Eye trauma from a cat scratch with retention of the claw in the anterior chamber in a dog.

Background: Cat scratches and ocular foreign bodies are frequent reasons for consultation in veterinary ophthalmology. Case Description: We here present an unusual case combining trauma to the cornea and lens by a cat scratch with retention of the claw in the anterior chamber. Management consisted of the removal of the claw, reconstruction of the cornea, and mechanized ablation of the lens by phacoemulsification with implantation of an artificial lens. Conclusion: The progression during the follow-up period was considered satisfactory, with positive responses to visual tests and intraocular pressure within the norms. Only dyscoria and a tear of the endothelium and Descemet membrane, secondary to the trauma, remained.

Estabilização zigomática e retalho de avanço facial lateral em canino filhote / Zygomatic stabilization and lateral facial advancement flap in a puppy dog

O trauma é frequentemente relatado na rotina clínica de pequenos animais, podendo gerar fraturas de componentes ósseos e lesões de tecidos moles adjacentes. No presente trabalho, objetivou-se relatar o caso de um canino, macho, sem raça definida, de sete meses de idade, vítima de trauma craniomaxilofacial decorrente de mordedura, diagnosticado com fratura e deslocamento de osso zigomático, além de importante laceração de pele. O tratamento estabelecido baseou-se no debridamento da ferida, estabilização cirúrgica de arco zigomático com fios de Nylon e na sutura dos ferimentos de pele causados. Em um segundo tempo cirúrgico, foi realizada enucleação e recobrimento do defeito na órbita com malha cirúrgica de polipropileno, além de remoção de tecido exuberante e confecção de retalho subdérmico de avanço facial lateral para recobrimento do defeito cutâneo. A complicação evidenciada na primeira intervenção cirúrgica foi a deiscência das suturas de pele, enquanto no segundo tempo cirúrgico, não houve sinais de complicações. No pós-operatório, o paciente apresentou evolução clínica satisfatória, recebendo alta médica 21 dias após o segundo procedimento cirúrgico realizado. Tendo em vista a adequada evolução clínica, bem como os reduzidos efeitos colaterais, sugere-se que a conduta clínica e técnicas cirúrgicas adotadas para tratamento do paciente em questão foram efetivas.

Trauma is frequently reported in the small animal clinics, and can lead to fractures of cranial bone components and injuries to the adjacent soft tissues. In the present study, the objective was to report the case of a seven-month-old male mongrel dog, that had a craniomaxillofacial trauma resulting from a bite, characterized by zygomatic bone fracture and displacement, in addition to a major skin laceration. The stablished treatment was based on wound debridement, surgical stabilization of the zygomatic arch with nylon threads and in the suturing of skin wounds. In a second surgical procedure, enucleation was performed and a surgical polypropylene mesh was applied to cover the orbital defect, exuberant tissue was removed and a subdermal advancement flap was used to cover the skin defect. The complication observed in the first surgical intervention was dehiscence of the skin sutures, while in the second surgical procedure, there were no signs of complications. Postoperatively, the patient had a satisfactory clinical recovery, being discharged 21 days after the second surgical procedure. Considering the adequate clinical evolution and the reduced complications, it issuggestedthat the clinical conduct and surgical techniques adopted for the treatment of the patient in question were effective.

Analysis of patient outcome and owner satisfaction with double limb amputations: 14 dogs and four cats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the indications for, complications of, and surgical outcomes of dogs and cats that were treated with double limb amputations. ANIMALS: 14 dogs and 4 cats that underwent double limb amputations. PROCEDURES: Data collected retrospectively included patient-specific (species, age, weight, breed, sex, existing comorbidities) and amputation-specific (indication for amputation, full or partial limb amputation, associated complications, need for revision surgeries) variables. Owner satisfaction scores were also collected. RESULTS: The most common indication for double amputations was trauma (12/18) patients. Eleven patients had both amputations performed simultaneously. Nine patients had double partial limb amputations versus full limb amputations. Twelve patients underwent bilateral pelvic limb amputations, 4 underwent bilateral thoracic limb amputations, and 2 had 1 pelvic and 1 contralateral thoracic limb amputated. Five patients had reported complications over the course of the follow-up period, and complications for 3 patients were considered major. Revision surgery was reported for 2 animals. Owner satisfaction scores were reported as very satisfied/excellent (14/18), mildly satisfied (3/18), and strongly dissatisfied (1/18). Median time to follow-up was 450 days (range, 85 to 4,380 days). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Double limb amputation may be a viable alternative to advanced limb-sparing procedures or humane euthanasia based on the owner satisfaction data and the relatively low rate of major complications in this study. Future studies should clarify patient selection criteria and differences in function between surgical types.

