Depraved appetite in dromedary camels: Clinical, ultrasonographic, and postmortem findings.

Background: Camels are subjected to a wide variety of nutritional deficiencies as they are largely dependent upon grazing desert plants. As a consequence, the syndrome of pica or depraved appetite is occasionally seen in dromedary camels. The condition is manifested as chewing or eating abnormal things such as wood, dirt, bones, stones, clothes, plastics, mud, sand, or other inanimate objects. Aim: This study was designed to investigate the clinical, ultrasonographic, and postmortem findings in dromedary camels with pica or depraved appetite. Methods: Twenty-five camels of 5 days to 15 years were examined. Owner complaints included depraved appetite, loss of body condition, regurgitation of stomach content, and partial or complete absence of feces. Symptoms described were present for a period varying between 3 days, up to 12 months. The stomach compartments and small and large intestines were scanned using ultrasonography from the right and left sides of the abdomen. Necropsy was carried out on six female and three male camels where the thoracic and abdominal organs were examined with special attention to the digestive system. Results: The affected animals had a history of gradual loss of body conditions, eating foreign objects, decreased or total absence of feces, and regurgitation of stomach content. Using ultrasound, the foreign body was imaged occluding completely or partially the intestines. Foreign bodies within the rumen could not be visualized with ultrasound. In cases where the rumen is impacted by sand, small pin-points revealing acoustic enhancement were imaged. Foreign bodies were removed from the rumen at exploratory rumenotomy (n = 11), laparotomy (n = 3), or at necropsy (n = 8) in the form of plastics, cloths, sand, mud, wool balls, robes, glasses, or even metallic objects which may be blunt or sharp. Sixteen (64%) of the camels were recovered while the remaining 9 (36%) did not survive. Conclusion: The syndrome of pica or depraved appetite is an important condition in dromedary resulting in the ingestion of objects other than normal feed. Substantial economic losses are expected as a result of this syndrome. Ultrasonography of the digestive system may help the clinician in some cases to localize of occluding foreign bodies in the intestines, while in the transabdominal scanning of the stomach is valuable only in cases of sand impaction.

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.

Clinical manifestations, endoscopic findings and outcomes of tonsillar fossa foreign bodies in dogs: seven cases (2020-2023).

OBJECTIVES: Clinical presentation and outcomes of dogs with tonsillar foreign bodies are not described in the literature. The objective of this case series is to describe the presence, clinical manifestations, endoscopic findings and outcomes of foreign bodies in the palatine tonsillar fossa of dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs in which tonsillar fossa foreign bodies were removed by endoscopy between 2020 and 2023 at a referral centre were reviewed. Dogs were included if complete medical records were available. RESULTS: Seven dogs were included. Among all clinical signs reported, acute onset of throat clearing occurred in all dogs. Palatine tonsil enlargement and protrusion from the tonsillar fossa were observed in four of seven dogs. Foreign bodies were removed under endoscopic guidance in all dogs; a vegetal foreign body was found in all but one dog (6/7). Complete resolution of clinical signs was reported in the five dogs for which follow-up information was available. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The tonsillar fossa is a rare but possible location for foreign bodies in dogs and should be explored even in the absence of macroscopic lesions of the tonsils, since some dogs could have a normal palatine tonsil appearance. Acute throat clearing should raise the suspicion of tonsillar fossa foreign bodies. The prognosis appears good after removal.

Jejunal perforation and septic abdomen resulting from a choristoma in a dog.

A 4.6-year-old spayed female German shepherd dog was admitted to a specialty hospital emergency service upon referral for suspected gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction. Free abdominal fluid was collected, and results of cytologic evaluation were consistent with a septic abdomen. An abdominal barium study revealed free gas and intraperitoneal barium, along with an obstructive gas pattern within the small bowel. Ultrasonography revealed a full-thickness jejunal perforation. On exploratory laparotomy, the perforation was noted to be located mid-jejunum with no associated mass or foreign material. A resection and anastomosis were completed. Histopathologic evaluation of the affected jejunal tissue showed aberrant gastric glandular epithelium consistent with a gastric choristoma, or heterotopic gastric tissue. Key clinical message: Clinicians should consider gastric glandular choristoma as a differential diagnosis in cases of seemingly idiopathic small intestinal perforation with no known cause (i.e., foreign body penetration, neoplasia, NSAID use), and histopathologic evaluation should always be done to obtain a definitive diagnosis.

