Prevalence of elbow dysplasia in 13 dog breeds in France: a retrospective radiographic study (2002-2022).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of elbow dysplasia (ED) in 13 dog breeds in France. ANIMALS: A total of 18,870 elbow radiographs taken from 2002 to 2022 were evaluated by 2 independent examiners. METHODS: For each breed, the incidence of each of the 4 International Elbow Working Group scoring classes was extracted from the database. Breeds were excluded if fewer than 150 radiographs had been read for that breed. RESULTS: This study included 17,861 records for 13 dog breeds: American Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Old German Shepherd (Altdeutscher Schäferhund), American Staffordshire Terrier, Australian Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd, White Swiss Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, Cane Corso, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, and Dogue de Bordeaux. The overall prevalence of ED was 11.4%, ranging from 1.1% in the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog to 32.2% in the Dogue de Bordeaux. The Dogue de Bordeaux, Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Cane Corso breeds were most commonly affected by ED. The prevalence of ED was significantly higher in male dogs than in female dogs (17.5% vs 10.5%, P < .05). Joint incongruity and fragmented coronoid process were the 2 most common primary ED lesions identified. The prevalence of ED among the dogs evaluated decreased over the timeframe of the study. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study help to clarify the prevalence of ED in different breeds in France. These data should be interpreted with caution as this study included a small percentage of the total number of dogs born for each breed in France over the study period.

Minimally invasive splenectomy is associated with a low perioperative complication rate and short operative time in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To report the perioperative outcome and complications in cats undergoing minimally invasive splenectomy. ANIMALS: 17 client-owned cats. METHODS: Perioperative data were collected from cats undergoing minimally invasive splenectomy from September 2010 to June 2023. Data included history, signalment, preoperative examination and diagnostic testing results, operative technique and time, perioperative outcomes, complications, hospitalization duration, histopathological diagnosis, and outcome. RESULTS: 13 spayed females and 4 neutered males were included, with a median age of 144 months (48 to 196 months). Seven cats underwent total laparoscopic splenectomy (TLS), with 1 cat requiring conversion from TLS to laparoscopic-assisted splenectomy (LAS) due to splenomegaly and an additional cat requiring conversion from TLS to open splenectomy due to uncontrollable splenic capsular hemorrhage. Ten cats underwent LAS, with 1 cat requiring conversion to open splenectomy due to splenomegaly. Additional procedures were performed in 13 cats, with the most common being liver biopsy in 10 cats. Median operative times were 50 minutes (45 to 90 minutes) for TLS and 35 minutes (25 to 80 minutes) for LAS. An intraoperative complication occurred in 1 cat. All but 1 cat survived to discharge. Median follow-up time was 234 days (18 to 1,761 days), with 15 of 16 cats confirmed alive at 30 days and 9 of 16 cats alive at 180 days postoperatively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Minimally invasive splenectomy in this cohort of cats was associated with short operative times and a low perioperative complication rate. Veterinary surgeons may consider minimally invasive splenectomy as an efficient and feasible technique in the treatment of splenomegaly or modestly sized splenic masses for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in cats.

Prevalence of malignancy and factors affecting outcome of cats undergoing splenectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of splenic malignancy in cats undergoing splenectomy and to investigate possible factors associated with post-operative outcome. ANIMALS: 62 client-owned cats that underwent splenectomy. METHODS: Medical records of 4 UK-based referral hospitals were searched and data reviewed retrospectively over 17 years. Factors associated with outcomes post-splenectomy were analyzed. RESULTS: 50 out of 62 cats (81%) were diagnosed with splenic neoplasia. Mast cell tumor ([MCT], 42%), hemangiosarcoma ([HSA], 40%), lymphoma and histiocytic sarcoma (6% each) were the most common tumor types. Fifteen cats (24%) presented with spontaneous hemoabdomen and were all diagnosed with splenic neoplasia. The diagnostic accuracy of cytology to detect splenic malignant lesions was 73% (100% for MCTs and 54% for mesenchymal tumors). Median survival time for cats with nonneoplastic splenic lesions was 715 days (IQR, 18 to 1,368) and 136 days for cats with splenic neoplasia (IQR, 35 to 348); median survival time was longer for cats with splenic MCT when compared to cats with HSA (348 vs 94 days; P < .001). Presence of metastatic disease and anemia (PCV < 24%) at diagnosis were associated with a poorer survival when considering all cats. Presence of anemia, a splenic mass on imaging or spontaneous hemoabdomen were associated with a diagnosis of HSA (P < .001). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Benign splenic lesions were uncommon in this cohort of cats. Spontaneous hemoabdomen should prompt the clinician to suspect neoplasia in cats with splenic disease. Anemia and evidence of metastasis at diagnosis were poor prognostic factors regardless of the final diagnosis.

