ObjectiveTo determine the ability to evaluate laryngeal function under sedation with dexmedetomidine alone or in combination with opioids.Study designRandomized, crossover, blinded study.AnimalsEight adult research hounds weighing 8 to 22.5 kg.MethodsDogs were sedated with propofol, dexmedetomidine, dexmedetomidine and butorphanol, or dexmedetomidine and hydromorphone. Digital images were collected with video laryngoscopy before and after doxapram administration. Maximal inspiratory normalized glottal gap (GGAn) and laryngeal motion were compared between and within protocols before and after doxapram by using a difference of least squares mean.ResultsNormal laryngeal function was confirmed in all dogs with all protocols except propofol, which resulted in two false positive results. No difference between protocols was detected for predoxapram GGAn. Postdoxapram GGAn was greater than predoxapram GGAn for all four sedation protocols (P ≤ .0030). Compared with propofol, postdoxapram GGAn was greater for all three dexmedetomidine protocols (P ≤ .0420).ConclusionDexmedetomidine alone or in combination with opioids was an effective sedation protocol for laryngeal examination, producing sufficient immobilization to prevent jaw motion and without affecting arytenoid abduction.Clinical significanceDexmedetomidine sedation does not inhibit normal laryngeal motion. Laryngeal examination with propofol alone can produce false positive results.

Results suggested that the prognosis for dogs undergoing splenectomy because of PST was favorable. Several risk factors for death prior to discharge were identified, including preexisting septic peritonitis, intraoperative hemorrhage, and postoperative development of respiratory distress.

A 1-year-old sexually intact female Labrador Retriever was evaluated for malodorous vaginal discharge, lethargy, and vomiting. A diagnosis of pyometra was suspected based on signalment, clinical signs, and abdominal ultrasonography. The dog underwent an exploratory celiotomy revealing a palpably enlarged cervix and edematous, fluid-filled vagina with an otherwise normal uterus. The ovaries, uterus, cervix, and cranial vagina were surgically resected. Histopathology revealed mild to moderate regionally extensive subacute neutrophilic cervicovaginitis due to an unknown underlying etiology. The dog did not exhibit any postoperative complications or recurrence of clinical signs in 6 months. This case represents an unusual disease condition, which presented in a manner typical for pyometra, yet required more extensive surgical resection.

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