Incidentally diagnosed mammary gland tumors are less likely to be malignant than nonincidental mammary gland tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To compare malignancy rates of canine mammary gland tumors diagnosed incidentally and nonincidentally. ANIMALS: 96 female dogs from which mammary gland tumors were removed. METHODS: Medical records of all female dogs from which mammary gland tumors were removed at a privately owned referral institution between 2018 and 2021 were reviewed. Data were obtained on signalment for each dog, histopathologic results for each tumor, and the primary reason for each dog's presentation to the hospital. The proportion of malignant tumors was compared between dogs that were presented with nonincidental MGTs and dogs that were presented for a different primary condition and had incidental MGTs found on examination. RESULTS: A total of 195 tumors were removed from the 96 dogs in this study. In dogs with incidental MGTs, 82 of 88 (93%) tumors were benign and 6 of 88 (7%) were malignant. In dogs with nonincidental MGTs, 75 of 107 (70%) tumors were benign and 32 of 107 (30%) were malignant. Nonincidental MGTs were significantly (OR, 5.83; 95% CI, 2.31 to 14.73; P = .001) more likely to be malignant compared with incidental MGTs. Dogs with nonincidental MGTs were 6.84 times as likely to have a malignant MGT removed compared with dogs with incidental MGTs (OR, 6.84; 95% CI, 2.47 to 18.94; P < .001). The likelihood of malignancy increased by 5% for each 1-kg increase in body weight (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.09; P = .013). Larger tumors were more likely to be malignant than smaller tumors (P = .001). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Most incidentally diagnosed MGTs are benign and allow for a good prognosis after excision. Small dogs and dogs with MGTs < 3 cm in diameter are the least likely to have a malignancy.

Surgical site infection-inflammation in dogs draped with a single-layer Kraton elastic seal extremity drape for stifle surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of surgical site infection-inflammation in dogs undergoing elective orthopedic surgery of the stifle after draping with a single-layer Kraton elastic seal patient drape or conventional double-layer drapes. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. SAMPLE POPULATION: A total of 789 dogs. METHODS: Dogs were assigned to one of two groups: (1) conventional draping with 4-corner drapes and an overlying patient drape (n = 390) or (2) a Kraton seal extremity patient drape without 4-corner drapes (n = 399). All dogs were evaluated for surgical site infection-inflammation by 21 days and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The distribution of surgical procedures did not differ between draping techniques and included tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA, n = 480), tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO, n = 10), extracapsular lateral suture (ECLS, n = 130), medial patellar luxation repair (MPL, n = 63), lateral patellar luxation repair (LPL, n = 1), ECLS/MPL (n = 68), TTA/MPL (n = 12), TTA with joint capsule biopsy (n = 1), and stifle arthroscopy combined with TTA or TPLO (n = 24). Duration of follow up was 180 days (range 3-180 days) for clinical examinations and 182 days (range 2-182 days) for phone communications. Infection-inflammation was documented in 9 dogs after double-layer draping and 11 dogs after single-layer draping at 21 days postoperatively and in 12 dogs after double-layer draping and 7 dogs after single-layer draping at 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: No difference in postoperative infection-inflammation was detected between canine stifle surgeries draped with a single-layer Kraton extremity patient drape or double-layer drapes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The single-layer Kraton extremity patient drape is a viable alternative to conventional double-layer draping in canine stifle surgery.

Retrospective evaluation of maropitant and perioperative factors affecting postoperative appetite in cats.

The primary goal of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of postoperative appetite return in cats premedicated with maropitant citrate. Medical records of 75 cats admitted for gastrointestinal (GI) and urogenital (UG) surgeries were reviewed and analyzed. Buprenorphine analgesia was used with 36 cats (48%) premedicated with maropitant and 39 cats (52%) that were used as a control group. No significant differences in postoperative appetite return were reported with maropitant premedication compared to controls. Age, breed, preoperative weight, surgery type, surgery and anesthesia times, and total hospitalization time were also evaluated and were not reported to be significantly associated with postoperative appetite return. Presenting complaints of hyporexia or anorexia were significantly associated with earlier postoperative appetite return. Results of this study suggest that cats treated with buprenorphine for GI or UG surgeries do not have postoperative appetites return sooner when premedicated with maropitant.