Persistent hypercobalaminemia three months after successful gradual attenuation of extrahepatic shunts in dogs: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Deficiencies in vitamin A and D and disorders in the vitamin B complex are often present in people with chronic liver diseases. So far, the serum concentrations of these vitamins have not yet been studied in dogs with congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (EHPSS), who also have some degree of liver dysfunction. The objective was to assess serum vitamin concentrations in dogs with EHPSS from diagnosis to complete closure. A prospective cohort study was performed using ten client-owned dogs with EHPSS, closed after gradual surgical attenuation. Serum concentrations of vitamin A, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, folic acid, cobalamin and methylmalonic acid (MMA) were measured at diagnosis prior to institution of medical therapy, prior to surgery, and three months after gradual attenuation and complete closure of the EHPSS. RESULTS: At diagnosis, median serum concentrations of vitamin A, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and folic acid were 18.2 µg/dL (8.8 - 79.5 µg/dL), 51.8 ng/mL (19.4 - 109.0 ng/mL), and 8.1 µg/L (5.2 - 14.5 µg/L), respectively, which increased significantly postoperatively (88.3 µg/dL (51.6 - 182.2 µg/dL, P=0.005), 89.6 ng/mL (49.3 - >150.0 ng/mL, P =0.005), and 14.8 µg/L (11.5 - 17.7 µg/L, P <0.001), respectively). Median serum cobalamin concentrations were 735.5 ng/L (470 - 1388 ng/L) at diagnosis and did not significantly decrease postoperatively (P =0.122). Both at diagnosis and three months postoperatively 7/10 dogs had hypercobalaminemia. CONCLUSIONS: Serum concentrations of vitamin A, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and folic acid significantly increase after surgical attenuation. Nevertheless, persistent hypercobalaminemia is suggestive of ongoing liver dysfunction, despite successful surgery.

Evaluation of bilateral maxillary nerve block in dogs undergoing surgery for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.

This retrospective study assessed the effect of an intraoral bilateral maxillary nerve block in dogs undergoing surgery for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Records of dogs that underwent BOAS surgery were retrieved. Cases were assigned to Group B or C if a preoperative bilateral maxillary nerve block was performed or not. Type and dose of local anesthetic, inhalant anesthetic minimum alveolar concentration multiples, intraoperative fentanyl and injectable anesthetic use, prevalence of intraoperative hypotension or bradycardia, and postoperative opioids administration, were compared between groups. Sixty-seven cases met the inclusion criteria: 33 were assigned to Group B and 34 to Group C. In Group C, 18 dogs required intraoperative fentanyl (P = 0.005), and 12 needed injectable anesthetic top-ups (P = 0.006). Hypotension, or bradycardia, were not different between groups. Bilateral maxillary nerve block reduces intraoperative fentanyl and injectable anesthetic requirement in dogs undergoing BOAS surgery.

Évaluation du bloc nerveux maxillaire bilatéral chez les chiens brachycéphales opérés pour un syndrome obstructif des voies respiratoires. Cette étude rétrospective a évalué l'effet d'un bloc nerveux maxillaire intra-oral bilatéral chez des chiens brachycéphales subissant une intervention chirurgicale pour le syndrome obstructif des voies respiratoires (BOAS). Les dossiers des chiens qui ont subi une chirurgie BOAS ont été récupérés. Les cas ont été classés dans le groupe B ou C si un bloc du nerf maxillaire bilatéral préopératoire était réalisé ou non. Le type et la dose d'anesthésique local, les multiples de concentration alvéolaire minimale d'anesthésique par inhalation, l'utilisation peropératoire de fentanyl et d'anesthésiques injectables, la prévalence de l'hypotension ou de la bradycardie peropératoire et l'administration postopératoire d'opioïdes ont été comparés entre les groupes. Soixante-sept cas répondaient aux critères d'inclusion : 33 ont été affectés au groupe B et 34 au groupe C. Dans le groupe C, 18 chiens ont eu besoin de fentanyl peropératoire (P = 0,005) et 12 ont eu besoin de compléments anesthésiques injectables (P = 0,006). L'hypotension ou la bradycardie n'étaient pas différentes entre les groupes. Le bloc nerveux maxillaire bilatéral réduit les besoins peropératoires en fentanyl et en anesthésique injectable chez les chiens subissant une chirurgie BOAS.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Reconstrução de palato com malha de polipropileno e prótese acrílica para correção de fístula oronasal adquirida em cão / Palate reconstruction with polypropylene mesh and acrylic prosthesis in dog for correcton of acquired oronosal fistulae

