical signs of respiratory disease, age, sex, weight, body condition score, recumbency, or thoracic depth-to-width ratio had any influence on vertebral heart scale measurements in this breed. The electronic medical record systems of two universities were reviewed and Norwich terriers were included in the study if they had orthogonal thoracic radiographs performed and no historical or radiographic evidence of cardiopulmonary disease. A vertebral heart scale was calculated for each patient. Sixty-one client-owned, Norwich terrier dogs with no clinical signs of cardiovascular disease were evaluated. The vertebral heart scale for Norwich terriers without evidence of cardiac disease (10.6 ± 0.6) was found to be significantly greater than the canine reference value of 9.7 ± 0.5 initially established by Buchanan and Bücheler. No significant correlation was found between clinical signs of respiratory disease, sex, age, thoracic depth-to-width ratio or lateral recumbency, and vertebral heart scale. Norwich terriers with a body condition score ≥6 had a significantly higher vertebral heart scale than those with a body condition score ≤5. Breed-specific ranges and body condition scores need to be considered when interpreting vertebral heart scale values for Norwich terriers.

Intraoperative and major postoperative complications and survival of dogs undergoing surgical management of epiglottic retroversion: 50 dogs (2003-2017).

OBJECTIVE: To report intraoperative and major postoperative complications in dogs treated surgically for epiglottic retroversion (ER), compare the incidence of major postoperative complications between procedures, and report survival of surgically treated dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Fifty dogs treated with 78 procedures. METHODS: Medical records of dogs diagnosed and surgically treated for ER from 2003 to 2017 at 11 institutions were reviewed. Complications were divided into intraoperative and major postoperative complications. RESULTS: Intraoperative complications occurred during 2 of 78 (2.6%) procedures. Thirty-six major postoperative complications were documented in 22 dogs after 36 of 74 (48.7%) procedures. Postoperative complications occurred after 7 of 12 (58.3%) nonincisional epiglottopexy, 23 of 43 (53.5%) incisional epiglottopexy, 2 of 4 (50%) partial epiglottectomy, 2 of 12 (16.7%) subtotal epiglottectomy, and 2 of 3 (66.7%) other surgical procedures. Epiglottopexy failure was the most common major postoperative complication. The incidence of major postoperative complications did not differ between procedures (P = .1239), although, when combined, epiglottopexy procedures (30/55) had a higher incidence of complications than epiglottectomy procedures (4/16; P = .048). Thirty (60%) dogs were alive at a median of 928 days (range, 114-2805), 8 (16%) were lost to follow-up after 411 days (range, 43-1158), and 12 (24%) were dead/euthanized after 301.5 days (range, 3-1212). Median survival time was not reached after a median of 716 days. CONCLUSION: Although intraoperative complications were uncommon, major postoperative complications were common, especially after epiglottopexy procedures. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although surgical treatment of ER is associated with a high rate of major postoperative complications, especially epiglottopexy procedures, long-term survival can be achieved.

Congenital laryngeal paralysis in Alaskan Huskies: 25 cases (2009-2014).

OBJECTIVE To characterize congenital laryngeal paralysis (CLP) in Alaskan Huskies. DESIGN Prospective case series. ANIMALS 25 Alaskan Huskies with CLP. PROCEDURES Data were collected for each dog regarding signalment; history; results of physical, orthopedic, neurologic, and laryngeal examinations; esophagraphic findings; treatments; histologic findings; and outcomes. RESULTS Severely affected dogs were profoundly dyspneic at birth or collapsed after brief exercise; less affected dogs reportedly tired easily or overheated with minimal exercise. Mean age at initial onset of clinical signs was 6.4 months. Blue eyes, white facial markings, and oral mucosal tags or tissue bands were noted in 23 (92%), 19 (76%), and 13 (52%) dogs. Neurologic examination revealed signs of mononeuropathy of the recurrent laryngeal nerve but not of polyneuropathy. Histologic examination revealed neurogenic atrophy of the cricoarytenoideus dorsalis muscle but no polyneuropathy. Eight (32%) dogs underwent unilateral cricoarytenoid lateralization, resulting in substantial clinical improvement, including ability to compete in sled dog races. Without surgery, 4 (16%) dogs died of asphyxiation, 10 (40%) had spontaneous improvement of clinical signs (but insufficient improvement to race), and 3 (12%) remained affected. Results of pedigree analysis suggested an autosomal recessive mode of CLP inheritance, with variable penetrance. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE CLP in the evaluated Alaskan Huskies involved mononeuropathy of the recurrent laryngeal nerves, without polyneuropathy. Most affected dogs had blue eyes, white facial markings, and oral mucosal tags or tissue bands. Given the apparent genetic component to CLP in this breed, we recommend that dogs with these features be prevented from breeding.

