Outcomes of surgically treated sialoceles in 21 cats: A multi-institutional retrospective study (2010-2021).

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcomes of cats that underwent surgical correction for sialoceles. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS: Twenty-one client-owned cats. METHODS: Medical records were examined of cats diagnosed with sialocele, which underwent surgical intervention over an 11-year period at one of 10 referral hospitals. The data collected included signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic imaging, histopathology, surgical procedures performed, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The most common presenting complaints for cats with sialocele included dysphagia and ptyalism. Only two cats had a recent history of trauma, and one was diagnosed with a concurrent sialolith. Most displayed visible tissue swelling, with ranulae being most common. Surgical treatment consisted of sialoadenectomy and/or marsupialization. Intraoperative complications occurred in three cats, and postoperative complications in five cats. No recurrence or development of contralateral sialoceles were reported during the follow-up period (30-968 days). CONCLUSION: The majority of cats did not have a clear underlying cause for developing a sialocele. The sublingual and mandibular salivary glands were presumed to be the most commonly affected. Mandibular and sublingual sialoadenectomy and/or marsupialization provided resolution of clinical signs to the 21 cats that underwent these procedures. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Sialocele, although rare, should remain a differential diagnosis when managing cats with relevant clinical signs. Surgical intervention appears to offer resolution of signs with apparently low overall risk of complication or short-term recurrence. In cats it is necessary to evaluate whether sialoadenectomy is necessary, or whether marsupialization alone should be attempted as a less invasive first-line surgical intervention.

Influence of clipping on bacterial contamination of canine arthrocentesis sites before and after skin preparation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of hair removal as part of the aseptic skin preparation of canine arthrocentesis sites and to characterize the bacterial flora remaining after aseptic skin preparation. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. STUDY POPULATION: Thirteen shorthaired beagle-cross dogs. METHODS: A coin toss was used to randomly determine to have one carpus, elbow, tarsus, and stifle clipped. The contralateral side was left unclipped. Aseptic skin preparation was performed on all sites with 4% chlorhexidine followed by 70% isopropyl alcohol. The skin of each site was sampled for aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures before and after aseptic skin preparation. Bacterial cultures were submitted for laboratory testing to determine the colony-forming units (CFU) of bacteria and bacterial species isolated for each site. RESULTS: Each group (clipped and unclipped) included 52 sites. Aseptic skin preparation reduced bacterial CFU in both groups. There was no association between values for CFU per milliliter after skin preparation of dogs and side (P = .07), joint (P = .71), pre-aseptic skin preparation CFU (P = .94), or clipping (P = .42). Staphylococcus spp were the most common of the bacterial species cultured. CONCLUSION: In clean shorthaired dogs without visible evidence of dermatological disease, leaving arthrocentesis sites unclipped rather than performing traditional surgical clipping did not result in increased bacterial skin counts after aseptic skin preparation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In this study we did not find evidence to support that clipping of canine arthrocentesis sites is required for effective aseptic skin preparation. A prospective clinical trial is required to determine whether a change in practice would be associated with increased morbidity.

The left lateral projection is comparable to horizontal beam radiography for identifying experimental small volume pneumoperitoneum in the canine abdomen.

Nontraumatic spontaneous pneumoperitoneum suggests the presence of gastrointestinal perforation; early detection can be lifesaving. Horizontal beam projections have been reported to be more sensitive than standard radiographic views for detecting small volumes of free peritoneal gas. This prospective, experimental, analytical study compared both left lateral (LL) and ventrodorsal (VD) standard views to horizontal beam projections for detecting small volumes of artificially induced pneumoperitoneum in live dogs. The effect of radiology training on accurate detection of small amounts of free peritoneal air was also assessed. Fourteen dogs had four radiographic projections taken after injection of 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 mL of cumulative air into their abdominal cavities. Radiographs were interpreted individually by three American College of Veterinary Radiology-certified radiologists and three small animal internship-trained veterinarians who were blinded to the air volume injected. At 2.5 and 10 mL of air injected, the LL projection had highest odds of an accurate response (odds ratio [OR] = 2.4 and 99.0 when compared to VD horizontal and VD projections, respectively). At 5 mL of air injected, the lateral horizontal (LH) projection had the highest odds of an accurate response (OR = 3.2 compared to VD horizontal). The LL projection was not significantly different from the LH projection at all volumes of air injected. Board certification led to higher odds of accurate responses at volumes of 5 (OR = 2.2) and 10 mL (OR = 3.6), as compared to nonspecialist veterinarians. Overall, LH and standard LL appeared to be the most useful radiographic projections for detection of small amounts of free peritoneal gas.

