Comparison of intraoperative nociception and postoperative acute pain after traditional or minimally invasive ovariohysterectomy in dogs

Many variations of ovariohysterectomy techniques have been described, including the traditional one and minimally invasive procedures. Non-laparoscopic Snook hook technique is an alternative for performing minimally invasive ovariohysterectomy. Few studies have been carried out in order to assess pain in animals submitted to minimally invasive surgeries, especially involving one of the most performed surgical procedures in veterinary practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical duration, intraoperative nociception and acute postoperative pain after traditional ovariohysterectomy or minimally invasive non-laparoscopic technique in dogs using Snook hook. The hypothesis is that non-laparoscopic minimally invasive ovariohysterectomy would be faster and less painful than the conventional technique. Thirty dogs were divided into Traditional Group (TG = 15) and Minimally Invasive Group (MIG = 15). Heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, body temperature, oxyhemoglobin saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration (ETCO2) and end-tidal isoflurane concentration were evaluated before the surgery begins (M0), during incision (M1), clamping of the first ovarian pedicle (M2), second ovarian pedicle (M3), uterine cervix (M4), abdominal suture (M5) and at the end of surgery (M6). The modified Glasgow Pain Scale was used for acute postoperative pain assessment and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess the sensitivity of surgical wound. The level of significance established for all statistical analysis was 5%. Statistical differences were not observed between groups considering total surgical time and postoperative acute pain intensity (P > 0.05), in spite of MIG having shorter duration of surgery. There was no statistical difference between groups considering all intraoperative parameters except respiratory rate (TG < MIG; P < 0.05) and ETCO2 (MIG < TG; P < 0.05) at the moment of traction of the first ovarian pedicle (M2). Pain assessment by VAS showed statistical difference 24h after the end of surgery (TG < MIG) (P < 0.05). Both procedures were similar regarding intraoperative nociception and acute postoperative pain. It is possible that the sensation of pain in both procedures was blocked by the effectiveness of analgesics, once they might cause an inhibition of painful behaviors limiting a possible difference in pain identification. Higher respiratory stress observed in MIG at M2 and higher pain score by VAS noted in MIG 24 h after the end of surgery can be justified by greater traction of ovarian pedicle, due to limited surgical access of minimally invasive technique. Minimally invasive ovariohysterectomy non-laparoscopic seems to be potentially faster, probably due to the smaller size of the abdominal incision, which takes less time to be closed. In the present study, both techniques were performed by an experienced surgeon, providing safe procedures, nevertheless it is important to emphasize that iatrogenic injury can be caused by surgeons non-proficient in the Snook hook technique, considering the limited visualization of anatomical abdominal structures. Data obtained indicate that traditional ovariohysterectomy and non-laparoscopic Snook hook technique promote similar intraoperative nociception and acute postoperative pain, however minimally invasive procedure is potentially faster with less surgical trauma.(AU)

Development of a lumbosacral intervertebral cage prototype for dogs / Desenvolvimento de um protótipo de cage intervertebral lombossacro para cães

Several surgical procedures aim to decompress and/or stabilize the lumbosacral (LS) joint of dogs; however, the lumbar interbody fusion technique, by using a cage combined with a bone graft, is the most indicated and used in human medicine. No specific implant is available for application to the canine lumbosacral joint. Thus, this study measured lumbosacral discs in large dogs, determined whether a human cage model could fit the dogs' L7-S1 intervertebral space, and developed a LS cage prototype for dogs. Ten cadaveric lumbosacral spines from adult dog weighing 20-35kg were used. The dogs had died for reasons unrelated to this study. The vertebral body dimensions and the L7-S1 intervertebral space occupied by the intervertebral disc were measured by lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs and by computed tomography in the dorsal, sagittal, and transverse views. Measurements were also taken of the anatomical specimens in the sagittal and transverse planes. After measuring the intervertebral discs, the following mean measures were obtained for L7-S1 discs: height 12.23mm, dorsal thickness 3.3mm, central thickness 4mm, ventral thickness 5.5mm, and width 24.74mm. The human lumbar cage models from brands LDR, Baumer Orthopedics, Stryker, Synthes, and Vertebral Technologies, Inc. and cervical stabilization cages from the brands B-Braun and Stryker were evaluated and were found to be unsuitable for large dogs. Cervical human cages had measurements similar to those found in this study; however, due to their quadrangular shape, the possibility of being introduced surgically through the surgical accesses available for the articulation between L7-S1 in dogs without injuring the cauda equina or the L7 root is small. A cage model was then developed using 3D modelling software. It was designed for insertion via dorsal laminectomy in the lateral portions of the intervertebral space. To avoid cauda equina lesion, the implant model was developed to be placed laterally to the midline. The cage surface is serrated to prevent using the locking screw to fix it, thus avoiding further injury to nerve structures. The serrated surfaces are also designed to avoid cage migration and promote stability. The prototype allows graft placement in the surrounding intervertebral space, which is fundamental for fusion through integration between the cage and the endplates as well as for bone growth between and around the cage. It was also considered studies on humans showing that the lateral regions of the endplates support a more considerable load. Biomechanical and in vivo studies on the developed model are necessary to evaluate the actual degree of distraction, mobility and the long-term rate of fusion between L7 and S1 and its possible impact on the adjacent motor units, combined or not with dorsal fixation techniques.(AU)

