Esophageal diverticula in Parma wallabies (Macropus parma).

Four adult, wild caught Parma wallabies (Macropus parma) presented with intermittent, postprandial, midcervical swellings. Esophageal diverticula were discovered in the four animals. One of two wallabies was managed successfully with surgery. A third animal died of other causes. The fourth animal died with possible complications from the diverticulum. This is the first published report of esophageal diverticula in macropods.

Comparison of radiographic and computed tomography lymphangiography for identification of the canine thoracic duct.

Standard radiographic lymphangiograms and computed tomography (CT) lymphangiograms were performed on 10 female dogs without intrathoracic disease. Positive contrast lymphagiography was performed by injection into a catheterized mesenteric lymphatic vessel, and lateral thoracic radiographs, ventrodorsal thoracic radiographs, and thoracic CTs were obtained. The number of visible ducts was recorded for each image at the midbody of the ninth thoracic vertebra (T9) through the first lumbar vertebra (L1). Data were combined for all dogs at each data acquisition point. Data were analyzed by comparing data from all three images independently, and then by combining data for the radiographs and comparing the study with the highest number of visible duct branches to the CT. Significant differences in numbers of branches were found at T11 and L1. This study suggests that CT may be able to quantify branches of the thoracic duct more accurately than standard radiographic lymphangiography.

Endoscopic removal of nasal polyps in a cat using a novel surgical approach.

A novel endoscopic approach for the removal of nasal polyps from a cat with upper respiratory obstruction is described. The cat's small oral cavity prevented polyp removal via traditional nasopharyngoscopy and the owner declined rhinotomy because of concerns about postoperative morbidity. Access to the nasopharynx was achieved by introducing an endoscope via gastrotomy and passing the instrument orad through the esophagus into the nasopharynx. Compared with traditional endoscopic approaches, this approach provided superior exposure of the nasopharynx and facilitated use of a larger scope and instruments than would have been possible using retroflexed nasopharyngoscopy. Multiple polyps were readily removed using this approach. The procedure was well tolerated, with minimal surgical morbidity.

Ureteral duplication in a dog.

A male neutered dog of unknown age had recurrent urinary tract infection and caudal abdominal pain. Using sonography, large dilated tubular structure filled with echogenic fluid was seen extending from the left kidney to the level of the bladder neck. In an excretory urogram there was left hydronephrosis with a normal ureter. Computed tomographic evaluation of the abdomen confirmed a large tubular structure extending from the kidney with a blind ending caudally. The left kidney, ureter, and associated tubular structure were surgically removed. No connection was found between the tubular structure and the ureter. Gross evaluation and histopathologic evaluation confirmed the tubular structure to be a ureter, consistent with a diagnosis of ureteral duplication.

Congenital factor XI deficiency in a domestic shorthair cat.

A 6-month-old, female, domestic shorthair cat was examined after onychectomy and ovariohysterectomy because of bleeding from the paws. Prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time was discovered, Coagulation factor analyses revealed deficiency of factor XI coagulant activity. Plasma mixing studies indicated factor deficiency or dysfunction rather than factor inhibition. Feline factor XI deficiency in one adult cat has been previously reported but was attributed to factor XI inhibitors. The signalment, lack of primary disease, and the finding of persistent factor XI deficiency in the absence of coagulation inhibitors were considered compatible with congenital factor XI deficiency in the cat of this report.