Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the complications and long-term postoperative outcomes in dogs diagnosed with urethral prolapse (UP) that underwent urethropexy and/or urethral resection and anastomosis (uRA). Animals and procedure:Medical records of 21 client-owned dogs undergoing urethropexy and/or uRA were reviewed. Complications and long-term outcomes were assessed retrospectively. Results:Twenty-one dogs were included, and all dogs survived to discharge. The overall complication rate was 52.3%, with recurrence the most common complication (n = 8/11). Six of 8 dogs with recurrence underwent revision surgery, with 1 dog that underwent 5 revision surgeries involving a salvage partial penile amputation due to persistent recurrence. English bulldog was the most prevalent breed (47.6%) and was significantly associated with UP. There were no significant associations between the procedure (single versus combined), number of sutures placed for urethropexy, suture material, or suture pattern for uRA, and the risk of complications. Castration did not influence the risk of complications. Conclusion and clinical relevance:Urethropexy and uRA were safe when done as single or combined procedures. Recurrence was the most prevalent complication in this study, and may warrant multiple revision surgeries. Appropriate communication about the risk of recurrence and the potential for multiple revision surgeries is recommended for owners with dogs undergoing UP repair.

This report describes the diagnosis, treatment and long‐term follow‐up of a dog with hepatic arteriovenous malformation and extensive thrombus of the splanchnic vessels. A 1‐year‐old, male, neutered golden retriever presented with haematochezia and ascites. The abdominal effusion was consistent with transudate, and initial diagnostic work‐up, including bloodwork and abdominal ultrasound, was overall unremarkable. A thoracic and abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a hepatic arteriovenous malformation affecting the left lateral, left medial and quadrate liver lobes, and extensive thrombosis of multiple splanchnic vessels. A heparin infusion was initiated. Surgical resection of the abnormal liver lobes was pursued. Histopathology of the liver was consistent with arterioportal malformation and atrophy of hepatic parenchyma. New portal vein thrombi were noted post‐operatively. The dog was prescribed rivaroxaban, clopidogrel and gastroprotectants. All thrombi were resolved by 5 weeks post‐operatively. Long‐term follow‐up (28 months) revealed persistent hepatic insufficiency requiring long‐term medical management.

Objective:To describe the syndrome of suspected gastroduodenal ulceration/erosion (GUE) in dogs with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IHPSS) before and after percutaneous transvenous coil embolization (PTCE). Methods:In a multi-institutional, retrospective case series, medical records from 7 specialty hospitals were reviewed to identify dogs with IHPSS diagnosed with suspected GUE prior to or following PTCE from July 31, 2013, to August 1, 2023. Eleven client-owned dogs were divided into 2 groups based on ulcer grade as determined by the Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events guidelines for gastric ulceration. Factors were evaluated for association with GUE severity. Results:At the time of GUE diagnosis, the median age and weight of dogs were 20 months (range, 2 to 48 months) and 20.9 kg (range, 6.6 to 36.5 kg). Five and 6 dogs were diagnosed with suspected GUE before and after PTCE, respectively. High- and low-grade suspected GUEs were diagnosed in 6 and 5 dogs, respectively. Common clinical signs included vomiting with or without hematemesis (n = 8), lethargy (7), and inappetence (6). Dogs were receiving omeprazole (n = 2) and a steroid (1) or NSAID (5) at the time of suspected GUE diagnosis. No dogs receiving an NSAID were concurrently being treated with omeprazole. No factors evaluated were significantly associated with increased severity of suspected GUE. Conclusions:Dogs with IHPSS experience GUE despite prophylactic medical management and treatment via PTCE. Clinical Relevance:Cautious use of medications associated with GUE should be considered in dogs with IHPSS. The pathophysiology of GUE in dogs with IHPSS remains incompletely understood.

