Veterinary Literature Research Articles

Pseudohyperchloremia in a patient taking bromine-containing drug: a clinical case

The development of pseudohyperchloremia in bromine poisoning has been described in several clinical cases, as well as in the veterinary literature. Among the side effects of bromides, the likelihood of developing such condition has not been described. We report a case of pseudohyperchloremia in patients taking a bromine-containing multicomponent drug. Severe hyperchloremia was detected – 209 mmol/l and 233 mmol/l – in the absence of metabolic acidosis and negative anion gap. This case is the first Russian-language description of the phenomenon.

Using an e-Delphi consensus technique to develop the Stressful Adverse Veterinary Events Support (SAVES) Framework.

Co-ordinated approaches to supporting veterinary practitioners in relation to adverse events are needed to mitigate associated practitioner stress and to prevent future occurrence. The overarching aim of this study was to develop a framework that could be used profession wide within the veterinary sector to support practitioners in relation adverse events (the Stressful Adverse Veterinary Events Support Framework; SAVES Framework). A three-round e-Delphi consensus approach was taken. The study used an a priori determined panel of 50 stakeholders (50% veterinary practitioners - veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses registered in the United Kingdom, 28% individuals employed within UK organisations supporting veterinary practitioners and 22% other veterinary care stakeholders). An a priori determined consensus agreement level of ≥75% was set. Forty-six recommendations entering the first round were formulated by reviewing two sources (i) The human and veterinary healthcare literature pertaining to the provision of support for practitioners who are involved in adverse events, and (ii) Transcripts from a study by the authors that explored veterinary practitioners' experiences of and responses to adverse events. Both sources were used to identify recommendations that may be useful to veterinary practitioners and/or highlighted gaps in the current provision of such support. Recommendations were refined by the primary researcher, through discussion with the core research group and with a wider group of stakeholders via a pretesting and pilot phase before being shared with e-Delphi panellists. Panellists were asked to indicate the degree to which they agreed with each recommendation (Likert Scale; 1 = Very strongly disagree, 7 = Very strongly agree) and were informed that indications of 6 or 7 would be considered agreement and indications of 1 or 2 would be considered disagreement. In rounds one and two, panel members were asked to provide feedback regarding the recommendations, which was (i) Used to modify the recommendations or to formulate additional recommendations, and (ii) Qualitatively analysed to generate themes of factors that may influence implementation of support for veterinary practitioners in relation to adverse events. Twenty-nine of the 46 initial recommendations (63%) reached consensus. Feasibility, a multifaceted and flexible approach and the influence of human thought and behaviour were identified as factors participants thought would influence the implementation of such support. The recommendations provide the first evidence-based guidance for specifically supporting veterinary practitioners in relation to adverse events; future work should focus on assessing their implementation and impact.

Type IV Monteggia Fracture in a Puma Cub (Puma concolor) - Surgical Treatment

Background: Monteggia fracture is an injury characterized by a bone discontinuity affecting the ulna associated with radial head dislocation. This type of fracture has been rarely reported in human and veterinary literature and even more rarely in studies on wild animals. Herein, we report the case of a puma cub (Puma concolor); also known as cougar) with functional weakness of the right forelimb following an automobile trauma who was diagnosed with type IV Monteggia fracture. The cub underwent osteosynthesis of the radius and ulna, which was associated with reduction of humeroradial dislocation, to achieve functional recovery of the injured limb until its reintroduction into the wild. Case: A traumatized puma cub was treated for lameness and functional weakness of the right forelimb. The nature of the trauma is unknown, but probably secondary to vehicle collision. Following intramuscular chemical sedation with ketamine and xylazine, a physical examination was conducted, revealing that the cub was a young male with permanent incisors and deciduous canines. Radiographic examination revealed fractures in both ulna and radius, along with right humeroradial dislocation, which is a characteristic feature of type IV Monteggia fracture. The cub underwent surgical osteosynthesis associated with correction of the dislocation. Osteosynthesis was performed using locking neutralization plates on both radius and ulna. In addition, a figure-of-8 antirotational suture was performed with steel wire over the head of the radius and condyle of the humerus to reduce the radial head dislocation. After surgery, the animal appeared comfortable, with weight bearing of the operated limb. Bone healing of the fractures was verified within 75 days. It was recommended that the implants should be removed before reintroducing the animal into the wild. Discussion: Monteggia fractures are an uncommon type of fracture, with only a few reports published in veterinary literature. Despite the lack of information, especially in wild animals. This type of fracture has been reported to be caused by direct high-energy, for example, automobile trauma or falls. Monteggia fractures are difficult to be identified by physical examination, and radiographic examination with at least 2 orthogonal projections is defined as the "gold standard" of diagnosis. These fractures must be treated surgically as early as possible to avoid excessive surgical manipulation and complications. Complications include swelling of the limb, muscle contraction, and inflammation of the soft tissues. The surgical technique may vary depending on the surgeon's preference and patient's characteristics. Furthermore, when bone fragments can be anatomically reconstructed and maintained in position, rigid stabilization methods should be used, such as locking plates. In the feline analyzed in this report, osteosynthesis of the radius and ulna combined with the antirotational suture enabled bone healing and functional recovery of the limb. The osteosynthesis associated to the antirotational suture contributed to the maintenance of the joint congruence, which is extremely important for maintaining an acceptable joint function. Early surgical intervention and appropriate handling of the animal contributed to its successful recovery and reintroduction into the wild. The implants used in the osteosynthesis of the radius and ulna were removed before the animal was released, due to the non-biodegradability of the materials. Keywords: felidae, wild animal medicine, radius and ulna, humeroradial subluxation, osteosynthesis.

