Abstract A 3‐year‐old primiparous French bulldog was presented with the history of sanguineous vaginal discharge, having whelped six healthy pups 70 days previously. Trans‐abdominal ultrasonography revealed distorted non‐viable fetus. Haematological and plasma biochemical estimations were within normal limits and plasma progesterone level was less than 0.5 ng/mL, which, in association with vaginal cytological examination, indicated the animal to be in anoestrus. Consequently, whelping‐induction protocol using mifepristone and misoprostol in divided doses of 2.5 and 0.5 mg/kg orally twice a day for 4 consecutive days, was administered. On day 77 post‐whelping and following ample lubrication, dead male, completely preserved fetus was delivered using traction. Hitherto, it has been established that an active feto‐maternal placental interface is required for prostaglandin secretion and fetal expulsion. However, in present case, in the absence of functional luteal source and an unaltered calcium level, the progesterone signalling disruptor in conjunction with the PGE 2 analogue has commanded a successful whelping.
Abstract The coexistence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypothyroidism in dogs represents a complex clinical challenge due to interactions between metabolic and hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axes. This case report describes the clinical, endocrine and metabolic evolution of a male Siberian Husky diagnosed with concurrent DM and hypothyroidism, monitored for 5 weeks under comprehensive outpatient management. Treatment included stepwise insulin therapy (regular insulin, followed by detemir and then glargine), thyroid hormone replacement with levothyroxine sodium, and a commercial low‐glycaemic, high–insoluble‐fibre diet. Daily blood glucose curves, serial biochemical profiles and thyroid function tests were used to correlate metabolic changes with clinical progression. The patient showed progressive weight gain (from 16.3 to 19.9 kg, +22.1%), reduced glycaemic variability, and stabilisation of plasma thyroxine levels. Metabolic control improved notably from the second week onward, coinciding with the introduction of the therapeutic diet and restoration of thyroid hormonal balance.
Abstract Two Mhorr gazelles, a female at Bioparc de Doué la Fontaine and a male at Parc Animalier d'Auvergne (PADA), were hand‐reared due to maternal neglect and distress. Despite initial challenges, both individuals thrived under carefully tailored rearing protocols. The hand‐rearing at each park occurred independently and without prior knowledge of the other's efforts, with data being shared and compared only after the rearing period during discussions between the parks. The female at Bioparc showed a fluctuating food intake, indicative of weaning preparation by Day 81, as per the decision of the park. In contrast, the male at PADA exhibited lower food intake, with weaning extending to Day 113 by decision of the park. All decisions were taken by veterinarians. Adjustments in milk types and protocols were crucial for successful rearing, demonstrating the complexity of captive rearing for critically endangered species.
Abstract A 3‐year‐old, 48‐day pregnant, female Great Dane was referred for a 24‐hour history of vomiting, hyporexia and abdominal pain. Abdominal ultrasound revealed multiple obstructive gastrointestinal foreign bodies, peritoneal effusion and free gas, raising concern for gastrointestinal perforation. No fetal distress was observed. Exploratory coeliotomy was performed to remove two gastric foreign bodies, repair a jejunal perforation and place a closed suction drain. Four fetuses were identified within uterine horns intraoperatively. Bacterial culture of the peritoneal fluid confirmed septic peritonitis. The dog recovered uneventfully and was discharged in a stable condition. Ten days later, an emergency caesarean section was performed for dystocia. The dam and one puppy survived to discharge. This is the first report of septic peritonitis secondary to gastrointestinal perforation in a pregnant bitch, where timely intervention without deviation from established standards of care facilitated the survival of the dam and its puppy.
Abstract Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an invasive epithelial tumour without prior documentation in nondomestic felids. We describe a case of laryngeal SCC in a 19‐year‐old male Eurasian lynx housed in a wildlife sanctuary. The animal presented with progressive inspiratory to expiratory stridor and dyspnoea. Laryngoscopy under general anaesthesia revealed a multilobulated mass partially obstructing the glottis. Over the next weeks, respiratory signs worsened and euthanasia was elected. Necropsy identified a multilobular mass arising from the larynx and markedly extending into the glottis. Histopathology demonstrated invasive pleomorphic epithelial cells and focal squamous differentiation within collagenous stroma. Immunohistochemistry showed diffuse pancytokeratin positivity, confirming epithelial origin. No macroscopic evidence of regional or distant metastasis was detected. This case highlights consideration of laryngeal neoplasia in cases of upper airway disease in nondomestic felids and discusses differentials, clinicopathological behaviour, potential therapeutics and outcomes of laryngeal SCC extrapolated from the current literature in domestic cats.
