Preoperative computed tomography, surgical treatment and long-term outcomes of dogs with abscesses on migrating vegetal foreign bodies and oropharyngeal stick injuries: 39 cases (2010-2021).

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated success rates of surgical treatment of head and neck abscesses and draining tracts for suspected migrating vegetal foreign body and oropharyngeal penetrating injuries, and compared the outcomes according to whether a vegetal foreign body was identified in preoperative computed tomography (CT) examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study involved 39 dogs that underwent CT and subsequent surgical exploration of abscesses and/or draining tracts in the head and neck, in a single institution between 2010 and 2021. Recorded data included signalment, history, physical examination, CT and surgical findings. The postoperative follow-up period was at least 8 months. Cases were classified according to whether a foreign body was identified on CT or was only suspected because of the presence of cavities and/or draining tracts on CT. RESULTS: A vegetal foreign body was identified on CT in 11 of 39 cases and later confirmed at surgery in 10 cases. In 28 of 39 cases, a vegetal foreign body was not identified on CT, but in seven of these 28 cases it was found at surgery. Resolution of clinical signs was achieved in 11 of 11 cases when a vegetal foreign body was identified on CT and in 26 of 28 cases without a foreign body identified on CT. Two cases of recurrence were observed in animals in which no foreign body was detected. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In this population of dogs undergoing surgery after preoperative CT scan, we observed resolution of clinical signs after a single surgical procedure in 95% of the cases. All animals in which a foreign body was identified were cured.

Evaluation of a small-bore needle arthroscope for diagnosis and treatment of medial coronoid disease in dogs: a pilot study with short-term assessment.

CASE HISTORY: Dogs (n = 15) that were presented to a single veterinary teaching hospital with elbow dysplasia-associated lameness between September 2021 and May 2022, and were determined to require arthroscopy based on imaging results, were prospectively recruited into the study. The median duration of lameness was 4 (min 1, max 24) months. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Various breeds were represented with a median body weight of 31.6 (min 15, max 46.4) kg and median age at presentation of 14 (min 8, max 83) months. Results of imaging modalities (CT) were consistent with medial coronoid disease with fissured or fragmented medial coronoid process in all dogs. ARTHROSCOPIC FINDINGS: Feasibility of the needle arthroscopy (NA) procedure was firstly assessed in a preliminary cadaveric study in forelimbs (n = 10) collected from 10 adult dogs euthanised for reasons unrelated to the study. Elbow exploration was performed through a medial approach beginning with NA (1.9 mm 0° angle scope) followed by standard arthroscopy (SA; 2.4 mm 30° angle scope). The quality and extent of visualisation (scored through the number of anatomical structures visualised) were recorded and statistically compared. As the cadaver study indicated that NA allowed safe inspection of all structures in medial/caudal compartments, this procedure was then used in the dogs requiring treatment. In the clinical setting, elbow exploration was successful in all dogs and the treatment (removal of osteochondral fragments) was performed without requiring conversion into SA. One month after surgery, all dogs had an improvement in their lameness score (0-5) and 12/15 dogs were no longer lame. There was a reduction in Canine Orthopaedic Index scores measured a median of 99 (min 47, max 180) days after surgery (24 (IQR 19.5-31.5)) compared to the pre-operative period (49 (IQR 46.5-57); p < 0.001). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Needle arthroscopy-assisted removal of osteochondral fragments was performed in all dogs with satisfactory short-term clinical outcome. NA is a feasible technique for diagnosis and lesion assessment in dogs with a fissured or fragmented coronoid process. Larger clinical studies with longer follow-up are necessary to validate the NanoScope operative arthroscopy system as an alternative strategy to SA for video-assisted treatment of medial coronoid disease.

Feline ureteral rupture with para-ureteral urinomas following blunt trauma: clinical presentation and long-term outcome after treatment by urinary diversion for five cases from 2012 to 2019.