As fístulas oronosais adquiridas são defeitos que permitem a comunicação anormal entre as cavidades oral e nasal. Inúmeras causas podem ser atribuídas à etiologia de tal defeito. O presente trabalho visa relatar o caso de um cão com fístula oronasal adquirida que foi submetido à reconstrução cirúrgica do palato com o uso de malha de polipropileno e prótese acrílica. Após estabilização do quadro clínico e remoção manual das larvas, o paciente foi encaminhado para o desbridamento cirúrgico das lesões orais e correção do defeito no palato. A palatoplastia foi realizada com o uso da malha e resina de polimetilmetacrilato autopolimerizável. A malha foi suturada sobre o defeito palatino com pontos simples separados e fio náilon 3-0 nas extremidades da ferida. Em seguida, a resina foi preparada e, ao atingir consistência adequada, foi aplicada e modelada sobre o a malha de polipropileno com o auxílio de um descolador de Molt, sendo também suturada nas bordas da fístula com pontos simples separados e fio náilon 3-0. No mesmo tempo cirúrgico foi inserida uma sonda esofágica para alimentação enteral. Devido complicações cirúrgicas no pós operatório, o paciente foi submetido a mais duas intervenções cirúrgicas para desfecho satisfatório do tratamento. Conclui-se que associação entre a tela de polipropileno e a prótese acrílica foi uma alternativa exequível para a palatoplastia em cão.

Acquired oronosal fistulae are abnormal communication between the oral and nasal cavities. A oronasal fistula can be the result of different causes, like oral myiasis. The objetctive of these paper is to report the case of a dog with acquired oronasal fistula that underwent surgical reconstruction of the palate using polypropylene mesh and acrylic prosthesis. After stabilization of the patient ́s clinical condition and mecanic removal of the larvae, the dog was referred for surgical debridement of the oral lesions and correction of the defect in the palate. Palatoplasty was performed using a mesh and polymethylmethacrylate resin. The mesh was sutured over the palatal defect with separate simple suture and 3-0 naylon thread at the ends of the wound. Then, the resin was prepared and, upon reaching adequate consistency, it was applied and shaped over the polypropylene mesh with Molt peeler. It was also sutured on the edges of the fistula with separate simple suture and 3-0 nylon suture. At the same surgical time, an esophageal tube was inserted for enteral feeding. Due to complications, the dog underwent two more surgical interventions for a satisfactory treatment outcome. It is concluded that the association between the polypropylene mesh and the acrylic prosthesis was a practical alternative for palatoplasty in dogs after oral myiasis.

Pancreatectomia secundária à aderência após ovário-histerectomia em uma cadela - relato de caso / Pancreatectomy secondary to adherence after ovary-histerectomy in a female dog - a case report / Pancreatectomía secundaria a una adherencia después de ovario histerectomía en una perra ­ relato de caso

O procedimento cirúrgico eletivo realizado com maior frequência na rotina veterinária é a ovário-histerectomia (OVH), com isso há uma alta casuística de complicações pós-operatórias. Entre elas, pode-se citar piometra de coto, ligadura acidental de ureter, síndrome do ovário remanescente, formação de granulomas inflamatórios e aderências a órgãos. Os granulomas de coto ovariano são formados, geralmente por um fio de sutura utilizado inadequadamente, ou a um sítio de infecção. Tais granulomas podem levar à aderências, inclusive a órgãos próximos ao sítio cirúrgico. O presente relato refere-se a uma cadela, que apresentou granulomas ovarianos com aderências no pâncreas e em diversos órgãos após a ovário-histerectomia. Para a solução do caso, foi realizado uma celiotomia exploratória para avaliação da cavidade abdominal, retirada das aderências das estruturas e das formações granulomatosas, sendo necessária a realização de uma pancreatectomia parcial para a retirada completa do granuloma. Após a cirurgia, o paciente desenvolveu quadro de pancreatite, uma complicação muito comum em cirurgias pancreáticas. Ainda assim, o resultado foi considerado satisfatório, pois a pancreatite foi solucionada e os granulomas removidos, e até a última revisão pós-operatória, o paciente encontrava-se bem clinicamente. A OVH é uma das cirurgias mais realizadas na rotina médico veterinária, ainda assim é negligenciada em diversos quesitos. Portanto, há a necessidade dessa técnica cirúrgica e suas possíveis complicações serem realizadas de maneira correta e efetiva.(AU)