Abstract A 2‐year‐old Beagle presented for progressive tachypnoea, mild dyspnoea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Computed tomography (CT) and radiography of the thorax revealed a bilateral pneumothorax, a consolidated, mispositioned right middle lung lobe that had extensive, variably sized gas and fluid cavitations, and otherwise complete parenchymal consolidation with minimal parenchymal contrast enhancement. Possible CT diagnoses included a chronic lung lobe torsion or necrotising emphysematous pneumonia. Surgical excision confirmed an abnormal right middle lung lobe, encapsulated with thickened pleura, intact perfusion and some aeration of the largest bullae without definitive torsion. The submitted lung lobe was beige to grey and severely distorted. Histopathological analysis diagnosed lobar consolidation with numerous multi‐loculated cystic cavitations and surrounding oedema, fibrosis and inflammation, consistent with a suspected congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) and secondary pneumonia. Various forms of CPAM are recognised in people, but minimal information is available on the radiographic and CT appearance in the veterinary literature.
Abstract Two dogs and one cat with unilateral septic neutrophilic lymphadenitis caused by Yersinia pseudotuberculosis were presented, diagnosed and treated at AniCura Referral Animal Hospital Bagarmossen in Stockholm, Sweden, during a 16‐day period in November 2025. The animals presented with acute onset of pyrexia, decreased appetite and lymphadenopathy. All three cases responded rapidly to ampicillin or amoxicillin and recovered completely. The cause of the infection is unknown, but it could be the outdoor environment. Y. pseudotuberculosis is a zoonotic bacterium present in many wild animals. It can grow at low temperatures.
Summary There are limited case reports of hypersensitivity reactions to neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) in veterinary species, and none describe cutaneous‐only signs. This case report describes a Grade 1 cutaneous‐only hypersensitivity reaction to atracurium in a 7‐year‐old dog undergoing general anaesthesia for cataract surgery with bilateral phacoemulsification. No cardiorespiratory signs, which would suggest a more severe grade of reaction, were observed. The dog was treated successfully with chlorphenamine only and recovered uneventfully. Suggestions on reducing the risk of an anaphylactic reaction, current guidelines on anaphylaxis treatment, and previous reported reactions to NMBAs in dogs are discussed.
Abstract An approximately 5.5–6.5‐year‐old, male, entire, wild koala was rescued after a suspected vehicle strike. Its main injury comprised a left‐sided medial glenohumeral luxation. After closed reduction under general anaesthesia, a Velpeau sling was applied and maintained for 2 weeks. Recheck physical examinations and radiographs confirmed the shoulder remained in place. Following a gradual increase in activity for 6 weeks after sling removal, the koala was successfully released.
Abstract A 5‐month‐old prepubertal crossbred female dog presented with a 6‒8‐day history of progressive vaginal swelling and mucous discharge. The animal had normal appetite and general condition, with no history of pro‐oestrus bleeding and oestrus, suggesting that the dog was in a prepubertal stage. Clinical examination revealed marked vulvar enlargement and a soft hyperplastic mass arising from the dorsal vaginal wall, along with a firm mid‐abdominal mass on palpation. Ultrasonography identified a well‐defined echogenic mass measuring 11‒14 cm. Haematological, liver and kidney parameters were normal, while oestrogen levels were markedly elevated with normal progesterone. A provisional diagnosis of ovarian neoplasia was made and confirmed histopathologically as a granulosa cell tumour. Surgical management via ovariohysterectomy resulted in complete recovery. This case emphasises the importance of considering ovarian tumours in young dogs with reproductive abnormalities.