Anatomical considerations for the surgical approach to the canine accessory lung lobe.

OBJECTIVE: To describe (1) the surgical anatomy of the accessory lung lobe (ALL) including vasculature and pulmonary ligamentous attachments and (2) lobectomy through a right thoracotomy and median sternotomy. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric anatomical study. ANIMALS: Nine adult canine cadavers, free of disease affecting the thoracic cavity and lung parenchyma. METHODS: Median sternotomy and right and left lateral thoracotomies were performed to describe and image relevant variations in anatomy using accompanying photographs and thorough voice notes. Consideration for ALL removal via right thoracotomy at the fifth through seventh intercostal spaces and median sternotomy were documented and compared. RESULTS: The median weight of the cadavers was 20.85 kg (6.9-45.5 kg). Variation in the configuration of venous drainage of the ALL was identified. The lateral vein varied in its location and was also observed to combine with the medial vein in one cadaver. The pulmonary ligament attached to the ALL in a caudally pointing apex on the dorsal process of the lobe. Medial and lateral extensions of the ALL parenchyma were found. The ALL was most easily accessed by a right lateral thoracotomy at the sixth intercostal space. Although not optimal, removal of this lung lobe via median sternotomy was feasible. CONCLUSION: Significant variations were found in the blood supply to the ALL. A right lateral thoracotomy at the sixth intercostal space was preferred for a surgical approach to the ALL. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Surgeons should be aware of several anatomical particularities including the venous drainage, ligamentous attachments, and parenchymal extensions of the ALL.

The effect of cardioplegic supplementation with sildenafil on cardiac energetics in a piglet model of cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest with warm or cold cardioplegia.

Cardioplegic cardioprotection strategies used during paediatric open-heart surgery remain suboptimal. Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, has been shown to be cardioprotective against ischemia/reperfusion injury in a variety of experimental models and this study therefore tested the efficacy of supplementation of cardioplegia with sildenafil in a piglet model of cardiopulmonary bypass and arrest, using both cold and warm cardioplegia protocols. Piglets were anaesthetized and placed on coronary pulmonary bypass (CPB), the aorta cross-clamped and the hearts arrested for 60 min with cardioplegia with or without sildenafil (10 nM). Twenty minutes after removal of cross clamp (reperfusion), attempts were made to wean the pigs from CPB. Termination was carried out after 60 min reperfusion. Throughout the protocol blood and left ventricular tissue samples were taken for analysis of selected metabolites (using HPLC) and troponin I. In both the cold and warm cardioplegia protocols there was evidence that sildenafil supplementation resulted in faster recovery of ATP levels, improved energy charge (a measure of metabolic flux) and altered release of hypoxanthine and inosine, two purine catabolites. There was no effect on troponin release within the studied short timeframe. In conclusion, sildenafil supplementation of cardioplegia resulted in improved cardiac energetics in a translational animal model of paediatric CPB surgery.

