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Ear disease, such as otitis externa, resulting in aggressive head shaking or ear scratching, is the most common cause of the development of aural hematomas in dogs and cats. An underlying immunologic cause has also been proposed to explain cartilage and blood vessel fragility. Numerous options exist for management of aural hematomas, from medical management alone with corticosteroids, to simple hematoma centesis, to surgical intervention. Because this condition is usually secondary to another disease process, regardless of mode of treatment, likelihood of recurrence is low if the underlying condition is managed properly., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study reports the survival to discharge, postdischarge survival, and long-term outcome of dogs following surgical correction of a persistent right aortic arch (PRAA). Information for 52 dogs, 28 dogs, and 23 dogs was available for analysis of survival to discharge, postdischarge survival, and long-term outcome, respectively. Ninety-two percent of dogs survived to the time of discharge and 18% of dogs surviving to discharge were euthanized within 2 mo of surgery. Breed, age at the time of presentation, and gender were not correlated with increased odds of death prior to discharge from the hospital. Long-term outcome for dogs was excellent in 30%, good in 57%, and poor in 13% of dogs. Although this study shows a relatively high mortality rate prior to discharge from the hospital and within 2 mo of surgical treatment, the long-term outcome is good or excellent in 87% of survivors. Dogs frequently display either residual clinical signs or require dietary modification long-term, but owner satisfaction is high.

The most common disease process involving the larynx is laryngeal paralysis, which occurs much more frequently in dogs than in cats. Diagnosis of laryngeal paralysis requires close attention to anesthetic plane and coordination of respiratory effort with laryngeal motion. Surgical arytenoid lateralization improves respiration and quality of life in dogs with laryngeal paralysis; however, aspiration pneumonia is a recognized complication, and generalized neuropathy can progress. Laryngeal collapse can result from any cause of chronic upper airway obstruction, but is most often associated with unaddressed brachycephalic airway syndrome. Laryngeal neoplasia, while generally uncommon, occurs more frequently in cats than in dogs., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Paired serum bile acid (SBA) samples from 30 dogs with presumptive hepatobiliary disease and 30 apparently healthy dogs were submitted to three diagnostic laboratories to validate agreement between these facilities. Sensitivities and specificities ranged from 50% to 70% and from 74% to 85%, respectively, for all laboratories. The κ index confirmed almost perfect agreement between laboratories. Variation in sample handling and processing by different laboratories should not be considered a primary factor when aberrant SBA values are encountered. Documenting agreement between laboratories is essential as inconsistencies could direct unnecessary medical or surgical intervention when patients are evaluated at different hospitals during the course of their disease.

Removal of the anal sacs is a frequently performed surgery in dogs. It is most often indicated for definitive treatment of chronic anal sacculitis. The anal sacs are intimately associated with the external anal sphincter; therefore, fecal incontinence resulting from damage to this muscle or its innervation is a potential complication of anal sacculectomy. Fistula formation and incisional infection are other possible complications. In general, the overall incidence of complications after anal sacculectomy is low.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of intraoperative attenuation of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (CEPSSs) during cellophane banding procedures in dogs., Study Design: Retrospective case series and prospective study., Animals: 18 cases evaluated retrospectively and 14 dogs evaluated prospectively., Procedures: Gradual occlusion of CEPSSs was performed via cellophane banding. Shunts were occluded to a diameter < 3.0 mm during surgery in dogs prospectively enrolled in the partial attenuation group, whereas the shunt was not attenuated during surgery in dogs prospectively enrolled in the no-attenuation group or in dogs that had previously undergone surgery and were retrospectively evaluated. Postprandial serum bile acids (PPSBA) concentrations were measured before surgery and at various time points after surgery., Results: Mean +/- SD PPSBA concentrations were 26.8 +/- 24.5 micromol/L at < 2.25 months after surgery (n = 16 dogs), 22.1 +/- 14.0 micromol/L from 2.25 to 6 months after surgery (12 dogs), and 34.9 +/- 32.5 micromol/L at > 6 months after surgery (22 dogs). In the prospectively enrolled dogs, mean PPSBA concentrations increased over time in dogs in the partial attenuation group, but not in dogs in the no-attenuation group., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Cellophane banding may be used to occlude larger CEPSSs and may decrease the need for intraoperative monitoring of portal vein blood pressure. The technique may facilitate minimally invasive treatment of CEPSSs in dogs. Intraoperative attenuation of CEPSSs to a diameter < 3.0 mm is not necessary and may result in a less favorable outcome.

