Obstruction In Dogs Research Articles

Retrospective evaluation of radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction for hypertrophic turbinates in dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.

The objective of this study was to retrospectively assess the effect of Radiofrequency Volumetric Tissue Reduction (RFVTR) on hypertrophic turbinates and clinical outcome in brachycephalic dogs when included in multi-level surgery (MLS). Clinical retrospective multicenter study. 132 client-owned brachycephalic dogs. 132 brachycephalic dogs with high-grade Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Ayndrome (BOAS) and hypertrophic turbinates were treated with RFVTR as part of MLS of the upper airways. Intranasal obstruction was evaluated by computer tomography (CT) and antero-/retrograde rhinoscopy before and 6 months after RFVTR. The clinical records, the CT images and the rhinoscopy videos were reviewed and clinical evolution was evaluated using a standardized questionnaire. The data was scored semi-quantitatively. In this study, 132 patients were included for a follow-up period of 120 weeks. RFVTR resulted in minor complications, including serous nasal discharge within the first postoperative week in all dogs, and intermittent nasal congestion between 3-8 weeks after treatment in 24.3% of the patients. Rhinoscopy and CT follow-ups were available for 33 patients. Six months after treatment intranasal airspace was increased (p = 0.002) and the presence and overall amount of mucosal contact points was reduced (p = 0.039). MLS with RFVTR led to a significant reduction in turbinate volume at the 6-month follow-up examination and significant clinical improvement over a long-term period of 120 weeks. This suggests the viability of RFVTR as a turbinate-preserving treatment for intranasal obstruction in dogs with BOAS. RFVTR is a minimally invasive turbinoplasty technique for intranasal obstruction in dogs with BOAS and can be included in MLS without increasing complication rates.

Mango Seed Causing Acute Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs: A Case Series

Mango Seed Causing Acute Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs: A Case Series

Idiopathic functional urinary outflow tract obstruction in dogs, a retrospective case series (2010-2021): 31 cases.

Idiopathic functional urinary outflow tract obstruction (iFUOTO) is an uncommon but life-limiting disease whose etiology and clinical course of disease remain poorly understood. Characterize signalment, clinical signs, clinicopathologic findings, treatments, and propose a standardized response score for dogs with iFUOTO. Thirty-one client-owned dogs diagnosed with iFUOTO. Retrospective case series. Medical records from 2010 to 2021 were reviewed and findings recorded. Dogs were categorized based on the presence or absence of overt signs of neurological disease. Response to treatment was scored. Thirty-one dogs were included. All dogs had stranguria and 14 (45%) had overflow urinary incontinence. Mean age of onset for signs was 6.9 years±8 months. Twenty-four dogs (77%) were castrated males, 5 (16%) intact males, and 2 (6%) spayed females. Eight (26%) of dogs had overt neurological deficits. Follow-up data were available for 29 dogs (median 38 days, range: 2-1277). Final outcome scores were not significantly different among dogs with overt signs of neurological disease (median score 2.5; range: 0-3) and those without (median score 1; range; 0-3; P = .35). Treatments included alpha antagonists, skeletal muscle relaxants, parasympathomimetics, anti-inflammatories, castration, temporary placement of a urethral catheter, or a combination of these. Multimodal treatment was frequently prescribed, but a standard outcome score is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these therapies. Serial neurological examinations and monitoring of the dogs' dysuria are warranted.

Online Instructional Module Improves Student Ability to Evaluate for Radiographic Small Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs.