The effect of flushing of the common bile duct on hepatobiliary markers and short-term outcomes in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy for the management of gall bladder mucocele: A randomized controlled prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of flushing of the common bile duct (CBD) on hepatobiliary markers and short-term outcome in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy for the management of gallbladder mucocele (GBM). STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, prospective study. ANIMALS: Thirty-two client-owned dogs. METHODS: Dogs were allocated randomly to either a "flush" group or a "non-flush group." Flushing was performed in a normograde fashion, followed by a routine cholecystectomy. Data collected included presenting clinical signs, preoperative and 3-day postoperative hepatobiliary markers (alkaline phosphatase, ALP; alanine aminotransferase, ALT; gamma glumatyl-transferase, GGT; bilirubin; cholesterol; triglycerides), duration of hospitalization, and complications. These data were compared between groups. RESULTS: Sixteen dogs were enrolled in each group. One dog (in the flush group) was excluded following diagnosis of hepatic lymphoma. Border terriers were overrepresented (20/31). Overall, there were marked reductions from preoperative to 3 days postoperative in serum bilirubin (p = .004), ALP (p = .020), ALT (p < .001), GGT (p = .025), and cholesterol (p < .001) values. There was no difference in any marker between groups. Survival to discharge was 90.3% (28/31 dogs). CONCLUSION: Cholestatic markers decreased significantly 3 days postcholecystectomy. No short-term clinical or clinico-pathological benefits were identified when flushing the CBD in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy for GBM. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The findings of the study do not support routine flushing of the CBD during cholecystectomy for GBM in dogs.

Retrospective study of 20 cats surgically treated for insulinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical signs, histopathology results, and prognostic factors for outcomes following excision for feline insulinoma (INS). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Twenty client-owned cats. METHODS: Medical records from 2006 to 2020 were reviewed by Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology members for cats with hypoglycemia resulting from INS, with surgical excision and follow up. Clinical signs and histopathology results were summarized. Factors potentially related to disease-free interval (DFI), disease-related death (DRD), and overall survival time (OST) were analyzed with a Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. RESULTS: All cats were hypoglycemic on presentation with neurologic signs in 18 out of 20 and inappropriate insulin levels in 12/13. Excision of insulinomas resulted in immediate euglycemia or hyperglycemia in 18 cats. Eighteen cats survived to hospital discharge. The median time to death or last postoperative follow up was 664 days (range: 2-1205 days). Prognostic factors included age at presentation (for DFI); time to postoperative euglycemia (for DRD); preoperative and postoperative serum blood glucose concentrations; metastasis at the time of surgery (DFI and DRD), and histopathologic tumor invasion (for OST). The median OST for all cats was 863 days. The 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 75%, 51%, and 10%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Excision of insulinoma resulted in euglycemia or hyperglycemia in most cats. Negative prognostic factors included young age, low serum glucose concentrations, metastasis at time of surgery, tumor invasion, and shorter time to euglycemia. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Surgical excision resulted in survival times comparable to those of canine INS.

What is the value of statistical testing of observational data?

Statistical analysis of medical data aims to reveal patterns that can aid in decision making for future cases and, hopefully, improve patient outcomes. Large and bias-free datasets, such as those produced in formal randomized clinical trials, are necessary to make such analyses as reliable as possible. For a host of reasons, randomized trials are, unfortunately, relatively uncommon in veterinary medicine and surgery, implying that less ideal datasets (mostly observational data) must form the basis for much of our decision making regarding treatment of individual patients under our care. In this review, we first describe the common shortcomings of many observational veterinary datasets when viewed in comparison with their optimal counterparts and highlight how the deficiencies can lead to unreliable conclusions. We illustrate how many of the interpretative problems associated with observational data, predominantly various forms of bias, are not solved, and may even be exacerbated, by statistical analysis. We emphasize the need to examine summary data and its derivation in detail without being lured into relying upon P values to draw conclusions and advocate for completely omitting statistical analysis of many observational datasets. Finally, we present some suggestions for alternative statistical methods, such as propensity scoring and Bayesian methods, which might help reduce the risk of drawing unwarranted, and overconfident, conclusions from imperfect data.

Perioperative characteristics, histologic diagnosis, complications, and outcomes of dogs undergoing percutaneous drainage, sclerotherapy or surgical management of intrarenal cystic lesions: 18 dogs (2004-2021).