Evaluation of a First-Year Veterinary Surgical Skills Laboratory: A Retrospective Review.

A retrospective review of the first-year surgical skills competency-based assessment was performed at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) using 6 years of data from 475 students. The cumulative pass rate was 88.2% on first attempt and 99.2% upon remediation. Student gender did not influence overall pass/fail rates, with a failure rate of 11.1% for female students and 10.5% for male students (p = 0.88). Significantly decreased pass rates were associated with identification of the Mayo scissors (p = 0.03), explanation of using Allis tissue forceps (p = 0.002), and performance of a Lembert suture pattern (p < 0.01). An increased pass rate was observed for the cruciate pattern (p < 0.01). No differences were found in pass/fail rates for hand ties (p = 0.80) or instrument ties (p = 0.60). The most common errors occurred with half hitch ties: hand ties (53%) and instrument ties (38%). The most common errors were also recognized for instrument handling (31%) and needle management (20%) during the suture pattern section. The veterinary medical education community may benefit from the evidence-based findings of this research, in terms of understanding student performance across competencies, identifying areas requiring additional mentoring, and determining appropriate competencies for first-year veterinary students.

Evaluation of risk factors for mortality in dogs with lung lobe torsion: A retrospective study of 66 dogs (2000-2015).

The objectives of this retrospective case series study were to describe a group of 66 dogs with lung lobe torsion (LLT) and to investigate the incidence of complications and risk factors for mortality and overall outcome in this population. Sixty-six dogs with LLT from 3 independent academic institutions were investigated. Information on signalment, history, clinical findings, and interventions was obtained. Associations with mortality outcome were examined via logistic regression. Dogs with a depressed mentation at presentation were 21 times more likely to die than dogs with normal mentation [P = 0.008, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.949 to 579.904]. The overall odds of mortality were increased by 18% for each unit change in Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation (APPLEfast) score (P = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.998 to 1.44). No other clinical abnormalities correlated with outcome.

Évaluation des facteurs de risque pour la mortalité chez les chiens souffrant d'une torsion du lobe pulmonaire : étude rétrospective de 66 chiens (2000­2015). Les objectifs de cette étude rétrospective d'une série de cas consistaient à décrire un groupe de 66 chiens ayant une torsion du lobe pulmonaire (TLP) et d'investiguer l'incidence de complications et les facteurs de risque pour la mortalité et les résultats généraux chez cette population. Soixante-six chiens atteints de TLP provenant de trois établissements universitaires indépendants ont été étudiés. Des données ont été obtenues sur le signalement, les résultats cliniques et les interventions. Les associations avec les résultats de mortalité ont été examinées via la régression logistique. Il était 21 fois plus probable que les chiens ayant un état mental déprimé à la présentation meurent que les chiens ayant un état mental normal (P = 0,008, intervalle de confiance [IC] de 95 % = de 1,949 à 579,904). Les probabilités globales de mortalité augmentaient de 18 % pour chaque unité de changement selon la note Acute Patient Physiologic and Laboratory Evaluation (APPLEfast) (P = 0,04, IC de 95 % = de 0,998 à 1,44). Aucune autre anomalie clinique n'offrait de corrélation avec les résultats.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Effect of Bipolar Radiofrequency Energy on Canine Stifle Joint Fluid Temperature.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bipolar radiofrequency (RF) energy on canine stifle joint fluid temperature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A standard stifle arthroscopy was performed on 15 canine large breed cadaveric stifle joints. A bipolar RF (VAPR III, 2.3-mm side effect electrode; Depuy Mitek, Raynham, Massachusetts, United States) unit was activated in the joint (1) with or without direct tissue contact, (2) with or without additional 18-gauge needle outflow and (3) for 15 and 30 seconds. The joint fluid temperature was monitored with two fibre optic intra-articular sensors. RESULTS: The stifle joint fluid temperature was significantly higher when there was no contact between the tissue and RF probe (mean: 58.6°C with 95% confidence interval [CI]: 53.3-64.0°C) compared with when tissue was contacted (mean: 29.0°C with 95% CI: 26.3-31.6°C). An 18-gauge egress needle had minimal effect on reducing joint fluid temperature. The temperature was higher during the 30-second application of RF energy than the 15-second group. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Bipolar RF energy without firm tissue contact rapidly and significantly increased joint fluid temperature beyond the level reported to damage chondrocytes (above 45°C). Caution is required in the use of bipolar RF energy in the canine stifle joint.