Perforation jéjunale et abdomen septique résultant d'un choristome chez un chien. Une chienne berger allemand stérilisée âgée de 4,6 ans a été admise dans le service d'urgence d'un hôpital spécialisé après avoir été référée pour une suspicion d'obstruction gastro-intestinale par un corps étranger. Du liquide abdominal libre a été prélevé et les résultats de l'évaluation cytologique étaient compatibles avec un abdomen septique. Un examen abdominal à l'aide de baryum a révélé du gaz libre et du baryum intrapéritonéal, ainsi qu'un patron de gaz obstructif dans l'intestin grêle. L'échographie a révélé une perforation sur toute l'épaisseur jéjunale. Lors d'une laparotomie exploratoire, il a été constaté que la perforation était située au milieu du jéjunum, sans masse ni corps étranger associé. Une résection et une anastomose ont été réalisées. L'évaluation histopathologique du tissu jéjunal affecté a montré un épithélium glandulaire gastrique aberrant compatible avec un choristome gastrique ou un tissu gastrique hétérotopique.Message clinique clé :Les cliniciens doivent considérer le choristome glandulaire gastrique comme diagnostic différentiel dans les cas de perforation de l'intestin grêle apparemment idiopathique sans cause connue (i.e. pénétration d'un corps étranger, néoplasie, utilisation d'AINS), et une évaluation histopathologique doit toujours être effectuée pour obtenir un diagnostic définitif.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

USE OF HYSTEROSCOPIC MORCELLATION WITH A MYOSURE® DEVICE FOR REMOVAL OF UTERINE FOREIGN MATERIAL IN AN ORANGUTAN (PONGO SP.).

A 36-yr-old female intact hybrid orangutan (Pongo sp.) presented with evidence of chronic bacterial cystitis with no response to treatment with multiple systemic antibiotics. Abnormalities were identified within the reproductive tract on CT scan, and hysteroscopy was pursued based on the recommendation of an obstetrician-gynecologist. Hysteroscopic examination revealed a large amount of intrauterine foreign material consistent with wood wool from the orangutan's bedding. A hysteroscopic morcellator (MyoSure®) was used to remove the foreign material. Histologic examination of endometrial biopsies showed severe suppurative to pyogranulomatous endometritis with intralesional foreign (wood) fibers and bacteria. The orangutan was treated with antibiotics, but evidence of bacterial cystitis persisted. After 15 wk, additional wood wool was identified within the uterus by hysteroscopic examination and was removed similarly. Five months later, there was no recurrence of foreign material on hysteroscopy or CT. This report describes the first documentation of intrauterine foreign material in a nonhuman primate. Hysteroscopic morcellation is a useful technique for noninvasive removal of intrauterine foreign material in great apes.

Minimal adverse events occur when inducing emesis with apomorphine in brachycephalic, mesocephalic, and dolichocephalic dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine risks of complications with emesis induction and whether facial conformation is associated with the frequency of complications. ANIMALS: 1,788 client-owned dogs that presented immediately or by referral from a primary care veterinarian following ingestion of toxic or foreign materials. METHODS: Patients with emesis induced with apomorphine for removal of toxic or foreign materials were retrospectively identified. Collected data included patient factors, routes of apomorphine administration, other therapies, adverse events, and patient outcomes. RESULTS: 2 types of complications were identified in a very small number of patients (11 [0.6%]), with 3 (0.17%) having regurgitation postemesis and 8 (0.44%) having prolonged vomiting. No significant difference was found in the rates of repeated vomiting or regurgitation between brachycephalic dogs and nonbrachycephalic dogs (P = .375 and P = 1.00, respectively). Brachycephalic dogs had 1.6 times greater odds of having emesis induction due to toxin ingestion compared to foreign material ingestion. The presence of clinical signs of toxicity at the time of emesis induction was associated with regurgitation (P < .001), and the development of regurgitation was associated with admission to hospital (P = .001). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study found no increased risk of complications when emesis was induced using apomorphine in brachycephalic breeds compared to nonbrachycephalic breeds, regardless of indication for emesis induction. Facial conformation is not a reason to withhold emesis induction.