Pneumothorax as a Complication of Nasogastric Feeding Tube Placement in Six Dogs.

To describe pneumothorax as a complication of nasogastric tube (NGT) misplacement in six dogs at a single institution and to discuss NGT placement techniques and pneumothorax prevention strategies found in the human and veterinary literature. Retrospective case series. Private referral center. Six client-owned dogs. Medical records at a private practice referral hospital were searched for cats and dogs with "nasogastric tube" and "pneumothorax" from January 2013 to May 2022. Data collected from the medical records, where available, included patient signalment, weight, primary disease process, relevant diagnostic test results, clinical signs before NGT placement, size of NGT, personnel performing tube placement, sedation administered before NGT placement, therapies administered for management of pneumothorax, duration of hospitalization, and outcome. Six dogs were included, having developed pneumothorax secondary to NGT misplacement during the 9-year period (incidence=0.0006). Four of the six dogs received IV sedation before NGT placement. Three of the six dogs displayed clinical signs of pneumothorax, including an abnormal breathing pattern and coughing. Thoracocentesis was required in three of the dogs, and one ultimately required a thoracostomy tube for 24h. Pneumothorax fully resolved in all patients, and four survived to discharge. Two dogs were euthanized due to worsening clinical conditions unrelated to pneumothorax. This retrospective study describes the complete resolution of iatrogenic pneumothorax in six dogs after NGT misplacement. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of pneumothorax during NGT placement and warn clients of the risk. Fatalities have been reported secondary to this complication; however, due to lack of veterinary data, the survival rate is uncertain. Results of this case series indicate that the prognosis may be good for resolution of pneumothorax secondary to NGT misplacement with subsequent discharge from the hospital.

Prevalence of Proteinuria in Dogs With Immune‐Mediated Disease

ABSTRACTBackgroundProteinuria is associated with autoimmune diseases in humans. There is minimal evidence in the veterinary literature on proteinuria and its association with immune‐mediated disease in dogs.HypothesisRenal proteinuria is common in dogs with immune‐mediated disease. Dogs presenting with pyrexia or immune‐mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) are more likely to have proteinuria.AnimalsOne hundred and forty‐four dogs with primary immune‐mediated diseases.MethodsRetrospective, observational study. Data collected included signalment, travel outside the United Kingdom, duration of clinical signs, diagnosis, urinalysis, and urine protein–creatinine ratio (UPCR). Non‐proteinuric, mild proteinuria, moderate proteinuria, and severe proteinuria were defined as UPCR < 0.5; ≥ 0.5–1; ≥ 1–2; ≥ 2, respectively. Exclusion criteria included azotemia, hypoalbuminemia (< 2.0 g/dL), foreign travel, active urine sediment or positive culture, glucocorticoid therapy for greater than 24 h prior to presentation, or medication known to influence UPCR.ResultsSixty‐seven dogs were non‐proteinuric (47%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 38%, 55%), 25 mildly proteinuric (17%; 95% CI: 9%, 26%), 15 moderately proteinuric (10%; 95% CI: 2%, 19%), and 37 severely proteinuric (26%; 95% CI: 17%, 34%). On multiple logistic regression analysis, female dogs (odds ratio [OR]: 3.24; 95% CI: 1.49, 7.42), individuals with pyrexia (OR: 6.59; 95% CI: 3.00, 15.37), or hemoglobinuria (OR: 27.21; 95% CI: 4.79, 516.56) were more likely to have proteinuria. There was an association between steroid‐responsive meningitis‐arteritis and the magnitude of proteinuria on multiple linear regression (p = 0.025); this was not confirmed on multiple logistic regression.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceProteinuria is common in dogs with immune‐mediated disease and can be severe. Screening for proteinuria could be considered part of the diagnostic assessment for dogs with immune‐mediated disease.

