Short-term outcome and complications following cutaneous reconstruction using cranial superficial epigastric axial pattern flaps in dogs: six cases (2008-2022).

OBJECTIVES: To investigate short-term outcome and complications following the use of the cranial superficial epigastric axial pattern flap to reconstruct cutaneous defects in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records from dogs undergoing reconstructive surgery between 2008 and 2022 by means of cranial superficial epigastric axial pattern flap were reviewed. Data on signalment, reason for reconstruction, defect size, flap healing, post-operative complications and need for revision surgery were collected. RESULTS: Six dogs were included in the study. Indications for reconstruction included neoplasia (4/6), skin necrosis due to vehicular trauma (1/6) and dog bite (1/6). Postoperative complications occurred in 50% of the patients and included seroma (1/6), bruising (2/6) and necrosis of the distal portion of the flap (2/6), with two dogs developing concurrent complications. One dog required open wound management and additional surgery. Overall outcome was scored excellent in three, good in two, and fair in one dog. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Despite the relatively high complication rate, most of the complications were deemed minor and could be managed conservatively. Eventually, all wounds healed completely and only one flap required revision surgery.

Surgical extraction of canine oesophageal foreign bodies through a gastrotomy approach: 12 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a gastrotomy approach to remove foreign bodies located in the caudal oesophagus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective examination of case records of dogs with surgical management of foreign body located in the caudal oesophagus. RESULTS: Twelve dogs with caudal oesophageal foreign body were managed surgically after unsuccessful endoscopic approaches. The foreign body was successfully extracted via gastrotomy in all 12 cases. Ten dogs recovered well without any postoperative complications but one dog died during the immediate postoperative period and one during hospitalisation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Caudal oesophageal foreign body extraction by gastrotomy is a possible alternative to transthoracic oesophagotomy. Based on the small population presented here this approach performed through a laparotomy appears easy, with a low rate of perioperative and postoperative complications.

Comparison of the tibia plateau angle between small and large dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the conformation of the proximal tibia evaluated on a medio-lateral radiograph between small and large dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD). METHODS: Retrospective clinical study with dogs having radiographic evaluation and CCLD confirmed at surgery. The first group (n = 52) was comprised of dogs weighing less than 15 kg and the second group (n = 52) of dogs weighing more than 15 kg. The tibial plateau angle (TPA), the relative tibial tuberosity width (rTTW), and the Z angle were measured on preoperative radiographs with imaging measurement software. Linear mixed models were used to assess the effect of weight, age, sex, and neutered status on radiographic measurements and to estimate interobserver variabilities. RESULTS: The small dog group had a greater TPA (30.1° ± 5.3; p <0.001 with a mean difference of 4.9° [95% CI: 3.8-6.0]) and Z angle (69.9° ± 5.6; p<0.001 with a mean difference of 6.1° ([95% CI: 4.9-7.4]) than the large dog group. Sex and neutered status further influenced the TPA and Z angle values. No significant effect was observed on the rTTW values. A strong correlation was found between the TPA and the Z angle (r = 0.61, p <0.001). Variances were not significantly different between observers. Overall the interobserver variability was low suggesting that agreement was good. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Small dogs with CCLD have a steeper tibial plateau than large dogs with CCLD. Sex and neutered status also had an effect on some measured variables. This anatomical difference could influence the surgical technique, which may affect the outcome. The good interobserver agreement suggests the observer is unlikely to influence surgical planning.