Retrospective evaluation of the clinical course and outcome of zinc toxicosis due to metallic foreign bodies in dogs (2005-2021): 55 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the overall clinical course of zinc toxicosis in dogs including source, time to source control, incidence of hemolytic anemia, acute liver injury (ALI), acute kidney injury (AKI), and pancreatitis. DESIGN: Retrospective case series from 2005 to 2021. SETTING: Six university veterinary teaching hospitals. ANIMALS: Fifty-five client-owned dogs with known zinc toxicosis due to metallic foreign body (MFB) ingestion. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The most common source of zinc was US pennies minted after 1982 (67.3%). Forty-five of 55 (81.8%) dogs survived and 10 of 55 (18.2%) died or were euthanized. Median length of hospitalization for survivors and nonsurvivors was 3 days. The most common clinical sequelae of zinc toxicosis were anemia (87%), ALI (82%), coagulopathy (71%), thrombocytopenia (30.5%), AKI (26.9%), and acute pancreatitis (5.5%). Most dogs (67.3%) required blood products and 83% of dogs achieved a stable HCT or PCV in a median of 24 hours after MFB removal. The median duration of illness prior to presentation was 48 hours for both survivors and nonsurvivors and there was no impact of time to presentation on the incidence of ALI, AKI, or pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Zinc toxicosis secondary to MFB ingestion should be considered a differential diagnosis for dogs with gastrointestinal signs, hemolytic anemia, ALI, hemostatic abnormalities, AKI, and pancreatitis. AKI may be a more common sequela of zinc toxicosis than previously suspected. Acute pancreatitis is a rare but potentially serious sequela to zinc toxicosis.

Successful intraoperative ultrasound-guided retrieval of intracranial grass seed foreign body in a 4-month-old puppy.

A 4-month-old female-entire Vizsla dog was referred for progressive seizure activity, vomiting, lethargy, inappetence, and neck pain. CT revealed focal inflammation, a calvarial osseous defect, a possible foreign body within the brain, and associated vasogenic edema. A cerebrospinal fluid tap revealed marked septic neutrophilic pleocytosis. MRI findings supported diagnosis of a 1.7 cm foreign body within the brain. A right rostrotentorial craniectomy was performed, and intraparenchymal grass seed was removed in its entirety via intraoperative ultrasound guidance. The patient was discharged 2 days postoperatively, and long-term follow-up revealed no abnormal neurological signs.

Foreign body ingestion due to detachment of pill dispenser tips in cats: a retrospective study of 13 cases.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate and describe 13 cases in which a pet piller broke during the administration of medication, and the tip was accidentally ingested by the cat. METHODS: A total of 15 presentations to the clinic were identified in a private practice database involving 13 cats in which the silicone tip broke. Two of these cats ingested foreign bodies on two separate occasions. Routine radiographic examination enabled the identification of silicone tips in all animals. On 2/15 occasions, the cats did not receive an emetic drug. Intramuscular xylazine (0.2 mg/kg) and dexmedetomidine (6 µg/kg) were administered to 12/15 and 1/15 cats, respectively. RESULTS: The cats were aged 3-17 years (mean age 11.00 ± 4.35 years). Vomiting occurred in 13 cats that received alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists, although the silicone tip was recovered in only five occurrences. In 9/15 occurrences, endoscopy was performed under general inhalation anesthesia, and the silicone tip was successfully removed. Natural elimination occurred in only one case. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The use of pet pillers with detachable silicone tips increases the risk of accidental foreign body ingestion by animals. Therefore, guidelines regarding safety standards for manufacturing would be beneficial. No cat in this series developed clinical signs related to the ingestion of the piller tip, probably because of the quick presentation by the owners and early intervention, including endoscopic retrieval. Surgical intervention was not required in any case, including one in which the foreign body was lodged within the small intestine before being passed naturally by the cat.

