2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Results of this study indicate that hydromorphone is an effective alternative to dexmedetomidine for the induction of emesis in cats. Sedation and decrease in heart rate were observed less with hydromorphone administration. Further investigation into the most adequate dose of hydromorphone for optimizing emesis is warranted. Imaging the jejunum in dogs is problematic. Ultrasound frequently misses mucosal lesions and traditional endoscopy does not typically reach the jejunum. ALICAM is a capsule endoscopy system that images the entire bowel. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess the frequency of jejunal lesions in dogs given ALICAM for gastrointestinal signs and/or laboratory abnormalities. A board-certified internist interpreted each study. Eight of 131 (6.1%) dogs had complete studies with lesions identified in the jejunum that were considered significant. Of the eight dogs with positive studies, 6 were given ALICAM for a regenerative anemia, while 2 had signs of overt gastrointestinal bleeding (melena). Five of 8 dogs had a normal gastrointestinal tract on ultrasound prior to ALICAM administration. One dog had a normal gastroduodenoscopy and a second dog had a normal gastroduodenoscopy and laparoscopy prior to ALICAM. ALICAM findings included ulcerated masses in 2/8 dogs, large erosions or ulcers in 4/8 dogs, and focal fluid, blood or mucosal abnormalities in 2/8 dogs. Following ALICAM, two dogs underwent manual push enteroscopy. In one case, the ulcerative lesions seen on ALICAM were not found. In the second case, the suspected lesion was identified and resected. A third dog had an exploratory laparotomy with subsequent identification and resection of the mass seen with ALICAM. ALICAM is useful in imaging the jejunum and should be considered an important diagnostic step in the work up of gastrointestinal disease, especially in cases of unexplained anemia where traditional endoscopy or ultrasound failed to identify a cause. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of sustained therapy with antiplatelet drugs and glucocorticoids on platelet function tests and the upper gastrointestinal tract.