Influence of antiseptic lavage during tibial plateau leveling osteotomies on surgical site infection in 1422 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of preclosure antiseptic versus saline lavage on surgical site infections (SSI) in dogs following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Dogs treated with TPLO (n = 1422) between December 2019 and October 2021. METHODS: The medical records of dogs treated with TPLO were reviewed for preclosure antiseptic lavage or saline irrigation. Additional collected data included signalment, unilateral or bilateral TPLO, postoperative administration of antimicrobial medications, antibiotic agent, surgeon, and development of SSI within 90 postoperative days. Eleven factors were analyzed for association with SSI using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Data were collected from the records of 519 dogs treated with antiseptic lavage and 903 dogs treated with saline lavage during TPLO. Surgical site infections were diagnosed more frequently in dogs that received preclosure antiseptic lavage (77/519, 14.84%) than those with saline irrigation (80/903, 8.86%) (p = .001). Single session bilateral TPLO increased the odds of SSI by 2.5x (p = .004). The odds of SSI increased by 11% (p = .001) for every 5 kg increase in bodyweight. Postoperative administration of antimicrobials decreased the risk of SSI (p = .008). CONCLUSION: The preclosure antiseptic lavage tested here did not decrease the incidence of SSI after TPLO. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results of this study do not provide evidence to support preclosure antiseptic lavage during TPLOs.

AAV vector-mediated reversal of hypoglycemia in canine and murine glycogen storage disease type Ia.

Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD-Ia) profoundly impairs glucose release by the liver due to glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) deficiency. An adeno-associated virus (AAV) containing a small human G6Pase transgene was pseudotyped with AAV8 (AAV2/8) to optimize liver tropism. Survival was prolonged in 2-week-old G6Pase (-/-) mice by 600-fold fewer AAV2/8 vector particles (vp), in comparison to previous experiments involving this model (2 x 10(9) vp; 3 x 10(11) vp/kg). When the vector was pseudotyped with AAV1, survival was prolonged only at a higher dose (3 x 10(13) vp/kg). The AAV2/8 vector uniquely prevented hypoglycemia during fasting and fully corrected liver G6Pase deficiency in GSD-Ia mice and dogs. The AAV2/8 vector has prolonged survival in three GSD-Ia dogs to >11 months, which validated this strategy in the large animal model for GSD-Ia. Urinary biomarkers, including lactate and 3-hydroxybutyrate, were corrected by G6Pase expression solely in the liver. Glycogen accumulation in the liver was reduced almost to the normal level in vector-treated GSD-Ia mice and dogs, as was the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in GSD-Ia mice. These preclinical data demonstrated the efficacy of correcting hepatic G6Pase deficiency, and support the further preclinical development of AAV vector-mediated gene therapy for GSD-Ia.

Effects of fascial abrasion, fasciotomy, and fascial excision on cutaneous wound healing in cats.

OBJECTIVE-To evaluate the effects of fascial abrasion, fasciotomy, and fascial excision on cutaneous wound healing in cats. ANIMALS-Eight 1- to 3-year-old domestic shorthair cats. PROCEDURES-8 evenly spaced 4-cm(2) skin wounds were created on each cat's dorsum, and the underlying subcutaneous tissue was removed to expose the epaxial muscle fascia. Wounds were randomized to receive 1 of 4 treatments (2 wounds/treatment/cat): fascial abrasion, fasciotomy, fascial excision, or control treatment (muscle fascia not disturbed). Bandages were changed and digital photographs and acetate tracings of the wounds were obtained for planimetry daily for 1 week, every other day for 2 weeks, and then every third day for 3 weeks (ie, 40-day observation period). Digitized images were evaluated for granulation tissue formation, wound contraction (surface area measurements), and area of epithelialization. RESULTS-The epithelialized area and open and total wound areas did not differ among treatments at any time point. Time to the first appearance of granulation tissue was significantly shorter for all treatment groups, compared with that of the control group. Time to achieve granulation tissue coverage of wound base was significantly shorter following fasciotomy (9.6 days) and fascial excision (9.0 days), compared with that of control treatment (18.5 days) or abrasion (16.7 days). Numbers of wounds that developed exuberant granulation tissue following fascial excision (9/16) and control treatment (3/16) differed significantly. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE-Fasciotomy and fascial excision facilitated early granulation tissue development in cutaneous wounds in cats. In clinical use, these fascial treatments may expedite secondary wound closure or skin grafting.

A Modern Approach to Minimally Invasive Surgery and Laparoscopic Sterilization in a Chimpanzee.

We present the case of Ruby, a 21-year-old hand-reared chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) who had an obstetric history significant for a premature stillborn infant that was conceived while on oral contraceptive pills, followed by a full term healthy delivery complicated by neonatal demise attributed to inappropriate maternal care. She was recommended for permanent sterilization due to her history of conception while on oral contraceptives. She underwent uncomplicated laparoscopic bilateral tubal ligation. Due to the similar anatomy to humans, human OB/GYN surgical consultants were used. The objective of this case report is to describe a modern technique for approaching and employing laparoscopic surgery in primates. Minimally invasive surgery allows for faster recovery and fewer complications, and has become the preferred approach for surgical intervention in many animals. The information presented in this case report can be expanded to benefit not only Chimpanzees but other large primate species as well. However, subtle anatomical differences among species must be recognized in order to be carried out safely.