Ectopic thyroid carcinomas in cranial mediastinum were diagnosed and surgically removed in 3 dogs. All carcinomas were non-infiltrating to the surrounding tissues, and neither metastasis nor pleural effusion were found on computed tomography. Pathological examinations of the cytology samples in all 3 dogs and needle core samples in 1 dog were carried out prior to the surgery. The dogs survived on 1,050, 2,925, and 1,420 days without recurrence or metastasis. Although more cases would be needed, those ectopic thyroid carcinomas in cranial mediastinum without local infiltration into surrounding tissues or metastasis might be considered to carry good prognosis if diagnosed and surgically removed early.

A male 12-year-old miniature dachshund with sudden onset of vomiting and anorexia presented to the veterinary teaching hospital of Yamaguchi University. Blood laboratory examination revealed increased levels of liver enzymes and inflammatory markers. Computed tomography and ultrasonography of the abdominal cavity revealed gas and/or stones in the dog’s gallbladder. Gas was also suspected within the abdominal space, suggesting gall bladder rupture and subsequent peritonitis. Exploratory laparotomy was scheduled 5 days after the first admission, during which we removed the highly-inflamed gallbladder, which was tightly adhered to the surrounding hepatic lobes. The resected gallbladder was macroscopically dissociated into two layers, internal and external. Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen revealed purulent inflammation in the gallbladder wall with severe necrosis, and Enterococcus spp. were isolated from the gallbladder contents. Because Enterococcus spp. have been reported to induce a similar gallbladder condition in human medicine, the diagnosis in our patient was considered to be emphysematous cholecystitis induced by bacterial infection leading to a damage to the gallbladder. The dog recovered uneventfully after surgery.

A 6-year-old male neutered domestic cat presented with esophageal obstruction and underwent endoscopic balloon dilation; however, the esophagus was perforated during the procedure. Thoracotomy was performed to enable visualization of the condition of the esophagus. Extensive esophageal stenosis was observed, and it was considered impossible to remove the stenosis and anastomose the esophagus. Therefore, a Nelaton catheter (NC) was passed through the lumen of the stenosis site and was used as a mold to maintain the esophageal lumen, enabling the passage of saliva. The NC was left in place in the esophagus for 3 months while the cat was fed through a gastrostomy tube. After removal of the NC, the cat was able to eat soft food without regurgitation and/or vomiting, and has survived for more than 3 years. The use of a NC to reconstruct the esophageal lumen may be a good option in a cat with life-threatening esophageal constriction.

A 5 years old, spayed domestic short-hair cat presented because of difficulty opening the mouth and loss of appetite. A firm-swelling was found on her left temporal area. The cat was FeLV negative. Surgical exploration was performed for biopsy and volume reduction. The pathological diagnosis was osteochondroma. The tumor could not be removed completely at two additional surgeries. Fifty-three months after the first surgery, remaining tumor growth decelerated, which was accompanied by the appearance of radio-transparent areas inside of the tumor. The long axis of the tumor increased about 1.3 mm during the final 59 months. The tumor remained in her left temporal area for more than 10 years; the cat continued to be able to eat normally. She died of unknown causes at 16 years of age, with no obvious metastasis and/or acute growth.