Clinical and pathologic effects of spiral and total ring prostheses applied to the cervical and thoracic portions of the trachea of dogs.

This study compared the short-term clinical and pathologic effects of spiral and total ring prostheses, applied to the cervical and thoracic portions of the trachea of dogs via a combined intercostal thoracotomy and ventral cervical midline approach. The effect of intraluminal placement of synthetic monofilament nonabsorbable suture also was evaluated. Eleven small-breed dogs were randomly allotted to 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 3) were controls that had been treated by sham operation, group 2 (n = 4) had polypropylene spiral prostheses applied to the cervical and thoracic portions of the trachea, and group 3 (n = 3) had total ring prostheses applied to the cervical and thoracic portions of the trachea. All dogs were euthanatized and necropsied 8 weeks after surgery. Clinical complications were minimal and limited to mild, short-term lameness and coughing. Three and 6 weeks after surgery, radiographs were within normal limits in all dogs. Tracheoscopy confirmed maintenance of tracheal lumen diameter and integrity of the mucosal epithelium in all dogs. Gross and microscopic postmortem findings were similar in groups 2 and 3. Mild adhesions were present between prostheses and adjacent structures. Similar adhesions were present where prostheses had been applied and subsequently removed in group-1 dogs. Histopathologic abnormalities included mild to moderate adventitial and periprosthetic fibrosis and mild advential inflammation associated with polypropylene spiral prostheses and total ring prostheses. The majority (70%) of intratracheal sutures evaluated were covered by microscopically normal ciliated mucosal epithelium by 8 weeks after surgery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Treatment of hemangiopericytoma in a dog, using surgical excision, radiation, and a thoracic pedicle skin graft.

A dog with hemangiopericytoma of the left forelimb underwent surgical excision followed by radiation therapy and thoracic pedicle skin grafting. Recurrence of the neoplasm was not observed 3.5 years after surgery. Hemangiopericytoma is an uncommon neoplasm that seldom metastasizes but has a high recurrence rate. In this dog, complete surgical excision was not possible because of the location and invasiveness of the neoplasm. The combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and skin grafting was a viable alternative to limb amputation.

Factors associated with perioperative mortality in dogs with surgically managed gastric dilatation-volvulus: 137 cases (1988-1993).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate factors associated with perioperative mortality in dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus and to determine the influence of treatment differences between university and private specialty practices on outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of medical records. ANIMALS: 137 dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus. PROCEDURE: Signalment; frequency of preoperative and postoperative treatments and complications; intraoperative findings; surgical technique; and hematologic, serum biochemical, and electrocardiographic results were recorded, evaluated for association with mortality, and compared between institutions. RESULTS: Mortality did not differ between institutions, and overall mortality was 18% (24/137). Surgical techniques differed between institutions, but were not associated with mortality. Gastric necrosis was associated with significantly higher mortality (46%; 13/28). When partial gastrectomy or splenectomy was performed, mortality (35 and 32% or 8/23 and 10/31, respectively) was significantly increased. Splenectomy was performed in 11 of 23 dogs requiring partial gastrectomy, and when both procedures were performed, mortality (55%; 6/11) was significantly increased. Preoperative cardiac arrhythmias were associated with significantly higher mortality (38%; 6/16). Mortality in dogs > 10 years old was not significantly greater than that in younger dogs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Patient management differences between practices did not seem to influence survival in dogs with surgically managed gastric dilatation-volvulus. Signalment, including age, did not influence mortality. Gastric necrosis, gastric resection, splenectomy, and preoperative cardiac arrhythmias were associated with mortality > 30%.

Evaluation of a hypertonic saline-dextran solution for treatment of dogs with shock induced by gastric dilatation-volvulus.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that small volumes of hypertonic saline-dextran (HSD) solution can be used to effectively resuscitate dogs in shock induced by gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), and, compared with administration of large volumes of lactated Ringer's solution (LRS), can be used to limit the overall volume of fluid needed for resuscitation. DESIGN: Prospective, clinical study. ANIMALS: 15 dogs with GDV-induced shock. PROCEDURE: Initially, HSD solution (5 ml/kg of body weight) or LRS (60 to 90 ml/kg) was administered. All dogs then received a maintenance administration (20 ml/kg/h) of LRS. Cardiorespiratory, blood gas, and serum biochemical analyses were performed over a 4-hour period after initiation of treatment. RESULTS: Systolic arterial and central venous pressures and plasma volume increased more rapidly in dogs in the HSD + LRS group. The cumulative dose of fluids administered to dogs in the HSD + LRS group was significantly less than that administered to dogs in the LRS group. Serum sodium and chloride concentrations and osmolality increased significantly in dogs in the HSD + LRS group, but not in dogs in the LRS group. Ventricular arrhythmias were detected in both groups of dogs, but did not appear to be induced by either form of fluid therapy. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Administration of HSD rapidly restored cardiorespiratory function and induced resuscitation equivalent to administration of large volumes of LRS. Use of HSD solutions to treat dogs in GDV-induced shock may be more efficient than use of isotonic fluids. Administration of HSD solution was not associated with noticeable complications.