Attitudes toward Virtual Admissions Interviews among Applicants to a Veterinary School.

Virtual interviews have gradually begun to be utilized in health professions education; however, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in virtual interviews rapidly becoming commonplace for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle. This study aimed to evaluate attitudes toward and experience with virtual interviews of applicants to a veterinary medical college. All applicants to the Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine (MWU-CVM) were provided with a link to a voluntary, anonymous survey after completing a virtual interview with the program. A 27.5% response rate (114/415) was obtained. Responses indicate widespread acceptance of virtual interviews, with respondents noting they would be more likely to interview for an out-of-state program with a virtual interview option and most feeling more positively about the program after their virtual interview. In-person interviews were preferred by 62.3% of applicants, while 32.5% favored a virtual option. Most applicants (58.8%) applied to more than six schools, indicating a major burden of cost and time associated with veterinary college applications. Students who experienced technical difficulties were less likely to feel positively about the interview (p = .01). Overall, virtual interviews were viewed favorably by applicants, although many indicated a preference for an in-person interview when possible. Prioritizing an accessible technology platform and high-quality sound input/output for interviewers may help foster a more positive virtual interview for applicants. Virtual interviews are a viable option for veterinary admissions interviews associated with a positive applicant experience.

Resident Selection Criteria in Veterinary Medicine.

With the continued rise of interest and need for veterinary specialists, information regarding optimal selection criteria for successful residency candidates has been lacking in veterinary medicine. A 28-question online survey was developed to determine prioritized resident selection criteria, the importance of formal interviews, and residency supervisor satisfaction with the current selection process. This survey was sent to all programs listed by the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP) for the 2019-2020 program year. Overall, the most important aspects of the residency application process were (1) letters of recommendation, (2) performance during the interview, (3) personal contact/recommendation from a colleague, (4) personal statement, and (5) demonstrated interest in the residency specialty. While measures of academic performance including GPA and veterinary class rank may play a role in sorting of candidates in more competitive specialties, this does not necessarily exclude them from the ranking process. This information should be helpful to candidates and program directors alike in understanding the success of the current residency candidate selection process.

Effect of Romanowsky-Stained Concentrated Preparations versus Direct Smears on Veterinary Students' Ability to Identify Bacterial Sepsis in Fluid Cytology Samples from Dogs, Cats, and Horses.

Veterinary students' accuracy, confidence, and time required to diagnose bacterial sepsis in fluid cytology samples was evaluated using two different slide preparation methods: direct smears and cytocentrifuged concentrated preparations. We hypothesized veterinary students would diagnose fluids as septic on concentrated preparations more accurately and quickly than on direct smears. Thirty third- and fourth-year students who had previously participated in a clinical pathology course completed a survey regarding general cytology experience and reviewed 40 randomized Romanowsky-stained slides via microscopy. Slides consisted of 10 septic and 10 non-septic samples with matched direct and concentrated slides, prepared from fluids from dogs, cats, and a horse. Participants' slide evaluation time, diagnosis, confidence, and slide photographs of areas considered septic were recorded. No difference in diagnostic accuracy between direct and concentrated samples was identified (area under the curve: 57% for both preparations, p = 0.77), although students agreed with pathologist-determined diagnoses more often when viewing concentrated samples (M = 63%, SD = 11% for concentrated; M = 56%, SD = 21% for direct, p = .012). A positive relationship existed between accuracy of diagnosis (R2 = .59) and senior status (p = .002), comfort interpreting cytology slides (p < .03), and if the student had taken the senior pathology rotation (p = .02). Only 38% (121/319) of participant photographs correctly identified sepsis. Under experimental conditions, concentrated preparations did not increase the accuracy of veterinary students' bacterial sepsis diagnosis; however, since accuracy did increase with cytology experience and comfort level, additional pre-clinical and clinical cytology training may benefit students before entering practice.

Examination of Motivational Influences on Clinical-Year Veterinary Students' Career Decisions.

The purpose of this study was to identify motivations for fourth-year veterinary students to choose future career paths based on post-graduation employment or post-graduation education. Approximately 500 students from four institutions were invited to participate in an online survey. Surveys were based on the cognitive evaluation theory, a minitheory within the self-determination macrotheory framework developed by Deci and Ryan. Intrinsic motivational factors were categorized by autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and extrinsic motivators were categorized by environmental and interpersonal factors. Students pursuing post-graduation education have intrinsic motivators that aligned with competence and were extrinsically motivated by a mentor, while students interested in post-graduation employment had intrinsic motivators that were more focused on autonomy with extrinsic motivational influences of debt/finances and geographic location.