Border Collie Collapse: Owner Survey Results and Veterinary Description of Videotaped Episodes.

Completed surveys were obtained from owners of 165 border collies experiencing repeated episodes of abnormal gait or collapse during strenuous exercise. Unremarkable veterinary evaluation and lack of disease progression over time made common systemic, cardiac, and neurologic causes of exercise intolerance unlikely. Survey questions addressed signalment, age of onset, description of episodes, and owner perception of factors associated with collapse. Most dogs were young adults (median 2 yr) when episodes began, and they had experienced from 2 to more than 100 episodes (median 6) prior to their owners completing the survey. Retrieving was the activity most commonly associated with episodes (112/165 dogs, 68%), followed by herding stock (39/165 dogs, 24%). Owners reported that high environmental temperatures (111/165 dogs, 67%) and excitement (67/165 dogs, 41%) increased the likelihood of their dog having an episode during strenuous activity. Veterinary evaluation of videotapes of presumed border collie collapse (BCC) episodes (40 dogs) were used to provide a description of the typical features of BCC episodes. Altered mentation, symmetrical ataxia affecting all four limbs, increased pelvic limb extensor tone and toe scuffing or knuckling, truncal swaying, and falling to the side were common features, suggesting that BCC may be an episodic diffuse central nervous system disorder.

Evaluation of Dogs with Border Collie Collapse, Including Response to Two Standardized Strenuous Exercise Protocols.

Clinical and metabolic variables were evaluated in 13 dogs with border collie collapse (BCC) before, during, and following completion of standardized strenuous exercise protocols. Six dogs participated in a ball-retrieving protocol, and seven dogs participated in a sheep-herding protocol. Findings were compared with 16 normal border collies participating in the same exercise protocols (11 retrieving, five herding). Twelve dogs with BCC developed abnormal mentation and/or an abnormal gait during evaluation. All dogs had post-exercise elevations in rectal temperature, pulse rate, arterial blood pH, PaO2, and lactate, and decreased PaCO2 and bicarbonate, as expected with strenuous exercise, but there were no significant differences between BCC dogs and normal dogs. Electrocardiography demonstrated sinus tachycardia in all dogs following exercise. Needle electromyography was normal, and evaluation of muscle biopsy cryosections using a standard panel of histochemical stains and reactions did not reveal a reason for collapse in 10 dogs with BCC in which these tests were performed. Genetic testing excluded the dynamin-1 related exercise-induced collapse mutation and the V547A malignant hyperthermia mutation as the cause of BCC. Common reasons for exercise intolerance were eliminated. Although a genetic basis is suspected, the cause of collapse in BCC was not determined.

Ex vivo evaluation of the effect of various surgical procedures on blood delivery to the patellar tendon of dogs.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of arthrotomy alone or in combination with osteotomy of the proximal portion of the tibia on blood delivery to the patellar tendon of dogs. SAMPLE 24 canine cadavers. PROCEDURES One hind limb from each cadaver was assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: medial arthrotomy (MA; MA group), lateral arthrotomy (LA; LA group), MA and LA with tibial tuberosity transposition (MALA group), and MA with tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO; TPLO group). The contralateral hind limb served as the control sample. Contrast solution (barium [33%], India ink [17%], and saline [0.9% NaCl] solution [50%]) was injected through an 8F catheter inserted in the caudal portion of the abdominal aorta. Limbs were radiographed to allow examination of vascular filling. The patella, patellar tendon, and tibial crest were harvested, radiographed to allow examination of tissue vascular filling, and fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde. Vessels perfused with contrast solution were counted in sections obtained from the proximal, middle, and distal regions of each patellar tendon. RESULTS Vessel counts did not differ significantly among the 3 tendon regions. Compared with results for the control group, delivery of contrast solution to the patellar tendon was significantly decreased in the MALA and TPLO groups but was not changed in the MA or LA groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that surgical procedures used to treat cranial cruciate injuries (ie, TPLO) and patellar luxation decreased blood delivery to the patellar tendon of canine cadavers, at least acutely.

Comparison between core temperatures measured telemetrically using the CorTemp® ingestible temperature sensor and rectal temperature in healthy Labrador retrievers.