Vários procedimentos cirúrgicos visam descomprimir e/ou estabilizar a articulação lombossacra (LS) de cães; no entanto, a técnica de fusão lombar, usando um cage intersomático combinado com um enxerto ósseo, é a mais indicada e utilizada na medicina humana. Não há implante específico disponível para aplicação na articulação lombossacra canina. Assim, neste estudo foi realizada a mensuração do espaço do disco intervertebral lombossacro de cães de raças grandes, para verificar se algum modelo de cage usado na medicina humana poderia ser usado no espaço intervertebral L7-S1 de cães. O segundo objetivo foi desenvolver um protótipo de cage lombossacro para cães. Foram utilizadas dez colunas lombossacras provenientes de cadáveres de cães adultos com peso entre 20 e 35kg. Os cães vieram a óbito por razões não relacionadas a este estudo. As dimensões do corpo vertebral e o espaço intervertebral L7-S1 ocupado pelo disco intervertebral foram medidos por radiografias laterais e ventrodorsais e por tomografia computadorizada nos cortes dorsal, sagital e transversal. Também foram realizadas mensurações das peças anatômicas nos planos sagital e transversal. Após a mensuração dos discos intervertebrais, foram obtidas as seguintes medidas médias dos discos L7-S1: altura 12,23mm, espessura dorsal 3,3mm, espessura central 4mm, espessura ventral 5,5mm e largura 24,74mm. Os modelos de cage lombar humano das marcas LDR, Baumer Orthopaedics, Stryker, Synthes e Vertebral Technologies, Inc. não possuíam dimensões adequadas para os cães. Cages de estabilização cervical das marcas B-Braun e Stryker também foram avaliados e apresentaram medidas semelhantes às encontradas neste estudo; no entanto, devido à sua forma quadrangular, a possibilidade de serem introduzidos cirurgicamente através das abordagens disponíveis para a articulação entre L7-S1 em cães sem lesionar a cauda equina ou a raiz L7 é pequena. Um modelo de cage foi então desenvolvido usando-se o software de modelagem 3D. Foi projetado para inserção via laminectomia dorsal nas porções laterais do espaço intervertebral. Para evitar a lesão da cauda equina, o modelo de implante foi desenvolvido para ser colocado lateralmente à linha média. A superfície do cage é serrilhada para evitar o uso do parafuso de travamento, evitando-se lesões adicionais às estruturas nervosas. As superfícies serrilhadas também foram projetadas para evitar a migração do cage e promover estabilidade. O protótipo permite a colocação do enxerto no espaço intervertebral circundante, fundamental para a fusão através da integração entre o cage e as placas vertebrais terminais, bem como para o crescimento ósseo entre e ao redor do implante. Também foram considerados estudos em seres humanos que mostraram que as regiões laterais das placas vertebrais terminais suportam uma carga maior. São necessários estudos biomecânicos e in vivo do modelo desenvolvido para avaliar o grau real de distração, mobilidade e a taxa de fusão a longo prazo entre L7 e S1 e seu possível impacto nas unidades motoras adjacentes, quando combinado ou não com técnicas de fixação dorsal.(AU)