Outcomes following combined median sternotomy and ventral midline laparotomy for bicavitary penetrating wooden foreign bodies.

Combined abdominal and thoracic pathology caused by extra-gastrointestinal migration of an ingested wooden foreign body (WFB) is an uncommon but serious injury. Presenting clinical signs are typically nonspecific and, in the absence of observed WFB ingestion, diagnosis is challenging. Treatment requires concurrent abdominal and thoracic surgical exploration to remove the WFB and address injuries caused by its migration. This case series describes perioperative characteristics and outcomes in 4 dogs following combined median sternotomy and ventral midline laparotomy (CMSVML) for bicavitary penetrating WFBs. Key clinical message: Treatment of bicavitary penetrating WFBs with CMSVML provided postoperative outcomes similar to those in previous reports; however, high-grade complications and prolonged hospitalization were commonly encountered.

Résultats après sternotomie médiane et laparotomie médiane ventrale combinées pour des corps étrangers en bois pénétrant bicavitaires. La pathologie combinée abdominale et thoracique causée par la migration extra-gastro-intestinale d'un corps étranger en bois (WFB) ingéré est une blessure rare mais grave. Les signes cliniques présentés sont généralement non spécifiques et, en l'absence d'ingestion observée de WFB, le diagnostic est difficile. Le traitement nécessite une exploration chirurgicale abdominale et thoracique simultanée pour retirer le WFB et traiter les blessures causées par sa migration. Cette série de cas décrit les caractéristiques peropératoires et les résultats chez 4 chiens après une sternotomie médiane et une laparotomie médiane ventrale combinées (CMSVML) pour des WFB pénétrantes bicavitaires.Message clinique clé:Le traitement des WFB pénétrants bicavitaires avec CMSVML a fourni des résultats postopératoires similaires à ceux des rapports précédents; cependant, des complications de haut grade et une hospitalisation prolongée ont été fréquemment rencontrées.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Infrared thermography is a novel tool to assess small intestinal surface temperature in dogs undergoing laparotomy for foreign body obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate local temperature differences directly over and adjacent to small intestinal foreign body obstruction (FBO) using infrared thermography (IRT) in dogs. ANIMALS: 49 client-owned dogs were initially enrolled. METHODS: In a prospective, clinical observational study, IRT was utilized to compare median small intestinal (SI) surface temperature differences at the site of FBO and segments oral and aboral before and after surgical resolution from April 24, 2019, to July 19, 2020. These differences were evaluated for correlation with canine acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation fast (APPLEfast) scoring, lactate, foreign body material (hard vs soft), and blood pressure. RESULTS: There was not a significant surface temperature difference between SI segments at the site of FBO, oral or aboral. After resolution of obstruction, there was a significant decrease in median temperature directly over the FBO (2.4 °C; IQR, -2.55 to 10.6 °C; P = .0043). A decrease in surface temperature of the oral SI segment was appreciated with FBO due to hard material (-1.7 °C; IQR, -5.2 to 3.4 °C), whereas soft material had an increase in SI surface temperature oral to the FBO (+1.1 °C; IQR, 0.3 to 3.2 °C). This difference did not achieve significance (P = .08; Z = 1.75). No correlation was found between APPLEfast, lactate, or blood pressure and SI segment temperatures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: IRT may be useful diagnostic modality to identify changes in small intestinal surface temperature relating to FBO. Further evaluation is warranted to determine if IRT may be a clinically useful to evaluate intestinal perfusion.

Fluoroscopy-Guided Surgical Removal of a Microchip from the Spinal Canal of Two Cats.

Two cats were presented with acute left-sided paresis after implantation of a microchip at the referring veterinary clinic. Neurological examinations were consistent with left-sided lesions between spinal cord segments C1 and C5. Orthogonal radiographs of the cervical spine showed a microchip dorsoventrally oriented, partially embedded in the cervical vertebral canal. Fluoroscopy was used to localize and retrieve the foreign body from the cervical spinal cord in each case. Improvement in clinical condition and return to ambulation was observed in both cats within 48 hr of surgical removal of the implant. No significant perioperative adverse events were noted during the surgical retrieval of the microchip. Two previously reported cases of intraspinal canal microchip placement had been treated surgically by hemilaminectomy. This approach carries a risk of complications, including hemorrhage from the venous sinus, iatrogenic damage to the spinal cord, and improper identification of the surgical site, requires advanced surgical training, and typically has an extended surgical time. The use of fluoroscopy to assist intraoperative localization of a spinal canal foreign body may lessen the requirement for more invasive surgical procedures.

