BackgroundDespite multiple dilatation procedures, benign esophageal strictures (BES) remain a recurring cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs and cats.ObjectiveInvestigate the use of an indwelling Balloon Dilatation esophagostomy tube (B‐Tube) for treatment of BES in dogs and cats.AnimalsNine dogs and 3 cats.MethodsAnimals with BES were recruited for our prospective study. Endoscopic and fluoroscopic evaluation of the esophagus and balloon dilatation were performed under general anesthesia, followed by placement of an indwelling B‐Tube. The animals' owners performed twice daily at‐home inflations for approximately 6 weeks. Repeat endoscopy was performed before B‐Tube removal. Animals were reevaluated for changes in modified dysphagia score (MDS) after B‐Tube removal.ResultsThe B‐Tube management was relatively well tolerated and effective in maintaining dilatation of a BES while in place. These animals underwent a median of 2 anesthetic episodes and were monitored for a median of 472 days (range, 358‐1736 days). The mean MDS before treatment was 3.1 ± 0.5/4.0 and final follow‐up MDS were significantly (P < .0001) improved at 0.36 ± 0.65/4.0. Eleven of 12 animals (91.7%) had improved MDS at the end of the follow‐up period, with 8/12 (66.7%) having an MDS of 0/4, 2/12 (16.7%) an MDS of 1/4, and 1/12 (8.3%) an MDS of 2/4. One dog died.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe B‐Tube offers an effective, and more economical method, and often decreased anesthetic time to repeated balloon dilatation procedures for the treatment of BES in dogs and cats.

The primary platform used for pyrazinamide (PZA) susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the MGIT culture system (Becton Dickinson). Since false-resistant results have been associated with the use of this system, we conducted a multicenter evaluation to determine the effect of using a reduced cell density inoculum on the rate of false resistance. Two reduced inoculum densities were compared with that prescribed by the manufacturer (designated as “BD” method). The reduced inoculum methods (designated as “A” and “C”) were identical to the manufacturer's protocol in all aspects with the exception of the cell density of the inoculum. Twenty genetically and phenotypically characterized M. tuberculosis isolates were tested in duplicate by ten independent laboratories using the three inoculum methods. False-resistant results declined from 21.1% using the standard “BD” method to 5.7% using the intermediate (“A”) inoculum and further declined to 2.8% using the most dilute (“C”) inoculum method. The percentages of the resistant results that were false-resistant declined from 55.2% for the “BD” test to 28.8% and 16.0% for the “A” and “C” tests, respectively. These results represent compelling evidence that the occurrence of false-resistant MGIT PZA susceptibility test results can be mitigated through the use of reduced inoculum densities.

Traumatic fracture of the medial coronoid process should be considered a clinical disease distinct from dysplasia-related fragmentation and should be considered as a differential diagnosis in dogs that are presented with the complaint of acute unilateral elbow discomfort or lameness, especially after concussive activities involving the forelimb. .

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