Prospective clinical assessment of tibial tuberosity advancement for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate clinically dogs that underwent tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) six months previously. Methods: Dogs of various breeds, gender, weight, and age that had CCL rupture and underwent TTA for treatment were included in this study. Parapatellar arthrotomy was performed in all patients to assess the joint for a ruptured ligament and meniscal injury before the TTA. The appropriate cage for the TTA was chosen with planning surgery. The surgical procedure was performed according to the literature, using a modified Maquet technique. Six months after surgery, lameness during walking; muscular atrophy; crepitation, cranial drawer and tibial compression tests and quality of life based on owner's evaluation were assessed. Results: Postoperative complications were observed in only one knee (4.76%), with a surgical site seroma. The mean lameness score at walking was 0.29 (± 0.64). The mean score regarding muscular atrophy was 0.95 (± 1.56). The mean score of the cranial drawer test, in a range from 0 to 5, was 1.52 (± 1.54). The owners rated the dog's quality of life as excellent in 44%, good in 30%, and moderate in 17%. Conclusion: This clinical study supports the affirmation that patients who undergo TTA for treatment of CCL rupture have an acceptable response.

Total hip replacement in two dogs with unsuccessful femoral head ostectomy

An English setter (case 1) and a Tibetan mastiff (case 2) presented with intermittent weight-bearing lameness on the right hind limb when trotting. The dogs had a history of femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHNO). Orthopedic examination revealed pain and crepitus on the right hip joint. The dogs underwent total hip replacement (THR). At the 2-year (case 1) and 1-year (case 2) follow-up, both dogs had resumed normal activity without lameness. The muscle mass and range of motion were significantly improved in the affected hind limb. In conclusion, FHNO with poor functional outcomes can be successfully ameliorated with THR.

Comparison of techniques for transdiaphragmatic thoracic drainage after diaphragmatic defect closure in dogs: a cadaveric study

Four thoracic evacuation techniques for pneumothorax elimination after diaphragmatic defect closure were compared in 40 canine cadavers. After creating a defect in the left side of the diaphragm, thoracic drainage was performed by thoracostomy tube insertion through the defect and a small (DD-SP) or large (DD-LP) puncture created in the caudal mediastinum, or through both the diaphragmatic defect and intact contralateral diaphragm with a small (DI-SP) or large (DI-LP) puncture in made in the caudal mediastinum. Differences in intrapleural pressure (IPP) between the right and left hemithoraxes after air evacuation along with differences in IPP before making a defect and after air evacuation in each hemithorax were calculated. A difference (p or = 0.0835) were observed for the DI-LP, DD-LP, or DI-SP groups. Creation of a large mediastinal puncture or thoracic evacuation through both a diaphragmatic defect and intact contralateral diaphragm can facilitate proper pneumothorax elimination bilaterally after diaphragmatic defect closure in dogs with a small puncture in the caudal mediastinum.

Periodontal response to subgingival restorations in dogs with periodontitis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the periodontal response to subgingival restorations in dogs with naturally occurring periodontitis. At the baseline, the experimental teeth from three dogs (2nd and 3rd upper premolars and 2nd, 3rd and 4th lower premolars) were randomly assigned to Resin-modified Glass Ionomer Cement (RMGIC) and Amalgam (AM) restorations or controls (CT) at the buccal sites with (SUPRA+) or without mechanical supragingival plaque control (SUPRA-) and maintained for 90 days. Clinical [Periodontal Probing Depth (PPD), Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL), and Gingival Margin Recession (GMR)], histological (connective tissue inflammatory and epithelium condition) and histometric evaluation (distance between the apical border of the cavity and the bone level and between the apical extension of the epithelium and the bone level) were performed by a calibrated blinded examiner. Better clinical (especially regarding CAL) and histological results (unaltered epithelium and less severe inflammatory connective tissue) were observed associated with RMGIC sites. Histometric evaluation showed less bone loss associated to RMGIC. Overall, SUPRA+ sites presented less inflammatory response. It could be concluded that in dogs with periodontitis, subgingival RMGIC restorations, especially in the presence of supragingival plaque control, elicited better periodontal response than AM restorations.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a resposta do periodonto a restaurações subgengivais em cães com diagnóstico de periodontite. No início do estudo, os dentes experimentais de três cães (2o e 3o molares superiores e 2o, 3o e 4o premolares inferiores) foram randomicamente designados para restauração com cimento de ionômero de vidro modificado por resina (CIVMR), amálgama (AM) ou Controle (CT) nos sítios vestibulares submetidos (SUPRA+) ou não (SUPRA-) a controle mecânico de placa supragengival e mantidos por 90 dias. Avaliações clínicas [Profundidade de Sondagem (PS), Nível de Inserção Clínica (NIC), Recessão Gengival (RG)], histológicas (condições inflamatórias do tecido epitelial e conjuntivo) e histométricas (distância entre a margem apical da cavidade e o nível ósseo e entre a extensão apical do epitélio e o nível ósseo) foram realizadas por examinador calibrado e cego. Melhores resultados clínicos (especialmente quanto à PI) e histológicos (epitélio sem alterações e tecido conjuntivo com menor severidade de infiltrado inflamatório) foram observados em associação a sítios restaurados com CIVMR. A avaliação histométrica mostrou menor perda óssea associada a restauração com CIVMR. Todos os sítios SUPRA+ exibiram menor resposta inflamatória. Pode ser concluído que, em cães com periodontite, restaurações subgengivais realizadas com CIVMR, especialmente na presença de controle mecânico de placa supragengival, apresentaram melhor resposta do periodonto quando comparadas com restaurações de amálgama.