Évaluation rétrospective du maropitant et des facteurs péri-opératoires affectant l'appétit postopératoire chez le chat. L'objectif principal de cette étude rétrospective était d'évaluer l'effet du retour de l'appétit postopératoire chez des chats prémédiqués avec du citrate de maropitant. Les dossiers médicaux de 75 chats admis pour des chirurgies gastro-intestinales (GI) et urogénitales (UG) ont été examinés et analysés. L'analgésie avec de la buprénorphine a été utilisée chez 36 chats (48 %) prémédiqués avec du maropitant et 39 chats (52 %) qui ont été utilisés comme groupe témoin. Aucune différence significative dans le retour de l'appétit postopératoire n'a été signalée avec la prémédication au maropitant par rapport aux témoins. L'âge, la race, le poids préopératoire, le type de chirurgie, les durées de chirurgie et d'anesthésie et la durée totale d'hospitalisation ont également été évalués et n'ont pas été rapportés comme étant significativement associés au retour de l'appétit postopératoire. Les plaintes d'hyporexie ou d'anorexie étaient significativement associées à un retour de l'appétit postopératoire plus précoce. Les résultats de cette étude suggèrent que les chats traités à la buprénorphine pour les chirurgies gastrointestinales ou UG n'ont pas un retour de l'appétit postopératoire plus rapide lorsqu'ils sont prémédiqués avec du maropitant.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Patient factors influencing the concentration of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) for adipose-derived stromal cell (ASC) therapy in dogs.

The objective of this study was to determine whether patient factors influence the concentration of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) in fat for adipose-derived stromal cell (ASC) therapy in dogs. A total of 1265 dogs underwent adipose collection surgeries by veterinarians for processing by the Vet-Stem laboratory and data on cell counts and patient factors were collected. Body condition score (BCS) and breed size did not significantly affect the viable cells per gram (VCPG) of adipose tissue that represents the viable SVF. Age significantly affected the VCPG, with dogs in age quartile 1 having a significantly higher VCPG than those in quartile 2 (P = 0.003) and quartile 4 (P = 0.002). Adipose tissue collected at the falciform location had significantly fewer VCPG than tissue collected at the thoracic wall and inguinal locations (P < 0.001). When the interaction of gender and location was evaluated, there were significantly fewer VCPG in tissue collected at the falciform location than at the thoracic wall and inguinal locations in female spayed dogs (P < 0.001) and male neutered dogs (P < 0.001), but not in female intact dogs (P = 0.743) or male intact dogs (P = 0.208). It was concluded that specific patient factors should be taken into consideration in order to obtain the maximal yield of VCPG from an adipose collection procedure.

L'objectif de la présente étude était de déterminer si des facteurs liés au patient influencent la concentration de la fraction stromale vasculaire (SVF) dans le gras pour le traitement à l'aide de cellules stromales dérivées du tissu adipeux (ASC) chez les chiens. Un total de 1265 chiens ont été soumis à une chirurgie effectuée par des vétérinaires et visant à prélever du tissu adipeux pour traitement par le laboratoire Vet-Stem et des données ont été amassées sur les dénombrements cellulaires et les patients. Le pointage de l'état de chair (BCS) et la taille de la race n'avaient pas d'effets significatifs sur le nombre de cellules viables par gramme (VCPG) de tissu adipeux que représente le SVF viable. L'âge affectait de manière significative le VCPG, les chiens dans le quartile 1 ayant un VCPG significativement plus élevé que ceux dans le quartile 2 (P = 0,003) et le quartile 4 (P = 0,002). Le tissu adipeux prélevé à la localisation falciforme avait significativement moins de VCPG que le tissu prélevé sur la paroi thoracique ou au niveau inguinal (P < 0,001). Lorsque l'interaction du sexe et de la localisation fut évaluée, il y avait significativement moins de VCPG dans le tissu prélevé à la localisation falciforme qu'au niveau de la paroi thoracique et inguinal chez les chiennes stérilisées (P < 0,001) et les chiens castrés (P < 0,001), mais pas chez les femelles entières (P = 0,743) ou les mâles intacts (P = 0,208). Il a été conclu que des facteurs spécifiques au patient devraient être pris en considération afin d'obtenir la récolte maximale de VCPG lors d'une procédure de collecte de tissu adipeux.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Surgical and postoperative complications associated with tibial tuberosity advancement for cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs: 458 cases (2007-2009).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical and postoperative complications encountered with tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) performed in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifle joints. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 458 dogs (TTA performed on 501 stifle joints). PROCEDURES: During the 2-year period, 624 TTA procedures had been performed in dogs for correction of cranial cruciate ligament deficiency. Five hundred one stifle joints in 458 dogs fit the criteria for inclusion; 43 dogs had had TTAs performed on both stifle joints. Historical data and complications reported were analyzed. RESULTS: Following 501 TTA surgeries, there were 95 instances of complications reported. In 7 stifle joints, 2 complications occurred. The most common complication was incisional infection and inflammation. Stifle joints with medial menisci that did not undergo medial meniscal release had a high incidence of subsequent injury, and meniscal tear was the most common complication treated by a second surgery. A partially torn cranial cruciate ligament left in situ at the time of TTA did not protect against subsequent injury of an intact, unreleased medial meniscus. Most fractures were identified on routine follow-up radiography and were rarely treated. In terms of preoperative factors, high body weight (> 40 kg [88 lb]) and a high preoperative patellar tendon angle were significantly associated with complications. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: High body weight and preoperative patellar tendon angle were significantly associated with complications following TTA in dogs. Subsequent meniscal tear was the most common reason for second surgery, suggesting that medial meniscal release of intact menisci should be considered when performing TTA in dogs.