This study evaluated the CorTemp(®) ingestible telemetric core body temperature sensor in dogs, to establish the relationship between rectal temperature and telemetrically measured core body temperature at rest and during exercise, and to examine the effect of sensor location in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract on measured core temperature. CorTemp(®) sensors were administered orally to fasted Labrador retriever dogs and radiographs were taken to document sensor location. Core and rectal temperatures were monitored throughout the day in 6 resting dogs and during a 10-minute strenuous retrieving exercise in 6 dogs. Time required for the sensor to leave the stomach (120 to 610 min) was variable. Measured core temperature was consistently higher than rectal temperature across all GI locations but temperature differences based on GI location were not significant (P = 0.5218). Resting dogs had a core temperature that was on average 0.4°C above their rectal temperature with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) between 1.2°C and -0.5°C. Core temperature in exercising dogs was on average 0.3°C higher than their concurrent rectal temperature, with LoA of +1.6°C and -1.1°C.

Comparaison entre les températures centrales mesurées par télémétrie à l'aide de la sonde de température ingérable CorTempMDet la température rectale chez des chiens Labrador retriever en santé. Cette étude a évalué la télémétrie de la sonde de température centrale ingérable CorTempMD chez les chiens afin d'établir un lien entre la température rectale et la température centrale mesurée par télémétrie au repos et à l'effort et pour examiner l'effet de l'emplacement de la sonde dans le tube digestif sur la mesure de la température centrale. Des sondes CorTempMD ont été administrées oralement à des chiens Labrador retriever à jeun et des radiographies ont été prises pour documenter l'emplacement de la sonde. Les températures centrale et rectale ont été surveillées pendant la journée chez 6 chiens au repos et durant une séance vigoureuse de «rapporter¼ de 10 minutes chez 6 chiens. Le temps requis pour le passage dans l'estomac de la sonde a été variable (de 120 à 610 minutes). La température centrale mesurée a été constamment supérieure à la température rectale dans tous les emplacements du tube digestif, mais les différences de température basées sur l'emplacement dans le tube digestif n'étaient pas significatives (P = 0,5218). Les chiens au repos avaient une température centrale qui était en moyenne de 0,4 °C supérieure à la température rectale avec des limites de concordance de 95 % entre 1,2 °C et −0,5 °C. La température centrale des chiens à l'exercice était en moyenne de 0,3 °C supérieure à leur température concomitante, avec des limites de concordance de +1,6 °C et de −1,1 °C.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Prevalence of circumcaval ureters and double caudal vena cava in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of circumcaval ureters and other caudal vena cava variations in cats and determine whether circumcaval ureters were associated with macroscopic evidence of ureteral obstruction. SAMPLE: 301 domestic cat cadavers obtained from an animal shelter. PROCEDURES: All cat cadavers were examined, and anatomic variations of the ureters and caudal vena cava were recorded. In cadavers with a circumcaval ureter, kidney length, width, and height were measured, and the ureters were examined macroscopically to determine whether there was gross evidence of ureteral obstruction in cats with circumcaval ureters. RESULTS: At least 1 circumcaval ureter was present in 106 of the 301 (35.2%) cats, with a right circumcaval ureter identified in 92 (30.6%) cats, a left circumcaval ureter identified in 4 (1.3%), and bilateral circumcaval ureters identified in 10 (3.3%). Twenty-one (7.0%) cats had a double caudal vena cava, including 2 cats in which the double caudal vena cava was the only anatomic abnormality identified. No sex predilection for anatomic abnormalities was found. Mean right kidney length was significantly greater than mean left kidney length in cats with a right circumcaval ureter. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Circumcaval ureter was present in approximately a third of cats in this study. Variation in the development of the caudal vena cava is the proposed cause. The clinical relevance of this variation is unknown.

Expression of interleukin-8 and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 in the synovial membrane and cranial cruciate ligament of dogs after rupture of the ligament.

This cross-sectional clinical study compared inflammation, including expression of the chemokine interleukin (IL)-8 and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), in the stifle joints of 4 control dogs and 23 dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). The CCL, synovial membrane, meniscus, cartilage, and synovial fluid from the affected stifle joints of all the dogs were examined. Inflammatory cell counts were performed on the synovial fluid, and the tissues were processed for histologic study and immunohistochemical detection of IL-8 and ICAM-1. The synovial fluid from the stifle joints of the dogs with CCLR had an increased percentage of neutrophils (P = 0.054) and a decreased percentage of lymphocytes (P = 0.004) but not macrophages compared with the fluid from the control dogs. There was accumulation of inflammatory cells and increased expression of IL-8 and ICAM-1 in the vascular endothelium of the synovial membrane and the CCL of the dogs with CCLR. The increase in inflammatory cells in the stifle joints of dogs with CCLR may therefore be due to increased expression of IL-8 and ICAM-1 in the synovial membrane and the CCL after the injury. These data may help in understanding the mechanisms of inflammation associated with CCLR.