Biceps femoris muscle transposition for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small breed dogs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new extracapsular surgical technique for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small breed dogs. Nine small breed dogs (seven females and two males) weighing < or = 15 kg were treated with biceps femoris muscle transposition (BFT). The duration of the BFT procedure was 20 min. Each patient underwent a standard clinical protocol and a questionnaire for the owners. Follow-up (at 1, 3, and 12 months postoperative) confirmed significant improvement in all patients, especially at 1 month postoperatively (p < 0.01) and again after complete stifle joint assessment at 3 months postoperatively. After 12 months, only two patients showed a slight increase in osteoarthritis. According to our results, BFT is a simple extracapsular surgical technique that can be used for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small breed dogs.

Use of canine small intestinal submucosa allograft for treating perineal hernias in two dogs

Here, we describe two dogs in which canine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) was implanted as a biomaterial scaffold during perineal herniorrhaphy. Both dogs had developed severe muscle weakness, unilaterally herniated rectal protrusions, and heart problems with potential anesthetic risks. Areas affected by the perineal hernia (PH) located between the internal obturator and external anal sphincter muscles were reconstructed with naive canine SIS sheets. In 12 months, post-operative complications such as wound infections, sciatic paralysis, rectal prolapse, or recurrence of the hernia were not observed. Symptoms of defecatory tenesmus also improved. Neither case showed any signs of rejection or specific immune responses as determined by complete and differential cell counts. Our findings demonstrate that canine SIS can be used as a biomaterial scaffold for PH repair in dogs.

Esophagectomy and substitution of the thoracic esophagus in dogs / Esofagectomia e substituição do esôfago torácico em cães

PURPOSE: To evaluate a technique to remove the thoracic esophagus without thoracotomy and two methods for thoracic esophageal replacement in dogs. METHODS: 27 ex-vivo dogs were divided into three groups in order to evaluate: G1 - total thoracic esophagectomy by the everting stripping method; G2 - total thoracic esophagectomy and esophageal substitution using the whole stomach; G3 - total thoracic esophagectomy and esophageal substitution using fundus rotation gastroplasty. After esophageal resection in G1, the integrity of the intrathoracic route was evaluated by endoscopy and tested with 1 percent methylene blue solution. RESULTS: Visceral pleural rupture was observed in all animals. However, this intrathoracic route made it possible to bring both esophagus substitutes (G2 and G3) to be anastomosed to the cut end of the cervical esophagus. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic esophageal substitution using the whole stomach showed less anastomotic tension and was less technically demanding than the fundus rotation gastroplasty method. The ex-vivo results support further studies to validate the techniques in clinical cases.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar, em cadáveres de cães, uma técnica para remoção do esôfago torácico sem toracotomia e dois métodos de substituição do esôfago torácico. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 27 cadáveres de cães. Estes foram aleatoriamente divididos em três grupos de nove animais, em que se estudou: G1 - esofagectomia torácica total pelo método de invaginação retrógrada; G2 - esofagectomia torácica total com substituição esofágica pelo estômago inteiro; G3 - esofagectomia torácica total com substituição esofágica por um gastrotubo confeccionado de acordo com a técnica de Büchler de gastroplastia por rotação do fundo. Após a ressecção esofágica no grupo 1, a integridade da rota intratorácica foi avaliada por endoscopia e solução de azul de metileno a 1 por cento. RESULTADOS: A ruptura da pleura visceral ocorreu em todos os animais, especialmente no terço caudal. Entretanto, a rota transtorácica mediastinal permitiu a elevação de ambos os substitutos esofágicos (G2 e G3) para a realização da anastomose com a extremidade caudal do esôfago cervical. CONCLUSÕES: A substituição por estômago inteiro apresentou menor tensão na anastomose, maior facilidade e rapidez comparada à técnica de gastroplastia por rotação do fundo. Os resultados em cadáveres suportam a realização de estudos clínicos para validação da técnica.