CASE HISTORY: Medical records were reviewed for cats that underwent surgical treatment of traumatic ureteral rupture (TUR) using urinary diversion procedures between 2012 and 2019. CLINICAL FINDINGS AND TREATMENT: Five cats had presented with injuries associated with road traffic accidents. These included three cats with abdominal hernias that required surgical management. At a median of 15 days after the accident, cats represented with lethargy, the presence of an abdominal mass or with lower urinary tract symptoms and in all cats contrast diagnostic imaging showed proximal unilateral TUR with associated para-ureteral urinoma. Four cats received subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) device placement and one had ureteral anastomosis over a stent. Unilateral cyst-like retroperitoneal fluid consistent with para-ureteral urinoma was observed in all cats and a diffuse retroperitoneal haematoma was noticed in four cats. No immediate major complications occurred, and all cats had post-operative serum creatinine concentration within the reference interval. The cat that had received a ureteral stent subsequently required placement of a SUB following stent encrustation 15 months after surgery. Median follow-up time was 34 (min 28, max 58) months and renal function was normal in all cats at the last follow-up. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Urinary diversion procedures provided long-term stable renal function following proximal TUR in these five cats. Delayed, subtle non-specific clinical signs subsequent to high-energy blunt trauma causing abdominal hernia and associated diffuse retroperitoneal haematoma, should raise suspicion of TUR. ABBREVIATIONS: AFAST: Abdominal focused assessment with sonography for trauma; SUB: Subcutaneous ureteral bypass; TUR: Traumatic ureteral rupture.

Needle arthroscopy for exploration of the elbow joint: a case series of six dogs with preliminary cadaveric study.

CASE HISTORY: Dogs (n = 6) suffering from elbow-associated lameness for a median of 3.5 (min 2, max 12) months duration requiring arthroscopic exploration according to imaging results were prospectively included in this study. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Dogs that met the inclusion criteria were of various breeds with a median body weight of 18 (min 13.2, max 34.5) kg and median age at presentation of 11 (min 6, max 96) months. Results of imaging modalities (radiographs and/or computed tomography (CT)) were consistent with developmental elbow disease in all of the dogs. ARTHROSCOPIC FINDINGS: Feasibility of the needle arthroscopy procedure was first assessed in a preliminary cadaveric study. Disease-free cadaveric forelimbs (n = 12) were collected from adult dogs (n = 6) euthanised for reasons unrelated to the present study. Elbow exploration was performed, beginning with needle arthroscopy (1 mm, 0° angle scope) followed by standard arthroscopy (2.4 mm, 30° angle scope) through a medial approach. The ease of introduction, range of motion and the quality of visualisation were assessed subjectively and the presence of iatrogenic introduction lesions and extent of field of vision (assessed by the number of anatomical structures visualised) were scored and statistically compared. Needle arthroscopy allowed inspection of all structures at risk for medial/caudal compartment disease in all joints considering the occasional need for multiple portals. In the clinical setting, elbow exploration was found to be similar to that in cadaver joints in 4/6 dogs. The lower quality of vision provided by needle arthroscopy was a limitation of the technique, and 2/6 clinical cases required conversion to standard arthroscopy for full visualisation of the joint. No introduction lesions were noted with needle arthroscopy in either the cadaveric or clinical studies. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Needle arthroscopy allowed safe visualisation of all of the structures of the medial and caudal compartment in disease-free cadaveric elbows, suggesting that needle arthroscopy is an appropriate technique for diagnosis and assessment of lesions of developmental elbow disease. However, the low quality of vision provided by the 1 mm scope, and the small diameter of the sleeve, which limited fluid inflow, combined with fragility of the device were major drawbacks that prevented consistent full exploration of the joint and detailed lesion assessment in clinical situations. Improvement of the device is thus necessary before use of the technique in clinical practice can be recommended. ABBREVIATIONS: CCD: Caudal compartment disease; CT: Computed tomography; DED: Developmental elbow disease; DJD: Degenerative joint disease; LCL: Lateral collateral ligament; LCP: Lateral coronoid process; LHC: Lateral part of the humeral condyle; MCD: Medial compartment disease; MCL: Medial collateral ligament; MCP: Medial coronoid process; MHC: Medial part of the humeral condyle; MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging.