Educational Research Report Correlation between Student Self-Assessment and Proctor Evaluation in a Veterinary Surgical Laboratory.

Self-assessment has been shown to facilitate learning, goal setting, and professional development. We sought to evaluate whether veterinary students in a surgical curriculum would have self-assessments that differed from proctor evaluations and whether high-performing students would differ from low-performing students in self-assessment characteristics. Student and proctor assessments were compared for 8 weeks of a spay/neuter surgical laboratory taking place in the second year of the curriculum. Eight students were classified as high-performing, and 10 students were classified as low-performing. A quantitative evaluation of the scores and a qualitative assessment of written comments were completed. Proctors assigned higher scores to high-performing students compared to low-performing students, but no difference was observed overall in self-assessment scores assigned by students. When only anesthesia students were evaluated, we found a difference in self-assessment scores for high- versus low-performers, but this was not true for surgery students. Differences between proctor and student assessment scores diminished over time for all students and for anesthesia students, but not for surgery students. High-performing student anesthetists self-assessed and received proctor assessments with higher scores in technical skills. Comments from high-performing students tended to be less reflective and more positive. Low-performing students were more defensive and more likely to use I-statements in their comments. Overall, quantitative analysis did not reveal a difference in self-assessment between high-performers and low-performers; however, specific differences existed in qualitative characteristics, surgery versus anesthesia students, and proctor assessments. The differences in self-assessment between high- and low-performing students suggest areas of further investigation for the use of reflection in education.

Retention of basic suturing skills with brief or extended practice in veterinary students.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of practice duration on accuracy, retention, and confidence when learning how to tie basic surgical knots. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Fifteen first-year veterinary students. METHODS: Students were randomly assigned to a 2-week practice (TWP) or an 8-week practice (EWP) to learn how to tie surgeon's, strangle, and miller's knots. Students' knot-tying accuracy and confidence were evaluated immediately after training, at an intermediate time point (2-6 weeks postpractice), and at 12 weeks postpractice. RESULTS: Students who had been trained during an extended period tied the strangle knot correctly more often at all assessments (P = .025). The ability of students trained for 2 weeks to tie the strangle knot correctly decreased over time (P = .028). These students lost some confidence (P = .03) and repositioned suture more frequently (P = .03) while constructing the strangle knot at the final time point compared with students trained for 8 weeks. Students who completed TWP felt more confident at placing surgeon's knots than friction knots at the final assessment period (P = .0164 miller's knot, P = .0056 strangle knot), whereas confidence did not differ between knot types for students who completed EWP. All students felt less confident with their knot-tying skills at 12 weeks postpractice. CONCLUSION: Training for 8 weeks rather than for 2 weeks resulted in superior knot tying skills. Students' confidence decreased 12 weeks after training. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Prolonged distributed practice is recommended to train students for more complex tasks such as placement of a strangle knot.

Faculty Perspectives Regarding Day One-Ready Examination Items.

The objective of this mixed-methods, cross-sectional study was to evaluate faculty perspectives regarding Day One-Ready (DOR) content on examination questions given to students at a veterinary medical college and to elucidate whether differing viewpoints on what information constitutes DOR knowledge exist among different veterinary disciplines. Twelve faculty members at a veterinary medical college from three different disciplines (small animal internal medicine, surgery, and primary care) reviewed examination questions given to veterinary students, answered the questions, and stated whether they tested DOR information. After elimination of items not answered by all respondents and after reviewing for question quality, 103 questions remained for analysis. An evaluator from each discipline participated in a discussion about DOR content. Of the questions, 30% were unanimously considered to assess DOR information. No association was found between type of question (medicine, surgery, uncategorized) and whether it was considered DOR. Primary care doctors assessed more questions as testing DOR information than either type of specialist. Questions answered correctly were more likely to be assessed as DOR. During discussion, themes identified with DOR information included common conditions, practical diagnostics, critical knowledge, and discriminating between differential diagnoses. Specialists and primary care doctors differed in their assessment of DOR questions. Veterinary faculty should carefully consider whether examination questions contain DOR information and are appropriate for testing knowledge of the entry-level veterinarian.

Factors affecting the duration of anesthesia and surgery of canine and feline gonadectomies performed by veterinary students in a year-long preclinical surgery laboratory.