Objective: To report the outcomes of cats that underwent surgical correction for sialoceles. Study designMulti-institutional retrospective cohort study. AnimalsTwenty-one client-owned cats. Methods: Medical records were examined of cats diagnosed with sialocele, which underwent surgical intervention over an 11-year period at one of 10 referral hospitals. The data collected included signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic imaging, histopathology, surgical procedures performed, and postoperative complications. Results: The most common presenting complaints for cats with sialocele included dysphagia and ptyalism. Only two cats had a recent history of trauma, and one was diagnosed with a concurrent sialolith. Most displayed visible tissue swelling, with ranulae being most common. Surgical treatment consisted of sialoadenectomy and/or marsupialization. Intraoperative complications occurred in three cats, and postoperative complications in five cats. No recurrence or development of contralateral sialoceles were reported during the follow-up period (30-968 days). Conclusion: The majority of cats did not have a clear underlying cause for developing a sialocele. The sublingual and mandibular salivary glands were presumed to be the most commonly affected. Mandibular and sublingual sialoadenectomy and/or marsupialization provided resolution of clinical signs to the 21 cats that underwent these procedures.

Objectives This study aimed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and types of bacterial isolates associated with subclinical bacteriuria (SBU) in dogs with reduced mobility; and to explore the influence of SBU on surgical-site infection (SSI) in dogs treated surgically for their conditions. Animals We studied 140 client-owned dogs. Procedure Medical records of dogs with orthopedic and neurological conditions from 3 academic referral hospitals were reviewed. Dogs receiving antimicrobials or showing lower urinary tract signs were excluded. Using generalized linear models, clinical, procedural, and postoperative variables were evaluated as possible risk factors for SBU and SSI. Results The prevalence of SBU and the rate of SSI were 8.5% (12/140) and 10.4% (10/96), respectively. Urine culture was completed in 6 of 12 dogs with SBU, and 3 results were positive ( Escherichia coli in 2 dogs and Staphylococcus spp. in 1 dog). Four of the 10 dogs that developed SSI received postoperative antimicrobial therapy. The prevalence of SBU and types of bacterial isolates were similar to those in previous reports. Significant risk factors for developing SBU and its association with SSI were not identified. Conclusion and clinical relevance Screening and treating for SBU preoperatively remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether 3 mm cup biopsy forceps (CBF) provide equivalent diagnostic samples to 5 mm CBF for histopathologic diagnosis, bacterial culture, and copper quantification. STUDY DESIGN Clinical prospective study. ANIMALS Ten client-owned dogs, presenting for laparoscopic liver biopsy (LLB). METHODS Dogs underwent LLB, and paired samples were collected using 3 and 5 mm CBF. Portal triad and hepatic lobule counts, crush and fragmentation artifacts, copper concentration, bacterial culture results, and agreement on histopathologic diagnosis were compared. RESULTS Both CBF sizes allowed for easy sample collection and resulted in minimal hemorrhage. An average of 12.13 (confidence limit (CL): 9.4-14.9) and 17.84 (CL: 15.1-20.6) portal triads were obtained using a 3 and 5 mm CBF, respectively (p = .0003). A portal triad count of 11 or more was achieved in 73.3% of the 3 mm and 93.3% of the 5 mm samples. Gwets AC1 coefficient showed a high level of agreement (0.8) for overall histopathologic diagnosis (p < .0001). The 3 mm CBF crush scores were higher (median of the differences: -1; range: -1 to 1) (p = .035). There was no difference in fragmentation scores (p = .935). CONCLUSION The 3 mm CBF yielded smaller samples in terms of size and portal triad count compared with the 5 mm CBF. However, the portal triad count was sufficient in a majority of samples and histologic agreement with the 5 mm CBF was excellent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE In dogs, a 3 mm CBF yields adequate samples for histopathologic interpretation, copper quantification, and bacterial culture.

