Search

Objective: To describe a reverse axial pattern flap based on the superficial branch of the dorsal penile artery and describe its use in preputial reconstruction. Materials and Methods: Ten penises were harvested from canine cadavers; five were used to describe the dermatome supplied by the superficial branch of the dorsal artery of the penis and five to show perfusion of the skin flap. The superficial branch of the dorsal artery of the penis was identified fluoroscopically by injecting contrast material into the dorsal artery of the penis. This artery was then catheterised and injected with methylene blue to identify the perfused area. A skin flap was created by making a full thickness skin incision at the level of the fornix, along the circumference of the penis. The flap was developed by pulling the cut end toward the tip of the penis while undermining the skin. The flap was considered long enough when the cut end of the flap reached the level of the urethral opening. We also describe a case of preputial resection and reconstruction using this flap. Results: Injection of methylene blue demonstrated the arterial supply to the skin flap. This flap was successful in treating the clinical case following resection of a mast cell tumour on the prepuce, although a small area of full thickness flap necrosis, which healed by second intention, developed postoperatively. Clinical Importance: This technique may be useful for single step preputial reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dogs with liver disorders often display gastrointestinal signs that may be triggered by ulceration. The liver is important for inactivation of some forms of gastrin. Therefore, hypergastrinaemia has been implicated in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal ulcerations related to liver dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine serum gastrin concentrations in dogs with liver disease. Fasted blood samples were collected from 15 dogs with newly diagnosed liver disease and 18 healthy dogs. Gastrin concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunt compared with healthy dogs (P=0.003). No significant difference (P=0.6) in gastrin concentration was revealed between dogs with hepatocellular disease and healthy dogs. Serum gastrin concentrations were not significantly associated with the occurrence of vomiting, anorexia, diarrhoea, or melaena in dogs with liver disorders. These findings did not provide support for the role of hypergastrinaemia in the development of gastrointestinal signs associated with liver disease in dogs. Decreased serum concentrations of gastrin in a dog with liver disease may suggest the presence of portosystemic shunt. Further investigation is warranted to determine the importance of hyopogastrinaemia in congenital postosystemic shunts in dogs and to evaluate potential alterations in serum gastrin concentrations in specific hepatocellular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the clinical signs, clinicopathological abnormalities and outcome of metaldehyde intoxication in dogs. Methods: Medical records of dogs presenting between 1989 and 2005 with a diagnosis of metaldehyde toxicity were reviewed retrospectively. Data obtained from the medical record included signalment, history, clinical signs, laboratory tests results, hospitalisation period length, treatments and outcome. Results: Eighteen dogs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The most prevalent clinical signs were seizures, hyperthermia, tachycardia and muscle tremors. Serum biochemistry abnormalities included increased serum muscle enzymes activities, acidaemia (six dogs) and decreased blood bicarbonate (eight dogs). Treatment was symptomatic and supportive. Hyperbilirubinaemia was observed in two dogs. Diazepam was the most commonly used anticonvulsant followed by phenobarbitone and pentobarbital. General inhalant anaesthesia was required in nine of 18 dogs with seizures unresponsive to anticonvulsants. The survival was 83 per cent (15 of 18 dogs). Clinical Significance: This clinical study recorded, for the first time in the veterinary literature, several clinicopathological abnormalities from severely intoxicated dogs. Metabolic acidosis was common, while acute or delayed hepatotoxicity was an uncommon complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes a case of doramectin toxicity in a collie. Background on the drug doramectin, a new avermectin approved for use in cattle and swine; Cases of ivermectin toxicity in collies and other dog breeds; Association of the toxicity with diffuse cerebral and cerebellar dysfunction; Medical condition of the dog; Physical and neurological examination of the dog; Results of laboratory tests performed.