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors affecting the duration of canine and feline gonadectomies performed by second-year veterinary students. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of 1288 gonadectomies. SAMPLE POPULATION: One hundred ninety-four second-year veterinary students in a 24-week veterinary surgical teaching laboratory. METHODS: Surgical and anesthetic records were analyzed and arranged by primary surgeon in chronological order. Species, sex, weight, body condition score, occurrence of an intraoperative complication, and order of sequential cases in the year performed by the primary surgeon were assessed for their influence on anesthesia, surgery, and preparation times. RESULTS: Each student performed an average of 6.6 (±1.08) gonadectomies over 24 weeks. Dogs, females, increasing weight, intraoperative complications, and earlier sequential cases were associated with longer duration of surgery and anesthesia. These factors accounted for 50% and 59% of anesthetic and surgical time variance, respectively. The rate of intraoperative complications did not change across time but was higher during canine ovariohysterectomies. Duration of anesthesia and surgery for canine orchiectomy decreased by 29 and 21 minutes, respectively, and for canine ovariohysterectomy decreased by 16 and 12 minutes, respectively, over 24 weeks without reaching a learning plateau. CONCLUSION: Species, sex, weight, complications, and earlier sequential cases influenced duration of anesthesia and surgery. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: By establishing a baseline for duration of student-performed surgeries and describing the relative impact of factors influencing duration, students and educators may be able to set goals for student improvement during teaching laboratories.

In vitro security of 3 surgical knots placed by novice veterinary students.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the most secure knot when tied by veterinary students in a ligation model. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Sixteen first-year veterinary students. METHODS: Veterinary students were taught 3 knots: surgeon's, Miller's, and strangle. After having demonstrated competence, students tied each knot twice in a vascular ligation model at physiologic pressure. The system was tested for completeness of occlusion and volume of fluid lost over 10 seconds. Time, reattempts, repositioning, correctness, and difficulty score were documented. Students were surveyed before and after training regarding their experience. RESULTS: Students correctly tied 75% of all knots and achieved complete occlusion of the model with 56% of knots. No difference was identified among knot types in correctness, difficulty, complete occlusion, or time to construct the knot. The first surgeon's knot placed by students had more fluid loss than the Miller's knot, but this was not true of the second knot. CONCLUSION: Incomplete occlusion was common among all knot types, but students generally achieved similar knot security when placing surgeon's, Miller's, and strangle knots on a model. More surgeon's knots failed catastrophically during the first attempt, evidenced by a greater volume of fluid loss. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study does not provide evidence to recommend any of the 3 tested knots as superior to the others to improve the security of ligatures during surgeries performed by students. The prevalence of incomplete occlusion among student knots illustrates the requirement for education regarding knot security and vigilant monitoring of students performing live animal surgeries.

Short-Term Outcome of Multiple Port Laparoscopic Splenectomy in 10 Dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe surgical techniques for multiple port laparoscopic splenectomy (MLS) in dogs and report short-term outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 10) with naturally occurring splenic disease. METHODS: Medical records (March 2012-March 2013) of dogs that had MLS were reviewed. Data retrieved included signalment, weight, clinical signs, physical examination findings, preoperative laboratory and ultrasonographic findings, port number, size, and location, patient positioning, additional procedures performed, surgical duration, histopathologic diagnosis, duration of hospitalization, and perioperative complications. RESULTS: Ten dogs (median weight, 28.7 kg; range, 20.2-46.0 kg) had MLS using a 3 or 4 port technique and a vessel-sealing device for tissue dissection along the splenic hilus. Dog positioning varied because of additional laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted procedures including adrenalectomy (n = 2), ovariectomy (1), gastropexy (1), and intestinal resection and anastomosis (1). Conversion to an open approach was necessary in 1 dog because of inadequate visibility caused by omental adhesions. One dog had hemorrhage from an omental vessel, but open conversion was not required. CONCLUSIONS: MLS was associated with little perioperative morbidity and few complications in this cohort of dogs and may be a reasonable option for surgical management of dogs requiring elective splenectomy.

Domestic violence shelter partnerships and veterinary student attitudes at North American veterinary schools and colleges.

