Successful surgical management of a Salter-Harris type I fracture of the accessory carpal bone in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the successful surgical management of a previously unreported Salter-Harris type I fracture of the accessory carpal bone in a dog. ANIMAL: An 11-week-old intact female Golden Retriever-Poodle cross presented with a history of a marked left forelimb lameness following a suspected fall from a height. CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES: On physical examination, the patient demonstrated a severe left forelimb lameness and pain on palpation and range of motion of the left carpus. Orthogonal radiographs of the distal left forelimb demonstrated a type I Salter-Harris fracture of the accessory carpal bone with proximal displacement of the palmar fragment. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation wherein the fracture was reduced and stabilized with two 1.1-mm Kirschner wires. Postoperatively, the patient was initially managed with a carpal flexion bandage for 2 weeks and then a soft padded bandage was maintained until 4 weeks postoperatively. The patient recovered well and was walking and weight-bearing comfortably following removal of the carpal flexion bandage. Repeat radiographs performed 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively demonstrated adequate fracture healing but showed mild proximocaudal implant displacement. Implant removal was not performed, as the patient was doing well at home and the implant migration appeared static and was not causing clinical morbidity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To the authors' knowledge, this was the only reported case of a Salter-Harris fracture of the accessory carpal bone in a dog and the only described case of successful surgical stabilization.

Outcomes and complications of prophylactic incisional gastropexy in 766 dogs (2009-2019).

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcomes and complications associated with prophylactic incisional gastropexy performed in dog breeds at risk for GDV. RESULTS: Seven hundred and sixty-six dogs underwent prophylactic incisional gastropexy of which 61 were electively performed at the time of castration or spay and 705 were adjunctively performed at the time of emergency abdominal surgery. All dogs had short-term follow-up, and 446 dogs (58.2%) had additional follow-up with a median long-term follow-up time of 876 days (range 58-4450). Only 3 dogs (0.4%) had a direct complication associated with the gastropexy site including hemorrhage causing hemoabdomen (2) and infection with partial dehiscence (1). No dogs with long-term follow-up experienced gastric dilatation (GD), gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), or persistent GI signs following gastropexy. Results of this study found that complications directly associated with prophylactic gastropexy were rare and limited to hemorrhage causing hemoabdomen and infection with partial dehiscence. Transient postoperative GI signs may occur. Gastropexy malpositioning and bowel entrapment were not encountered. There was no occurrence of GD or GDV.

Effect of Metoclopramide on the Incidence of Early Postoperative Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs with Acquired Idiopathic Laryngeal Paralysis.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of a perioperative intravenous continuous rate infusion (CRI) of metoclopramide on the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in the short term postoperative period in dogs undergoing unilateral arytenoid lateralization. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, multi-center clinical trial. ANIMALS: 61 client-owned dogs with idiopathic laryngeal paralysis and normal preoperative thoracic radiographs. METHODS: All dogs underwent unilateral arytenoid lateralization with a uniform anesthetic, analgesic, and management protocol. Dogs in the treatment group received an intravenous CRI of metoclopramide for 24 hours perioperative. All dogs were assessed for clinical signs of aspiration pneumonia based on the results of physical examination and owner interview up to the point of suture removal (10-14 days postoperative). Any dog with suspected aspiration pneumonia had thoracic radiographs performed. RESULTS: Six dogs developed aspiration pneumonia in the short term postoperative period (2/28 control dogs and 4/33 treated dogs), accounting for an overall frequency of 10% with no significant difference between control and treated dogs. No variables measured in the study were significantly different between control and treated dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative metoclopramide, at the doses used in this study, did not affect the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in the short term postoperative period in dogs with idiopathic laryngeal paralysis undergoing unilateral arytenoid lateralization.

Pancreatic torsion in a dog.

A 6-month-old male intact Cane Corso mastiff dog was presented for a recent history of vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy. A diagnosis of pancreatic torsion was made during abdominal exploratory surgery and was confirmed with histopathology. The dog underwent partial pancreatectomy and recovered with no complications.

Torsion pancréatique chez un chien. Un chien mastiff Cane Corso mâle intact âgé de 6 mois a été présenté pour une anamnèse récente de vomissements, de douleurs abdominales et d'abattement. Un diagnostic de torsion pancréatique a été posé durant une chirurgie exploratoire abdominale et a été confirmé par histopathologie. Le chien a subi une pancréatomie partielle et s'est rétabli sans complications.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Bilateral stifle osteochondritis dissecans in a cat.