The most frequently elective surgical procedure performed in the veterinary routine is the ovary hysterectomy (OVH). As such, there is a high number of post-operative complications, which include stump pyometra, accidental ligation of the ureter, remnant ovary syndrome, formation of inflammatory granulomas, and organ adhesions. Ovarian stump granulomas are usually formed by suture which has been improperly used, or to infection. Such granulomas can lead to adhesions, also affecting organs close to the surgical site. This report refers to a female dog that presented ovarian granulomas with adhesions to the pancreas and to several organs after ovary-hysterectomy. In order to solve the case, an exploratory celiotomy was performed to assess the abdominal cavity, removing the adhesions of the structures and granulomatous formations, which required the performance of a partial pancreatectomy for the thorough removal of the granuloma. After surgery, the patient developed pancreatitis, a very common complication in pancreatic surgery. Even so, the result was considered satisfactory, as the pancreatitis was resolved and the granulomas removed and until the last post-operative review, the patient was clinically well. OVH is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the veterinary medical routine, yet it is neglected in several aspects. Therefore, there is a need for the surgical technique and its possible complications to be performed correctly and effectively.(AU)

El procedimiento quirúrgico electivo que se realiza con mayor frecuencia en la rutina veterinaria es la ovario-histerectomía (OVH), con que existe un elevado número de complicaciones postoperatorias. Estos incluyen piometra del muñón, ligadura accidental del uréter, síndrome de ovario remanente, formación de granulomas inflamatorios y adherencias a órganos. Los granulomas del muñón ovárico se forman por lo general por una sutura mal utilizada o en un sitio de infección. Dichos granulomas pueden provocar adherencias, incluso a órganos cercanos al sitio quirúrgico. El presente informe se refiere a una perra, quien presentó granulomas ováricos con adherencias en el páncreas y en varios órganos tras ovario histerectomía. Para la solución del caso se realizó una celiotomía exploratoria para acceder la cavidad abdominal, removiendo las adherencias de las estructuras y formaciones granulomatosas, requiriendo la realización de una pancreatectomía parcial para la extirpación completa del granuloma. Después de la cirugía, la paciente desarrolló pancreatitis, una complicación muy común en la cirugía pancreática. Aun así, el resultado se consideró satisfactorio, ya que se resolvió la pancreatitis y se retiraron los granulomas, y hasta la última revisión postoperatoria la paciente se encontraba clínicamente bien. La OVH es una de las cirugías que se realizan con mayor frecuencia en la rutina médica veterinaria, pero se descuida en varios aspectos. Por tanto, existe la necesidad de que esta técnica quirúrgica y sus posibles complicaciones se realicen de forma correcta y eficaz.(AU)

Trato sinusal por reação ao fio de algodão em ovariohisterectomia de cadela / Sinusal tract due to cotton yarn reaction in canine ovariohysterectomy / Tracto sinusal por reacción del hilo de algodón en ovario histerectomía de perra

A castração em fêmeas pode ser feita pela ovariectomia (retirada dos ovários), ou ovariohisterectomia (retirada dos ovários e do útero). Essa última técnica é a mais recomendada em cães e gatos, devido à prevenção de afecções que podem ocorrer posteriormente no útero. Dentre essas complicações pode-se encontrar sangramento por ligadura mal feita em coto, hidroureter, hidronefrose, piometra de coto, formação de tratos sinusais, aderência, obstrução crônica, incontinência urinária, retenção abdominal de compressas cirúrgicas, transcecção de parte do ureter e ovário remanescente. Em cadelas castradas, a causa mais comum da formação de tratos sinusais é a presença de reação tecidual ao redor do fio de sutura. O presente estudo teve como objetivo relatar um caso de uma cadela sem raça definida, 8,7 kg, seis anos, que deu entrada no Hospital Veterinário de Uberaba, MG com queixa principal a presença de ferida no flanco direito sendo tratada há nove meses, porém sem sucesso. Já haviam feito uso de vários antibióticos sistêmicos e antinflamatorios esteroidais e não esteroidais. Diante do caso observado, foram realizados exames laboratoriais e de imagem. Perante o resultado do exame de imagem, a principal suspeita foi a formação de trato sinusal com comunicação com a cavidade abdominal devido a uma reação ao fio de algodão utilizado na ovariohisterectomia.(AU)