Animal abuse and domestic violence are linked issues, and pet ownership is reported to play a crucial role in the choice to leave an abusive situation. Although veterinarians witness the effects of abuse and violence over the course of their careers, they have limited training regarding these issues. One mechanism for educating veterinary students while providing a service for victims of domestic violence is the creation of partnerships between domestic violence shelters and veterinary schools. These extracurricular programs can provide both care for pets belonging to victims of domestic violence and an educational platform for student participants. The goals of this study were to determine the prevalence and characteristics of domestic violence shelter partnerships (DVSPs) at North American veterinary teaching hospitals and to determine whether the presence of a DVSP was associated with increased awareness among veterinary students regarding animal abuse and domestic violence. Nine of 33 veterinary schools surveyed described a DVSP program. Students at schools with DVSPs associated with their veterinary teaching hospitals were significantly more likely to indicate that their awareness of the link between animal abuse and domestic violence had increased during veterinary school. Most veterinary students reported that they felt poorly prepared to handle domestic violence and animal abuse issues in the workplace. This study indicates that extracurricular DVSPs are a viable means of educating veterinary students regarding domestic violence and animal abuse. A need for improved education on these topics in veterinary schools across North America is identified.

Retrospective evaluation of the efficacy of fluconazole for the treatment of coccidioidomycosis in dogs: 49 cases (2015-2020).

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical course and therapeutic response in dogs with coccidioidomycosis treated with fluconazole. ANIMALS: 49 client-owned dogs with coccidioidomycosis that were treated with fluconazole and had ≥ 2 follow-up examinations. PROCEDURES: Medical records were retrospectively searched to identify dogs in which coccidioidomycosis was diagnosed between January 2015 and May 2020. Data recorded from each dog included signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic test results, and treatment. RESULTS: Dogs were treated with fluconazole at a median initial dosage of 19.7 mg/kg/d. Median treatment duration was 298.5 days, with 26 of the 49 dogs completing treatment during the study period. Respiratory signs, lethargy, and hyporexia were the most common clinical signs. Frequency of lethargy decreased after 30 days, whereas frequency of hyporexia and respiratory signs decreased after 90 days. Median IgG titer at diagnosis was 1:32 and was significantly decreased, compared with baseline titer, at all recheck intervals after 90 days. Hyperglobulinemia, monocytosis, and neutrophilia were the most common clinicopathologic abnormalities. Hyperglobulinemia resolved within 30 days, neutrophilia resolved within 90 days, and monocytosis resolved after 180 days. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Improvements in clinical signs, titers, and clinicopathologic abnormalities were observed after initiation of treatment with fluconazole. Improvement began as early as the first 3 months of treatment, but some variables did not resolve until after 6 to 9 months of treatment. This information provides clinical guidance and describes expectations when prescribing fluconazole to treat coccidioidomycosis in dogs.

Clinical features, treatment, and outcome of dogs with Coccidioides osteomyelitis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe signalment, clinical signs, serologic test results, treatment, and outcome of dogs with Coccidioides osteomyelitis (COM) and to compare those findings with findings for dogs with osteosarcoma (OSA). ANIMALS: 14 dogs with COM and 16 dogs with OSA. PROCEDURES: Data were retrospectively gathered from electronic medical records. RESULTS: Dogs with COM were younger and weighed less than dogs with OSA. Six dogs with COM had appendicular lesions, 5 had axial lesions, and 3 had both appendicular and axial lesions; 9 had monostotic disease, and 5 had polyostotic disease. Axial lesions and nonadjacent polyostotic disease were more common in dogs with COM than in dogs with OSA, but radiographic appearance was not different between the 2 groups. Median IgG titer at diagnosis of COM was 1:48 and was significantly decreased after 6 and 12 months of treatment. Percentage of dogs with COM that had clinical signs was significantly decreased after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment. One year after initiation of treatment, 9 of 9 dogs were still receiving fluconazole and 8 of 9 dogs had positive results for serum IgG titer testing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs with COM typically had a rapid improvement in clinical signs after initiating treatment with fluconazole but required long-term antifungal treatment. Dogs with COM differed from dogs with OSA, but radiographic features had a great degree of overlap between groups, confounding the ability to make a diagnosis on the basis of diagnostic imaging alone.

Urethral obstruction and urolithiasis associated with patent urachus in a 12-week-old kitten.