Outcome of dogs and cats with benign oesophageal strictures after balloon dilatation or stenting: 27 cases (2002-2019).

OBJECTIVES: Acquired oesophageal strictures remain challenging to manage in canine and feline patients. The aims of this study were to describe the treatment, complications, short-term outcome and long-term follow-up of benign oesophageal strictures treated by balloon dilatation or stenting in dogs and cats and to describe adjunctive techniques to minimise the complication rate of stent placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records of dogs and cats with benign oesophageal stricture diagnosed under endoscopy between 2002 and 2019. RESULTS: Eighteen dogs and nine cats were included, representing 39 strictures. Balloon dilatation was used as first-line therapy, with a good outcome in 59% of cases. Stents were placed in eight cases due to stricture recurrence; 88% had a long-term satisfactory outcome. Short-term complications occurred in six of eight cases; migration and aberrant mucosal reaction were uncommon. In three cases, progressive mesh cutting during follow-up reduced discomfort and trichobezoars formation and improved long-term stent tolerance. Overall median survival time was 730 days. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Long-term prognosis of balloon dilatation as a first-line therapy for esophageal strictures and of stenting as a rescue therapy was considered satisfactory. Although discomfort associated with stenting was frequent, tolerability might be improved by per-endoscopic adjunctive techniques.

[Long-term follow-up of a multimodally managed pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma in a cat]. / Langzeitstudie einer multimodalen Behandlung eines mukoepidermoiden Lungenkarzinoms bei einer Katze.

INTRODUCTION: The present case describes the treatment of a mucoepidermoid carcinoma in a 13-year-old female sterilized European domestic cat, using lung lobectomy and -accompanying mitoxantrone chemotherapy. Six, 14, 19 and 27 months after the initial treatment tomodensitometric and radiographic examinations showed no abnormalities. However, the cat had to be euthanized 27 months after the lung lobectomy due to a soft tissue sarcoma in the interscapular area.

INTRODUCTION: Ce cas décrit un carcinome mucoépidermoïde chez un chat européen femelle stérilisée de 13 ans, entité non rapportée jusqu'alors chez cette espèce, pris en charge par lobectomie pulmonaire et chimiothérapie adjuvante avec de la mitoxantrone. L'examen tomodensitométrique et les clichés radiographiques, réalisés respectivement 6 mois, 14, 19 mois, et 27 mois après la chirurgie, ne mettaient en évidence aucune anomalie. Cependant, vingt-sept mois après l'intervention chirurgicale, une euthanasie est réalisée suite à l'aggravation en quelques mois d'un sarcome des tissus mous en région inter-scapulaire.

Treatment of urinary incontinence in a cat with genitourinary dysplasia using an urethral sphincter occluder.

A 2-year-old spayed female Maine Coon presented with urinary incontinence and recurrent urinary tract infection since 2 months of age. Clinical examination was unremarkable. Ultrasonography, CT and cystourethroscopy revealed urogenital abnormalities consistent with genitourinary dysplasia. Urethral pressure profilometry suggested urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence. Surgical placement of an artificial urethral sphincter occluder was performed. Mild decrease of urinary incontinence was observed 6 weeks postoperatively. Inflation of the occluder under urethral pressure profilometry was subsequently performed and resolved the incontinence. This is the first report to describe the use of urodynamic testing at the time of inflation of an artificial urethral sphincter occluder to adjust the degree of urethral occlusion.

Leiomyoma in the nasal cavity of a dog.