Abstract An 11‐year‐old, 5.8‐kg, neutered, male European shorthair cat was presented for surgical excision of an extensive injection‐site sarcoma affecting the thoraco‐cervical region. Premedication consisted of methadone, dexmedetomidine and alfaxalone, followed by induction with alfaxalone and maintenance with isoflurane. Perioperative analgesia was provided through a combination of ultrasound‐guided erector spinae (ESP) and inter‐transversospinalis plane (ITP) blocks, using ropivacaine 0.25% at a total dose of 2 mg/kg. The anaesthetic course was stable, and a single bolus of fentanyl (2 µg/kg intravenously) was administered during partial left scapulectomy. Postoperative analgesia was provided by intermittent administration of ropivacaine 0.5% (2 mg/kg every 8 hours) through a wound‐soaker catheter. Pain scores remained low during the 48‐hour monitoring period, and no rescue analgesia was required. This case highlights the feasibility and potential benefits of combining ESP and ITP blocks to achieve effective thoraco‐cervical analgesia in cats undergoing extensive dorsal soft‐tissue surgery.
Abstract This case series describes the management of three cats with atrial fibrillation (AF) secondary to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and left atrial enlargement, complicated by feline aortic thromboembolism or congestive heart failure. Following failure of rate‐control pharmacotherapy, transthoracic electrical cardioversion (TtEC) was performed under tailored anaesthetic protocols. All patients successfully converted to normal sinus rhythm, resulting in improved clinical stability and maintenance of sinus rhythm during follow‐up. This report provides the first documented evidence of TtEC for rhythm control in feline AF, highlighting its potential as a viable intervention when medical management is unsuccessful. While successful, these cases underscore the necessity of rigorous pre‐procedural assessment and vigilant monitoring for complications such as thromboembolism. Ultimately, TtEC represents a novel and effective treatment strategy for managing this complex, high‐risk feline arrhythmia.
Abstract Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic bacterial disease with increasing global prevalence. Concurrent canine leptospirosis and urinary obstruction resulting from urolithiasis are rare. We report a 3‐year‐old male Shih Tzu dog diagnosed with acute canine leptospirosis by PCR, presenting with vomiting, abdominal pain, icterus, severe dehydration and brown‐coloured urine. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed urinary bladder and obstructive urethral stones. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry and urine analysis were performed. Haematological analysis revealed severe thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis with left shift. Serum biochemistry showed bilirubinemia and increased hepatic and renal parameters. Urine analysis revealed bilirubinuria, haemoglobinuria and bacteriuria. Treatment with doxycycline and fluid therapy was initiated and continued for 2 weeks. After stabilisation, the patient was referred to the surgical department for cystotomy. This case emphasises the importance of early recognition and appropriate management of leptospirosis, particularly when complicated by urolithiasis, and also emphasises the need for clinicians to maintain a comprehensive perspective on concurrent diseases.
Summary Lipid storage myopathy has been infrequently reported in veterinary medicine, with no reports of trismus. A 3‐year‐old, male, neutered Border Collie dog presented for a 7‐month progressive history of pelvic limb stiffness and trismus. Initial investigations were unremarkable, including magnetic resonance imaging of the vertebral column. At referral to our practice, the dog presented with a 2‐month history of hyporexia and trismus. Complete haematology, biochemistry (including creatine kinase and aspartate transferase), urine analysis and electrophysiological studies were normal. Muscle biopsies revealed excessive intramyofibre lipid droplets within type I muscle fibres. Low total and free plasma carnitine concentrations were identified. Oral supplementation with L‐carnitine and vitamin B complex, alongside intermittent meloxicam and gabapentin, resulted in significant improvement in clinical signs, but moderate trismus and intermittent myalgia were still present. This case report presents a unique clinical presentation for this uncommon myopathy, being the first report of a dog with trismus associated with lipid storage myopathy.
Summary This case report describes suspected iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome in an adult dog after successful weaning from mechanical ventilation. A 2‐year‐old, male, neutered French bulldog was placed on mechanical ventilation for respiratory fatigue secondary to suspected botulism following witnessed ingestion of a decaying animal carcase. Shortly following extubation, the dog began exhibiting tremors that progressed to one generalised seizure approximately 27 hours following withdrawal of sedatives. The dog was managed with a midazolam and fentanyl continuous rate infusion, and was successfully weaned off medications with no further seizures. Iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome is well documented in human paediatric medicine, but diagnosis and treatment are not standardised. Iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome is also documented in paediatric veterinary patients, but it has not previously been reported in an adult dog.