Female animals can be castrated by ovariectomy (removal of the ovaries), or ovariohysterectomy (removal of the ovaries and uterus). The latter is the most recommended in dogs and cats due to the prevention of conditions that may subsequently occur in the uterus. Among these complications, one can find bleeding by poor ligation in the stump, hydroureter, hydronephrosis, stump pyometra, formation of sinus tracts, adherence, chronic obstruction, urinary incontinence, abdominal retention of surgical compresses, transection of part of the ureter and remaining ovary. In castrated bitches, the most common cause of the formation of sinus tracts is the presence of tissue reaction around the suture thread. This study aimed at reporting a case of a mixed breed, six-year-old dog, 8.7 kg that was admitted to the Veterinary Hospital of Uberaba with the main complaint of the presence of a wound on the right flank being unsuccessfully treated for nine months. Several systemic antibiotics and steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs had already been used. In view of the observed case, laboratory and imaging exams were performed. In view of the result of the imaging examination, the main suspicion was the formation of a sinus tract with communication to the abdominal cavity due to a reaction to the cotton thread used in the ovariohysterectomy.(AU)

La castración en hembras se puede realizar mediante ovariectomía (extirpación de los ovarios) u ovario histerectomía (extirpación de los ovarios y del útero). Esa última técnica es la más recomendada en perros y gatos, debido a la prevención de afecciones que pueden presentarse posteriormente en el útero. Entre estas complicaciones se puede encontrar hemorragias por ligadura mal realizada en muñón, hidruréter, hidronefrosis, piometra de muñón, formación de tractos sinusales, adherencia, obstrucción crónica, incontinencia urinaria, retención abdominal de compresas quirúrgicas, transección de parte del uréter y ovario remanente. En las perras castradas, la causa más común de formación de trayectos sinusales es la presencia de reacción tisular alrededor del hilo de sutura. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo reportar el caso de una perra sin raza definida, de 8,7 kg, de seis años de edad, que ingresó en el Hospital Veterinario de Uberaba, MG con el principal síntoma de presencia de una herida en el flanco derecho siendo tratada durante nueve meses, pero sin éxito. Ya habían usado varios antibióticos sistémicos y medicamentos antiinflamatorios esteroides y no esteroides. A la vista del caso observado, se realizaron exámenes de laboratorio y de imagen. A la vista del resultado del examen de imagen, la principal sospecha fue la formación de un tracto sinusal con comunicación con la cavidad abdominal debido a una reacción al hilo de algodón utilizado en el ovario histerectomía.(AU)

Retalho de padrão axial da artéria torácica lateral para reconstrução de lesão cutânea em região de cotovelo de cão: Relato de caso / Use of lateral thoracic axial pattern flap to repair cutaneous defect in a dog elbow: Case report

Os retalhos cutâneos são técnicas de escolha para reconstrução de grandes defeitos. Objetivou-se relatar o emprego do retalho de padrão axial da artéria torácica lateral em paciente com ferida cirúrgica ocasionada imediatamente após exérese de neoformação na região da articulação do cotovelo. Foi atendido paciente canino macho, 10 anos, pesando 12 kg, apresentando neoformação em tecidos moles, de grande volume, localizada na região medial do cotovelo. Como tratamento definitivo, implementou-se a exérese marginal da neoplasma seguida de reconstrução com a técnica de retalho de padrão axial da artéria torácica lateral. A técnica possibilitou completa síntese e oclusão do defeito, obtendo-se ótima recuperação pós operatória, não sendo observada deiscência de sutura ou necrose do retalho. Conclui-se que a implementação do retalho da artéria torácica lateral foi uma técnica viável na reconstrução em cotovelo após a exérese do neoplasma no paciente relatado, observando resultados satisfatórios quanto aos aspectos funcionais e cosméticos, após o período cicatricial.

Skin flaps are suitable methods of wound closure in large cutaneous defects. I The present study aims to report the use of lateral thoracic axial pattern flap to repair an elbow wound secondary to a neoplasm resection. A 10-year-old male dog weighing 12 kg was presented with a large soft tissue neoplasm in the medial aspect of the elbow. The patient underwent surgical resection of the neoplasm using the lateral thoracic cutaneous flap to achieve a complete defect closure, resulting in an excellent postoperative wound healing without suture failure or skin flap necrosis. It is concluded that the implementation of the lateral thoracic artery flap was a viable technique in elbow reconstruction after neoplasm excision in the reported patient, with satisfactory results regarding functional and cosmetic aspects after the healing period.