BACKGROUND: Canine intrarenal cystic lesions (ICLs) are infrequently reported in the veterinary literature. Several treatment options have been described including cyst fenestration (partial nephrectomy/deroofing) +/- omentalization, sclerotherapy using alcohol as a sclerosing agent, percutaneous cyst drainage (PCD), and ureteronephrectomy. Information regarding presenting clinical signs, physical examination findings, histologic diagnosis and outcomes of dogs with ICLs treated by different methods is limited. Medical records of 11 institutions were retrospectively reviewed to identify dogs that underwent PCD, sclerotherapy, surgical deroofing +/- omentalization, or ureteronephrectomy for management of ICLs from 2004 to 2021. Six weeks postoperative/post-procedural follow-up was required. Cases suspected to represent malignancy on preoperative imaging were excluded. The study objective was to provide information regarding perioperative characteristics, complications, and outcomes of dogs undergoing treatment of ICLs. RESULTS: Eighteen dogs were included, with 24 ICLs treated. Ten had bilateral. There were 15 males and 3 females, with crossbreeds predominating. PCD, sclerotherapy, deroofing and ureteronephrectomy were performed in 5 (5 ICLs treated), 7 (11 ICLs), 6 (6), and 7 (7) dogs, respectively, with 5 dogs undergoing > 1 treatment. Seven dogs experienced 8 complications, with requirement for additional intervention commonest. PCD, sclerotherapy and deroofing resulted in ICL resolution in 0/5, 3/11 and 3/6 treated ICLs, respectively. Histopathology identified renal cysts (RCs) in 7/13 dogs with histopathology available and neoplasia in 6/13 (4 malignant, 2 benign). Of 5 dogs diagnosed histopathologically with neoplasia, cytology of cystic fluid failed to identify neoplastic cells. Among 7 dogs with histologically confirmed RCs, 4 had concurrent ICLs in ipsilateral/contralateral kidney, compared with 2/6 dogs with histologically confirmed neoplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Benign and neoplastic ICLs were approximately equally common and cystic fluid cytology failed to differentiate the 2. Among renal-sparing treatments, deroofing most commonly resulted in ICL resolution. Presence of concurrent ICLs in ipsilateral/contralateral kidney does not appear reliable in differentiating benign from malignant ICLs.

Comparison of median sternotomy closure-related complication rates using orthopedic wire or suture in dogs: A multi-institutional observational treatment effect analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare median sternotomy (MS) closure-related complication rates using orthopedic wire or suture in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional, retrospective observational study with treatment effect analysis. ANIMALS: 331 client-owned dogs, of which 68 were excluded. METHODS: Medical records of dogs with MS were examined across nine referral centers (2004-2020). Signalment, weight, clinical presentation, surgical details, complications, and outcomes were recorded. Follow-up was performed using patient records and email/telephone contact. Descriptive statistics, treatment effect analysis and logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: Median sternotomy closure was performed with wire in 115 dogs and suture in 148. Thirty-seven dogs experienced closure-related complications (14.1%), 20 in the wire group and 17 in the suture group. Twenty-three were listed as mild, four as moderate and 10 as severe. Treatment effect analysis showed a mean of 2.3% reduction in closure-related complications associated with using suture versus wire (95% CI: -9.1% to +4.5%). In multivariable logistic regression, the only factor associated with increased risk of closure-related complications was dog size (p = .01). This effect was not modified by the type of closure used (interaction term: OR = 0.99 [95% CI: 0.96/1.01]). CONCLUSION: The incidence of closure-related complication after MS was low compared to previous reports. The likelihood of developing a closure-related complication was equivalent between sutures and wires, independent of dog size, despite a higher proportion of complications seen in larger dogs (≥20 kg). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Use of either orthopedic wire or suture appear to be an appropriate closure method for sternotomy in dogs of any size.

Closure-related complications after median sternotomy in cats: 26 cases (2010-2020).

