Surgical treatment of canine urethral prolapse via urethropexy or resection and anastomosis.

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to report and compare the complications and recurrence rates of urethral prolapse in dogs when treated with urethropexy, resection and anastomosis or a combined surgical technique. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 86 dogs were identified from the medical records of 10 veterinary referral hospitals from February 2012 and October 2022. Dogs were included if they underwent surgery for a urethral prolapse at first presentation. Complications were classified as minor or major based on the necessity of further surgical intervention. Complications leading to death were also considered major complications. RESULTS: Seventy-nine dogs were included, urethropexy (n=44), resection and anastomosis (n=27) and a combined surgical technique (n=8). Minor complications were identified in 41 of 79 dogs (51.9%): urethropexy 19 of 44 (43.2%), resection and anastomosis 18 of 27 (66.6%) and a combined surgical technique four of eight (50%). Major complications occurred in 23 dogs (29.1%), of which 21 were recurrence (26.6%). Recurrence occurred in 17 of 44 dogs following a urethropexy (38.6%), three of 27 dogs following resection and anastomosis (11.1%) and one of eight dogs treated with a combined surgical technique (12.5%). Recurrence of a urethral prolapse was significantly more likely following urethropexy in comparison to resection and anastomosis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Resection and anastomosis was associated with a lower recurrence rate in comparison to urethropexy for the surgical treatment of urethral prolapse. Based on these results, we concluded that resection and anastomosis may be preferable to urethropexy for treatment of urethral prolapse at first presentation. Urethropexy, and resection and anastomosis combined surgical technique was associated with low recurrence rate; however, further studies will be needed to clarify if it provides any benefit over resection and anastomosis.

Clinical findings, surgical treatment and outcome in dogs with parotid duct ectasia: 14 cases (2010-2023).

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, surgical treatment and outcome of dogs diagnosed with parotid duct ectasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs diagnosed with parotid duct ectasia between 2010 and 2023 at six small animal referral hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome was assessed by contacting the owners or referring veterinarians. RESULTS: Fourteen dogs were included. Lateral facial swelling was the most common clinical presentation. CT revealed a tortuous cavitary tubular fluid-filled structure consistent with a dilated parotid duct in all dogs. Surgical treatment included marsupialisation of the parotid duct papilla, surgical exploration of the duct alone, parotid duct marsupialisation with surgical exploration of the duct, parotidectomy or en-bloc parotid duct resection. The aetiology of parotid duct ectasia was not established in 13 of 14 dogs. In one case, a foreign body was retrieved from the duct. No recurrence of clinical signs was noted during the follow-up period (range 21 to 2900 days). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Parotid duct ectasia should be considered for dogs with a lateralised fluctuant non-painful tubular facial swelling. Surgical management was associated with a favourable prognosis without evidence of recurrence in all cases reported in the case series.

Effect of hospitalisation on the rate of surgical site infection in dogs with Penrose drains.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to retrospectively report complication and infection rates associated with the use of Penrose drains in a large population of dogs; and to compare complication and infection rates of dogs hospitalised for maintenance of their Penrose drains with those that were discharged home with their drains in place. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective search of medical records from 2014 to 2022 for dogs that had a Penrose drain placed into a wound in one institution. Our population was sub-divided into dogs discharged home with a drain in place; dogs discharged only after drain removal; and dogs recovered part of the time in hospital and part at home (with the drain in situ). Postoperative complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo scale. RESULTS: Two hundred and eight dogs were included. The overall complication rate was 40.9% (85/208), with most complications considered minor. The overall infection rate was 16.9% (35/207). Dogs discharged home with the drain in situ <24 hours after surgery (n=136) had similar complication (39.0%) and infection (16.2%) rates to dogs kept hospitalised for drain care (n=50, 42.9%, 18.4%) and dogs kept hospitalised for >24 hours but discharged with the drain in situ (n=18, 50.0%, 22.2%). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our study results show no significant influence on the complication or infection rates between dogs that were hospitalised for drain care and those discharged home with drains in situ within 24 hours of surgery.