Ultrasonographic appearance of retained surgical sponges and gauzes in the acute postoperative period: a phantom and cadaveric study.

Retained surgical sponges or gauzes (RSS) are an uncommon complication of exploratory laparotomy surgery and pose a clinically significant risk to the patient. The purpose of this two-part, prospective, descriptive study was to describe the previously uncharacterized ultrasonographic appearance of RSS in phantom and cadaveric models of the acute postoperative period (24-48 h). For the first part of the study, a gelatin phantom containing a woven gauze with a radiopaque marker (radiopaque gauze), a woven gauze with no marker (nonradiopaque gauze), and a laparotomy sponge with a radiopaque marker (radiopaque sponge) was evaluated with ultrasonography. For the second part of the study, a total of 23 gauzes and sponges (of the aforementioned three types) were placed within the peritoneal cavity of 20 cadavers in one of three randomized locations during an exploratory laparotomy laboratory. The cadavers were imaged with ultrasonography 17 h later and still images and video clips were reviewed. The retained surgical sponges and gauzes in the gelatin phantom displayed multiple hyperechoic layers and variable degrees of distal acoustic shadowing. In cadavers, 100% (23/23) of the retained surgical sponges and gauzes displayed a single hyperechoic layer of variable thickness and distal acoustic shadowing. In 95.6% (22/23) retained sponges and gauzes, there was a thin hypoechoic layer noted superficially to the hyperechoic layer. An improved understanding of the ultrasonographic appearance of retained sponges or gauzes in the acute postoperative period may assist in the identification of these objects.

Delay of definitive care in cats and dogs with gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction following antiemetic administration: 537 cases (2012-2020).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether administration of antiemetic medication to dogs and cats with gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction (GIFBO) delays time to definitive care (surgery or endoscopy) and increases the risk of complications. DESIGN: Retrospective study (January 2012-July 2020). SETTING: Private referral center. ANIMALS: Five hundred and thirty-seven (440 dogs and 97 cats). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Medical records of dogs and cats with GIFBO were reviewed for antiemetic administration at the onset of clinical signs, time from onset of clinical signs to first intervention and definitive care, GIFBO-related complications, and length of hospitalization. Antiemetics were prescribed for 200 of 537 patients (158 dogs, 42 cats). Antiemetic administration was associated with an increased time between the onset of clinical signs and definitive care (3.2 days [95% confidence interval, CI, 2.8-3.5] vs. 1.6 days [95% CI, 1.4-2.0]; P < 0.001) but not with GIFBO-associated complications (P = 0.45). Antiemetic administration was associated with an increased length of hospitalization (1.6 days [95% CI, 1.4-1.7] vs. 1.1 days [95% CI, 1.1-1.2]; P < 0.001). A longer duration of clinical signs prior to intervention was associated with GIFBO-related complications (P < 0.001) regardless of antiemetic administration. CONCLUSIONS: Antiemetic administration in patients with GIFBO was associated with increased time to definitive care and length of hospitalization but not GIFBO-associated complications. Antiemetics are not inherently contraindicated in patients for whom GIFBO is a differential, but clients should be counseled to monitor for progression of clinical signs and follow-up accordingly.

Preoperative computed tomography, surgical treatment and long-term outcomes of dogs with abscesses on migrating vegetal foreign bodies and oropharyngeal stick injuries: 39 cases (2010-2021).

