Epidural spinal cord compression was visualized myelographically in a dog presented for rapid development of paraparesis. A large, fluid-filled pocket in the epaxial musculature was found at surgery and appeared to communicate with the first lumbar vertebra. Unfortunately, cytopathological evaluation of the fluid was not performed. No etiological agents were isolated on aerobic culture. The dog responded well to decompressive surgery and medical therapy consisting of antibiotics, pain medication, and nursing care. In the veterinary literature, only two studies of spinal epidural empyema in the dog have been reported. Of these dogs, one had successful decompressive surgery performed. The other dogs in these two reports were euthanized. The dog presented in this report fully recovered. Spinal epidural empyema should be considered as a differential diagnosis in dogs presenting with a fever and a rapidly progressing myelopathy.
Nine cats that had surgical treatment for obstructive cholelithiasis were reviewed to evaluate clinical signs, diagnostic test results, and outcome after surgery. Common clinical signs included progressive vomiting (9/9), dehydration (9/9), anorexia (6/9), icterus (5/9), and lethargy (4/9). Five cats had a cholecystectomy performed, one cat had a cholecystotomy, and three cats had a biliary diversion procedure. Four of the cats that had a cholecystectomy had no recurrence of vomiting or anorexia. The majority of cats (7/9) had multiple choleliths, which were radiopaque and most commonly composed of calcium carbonate. Seven cats were diagnosed with cholangiohepatitis, and four of these cats did not need long-term medical therapy. Most cats (7/9) survived long term postsurgery (mean, 21 months; median, 24 months) without additional medical therapy, while the two cats with concurrent hepatic lipidosis died. Cholecystectomy appeared to have low morbidity with good clinical success.
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