GASTROENTEROLOGY

CONTENTS

Preface xiTracey K. Ritzman

A Glimpse of the Human Field of Gastroenterologyand Applications for Veterinary Medicine 183Chris Griffin and Joseph W. Griffin, Jr

The future of veterinary gastroenterology may be greatly enhancedby the technologic, therapeutic, and diagnostic advancements cur-rently available to physicians. Capsule endoscopy, endoscopic ul-trasound, proton pump inhibitors, computed tomography, andother cutting edge techniques and therapies may become a largerpart of veterinary medicine, and will undoubtedly lead to more ac-curate diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disease in exoticpet patients.

The Ferret Gastrointestinal Tract andHelicobacter mustelaeInfection 197Cathy A. Johnson-Delaney

The gastrointestinal tract of the domestic ferret, Mustela putoriusfuro, has been studied extensively as a model for several humangastrointestinal tract diseases, including spontaneous gastric andduodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux, gastric carcinoma andlymphoma, the lack of acid mucosubstances similar to humans,and Helicobacter mustelae infection. To discuss the implications ofthe role of Helicobacter in disease, we must first review the uniqueanatomy and physiology of the ferret digestive system.

Gastrointestinal Diseases of the Ferret 213Angela M. Lennox

Gastrointestinal disease is common in pet ferrets. Unique ferretanatomy and physiology predisposes ferrets to primary gastroin-testinal disease as well as gastrointestinal symptoms secondary

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to stress or general debilitation. Identification of etiology can be dif-ficult, and requires a thorough diagnostic approach, as many gas-trointestinal disease conditions produce similar symptoms. Acombination of traditional diagnostic modalities, plus newer noveldiagnostic tests, can aid in both diagnosis and optimal therapeuticmanagement of ferrets with gastrointestinal disease.

Amphibian Gastroenterology 227Leigh Ann Clayton

This article begins with a review of gastrointestinal anatomy of lar-val and adult anurans (frogs, toads) and urodeles (salamanders,newts, sirens). A brief discussion of clinical signs and diagnostictools is included. Common disease and treatment options alsoare discussed.

Gastroenterology for the Piscine Patient 247E. Scott Weber

Fish are the largest group of vertebrates, and with estimates of spe-cies at 25,000, piscine patients pose a great veterinary challenge forprivate practice, on fish farms, and in a public aquarium setting.This article reviews the piscine gastrointestinal tract beginning withthe mouth and food apprehension, through the stomach, intestines,pyloric cecae, and with discussion on accessory organs. Basic anat-omy of each gastrointestinal tract section with some pertinent his-tologic considerations and some general physiologic considerationsis discussed. This article also includes diagnostic modalities fre-quently used to investigate gastrointestinal disease in fish, whichinclude ultrasound, radiography, contrast radiography, fecal test-ing, cloacal lavage, microbiology, endoscopy, and surgery.

Clinical Reptile Gastroenterology 277Mark A. Mitchell and Orlando Diaz-Figueroa

Gastroenterology represents an important specialty within clinicalreptile medicine. Veterinarians should become familiar with the un-ique anatomic and physiologic differences between reptiles to im-prove their management of these cases. In addition, veterinariansshould use available diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of gas-trointestinal disease. With the current advancements in reptilemedicine, there is no reason these cases cannot be pursued to theirfullest.

Diagnosis andManagement of Macrorhabdus ornithogaster(Formerly Megabacteria) 299David Phalen

Macrorhabdus ornithogaster (formerly megabacteria) is a long, thin,rigid, gram-positive yeast that grows in chains of up to four cells.

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It has been identified in ostriches, chickens, and many species ofwild and captive psittacine and passerine birds. Most infectionswith M ornithogaster are asymptomatic. Infection that results in dis-ease, however, does occur in some individuals of some species, par-ticularly canaries, finches, budgerigars, and parrotlets. Diagnosis ofinfection in the live bird is done by detecting the organisms in thedroppings in a wet mount or stained smear. Many infected birds,however, do not shed organisms and there is material in the fecesthat can resemble this organism closely. Amphotericin B is the onlydrug that is effective for treating M ornithogaster.

Raptor Gastroenterology 307Eric Klaphake and Jo Clancy

Raptors have some unique features to their gastrointestinal ana-tomy and physiology compared with more commonly seen birdsin veterinary practices. Diseases such as trichomoniasis, lead toxi-city, and herpesvirus infections need to be correctly diagnosedand treated. Management of raptor patients also presents chal-lenges in terms of hospitalization, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

Disorders of the Psittacine Gastrointestinal Tract 329Tarah L. Hadley

The psittacine gastrointestinal tract (GI) is a complex organ systemsusceptible to a variety of diseases. Disorders of the psittacine GItract also represent some of the most challenging to diagnoseand treat by the avian practitioner. The anatomy and physiologyof the GI tract as it pertains to psittacine bird species will be dis-cussed. This article will also review the most common diseases ofthe GI tract seen in clinical practice and the approach toward diag-nosis and treatment of these diseases.

Rabbit Gastroenterology 351Brigitte Reusch

Disorders of the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, and intestines areimportant causes of disease in the rabbit. Diet-related disease andstress-related disease predominate, and can play a large role in pre-ventive medicine. However, bacterial, viral, parasitic, idiopathic,and neoplastic diseases are also seen frequently in the domesticrabbit. Presumptive diagnosis is often created on recognition ofthe historic information, physical examination findings, and clini-cal signs. Definitive diagnosis and therapy can be challenging,although aggressive and early treatment will optimize a successfuloutcome.

Index 377

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