Radiographic diagnosis of mechanical small intestinal obstruction in dogs is a common and important skill for the small animal practitioner; however, developing skills in this area is challenging. Feedback and practice are both essential to increasing accuracy in interpretation, which can be maximized with focused, self-paced training. We aimed to characterize the efficacy of a self-paced, online module in improving student skill and confidence in interpretation of radiographic small intestinal obstruction in dogs. An instructional module was developed using a series of abdominal radiographs of dogs with and without small intestinal mechanical obstruction; the module allows students to form a diagnosis and then provides feedback on each case. Before and after using the module, 32 veterinary students completed a survey and 20-case abdominal radiograph quiz. This quiz presented 20 abdominal radiograph cases and asked if each radiographic series demonstrated small intestinal mechanical obstruction and the student's confidence level in the diagnosis. Prior to completing the module, average quiz accuracy was 64%; this accuracy increased to 83% after completing the module. Student confidence in their diagnosis also increased post-module completion. On surveys, students had a low initial confidence in their ability to accurately interpret normal versus small intestinal obstruction via abdominal radiographs; confidence improved on the post-module survey. Students made positive comments regarding the module and reviewed it positively as a learning experience. This instructional module appears to be a successful way to teach and reinforce radiographic interpretation skills for small intestinal obstruction in dogs.

Is radiography or ultrasonography superior at detecting intestinal obstructions in dogs with acute abdominal signs?

PICO question In dogs with acute abdominal signs is radiography or ultrasonography superior at detecting surgical patients with intestinal obstructions? Clinical bottom line Category of research Diagnosis. Number and type of study designs reviewed Six relevant studies were identified and reviewed, all diagnostic validity studies. Four had cross sectional designs in place and two have a prospective cohort study design. Strength of evidence Moderate. Outcomes reported All studies showed that ultrasound and radiography were useful in the diagnosis of small intestinal obstruction in dogs. One study with moderate evidence showed that ultrasound is superior to three-view abdominal radiography for diagnosing small intestinal mechanical obstructions in dogs with acute vomiting (p = 0.013). Most of the studies suggested that ultrasound might be more accurate than radiography at detecting surgical patients with intestinal obstructions, but no sufficient evidence was reported. In some studies, the results are too similar for a statistically significant difference to be claimed without further investigation. All studies suggest that the experience of the person who performs or estimates the diagnostic imaging studies can affect the accuracy of each technique, but no statistical comparisons were made to support this hypothesis. Conclusion The results of these studies suggest that both techniques are helpful in the diagnosis of small intestinal obstructions in dogs. There are limitations on each technique and factors that can affect accuracy, like the level of training and expertise but more studies are needed to estimate that. Future studies should focus on the comparison of results when ultrasonography is performed in a general practice setting and knowledge base rather than specialists. The majority of studies included in this summary suggest that ultrasound is generally superior if only one modality can be used, but this is mostly based on weak evidence and further investigations to confirm statistical significance are needed. Considering that all studies were performed by diagnostic imaging experts, the only conclusion that can be safely made is that abdominal ultrasound is superior to three-view abdominal radiographs for diagnosing small intestinal mechanical obstructions in dogs with acute vomiting. Additionally it suggests this modality combined with a good level of training on ultrasonography interpretation or, if possible, cooperation with an expert to get the most out of this tool while treating future patients with relevant issues. How to apply this evidence in practice The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources. Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.

Accuracy and reliability of tele-ultrasonography in detecting gastrointestinal obstruction in dogs and cats.

To assess the accuracy and interobserver agreement of tele-ultrasonography for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal obstruction in small animals by radiologists with different levels of experience. A retrospective cross-sectional study including dogs and cats admitted with gastrointestinal signs, between 2017 and 2019, that had abdominal ultrasonographic (US) examination performed and images saved for review. Patients were classified into two categories based on final diagnosis: animals with or without complete or partial gastrointestinal obstruction. Observers with four experience levels interpreted the archived ultrasound examinations, simulating a tele-ultrasonography consultation. Analyses of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were obtained for each observer for detection of gastrointestinal obstruction. Agreement between observers for the gastrointestinal obstruction diagnosis was assessed using Fleiss's Kappa statistics. Ninety patients with gastrointestinal signs were included. Of these, 23 of 90 had partial or complete gastrointestinal obstruction. Interpretation of the images by observers via tele-ultrasonography showed intervals of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, respectively, of 78.9% to 87.8%, 73.9% to 100%, 77.6% to 89.6%, 55.9% to 70.8% and 90.9% to 100% for diagnosis of gastrointestinal obstruction. Agreement for the gastrointestinal obstruction diagnosis across all reviewers was moderate (Kappa 0.6). Tele-ultrasonography had good accuracy for detection of gastrointestinal obstruction, however had a rather low positive predictive value and only moderate interobserver agreement. Therefore, this technique should be used with caution in this clinical context, given the potential surgical decision at hand.