Recuperação funcional de cães com doença do disco intervertebral toracolombar submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico / Functional recovery of dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease submitted the surgical treatment

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a recuperação funcional de 33 cães com doença do disco intervertebral (DDIV) toracolombar submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico, atendidos no Hospital Veterinário Universitário da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (HVU-UFSM), no período entre 2004 e 2006. Os dados dos animais incluíram raça, idade, sexo, estado neurológico antes da cirurgia, interpretação da radiografia simples e contrastada, duração das deficiências neurológicas até o procedimento cirúrgico, tempo de recuperação pós-cirúrgico, função urinária e fecal e recidiva dos sinais clínicos. Quanto à duração dos sinais neurológicos antes da cirurgia, 27 (81,8 por cento) permaneceram por um período inferior a 15 dias, 20 cães tiveram melhora dos sinais clínicos decorridos 30 dias do procedimento cirúrgico e seis, com mais de 30 dias, sendo que um desses demorou 60 dias para caminhar. Apenas um (3,8 por cento) dos 26 cães que tiveram recuperação funcional satisfatória apresentou incontinência urinária e apenas um (3 por cento) teve recidiva da DDIV. Pode-se concluir que o tratamento cirúrgico promove recuperação funcional satisfatória na maioria dos cães com DDIV toracolombar. O prognóstico para recuperação funcional após o tratamento cirúrgico é tanto melhor quanto menor for o grau de disfunção neurológica e o percentual de recidiva é baixo em animais submetidos a este tipo de terapia.

This report aimed at evaluating the functional recovery of 33 dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) admitted at the Veterinary Hospital of Santa Maria Federal University (HVU-UFSM), from 2004 to 2006. The animals underwent surgical treatment. Data obtained from the dogs included: breed, age, sex, neurological status before the surgery, interpretation of the simple x-ray and myelography, duration of clinical signs, days to walking after surgery, urinary and fecal function and disease recurrence. Neurological signs before the surgery kept for a period smaller than 15 days in 27 (81.8 percent) dogs. Twenty dogs presented involution of the neurological signs at 30 days after the surgical procedure, six after 30 days, and one dog elapsed 60 days to return walking. One of the twenty-six dogs that had satisfactory functional recovery had urinary incontinence and two of them presented recurrence of IVDD. This study showed that the surgical treatment promotes satisfactory functional recovery in most of the dogs with thoracolumbar IVD; the prognostic for functional recovery after the surgical treatment is better as smaller the degree of neurological dysfunction and the recurrence percentage is lower when submitted to this therapy type.

Percutaneous heartworm removal from dogs with severe heart worm (Dirofilaria immitis) infestation

Canine heart worm disease is often life-threatening due to its various complications, including right side heart failure, caval syndrome and pulmonary eosinophilic granulomatosis. Several preventive medications and melarsomine have been developed and they are very effective to control heartworm infestation. However, in a case of severe infestation, melarsomine therapy often results in an unfavorable outcome because of the severe immune reaction caused by rapid killing of the adult worm. Surgical removal and an interventional method using flexible alligator forceps have been well described in the literature. Despite the usefulness of mechanical removal using flexible alligator forceps, the methodology still needs to be upgraded for increasing the applicability for treating dogs with severe infestation. We describe herein a newly developed percutaneous removal method for heartworms and this was successfully applied to 4 dogs with severe heartworm infestation. The follow-up studies also showed favorable outcomes with no complications.

