Background Pepsinogens are proenzymes secreted by gastric chief cells. In humans, their serum concentrations reflect gastric mucosal morphological and functional status. Objectives To evaluate serum canine pepsinogen-A (cPG-A), C-reactive protein (CRP), and canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) concentrations in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Animals Sixty-six dogs presented with GDV and 79 healthy controls. Methods Blood was collected prospectively, and records retrospectively reviewed. Results Median cPG-A concentration was higher in GDV dogs (median, 397 μg/L; range, 37–5,410) compared to controls (median, cPG-A 304 μg/L; range, 18–848; P = .07). Mortality rate in GDV dogs was 22.7%. In nonsurvivors of GDV, median cPG-A was higher compared to survivors (median, 746 μg/L; range, 128–5,409 versus median, 346; range, 36–1,575, respectively; P = .003). The proportion of dogs with increased cPG-A increased with gastric wall damage score (P = .007). An ROC analysis of cPG-A as a predictor of death showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.75, higher than lactate (AUC 0.66), and corresponded to a sensitivity and specificity of 53% and 88%, respectively. CRP was increased in 48 dogs (75%), cPLI was >200 μg/L in 26 dogs (39.4%) and >400 μg/L in 12 dogs (18.2%) but both analytes had no association with outcome. Conclusions Presurgical cPG-A concentration was positively and significantly associated with gastric wall lesion severity, but, based on ROC analysis, it was only a moderate outcome predictor. CRP and cPLI were commonly increased in dogs with GDV.

Perineal urethrostomy in cats is indicated for urethral pathologies located distal to the bulbourethral glands. The description of the bulbourethral glands as the cranial landmark when performing a PU is based on the increased urethral diameter at this location, rather than on an anatomical limitation. This suggests that urethral pathologies cranial to the bulbourethral glands could potentially be treated with PU. At present, the extent to which the pelvic urethra can be mobilized is unknown. Characterization and quantification of the effect of PU on the pelvic urethra is required prior to attempting to define the location of the pelvic urethra, cranial to the bulbourethral glands, which can be exteriorized when performing a PU. Our aim was to characterize and quantify the effect of performing a PU on the location and length of the pelvic urethra. Methods: Ten male feline cadavers were used, and four markers were placed on the pelvic urethra via a ventral approach to the peritoneal and pelvic cavities. Two orthogonal radiographic views were acquired prior and subsequent to performing a PU. The distance of each marker to a predefined landmark/origin and the distances of the markers relative to each other were measured on all radiographs. Results: PU resulted in significant caudal translation of the markers relative to the predefined landmark on all radiographic views; however, PU did not result in a significant change in the distances between the markers. Conclusions: Performing a PU results in caudal translation and minimal stretching of the mobilized pelvic urethra.

Objectives: We report the use of intra‐operative endoscopy, termed here ‘surgically‐assisted endoscopy’. The procedure spares a gastrotomy, therefore, shortening anaesthetic time, minimising potential complications and resulting in a quicker and less painful recovery.Methods: Four dogs and one cat requiring surgical celiotomy for various conditions were treated. In all animals, a gastrointestinal foreign body (FB) was located at surgery. During the surgery, with the patient still in dorsal recumbency and the abdomen still open, in lieu of gastrotomy, the animals had their FBs removed via endoscopy, sparing a gastrotomy procedure and its potential complications.Results: In all five cases, a gastrotomy was avoided and the FBs were successfully extracted using the endoscope. Only one minor complication was seen intra‐operatively and none at short‐term follow‐up.Clinical Significance: Although prognosis after gastrotomy is considered excellent, potential complications still exist and include haemorrhage, intra‐operative spillage, peritonitis and post‐operative dehiscence. Alternatively, endoscopy negates many of those possible complications and shortens anaesthesia time. In many cases of gastric FBs, or where intestinal FBs can be safely manipulated into the stomach, surgically assisted endoscopy could be considered a viable and potentially preferred option to gastrotomy.