The effect of abaxial retraction on pelvic geometry after pelvic symphysiotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect abaxial retraction after pelvic symphysiotomy has on the geometry of the sacroiliac joints (SIs) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Canine cadavers (n = 9). METHODS: Canine cadavers free of sacroiliac disease had pelvic symphysiotomy and retraction to 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of transverse sacral width, followed by axial reduction of the symphysis. Before symphysiotomy, after each abaxial retraction value, and after reduction of the symphysis each SI joint had a computed tomographic scan to evaluate the effect on the SI joints. RESULTS: There was no luxation at 25% abaxial retraction, unilateral SI luxation in three cadavers after 50% abaxial retraction and in all cadavers after 75% abaxial retraction. Axial reduction of the symphysis resolved all luxations. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic symphysiotomy and abaxial retraction between 50% and 75% of transverse sacral width leads to unilateral SI luxation, which is resolved by axial reduction. While not likely requiring ancillary stabilization, SI joint luxation may be a cause for additional postoperative pain, reluctance to ambulate, and prolonged hospitalization/recovery.

Porcupine quill migration in the thoracic cavity of a German shorthaired pointer.

A 7 yr old German shorthaired pointer presented with progressive respiratory distress and lethargy. Two weeks prior to presentation, the dog had porcupine quills removed from the left forepaw, muzzle, and sternal area. At the time of presentation, the dog had bounding pulses and friction rubs in the right dorsal lung field. Harsh lung sounds and decreased lung sounds were ausculted in multiple lung fields. Radiographs revealed a pneumothorax and rounding of the cardiac silhouette suggestive of pericardial effusion. Computed tomographic imaging was performed and revealed multiple porcupine quills in the thoracic cavity. Surgery was performed and quills were found in multiple lung lobes and the heart. Following surgery the dog remained hypotensive. A post-operative echocardiogram revealed multiple curvilinear soft-tissue opacities in the heart. Given the grave prognosis the dog was subsequently euthanized and a postmortem examination was performed. A single porcupine quill was discovered in the left atrium above the mitral valve annulus. The quill extended across the aortic root, impinging on the coronary artery below the level of the aortic valve. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first known report of porcupine quill migration through the heart.

Use of fluoroscopically guided percutaneous antegrade urethral catheterization for the treatment of urethral obstruction in male cats: 9 cases (2000-2009).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique and determine outcome for male cats with urethral obstruction treated with fluoroscopically guided percutaneous antegrade urethral catheterization (PAUC). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 9 client-owned neutered male cats with urethral obstruction and inability to pass a retrograde urinary catheter. PROCEDURES: Information regarding the procedure and hospitalization was obtained from medical records. Long-term follow-up was obtained via medical record review or telephone interview. RESULTS: Diagnoses included iatrogenic urethral tear (n = 6), obstructive urethral calculi (1), urethral ulceration (1), and urethral stricture (1). Seven of the 9 procedures were successful. The 2 patients in which PAUC failed had mechanical obstructions preventing guide wire access across the urethral obstruction. Procedure times ranged from 25 to 120 minutes. No complications were noted in any patients during the procedure. One patient was euthanized because of unrelated disease. Follow-up information was available for 6 of 8 surviving patients. No complications that could be directly attributed to the procedure were noted. All 6 patients had a perineal urethrostomy performed 0 days to 6 weeks following the procedure because of reobstruction of the lower urinary tract. None of these patients had documented urethral strictures and none had recurrence of clinical signs following perineal urethrostomy. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that PAUC can be a simple, rapid, minimally invasive, and safe technique to facilitate transurethral catheterization in select cases. Patients with iatrogenic urethral tears may be good candidates. Patients with impacted urethral calculi, severe strictures or ulcerations, or a nondistended urinary bladder may be less amenable to PAUC.