New technique and management guidelines for percutaneous nonendoscopic tube gastrostomy.

A percutaneous nonendoscopic gastrostomy tube placement device and a new technique for nonendoscopic gastric feeding tube placement were developed for use in animals weighing < 15 kg. After a successful experimental trial in 7 cats, the tube placement device was used in 8 clinical animals (7 cats and 1 dog). All gastrostomy feeding tubes were placed on the first attempt within 10 minutes. Position of the tube was evaluated by endoscopy in 14 of 15, by radiography in 4 of 15, and by celiotomy and necropsy in 2 of 15 animals, respectively. Placement was comparable to the percutaneous endoscopic technique in all but 1 cat. In this animal, the tube had to be placed existing the skin in a caudoventral location because of severe panniculitis. Complications related to the use of the tube placement device were not observed. Complications related to gastrostomy tube management developed in 5 of 15 animals. The prevalence of clinically important or life-threatening complications (peritonitis or premature removal) was 3 of 15.

Displacement of the tendon of the superficial digital flexor muscle in dogs: 10 cases (1983-1991).

Displacement of the tendon of the superficial digital flexor muscle was diagnosed in 9 dogs (10 tarsi). Four of 10 displacements occurred in Shetland Sheepdogs. All dogs had an acute onset of lameness with swelling over the proximal end of the tuber calcanei. Lateral displacement occurred in 8 tarsi and medial displacement in 2 tarsi. Nonsurgical treatment (exercise restriction, bandaging, and administration of anti-inflammatory medication) was ineffective in the 5 dogs in which it was attempted. Surgical reconstruction of the supporting soft tissues resulted in return to normal function in 9 cases available for follow-up evaluation.