Retalho de padrão axial da artéria torácica lateral para reconstrução de lesão cutânea em região de cotovelo de cão: Relato de caso / Use of lateral thoracic axial pattern flap to repair cutaneous defect in a dog elbow: Case report

Os retalhos cutâneos são técnicas de escolha para reconstrução de grandes defeitos. Objetivou-se relatar o emprego do retalho de padrão axial da artéria torácica lateral em paciente com ferida cirúrgica ocasionada imediatamente após exérese de neoformação na região da articulação do cotovelo. Foi atendido paciente canino macho, 10 anos, pesando 12 kg, apresentando neoformação em tecidos moles, de grande volume, localizada na região medial do cotovelo. Como tratamento definitivo, implementou-se a exérese marginal da neoplasma seguida de reconstrução com a técnica de retalho de padrão axial da artéria torácica lateral. A técnica possibilitou completa síntese e oclusão do defeito, obtendo-se ótima recuperação pós operatória, não sendo observada deiscência de sutura ou necrose do retalho. Conclui-se que a implementação do retalho da artéria torácica lateral foi uma técnica viável na reconstrução em cotovelo após a exérese do neoplasma no paciente relatado, observando resultados satisfatórios quanto aos aspectos funcionais e cosméticos, após o período cicatricial.

Skin flaps are suitable methods of wound closure in large cutaneous defects. I The present study aims to report the use of lateral thoracic axial pattern flap to repair an elbow wound secondary to a neoplasm resection. A 10-year-old male dog weighing 12 kg was presented with a large soft tissue neoplasm in the medial aspect of the elbow. The patient underwent surgical resection of the neoplasm using the lateral thoracic cutaneous flap to achieve a complete defect closure, resulting in an excellent postoperative wound healing without suture failure or skin flap necrosis. It is concluded that the implementation of the lateral thoracic artery flap was a viable technique in elbow reconstruction after neoplasm excision in the reported patient, with satisfactory results regarding functional and cosmetic aspects after the healing period.

Locking compression plates versus locking plates for tibial plateau levelling osteotomy in dogs: progression of osteoarthritis, bone healing score and lameness degree.

BACKGROUND: The partial or complete cranial cruciate ligament rupture is a common skeletal disease affecting the stifle joint in dogs. The tibial plateau levelling osteotomy, performed with several synthesis systems, changed the approach to its treatment in dogs. The aim of this study was to compare two types of fixation implants, locking compression system and locking system, evaluating radiographically the progression of osteoarthritis of the stifle joint in dogs with complete cranial cruciate ligament deficiency treated surgically with tibial plateau levelling osteotomy. Moreover, we evaluated bone healing and lameness scores to show biomechanical effects by the implant used. Twenty-eight dogs, who met the inclusion criteria, were divided into two groups. Group A: 14 dogs treated using locking compression plates; Group B: 14 dogs treated using locking plates. Radiographic osteoarthritis scores were evaluated up to 1 year following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy. At each visit, animals were clinically and radiographically assessed. Each dog was evaluated before (T0) and after two (T2) and twelve (T12) months after the surgery. At T2 the stage of bone healing was evaluated. The clinical follow up was performed before the surgery and at 10, 15 and 20 days after the surgery, grading the lameness at walk and trot. RESULTS: An increase in osteoarthritis score at T12 versus T0 in both groups was detected. A decrease of the lameness score was observed in Group A versus Group B. The healing score system at T2 showed a lower score in Group A versus Group B. CONCLUSIONS: The osteoarthritis score following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy did not differ when comparing the two different fixation systems. The locking compression system allowed a more rapid functional recovery of the limb and a quicker bone healing than the locking system. Locking compression system should be carefully considered for dogs subjected to tibial plateau levelling osteotomy surgery, because it may reduce the recovery time.