OBJECTIVE:To determine whether 3 and 5 mm laparoscopic cup biopsy forceps provide samples of equivalent diagnostic quality in cats.STUDY DESIGN:Experimental study.ANIMALS:Twelve colony cats undergoing a concurrent nutrition study.METHODS:Two biopsy forceps (3 and 5 mm) and three biopsy techniques (twist, pull, and twist + pull) were used to collect 68 laparoscopic liver samples. Biopsies were performed consecutively with the 3 and 5 mm biopsy sites adjacent to each other. Data analyzed included the number of portal triads and hepatic lobules, tissue crush and fragmentation, overall sample area (mm2 ), sample weight, and agreement regarding morphologic diagnosis.RESULTS:The 5 mm forceps provided more hepatic lobules, portal triads, and a larger tissue weight and histologic area (mm2 ) (p < .01). The twist and pull techniques provide more hepatic lobules and portal triads compared to the twist + pull technique while the twist + pull technique resulted in greater tissue crush compared to the twist technique (p = .0097). There was good agreement for morphological diagnosis between the 3 and 5 mm samples using the twist + pull technique but not for the twist or pull techniques.CONCLUSION:Liver samples can be safely collected with 3 or 5 mm laparoscopic biopsy forceps and provide sufficient tissue for histopathology analysis in cats, with minimal artifact. The diagnostic accuracy of 3 mm samples remains unknown.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:Although 3 mm laparoscopic cup biopsy forceps provided samples of sufficient diagnostic quality for histopathologic interpretation in cats, further studies are required to assess their diagnostic accuracy.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary choline and L-carnitine on the lipotropic gene expression in the muscle and liver of overweight and lean cats, when fed for body weight (BW)maintenance. Overweight [n = 6, body fat percent (BF%): 33.2 ± 1.38] and lean (n = 6, BF%:18.4 ± 0.93), 1-2 year old, male, neutered cats received choline (378 mg/kg BW0.67), L-carnitine (200 mg/kg BW) and no supplementation (control) in a 3x3 Latin square design for 6 weeks, with a 2-week washout between treatments periods. Each treatment was offered with a commercial extruded diet; diet amount was provided to maintain current BW. Cats were anesthetized and quadriceps vastus lateralis (30-50 mg) and liver (30-50 mg) biopsies were harvested after each treatment period using an open muscle or laparoscopic biopsy technique respectively. Tissue RNA was isolated with TRIzol and sequenced using directional PolyA RNA-seq. The expressed genes were aligned using the reference genome, Felis_catus_9.0, Ensembl v.107. Differential gene expression was analyzed for 29,928 genes with SEQUIN, using edgeR and TMM normalization. Pathway analysis was performed using EnrichR databases, BioPlanet 2019 and KEGG 2021. Using a two-group comparison, global analysis revealed 92 and 759 differentially expressed genes in the liver and muscle, respectively of overweight cats compared with lean (P < 0.05). Affected pathways included fat digestion and absorption, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling in the liver, and immunity related pathways in muscle (P < 0.05). Upon further analysis using a two-group comparison between overweight and lean cats for each treatment, 11 and 692 significant genes were found in choline treated liver samples and L-carnitine treated muscle samples, respectively (P < 0.05). Similar to the global analysis, genes related to fat metabolism, including PPAR signaling, were significant in the choline treated liver samples, and immunity related genes were significant in the L-carnitine treated muscle samples (P < 0.05). Based on preliminary data, supplemental dietary choline may be beneficial for overweight cats as it may increase fat metabolism in the liver, mitigating risks associated with feline hepatic lipidosis (FHL). Supplemental dietary L-carnitine may also be beneficial due to its effects on immunity related pathways, including pathogen defense. To investigate the full effects of choline and L-carnitine on gene expression, further studies are warranted including older, chronically obese cats, as well as confirmed cases of FHL. Acknowledgements: Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada, Elmira Pet Products and Balchem Corp.

Pet goat ownership has gradually increased in popularity and veterinarians are expected to provide gold-standard treatments for these animals. As in small-animal practice, decision-making regarding thoracic bite injuries is challenging because of the variability in clinical, radiographic, and surgical findings. Mortality rates from dog bite wounds in small animals range between 15.3 and 17.7%, and these cases represent 10% of all traumatic injuries referred to an emergency service; such information is not available regarding pet goats. The aim of this report is to describe a thoracic dog bite wound in a goat. It details the clinical, radiographic, and surgical findings and the repair, and reports the successful outcome, all to provide information to small-ruminant practitioners for treatment or referral. Future retrospective studies will help to determine prognostic factors for outcomes in goats with thoracic dog bite wounds. Key clinical message: Thoracic bite wounds are a challenge to manage, considering the potential severe underlying pathology and the absence of clear external injuries or clinical signs. Referring veterinarians and owners should be advised that goats with the presence of flail chest, pneumothorax, or rib fractures may require a higher level of intervention.

