Serum cobalamin concentrations and small intestinal ultrasound changes in 75 cats with clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease: a retrospective study

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria C Jugan ◽  
John R August
Keyword(s):  
Small Intestine ◽  
Gastrointestinal Disease ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Abdominal Ultrasound ◽  
Wall Layer ◽  
Normal Serum ◽  
Definitive Diagnosis ◽  
Albumin Concentration ◽  
Small Intestinal

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate ultrasonographic changes in the small intestine of cats with clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease and low or low–normal serum cobalamin concentrations. Methods Records for client-owned cats presenting to the small animal hospital with signs of gastrointestinal disease and in which serum cobalamin concentrations were measured from 2000–2013 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were cobalamin concentrations <500 ng/l, abdominal ultrasound within 1 month of cobalamin testing and definitive diagnosis. Results Of 751 serum cobalamin measurements, hypocobalaminemia or low–normal cobalamin was identified in 270 cats, abdominal ultrasound was performed in 207 of those cats and a diagnosis was available for 75 of them. Small intestinal ultrasound changes were detected in 49/75 (65%) cats. Abnormalities included thickening, loss of wall layer definition, echogenicity alterations and discrete masses. Serum cobalamin concentrations <500 ng/l were observed with diagnoses of inflammatory disease, neoplasia, infectious disease and normal histopathology. Cobalamin concentration was significantly lower in cats with lymphoma or inflammatory bowel disease compared with other gastrointestinal neoplasia ( P = 0.031). No difference was found between cobalamin concentration and the presence of ultrasound abnormalities, specific ultrasound changes or albumin concentration. Conclusions and relevance One-third of symptomatic cats with hypocobalaminemia or low–normal cobalamin concentrations may have an ultrasonographically normal small intestine. For the majority of cats in this study, histopathologic abnormalities were observed in the small intestine, regardless of ultrasound changes. These findings suggest gastrointestinal disease should not be excluded based on low–normal cobalamin concentrations, even with a concurrent normal ultrasound examination. Additional studies are needed in cats with low–normal serum cobalamin concentrations, as a definitive diagnosis was not pursued consistently in those cats. However, data from this study suggest that careful monitoring, histopathologic evaluation and future cobalamin supplementation may be warranted.

Atypical Addison's disease in the dog: a retrospective survey of 14 cases

1996 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Sadek ◽  
M Schaer
Keyword(s):  
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Addison’S Disease ◽  
Normal Serum ◽  
Definitive Diagnosis ◽  
Addison's Disease ◽  
Serum Electrolyte ◽  
Acth Stimulation ◽  
Retrospective Survey ◽  
Adrenocortical Response

Fourteen dogs diagnosed with Addison's disease and having atypical serum electrolyte levels are described. Seventy-eight percent were female, and most showed signs of inappetence, weakness, or vomiting. Ninety-three percent of the cases had either hyponatremia without hyperkalemia or normal serum electrolyte concentrations. Hemogram features were variable and were not useful in suggesting a diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism. The results of this study show that normal or mild serum electrolyte changes in a dog with clinical signs compatible with Addison's disease should not exclude this diagnosis from consideration. Definitive diagnosis depends on the demonstration of inadequate adrenocortical response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation.

The use of percutaneous abdominal ultrasound examination in diagnosing equine small intestinal disorders

2012 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 759-766 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Porzuczek ◽  
Z. Kiełbowicz ◽  
G. Haines
Keyword(s):  
Cross Section ◽  
Ultrasound Examination ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Abdominal Ultrasound ◽  
Gastrointestinal Discomfort ◽  
Field Practice ◽  
Small Intestinal ◽  
Rectal Palpation ◽  
Abdominal Ultrasound Examination

AbstractIn equine field practice, the diagnosis of small intestinal disorders is usually based on the presence of distended loops on rectal palpation and large volumes of reflux obtained after the passage of a nasogastric tube. Percutaneous abdominal ultrasound examination has been widely utilized in both human and small animal internal medicine in most cases of gastrointestinal discomfort. The purpose of this study was to identify which measurable parameters were important in reaching a diagnosis of small intestinal abnormality and determining treatment options. Horses of various age, sex and breed were involved in this research. Identifying the number of areas where distended loops of small intestine (SI) were detected, their diameter in cross section and motility were the most important parameters identified when formulating a prognosis.

scholarly journals Small Intestine Ultrasound Findings on Horses Following Exploratory Laparotomy, Can We Predict Postoperative Reflux?

