Ronald M. Bright

Hiatal hernia and diaphragmatic eventration in a leopard ( Panthera pardus).

Abstract A 1-yr-old male leopard (Panthera pardus) presented for intermittent anorexia, emaciation, and generalized muscle wasting. Plain radiographs, ultrasonography, and esophageal endoscopy led to a diagnosis of diaphragmatic eventration with probable concurrent hiatal hernia. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed both diagnoses, and surgical repair and stabilization were performed. After surgery, the leopard was maintained on small liquid meals for 4 days, with a gradual return to normal diet over 2 wk. By 4 wk after surgery, the leopard was eating well and gaining weight, and it showed no recurrence of clinical signs for 2 yr subsequently, becoming mildly obese.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy.

Over the past 5 to 7 years, the veterinary profession has benefitted from our increased ability to provide nutrition to the small animal patient who cannot or will not eat. The adaptation of the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for use in the dog and cat deserves a great deal of credit in advancing the level of care we can now give to the chronically ill or critical care patient. The PEG is a relatively simple technique that has proved to be a very cost-efficient way to maintain the nutritional status of the small animal patient. In the authors experience, owner acceptance of using the PEG in the home environment on a chronic basis has been excellent.