Manual removal of irregular-shaped foreign body lodged in the pharyngolaryngeal area in 4-months-old puppy

Choke in the veterinary profession is a term used to denote an obstruction to the passage route of food through the pharynx and oesophagus, either partially or completely. This case report describes a four-month-old male puppy, a Nigerian indigenous breed of dog weighing 6kg, diagnosed with oesophageal obstruction caused by ingestion of a fried chicken scapular bone. The puppy was presented at the emergency unit of the University of Jos Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where it was clinically evaluated, diagnosed and managed via manual removal of the dislodged bone that was performed with sterile thumb forceps under deep sedation. Reducing the incidence of foreign body obstruction in dogs can be achieved by ensuring that dogs are not fed with large, irregularly shaped bone and/ or bones with sharp edges. The bones are correctly disposed-off in the environment. Furthermore, bones should not be fed to dogs where likely competition for the bone is likely as a choke at the pharyngolaryngeal region can occur.

Left Atrioventricular (AV) Thrombosis and a Compacted Fracture of Lumber Six and Seven Vertebrae in a Ten Year Old Alsatian Bitch

An edematous ten-year old Alsatian bitch was diagnosed of atrioventricular (AV) obstruction on postmortem examination after managing the case for three days before the death of the bitch. The postmortem also revealed a compacted fracture of the last two lumbar vertebrae. The most common causes of atrio-ventricular obstruction in dogs are cardiac tumors. The diagnosis of cardiac neoplasia is usually based on clinical history, physical examination, Urinalysis, radiographic, and echocardiographic methods. Atrioventricular obstruction causes slow conduction throughout the atrioventricular node with variable prognosis ranging from good to sudden death. In this case report, diagnosis was based on Haematology, Urinalysis, Xray, chemical pathology and postmortem findings. The result of cardiac gross pathology revealed a dark red mass attached to the endocardium just proximal to the aortic valve leaflet. Laboratory findings inclusive of the urinalysis were within the normal range..

Duplex doppler evaluation of distal intrarenal arteries in urinary tract diseases of dogs

The study was performed on 38 dogs to evaluate the utility of renal Doppler in the diagnosis of urinary tract affections. The dogs were divided into three groups viz., group I (healthy dogs), group II (dogs with renal failure) and group III (dogs with urinary obstruction). In all the dogs B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography were performed and in group II dogs ultrasound guided renal biopsy was also obtained to reach at final diagnosis. In group II, USG showed 100% sensitivity but very low specificity (14.28%), whereas in group III both sensitivity and specificity were 100%. There was no difference in the mean RI and PI of left and right kidneys. Renal cortical vascularity was reduced in group II, whereas there was no change in renal cortical vascularity in group III. The mean RI and PI of arcuate or interlobar vessels of group II dogs were significantly higher than that of groups III and I. The study concluded that both RI and PI increased in non-obstructive renal diseases; however, these indices had limited value in urinary obstruction in dogs.

Accidentally ingested textile foreign bodies, a cause of gastrointestinal obstruction in dogs and cats – a retrospective study