Perioperative drug management in non-critical companion animals: a retrospective study at a Spanish veterinary teaching hospital (2018–2022)

There is little information in veterinary literature on the perioperative pharmacological management of small animal patients, despite the existence of common protocols and the importance of properly managing this period to reduce anaesthesia-related detrimental effects. This study aimed to analyse the current use of perioperative drugs in companion animals treated at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of León (HVULE) in Spain over a period of 5 years (2018–2022), describe the prescription patterns of these medicines, and identify the main variables associated with their prescription to explore possible strategies to promote their appropriateness. A total of 3438 cases were included in this study. The animals that most frequently underwent surgery were dogs (58.2%), females (57.0%), and adults (73.0%). The primary procedures performed were reproductive (56.6%) and traumatological (19.8%) surgeries. Regarding pharmacological treatments, more than half (62.3%) belonged to the ATCvet classification QN group (nervous system), and the most common compounds were isoflurane (13.5%), methadone (13.5%), and propofol (12.7%). Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (3.7%) and marbofloxacin (2.8%) (categories C and B in the European Medicines Agency categorisation, respectively) were the most prescribed antibiotics. These findings provide detailed data to help veterinary policymakers improve drug use during surgical procedures.

Diode Laser Epiglottidectomy (DLE) for management of epiglottic disease in 35 dogs.

Diode Laser Epiglottidectomy (DLE) for management of epiglottic disease in 35 dogs.

Stoicism or Defeat? The Psychological Impact of the Kiln Environment on Working Donkeys and Mules.

One of the most problematic situations for the estimated 60 million working donkeys and mules across the world is within the brick kiln environment. In countries such as Egypt, Nepal, India and Pakistan, donkeys and mules carry dried bricks into small kilns either by pulling carts or carrying loaded packs. The health and welfare problems of this environment are well documented: they may carry excessive loads; work long hours, have difficulties accessing food, water and rest options; and can frequently suffer untreated illnesses including dental problems, lameness and open wounds from poorly fitting harnesses and aggressive handlers. The impact of this environment on their mental health has been largely overlooked. We use a behavioral comparative analogy approach, comparing the clinical signs and risk factors associated with learned helplessness, depression and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) in humans and laboratory studies in other animals with evidence from the veterinary literature. Based on an analysis of seven quantitative veterinary studies that have evaluated the health and behavior of kiln donkeys and mules, we argue that their behavior may be consistent with learned helplessness, depression and/or cPTSD. Furthermore, the kiln environment contains many of the key environmental risk factors associated with the development of these disorders. And, because of certain behavioral differences from horses, donkeys and mules are at greater risk of their physical and mental health being overlooked. This finding, adding to the wealth of evidence for their poor health, should further strengthen efforts to replace their use in the kiln environment.

Evaluation of plasma nucleosome concentrations and the effect of pre-analytical variables in healthy cats

BackgroundNucleosome levels have been shown to increase in dogs and humans in certain disease states, as a result of cell apoptosis, raising interest in their utility as a biomarker. Detection of nucleosomes in feline blood has yet to be described. Optimal collection tube and processing technique for samples intended for nucleosome analysis varies in the available veterinary and human literature. The aims of this study were to evaluate nucleosome concentration in blood obtained from healthy cats, and describe the impact of collection and processing methods, including tube type, centrifugation protocol, and time to sample processing.MethodsBlood from sixty-four client-owned healthy domestic cats was collected and analyzed. Samples were collected into EDTA, serum separator and sodium citrate tubes. Processing of samples was performed at different timepoints (15, 30, 60, 120 min) and under different centrifugation protocols to ascertain the most reliable sample collection and processing technique. An ELISA with a detection antibody directed at histone 3.1 was utilized to determine nucleosome concentration.ResultsThe smaller range of nucleosome concentrations in EDTA samples indicates higher reliability of samples collected into EDTA tubes. Concentrations in samples collected into serum separator and sodium citrate tubes were widely variable in comparison to EDTA tubes. There was no significant difference when comparing H3.1 nucleosome levels from samples collected into serum separator or sodium citrate tubes at the different time points from sample collection to processing. The H3.1 nucleosome levels in the EDTA sample processed at 120-min were significantly higher than those from all other EDTA timepoints. No significant difference in nucleosome concentration was found between centrifugation protocols.Conclusions and relevanceNucleosomes can be successfully measured in blood obtained from healthy cats. EDTA tubes provided more consistent results compared to sodium citrate and serum separator tubes for evaluation of H3.1 nucleosome levels. The significant increase in nucleosome concentration in EDTA samples that were processed after 120 min justifies sample processing within one hour of collection. Samples can be processed utilizing any of the centrifugation protocols used in this study.