CASE SUMMARY: A 12-week-old intact male domestic shorthair kitten presented for dysuria. The patient had a urethral obstruction that was relieved with urinary catheter placement. A cutaneous opening at the umbilicus was identified. Three-view abdominal radiographs and a contrast study revealed a patent urachus with no evidence of urine leakage into the abdomen. An exploratory laparotomy was performed that confirmed a patent urachus, which was excised, and cystic and urethral calculi, which were removed via cystotomy. The patient recovered well from surgery, with a 12 h period of stranguria occurring 2 days postoperatively, attributed to residual inflammation. Calculi analysis revealed struvite stones, likely secondary to infection and inflammation. At the time of writing, 3 months postoperatively, the kitten had one episode of hematuria and inappropriate urination, which resolved with a short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but had been otherwise been asymptomatic and healthy. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: To our knowledge, this is the first report of urolithiasis and patent urachus in a pediatric feline patient. Based on the occurrence of struvite stones in the presence of a patent urachus in an animal of this age, we suspect that chronic infection and inflammation led to the development of urolithiasis. Correction of the patent urachus resulted in almost complete resolution of clinical signs and no crystal formation was appreciated on recheck urinalysis.

A multimodal approach to management of suspected neuropathic pain in a prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus).

An adult male prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus) was presented for evaluation and treatment of self-inflicted wounds along the right proximal patagium. The bird had started self-traumatizing approximately 1 month after fracturing the right metacarpus, although the fracture had stabilized, surface wounds had healed completely, and treatment with a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug had been administered. The bird was treated with gabapentin (11 mg/kg p.o. q12h), ketamine (0.5 mg/kg i.m. q24h), and low level laser therapy (LLLT) (<5 mW, 630-680 nm, 5-second application per site) for 3 weeks, but, despite initial improvement, new self-inflicted wounds appeared at the same site. Approximately 1.5 months later, a radial and medianoulnar nerve block was performed by using bupivacaine (2 mg/kg) and medetomidine (0.5 microg/kg). In addition, the dosing interval of ketamine was increased to q12h, and the dose of gabapentin was increased 7.5-fold. A higher energy and wavelength of LLLT (1040 mW, 830 nm, 2 J/cm2) was applied once to the injured region and fracture site, then the original LLLT protocol was applied once daily. After 2.5 months, the wounds healed completely and no further mutilation took place. Once deemed ready for release, the falcon was returned to the wild after 181 days in captivity. This is the first reported application of successful multimodal analgesia in a raptor with uncontrolled neuropathic pain.

Outcomes of elective gonadectomy procedures performed on dogs and cats by veterinary students and shelter veterinarians in a shelter environment.

OBJECTIVE To determine complication rates for elective gonadectomy procedures performed by veterinary students on dogs and cats in an animal shelter, characterize these complications, and compare rates with those for shelter-employed veterinarians (SEVs). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS 10,073 dogs and cats for which gonadectomy was performed by a veterinary student (n = 3,048 surgeries) or SEV (7,025 surgeries) at an urban animal shelter over a 16-month period. PROCEDURES Electronic medical records for included dogs and cats were reviewed and data collected regarding patient signalment, duration of gonadectomy, surgeon type (student or SEV), and types of surgical complications recorded (including death or euthanasia) during the period from anesthetic induction to 72 hours after surgery. Complication and mortality rates were compared between veterinary students and SEVs. RESULTS No significant differences were identified between students and SEVs regarding rates of overall complications for both species, minor complications for both species, major complications for both species, and overall complications for dogs or cats specifically. The most common complications were self-limiting, with no long-term consequences, for both students and SEVs. Differences in mortality rates between students and SEVs could not be definitively determined owing to low numbers of nonsurviving patients. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE With judicious case selection and as a part of a surgical training program, complication rates for veterinary student-performed gonadectomy procedures for dogs and cats were no different from those for SEV-performed gonadectomy procedures. We believe such information regarding patient outcomes will allow shelter staff to make informed decisions and help them in discussions with stakeholders who may have concerns about student participation.

Effect of transmucosal corn syrup application on postoperative blood glucose concentrations in kittens.

Objectives The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a common clinical practice, the transmucosal (TM) application of corn syrup, on postoperative blood glucose concentrations in kittens. Methods This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Seventy-five kittens between the age of 8 and 16 weeks scheduled for surgical sterilization by gonadectomy at an animal shelter were enrolled. Kittens were randomly assigned to either a routine treatment group that received the shelter's typical postoperative application of corn syrup immediately following gonadectomy or to a control group that did not receive typical treatment. Three blood glucose measurements were obtained per kitten: baseline reading prior to preoperative examination, immediately postoperatively and 20 mins postoperatively. The median values of the 20 min postoperative blood glucose reading for the control and treatment groups were compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results Postoperative application of corn syrup to the oral mucosa of kittens did not result in significant elevations in blood glucose compared with controls. No kitten was hypoglycemic (⩽60 mg/dl) at any point during the study. Conclusions and relevance TM application of corn syrup did not affect postoperative blood glucose concentrations in kittens. Protocols that use routine TM administration of corn syrup in kittens should be re-evaluated.