Outcomes and complications of anal sacculectomy for non-neoplastic anal sac disease in cats: 8 cases (2006-2019).

OBJECTIVES: To describe the features of non-neoplastic anal sac disease in cats, the surgical procedure, complications, surgical outcome and prognosis compared to well-established data for anal sacculectomy in canine patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of cats undergoing anal sacculectomy for non-neoplastic disease between 2006 and 2019. RESULTS: Eight cats were included in the study of which four of eight developed minor and self-limiting complications including defaecatory complications in three cases and superficial corneal ulceration in one case. No cat developed permanent faecal incontinence. No long-term postoperative complication was recorded. Median surgical time was 35 minutes (range, 20 to 42). Median hospitalisation time was 1.5 days (range, 1 to 4). The incidence of short-term minor complications is higher than previously reported in dogs, although this might be in agreement with a reported higher incidence in dogs smaller than 15 kg. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Anal sacculectomy for non-neoplastic anal sac disease is a safe procedure in cats with relatively high rate of short-term but self-limiting, minor, postoperative complications.

A comparison of the rates of postoperative complications between dogs undergoing laparoscopic and open ovariectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy might have a lower overall and wound-healing complication rate than those undergoing an open surgical approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of dogs that underwent laparascopic or open surgical ovariectomy between January 1, 2013 and January 1, 2018 by the same team of similarly experienced surgeons using standard practice anaesthetic, theatre and perioperative protocols. General complications were described and graded using the Clavien-Dindo system. Complication rates were compared between the two groups of dogs. Wound complications were further subdivided using the U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidelines. RESULTS: According to the Clavien-Dindo system, 46 of 106 (44%) dogs undergoing open ovariectomy developed a complication. Thirty dogs (28.3%) had wound healing complications, the majority of which were minor and self-limiting. Superficial site infections occurred in 50 (5%) cases and deep surgical site infections in one dog (1%). Incisional herniation occurred in four (4%) cases. Thirty-one (20%) of 154 dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy developed a complication. Seventeen (11%) developed wound healing complications, most of which were minor; five (3%) developed superficial surgical site infections and none had deep surgical site infections. Incisional herniation occurred in none of the laparoscopic cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The rates of overall and wound healing complications were lower for the laparascopic group than the open surgical group in this non-randomised study. Laparoscopy might be considered preferable for ovariectomy in dogs but confirmation requires a randomised trial.

The incidence of surgical site dehiscence following full-thickness gastrointestinal biopsy in dogs and cats and associated risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to: (1) document the incidence of surgical site dehiscence after full-thickness gastrointestinal biopsy in dogs and cats and (2) identify potential risk factors. METHODS: Data relating to dogs and cats undergoing full-thickness gastrointestinal biopsy were reviewed retrospectively following submission of a completed questionnaire by 12 referral institutions. Outcome measures were definite dehiscence, possible dehiscence (clinical records suggestive of dehiscence but not confirmed), suspected dehiscence (definite and possible combined) and death within 14 days. Logistic regression was planned for analysis of association of dehiscence with low preoperative serum albumin, biopsy through neoplastic tissue, biopsy alongside another major abdominal surgical procedure and biopsy of the colon. RESULTS: Of 172 cats, two (1·2%) had definite dehiscence, and four (2·3%) had possible dehiscence. Low preoperative serum albumin was significantly associated with definite dehiscence in univariable analysis and with suspected dehiscence and death within 14 days in univariable analysis, but all odds ratios had wide 95% confidence intervals. A histopathological diagnosis of neoplasia was significantly associated with death within 14 days in univariable analysis. Of 195 dogs, two (1·0%) had definite dehiscence, and three (1·5%) had possible dehiscence. In dogs, there was no association between any outcome measure and the putative risk factors. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Incidence of dehiscence following full-thickness gastrointestinal biopsy was low in this study. When determining the appropriateness of biopsy in individual cases, this information should be balanced against the potentially life-threatening consequences of dehiscence.

