Use of a unique method for removal of a foreign body from the trachea of a cat.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 2.96-kg (6.5-lb) 9-month-old spayed female domestic longhair cat was admitted for removal of a tracheal foreign body. CLINICAL FINDINGS: The cat had moderate respiratory distress but otherwise appeared to be healthy. Thoracic radiography revealed a foreign body in the trachea. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The cat was anesthetized and endoscopy of the trachea was performed in an attempt to retrieve the foreign body. Endoscopic removal was unsuccessful because of the shape and smooth texture of the foreign body. Surgical removal of the foreign body was not considered ideal because of its location and the risks associated with tracheotomy. Fluoroscopic-guided placement of an over-the-wire balloon catheter caudal to the foreign body was followed by inflation of the balloon and gradual traction in an orad direction, which resulted in successful removal of the foreign body (identified as a piece of landscaping gravel). The cat required supplemental oxygen and supportive care following removal of the foreign body. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A fluoroscopic technique was used as a minimally invasive alternative to endoscopy or open-chest surgery for removal of a foreign body from the trachea of a cat. Use of this technique allowed uninterrupted ventilation of the cat throughout the procedure.

Assessment of microcirculatory perfusion in healthy anesthetized cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy using sidestream dark field microscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To: (1) determine the feasibility of using sidestream dark field microscopy (SDM) to measure microcirculatory parameters in healthy, anesthetized cats and (2) determine if surgical tissue manipulation and anesthesia time alter these parameters during ovariohysterectomy. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Eighteen healthy female cats. INTERVENTIONS: Sublingual mucosa microcirculatory videos were obtained under general anesthesia preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively using an SDM device in healthy cats presenting for ovariohysterectomy. At each video acquisition point, macrovascular parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, end-tidal CO2) were recorded. Vascular analysis software was used to calculate standard microcirculatory parameters. Multivariate analysis was performed to compare microvascular and macrovascular parameters, as well as correlation with the effect of surgical manipulation and time under anesthesia. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Twelve of 18 cats were included in final video analysis; 6 were removed for poor video quality. Values for total vessel density (TVD, 47.7 ± 8.39 mm/mm(2)), proportion of perfused vessels (PPV, 88.2 ± 5.95%), perfused vessel density (PVD, 43.0 ± 9.00 mm/mm(2)), microcirculatory flow index (MFI, 2.33 ± 0.33) were determined preoperatively. There were no significant changes in TVD, PPV, and PVD across intervention points. The MFI increased significantly from preoperative to intra- and postoperative data collection points. No correlation between microcirculatory parameters and length of anesthesia or macrocirculatory values was found. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study demonstrated that SDM can be utilized to obtain sublingual microvascular parameters in healthy, anesthetized cats. Limitations include difficulty in obtaining high quality images, presumed need for general anesthesia, and need for off-line video analysis. This technology has potential as a tool in experimental and clinical monitoring of microcirculatory changes in felines.

Heatstroke in a military working dog.

Military working dogs are often trained and/or worked in locations where the environment is rigorous and austere. Knowledge of training conditions, environmental risks, and appropriate treatment of environmental injuries is essential for the Veterinary Corps officer (VCO). As military practitioners, VCOs are potentially placed in situations where quickly recognizing environmental emergencies, such as heatstroke, and initiating treatment or evacuation is essential. A recent clinical case of heatstroke is presented, along with a review of the most current literature regarding treatment of heat-related injury in veterinary patients.

Pit viper envenomation in a military working dog.

Military working dogs are often trained and/or work in locations where the potential for snake bites is increased. Knowledge of the local venomous snakes, the effects of their venom, and appropriate initial stabilization is essential for the US Army Veterinary Corps officer (VCO). As military practitioners, VCOs are uniquely situated to benefit from collaboration with other military assets for air evacuation and treatment of their patients. A recent clinical case of envenomation is presented, along with a review of the most current literature regarding treatment of envenomation in veterinary patients.