Pubic fractures secondary to extended transpelvic urethrostomy in a cat.

OBJECTIVE: To report the occurrence and describe the management of pubic fractures after the use of an extended transpelvic urethrostomy (TPU) to treat postprostatic intrapelvic urethral obstruction and laceration in a cat. ANIMAL: One 6-year-old domestic short-haired cat. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: A cat was presented with urethral obstruction and laceration confirmed by positive contrast retrograde urethrography. Temporary urinary diversion was performed. An attempt was made to perform perineal urethrostomy, but the cranial location of the laceration precluded this technique. An extended TPU was performed, which required removal of 30% to 60% greater length of pelvic bone than has been previously described. RESULTS: Bilateral pubic ramus fractures occurred 1 week after surgery, from which the cat clinically improved with cage rest, and exhibited evidence of healing according to computed tomography after 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: Extended TPU used to treat postprostatic intrapelvic urethral laceration may lead to pubic fractures postoperatively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: It may be prudent to rest any cat that has had a TPU or extended TPU to reduce fracture risk.

Single Transsacral Screw and Nut Stabilization of Bilateral Sacroiliac Luxation in 20 Cats.

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to describe the use of a single transsacral screw and nut in a cohort of cats with bilateral sacroiliac (SI) luxation and document its radiographic and clinical outcome. METHODS: Medical records and radiographic studies of cats with bilateral SI luxation managed with a transsacral screw and nut stabilization were reviewed. Short-term follow-up included clinical examination and radiographs. Long-term follow-up was via owner questionnaire. RESULTS: Twenty consecutive cats with bilateral SI luxation were included. Six cats (35%) had additional musculoskeletal injuries that required stabilization. Luxations were stabilized with a single 2.7 cortical self-tapping transsacral screw and nylon nut (a metallic nut was used in one case). Postoperative radiographs confirmed SI reduction in all cats and a mean pelvic canal width ratio of 1.21 (a ratio of ≥1.1 was considered optimal). All cats available at follow-up examination were able to walk without signs of discomfort. Evaluation of follow-up radiographs showed maintenance of SI reduction and slight reduction of mean pelvic canal width ratio (1.18). Fourteen owner questionnaires were returned (median follow-up time of 40 months): nine cats were deemed to have normal activity and five cats were reported to have slight to mild reduced ability to jump or run. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of transsacral screw and nut stabilization of bilateral SI luxation in cats is a successful, repeatable and safe technique.

Outcome of and complications associated with tube cystostomy in dogs and cats: 76 cases (1995-2006).

OBJECTIVE: To determine indications for cystostomy tube use in dogs and cats, complications associated with their use, and outcome of dogs and cats in which cystostomy tubes had been inserted. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 37 dogs and 39 cats. PROCEDURES: Information was obtained from medical records. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by use of a client questionnaire. RESULTS: Indications for cystostomy tube placement were bladder dysfunction, urinary tract rupture, obstructive urinary tract neoplasia, urinary diversion following urogenital surgery, obstructive urolithiasis, and feline lower urinary tract disease. Median time tubes were in place was 11 days, but duration of tube use was significantly longer for animals with bladder dysfunction than for animals with urinary tract trauma, urinary diversion, or urinary tract obstruction. Thirty-seven (49%) animals had tube complications. Development of complications was not significantly associated with species, age, body weight, duration of tube use, or tube type, except that animals were significantly more likely to develop complications following long-rather than short-term use. In 42 animals, the underlying condition resolved and the tube was removed; 22 animals died or were euthanatized with the tube in place. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that cystostomy tubes may be used for animals with various conditions related to problems with urine outflow. Nearly half the animals in the study developed complications related to the cystostomy tube, suggesting that potential complications should be discussed with owners prior to tube placement. However, most complications were easily resolved.

Lingual haemangiosarcoma in a crossbred dog.

An eight-year-old, male neutered, crossbred dog was presented for investigation of a lingual mass of four months duration. Oral examination revealed a 7 cm × 5 cm soft, fluctuant mass at the caudal aspect of the tongue. Ultrasound examination of the mass demonstrated mixed echogenicity, with cavitations containing hypoechoic and anechoic regions. Lingual haemangiosarcoma was diagnosed on histopathological examination of multiple biopsy samples, with confirmation of the vascular endothelial origin of tumour cells by positive immunolabelling for factor VIII-related antigen.