ABSTRACT Diet‐associated thyrotoxicosis is an uncommon disorder in dogs caused by ingestion of food contaminated with thyroid tissue, and it can mimic primary hyperthyroidism. We describe two dogs that presented with weight loss, restlessness, polyuria, polydipsia and markedly increased serum total thyroxine (T4) concentrations. In one dog, thyroid scintigraphy showed markedly decreased uptake of technetium‐99m pertechnetate, consistent with suppression of endogenous thyroid function by exogenous thyroid hormone. Dietary history identified likely sources of thyroid tissue exposure in both dogs: beef neck in one and chicken neck in the other. After both dogs were switched to balanced commercial diets, clinical signs resolved and serum T4 concentrations returned to normal. Follow‐up scintigraphy confirmed restoration of normal thyroid radionuclide uptake. These cases emphasise that diet‐associated thyrotoxicosis should be considered in dogs with increased serum T4 concentrations and that dietary history and thyroid scintigraphy help distinguish exogenous thyrotoxicosis from intrinsic hyperthyroidism.
ABSTRACT A 12‐year‐old male neutered Chihuahua was referred for investigation of retching evolving over 1 month, with progressively worsening inspiratory dyspnoea over the last 10 days. Physical examination revealed a hyperaemic mass on the left tonsil. A computed tomography scan of the head and thorax identified a tonsillar mass with ipsilateral medial retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy and a diffuse ground‐glass opacity affecting the entire lung parenchyma. Fine‐needle aspirates of the tonsil and draining lymph node, bronchoalveolar lavage and postmortem lung biopsies confirmed a tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma metastasised to the locoregional lymph node and diffused to the lungs. This report illustrates a previously unreported presentation of pulmonary metastases from a tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma, which was confirmed histologically, and demonstrates that bronchoalveolar lavage can help detect these metastases.
Abstract A 4‐year‐old, male, neutered whippet presented for investigation of a 2‐month history of sneezing with unilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge. Physical examination confirmed an intermittent right‐sided mucopurulent nasal discharge and revealed a stertor. Computed tomography showed right‐sided non‐destructive rhinitis. Blind nasal biopsies were taken following locoregional nerve blocks. Epistaxis was evident post biopsy and continued into recovery. Forty‐five minutes post extubation, the patient sneezed, and frank blood was noted at the inferior lacrimal punctum of the right nasolacrimal duct. The haemolacria resolved over 10 minutes without treatment. Three hours post‐recovery, the patient became agitated, the epistaxis increased, and the haemolacria recurred. Diluted adrenaline was applied topically into the nasal cavity, and both haemolacria and epistaxis were resolved within 5 minutes without further issues. This case report details the development and potential treatment options of haemolacria following nasal biopsies and the importance of close monitoring post procedure.
Abstract Cirrhosis is a severe and irreversible condition resulting from chronic liver injury, characterised by extensive fibrosis and regenerative nodules. This report describes three dogs with cirrhosis. The main clinical findings included ascites, reduced body condition score and inappetence. Anaemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminaemia, and elevated serum alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities were observed, indicating hepatic injury and impaired liver function. Ultrasonography revealed microhepatia, irregular contours and heterogeneous parenchyma associated with regenerative nodules. Computed tomography, performed in one case, provided additional information regarding hepatic morphology. Treatment was palliative and included nutritional support, antioxidants and hepatoprotective agents. All three cases had an unfavourable outcome, with survival times ranging from 2 to 10 days after presentation. Ascites and hypoalbuminaemia may be associated with a poor prognosis in canine cirrhosis. Early detection of hepatopathies remains the greatest challenge to avoid progression to the cirrhotic stage, an irreversible stage characterised by architectural distortion and impending liver failure.
Abstract An 8‐year‐old female spayed Labrador Retriever presented with severe pneumoperitoneum but exhibited minimal clinical signs. The dog initially received oral meloxicam for dental disease, later sustained a cranial cruciate rupture and underwent a tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO). Therefore, meloxicam was continued for 7 weeks. Abdominal radiographs confirmed free abdominal gas, and celiotomy identified a single perforating colonic ulcer as the source of the pneumoperitoneum. The lesion was debrided and closed. Postoperatively, the dog made an uncomplicated recovery. Histopathology of the debrided tissue revealed ulceration without evidence of neoplasia. The clinical findings, surgical outcome, histopathology and drug history strongly suggest meloxicam‐induced colonic ulceration as the underlying cause. This case highlights that non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID)‐related gastrointestinal perforation can affect the colon, causing severe pneumoperitoneum, and that colonic ulceration must be considered during NSAID therapy. Absence of clinical signs and patients’ stability might guide prognosis in septic conditions.