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine closure-related complications and outcome after median sternotomy (MS) in cats. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multicentric study. The medical records of cats undergoing MS from six referral hospitals were reviewed (2010-2020). Data retrieved included signalment, history, presenting complaints, surgery, patient outcomes and complications. Follow-up was performed via patient records and email/telephone contact with both owners and referring veterinarians. Descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS: Data on 36 cats were collected; four were excluded due to insufficient follow-up and six died less than 5 days after surgery. Twenty-six cats survived to discharge (survival rate 81%). Three cats had a full sternotomy (FS) performed and 23 cats a partial sternotomy (PS). Of the cats that underwent a PS, six included the manubrium (PSM) and three included the xyphoid process. For 14 cats, the length of sternotomy was unknown. Sternotomy closure was performed with suture in all cats. Two cats (7.7%) developed closure-related complications, both after PSM, during the long-term follow-up, one mild, slightly displaced sternal fracture and one severe, sternal dehiscence (without skin wound dehiscence) requiring revision surgery. No seroma, surgical site infection or wound dehiscence occurred. The most common reason for MS was the presence of a thoracic mass (17/26; 65%), with thymoma being the most common (11/17; 65%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: MS has a low closure-related complication risk in cats when compared with dogs. Complications in cats present differently to what has been previously described in dogs.

Clinical use and complications of percutaneous cystostomy pigtail catheters in 25 cats.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to describe the indications for percutaneous pigtail catheter placement in cats requiring urine diversion, and to report the associated intra- and postoperative complications. METHODS: The medical records of cats that underwent percutaneous pigtail catheter placement for urine diversion between January 2011 and May 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-five cats were included. Indications for pigtail catheter placement were medical management of obstructive urinary tract disease (n = 12), urinary tract damage after traumatic injury (n = 8) and neurological bladder dysfunction (n = 5). Catheters were in place for a median time of 8.28 days (range 3-27), and the duration of the catheter placement was not different between the medical, traumatic and neurological groups. Ten cats (40%) developed pigtail catheter complications including dislodgement, urine leakage, urinary tract infection and bladder rupture. The majority of complications were easily resolved and did not require surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The results suggest that percutaneous pigtail catheter placement can facilitate urine diversion in both the emergency setting and in the long-term management of urine retention without many complications.

Colonic perforation in 4 dogs following treatment with meloxicam.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical findings and treatment of 4 dogs that developed colonic perforation shortly after meloxicam administration. SERIES SUMMARY: Three cases were treated with meloxicam for variable nonspecific signs including lethargy and pyrexia. Hemorrhagic diarrhea developed following meloxicam administration in 2 cases. Gastrointestinal perforation was suspected on diagnostic imaging leading to exploratory celiotomy in all 3 cases. Partial colectomy was performed in 2 cases and suture repair with serosal patching in 1 followed by broad spectrum antimicrobials. All 3 dogs recovered from surgery well. One dog that had undergone perineal herniorrhaphy and received meloxicam perioperatively collapsed and died 7 days postsurgery. Postmortem examination revealed ulceration and perforation of the ascending colon with resultant generalized septic peritonitis. Histopathologic findings in all cases showed full thickness infiltration of the colonic wall with inflammatory cells along with ulceration and perforation. Thrombosis of vessels underlying the ulcerated areas was also noted. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This report suggests that colonic perforation may be a complication of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in some cases. To the authors' knowledge, this has not previously been described in dogs. Colonic perforation associated with NSAIDs administration may be more commonly identified in dogs with concurrent morbidities. Caution may be warranted when using NSAIDs in dogs with colonic pathology or possible risk factors to develop such pathology. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential for a positive outcome.