The Safety and efficacy of a new self-expandable intratracheal nitinol stent for the tracheal collapse in dogs

To evaluate the potential utility of a self-expandable intratracheal nitinol stent with flared ends for the treatment of tracheal collapse in dogs, endotracheal stenting therapy was performed under fluoroscopic guidance in four dogs with severe tracheal collapse. During the 4 to 7 month followup, after stent implantation, clinical signs, including dyspnea and respiratory distress, dramatically improved in all dogs. The radiographs showed that the implanted stents improved the tracheal collapse, and there were no side effects such as collapse, shortening or migration of the stents. In conclusion, the self-expandable intratracheal nitinol stents provided adequate stability to the trachea and were effective for attenuating the clinical signs associated with severe tracheal collapse.

Divertículo esofágico en unpastor alemán: reporte de caso / Esophageal diverticulum in a dog: a case report

Un paciente canino de raza Pastor alemán se trató satisfactoriamente por una gastroenteritis infecciosa, sin embargo se detectó que el perro regurgitaba con frecuencia. En el esofagograma con bario se observó una gran dilatación esofágica en el tercio proximal del esófago torácico y en la esofagoscopia se confirmó la presencia de un divertículo esofágico. El tratamiento quirúrgico incluyó la toracotomía lateral con resección quirúrgica del divertículo, colocación de un tubo de drenaje torácico usando una válvula de Heimlich. También fue colocado un tubo de gastrostomía para alimentación enteral. El paciente se recuperó satisfactoriamente de la cirugía, sin presentar ninguna complicación. Los divertículos esofágicos son de presentación poco frecuente en los perros y su ruptura puede llevar a condiciones graves como mediastinitis y la muerte del paciente. La resección quirúrgica es el tratamiento de elección sólo en los divertículos que manifiesten síntomas clínicos que alteren la calidad de vida los pacientes.

A German Shepard dog was attended presenting an infectious gastroenteritis. Once the dog responded to treatment, it was noticed that the patient regurgitated frequently. In the barium esophagogram it was detected a big esophageal dilatation in the proximal third of the thoracic esophagus, and the upper endoscopy confirmed an esophageal diverticulum. The surgical intervention included a lateral thoracotomy with esophageal diverticulum resection, thoracic tube drainage with a Heimlich valve, and a gastrostomy tube placement for enteral nutrition. The patient recovered satisfactory without any complication. Esophageal diverticulum is infrequent in dogs and its rupture can lead to critical conditions as mediastinitis and death. Surgical resection is essential in the treatment of esophageal diverticulum in cases were clinical symptoms are important.

Arthroscopic study of the elbow joint in dog cadavers

PURPOSE: To study the arthroscopic technique of the elbow joint in dog cadavers. The possibility to see the intra articular structures, technical difficulties and complications which occurred during the procedure were analyzed. METHODS: ten dog's cadavers (twenty elbow joints) were examined. Both, arthroscopic and instrumental portals were performed on the medial site of joint at caudal and cranial positions, respectively. RESULTS: We could see the totality of the proposed structures. The main complications were cartilage iatrogenic lesion and periarticular infiltration. CONCLUSION: The elbow arthroscopy in dogs permits detailed intra-articular visualization. The arthroscopic and instrumental portals were simple to be done.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a técnica artroscópica da articulação do cotovelo em cadáveres de cães quanto às dificuldades técnicas, possibilidade de visualização das estruturas intra-articulares e complicações. MÉTODOS: foram utilizados dez cadáveres de cães (vinte articulações do cotovelo). Os portais artroscópio e instrumental foram confeccionados na face medial da articulação, caudal e cranial, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Todas as estruturas intra-articulares propostas foram passíveis de visibilização. Complicações consistiram principalmente de lesão iatrogênica de cartilagem e infiltração periarticular. CONCLUSÃO: A artroscopia do cotovelo no cão é um procedimento que permite a acurada visualização das estruturas intra-articulares, sendo que os portais artroscópico e instrumental mostraram-se relativamente simples de serem confeccionados.