Investigation of potential risk factors for mesenteric volvulus in military working dogs.

OBJECTIVE To identify risk factors for mesenteric volvulus (MV) in military working dogs (MWDs). DESIGN Retrospective case-control study. ANIMALS 211 MWDs (54 with and 157 without MV [case and control dogs, respectively]). PROCEDURES Medical records (cases and controls) and necropsy reports (cases) were reviewed. Signalment, pertinent medical and surgical history, behavior and temperament characteristics, feeding schedules, and training types were recorded. Weather patterns for regions where dogs resided were researched. Data were evaluated statistically to identify potential risk factors for MV. RESULTS Risk factors significantly associated with MV included German Shepherd Dog breed (OR, 11.5), increasing age (OR, 2.0), and history of prophylactic gastropexy (OR, 65.9), other abdominal surgery (after gastropexy and requiring a separate anesthetic episode; OR, 16.9), and gastrointestinal disease (OR, 5.4). Post hoc analysis of the subset of MWDs that underwent gastropexy suggested that postoperative complications were associated with MV in these dogs but type of gastropexy and surgeon experience level were not. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Data supported earlier findings that German Shepherd Dog breed and history of gastrointestinal disease were risk factors for MV. The MWDs with a history of prophylactic gastropexy or other abdominal surgery were more likely to acquire MV than were those without such history. These findings warrant further study. Despite the association between prophylactic gastropexy and MV, the authors remain supportive of this procedure to help prevent the more common disease of gastric dilatation-volvulus.

Comparison of thoracic duct ligation plus subphrenic pericardiectomy with or without cisterna chyli ablation for treatment of idiopathic chylothorax in cats.

OBJECTIVE To compare duration of surgery, recurrence rate, and survival time between cats with idiopathic chylothorax treated with thoracic duct ligation (TDL) plus subphrenic pericardiectomy (SPC) and those treated with TDL, SPC, and cisterna chyli ablation (CCA). DESIGN Retrospective case series with nested cohort study. ANIMALS 22 client-owned cats surgically treated for idiopathic chylothorax from 2009 through 2014. PROCEDURES Patient and surgery data were collected from the medical records. Recurrence of chylothorax and survival time were assessed by medical record review and client interview. Comparisons were made between cats treated with TDL plus SPC (TDL-SPC group) and those treated with TDL, SPC, and CCA (TDL-SPC-CCA group). RESULTS 15 cats were treated with TDL plus SPC, and 7 were treated with TDL, SPC, and CCA. Median duration of surgery was significantly briefer for the TDL-SPC group (80 minutes; range, 55 to 175 minutes) than for the TDL-SPC-CCA group (125 minutes; range, 105 to 205 minutes). Five cats (2 in the TDL-SPC group and 3 in the TDL-SPC-CCA group) had persistent pleural effusion 4 weeks after surgery. Chylothorax recurred in 2 cats (1/group). Median survival time in the TDL-SPC group was 774 days (range, 3 to 2,844 days) and in the TDL-SPC-CCA group was 380 days (range, 11 to 815 days); these values did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Addition of CCA to the surgical treatment approach for cats with idiopathic chylothorax was associated with a significantly longer duration of surgery with no better outcome than achieved with TDL plus SPC alone.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy.

Open wounds are regularly addressed in veterinary medicine and can be challenging to manage, especially when there is significant loss of full-thickness skin. Traditional wound dressings are being replaced by modern synthetic materials, biologic wound dressings, and mechanical technologies to augment healing. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is one of the most successful mechanical adjuncts to wound healing. Experience with NPWT in veterinary medicine is not as extensive as in human medicine but reports have been positive. This modality may become an invaluable adjunct to wound management and other surgical applications in both large and small animals.

The Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on the Healing of Open Wounds in Dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on acute, full-thickness wound healing in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized block (dog); historical control. ANIMALS: Adult male Beagles (n = 10). METHODS: Two 2 × 2 cm(2) wounds were surgically created bilaterally on the trunk of each dog. Each side was randomized to receive LLLT (laser, LAS) or standard-of-care management (control, CON), 3 times weekly for 32 days. The LLLT consisted of a dual diode laser (7.5 mW/diode) at 635 nm and total energy density of 1.125 J/cm(2). Wound planimetry was performed on the caudal wounds, from which percent contraction and percent epithelialization were calculated. Histologic features were evaluated at 7 time points from cranial wound biopsies. Experimental data were also compared to wounds from a historical female control cohort (historical control, HCON). RESULTS: There was no difference between LAS and CON wounds for all parameters, including histology. The HCON wounds had significantly greater contraction and epithelialization compared to LAS and CON wounds. The LAS and CON wounds had significantly less inflammation than HCON wounds early in wound healing, but inflammation was significantly greater in LAS and CON wounds by day 21. Fibroblast infiltration and collagen deposition were significantly less in LAS and CON wounds than HCON wounds. CONCLUSION: There are no apparent beneficial effects of LLLT on the healing of acute wounds in healthy dogs using this LLLT protocol. Gender may influence wound healing in intact dogs.