Perioperative blood glucose concentrations in kittens following overnight fasting and gonadectomy.

Objectives The objective of this study was to determine if hypoglycemia is an effect of overnight fasting and gonadectomy in kittens, as well as to determine predictors of baseline and postoperative blood glucose. Methods This was a prospective observational study. Seventy-five kittens between the age of 8 and 16 weeks undergoing routine castration or ovariohysterectomy at an animal shelter were included. Two blood glucose measurements were analyzed per kitten after an overnight fast: a baseline reading prior to preoperative examination, and a reading immediately postoperatively. Predictors of the baseline and postoperative blood glucose levels were determined using multi-level mixed-effects linear regression. Results Kittens, when fasted overnight, were not hypoglycemic (<60 mg/dl). No kittens exhibited clinical signs consistent with hypoglycemia. No kittens had a blood glucose <70 mg/dl postoperatively. Postoperative hyperglycemia (>150 mg/dl) was observed in 44% of kittens. The only predictor of fasted blood glucose levels was body condition score. The only predictor of postoperative blood glucose levels was the fasting blood glucose value. Conclusions and relevance Overnight fasting prior to elective sterilization in 8- to 16-week-old kittens did not result in hypoglycemia. Concern regarding hypoglycemia after a prolonged fast in kittens may be unwarranted for short procedures in healthy animals.

Evaluation of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Anesthetized Dogs with Brachycephalic Syndrome.

Brachycephalic airway syndrome may predispose to gastroesophageal reflux (GER) because of the high negative intrathoracic pressures required to overcome conformational partial upper airway obstruction. To investigate this, 20 dogs presenting for elective correction of brachycephalic airway syndrome (cases) and 20 non-brachycephalic dogs (controls) undergoing other elective surgeries were prospectively enrolled. Dogs underwent a standardized anesthetic protocol, and esophageal pH was monitored. Signalment, body weight, historical gastrointestinal and respiratory disease, complete blood count, serum biochemical values, radiographic findings, and anesthetic and surgical time were compared between cases and controls, and dogs that did and did not have basic (pH > 7.5), acidic (pH < 4), or any GER. Controls had higher mean esophageal pH (6.3) compared to cases (5.6, P = .019), but there was no difference in % with GER (cases 60%, controls 40%, P = .34). When all dogs were evaluated, dogs with GER had increased creatinine (P = .01), % positive for esophageal fluid on radiographs (P = .05), and body weight (P = .04) compared to those without GER. GER was common in both cases and controls, and cases had lower esophageal pH; however, greater numbers are required to determine if a true difference exists in % GER.

Evaluation of fluid production and seroma formation after placement of closed suction drains in clean subcutaneous surgical wounds of dogs: 77 cases (2005-2012).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate fluid production and factors associated with seroma formation after placement of closed suction drains in clean surgical wounds in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 77 client-owned dogs with a subcutaneous closed suction drain placed following a clean surgical procedure. PROCEDURES: Medical records (January 2005 to June 2012) were reviewed, and signalment, site of surgery and underlying disease process, histologic evaluation results, total drain fluid production, fluid production rate (mL/kg/h) at 12-hour intervals, cytologic evaluation of drain fluid, and development of dehiscence, infection, or seroma were recorded. Associations among variables were evaluated. RESULTS: The most common complication was dehiscence (n = 18), followed by seroma (14) and infection (4). Dogs that developed a seroma had significantly greater total drain fluid volume relative to body weight and greater fluid production rate at 24 and 72 hours as well as the last time point measured before drain removal. Dogs in which drains were removed when fluid production rate was > 0.2 mL/kg/h (0.09 mL/lb/h) were significantly more likely to develop a seroma. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Seroma formation was more common in dogs with a higher rate of fluid production relative to body weight, but was not associated with the number of days that a closed suction drain remained in situ. Dogs may be at greater risk of seroma formation if their drains are removed while drainage is still occurring at a rate > 0.2 mL/kg/h.