Intraoperative fluid therapy for video-assisted ovariohysterectomy in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative fluids are still poorly studied in veterinary medicine. In humans the dosage is associated with significant differences in postoperative outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to verify the influence of three different fluid therapy rates in dogs undergoing video-assisted ovariohysterectomy. METHODS: Twenty-four female dogs were distributed into three groups: G5, G10, and G20. Each group was given 5, 10, and 20 mL·kg-1·h-1 of Lactate Ringer, respectively. This study evaluated the following parameters: central venous pressure, arterial blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, acid-base balance, and serum lactate levels. Additionally, this study evaluated the following urinary variables: urea, creatinine, protein to creatinine ratio, urine output, and urine specific gravity. The dogs were evaluated up to 26 h after the procedure. RESULTS: All animals presented respiratory acidosis during the intraoperative period. The G5 group evidenced intraoperative oliguria (0.80 ± 0.38 mL·kg-1·h-1), differing from the G20 group (2.17 ± 0.52 mL·kg-1·h-1) (p = 0.001). Serum lactate was different between groups during extubation (p = 0.036), with higher values being recorded in the G5 group (2.19 ± 1.65 mmol/L). Animals from the G20 group presented more severe hypothermia at the end of the procedure (35.93 ± 0.61°C) (p = 0.032). Only the members of the G20 group presented mean potassium values below the reference for the species. Anion gap values were lower in the G20 group when compared to the G5 and G10 groups (p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: The use of lactated Ringer's solution at the rate of 10 mL·kg-1·h-1 seems to be beneficial in the elective laparoscopic procedures over the 5 or 20 mL·kg-1·h-1 rates of infusion.

Use of a circular fixator construct to facilitate closed reduction and percutaneous stabilization of a distal femoral physeal fracture in a dog.

Background: Fractures of the distal femoral physis are the most common physeal fracture sustained by skeletally immature dogs. Reduction and stabilization of these fractures can sometimes be achieved through closed reduction, primarily in fractures that are nominally displaced. Circular external fixator constructs have been used to assist in indirect, closed reduction of fractures at other anatomic locations in dogs and this report describes application of this method to reduce a displaced Salter-Harris type II fracture of the distal femur in a 1-year-old dog. Case Description: A 1-year-old female spayed Akita was referred for treatment of a Salter-Harris type II fracture of the right distal femur. The epiphyseal segment was laterally and slightly caudally displaced. Multiple attempts to manually reduce the fracture during surgery were unsuccessful, so a two-ring circular external fixator construct was applied to facilitate distraction and reduction. The construct was applied by placing a medial-to-lateral Kirschner wire in both the mid-femoral diaphysis and in the distal femoral epiphysis. Distraction of the construct provided sufficient separation of the fracture segments to facilitate near anatomic reduction. The fracture was stabilized with two percutaneously placed Steinmann pins placed in Rush fashion. Radiographic union was confirmed 5 weeks after surgery. The dog was not lame and was bearing more weight on the right pelvic limb, as assessed using force plate analysis, 9 months following surgery. Goniometric measurements of stifle range of motion and thigh muscle circumference were similar between the pelvic limbs. Conclusion: Application of a two-ring circular construct would appear to be useful to facilitate closed reduction and percutaneous stabilization of distal femoral physeal fractures.

Risk factors for surgical site infection associated with clean surgical procedures in dogs.

Surgical site infection (SSI) is associated with increased morbidity, cost and mortality in human medicine and with increased morbidity and cost in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for SSI development after clean surgical procedures in dogs, treated at both first opinion clinics as well as referral hospitals. 1550 dogs scored 1 or 2 according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), that underwent clean surgical procedures at 103 clinics located in Northern and Central Europe were included in the study. Data regarding the surgical procedure, surgery time use of perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP), surgery type, intraoperative hypothermia, and the use of surgical implants were recorded according to predefined protocols. Active 30-day SSI surveillance was performed. A random effects logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between the perioperative variables and SSI development. SSI was detected in 85/1550 dogs (5.5%); 25 occurred in the 500 orthopedic/neurosurgery procedures (5.0%), and 60 in the 1050 soft tissue procedures (5.7%). A total of 1524 dogs were included in the final multivariable model. Increased surgery time was the only variable associated with an increased risk of SSI. No association between the other risk factors evaluated in the study and SSI occurrence was detected. Efforts must therefore be made to keep the surgery time as short as possible. Orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures including those where an implant is placed should not automatically be regarded as high-risk procedures benefiting from perioperative AMP.