Gastrointestinal obstruction is a life-threatening condition that is usually caused by accidental ingestion of inedible objects, through play or food indiscretions. Ingested foreign objects generate the mechanical obstruction of the gastrointestinal segment, characterized by a relatively typical set of symptoms, depending on the location. The aim of this study was the clinical and imaging description of some cases of gastrointestinal obstruction in dogs and cats, caused by swallowing textile foreign bodies. The study included 12 dogs and 8 cats of different breeds and ages, belonging to both sexes, which showed clinical signs suggestive from a clinical-anamnestic point of view for gastrointestinal obstruction. These patients had symptoms with acute or chronic progressive evolution of the gastrointestinal tract, including restlessness, deviation, vomiting (single or repeated episodes), abdominal tenderness, constipation and tenesmus. The diagnosis was confirmed by radiographic examination, simple and with contrast medium, and ultrasound, completed in some situations with laparotomy. Ingested textile foreign bodies were represented by socks/stockings (5 dogs and 3 cats), underwear (3 dogs), rope (1 dog and 3 cats), carpet fragments (2 dog and 1 cat), toy fragments (1 dog and 1 cat), and they were located in the stomach (7/12; 58.33%, respectively 4/8; 50%), in the gastro-duodenal segment (2/12; 16.67%, respectively 3/8; 37.5%), in the jejunum (3/12; 25%, respectively 1/8; 12.5%) and in the colon (1/12; 8.33%, respectively 1/8; 12.5%). Gastrointestinal obstruction in pets, caused by accidental ingestion of textile foreign bodies, is a medical emergency and imaging examinations are the main diagnostic tool in the establishment of a subsequent therapy with maximum efficiency.

Transatrial stenting for long-term management of cardiac tumor obstruction of the right atrium in 3 dogs.

BackgroundVenous obstruction in dogs caused by large intracardiac masses can result in severe morbidity with few safe treatments.Hypothesis/ObjectivesRetrospective study to report results after transatrial stent placement in dogs with naturally occurring cardiac masses causing venous obstruction.AnimalsThree client‐owned dogs diagnosed with large cardiac masses.MethodsRetrospective study of patients that received transatrial stents extending from the caudal vena cava, across the right atrium, and into the cranial vena cava (CrVC). Procedures, complications, and outcomes were recorded based upon medical records, referring veterinarians, and client communications.ResultsTwo dogs had similar clinical signs suggestive of congestive hepatopathy including marked ascites and lethargy. One dog had clinical signs of CrVC syndrome including head and neck swelling with pitting edema and pleural effusion. After stent placement, venous pressure gradients were decreased and repeat angiography confirmed that vascular patency was reestablished. Resolution of clinical signs was marked in all 3 dogs with only mild complications including tachyarrhythmias and hypertension in 1 dog during the perioperative period. Two dogs that required additional transatrial stent placement for reobstruction 6 and 14 months later improved after the second stent implantation. Survival times poststenting for the dogs were 3, 21, and 37 months, with cause of death related to the cardiac tumor in all dogs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceEndovascular transatrial stenting may provide a long‐term palliative treatment option for dogs with clinical signs attributable to tumor‐induced venous obstruction when more traditional treatments are declined or not indicated.

Biliary Dilation: An Unusual Presentation of Histoplasma capsulatum in a Dog

ABSTRACT A 4 mo old intact male Labrador retriever was referred to the authors’ institution for a 3 wk history of weight loss and progressive abdominal distension. Thoracic radiographs revealed sternal lymphadenopathy and a diffuse unstructured interstitial and bronchial pulmonary pattern. An abdominal ultrasound revealed multifocal lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and biliary duct dilation. Fine-needle aspirates of the spleen and liver revealed Histoplasma capsulatum organisms. Antifungal therapy was initiated with itraconazole and terbinafine. Repeat ultrasound examinations revealed resolving hepatosplenomegaly and resolving cystic duct dilation. Ultrasonographic findings mirrored a decrease in urine H capsulatum antigen levels. Histoplasmosis should be considered as a differential for unexplained biliary duct dilation or obstruction in dogs. Dogs with disseminated histoplasmosis should be monitored for this potential complication.

Grass as a linear gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction in four dogs

Four dogs presented with linear gastrointestinal foreign body (FB) obstruction caused by impacted grass fibres. The material had become anchored within the pylorus in three dogs, causing necrosis and perforation...

Outcome of SUB placement for the treatment of benign ureteral obstruction in dogs: nine dogs and 12 renal units (2013 to 2017).