Long-term outcome of female dogs treated for intramural ectopic ureters with cystoscopic-guided laser ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To report the complications and long-term outcome of female dogs with intramural ectopic ureter(s) (iEU) undergoing cystoscopic-guided laser ablation (CLA) and determine the effect of post-CLA neutering on urinary continence. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION: Thirty-four client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records of female dogs that had iEU-CLA were reviewed. A 10-point continence score was assigned before, immediately after, and at a minimum of 12 months postprocedure via owner telephone contact. Neutering status prior to and postprocedure was recorded. RESULTS: Continence scores increased in all dogs after CLA (p < .0001, mean duration of follow-up: 63.9 ± 5.7 months) with an increase of the median score from 2 (preprocedure) to 10 (postprocedure). A urethral tear occurred in 2/34 dogs immediately after the procedure, successfully managed conservatively. Mild hematuria was present in 2/34, lasting less than 48 h. Postoperative urinary tract infections were documented in 6/34 dogs. Two dogs died of urinary-related issues at 1 and 5 months after CLA. Complete and near-complete urinary continence (scores 9 and 10/10) was achieved in 26/32 dogs including 3 dogs requiring medical (2) or surgical interventions (1). Post-CLA neutering did not affect continence scores (p = .44). CONCLUSION: A large proportion of dogs regained and maintained full continence after CLA alone. Subsequent medical or surgical therapy allowed further improvements when needed. Post-CLA neutering did not negatively impact urinary continence score. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The beneficial effect of iEU-CLA in female dogs is long standing and not affected by postprocedural neutering.

Influence of muscle-sparing lateral thoracotomy on postoperative pain and lameness: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the magnitude of lameness and level of pain after muscle-sparing lateral thoracotomy (MSLT) and standard lateral thoracotomy (SLT) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, blinded, prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Twenty-eight client-owned dogs. METHODS: The latissimus dorsi muscle was retracted in the MSLT group and was transected in the SLT group. Gait was analyzed with a force plate, and the peak vertical force symmetry index (SI) was calculated within 24 hours before surgery, 3 days postoperatively, and 8 to 12 weeks postoperatively. Symmetry index and pain scores as measured by the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale - Short Form were assessed as primary outcome measures. RESULTS: The SI 3 days postoperatively was lower compared with the preoperative SI value in all dogs, consistent with lameness of the ipsilateral thoracic limb (P < .001). The absolute differences in preoperative and 3-day-postoperative SI provided evidence that this change was 3.1-fold greater after SLT compared with after MSLT (P = .009). Pain scores 1 day after surgery were lower after MSLT (1) compared with after SLT (2.5, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Lateral thoracotomies caused postoperative pain and ipsilateral forelimb lameness, and both were reduced by sparing the latissimus dorsi. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Sparing the latissimus dorsi should be considered to decrease immediate postoperative morbidity in dogs undergoing lateral thoracotomy.

Long-term survival after treatment of idiopathic lung lobe torsion in 80 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To report outcomes of dogs treated for lung lobe torsion (LLT) and to determine prognostic factors for survival. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter study from four veterinary teaching hospitals. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 80) with LLT. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for clinical and histopathological findings. Long-term outcome was assessed with an owner questionnaire. Lung lobe torsion was classified as idiopathic or secondary on the basis of the etiology. RESULTS: The most represented breeds were pugs (47.5%) and sighthounds (16.2%). The cause of the LLT was considered primary in 77%, secondary in 21%, and unknown in 2% of dogs. Postoperative complications were recorded in 14% of dogs. Overall, 95% of dogs survived to discharge, and median follow-up was 1095 days (range, 7-3809). Owners assessed outcomes and quality of life as excellent in 93% and 89% of dogs, respectively. Primary LLT was associated with a longer survival (median not reached in the study) compared with secondary LLT (921 days; range, 7-2073; P = .001). CONCLUSION: Overall long-term survival after lung lobectomy for LLT was excellent. Primary LLT was associated with longer survival compared with secondary LLT. Long-term owner evaluation of clinical outcome for dogs undergoing lung lobectomy for LLT was considered excellent. CLINICAL IMPACT: Dogs with primary LLT undergoing lung lobectomy have a longer survival time compared with dogs with secondary LLT and have an excellent postoperative outcome.