Risk factors for postoperative complications following bilateral closed anal sacculectomy in the dog.

OBJECTIVES: To report the complication rate for bilateral closed anal sacculectomy in the dog and to evaluate potential risk factors for the development of postoperative complications. To identify breed groups at risk of requiring anal sacculectomy. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of dogs undergoing bilateral closed anal sacculectomy between 2003 and 2013. RESULTS: Sixty-two dogs were included in the study of which 32·3% developed mild and self-limiting complications including 14·5% dogs that experienced postoperative defaecatory complications. No dog developed permanent faecal incontinence. Dogs less than 15 kg bodyweight were more likely to develop postoperative complications. Dogs that used gel to distend the anal sac were more likely to have postoperative complications than those that did not. Previous abscess formation, recurrent disease and pretreatment with antibiotics had no significant effect on postoperative complication rates. Cavalier King Charles spaniels and Labrador-type dogs were over-represented within this study population. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Anal sacculectomy is a safe procedure with a relatively high rate of short-term but self-limiting, minor, postoperative complications. Smaller (<15 kg) dogs are more likely to experience postoperative complications but the risk of permanent faecal incontinence is low.

Colonic vascular ectasia (angiodysplasia) in a juvenile dog.

An eight-month-old female English springer spaniel was presented with weight loss and severe haematochezia. Upper and lower endoscopy identified small intestinal inflammatory bowel disease and a vascular malformation within the descending colon. The colonic lesion was excised at coeliotomy and identified histopathologically as a colonic vascular ectasia. All clinical signs resolved following surgery and continued dietary management. To the authors' knowledge this is only the second published report of CVE in a juvenile dog and the first to survive to long term follow up.

Post-trauma inguinal seroma formation in the cat.

Seven cats presented with large caudoventral abdominal or inguinal swellings following road traffic accidents. No case had evidence of disruption to the body wall or inguinal ring and the inguinal swellings may have been the result of either shear or compressive injury to soft tissues of the inguinum or disruption of the regional lymphatics. Six cases resolved completely following strict rest or simple Penrose drain placement with no recurrence reported. Recurrence of seroma was seen in one case but which then fully resolved following omentalisation of the inguinum.

The use of haemostatic gelatin sponges in veterinary surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of absorbable gelatin sponges as haemostatic implants in clinical veterinary surgical cases and to document any related postoperative complications. METHODS: Practice databases were searched for the product names "Gelfoam" and "Spongostan". Patient records were retrieved and data regarding patient signalment, surgical procedure, National Resource Council (NRC) wound classification, source of haemorrhage, pre- and postoperative body temperature, postoperative complications, time to discharge and details of any postoperative imaging were recorded and reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained by repeat clinical examination or telephone interview with either the owner or referring veterinary surgeon. Cases with incomplete surgical records or those which were not recovered from anaesthesia were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: Fifty cases (44 dogs and 6 cats) satisfied the inclusion criteria. Satisfactory haemostasis was achieved in 49 cases with one case requiring reoperation during which a second gelatin sponge was used. There were no detected hypersensitivity responses or confirmed postoperative complications relating to the use of gelatin sponges during the follow-up period (median 13 months). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first review of the use of gelatin sponges in clinical veterinary surgery and suggests that gelatin sponges are safe to use in cats and dogs.

Iterative computation of metabolic flux and stoichiometric parameters for alternate pathways in rumen fermentation.

A model is presented which has been derived to compute the end-products of rumen fermentation from knowledge of the input of feedstuff. The model comprises a set of algebraic equations for the fermentation of each of the following feedstuff components: soluble sugars, starch, cellulose, hemicellulose and protein. The equations were derived from known biochemical stoichiometric relationships. A iterative, non-linear least sqares method (steepest descent) was used to estimate parameter values. In a sample run the inputs used were from an experiment where eight sheep were fed white clover. The model predicted values were in good agreement with the experimental values.