Thoracic radiographic findings of canine spirocercosis in Australia.

Canine spirocercosis in Australia has been poorly described in the veterinary literature. The objectives of this multicentre retrospective case series were to increase the awareness of veterinarians (including teleradiology providers) regarding Spirocerca lupi in Australia and to describe the thoracic radiographic findings of dogs infected with S. lupi with comparison to other endemic regions. Fifty-nine dogs with a diagnosis of canine spirocercosis were recruited from veterinary practices located in subtropical and tropical Australia. Many (54/59; 92%) originated from Mount Isa, Queensland, due to proactive screening. Thoracic radiographs identified 42 oesophageal masses in 35/59 (59%) of affected dogs. Identification of oesophageal masses was nearly always facilitated by oesophageal gaseous distension after gastro-oesophageal endoscopy, sedation or anaesthesia (33/35, 94%). Oesophageal masses were most frequently centred at T8. Where the aorta was visualised, aortic enlargement was detected in 17/42 (40%) dogs. Spondylitis was frequently detected (32/59; 54%) and most frequently located at T8-11. Spondylosis deformans was less frequently detected (14/59; 24%) but in 7/14 (50%) studies it was present concurrently with spondylitis. Spondylitis had varied morphological features, some of which were contrary to previously reported definitions. Despite this, the radiographic appearance of spondylitis allowed relatively reliable differentiation from spondylosis deformans and added significant confidence to the radiographic diagnosis of spirocercosis. Pleural effusion (5/59; 8%) was the most frequent additional radiographic finding. In conclusion, thoracic radiographic findings of canine spirocercosis in Australia are similar to other endemic regions and S. lupi is present in multiple regions of Australia not previously reported.

Crystalloids versus Colloids: Same Controversy, New Information.

Crystalloids versus Colloids: Same Controversy, New Information.

Outcomes of Isocalothorax Resulting from Nasogastric Tube Misplacement in Two Dogs and One Cat.

Nasogastric tubes (NGTs) are used in critical care to provide early enteral nutrition to reduce mortality and morbidity. Compared with other feeding tubes, NGTs are inexpensive and easy to place without delaying provision of enteral nutrition. In addition, NGTs are used to monitor gastric motility and reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Despite their versatility, there are complications associated with their use. This report presents three cases of isocalothorax in animals resulting from inadvertent placement of NGTs into the respiratory tract. Two dogs were treated surgically; one survived to discharge and one died. One cat survived to discharge with medical management. Few reports in veterinary literature describe complications of misplaced NGTs. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of successful medical management in a cat with isocalothorax. This report highlights complications of NGT misplacement and offers possible management strategies in cases of isocalothorax.

Review of tracheal neoplasia in dogs and cats (1961-2024).

Tracheal neoplasia is considered infrequent in domestic animals. A detailed summarized description of the demographic trends of the patients and frequent tumor types arising from this anatomical location is missing in the reference literature. To better describe clinical and pathological features, a multi-institutional retrospective analysis and literature review were conducted to collect all the tracheal neoplasms reported in dogs and cats. Forty-two cases from a multi-institutional data search and 123 documented cases from the veterinary literature between 1961 and August 2024 were collected for a total of 165 cases. Dogs represented 41.2% (68/165) of the cases retrieved, whereas the remaining 58.8% (97/165) were cats. The most common tracheal neoplasia in dogs in descending order were osteochondroma, plasma cell tumor, chondrosarcoma, malignant epithelial tumors (adenocarcinoma and carcinoma), and chondroma. In dogs, most of the affected animals were males (53%), with a mean age at the time of diagnosis of 6.7 years, and most of the tumors were located at the cervical trachea (43%). Labrador retrievers represented 10% of the cases. In cats, the most common tracheal neoplasms were lymphoma and malignant epithelial tumors (adenocarcinoma, carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma). In cats, most of the affected animals were males (52%) and domestic shorthairs (62%), with a mean age at the time of diagnosis of 10.7 years, and most of the tumors were located at the cervical trachea (38%). Diagnosticians must consider these differential diagnoses when dealing with tracheal samples that are suspicious of neoplasia in dogs and cats.