Multiple magnet ingestion as a cause of septic peritonitis in a dog.

A 1 yr old male castrated Yorkshire terrier was referred after ingesting magnets. Dehydration, fever, tachycardia, and abdominal pain were noted on physical examination. Abdominal radiographs revealed two radiopaque foreign objects in close proximity to each other with decreased abdominal detail. Surgical exploration identified magnets adhered together in the omentum with perforations present in the transverse colon and stomach. The perforations were closed and a Jackson-Pratt continuous suction drain was placed. Septic peritonitis secondary to intestinal perforation from magnet ingestion was successfully treated with a combination of surgery and a closed suction drain.

Risk factors for surgical site infection-inflammation in dogs undergoing surgery for rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament: 902 cases (2005-2006).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of and potential risk factors associated with development of postoperative infection-inflammation in a large number of dogs with rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) that were treated via elective surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 808 dogs that underwent surgery (902 procedures) for rupture of the CCL. PROCEDURES: Medical records of dogs that underwent extracapsular lateral suture (ECLS) stabilization or tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2006, were reviewed. Data regarding development of postoperative infection-inflammation were obtained. Potential risk factors were identified and recorded. RESULTS: 496 ECLS surgeries were performed, and 406 TPLO surgeries were performed. Infection-inflammation developed in 55 of 902 (6.1%) surgeries within 6 months after surgery. There was a significant difference in infection-inflammation rate after the ECLS surgeries (21/496 [4.2%]), compared with rate after the TPLO surgeries (34/406 [8.4%]). Factors associated with a significantly lower rate of infection-inflammation included the use of suture material other than stainless-steel staples for skin closure and postoperative oral administration of antimicrobials. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: TPLO was associated with a significantly higher rate of infection-inflammation than the infection-inflammation rate after ECLS stabilization. The use of suture material other than staples for skin closure and postoperative oral administration of antimicrobials may be protective in minimizing infection-inflammation in dogs with rupture of the CCL that are treated via ECLS or TPLO.

Analysis of auditory and neurologic effects associated with ventral bulla osteotomy for removal of inflammatory polyps or nasopharyngeal masses in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cats undergoing ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO) for removal of inflammatory polyps or nasopharyngeal masses have altered ability to hear and whether polyp or mass removal affects auditory function as measured via air-conducted brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER). DESIGN: Prospective case series. ANIMALS: 21 cats. PROCEDURES: Cats were sedated and had otic-oral examinations to confirm presence of nasopharyngeal masses; BAER testing was done immediately prior to and following the completion of a VBO and polyp or mass removal. Recheck examination, including otic examination and BAER in sedated cats, was performed when possible. Results-17 cats met final inclusion criteria, and long-term follow-up was available for 15. Six of 17 had deafness as measured via air-conducted BAER prior to surgery. Mean followup time was 161 days, and there was no change from presurgical status in auditory ability in any cat. Eleven of 17 developed ipsilateral Horner syndrome in the immediate postoperative period, and 1 of 16 had polyp regrowth. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that in cats, VBO for removal of inflammatory polyps or masses is unlikely to affect hearing as measured via air-conducted BAER. Most cats developed short-term Horner syndrome. Cats with deafness prior to surgery did not regain auditory function. Ventral bulla osteotomy to remove nasopharyngeal polyps or masses provided no functional advantage with regard to restoration of hearing, compared with other surgical techniques. Polyp recurrence and long-term adverse effects were uncommon.