Hemilaminectomy and mini-hemilaminectomy are considered the standard of care for removal of extruded disk material in the thoracolumbar region. Additional indications for mini-hemilaminectomy and hemilaminectomy include decompression of inflammatory lesions, decompression following spinal trauma, removal of laterally or ventrally located tumors to address appropriately located subarachnoid diverticula, and for removal of foreign material. A mini-hemilaminectomy can easily be converted into a hemilaminectomy or be extended over several adjacent vertebrae if required. An advantage of the mini-hemilaminectomy over the hemilaminectomy is that it can be performed bilaterally without compromise to the bony support or soft tissues. Hemorrhage is typically minor and in most instances is easily controlled; but in cases where severe hemorrhage is encountered, it can hinder visualization and prevent adequate spinal decompression or lead to marked blood loss.

This study's objective was to evaluate the agreement between in-person performance scores and digitally recorded assessment scores by the same examiner using a simulated suturing skill examination. With ethics approval, veterinary students underwent a simulated skills examination proctored by an in-person examiner and simultaneously digitally recorded using two wide-angle cameras mounted overtop and to the side of the surgical field. Performance scores were based on a nine-item rubric. In-person examination scores were compared for agreement with those obtained by blind review of the digital recording of the same session, by the same examiner, 6-18 months following the in-person examination. Thirty-nine students were enrolled. All rubric categories could be assessed during digital assessment of the recording from the camera mounted above the surgical area. In two instances, the side digital recording had to be reviewed to confirm correct needle holder grip. Concordance correlation between performance scores from in-person and post hoc digital assessment was excellent (r = .93). The excellent agreement between in-person and digital assessment suggests that digitally recording skills examinations can provide adequate suturing skills assessment, presenting several benefits. Digitally recorded assessment allows for anonymity, which can reduce assessor bias/favoritism, provide a record of performance that students can review and critically self-reflect upon, and reduce the number of in-person examiners required to complete surgical skills examinations. Additionally, digitally recorded assessment could become an option for students who experience anxiety performing a skills exam in the presence of an examiner.

Enumeration of circulating tumour cells (CTC) has shown promise for prognostication and guidance of therapeutic decisions in human cancers. The objective of this study was to enumerate CTC over time in dogs with naturally occurring osteosarcoma (OSA), and to determine correlation with patient outcome. Twenty-six dogs with OSA and no evidence of metastatic disease at the time of amputation were enrolled. Dogs were assessed for lung metastases and CTC prior to and following amputation, and at each chemotherapy visit. Twenty-one dogs completed the study. Nineteen dogs were euthanized and two were alive and free of metastases. Overall survival time ranged from 88 to 1058 days (median survival time (MST) 374 days). Increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity, advanced age, and higher body weight were significantly associated with lower MST. Dogs with OSA had a mean of 356 (0 to 4443) CTC/106 leukocytes. In 12 of 15 dogs that developed radiographic evidence of metastasis, a pre-metastatic CTC spike was retrospectively detectable on average 36.5 (1-100 days) days prior to metastasis and was associated with significantly shorter MST (301 ± 64 vs. 626 ± 55 days; p = .0107). In a multivariable analysis, dogs with a CTC spike were 10× more likely to die compared with those without. These results suggest that a spike in CTC frequency precedes detection of metastasis in dogs with OSA and is associated with shorter survival. More frequent enumeration of CTC in a larger cohort of dogs with OSA may be warranted.

A 2-year-old female Vietnamese potbellied pig was referred to the Large Animal Teaching Hospital at the Ontario Veterinary College for anoplasty and rectovaginal fistula repair. The presence of atresia ani and rectovaginal fistula had been previously diagnosed. Contrast radiography was used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the position of the fistula and terminal rectum. Under general anesthesia, the urethra was catheterized. An incision was made at the anatomic location of the anus, the rectovaginal fistula was isolated through deep dissection, and a Penrose drain was placed around it for caudal retraction. Transvaginal catheter placement through the fistula and into the rectum assisted with anatomic location. Once the urogenital and gastrointestinal tracts were clearly identified, the fistula was transected as close to the vaginal cavity as possible. The vaginal defect was sutured, and the fistula tract was mobilized 90° and sutured to the skin, creating the anal canal. Postoperative complications included constipation and cystitis. The gilt passed feces 5 d after surgery and was discharged on Day 11 of hospitalization. Normal urination and defecation were observed at the time, and fecal incontinence was resolved. Six months after surgical intervention, the gilt remained continent and no complications were reported. Key clinical message: Anoplasty and rectovaginal fistula repair were completed successfully in a gilt. Preservation of the fistula and its use during anal reconstruction may provide an internal anal sphincter and may be associated with improved continence.