Evaluation of Lateral Ear Canal Ablation (LECA) as a Surgical Treatment Option for External Ear Canal Disease in Lop-Eared Pet Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

A soft tissue-filled external ear canal, sometimes also referred to as otitis externa in the veterinary literature, is a prevalent disease in pet rabbits, especially in lop-eared pet rabbits. The authors describe the clinical findings, diagnostic workup, therapy, and outcome of pet rabbits treated surgically for a lateral ear canal ablation (LECA). For the time period between 2015 and 2023, the medical records of two veterinary clinics were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 25 pet rabbits, diagnosed via computed tomography (CT) scans with a soft tissue-filled external ear canal and (if present) middle ear, were identified. All the pet rabbits were evaluated as lop-eared pet rabbits and all were treated surgically using the same surgical technique, LECA. In accordance with Richardson et al., we categorized the different ear filling levels by using the grading system that was established in 2019. The mean follow-up period was 19 days, and in one case complete wound healing was not reached within 131 days after surgery. A total of 7/25 of the pet rabbits were evaluated with wound healing issues. Of the cases, 18/25 did not develop any recurrent ear diseases. Loss to follow-up was observed in 5/25 of the cases and recurrent ear diseases were identified in 2/25 of the pet rabbits. Progression of the ear disease was detected in four cases. CT post-operative images were acquired for 14/25 of the pet rabbits. Based on this study, LECA can be considered a safe surgical method to treat soft tissue-filled external ear canals, especially in lop-eared pet rabbits. Nonetheless, thorough post-surgical management including wound control is critical for therapy success.

Computed Tomography-Measured Cranial Sternal Lymphadenomegaly Is Associated with Elevated C-Reactive Protein in Small Dogs with Non-Neoplastic Disorders.

Lymphadenomegaly is well described in dogs with neoplastic diseases but can also reflect inflammation. However, its role in assessments of inflammation is little reported in the veterinary literature. Lymph nodes are most easily assessed superficially through palpation, but computed tomography (CT) enables the evaluation of deep lymph nodes. Accordingly, we investigated associations between the maximal lymph node diameter and plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) count, as inflammatory markers, targeting three deep lymph nodes (sternal, cranial mediastinal, and internal iliac). We evaluated data from small dogs with non-neoplastic diseases that underwent synchronous CT and blood biochemistry at our institution. We found that the sternal lymph node diameter was significantly greater in dogs with clinically elevated CRP than those with clinically unremarkable CRP (p = 0.04) and significantly correlated with CRP (r = 0.32; p < 0.01). We found no significant association with CRP for the cranial mediastinal or internal iliac lymph node. Thus, we consider CT-measured sternal lymphadenomegaly a clinically valuable finding for the comprehensive evaluation of systemic inflammation. We anticipate further research may highlight the utility of CT lymph node measurements for such evaluations.

Constipation and urinary retention caused by a vaginal epithelial inclusion cyst in a 1 year old intact cat

Abstract This case report describes a rare instance of a keratinising vaginal epithelial inclusion cyst causing significant clinical signs in a 1‐year‐old domestic shorthair queen. The cat presented with severe constipation, urinary retention and a caudal abdominal/cranial intrapelvic mass identified on diagnostic imaging. Differential diagnoses for the vaginal mass included non‐neoplastic causes such as a Gartner's cyst, Müllerian cyst, abscess and epithelial inclusion cyst. Less likely differentials included leiomyoma, fibroma, polyp, leiomyosarcoma or epidermoid carcinoma among others. Histopathological evaluation confirmed a benign vaginal epithelial inclusion cyst lined by stratified squamous epithelium. The cyst caused marked extraluminal compression of the colon and urinary bladder. Ovariohysterectomy resulted in the resolution of symptoms and marked improvement in the cat's quality of life. Vaginal epithelial inclusion cysts are rarely reported in veterinary literature and have not been reported in queens.

A Retrospective Study of Chemotherapy-Related Extravasation Events in Dogs and Cats.