Objectives: To validate laser doppler flowmetry (LDF) for measurement of blood flow in the stomach wall of dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)., Animals: Six purpose-bred dogs and 24 dogs with naturally occurring GDV., Study Design: Experimental and clinical., Methods: Capillary blood flow in the body of the stomach and pyloric antrum was measured with LDF (tissue perfusion unit (TPU) before and after induction of portal hypertension (PH) and after PH plus gastric ischemia (GI; PH + GI) and compared with flow measured by colored microsphere technique. Capillary flow was measured by LDF in the stomach wall of dogs with GDV., Results: PH and PH+GI induced a significant reduction in blood flow in the body of the stomach (P = .019). A significant positive correlation was present between percent changes in capillary blood flow measured by LDF and colored microspheres after induction of PH + GI in the body of the stomach (r = 0.94, P = .014) and in the pyloric antrum (r = 0.95, P = .049). Capillary blood flow measured in the body of the stomach of 6 dogs that required partial gastrectomy (5.00+/-3.30 TPU) was significantly lower than in dogs that did not (28.00+/-14.40 TPU, P = .013)., Conclusions: LDF can detect variations in blood flow in the stomach wall of dogs., Clinical Relevance: LDF may have application for evaluation of stomach wall viability during surgery in dogs with GDV.

A 15-week-old, male intact, miniature schnauzer presented for signs consistent with persistent right aortic arch (PRAA). Esophagram and esophagoscopy confirmed this diagnosis. Following selective intubation, the constricting ligamentum arteriosum was visualized and completely resected via thoracoscopy. No complications were noted with this procedure. Advantages of thoracoscopy for management of persistent right aortic arch observed in this case were better visualization of the ligamentum arteriosum, minor postoperative discomfort, and minimal intraoperative hypothermia. Therefore, thoracoscopy is a potential alternative to intercostal thoracotomy for correction of PRAA.

Objective: To compare outcomes of various surgical techniques for treatment of laryngeal paralysis in dogs and determine incidence and risk factors for development of postoperative complications., Design: Retrospective study., Animals: 140 dogs undergoing surgical treatment for laryngeal paralysis at a veterinary teaching hospital between 1985 and 1998., Procedure: Data were analyzed to determine outcome and factors influencing outcome and development of complications. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed for survival analysis., Results: Postoperative complications were documented in 48 (34.3%) dogs; 20 (14.3%) dogs died of related causes. Aspiration pneumonia was the most common complication (33; 23.6%). Seven dogs died of aspiration pneumonia > 1 year after surgery. Dogs that underwent bilateral arytenoid lateralization were significantly more likely to develop complications and significantly less likely to survive than were dogs that underwent unilateral arytenoid lateralization or partial laryngectomy. Factors that were significantly associated with a higher risk of dying or of developing complications included age, temporary tracheostomy placement, concurrent respiratory tract abnormalities, concurrent esophageal disease, postoperative megaesophagus, concurrent neoplastic disease, and concurrent neurologic disease., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Results suggest that surgical repair of laryngeal paralysis may be associated with high postoperative complication and mortality rates. Surgical technique and concurrent problems or diseases increased the risk of complications. Dogs appeared to have a life-long risk of developing respiratory tract complications following surgical correction.

A diagnosis of hepatocellular toxicosis attributable to carprofen administration was made in 21 dogs on the basis of development of clinical signs and clinicopathologic abnormalities associated with hepatic disease and histopathologic documentation of hepatic necrosis. Clinical signs of toxicosis were anorexia, vomiting, and icterus. Hyperbilirubinemia and high serum activities of alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate transaminase were the most notable clinicopathologic abnormalities. In 7 of 9 dogs in which urinalyses were performed, abnormalities suggestive of renal tubular disease were detected. Clinical course of toxicosis was variable; however, most dogs had resolution of clinical signs and improvement or resolution of biochemical abnormalities with discontinuation of the drug and administration of supportive care. As with any medication, clients should be informed of possible adverse effects and reactions associated with administration of carprofen. In the event of those signs, clients should be instructed to immediately discontinue administration of carprofen to their dog and contact their veterinarian.