Use of a Modified Intramedullary Pinning Technique for Distal Femoral Physeal Salter-Harris Type I and II Fracture Management: A Retrospective Study of 31 Cats.

OBJECTIVE: To report a modified intramedullary pinning technique, and associated outcomes, for distal femoral physeal Salter-Harris type I and II fracture management in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study including client-owned cats presented between November 2014 and February 2022 with distal femoral physeal fractures treated with an intramedullary pin and one antirotational pin inserted in the lateral femoral condyle. Collected data included signalment, fracture characteristics according to the Salter-Harris classification, surgical data (intramedullary and antirotational pin sizes), and outcome data (radiographic and functional outcomes and complications). RESULTS: Thirty-one cats were included in this study. Bone healing was radiographically confirmed 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively in all cases. The majority of cats (30/31) were classified as full functional outcomes at mid-term follow-up. The overall mid-term complication rate was 3% (1/31). Implant migration was not observed and implant removal was not needed in any case. CONCLUSION: The modified intramedullary pinning technique for distal femoral Salter-Harris I and II fracture management in cats was associated with an full functional outcome.

Free proximal cortical ulnar autograft for the treatment of distal radial osteosarcoma in a dog.

This report describes the use of a non-vascularized proximal cortical autograft from the ipsilateral ulna in limb-sparing surgery for the treatment of distal radial osteosarcoma. A pancarpal arthrodesis was performed to stabilize the site. Construct failure and probable local tumor recurrence were observed. The total survival time was 282 days.

Autogreffon cubital cortical proximal libre pour le traitement d'un ostéosarcome radial distal chez un chien. Ce rapport décrit l'utilisation d'un autogreffon cortical proximal non vascularisé du cubitus ipsilatéral lors d'une chirurgie visant à épargner un membre pour le traitement d'un ostéosarcome distal radial. Une arthrodèse pancarpienne a été réalisée pour stabiliser le site. Une défaillance du modèle et une récurrence locale probable de la tumeur ont été observées. La durée de survie totale a été de 282 jours.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy in dogs susceptible to gastric dilatation-volvulus.

This prospective study describes a simple method of combining laparoscopic ovariectomy and laparoscopic-assisted prophylactic gastropexy and determines the duration of surgery, complications, and long-term outcome including prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Laparoscopic ovariectomy and laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy were performed on 26 sexually intact female dogs susceptible to GDV. The mean surgery time was 60.8 ± 12.4 min. No GDV episode was seen during the study period (mean follow-up: 5.2 ± 1.4 y). All dogs had an intact gastropexy attachment assessed by ultrasonography at 1 y. Post-operative complications were minor and owners were satisfied with the procedure. Combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and laparoscopic- assisted gastropexy appears to be a successful and low morbidity alternative procedure to both ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy and gastropexy via open ventral-midline laparotomy.

Use of a vessel sealant device for splenectomy in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To (1) describe a technique for splenic vessel hemostasis and (2) report complications and outcome after use of bipolar sealant device during splenectomy in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=27) with naturally occurring splenic disease. METHODS: Between January 2006 and March 2008, splenectomy was performed using a vessel sealant device in 27 dogs with naturally occurring splenic disease. Number of sutures needed for splenectomy and complications were recorded. Splenic artery diameter was measured using a caliper. Intraoperative hemostasis, device ease of use, postoperative hemorrhage, and short-term survival were evaluated. RESULTS: Splenectomy was performed successfully in 27 dogs with the vessel sealant device; none of the dogs required vessel ligation with suture. The splenic artery was dissected and adequately sealed in each dog. One dog was readmitted 4 days after surgery with hemoabdomen. Abdominal exploration revealed splenic pedicle hemorrhage and pancreatitis, the vessel sealant device was used to coagulate splenic pedicle bleeding. The dog was alive at suture removal. CONCLUSION: In dogs, a vessel sealant device may be used to achieve efficient and safe hemostasis of the splenic vascular pedicle without sutures.

Persistent truncus arteriosus in a cat.

A 5-month-old male domestic cat presented with a history of rapid, heavy breathing and cyanosis after exercise. Physical examination showed an abnormal respiratory pattern with an increased rate and stress-induced cyanosis. Auscultation revealed tachycardia and a grade 5/6 systolic murmur best heard over the left base. Radiographs showed evidence of right atrial and ventricular enlargement with distended pulmonary vessels and an enlarged ascending aorta. An echocardiographic examination revealed a dilated right atrium, eccentric right ventricular hypertrophy and an overriding aorta associated with a large ventricular septal defect (VSD). The pulmonary trunk could not be identified by echocardiography. Doppler and saline contrast studies showed large right-to-left shunting through the VSD. These findings were compatible with persistent truncus arteriosus, which was confirmed at necropsy.