Use of pyloroplasty (Y-U) to treat presumed delayed gastric emptying in a cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

A 4-yr-old cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) with a 2-yr history of chronic interm ittent vomiting and spiral bacteria-associated gastritis presented with dra matically increased vomiting frequency and marked intermittent abdominal di stention. Physical examination revealed loss of muscle mass and poor fur co at quality. Contrast radiography was consistent with delayed gastric emptyi ng due to presumed gastric outlet obstruction. Both Y-U pyloroplasty and in cisional gastropexy were performed, and no subsequent vomiting has been obs erved for 3 yr with the exception of three episodes during the immediate po stoperative period. The cause of delayed gastric emptying was not determine d, although a gastric motility disorder associated with gastric bacterial i nfection and elevated gastrin levels was suspected.