Sequelae of myelography in the horse.

The records of 131 horses undergoing general anaesthesia and positive contrast cervical myelography with metrizamide were examined to determine the effect of the procedure on the 'patient'. Three per cent of minimally ataxic and moderately ataxic horses had serious complications after myelography. Thirty-two per cent of severely ataxic horses died or were destroyed after general anaesthesia and myelography. Although general anaesthesia and myelography are essential components of a complete neurological evaluation of a horse, they impose a significant risk.

Effects of acepromazine and butorphanol on positive-contrast upper gastrointestinal tract examination in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether acepromazine (ACE) and butorphanol (BUT) combination can be used for restraint of dogs during positive-contrast upper gastrointestinal tract (UGIT) examination. ANIMALS: 6 healthy dogs. PROCEDURE: In a randomized crossover design study, weekly UGIT examinations were performed on each dog for 5 weeks after administration of normal saline solution (0.5 ml), xylazine (1.0 mg/kg of body weight), or a combination of ACE (0.1 mg/kg) and 1 of 3 doses of BUT (0.05, 0.2, 1.0 mg/kg). Gastrointestinal tract emptying time, GI motility, pulse, respiratory rate, and quality of restraint were assessed. RESULTS: Total gastric emptying time was significantly prolonged by use of an ACE and BUT (0.05 mg/kg) combination. Xylazine and higher dosages of BUT significantly prolonged gastric and intestinal emptying times. All anesthetic protocols significantly decreased motility and facilitated nonmanual restraint. Xylazine and BUT (1.0 mg/kg) significantly decreased pulse and respiratory rate. CONCLUSION: The ACE and BUT combination prolonged GI tract emptying times, decreased GI motility, and facilitated nonmanual restraint for duration of the examination. Although GI motility was decreased and total gastric emptying time was prolonged, administration of ACE (0.1 mg/kg) plus BUT (0.05 mg/kg) allowed morphologic examination of the GI tract within 5 hours. Xylazine prolonged GI tract emptying, decreased GI motility, and provided good to excellent initial restraint. Clinical Relevance-The ACE and BUT combination prohibits functional examination of the GI tract; however, morphologic examination is possible when low dosages of BUT (0.05 mg/kg) are used.

Ultrasonographic abnormalities in the eyes of dogs with cataracts: 147 cases (1986-1992).

Records of 147 dogs with cataracts and that had an ultrasonographic examination of their eyes were reviewed. Ultrasonography was performed, using a real-time mechanical sector scanner (7.5 or 10.0 MHz transducer), after topical anesthesia of the cornea. Vitreous degeneration was diagnosed in 23% of the eyes examined. Retinal detachment was detected in 11% of all eyes, but was detected in 4% of eyes with immature cataracts, 6.5% of eyes with mature cataracts, and 19% of eyes with hypermature cataracts. In 66% of the eyes, the cataract was the only ultrasonographic abnormality found. Vitreous degeneration and retinal detachment were most often observed in eyes with a hypermature cataract, and were uncommon in eyes with an immature cataract. We concluded that ultrasonographic examination can detect abnormalities of the posterior segment when opacity of the anterior segment precludes complete ophthalmoscopic examination and that it is a quick and easy procedure for screening dogs for retinal detachment prior to cataract surgery.

Pulmonic stenosis in the dog: 29 cases (1975-1984).

In a retrospective study of 29 dogs with congenital pulmonic stenosis, we evaluated the clinical, radiographic, angiocardiographic, and cardiac catheterization data. Eighteen dogs had no clinical signs of disease and were referred for evaluation of a previously detected cardiac murmur, 5 dogs had congestive right-sided heart failure, and 5 dogs were examined for exercise intolerance or syncope. Dogs with heart failure tended to be older than dogs without clinical signs of heart failure (19.3 months vs 12 months). All dogs had radiographic or electrocardiographic evidence of right ventricular enlargement. Poststenotic dilatation of the main pulmonary artery and apparent pulmonary undercirculation were observed frequently on survey radiographs. Isolated pulmonic valve dysplasia, representing a range of angiographic pulmonic valve abnormalities, was evident in 88% of the available 26 angiographic studies, whereas subvalvular stenosis was uncommon and observed in only 2 dogs. Muscular hypertrophy of the right ventricular infundibulum and supraventricular crest were observed in 96% and 25% of the angiocardiograms, respectively. Poststenotic dilatation of the main pulmonary artery was observed in every dog. A ratio between the width of the main pulmonary artery and the valve annulus was useful in identifying pulmonic stenosis and distinguishing this anomaly from other congenital malformations. The degree of poststenotic dilatation did not appear to be related to the severity of the systolic pressure gradient, which ranged from 20 to 228 mm of Hg (mean, 93 mm of Hg).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Use of iohexol as a gastrointestinal contrast agent in three dogs, five cats, and one bird.

Barium sulfate suspension is routinely used as contrast medium for upper gastrointestinal procedures. It has been contraindicated for use in cases of suspected perforation. In such instances, water-soluble iodides are recommended for use. Most of the water-soluble iodides available for use in veterinary medicine at this time are hyperosmolar. This results in in transit dilution of the contrast column. The dilution of the contrast agent within the intestines may prevent visualization of a perforation, especially if the perforation is in the distal portion of the small intestine. Iohexol a nonionic water-soluble iodide of low osmolality, is currently used in veterinary medicine for myelography. We have used it as the contrast agent for upper gastrointestinal studies in cases of suspected obstruction or perforation, with good results, and no adverse effects have been associated with its use. Opacity of the contrast column was adequate, and segmentation or flocculation of the column was not apparent.

Enchondroma in a rhesus monkey.

A 2.5-year-old rhesus monkey was examined because of a bony enlargement of the distal portion of the right tibia. On the basis of radiographic and histologic findings, enchondroma was diagnosed. The tumor enlarged over the next 2 years, but the monkey continued to have normal use of its limb.