To describe a group of dogs with benign ureteral obstruction(s) treated by subcutaneous ureteral bypass and report the intra-operative, peri-operative, short- and long-term outcomes. Review of medical records of dogs that underwent subcutaneous ureteral bypass. Nine dogs (12 renal units) were included. Causes of obstruction included: ureterolithiasis (n=9) extraluminal compression (n=2), and stricture (n=1). Eleven of 12 ureters had a previously placed stent and required subcutaneous ureteral bypass for: recurrent stricture (n=4), diffuse ureteritis (n=4) or stent migration (n=3). Placement was successful in all renal units and there were no peri-operative or procedure-related deaths. Median hospitalisation time was 3 days. The median creatinine values pre-operatively and 3 month post-operatively were 186 and 106 μmol/L, respectively. No dog had worsening azotaemia in the short-term. The most common long-term complication was mineralisation of six devices, of which four required exchange. All dogs that were infected post-operatively (n=5) had a history of at least one urinary tract infection pre-operatively. One of the nine dogs had a chronic post-operative urinary tract infection and had been chronically infected before placing the bypass. The median survival time was >774 days, with five of nine dogs alive at the time of publication. Placement of a subcutaneous ureteral bypass was an effective short-term treatment option for benign ureteral obstructions in dogs but there was a high rate of device mineralisation.

Serial abdominal radiographs do not significantly increase accuracy of diagnosis of gastrointestinal mechanical obstruction due to occult foreign bodies in dogs and cats.

Abdominal radiographs are commonly used in dogs and cats that present with gastrointestinal signs. When initial abdominal radiographs are equivocal for the presence or absence of gastrointestinal mechanical obstruction, follow-up abdominal radiographs may be recommended. Based on our review of the literature, no published study has been performed to evaluate the clinical utility of serial abdominal radiographs in such cases. The purpose of this study is to determine whether follow-up abdominal radiographs increase diagnostic accuracy for mechanical obstruction. A prospective cohort study was performed on client-owned dogs and cats with clinical concern for gastrointestinal mechanical obstruction and initial abdominal radiographs inconclusive for the presence of obstruction. Follow-up abdominal radiographs were performed between 7 and 28h of the initial radiographs; an abdominal ultrasound performed within 3h of the follow-up study served as the gold standard. A total of 57 patients (40 dogs and 17 cats) were recruited; 19 of 57 cases (11 dogs; 8 cats) were mechanically obstructed, all with nonradiopaque foreign bodies. Four blinded reviewers (2 radiologists, 1 radiology resident, 1 criticalist) separately assessed the initial and the combined initial/follow-up radiographic studies for diagnosis of mechanical obstruction; for each observer, there was no significant change in accuracy (P=.058-.87) for the diagnosis of mechanical obstruction. Given the lack of significant increase in diagnostic accuracy using follow-up radiographs in cases of occult gastrointestinal mechanical obstruction, other diagnostic options (eg, abdominal ultrasonography) could be considered when survey abdominal radiographs are inconclusive for the diagnosis of mechanical obstruction in dogs and cats.

Canaliculorhinostomy as a treatment for nasolacrimal duct obstruction in dogs and cats.

To create a replacement nasolacrimal system, using the puncta and canaliculi, with prolonged implant retention and minimal use of Elizabethan collars or other restraint devices. The method was used in 11 dogs and two cats. Silicone tubing was placed through both canaliculi and, via a drill hole, into the nasal cavity. Distally, the tubing ends were tied in a subcutaneous pocket lateral to the premaxilla. Tubing retention time was 4 to 7 months. Elizabethan collars were used only until skin suture removal at 2 weeks. In all animals, a functional nasolacrimal system was re-created and remained patent over prolonged follow-up periods. Adverse effects and complications were mild. The described method is relatively straightforward, thereby making relief of tear outflow problems widely accessible.