A 7-year-old, 34-kg, neutered male Labrador retriever was presented with a 1-year history of intermittent sneezing with occasional left-sided epistaxis. CT revealed a mass in the left nasal cavity. Histopathological analysis of rhinoscopy-guided tissue biopsies was consistent with chronic necrotic and ulcerative rhinitis. Surgical debridement by ventral rhinotomy was subsequently performed and histopathological diagnosis was leiomyoma. Complete resolution of the nasal discharge and reduced sneezing frequency were observed after surgery. Fourteen months postoperatively, CT detected no regrowth of the mass.

A comparative study of tissue-engineered constructs from Acropora and Porites coral in a large animal bone defect model.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the therapeutic potential of tissue-engineered constructs (TECs) combining mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and coral granules from either Acropora or Porites to repair large bone defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone marrow-derived, autologous MSCs were seeded on Acropora or Porites coral granules in a perfusion bioreactor. Acropora-TECs (n = 7), Porites-TECs (n = 6) and bone autografts (n = 2) were then implanted into 25 mm long metatarsal diaphyseal defects in sheep. Bimonthly radiographic follow-up was completed until killing four months post-operatively. Explants were subsequently processed for microCT and histology to assess bone formation and coral bioresorption. Statistical analyses comprised Mann-Whitney, t-test and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Data were expressed as mean and standard deviation. RESULTS: A two-fold increaseof newly formed bone volume was observed for Acropora-TECs when compared with Porites-TECs (14 sd 1089 mm3versus 782 sd 507 mm3; p = 0.09). Bone union was consistent with autograft (1960 sd 518 mm3). The kinetics of bioresorption and bioresorption rates at four months were different for Acropora-TECs and Porites-TECs (81% sd 5% versus 94% sd 6%; p = 0.04). In comparing the defects that healed with those that did not, we observed that, when major bioresorption of coral at two months occurs and a scaffold material bioresorption rate superior to 90% at four months is achieved, bone nonunion consistently occurred using coral-based TECs. DISCUSSION: Bone regeneration in critical-size defects could be obtained with full bioresorption of the scaffold using coral-based TECs in a large animal model. The superior performance of Acropora-TECs brings us closer to a clinical application, probably because of more suitable bioresorption kinetics. However, nonunion still occurred in nearly half of the bone defects.Cite this article: A. Decambron, M. Manassero, M. Bensidhoum, B. Lecuelle, D. Logeart-Avramoglou, H. Petite, V. Viateau. A comparative study of tissue-engineered constructs from Acropora and Porites coral in a large animal bone defect model. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:208-215. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.64.BJR-2016-0236.R1.

Surgical repair of thoraco-lumbar vertebral fracture-luxations in eight cats using screws and polymethylmethacrylate fixation.

OBJECTIVE: To report our clinical experience in the surgical treatment of feline thoraco-lumbar vertebral fracture-luxations using optimal safe implantation corridors as previously described in vitro. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and radiographs of cats with vertebral fracture-luxations stabilized by screws and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) using optimal safe implantation corridors between 2009 and 2011 were reviewed. For each patient the data included: signalment, cause of vertebral fracture-luxations, presence of concurrent injuries, pre- and postoperative neurological grade, surgical treatment, imaging findings, and clinical outcome with short-term (2 weeks) and long-term (12 months) follow-up. RESULTS: Eight cats with vertebral fracture-luxations involving the lumbar (L)(n = 5), the thoracic (T) spinal segments (n = 2), or the thoraco-lumbar junction (n = 1) were included in the study. Screws and PMMA were used bilaterally in five cats and unilaterally in three cats. No surgical intra-operative complications using the defined corridors were recorded. Implant failure followed by spontaneous recovery was recorded in one case. Two cats died in the postoperative period (≤ 4 days). The short-term and long-term clinical outcome was excellent in four out of eight cats and satisfactory in two out of eight cats. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This pilot study demonstrates the clinical applicability of optimal safe implantation corridors for stabilization of feline thoraco-lumbar vertebral fracture-luxations with screws and PMMA. This technique can be used with limited risks of iatrogenic injuries for stabilization of vertebral fracture-luxation localized between T11-L4.

