A high mortality rate was associated with adrenalectomy in dogs; however, those that survived until discharge from a hospital had long survival times. Preoperative factors associated with a shorter survival time were weakness or lethargy, thrombocytopenia, increased BUN concentration, increased PTT, increased AST activity, and hypokalemia. Studies are needed to evaluate how treatment for these factors may affect or change outcome after adrenalectomy. Dogs with adrenal masses that require concurrent nephrectomy and cause intraoperative hemorrhage have a guarded prognosis.

The CT angiographic features of azygous continuation of an interrupted caudal vena cava in dogs with and without portocaval shunting are described. Azygous continuation of a discontinuous caudal vena cava is usually an incidental finding, not associated with portosystemic shunting. Identification of an associated portosystemic shunt will determine the need for surgical intervention. CT angiography provides a means for making this distinction and details the course and size of the anomalous vessels. Focal widening of the caudal vena cava on a VD thoracic radiograph should raise suspicion for azygous vein distension.

Thoracoscopy is a diagnostic option that provides excellent viewing of intrathoracic structures and adequate biopsy specimens with minimal complications. This technique provides a less invasive alternative to thoracotomy for evaluating the etiology of pleural effusion.

Objective—To evaluate complications and outcomes associated with surgical placement of gastrojejunostomy feeding tubes in dogs with naturally occurring disease. Design—Prospective study. Animals—26 dogs. Procedures—Multiple preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were evaluated. Daily postoperative abdominal radiographic examinations were performed to determine the presence of the following mechanical tube complications: kinking, coiling, knotting, and migration. Tube stoma abnormalities (erythema, cellulitis, and discharge) were observed daily and recorded by use of a standardized visual analog grading scale. Additionally, presence of complications was compared with median survival times. Results—The most common indication for gastrojejunostomy tube placement was gastrointestinal disease (n = 11), with confirmed septic peritonitis in 8 of 11 dogs. Other indications for gastrojejunostomy tube placement included extrahepatic biliary surgery (n = 6) and pancreatic disease (9). Mean ± SD surgical time required for tube placement was 26 ± 14 minutes. Overall, mechanical tube complication rate was 46% (12/26), including coiling (7), migration (4), and kinking (2). Overall minor tube stoma complication rate was 77% (20/26) and included erythema (16), cellulitis (13), and discharge (17). Dislodgement or self-induced tube trauma resulted in accidental tube removal in 2 of 26 dogs, and inadvertent tube damage necessitated premature removal by the clinician in 1 of 26 dogs. Kaplan-Meier median survival time was 39 days with 13 of 26 dogs still alive. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Gastrojejunostomy tube placement affords flexibility in the postoperative nutritional regimen by allowing for postgastric feeding with simultaneous access to the stomach.

HistoryAn 8-year-old spayed female Bassett Hound was evaluated for signs of abdominal pain and diarrhea of 1 day' s duration. On physical examination, the dog was bright and alert, with signs of pain elicited on palpation of the mid to caudal portions of the abdomen. The dog was admitted to the hospital for initial diagnostic testing, including abdominal radiography (Figure 1). A CBC revealed a high absolute number of neutrophils (absolute count, 13,200 cells/µL; reference range, 3,000 to 11,500 cells/µL). Results of plasma biochemical analysis were within reference ranges.