Anxiety can affect exam performance so exploring methods to improve mental health and academic performance is relevant. The objectives of this study were to investigate stress amongst veterinary students undergoing simulated suture skills examinations and determine if digital video recording can reduce stress compared to in-person examination. Thirty-nine students were prospectively enrolled and randomized to undergo two simulated suture examinations, a session proctored by an in-person examiner or one digitally recorded with no proctor present and then crossed over to the other group. Survey data, modified State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), salivary cortisol, heart rate (HR) and blood pressures were obtained at baseline, prior to, and post-examinations. STAI scores were significantly higher post- in-person examination compared to pre- in-person examination ( p = .0014) for first session. Pre- examination STAI scores were significantly higher for in-person examinations compared to recorded examinations ( p = .0312) during the second session. Blood pressure was significantly higher during the first session regardless of examination type ( p = .018) and HR was lower at baseline than pre- and post-examination, regardless of exam type (p<.0001). Students reported more stress with in-person examinations (p<.0001) and that if given a choice, they would preferentially opt for recorded examinations ( p < .0001). Twenty-eight of 32 students with prior suture skills examination experience reported that the simulated examination was less stressful. STAI scores and self-reported stress levels were significantly lower following recorded exams. Digital video recording of skills testing can reduce perceived stress in veterinary students compared to traditional in-person skills examination.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly malignant bone tumour that has seen little improvement in treatment modalities in the past 30 years. Understanding what molecules contribute to OS biology could aid in the discovery of novel therapies. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) serve as a mode of cell-to-cell communication and have the potential to uncover novel protein signatures. In our research, we developed a novel pipeline to isolate, characterize, and profile EVs from normal bone and osteosarcoma tissue explants from canine OS patients. Proteomic analysis of vesicle preparations revealed a protein signature related to protein metabolism. One molecule of interest, PSMD14/Rpn11, was explored further given its prognostic potential in human and canine OS, and its targetability with the drug capzimin. In vitro experiments demonstrated that capzimin induces apoptosis and reduces clonogenic survival, proliferation, and migration in two metastatic canine OS cell lines. Capzimin also reduces the viability of metastatic human OS cells cultured under 3D conditions that mimic the growth of OS cells at secondary sites. This unique pipeline can improve our understanding of OS biology and identify new prognostic markers and molecular targets for both canine and human OS patients.

OBJECTIVE To compare the long-term outcomes of a ventral versus lateral surgical approach for mandibular and sublingual sialoadenectomy in dogs with a unilateral sialocele. ANIMALS 46 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES Medical records of dogs that underwent unilateral sialoadenectomy between 1999 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed, and information was collected regarding signalment, clinical signs, historical treatment, swelling location, diagnostic imaging findings, sialoadenectomy approach, adjunctive treatments, intraoperative complications, hospitalization time, postoperative complications, recurrence, and contralateral sialocele development. RESULTS There were no significant differences in incidences of intraoperative complications, recurrence, or postoperative complications between dogs in which a lateral versus ventral approach was used. Clinically important intraoperative complications included iatrogenic tears in the oral mucosa, ligature slippage from the duct end, hemorrhage, and possible lingual nerve transection. Surgical experience was associated with the likelihood that intraoperative complications would develop. Suspected recurrence was reported in 2 of 26 (8%) dogs that underwent a lateral approach and 2 of 12 (17%) dogs that underwent a ventral approach. Hospitalization time was significantly shorter with the lateral approach than with the ventral approach. Postoperative complications had a short-term onset and occurred in 4 of 25 (16%) dogs that underwent a lateral approach and 3 of 12 (25%) dogs that underwent a ventral approach. Age and presence of a pharyngeal sialocele were associated with development of postoperative complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Long-term outcomes for ventral and lateral approaches to sialoadenectomy were favorable and appeared to be comparable. Further prospective study into potential associations of sialoadenectomy approach, age, and pharyngeal sialoceles on outcome is needed.

