Journal of Small Animal Practice最新文献

Objectives: To describe the clinical presentation and clinicopathological findings of dogs with nodular splenic lesions composed of heterogeneous cell components associated with systemic inflammation and to provide information on the outcome after surgical resection.

Materials and methods: Medical records were searched for dogs with histologically and immunohistochemically characterised nodular splenic lesions with mixed stromal, histiocytic and lymphoid cells and the presence of systemic inflammatory markers at the time of diagnosis.

Results: Four dogs were included, of which three had an undifferentiated splenic stromal sarcoma and one had a splenic leiomyosarcoma. Fever and abdominal pain were reported in three and four cases, respectively. All dogs showed hyperglobulinaemia and marked changes in the serum protein electrophoresis profile. C-reactive protein and fibrinogen concentrations were both increased in three cases. These abnormalities completely resolved after splenectomy. Moreover, two dogs had concomitant glomerular disease and one dog had liver amyloidosis. Three dogs were still alive and asymptomatic 1, 6 and 9 months after surgery. One dog died 16 months after the initial presentation due to complications related to progressive renal failure.

Clinical significance: Based on this report, nodular splenic lesions with heterogeneous cell components may directly be associated with a pro-inflammatory state and should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of fever and hyperglobulinaemia in dogs. Furthermore, early recognition and treatment of these lesions could reduce the risk of systemic complications potentially associated with amyloid deposit and organ failure.

Objectives: To report the compartmental location of feline aural inflammatory polyps within the tympanic bulla.

Materials and methods: Nine client-owned cats with clinical signs and middle ear filling consistent with feline aural inflammatory polyps were prospectively pre-selected and underwent unilateral or bilateral ventral bulla osteotomy. Preoperative and surgical findings, complications and outcomes were recorded. Tissues obtained from the ventromedial compartment and from the dorsolateral compartment of the tympanic bulla were submitted separately for histological examination. Definitively selected cats were those having feline aural inflammatory polyps in at least one compartment of their operated tympanic bulla.

Results: Ten ventral bulla osteotomies were performed on nine cats. Feline aural inflammatory polyps were histologically diagnosed in both compartments of all tympanic bullas. There were no intraoperative complications. Apart from Horner's syndrome on the ipsilateral eye following surgeries, post-operative complications were rare. This is the first study that documents the presence of feline aural inflammatory polyps in both compartments of the tympanic bulla in all cats with aural involvement.

Clinical significance: Should a complete excision of feline aural inflammatory polyps be desired, complete debridement of both compartments of the tympanic bulla is required. Traction-avulsion techniques using approaches of tympanic bulla with no visit of the ventromedial compartment may not completely resolve the condition.

Objectives: To assess the incidence and clinical findings associated with the presence of ammonium urate urolithiasis in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts.

Materials and methods: A retrospective review of dogs diagnosed with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts or intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in 15 referral hospitals between 2010 and 2023. Data including signalment, clinical signs, physical examination findings and clinicopathologic test results at the time of the diagnosis were collected, and the presence of ammonium urate urolithiasis was recorded.

Results: A total of 363 dogs were included. The overall incidence of ammonium urate urolithiasis was 19.3%. Dogs with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts were more likely to have urolithiasis compared to those with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (32.2% vs. 8.0%). Dogs with urolithiasis were older (median 40 vs. 8 months) and more likely to be neutered males (51.4% vs. 9.8%). Ammonia was significantly lower in dogs with urolithiasis. Dogs with urolithiasis were more likely to have haematuria on dipstick analysis and sediment examination.

Clinical significance: Dogs with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts were more likely to have urolithiasis when compared to dogs with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts. Dogs with higher ammonia levels were less likely to have ammonium urate urolithiasis, and older dogs, neutered males, or those with evidence of haematuria had an increased incidence of urolithiasis.

Objectives: To determine if tolerance of intravenous catheterisation differs following the application of vapocoolant spray compared to lidocaine/prilocaine cream in dogs and cats.

Materials and methods: A randomised controlled trial of client-owned dogs and cats requiring intravenous catheterisation was performed. They were randomly allocated to either have lidocaine/prilocaine cream applied to their skin 1 hour prior to intravenous catheterisation or a swab saturated with vapocoolant spray applied immediately prior to intravenous catheterisation. The procedure was video-recorded and a single blinded observer reviewed the recordings and assigned reaction scores (0 to 3) at 4 time points (initial restraint, limb handling, swab application and skin puncture).

Results: Between October 2020 and March 2022, a total of 101 animals (83 dogs and 18 cats) were enrolled, with 56 patients randomised to receive vapocoolant spray and 45 to receive lidocaine/prilocaine cream. There was no significant difference in the age, sex status, number of cross and pure breeds, and mentation detected between the groups. There was no significant difference in reaction scores between the treatments when comparing all patients at any time point except for a significantly increased swab application reaction score in patients receiving vapocoolant spray. Vapocoolant spray was significantly less effective in reducing adverse reaction to skin puncture than lidocaine/prilocaine cream in the small number of cats evaluated.

Clinical significance: When considering all patients together, no single method of anaesthesia appeared superior for improving tolerance of intravenous catheter placement. However, vapocoolant spray may be less effective than lidocaine/prilocaine cream in reducing adverse response to skin puncture during catheterisation in cats.