Thoracoscopic correction of a congenital persistent right aortic arch in a young cat.

A 9-week-old kitten was diagnosed with a congenital vascular ring anomaly by means of an esophageal contrast study. At 6 mo of age, a non-selective vascular study was used to diagnose a persistent right aortic arch (PRAA). Left-sided thoracoscopic surgery was performed, using a Liga-Sure vessel sealant device to seal and transect the ligamentum arteriosum.

Antinociceptive, cardiopulmonary, and sedative effects of five intravenous infusion rates of lidocaine in conscious dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To observe antinociceptive, cardiopulmonary and sedative effects of five different 12-hour lidocaine infusions in conscious dogs, and measure plasma lidocaine concentrations. STUDY DESIGN: Two-part randomized, prospective, blinded, cross-over experimental study. ANIMALS: Six neutered male, crossbred dogs approximately 1-2 years of age and weighing 29.1 +/- 4.0 kg. METHODS: Dogs received lidocaine [2 mg kg(-1), intravenous (i.v.)] or equivalent volume of 0.9% saline followed by infusion of either lidocaine at 10 (L10), 25 (L25), 50 (L50), 75 (L75), or 100 (L100) microg kg(-1) minute(-1), or equivalent rate of saline (Control). The study was conducted in two parts comparing L10, L25 and L50 to control, and then L75 and L100 to another control. Heart and respiratory rates, and indirect arterial blood pressure were measured for 12 hours; before (baseline), during and after infusion. Sedation was scored using descriptive categories, and nociceptive threshold determined using electrical cutaneous stimulation. Plasma lidocaine concentrations were measured using ELISA. Nonparametric and parametric tests for repeated measures were used and p < 0.05. RESULTS: Nociceptive thresholds were not different from the saline control treatment at any time. Respiratory rate decreased 2-12 hours in treatments L25, L75 and L100. Blood pressure increased after 4 hours in treatment L100 compared to baseline. Sedation scores increased compared to baseline (L10: 30 minutes-8 hours; L25: 30 minutes-2 hours, 8 hours; L50: 30 minutes, 8 hours, 12 hours; L75: 4-12 hours; L100: 15 minutes, 8-12 hours), and to Control. Treatment L75 had higher plasma lidocaine concentrations than L10; and L100 had higher concentrations than L10 and L25. Occasional vomiting was observed in dogs receiving lidocaine when plasma lidocaine concentrations exceeded 4 microg mL(-1). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: High lidocaine infusion rates did not have antinociceptive effects compared with saline and were associated with mild-moderate sedation and some signs of toxicity in awake dogs.

Evaluations of labrador retrievers with exercise-induced collapse, including response to a standardized strenuous exercise protocol.

Clinical and metabolic variables were evaluated in 14 Labrador retrievers with exercise-induced collapse (EIC) before, during, and following completion of a standardized strenuous exercise protocol. Findings were compared with previously reported variables from 14 normal Labrador retrievers that participated in the same protocol. Ten of 14 dogs with EIC developed an abnormal gait during evaluation, and these dogs were significantly more tachycardic and had a more severe respiratory alkalosis after exercise compared to the normal dogs. Muscle biopsy characteristics and sequential lactate and pyruvate concentrations were normal. Genetic testing and linkage analysis excluded malignant hyperthermia as the cause of EIC. Common causes of exercise intolerance were eliminated, but the cause of collapse in EIC was not determined.

Exercise-induced collapse of Labrador retrievers: survey results and preliminary investigation of heritability.

Completed surveys were obtained from owners of 225 Labrador retrievers affected by the syndrome of exercise-induced collapse. Questions addressed signalment, age of onset, description of collapse episodes, and owner perception of activities and factors associated with collapse. Most dogs were young (mean 12 months) when collapse episodes began. Retrieving was the activity most commonly associated with collapse. Owners felt that excitement (187/225; 83%) and high environmental temperatures (71/225; 31%) increased the likelihood of collapse. Analysis of pedigrees collected from 169 affected dogs was most consistent with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.

Prevalence of perioperative arrhythmias in 50 young, healthy dogs.