Outcomes of dogs treated for extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts with thin film banding or ameroid ring constrictor.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of dogs treated at a single institution for single extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) by thin film banding (TFB) or by placement of an ameroid constrictor (AC). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Seventy-six client-owned dogs with CPSS treated with TFB (n = 53) or AC (n = 23). METHODS: Records were reviewed for signalment, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management and short-term outcomes. Data on second surgeries were reviewed. Long-term outcomes were obtained via an owner-directed health-related quality of life questionnaire. The rates of complications, mortality, and revision surgery were compared between the treatment groups. RESULTS: Postoperative complications occurred in 15 (28%) dogs with TFB (9% mortality, n = 5) and 8 (35%) dogs with an AC (4% mortality, n = 1). Long-term follow-up was available in 41 of 56 dogs at a median of 55 months (range, 15-89). Revision surgery for persistent shunting was performed in 14 (29%) dogs treated initially with TFB and in no dogs treated initially with AC (P = .007). Median long-term outcome scores were good in both groups; nine of 14 revision surgeries led to favorable outcomes. CONCLUSION: Persistent shunting requiring revision surgery was more common when CPSS were treated with TFB than with an AC, but both treatments achieved favorable long-term outcomes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Treatment of CPPS by placement of an AC rather than TFB seems more reliable for shunt attenuation and prevention of revision surgeries.

The chemical and ultra-structural analysis of thin plastic films used for surgical attenuation of portosystemic shunts in dogs and cats.

The objective of the study was to (1) characterize and compare the chemical composition at the surface, subsurface and in the bulk of thin plastic films used for portosystemic shunt attenuation in their native state and after plasma exposure. (2) Assess the presence, concentration and location of irritant compounds (e.g dicetyl phosphate) within the films. Attenuated Total Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-IR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and dynamic Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) were used to analyze thirteen thin plastic films. Sample thickness was visualized and measured using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Sample thicknesses were compared using a one-way ANOVA. XPS reported low phosphorous concentrations (surrogate marker of dicetyl phosphate) between 0.01 and 0.19% wt at the sample surfaces (top 10 nm). There were significant differences between film thicknesses (P < .001) observed by SEM. The ATR-IR and ToF-SIMS identified four distinct surface and bulk chemical profiles: 1) Cellophane, 2) Polypropylene, 3) Modified Cellophane, and 4) Unique. Following plasma immersion for 6 weeks, samples showed little change in film thickness or chemical composition. This study confirmed that films used to attenuate portosystemic shunts were commonly not pure cellophane, with significant variations in surface and bulk chemistry. Suspected irritant compounds were not readily identifiable in significant proportions. Pronounced variability existed in both the thickness and chemical composition of these films (surface vs. bulk). The present findings lead to a legitimate question about the reproducibility of shunt occlusion when using thin plastic films from different origins.

Long-Term Outcome of Female Dogs Treated with Static Hydraulic Urethral Sphincter for Urethral Sphincter Mechanism Incompetence.

The purpose of the study was to report the postoperative outcome, complications, and long-term follow-up of the use of a static hydraulic urethral sphincter for the management of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in female dogs. Medical records were reviewed to extract information on long-term (>365 days) outcome data. Telephone owner questionnaire was performed to assess postoperative urinary continence scores (scale 1-10, where 10 is complete continence) and the presence and frequency of complications. Twenty female dogs were included. Mean (±standard deviation) time to follow-up was 1,205.1 (±627.4) days. Median continence score/10 (range) was 3.5 (2-6) preoperatively, and 9.0 (7-10) at the last follow-up. Median continence score was significantly higher at all time points postoperatively compared with before surgery (P < .001). Complete continence was achieved in 90% of bitches. Minor complications occurred in 13 bitches and included dysuria (8), bacterial cystitis (8), longer urination time (10), incisional seroma (5), urinary retention (3), hematuria (2), and pain when urinating (2). Major complications occurred in one dog (static hydraulic urethral sphincter removed 28 mo after placement). Continence scores were sustainably improved in the long-term. Complications were mostly minor. Urinary tract infections were the most common but resolved with conventional antibiotic treatment.