Background In humans, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) is a biomarker of acute kidney injury that can be quantified in urine. Preliminary investigation in cats with experimentally induced acute kidney injury showed that KIM-1 urine concentration correlated with kidney injury histopathology scores. A lateral flow assay (LFA) has recently become available for patient-side feline KIM-1 measurement. In vitro parameters of the assay have not yet been determined. The objectives of this study were to determine detection of KIM-1 in urine stored at different temperatures over time, to establish the linear range of the LFA, and to assess the intra-assay repeatability of measurements. Results Ten urine samples with a range of KIM-1 concentrations were stored at room temperature (22 o C), 4 o C or -20 o C, and tested with the LFA on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 30. The concentration of KIM-1 in samples was not significantly different from the day 0 value, except one sample that had been stored for 30 days at room temperature yielded a significantly higher value. The assay results had a correlation coefficient of 0.922. The mean coefficient of variation for all samples was 15.7%. The slope of the curve of expected versus measured values in samples diluted two-fold nine times was 0.908, and results were linear over all dilutions. Conclusions The LFA for feline KIM-1 yields consistent results from stored urine samples. These characteristics will allow for KIM-1 to be measured retrospectively if immediate testing is not feasible. Within assay precision was high, and linearity over 9 logs of dilution suggests suitability for a range of subclinical and clinical kidney injuries.

AbstractBackgroundThoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (TL‐IVDE) is the most common cause of acute paraparesis and paraplegia in dogs; however, guidelines on management of the condition are lacking.ObjectivesTo summarize the current literature as it relates to diagnosis and management of acute TL‐IVDE in dogs, and to formulate clinically relevant evidence‐based recommendations.AnimalsNone.MethodsA panel of 8 experts was convened to assess and summarize evidence from the peer‐reviewed literature in order to develop consensus clinical recommendations. Level of evidence available to support each recommendation was assessed and reported.ResultsThe majority of available literature described observational studies. Most recommendations made by the panel were supported by a low or moderate level of evidence, and several areas of high need for further study were identified. These include better understanding of the ideal timing for surgical decompression, expected surgical vs medical outcomes for more mildly affected dogs, impact of durotomy on locomotor outcome and development of progressive myelomalacia, and refining of postoperative care, and genetic and preventative care studies.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceFuture efforts should build on current recommendations by conducting prospective studies and randomized controlled trials, where possible, to address identified gaps in knowledge and to develop cost effectiveness and number needed to treat studies supporting various aspects of diagnosis and treatment of TL‐IVDE.

OBJECTIVE:To report the outcomes of dogs that underwent primary repair of gastroduodenal perforations associated with the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). A secondary objective was to identify clinicopathological findings that predisposed dogs to postoperative death.STUDY DESIGN:Retrospective study.ANIMALS:Eleven dogs with complete gastric or duodenal perforation related to administration of an NSAID that underwent primary surgical repair.METHODS:Medical records were reviewed for dogs that presented with peritonitis due to a complete gastroduodenal perforation while receiving NSAIDs between November, 2011 and January, 2021. Data collected included patient characteristics, clinical signs, clinicopathological results, surgical details, and postoperative management and outcome.RESULTS:All dogs were large breeds (mean weight 42 kg; range 22-75 kg), with a mean age of 7.35 years. Nine dogs from a total of 11 (82 %) received a concurrent corticosteroid and NSAID, or a higher dose/frequency/length of NSAID administration than recommended by the manufacturer. All gastroduodenal perforations were found in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Eight of 11 (73%) dogs survived to discharge. The median postoperative duration of follow up was 444 days (range 2-1460 days). No association was detected between ulcer size or location and mortality.CONCLUSION:Most dogs who underwent primary repair of complete gastroduodenal ulcers survived. Gastroduodenal perforations were generally due to the administration of higher or longer doses of NSAIDs, or concurrent administration of another NSAID or corticosteroid.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:Primary closure may be associated with a high success rate in dogs with full thickness gastroduodenal ulcers.