The objective of this study was to assess the type and frequency of cardiac dysrhythmias occurring after routine ovariohysterectomy or orchidectomy in young, healthy dogs by using 2 anesthetic protocols (group I: propofol and isoflurane; group II: thiopental and halothane). Fifty dogs under 2 years of age, judged to be clinically normal by physical examination and standard electrocardiography, were evaluated by using 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiography. The most common dysrhythmias in the postoperative period were 2nd degree atrioventricular block (44%), ventricular premature complexes (44%), and atrial premature complexes (32%). For study purposes, more than 100 ventricular or atrial premature complexes per 24 hours, or any occurrence of R-on-T phenomenon, ventricular or atrial tachycardia were classified as clinically significant arrhythmias. Significant arrhythmias were observed in 9 dogs in the postoperative period, 5 of which were in group I and 4 in group II. All of these dogs were under 1 year of age. The R-on-T phenomenon occurred in 4 dogs in group II and 1 dog in group I. Results from this study show that significant arrhythmias, including R-on-T phenomenon, can occur in the perioperative period in young, healthy dogs undergoing routine surgeries with both protocols used.

Porcupine quill injuries in dogs: a retrospective of 296 cases (1998-2002).

The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify factors associated with quill injury in dogs. A second objective was to determine the risk of complications and any factors that would predict the likelihood of complications. Hospital records of 296 porcupine quill injuries in dogs from 1998 to 2002 were studied. There was an increased occurrence of porcupine encounters in the spring and fall months; Siberian huskies, rottweilers, and German shepherd crosses were significantly overrepresented for quill injuries. There was no association between risk of complications and either number of quills or antimicrobial use. Increasing time between quill injury and presentation was associated with an increased risk of complications. Because of the increased frequency of complication with a longer interval until presentation, clients should be strongly encouraged to bring the dog in as soon as the quill injury is discovered. Patients presented after 24 hours should be monitored closely during the first 3 weeks after injury, as most complications occurred during this time.

Modification of the superficial cervical axial pattern skin flap for oral reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an extended pedicle flap based on the superficial cervical artery (SCA) for closure of oral defects in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Anatomic study; in vivo experimental study. ANIMALS: Canine cadavers (13) and 3 dogs. METHODS: The prescapular branch of the SCA was cannulated and perfused with a lead oxide gelatin mixture. The area perfused by 1 SCA was examined as was the rostral extent of the flap. Staged implantation was performed to evaluate flap performance in vivo. In stage 1, the flap was prepared for implantation into the oral cavity. In stage 2, the flap was fully developed to include the 1 degrees, 2 degrees, and partial 3 degrees angiosome of 1 SCA pedicle. The flap was transposed by a bridging incision and a parapharyngeal tunnel into the oral cavity. The flap was used to reconstruct a partial-thickness defect created in the palate. RESULTS: The territory of the contralateral SCA was captured in all cadavers. The full flap reached the level of the canine teeth in all cadavers. In live dogs, necrosis was not observed after implantation into partial-thickness defects and dehiscence was minimal. Loss of pliability secondary to de-epithelialization and staging resulted in a limitation of rostral reach of the flap. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas the flaps did not reach as far rostrally as anticipated, they survived well in the harsh oral environment. The flap may be modified to reconstruct full-thickness palatal defects. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The extended SCA pattern flap may be adapted for closure of oral defects.

Evaluation of client compliance with short-term administration of antimicrobials to dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the degree of and variability in the level of client compliance and identify determinants of client compliance with short-term administration of antimicrobial medications to dogs. DESIGN: Prospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 90 owners of dogs prescribed antimicrobials. PROCEDURE: Eligible clients were invited to participate when antimicrobial medications were dispensed. Data were collected during a follow-up appointment by use of a client questionnaire, residual pill count, and return of an electronic medication monitoring device. Attending veterinarians also completed a questionnaire that asked them to predict client compliance. Methods of assessing compliance were compared with nonparametric tests. Generalized estimating equations were used to investigate potential determinants of compliance. RESULTS: Median compliance rates of 97% of prescribed container openings, 91% of days when the correct number of doses were given, and 64% of doses given on time as assessed by the electronic medication monitoring devices were significantly lower than the median compliance rates of 100% for client self-report of missing doses and pill count. Veterinarians were unable to predict client compliance. The dosage regimen significantly determined compliance. Clients giving antimicrobials once or twice daily were 9 times more likely to be 100% compliant, compared with 3 times daily dosing. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The combination of reported missed doses and pill counts was a significant predictor of compliance as measured by electronic monitoring. Electronic monitoring caps provided useful information only when they were used appropriately. Asking clients about missed doses and performing pill counts are the most practical assessments of compliance in practice.