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1106
Author(s):  
Gabriel Cuevas-Ramos ◽  
Lara Domenech ◽  
Marta Prades
Keyword(s):  
Small Intestine ◽  
Postoperative Period ◽  
Intestinal Resection ◽  
Exploratory Laparotomy ◽  
Abdominal Ultrasound ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Postoperative Reflux ◽  
Intestinal Pathology ◽  
Ultrasound Findings ◽  
Small Intestinal

Postoperative reflux (POR) is a well-recognized complication after colic surgery in horses, particularly when presenting small intestinal pathology. Even though much has been written about the pathophysiology and management of POR, additional clinical studies are needed to better understand and anticipate this complication. The aim of the study was to provide clinical evidence of ultrasound findings in the postoperative period (three days). The study is based on transcutaneous abdominal ultrasounds of the caudoventral abdomen during the postoperative period (three days), in 58 horses, presented for an exploratory laparotomy, and compared to 20 horses that underwent general anesthesia for an elective surgical procedure. Small intestine (SI) images and videos were analyzed for loop number, loop diameter, wall thickness, motility, and echogenic type of loop contents. Ultrasound findings of horses that had a large colon pathology were similar to those of the control group. Interestingly, horses that presented an SI pathology had significantly thicker SI walls, increased loop diameter, slower motility, and hypoechoic contents, particularly in horses that had undergone small intestinal resection and anastomosis. Although the number of horses that developed POR in our study was too small for statistical analysis, they all had the aforementioned ultrasonographic changes. Abdominal ultrasound, during the postoperative period (three days), was a useful method to identify horses with abnormal small intestinal parameters. Further investigation as to whether these parameters can be used to predict POR in a larger population is warranted.

scholarly journals Atypical enteritis causing life-threatening pneumatosis intestinalis in a dog – radiographic and ultrasonographic findings

2021 ◽  
Vol 90 (5) ◽  
pp. 245-251
Author(s):  
G. Mampaey ◽  
G. Schils ◽  
A. Schlake ◽  
S. Marynissen ◽  
E. Vandermeulen
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Pneumatosis Intestinalis ◽  
Abdominal Ultrasound ◽  
Explorative Laparotomy ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Abdominal Radiographs ◽  
Small Intestinal ◽  
One Year

A geriatric dog was presented for acute vomiting, anorexia and lethargy. Abdominal ultrasound was suggestive of the presence of gas within the small intestinal walls. Additional abdominal radiographs confirmed the ultrasonographic abnormalities, compatible with pneumatosis intestinalis. Explorative laparotomy revealed hemorrhagic lesions, thickened intestinal walls and serosal discoloration of the jejunum. Partial jejunectomy was performed and histopathology showed findings compatible with atypical bacterial enteritis. The dog recovered completely and did not show any clinical signs during a follow-up period of one year after surgery.

scholarly journals Clinical improvement of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis after challenging course and 6 months of total parenteral nutrition in child with nephronophthisis: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Mohammed AlZabali ◽  
Abdulkarim AlAnazi ◽  
Khawla A. Rahim ◽  
Hassan Y. Faqeehi
Keyword(s):  
Peritoneal Dialysis ◽  
Parenteral Nutrition ◽  
Total Parenteral Nutrition ◽  
Bowel Perforation ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Oral Intake ◽  
Pediatric Intensive Care ◽  
Abdominal Ultrasound ◽  
Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter ◽  
Refractory Peritonitis

Abstract Background Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is a rare but potentially lethal complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The occurrence of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis varies worldwide, but is increased in patients maintained on peritoneal dialysis for 5–8 years. The etiology of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis remains unidentified, and a high index of clinical suspicion is required for diagnosis. Case presentation We report a 5-year-old Saudi female with end-stage renal disease secondary to nephronophthisis type 2. She underwent peritoneal dialysis for 30 months, with four episodes of peritonitis. She presented with clinical signs of peritonitis. Three days later, she developed septic shock, which required pediatric intensive care unit admission. The peritoneal dialysis catheter was removed because of refractory peritonitis. Her course was complicated by small bowel perforation, and severe adhesions were revealed on abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography, consistent with a diagnosis of EPS. This finding was later confirmed by diagnostic laparotomy performed twice and complicated by recurrent abdominal wall fistula. She received total parenteral nutrition for 6 months and several courses of antibiotics. The patient received supportive treatment including nutritional optimization and treatment for infection. No other treatments, such as immunosuppression, were administered to avoid risk of infection. Following a complicated hospital course, the patient restarted oral intake after 6 months of total parenteral nutrition dependency. Her abdominal fistula resolved completely, and she was maintained on hemodialysis for few years before she received a kidney transplant. Conclusion When treating patients using peritoneal dialysis, it is important to consider encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis with refractory peritonitis, which is not always easy to identify, particularly if the patient has been maintained on peritoneal dialysis for less than 3 years. Early identification of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis and appropriate conservative treatment, including nutritional optimization and treatment of infections, are essential to achieve a better prognosis.