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated success rates of surgical treatment of head and neck abscesses and draining tracts for suspected migrating vegetal foreign body and oropharyngeal penetrating injuries, and compared the outcomes according to whether a vegetal foreign body was identified in preoperative computed tomography (CT) examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study involved 39 dogs that underwent CT and subsequent surgical exploration of abscesses and/or draining tracts in the head and neck, in a single institution between 2010 and 2021. Recorded data included signalment, history, physical examination, CT and surgical findings. The postoperative follow-up period was at least 8 months. Cases were classified according to whether a foreign body was identified on CT or was only suspected because of the presence of cavities and/or draining tracts on CT. RESULTS: A vegetal foreign body was identified on CT in 11 of 39 cases and later confirmed at surgery in 10 cases. In 28 of 39 cases, a vegetal foreign body was not identified on CT, but in seven of these 28 cases it was found at surgery. Resolution of clinical signs was achieved in 11 of 11 cases when a vegetal foreign body was identified on CT and in 26 of 28 cases without a foreign body identified on CT. Two cases of recurrence were observed in animals in which no foreign body was detected. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In this population of dogs undergoing surgery after preoperative CT scan, we observed resolution of clinical signs after a single surgical procedure in 95% of the cases. All animals in which a foreign body was identified were cured.

Retrospective evaluation of surgical treatment of linear and discrete gastrointestinal foreign bodies in cats: 2009-2021.

OBJECTIVES: Gastrointestinal foreign bodies (FBs) are an important cause of emergency surgical intervention in cats, but little information exists in the literature evaluating the risks and outcomes in this species. The study purpose was to describe cases of feline FBs and compare perioperative factors and outcomes between linear foreign body (LFB) and discrete foreign body (DFB) surgery in cats. METHODS: The medical records from the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital were searched for cats that had undergone surgery for FB removal between August 2009 and August 2021. Perioperative data were collected and described. Data were compared between cats with an LFB and cats with a DFB. A binomial probability series was used to estimate the likelihood of postoperative septic peritonitis or mortality in an additional cat in the series. RESULTS: A total of 56 cats were included in this study; 38 cats had a DFB and 18 had an LFB. No cats developed postoperative septic peritonitis, and all cats survived. The likelihood of postoperative septic peritonitis or mortality in an additional cat was estimated to be <5.2%. Cats with an LFB were found to have a significantly higher body condition score (P = 0.047), albumin (P = 0.025), American Society of Anesthesiologists status (P = 0.027), surgery length (P <0.001) and total cost of visit (P = 0.006) when compared with cats with a DFB. Cats with LFBs were more likely to develop a surgical site infection (SSI; P = 0.007) and be administered postoperative antibiotics (P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Cats undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal FBs had a low incidence of postoperative complications. Cats with LFBs had longer surgeries and were more likely to develop postoperative SSIs.

Endoscopic treatment of acute oropharyngeal stick injuries in dogs: 46 cases (2010-2020).

OBJECTIVES: To review long-term outcomes of dogs with acute oropharyngeal stick injuries managed with rigid endoscopy at a UK referral centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis and follow-up with referring veterinary surgeons and owners of patients treated between 2010 and 2020. A medical record search was performed and data regarding signalment, clinical presentation, treatment and long-term outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Sixty-six dogs with acute oropharyngeal stick injury were identified and 46 (70.0%) of these had endoscopy of the wound. The dogs were of various breeds, ages (median=3 years; range 0.6 to 11 years) and weights (median=20.4 kg; range 7.7 to 38.4 kg) and 58.7% of patients were male. The median time from injury to referral was 1 day (range 2 hours to 7 days). Patients were anaesthetised, and injury tracts were explored using 0° and 30° forward-oblique, 2.7 mm diameter, 18 cm length rigid endoscopes with a corresponding 14.5 French sheath using saline infusion via gravity. All foreign material that could be grasped was removed using forceps. Tracts were flushed with saline and reinspected to confirm removal of all visible foreign material. Out of 40 dogs with long-term follow-up, 38 (95.0%) had no major long-term complications. The remaining two dogs developed cervical abscessation after endoscopy, one of which resolved after repeat endoscopy and the other resolved after open surgery. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Long-term follow-up of dogs with acute oropharyngeal stick injury managed with rigid endoscopy showed an excellent outcome in 95.0% of cases.