Use of preoperative computed tomography for surgical treatment of recurrent draining tracts.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a rational decision-making approach based on preoperative computed tomography for surgical planning in dogs and cats with recurrent draining tracts. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of case records of animals that underwent preoperative computed tomography for surgical treatment of thoracic/abdominal recurrent draining tracts. Cases were classified according to whether a source of inflammation and/or infection, in particular foreign bodies, was identified (group 1), suspected (group 2) or neither identified nor suspected (group 3) at computed tomography. Surgery consisted of removal of the source of inflammation and/or infection (group 1), debridement or abscess drainage (group 2) or en bloc resection of diseased tissues (group 3). Clinical outcome was evaluated at least 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: A source of inflammation and/or infection was found in 100% (8 of 8), 41% (7 of 17) and 25% (3 of 12) of cases in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Recurrent draining tracts resolved in 100% (8 of 8), 94% (16 of 17) and 92% (11 of 12) of cases in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The proposed strategy provided a 95% (35 of 37) cure rate, after a single procedure in 81% (30 of 37) of cases. Recovery of a foreign body at surgery was not a prerequisite for the resolution of the recurrent draining tracts.

Computed tomographic study of the optimal safe implantation corridors in feline thoraco-lumbar vertebrae.

OBJECTIVE: To define the implantation corridors in feline thoraco-lumbar vertebrae (T10-L7) using computed tomography (CT) for optimal safe placement of the implants (screws/pins) in spinal column stabilization. STUDY DESIGN: Computed tomographic study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography images of feline spinal column (n = 10) were used to define the optimal safe implantation corridors (OSIC) in the transverse plane. The OSIC were defined as corridors allowing the greatest amount of bone purchase with safe margins for implantation of the bicortical implants. They were characterized by their insertion point, optimal angle (from the midsagital plane), maximum and minimum safe angles (from the same insertion points), length, and width. RESULTS: The OSIC are located within the vertebral bodies. Insertion points were situated at the level of the vertebro-costal joint or the base of the transverse process of the vertebral body for thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, respectively. The mean optimal angle of the OSIC was 90.2° with a maximum deviation angle from optimal angle of 10° dorsally and 8.8° ventrally in thoracic vertebrae, and 90.5° with a maximum deviation angle from the optimal angle of 8.4° dorsally and 7.6° ventrally in lumbar vertebrae. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Corridors drilled in the vertebral body perpendicular to the midsagital plane (90°) or with a small angle (≤10°) of deviation from the optimal angle provide an optimal safe placement of bicortical implants. However, perpendicular implant placement may not always be feasible due to surrounding soft tissue structures.

Laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs using a single-port multiple-access device.

The aim of this case series was to describe a novel technique of single-incision laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs using the SILS Port (Covidien), a single-port multiple-access device, in 40 client-owned dogs. A single 3 cm incision was made caudal to the umbilicus and the SILS Port device was bluntly introduced. Three cannulae were inserted in the SILS Port through the access channels. In the first 20 cases, a transabdominal suspension suture was used to transfix the ovaries. In all cases, ovariectomy was performed using a standard straight non-roticulated laparoscopic grasper and a vessel sealer/divider device. Mean (sd) duration of the ovarian resection was 25.1 (6.1) minutes (range 16 to 39 minutes). In five dogs (with transabdominal suspension suture), minor bleeding in the mesovarium or in the spleen was observed. Since the SILS Port allows simultaneous use of two instruments and a telescope through a single incision, the suspension suture is not mandatory. The lack of a transabdominal suspension suture increased collision between instruments and the telescope, but triangulation capabilities remained sufficient to achieve visualisation, sufficient manoeuvrability and safe vessel sealer/divider device application. The time to perform ovarian resection remained unaltered with or without suspension suture and regardless of the fat score of the ovarian ligament. Complications were less frequent without a suspension suture.

