Comparison of a Supraglottic Airway Device (v-gel®) with Blind Orotracheal Intubation in Rabbits.

INTRODUCTION: Achieving a secure airway in rabbits is generally considered more difficult than in cats or dogs. Their relatively large tongue, small oropharyngeal cavity and glottis limit direct visualization. A rabbit-specific supraglottic airway device (SGAD) may offer benefits over blind orotracheal intubation. ANIMALS AND METHODS: Fifteen adult New Zealand white rabbits were randomized to SGAD or orotracheal intubation (ETT). All animals were sedated with dexmedetomidine (0.1 mg kg-1 IM) and midazolam (0.5 mg kg-1 IM), followed by induction with alfaxalone (0.3 mg kg-1 IV). Two CT scans of the head and neck were performed, following sedation and SGAD/ETT placement. The following were recorded: time to successful device insertion, smallest cross-sectional airway area, airway sealing pressure, and histological score of tracheal tissue. Data were analyzed with a Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Two rabbits were excluded following failed ETT. Body masses were similar [ETT; n = 6, 2.6 (2.3-4.5) kg, SGAD; n = 7, 2.7 (2.4-5.0) kg]. SGAD placement was significantly faster [33 (14-38) s] than ETT [59 (29-171) s]. Cross-sectional area (CSA) was significantly reduced from baseline [12.2 (6.9-3.4) mm2] but similar between groups [SGAD; 2.7 (2.0-12.3) mm2, ETT; 3.8 (2.3-6.6) mm2]. In the SGAD group, the device tip migrated into the laryngeal vestibule in 6/7 rabbits, reducing the CSA. ETT airway seals were higher [15 (10-20) cmH2O], but not significant [SGAD; 5 (5-20) cmH2O, p = 0.06]. ETT resulted in significantly more mucosal damage [histological score 3.3 (1.0-5.0)], SGAD; 0.67 (0.33-3.67). CONCLUSION: The SGAD studied was faster to place and caused less damage than orotracheal intubation, but resulted in a similar CSA.

Medical management of spinal epidural empyema in five dogs.

CASE DESCRIPTION 5 dogs were examined because of clinical signs of myelopathy, including signs of pain associated with the spinal region and rapidly progressive neurologic deficits. CLINICAL FINDINGS In all dogs, results of MRI were consistent with spinal epidural empyema. Concurrent infectious processes were identified at adjacent or distant sites in all dogs, including diskospondylitis, prostatitis, dermatitis, paraspinal infection following a penetrating injury, urinary tract infection, and pyothorax. Bacteria were isolated from 3 dogs; Escherichia coli was isolated from blood, urine, and prostatic wash samples from 1 dog; a Pasteurella sp was isolated from a percutaneous aspirate from an adjacent infected wound in a second dog; and a Corynebacterium sp was isolated from a thoracic fluid sample from a third dog. For the remaining 2 dogs, results of bacterial culture were negative. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME All dogs showed clinical improvement within 2 weeks after initiation of antimicrobial treatment, and all had an excellent long-term outcome. CLINICAL RELEVANCE In dogs, spinal epidural empyema has previously been regarded as a surgical emergency. Findings for dogs in the present report suggested that, as is the case for humans, selected dogs with spinal epidural empyema may be successfully managed with medical treatment alone.

Imaging diagnosis--extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction secondary to a biliary foreign body in a cat.

An 11-year-old, neutered female British Shorthair cat was referred with a 4-week history of abdominal pain and vomiting. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a dilated common bile duct containing a spindle-shaped structure with several reflecting interfaces. Differentials that were considered included an intraluminal foreign body, or helminth parasites within the common bile duct. Surgical exploration of the abdominal cavity demonstrated the presence of two grass awns obstructing the common bile duct. Anomalies of the portal vasculature were noted during surgery and were considered an incidental finding. The clinical signs resolved following surgical removal of the grass awns.

Clinical and low-field MRI characteristics of injection site sarcoma in 19 cats.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been recommended for staging and surgical planning in cats with injection site sarcomas (ISS). The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe low-field MRI characteristics of confirmed injection site sarcomas in a group of cats. Low-field MR images, thoracic radiographs, histopathology findings, and medical records of cats that fulfilled histological criteria of injection site sarcoma were retrieved and reviewed retrospectively. Presence or absence of tumor mineralization and pulmonary metastases were recorded from thoracic radiographs. Characteristics recorded from low-field MRI studies included tumor number, volume (ellipsoid method), intensity relative to surrounding musculature, homogeneity, regions of signal void (mineralization) or cavitation, degree and pattern of contrast enhancement, tumor margination, presence of a peripheral T2W hyperintense zone, and bone contact. A total of 19 cats met inclusion criteria. Cats with multiple tumors were more likely to have had previous excisional biopsy, and were less likely to undergo definitive surgery. All tumors were hyperintense relative to surrounding musculature on T1W and T2W images. Larger tumors were more likely to exhibit mineralization (P < 0.05). Tumor volume could not predict tumor-free margins at definitive surgery. The majority of tumors showed moderate to marked heterogeneous contrast enhancement. Infiltrative margins and the presence of a peripheral T2W hyperintense zone were more prevalent following excisional biopsy, while cavitation was more prevalent following incisional biopsy. Findings indicated that low-field MRI characteristics of injection site sarcoma may vary widely and may be affected by prior incisional or excisional biopsy.