Approaches to common conditions of the gastrointestinal tract in pet hamsters

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 20-26
Author(s):  
Vicki Baldrey
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Support ◽  
Gastrointestinal Disease ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Positive Contrast ◽  
Abdominal Ultrasound ◽  
Gastrointestinal Diseases ◽  
Indications For Surgery ◽  
Pet Trade ◽  
Free Environment ◽  
The Uk

Hamsters are popular pets in the UK. The Syrian or Golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is the best known species in the pet trade, with a variety of dwarf species also encountered. Gastrointestinal disease occurs frequently, and diarrhoea is a common presenting complaint. This is most often associated with bacterial or parasitic infection, but can also be related to neoplasia or the use of certain antibiotics. Initial stabilisation of the hamster with diarrhoea should include provision of a warm stress-free environment, fluid therapy, nutritional support with an appropriate critical care diet and analgesia. Following a full history and clinical examination, further diagnostic steps include faecal parasitology and microbiology, routine biochemistry and haematology, radiography with or without positive contrast, and abdominal ultrasound. Indications for surgery include evidence of intestinal obstruction or prolapsed intussusception. This article gives an overview of the most common gastrointestinal diseases encountered in hamster species and provides a guide of how to logically approach the investigation and treatment of these cases, achievable in general practice.

Application of a dynamic mechanistic model of small intestinal starch digestion in the dairy cow

2002 ◽  
Vol 2002 ◽  
pp. 104-104
Author(s):  
J. A. N. Mills ◽  
E. Kebreab ◽  
L. A. Crompton ◽  
J. Dijkstra ◽  
J. France
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Small Intestine ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Energy Recovery ◽  
Mechanistic Model ◽  
Biological Knowledge ◽  
Dietary Energy ◽  
Starch Digestion ◽  
High Contribution ◽  
Small Intestinal

The high contribution of postruminal starch digestion (>50%) to total tract starch digestion on certain energy dense diets (Mills et al. 1999) demands that limitations to small intestinal starch digestion are identified. Therefore, a dynamic mechanistic model of the small intestine was constructed and evaluated against published experimental data for abomasal carbohydrate infusions in the dairy cow. The mechanistic structure of the model allowed the current biological knowledge to be integrated into a system capable of identifying restrictions to dietary energy recovery from postruminal starch delivery.

Influence of microbial species on small intestinal myoelectric activity and transit in germ-free rats

2001 ◽  
Vol 280 (3) ◽  
pp. G368-G380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Einar Husebye ◽  
Per M. Hellström ◽  
Frank Sundler ◽  
Jie Chen ◽  
Tore Midtvedt
Keyword(s):  
Small Intestine ◽  
Intestinal Microflora ◽  
Burst Activity ◽  
Intestinal Transit ◽  
Myoelectric Activity ◽  
Regular Spike ◽  
Spike Burst ◽  
Germ Free ◽  
Microbial Species ◽  
Small Intestinal

The effect of an intestinal microflora consisting of selected microbial species on myoelectric activity of small intestine was studied using germ-free rat models, with recording before and after specific intestinal colonization, in the unanesthetized state. Intestinal transit, neuropeptides in blood (RIA), and neuromessengers in the intestinal wall were determined. Clostridium tabificum vp 04 promoted regular spike burst activity, shown by a reduction of the migrating myoelectric complex (MMC) period from 30.5 ± 3.9 min in the germ-free state to 21.2 ± 0.14 min ( P < 0.01). Lactobacillus acidophilus A10 and Bifidobacterium bifidum B11 reduced the MMC period from 27.9 ± 4.5 to 21.5 ± 2.1 min ( P < 0.02) and accelerated small intestinal transit ( P < 0.05). Micrococcus luteus showed an inhibitory effect, with an MMC period of 35.9 ± 9.3 min compared with 27.7 ± 6.3 min in germ-free rats ( P < 0.01). Inhibition was indicated also for Escherichia coli X7gnotobiotic rats. No consistent changes in slow wave frequency were observed. The concentration of neuropeptide Y in blood decreased after introduction of conventional intestinal microflora, suggesting reduced inhibitory control. Intestinal bacteria promote or suppress the initiation and aboral migration of the MMC depending on the species involved. Bacteria with primitive fermenting metabolism (anaerobes) emerge as important promoters of regular spike burst activity in small intestine.

Su1211 The Utility of Small Intestine Capsule Endoscopy and Balloon-Assisted Enteroscopy in the Diagnosis of Small Intestinal Tumors

2017 ◽  
Vol 85 (5) ◽  
pp. AB316
Author(s):  
Ryoichi Sawada ◽  
Ryosuke Miyazaki ◽  
Ayako Ishii ◽  
Yusuke Nagata ◽  
Makio Ogawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Intestine ◽  
Capsule Endoscopy ◽  
Intestinal Tumors ◽  
Small Intestinal

scholarly journals A breakdown in communication? Understanding the effects of aging on the human small intestine epithelium

2015 ◽  
Vol 129 (7) ◽  
pp. 529-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil A. Mabbott
Keyword(s):  
Small Intestine ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Human Small Intestine ◽  
Small Intestinal ◽  
Effects Of Aging ◽  
Insight Into

A new study by Man and colleagues provides further insight into the effects of aging on small intestinal barrier function in humans. Here, their findings are briefly summarised and the wider implications discussed.

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