Uterine torsion and metabolic abnormalities in a cat with a pyometra.

A 6-year-old, intact female, Russian Blue cat was presented with abdominal distention, vaginal discharge, and a firm tubular structure palpable in the mid-abdomen. Serum biochemical abnormalities included hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and azotemia. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a pyometra with uterine torsion; an ovariohysterectomy was performed.

Surgical and postoperative complications associated with tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture: 397 cases (1998-2001).

OBJECTIVE: To identify surgical and postoperative complications of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in dogs with rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) and compare their incidence with those reported in the literature for other commonly performed CCL stabilization procedures. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 346 dogs undergoing 397 TPLO procedures. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs undergoing 563 consecutive TPLO procedures were reviewed. Complications were recorded and assigned to groups on the basis of the period during which the complication was observed. RESULTS: 397 TPLOs met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Complications (n = 136) were recorded in 113 of the 397 (28%) procedures. Multiple complications developed in 10 dogs. In 19 dogs, a second surgery was performed to manage complications. Development of a complication after surgery was not associated with age or body weight of the dog, tibial plateau angle prior to stifle joint surgery, or experience of the surgeon. Factors significantly associated with complications were breed and performance of an arthrotomy concomitantly with TPLO. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: TPLO was associated with development of numerous complications, some of which required surgical correction. Most complications resolved with nonsurgical treatment. Several complications were unique to the TPLO procedure because of the surgical technique and implants required. Although TPLO was associated with a greater number of complications than other CCL stabilization methods, the incidence of major complications was similar.

Absolute and relative cell counts for synovial fluid from clinically normal shoulder and stifle joints in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine absolute and relative cell counts for synovial fluid from grossly, radiographically, and histologically normal shoulder and stifle joints in healthy cats. DESIGN: Clinical study. ANIMALS: 52 cats scheduled to be euthanatized for unrelated reasons. PROCEDURE: Arthrocentesis of the shoulder and stifle joints was performed bilaterally, and synovial fluid was analyzed for absolute WBC count, WBC morphology, and percentages of neutrophils and mononuclear cells. Joints were examined grossly and radiographically, and synovial membrane specimens were submitted for histologic examination. Synovial fluid samples that were contaminated with blood and samples from joints with any gross, radiographic, or histologic abnormalities were excluded. RESULTS: 82 of the 208 synovial fluid samples were excluded because abnormalities were identified during physical examination; the volume of fluid obtained was insufficient for analysis; there was evidence of blood contamination; or the joint had gross, radiographic, or histologic abnormalities. Median WBC count for the remaining 126 synovial fluid samples was 91 cells/microL (96.4% mononuclear cells and 3.6% neutrophils); WBC count was not significantly different between left and right joint samples or between shoulder and stifle joint samples. Body weight was associated with synovial fluid WBC count, with WBC count increasing as body weight increased. Sixteen of the 52 (30%) cats had radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis involving at least 1 joint. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that synovial fluid can be obtained reliably from shoulder and stifle joints in cats.

Common complications of fracture repair.

Complications are a reality of fracture repair. Many can be avoided or minimized by being aware of their pathophysiology and predisposing factors. Others are unavoidable but their resolution may be aided by early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Major complications of fracture repair include osteomyelitis, delayed union, nonunion, malunion, premature physeal closure, and fracture associated sarcoma. Consideration of these complications should factor into presurgical patient evaluation as well as postoperative management. This discussion focuses on how to avoid, recognize, and treat these complications.