A 9-month-old, castrated male, domestic shorthaired cat was presented for progressive right hind-limb lameness. A diagnosis of osteochondritis dissecans of the lateral femoral condyle was made based on radiographs and physical examination, and was confirmed by right lateral stifle arthrotomy. The cartilage flap was removed, and the underlying bone was curetted. Seven months later, the cat was sound on the right leg but developed a left hind-limb lameness. A similar lesion was found in the left leg and was treated identically. Fourteen months after presentation, the cat was sound on both hind limbs.

External coaptation.

External coaptation includes the use of casts, splints, bandages, or slings to help stabilize fractures or luxations, reduce postoperative swelling, or help to protect wounds. Although each of these can be highly effective, it is very important to understand the various types of devices available and the indications for each. Inappropriate use of an external coaptation device can lead to unsatisfactory results.

Radius/Ulna fracture repair.

Fractures of the radius and ulna are commonly encountered in the small animal population. Diaphyseal fractures are the most common location and are often repaired with the use of external fixators or a bone plate. Select patients, such as young large breed dogs, may be managed with external coaptation. Extremely proximal and distal fractures require special consideration, especially if articular involvement is present.

Novel perineal approach for repair of a urethrorectal fistula in a bulldog.

A urethrorectal fistula was diagnosed in a 10-week-old, intact male bulldog, presented with a history of urine dribbling from his anus. The fistula was ligated using a novel perineal approach, resulting in resolution of clinical signs. The described procedure is simpler and less invasive than previously described repairs.

Risk factors for leakage following intestinal anastomosis in dogs and cats: 115 cases (1991-2000).

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with leakage following intestinal anastomosis in dogs and cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 90 dogs and 25 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records of all dogs and cats that underwent intestinal resection and anastomosis between 1991 and 2000 were reviewed, and information on 27 factors was recorded. RESULTS: Anastomotic leakage was identified in 13 of the 90 dogs but in none of the 25 cats. Preoperative factors significantly associated with development of anastomotic leakage in dogs included preoperative peritonitis, serum albumin concentration, a left shift, and indication for surgery (dogs with intestinal foreign bodies were more likely to have leakage than dogs that underwent surgery for any other cause). Postoperative and case management factors significantly associated with development of leakage included duration of hospitalization, supplemental alimentation, whether the dog ate the day after surgery, blood product administration, and outcome (died vs survived). Discriminant analysis was performed, and dogs with 2 or more of the following factors were predicted to develop anastomotic leakage: preoperative peritonitis, intestinal foreign body, and serum albumin concentration < or = 2.5 g/dL. The model accurately predicted whether leakage would develop in 67 of 80 (84%) dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that a variety of factors may be associated with development of intestinal anastomotic leakage in dogs. In particular, dogs with 2 or more of the following risk factors are predicted to be at high risk for developing anastomotic leakage: preoperative peritonitis, intestinal foreign body, and serum albumin concentration < or = 2.5 g/dL.

Arthroscopic evaluation of menisci in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament injuries: 100 cases (1999-2000).

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of meniscal injuries by use of arthroscopic examination in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 94 dogs with 100 injured CCLs. PROCEDURE: Records for 94 large dogs (> 20 kg [44 lb]) with 100 naturally occurring CCL injuries that were examined arthroscopically were reviewed. Pathologic findings in the CCL (complete or partial tears), prevalence and type of meniscal injuries, and periarticular osteophytes were recorded. RESULTS: 77% of joints had tears of the lateral meniscus; most were a series of small radial tears of the cranial horn. Fifty-eight percent of joints had tears of the medial meniscus. Positive correlation between complete tears of the CCL and medial meniscal damage was found. No significant relationships were detected between periarticular osteophyte formation and meniscal injury, medial and lateral meniscal injury, or degree of CCL tear and lateral meniscal injury. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There is a strong association between CCL injury and lateral and medial meniscal injuries in dogs. Clinical importance of lateral meniscal lesions is not known; a much higher percentage of dogs had such injuries than has been reported previously, possibly because of use of arthroscopy.