Physical examination and CT to assess thoracic injury in 137 cats presented to UK referral hospitals after trauma.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to describe clinical examination and thoracic CT (TCT) findings in cats after trauma, and to identify physical examination findings associated with both abnormalities on TCT and the need for therapeutic interventions. METHODS: A multicentre, retrospective, observational study was conducted. Cats admitted to the participating hospitals with a history of blunt trauma and that underwent TCT were eligible. Data were collected on signalment, history, physical examination, TCT findings and subsequent interventions. RESULTS: In total, 137 cats were included. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) were the most frequently reported cause of trauma (69%). Tachypnoea (32%), pale mucous membranes (22%) and dyspnoea (20%) were the most common abnormal findings on thoracic examination. The most frequently identified thoracic pathologies on TCT were atelectasis (34%), pulmonary contusions (33%), pneumothorax (29%) and pleural effusion (20%). Thoracocentesis was the most commonly performed intervention (12%), followed by chest drain placement (7%). A total of 45 (33%) cats had no physical examination abnormalities but did have abnormalities detected on TCT; six of these cats required interventions. Increasing numbers of thoracic abnormalities on clinical examination were associated with increasing likelihood of having abnormal findings on TCT (odds ratio [OR] 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-3.44, P = 0.008) and of requiring an intervention (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.32-2.51, P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: RTAs were the most common reported cause of blunt trauma. Atelectasis, pulmonary contusions and pneumothorax were the most common abnormalities identified on TCT, and thoracic drainage was the most utilised intervention. TCT may be useful in identifying cats with normal thoracic physical examination findings that have significant thoracic pathology, and a high number of abnormal findings on thoracic examination should raise suspicion for both minor and major thoracic pathology. The results of this study can be used to assist in selecting appropriate cases for TCT after blunt trauma.

Postoperative regurgitation in dogs after upper airway surgery to treat brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome: 258 cases (2013-2017).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of and risk factors for regurgitation in dogs within 24 hours of surgical management of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective single center study of dogs undergoing BOAS surgery over four years (2013-2017). ANIMALS: Two hundred fifty-eight client-owned dogs referred for surgical intervention for BOAS. METHODS: Electronic medical records were searched for dogs that had undergone surgery for BOAS at a UK specialist referral hospital. Data were assessed by using univariable binomial logistic regression; confounding factors were then identified in a multivariable model. RESULTS: There was an increase in the proportion of dogs that regurgitated while hospitalized preoperatively vs during the first 24 hours postoperatively, from 28 (10.9%) to 89 (34.5%), respectively (P < .0001). History of regurgitation (P = .017, odds ratio [OR] 2.539, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.178-5.469) and age (P = .008, OR 0.712, 95% CI 0.553-0.916) were detected as risk factors for postoperative regurgitation. For every 1-year increase in age, the odds of experiencing postoperative regurgitation were reduced by 28.8%. CONCLUSION: Corrective surgery for BOAS was associated with a marked incidence of postoperative regurgitation. Younger dogs and those with a history of regurgitation were predisposed to postoperative regurgitation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The increased frequency of regurgitation after surgical treatment of BOAS, especially in younger dogs, provides justification for counseling owners regarding this postoperative complication.