Versatility of the Angularis Oris Axial Pattern Flap for Facial Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the versatility of the axial pattern flap based on the cutaneous perforating branch of the angularis oris artery for reconstruction of large facial defects in dogs, including complications and clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical case series. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs (n = 8). METHODS: Facial flaps (n = 9) based at the commissure of the lip with a caudodorsal orientation were utilized, with established anatomical borders. Flaps were elevated deep to the panniculus carnosus in a caudal to rostral direction, preserving the angularis oris artery, its cutaneous perforator, and surrounding cutaneous vasculature. Flaps were rotated dorsally or ventrally to cover the defect. Primary closure of the donor site was by direct apposition in all cases. RESULTS: Angularis oris axial pattern flaps were most commonly used to close large defects of the nasomaxillary area rostral to the eyes (6 dogs), followed by orbital (2) and intermandibular (1) defects. Defects occurred because of tumor resection (6 dogs), trauma (2), and a chronic, non-healing wounding (1). All flaps healed with acceptable functional and cosmetic outcomes without major complications. Followup ranged from 10 days to 16 months. Minor postoperative complications included flap edema (8 dogs), partial incisional dehiscence (3), distal tip necrosis (2), and oroantral fistula recurrence (1). CONCLUSION: Angularis oris axial pattern flaps provided hirsute, full-thickness skin coverage of a variety of large facial defects with minor complications, and should be considered when restructuring large defects of the rostral face or chin.

Successful treatment of cricopharyngeal dysphagia with bilateral myectomy in a dog.

An 8-month-old golden retriever/standard poodle mixed breed dog was diagnosed with cricopharyngeal dysphagia and possibly asynchrony. After failing standard unilateral cricopharyngeal myectomy, the dog underwent a second surgery to completely resect the contralateral musculature resulting in immediate and complete resolution of clinical signs. Bilateral myectomy can be considered for dogs with cricopharyngeal dysphagia that fail unilateral myectomy.

Traitement réussi de la dysphagie cricopharyngienne avec une myectomie bilatérale chez un chien. Un chien de race croisée Golden retriever/Caniche standard âgé de 8 mois a été diagnostiqué avec de la dysphagie cricopharyngienne et une asynchronie possible. Après un échec de la myectomie cricophryngienne unilatérale standard, le chien a subi une deuxième chirurgie pour réséquer complètement la musculature controlatérale, ce qui a produit une résolution immédiate et complète des signes cliniques. La myectomie bilatérale peut être considérée pour les chiens atteint de dysphagie cricopharyngienne pour lesquels la myectomie unilatérale est un échec.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Prevalence and risk factors for canine post-anesthetic aspiration pneumonia (1999-2009): a multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of canine post-anesthetic aspiration pneumonia (AP) and to identify anesthetic agents, procedures and management factors associated with the development of AP. STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter, randomized, case-controlled retrospective study. ANIMALS: Two hundred and forty dogs affected with AP and 488 unaffected control dogs. METHODS: Electronic medical record databases at six Veterinary colleges were searched for dogs, coded for anesthesia or sedation and pneumonia from January 1999 to December 2009. The resultant 2158 records were hand-searched to determine eligibility for inclusion. Diagnosis of AP was made radiographically. Two unaffected control dogs were randomly selected for each affected dog, from a list of dogs that underwent sedation or anesthesia in the same time period and did not develop aspiration pneumonia. Fifty-seven factors were then evaluated for association with aspiration pneumonia. Data analysis was performed using univariate Chi-square or student t-tests, then multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Incidence of post-anesthetic AP was 0.17%, from 140,711 cases anesthetized or sedated over the 10 year period. Two anesthesia-related events were significantly associated with development of AP: regurgitation and administration of hydromorphone at induction. Administration of anticholinergics was not associated with AP. Procedures associated with increased odds of aspiration pneumonia included laparotomy, upper airway surgery, neurosurgery, thoracotomy and endoscopy. Orthopedic surgery, ophthalmologic surgery, dental procedures, MRI, CT, bronchoscopy, cystoscopy, tracheoscopy and neutering were not associated with development of AP. Three patient factors were associated with the development of AP: megaesophagus, and a history of pre-existing respiratory or neurologic disease. Sixty-nine% of dogs with two or more of the above independent predictive variables developed AP. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Most anesthetic agents and procedures were not associated with the development of AP. We need to devise and evaluate strategies to protect at risk patients.