Chemotherapy extravasation is a potentially serious complication. There is a paucity of information in the veterinary literature investigating extravasation events, treatments, and outcomes. Evaluate chemotherapy extravasation events and treatments in dogs and cats, adverse events (AEs), and overall outcomes. Twenty dogs and three cats were included. Retrospective, multicenter, descriptive study including dogs or cats with suspected extravasation from chemotherapy. Information obtained included: signalment, extravasation details and treatment provided, AEs graded according to VCOG-CTCAE v2 criteria, and outcome. The most common drug extravasated was doxorubicin, followed by carboplatin. Carboplatin extravasation (n = 5) resulted in Grades III-IV AEs, all of which required surgical debridement. Doxorubicin extravasation (n = 9) resulted in Grades 0-V AEs, two of which amputation was ultimately recommended, and one of those two was euthanized instead. Extravasation of vinca alkaloids (n = 5) and rabacfosadine (n = 1) resulted in Grades II-III AEs, all managed in the outpatient setting. Mitoxantrone (n = 2) and dacarbazine (n = 1) extravasation resulted in no clinical signs associated with extravasation injury. Seventy-eight percent (18/23) cases had extravasation occur during one of the first four treatments of chemotherapy, with 30% (7/23) occurring during the first chemotherapy treatment. Most cases (20/23) had mild to moderate or no AEs. Findings support that carboplatin should be considered a vesicant.

Doppler velocimetry of the middle cerebral artery and basilar artery in clinically healthy dogs of different age groups

BackgroundTranscranial Doppler ultrasound is a low-cost test that provides real-time information on brain hemodynamics and makes it possible to detect and monitor hemodynamic disorders non-invasively by calculating Doppler velocimetric values. In veterinary literature, studies related to this diagnostic tool are still scarce, with most dating back more than a decade and very few involving the Doppler study of the arterial circle. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate qualitatively (color Doppler and spectral classification) and quantitatively (pulsed Doppler) the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and basilar artery (BA) of clinically healthy dogs of different age groups to determine normal hemodynamic values and their relationship with the age of the animals.ResultsThe end-diastolic velocity (EDV) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) values differed between young, adult, and elderly dogs for the right MCA and BA, and the left MCA, respectively (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in the resistivity and pulsatility indices between the three age groups.ConclusionsDoppler velocimetric flow velocities of right and left middle cerebral artery (RMCA and LMCA) and basilar artery (BA) vary with advancing age in clinically healthy dogs. Therefore, care must be taken while evaluating cerebral hemodynamic indexes in normal as well as diseased dogs belonging to different age groups.

Oral focal mucinosis in a dog with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome

Abstract Oral focal mucinosis is an uncommon disorder primarily reported in people and characterised by excessive hyaluronic acid production in the mucosa. This report describes a novel occurrence of oral focal mucinosis in a 3‐year‐old French Mastiff with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, presenting with severe respiratory distress and mucin deposits in the oral cavity, specifically the soft palate and the epiglottis ventral aspect. This is the first account of oral focal mucinosis at these sites and its association with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome in veterinary literature. Patient stabilisation followed by folded flap palatoplasty and mass excision resulted in significant clinical improvement. The presence of mucin on histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of oral focal mucinosis. This case presents new clinical manifestations and anatomical sites not previously reported in oral focal mucinosis. It also raises questions as to whether trauma or chronic inflammation may influence cases of oral focal mucinosis in dogs.

Osteochondrosis in the feline stifle: a case series and literature review.

Case series summaryInformation is presented on six new cats with stifle osteochondrosis (OC). In the veterinary literature, there are only four single case reports on cats with this condition. Combining the six new cases with the four previously published cases, we have summarised the current knowledge on stifle OC in the cat. Overall, among the 10 cats, the condition was bilateral in three cats and unilateral in seven. The mean age at presentation was 10.5 months (median 7). Seven cats were male, of which six were castrated, and the three female cats were spayed. Of the cats, five were domestic shorthairs, two were Maine Coons and there was one each of Bengal, Devon Rex and Scottish Fold. The OC lesion affected the lateral aspect of the femoral condyle in seven cats and the medial aspect of the femoral condyle in three cats. All the cats with lesions of the medial aspect of the femoral condyle had unilateral lesions and two of these cats had concurrent medial patellar luxation. All three bilaterally affected cats had lateral femoral condylar lesions. Follow-up of at least 4 weeks was available for 8/10 cats. The lameness resolved or improved in all eight cats: in six cats after surgical debridement of an osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesion and in two after conservative management.Relevance and novel informationStifle OC or OCD should be a differential diagnosis for immature cats presenting with stifle lameness, stiffness or difficulty jumping and stifle joint effusions. Patellar luxation may be a concurrent diagnosis.