This conference report summarises the abstracts on canine locomotion research presented in The 9th International Conference on Canine and Equine Locomotion, discusses the most relevant literature in relation to the topics presented in the meeting and highlights the importance of canine locomotion in veterinary medicine.

Objectives: To evaluate the perioperative efficacy of a modified supratemporal retrobulbar block in dogs undergoing ocular surgery.

Materials and methods: In this prospective randomized clinical trial, dogs were premedicated with dexmedetomidine (1 mcg/kg im) and methadone (0.1 mg/kg im), induced with propofol to effect and maintained with isoflurane (FE'Iso 1.1%). In the retrobulbar group a mixture of lidocaine 2% (5.5 mL) and ropivacaine 0.75% (2 mL) was administered at 0.1 mL/kg, via a modified supratemporal technique using a Tuohy needle. No block was performed in the controls. When heart rate or mean arterial pressure increased above 30% of the pre-incisional values, fentanyl (1 mcg/kg iv) was administered. Propofol (1 mg/kg iv) was injected when anaesthesia was deemed too light. After a total of three administrations regardless of the type of drugs (fentanyl/propofol), a constant rate infusion of fentanyl (5 mcg/kg/h iv) was started. Quality of recovery (blindly assessed using a descriptive score scale), postoperative eye rubbing and complications were studied.

Results: Eighteen dogs were included. The retrobulbar group (nine) dogs had significantly less risk of receiving fentanyl than controls (nine) (Relative risk:  0.142, 95% CI: 0.021 to 0.936) and a recovery score > 2 (RR: 0.058, 95% CI: 0.003 to 0.887). The median amount of fentanyl (mcg/kg) was statistically lower in the retrobulbar group than in the controls: 0 mcg/kg (range, 0 to 1) versus 2 mcg/kg (range, 0 to 8.49), respectively. Only controls showed eye rubbing.

Clinical significance: The modified supratemporal retrobulbar block reduced the intraoperative rescue analgesia and improved the quality of recovery.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the ability of a periodontal resective procedure (the Proximal Wedge Technique) to improve the long-term health of the mandibular canines by reducing probing depths immediately post-surgery via targeted tissue recontouring and precise debridement. The technique aims to enhance periodontal health and stabilize the supporting structures of strategically important adjacent canine teeth, including alveolar bone, rather than relying solely on mandibular incisor extractions with simple closure.

Materials and methods: A retrospective records review compiled data from patients with suprabony pockets of 6 mm or greater at the mesial aspect of the mandibular canines treated with the proximal wedge technique (PWT). The PWT utilizes non-displaced gingival flaps combining concepts from the modified Widman flap and distal wedge procedures with selective osteoplasty.

Results: Twenty-one mandibular canine sites from 12 patients of various breeds with pocket depths ranging from 6 to 10 mm were treated with the PWT resulting in post-operative mean pocket depths of 1.7 ± 0.1 mm. Approximately 1 year later, the improved depths were unchanged in six of the patients comprising 12 of the 21 sites.

Clinical significance: By employing this method, veterinarians can enhance periodontal health and stabilize the supporting structures of strategically important adjacent canine teeth, including alveolar bone, rather than relying solely on mandibular incisor extractions with simple closure. The Proximal Wedge Technique resulted in reliable periodontal success and improved patient outcomes for one year and potentially longer, allowing retention of the mandibular canines and maintaining the integrity of the rostral mandible.

Objectives: To report the clinical presentation, treatment and outcomes of four cats diagnosed with Menrath ulcers causing significant oral haemorrhage.

Materials and methods: For all cats, data on signalment, history, physical examination, treatment and outcomes were collected by reviewing medical records. Information regarding outcomes was collected from communication logs between primary care veterinarians and owners, and the original case clinicians after discharge of the patient from the hospital.

Results: Four cats were included. All patients survived to discharge. Follow-up outcomes were available between 1 and 8.5 months post discharge. Post-operative complications were classified according to The Accordion Severity Classification of Post-operative Complications. Two of the four patients had recurrence of oral haemorrhage post-ligation originating from the major palatine artery. One classified as a severe complication, due to requiring revision surgery of the ipsilateral major palatine artery. The other classified as mild, since the patient was managed conservatively. Additionally, one patient was documented to have developed an acquired palatal defect post-operatively.

Clinical significance: This is the largest case series of Menrath ulcers to date and the first to describe post-operative complications including acquired palatal defect and recurrence of oral haemorrhage from the original ulcer despite ligation of the ipsilateral major palatine artery.

A 9-year-old, presumed male castrated mixed breed dog was evaluated for lethargy, hyporexia, polyuria, polydipsia and diffuse gynaecomastia. Bloodwork revealed severe hypercalcaemia and hyposthenuria. CT scan showed a caudal abdominal mass consistent with a Sertoli cell tumour on cytology. Diffuse, nodular mammary gland enlargement was consistent with mammary gland hyperplasia on cytology. A malignancy panel was inconsistent with hyperparathyroidism and showed a normal PTHrP. Abdominal exploratory laparotomy, abdominal mass resections and right chain mammectomy were performed. Sertoli cell tumour and mammary gland hyperplasia were confirmed via histopathology. Hypercalcaemia decreased to within normal range and gynaecomastia in the left mammary chain resolved postoperatively. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of hypercalcaemia associated with Sertoli cell tumour in a dog. While several mechanisms have been proposed for hypercalcaemia of malignancy, the mechanism is unclear in this case.