Postoperative injectable opioid use and incidence of surgical site complications after use of liposomal bupivacaine in canine gastrointestinal foreign body surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative analgesic use and postoperative complications between dogs that received liposomal bupivacaine (LB) during surgical gastrointestinal foreign body (GIFB) removal and those that did not. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Two hundred five dogs. METHODS: Medical records for all dogs with GIFB removal at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital between May 2017 and August 2021 were searched. Incomplete records and dogs with less than 2 weeks' veterinary follow up were excluded. Data collected included: patient information, time until surgery, intraoperative findings, surgical data (including perforation at time of surgery, linear vs. solid, enterotomy vs. enterectomy), use of LB (including time and manner of administration), time to extubation after surgery, in-hospital postoperative analgesic use and duration, and postoperative complications. Fentanyl was noted as used/not used, quantified as mean hourly rate over 12 h intervals. All analyses were performed using commercial statistical software with p < .05 as the significance level. RESULTS: Dogs that received LB were heavier (n = 65, median 28.5 kg) than those that did not (n = 140, median 24.4 kg) (p = .005). Postoperative fentanyl use (p < .05 between 13 and 72 h) and hourly rates (p < .05 between 13 and 48 h) were less, and postoperative time in the intensive care unit (ICU) (p < .001) and hospital were shorter (p < .001) in dogs receiving LB. Postoperative wound complications were seen in 7/65 dogs (10.8%, 95% CI = 4.4-21.0%) with LB and 4/140 (2.9%, 95% CI = 0.8-7.2%) without LB (p = .039). CONCLUSION: Use of LB was associated with reduced postoperative analgesic use, and shortened ICU and hospital stay but also with wound complications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Caution should be used when using LB in (clean) contaminated surgeries.

Topical hypertonic saline as a treatment for ocular and nasal hirudiniasis in a dog.

This case report describes ocular and nasal leech infestation (hirudiniasis) in a dog. The patient presented for a suspected ocular foreign body. The patient was sedated to allow proper examination, which revealed a leech foreign body attached to the bulbar conjunctiva adjacent to the inferotemporal limbus of the left eye. A 3.5% hypertonic saline solution was applied topically to the eye in four sequential drops, until the leech detached itself and was removed with a cotton bud. The affected eye was found to have a small corneal ulcer, a small area of scleral haemorrhage, and prominent lymphoid follicles within the third eyelid. Approximately 5 min after the leech was removed, another leech emerged from the left nostril. The patient was sent home on chloramphenicol ointment for treatment of the corneal ulcer, was rechecked 4 days later by an American Board of Veterinary Ophthalmology resident (PM) and found to have a normal ocular exam. This case report highlights that topical hypertonic saline solution (3.5%) can be an effective and easily prepared treatment for ocular and nasal hirudiniasis in veterinary patients.

Pathology and causes of death in captive meerkats (Suricata suricatta).

BACKGROUND: Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) are endemic carnivores of southern Africa and, although currently listed as 'least concern' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, there is evidence of a significant decrease in wild populations mainly attributed to effects of climate change. Little is known about diseases associated with mortality in captive meerkats. AIM: To characterise macroscopic and microscopic lesions that accounted for the death or euthanasia in a series of captive meerkats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight captive meerkats submitted for post-mortem examination between 2018 and 2022. RESULTS: Three animals died unexpectedly without clinical signs, 2 exhibited neurological signs, 2 collapsed after con-specific fighting and 1 showed gastrointestinal signs. Common pathological findings of this study that may be related to the death of captive meerkats included foreign bodies (trichobezoars or plastic materials) within the alimentary tract, traumatic penetrating injuries or starvation associated with abnormal social behaviours (bullying and con-specific attacks), verminous pneumonia and systemic atherosclerosis. Common incidental findings included pulmonary edema and congestion, cholesterol granulomas, pulmonary adenomas and vertebral spondylosis. CONCLUSIONS: Non-infectious diseases outreach infectious diseases as causes of mortality in captive meerkats including, foreign bodies within the alimentary tract, con-specific attacks and systemic atherosclerosis, which is described for the first time. These data should raise concern about appropriate husbandry (e.g. environmental enrichment, cleaning of facilities and diet formulation) by zookeepers and emphasise the need for further study of meerkat mortality in both captive and wild populations.