Minimally invasive video-assisted cervical ventral slot in dogs. A cadaveric study and report of 10 clinical cases.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the feasibility of a minimally invasive video-assisted (MIVA) cervical ventral slot (VS) in dogs without the use of fluoroscopy, and to report our initial clinical experiences in dogs. METHODS: Two surgical approaches to an intervertebral disk space (IVDS) were performed in eight intact canine cadavers to determine the feasibility of MIVA-VS using the Destandau Endospine™ Devicea (DED) without fluoroscopic guidance. In a subsequent clinical study, 10 client-owned dogs admitted for a Hansen type 1 disk extrusion underwent a MIVA-VS. Recorded data in both studies included: incision lengths, correct targeting of the IVDS, technical problems encountered during the procedure, and potential damage to major anatomical structures. In the 10 clinical cases, duration of the procedure and clinical outcome at five and 12 days, and after a minimum of three months were also recorded. RESULTS: Correct exposure of the targeted IVDS was achieved in all cases. There was no major iatrogenic damage. Mean skin incision length was 39 mm and mean surgery time was 52 minutes. The technique provided increased illumination and magnification of the surgical field. Recovery was uneventful in all cases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present study provided evidence that MIVA-VS using the DED was feasible and a relatively fast and safe procedure for the treatment of cervical disk herniation. Advantages of the technique seemed to include shorter incisions, less dissection and improved visibility.

Un caso de hipoplasia cerebelar humana asociada a consanguinidad múltiple / Human cerebellar hypoplasia related to multiple consanguinity: study of a case

Se reporta el estudio de tres pacientes con un alto grado de consanguinidad. Dos hermanos (hermano y hermana) y un primo hermano de 07, 12 y 03 años respectivamente, con un cuadro clínico de hipoplasia cerebelar severa caracterizada por la presencia de una anomalía en la conformación de las estructuras supratentorial e infratentorial. Presentaron un vermis rudimentario y un tronco cerebral de pequeño tamaño, encontrándose incrementada la cisterna prepontina y una inserción alta del tentorio. Además, presentaron disgenesia del cuerpo calloso, no apreci ndose otras alteraciones a nivel de las estructuras supratentoriales ni asimetría en las circunvoluciones cerebrales. Los pacientes presentaron incoordinación en los movimientos de los ojos y de la cabeza, estrabismo, ptosis bilateral y oftalmoplejia leve; así mismo, ligera macrocefalia, orejas prominentes, escoliosis, presencia de lesiones hiperpigmentadas en la piel y otras manchas hipopigmentadas, hipotonía troncal y axial, nistagmus, bajo peso al nacimiento (2,7 a 2,9 Kg), problemas para la deglución de alimentos sólidos, retardo en el crecimiento y bajo coeficiente intelectual con un vocabulario limitado compuesto por palabras de dos sílabas.

A case of high degree-consanguinity in three patients of 07, 12 and 03 years old (brother, sister and first cousin, respectively) is reported. These patients have cerebellar hypoplasia with anomalous supratentorial and infratentorial structures, rudimentary vermis and small brain trunk, prepontine cysterna shows increased size and high insertion of tentorius is present. Besides, all of the three patients showed callosum corpus dysgenesia, with no other anomalies in supratentorial structures or asymmetric brain sulcus. Patients presented poor eye coordination and head movements, strabismus, bilateral ptosis and mild ophthalmoplegic features. Also, they showed mild macrocephaly, prominent ears, troncal, and axial hipotony, nystagmus, low birth-weight (2,7 - 2,9 Kg), troubles on solid foods deglution, low growth rate and low IQ with limited vocabulary of two syllable words.

Adverse effects of antituberculosis drugs causing changes in treatment.

The adverse effects of drugs which caused changes in therapeutic regimens have been studied in 511 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, at the Pavilion Koch of Buenos Aires University. In 384 patients who had not received any treatment before, the frequency of such modifications was 6.5%, and in 127 retreated patients it was 15.0%. The characteristics of the adverse effects and the measures aimed at reducing them were studied.