Chronic osteomyelitis in canine penile bone: case report

ABSTRACT A 10-year-old male mixed-breed dog was admitted for recurrent signs of urinary tract infection (UTI). Urinary bladder ultrasonography revealed decreased thickness of its wall with floating hyperopic particles within its lumen. Ultrasonography revealed a structure invading the dorsal wall of the penile urethral lumen, located in a segment distal to the bladder. Radiographies showed bone resorption with proliferation at the caudal aspect of the penile bone, stricture of the final aspect of the penile urethra, and no radiopaque images compatible with a urethrolith. Computed tomography showed bone proliferation causing stricture of the urethral lumen at two different sites. Presumptive diagnosis of penile neoplasia was considered more likely and the dog underwent penectomy along with orchiectomy and scrotal urethrostomy. Enterobacter spp. was cultured from the urine sample and antibiotic sensitivity tests revealed that the bacterium was susceptible to amikacin, imipenem, and meropenem. Histopathology revealed severe suppurative urethritis, bone resorption, and hyperostosis, suggestive of osteomyelitis of the penile bone. Neoplastic cells were not observed at any part of the examined tissue. The findings in the present case suggest that osteomyelitis of the penile bone should be included in differential diagnosis for partial and complete urethral obstruction in dogs with recurrent UTI.

Clinical and Radiographical Evaluations of Different Methods for Intestinal Obstruction in Dogs

The present experimental study was aimed to Describe, evaluate and compare between different techniques of experimental intestinal obstruction in dogs. The present study was performed on 12 healthy mongrel dogs aging (9 months to 24 months) and weighing (12 to 15 kg). All dogs were subjected to full physical and clinical examination which includes; body temperature, Respiratory rate and Pulse rate. Four types of techniques were used: A. Intestinal obstruction on the level of lumen (3 dogs were used), B. Intestinal obstruction on the level of lumen with fixed knot (3 dogs were used), C. Intestinal obstruction on the level of lumen with ligation of blood vessels (3 dogs were used), D. Experimental intussusception (3 dogs were used). Dogs’ recoevery from anasethesia was smooth with no complications. The wounds showed no signs of infection and the sutures were removed after 8 days. Soft food was introduced after one day of resolution of the obstruction with close observation of appetite, urination and defecation. On conclusion: Intestinal obstruction techniques were almost the same in application with the exception of the intussusception which was the most complicated procedure. Time consumed during the procedures was higher in case of intussusception and in case of intestinal obstruction on the level of lumen with ligation of blood vessels. Clinical signs were almost the same with no significant variation within the four applied techniques. The effect on intestinal loop and intestinal viability considered to be prominent when blood vessels were included as in case of obstruction on the level of lumen with ligation of blood vessels and in intussusception where a large portion of intestinal loop is resected and then reanastmosed.

Diagnosis of gastrointestinal obstruction in dogs and cats using ultrasound – a retrospective study of 38 cases

GI obstruction often leads to intractable vomiting, the consequences of which can be life-threatening. For diagnosing, an ileus clinical examination with abdominal radiographs or ultrasonographs are chosen routinely. The purpose of the study was to determine the incidence of GI obstruction among animals with gastrointestinal symptoms and to define ultrasonographic accuracy in detecting these GI obstructions. 38 animals (31 dogs and 7 cats) were included in the study. At the first consultation they presented gastrointestinal symptoms. A clinical examination with palpation of the abdomen was made. An ultrasound examination was made by an experienced radiologist. 17 of the 38 animals were diagnosed with obstructive ileus. In 15 of these 17 the ileus was confirmed, and in the remaining 2 only functional obstruction and enteritis was found. For the other 21 of the 38 animals the ileus was excluded. The animals with GI obstruction accounted for 39.5% of all animals with GI symptoms. The ultrasound examination was effective in 88.2% of cases. Intestinal obstruction is common in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. Vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation are the main symptoms. Abdomen pain is rare. Ultrasound is a valuable and safe method for detecting GI obstructions. In only 2 animals was ileus misdiagnosed.

Urethral obstruction in dogs: diagnosis and management

Urethral obstruction is not uncommon in dogs, particularly males. Obstruction can be either partial or complete and can result in a range of clinical signs according to the degree and...