Gastroenterology

Linear foreign bodies are a well-recognized problem in small-animal practice.

Equine colic is "responsible for more deaths in horses than any disease group except old age." That's how Nathaniel A. White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, described the insidious nature of the condition in a 2005 presentation to the American Association of Equine Practitioners in Quebec.

Gastrotomy is a routine and relatively safe surgical procedure with several indications, but appropriate technique is vital to preventing complications.

You may be hesitant to perform a full-thickness incisional biopsy to obtain an intestinal tissue sample, but in many cases, this technique is preferred. In this article, we review when incisional biopsy is best and provide a simple step-by-step guide to the procedure to increase your confidence.

Omentalization, the placement of omentum around organs or within cavities to improve vascularization or drainage, has been used in a variety of abdominal, thoracic, oncologic, and reconstructive surgical procedures.

The articles in this symposium provide an overview of indications, techniques, and complications related to a variety of gastrointestinal surgical procedures.

Intestinal anastomosis is an important surgical procedure that connects two sections of the intestines once a diseased portion has been removed. A key concern is to prevent leakage at the anastomosis site and subsequent peritonitis, but this complication can be avoided if the procedure is done correctly and preventive measures are taken.

The primary indication for gastropexy is to prevent the development or recurrence of gastric dilatation-volvulus.

When I am presented with a dog to spay or neuter that is a breed predisposed to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), I offer to perform a gastropexy while the patient is anesthetized.

Pneumogastrography (negative contrast gastrography) involves placing air through orogastric intubation or carbonated beverages orally into the stomachs of awake or sedated dogs.

Environmental contamination with infectious stages of gastrointestinal helminths is widespread, and the risk of reinfection of pets, particularly those allowed to roam freely outside, is great.

Signalment: Canine, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, 9.5 years old, male castrated, 15 lbs.