Subsequent meniscal tears following tibial tuberosity advancement and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament deficiency: An in vivo experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short- and mid-term effects of tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) on subsequent meniscal tears. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental in vivo study. ANIMALS: Purpose-bred beagle dogs (n = 15). METHODS: For each dog, the cranial cruciate ligaments were transected; one limb underwent TTA and the other limb underwent TPLO. Orthopedic and radiographic examinations were performed preoperatively and at 12 and 32 weeks postoperatively. Gross evaluation of the stifle joint was performed after euthanasia at 12 (n = 10) and 32 (n = 5) weeks. RESULTS: Lameness scores were not different between TTA and TPLO limbs at any time point. Radiographic osteoarthritis scores of TTA stifles (1.33 ± 0.49) were higher than TPLO stifles (0.67 ± 0.49) (p = .002) at 12 weeks postoperatively, but there was no difference between groups at 32 weeks postoperatively. Subsequent medial meniscal tears occurred in 6/10 TTA stifles, and 0/10 TPLO stifles at 12 weeks postoperatively and in 5/5 TTA stifles, and 1/5 TPLO stifles at 32 weeks postoperatively. Subsequent lateral meniscal tears occurred in 4/5 TTA stifles at 32 weeks postoperatively. Medial meniscal total gross pathology score was higher in TTA than TPLO stifles. TTA stifles had more articular cartilage damage when compared with TPLO stifles at 32 weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSION: In this within-dog experimental comparison, subsequent medial meniscal tears and cartilage injury was more prevalent following TTA when compared to TPLO. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In an experimental model, TPLO protects the medial meniscus and articular cartilage better than TTA in stifles with complete cranial cruciate ligament deficiency.

Comparison of left fourth and fifth intercostal space thoracotomy for open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether ease of access to thoracic structures for performing open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OC-CPR) differed between fourth and fifth intercostal space (ICS) left lateral thoracotomies in dogs, and to determine if "shingling" improved access for OC-CPR manipulations. DESIGN: Prospective single-blinded study. SETTING: Laboratory. ANIMALS: Twelve mixed breed canine cadavers weighing approximately 20 kg. INTERVENTIONS: Left lateral thoracotomies were performed at the 4th ICS (n = 6) or 5th ICS (n = 6). Shingling at the 4th or 5th ICS, as applicable, was performed after initial data collection and outcomes were reassessed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Three evaluators blinded to the surgical approach scored the following parameters on a 0 to 10 scale (0 = easiest, 10 = most difficult): ease of access of the phrenicopericardial ligament, ease of pericardial incision, ease of appropriate hand position, ease of aortic access, ease of Rumel tourniquet application, and ease of proper placement of defibrillation paddles. Objective measurements (time to completion or number of attempts) were made for all but ease of pericardial incision and ease of appropriate hand position. Outcomes were reassessed after shingling. The 5th ICS was superior for ease of aortic access (P = 0.042), time to visualization of aorta (P = 0.009), and ease of application of a Rumel tourniquet (P = 0.019). When comparing scores pre- and post-shingling, shingling improved time to visualization of the aorta (P < 0.001), time to placement of Rumel tourniquet (P < 0.001), ease of paddle placement (P = 0.017), and time to paddle placement (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Either 4th or 5th ICS thoracotomy may provide adequate access to intrathoracic structures pertinent to performing OC-CPR in dogs weighing approximately 20 kg, but 5th ICS was preferred for most manipulations, and shingling improved access for most of the measured parameters.

Comparison of imaging techniques to detect migrating foreign bodies. Relevance of preoperative and intraoperative ultrasonography for diagnosis and surgical removal.

OBJECTIVE: To report the relative sensitivity of different diagnostic imaging (DI) techniques to detect migrating foreign bodies (FB) in subcutaneous and underlying soft tissue structures of dogs and evaluate the value of intraoperative ultrasonography (intraop-US). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Forty-one dogs. METHODS: Medical records (2007-2019) of dogs that underwent surgery for a chronic abscess or draining tract were included when preoperative US (preop-US), computed tomography (preop-CT), or preop-MRI, and at least 6 months of follow-up information were available. Collected data included the DI techniques used, DI findings, and surgical findings. The relative sensitivity of each preoperative DI (preop-DI) technique was calculated. Dogs were divided into two groups, dogs that underwent only a preop-DI examination (group A) and dogs that underwent an additional intraop-US (group B). The success rates for FB surgical removal were compared between groups. RESULTS: The relative sensitivity of preop-US and preop-CT/MRI was 88% (95% CI, 70%-95.8%) and 57.1% (95% CI, 32.6%-78.6%), respectively. The success rate for FB removal was higher in group B (89.5%) than in group A (59.1%; P = .038). Clinical resolution occurred in 90.2% of dogs for a median duration of follow-up of 4.2 years (6 months to 9.3 years). CONCLUSION: Preoperative US seems more suitable than preop-CT/MRI for detection of migrating FB in subcutaneous and underlying soft tissue structures. The use of intraop-US increases the success rate for FB surgical removal. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Intraoperative US should be used in combination with preop-US to increase the likelihood of migrating FB surgical removal in dogs.