Comparison of perioperative analgesic protocols for dogs undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare effects of 3 commonly used perioperative analgesic protocols (epidural injection, intra-articular injection, and intravenous [IV] injection) for management of postoperative pain in dogs after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical trial. ANIMALS: Fifty-six healthy dogs with naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament rupture. METHODS: Dogs were premedicated with IV hydromorphone and acepromazine and were randomly assigned to receive either E (preoperative epidural injection with morphine and bupivacaine), IA (pre- and postoperative intra-articular injections of bupivacaine), or C (neither epidural morphine and bupivacaine, nor intra-articular bupivacaine). All dogs were administered hydromorphone (0.05 mg/kg IV) at extubation and as needed to maintain comfort postoperatively. Patients were observed and monitored continuously for 24 hours and discomfort was assessed using visual analog pain scores (VASs), multifactorial pain scores (MPSs), and response to a pressure nociceptive threshold (PNT) measuring device. Time to 1st dose and the total doses of hydromorphone required to achieve adequate comfort for each dog were recorded. RESULTS: No differences in measured indices of postoperative pain were observed between dogs of each treatment group; VAS (P=.190), MPS (P=.371), and PNT (P=.160). Time to 1st analgesic intervention was longer for Group E compared with Group C (P=.005) and longer for Group IA compared with Group C (P=.032). Although time to 1st intervention between Groups E and IA were longer for Group E, differences were not significant. To provide an adequate level of comfort, more analgesic interventions were administered to dogs in Group C compared with dogs in group E (P=.015). On average, more hydromorphone was administered to Group C compared with Group IA (P=.072) and to Group IA compared with Group E (P=.168), but statistical significance was not reached for these data. CONCLUSIONS: In this study population, significant differences were seen in time to 1st hydromorphone dose between Groups E and IA compared with Group C. As well, more supplemental analgesia was administered to Group C compared with Group E to maintain the same level of postoperative comfort. Although differences between Groups E and IA tended to favor the epidural group, differences were minimal and not statistically significant. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results suggest that regardless of analgesic protocol, measured indices of pain in dogs after TPLO can be minimized if dogs are continuously observed and appropriately supplemented with parenteral opioids. However, the frequency of postoperative opioid dosing can be minimized and may be a factor when contemplating supplementary use of epidural or intra-articular injections as part of a balanced analgesic approach.

Surgical management of urinary incontinence.

Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence and ureteral ectopia are the two most common causes of urinary incontinence in dogs and cats. Surgical treatments for both disorders have been described. Once a diagnosis is made, surgical intervention may lead to improved outcomes with resolution of incontinence in many patients. Proper case selection and surgical technique are critical in achieving clinical success when managing these difficult cases.

Results of arthroscopic versus open arthrotomy for surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament deficiency in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postoperative morbidity in dogs after experimental cranial cruciate ligament transection and immediate stifle stabilization using an arthroscopically assisted or open arthrotomy technique. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental, prospective study. ANIMALS: Thirteen mature, healthy dogs. METHODS: Dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. Seven underwent open arthrotomy while 6 underwent arthroscopy of 1 stifle joint. Cranial cruciate ligaments were transected and debrided and all stifles were stabilized using 2 lateral extracapsular fabellar-tibial sutures. Minimally invasive suture placement was employed in the arthroscopy group. All animals were evaluated for 9 weeks using kinetic gait assessments, comfortable stifle range of motion measurements, thigh girth measurements, differential cell counts of synovial fluid, and subjective scores of behavior, limb use, and lameness. RESULTS: Significant differences in postoperative morbidity were observed during the 9-week postoperative period. Greater peak vertical force for 8 weeks (P=.015), vertical impulse for 6 weeks (P=.044), comfortable stifle range of motion for 9 weeks (P=.017), comfortable stifle flexion for 4 weeks (P=.005), and operative limb thigh circumference (P=.020) for 9 weeks were observed for the arthroscopy group. A trend towards a lower differential mean synovial polymorphonuclear cell count in the arthroscopy group was seen at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. No differences in subjective evaluation scores were noted. CONCLUSIONS: In this study population, significant differences were seen between the arthroscopy and arthrotomy groups for peak vertical force, vertical impulse, comfortable stifle range of motion, comfortable stifle flexion, and thigh circumference data. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study suggest that short-term postoperative morbidity may be reduced in dogs receiving arthroscopic joint surgery with a limited approach for stifle stabilization as compared with a traditional open arthrotomy technique.