Phacoemulsification and acryl foldable intraocular lens implantation in dogs: 32 cases

This study evaluated the surgical outcome and complications of phacoemulsification and the implantation of an acryl foldable intraocular lens (IOL) with a squared edge in dogs with cataracts. Thirty-two eyes from 26 dogs were examined. The mean follow up period was 75.9 days ranging from 23 to 226 days. The complications after phacoemulsification were posterior capsular opacity (PCO) around the IOL (n = 11), ocular hypertension (n = 4), focal posterior synechia (n = 4), hyphema (n = 3) and corneal ulcer (n = 2). The complications associated with the IOL were decenteration of the optic (n = 2) and ventral haptic displacement (n = 1). Most cases of PCO were found only around the margin of the IOL, and all eyes had vision during the observation period. In conclusion, the implantation of an acryl-foldable lens with a squared edge at the time of phacoemulsification is an effective method for preserving the central visual field of dogs with cataract.

Surgical correction of corneal dermoid in a dog

A five-month-old female Shih-tzu puppy was presented for repair of congenital choristoma in left eye. The patient was suffered from chronic epiphora and ocular discharge during 3 months. On ophthalmic examination, left eye revealed hyperemia in conjunctiva of the temporal canthus due to choristoma with hair. At surgery, the choristoma invaded by stromal layer of the cornea, and extended to limbus and conjunctiva. Based on the anatomical location and histopathological features of the removed tissue, the choristoma was diagnosed as corneal dermoid.

Aspectos clínicos e cirúrgicos da mandibulectomia e maxilectomia no tratamento de patologias orais em cães (Canis familiaris) / Clinical and surgical aspects of mandibulectomy and maxillectomy for the treatment of oral patologies in dogs (Canis familiaris)

Doze cães provenientes do atendimento ambulatorial do Hospital Veterinário do Instituto de Veterinária da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), foram submetidos a procedimentos de mandibulectomias e/ou maxilectomias totais ou parciais, como forma de resolução de patologias preexistentes na cavidade oral, a saber: fraturas em quatro animais, neoformações mandibulares em seis, a neoplasia maxilar em dois. Os resultados foram avaliados de acordo com os parâmetros de preservação da capacidade de preensão e mastigação, bem como do recolhimento normal da língua. Todos os animais foram capazes de retornar à ingestão de água, após a recuperação anestésica, à alimentação pastosa, em 24 horas, e à ração sólida, dez dias após a cirurgia. Desta forma, constatou-se a melhora da qualidade de vida dos animais ostectomizados, justificando-se a indicação de tais técnicas.

Use of an allogenous tunica vaginalis conserved in 98 porcento glycerine for keratoplasty in dogs

Avaliou-se a túnica vaginal alógena, conservada em glicerina a 98 por cento, na ceratoplastia lamelar em cães. Sete cães foram submetidos à ceratoplastia e avaliados clinicamente em períodos iniciais (1 a 15 dias), intermediários (16 a 30 dias) e tardios (31 a 120 dias) de pós-operatório. As córneas foram avaliadas em microscopia de luz aos um, três, sete, 15, 30, 60 e 120 dias de pós-operatório. Fotofobia, epífora, blefarospasmo, edema corneano, secreção ocular e quemose foram observados nos períodos iniciais, tendendo a desaparecerem nos períodos intermediários. Neoformação vascular iniciou-se próximo aos dos quatro dias, apresentando intensidade máxima aos 25 dias de pós-operatório, quando iniciou regressão gradativa para tender à ausência entre 60 e 120 dias. Nas áreas próprias e adjacentes aos enxertos houve tendência ao reestabelecimento da transparência nos períodos tardios de pós-operatório. Quanto à morfologia, o infiltrado inflamatório caracterizou-se pela invasão de leucócitos polimorfonucleares e mononucleares, tendendo à ausência aos 60 dias de pós-operatório, quando notou-se que o enxerto foi incorporado e o estroma tendeu à normalidade. Os resultados obtidos com a pesquisa permitem admitir que a túnica vaginal alógena, conservada em glicerina a 98 por cento, mostrou-se factível e eficaz na ceratoplastia lamelar em cães.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of a polyester prosthesis in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture

Os achados clínicos e radiográficos após reparo intra-articular do ligamento cruzado cranial com prótese de poliéster, utilizando a técnica over-the-top modificada, foram avaliados em seis cäes. Sete cirurgias foram realizadas devido ao acometimento bilateral em um dos animais. A avaliaçäo clínica foi realizada ao 3§, 10§ e 40§ dias de pós-operatório, e a avaliaçäo radiográfica realizada ao 5§ e 24§ meses após a cirurgia em cinco cäes, por meio da qual se confirmou a progressäo da doença articular degenerativa. A resoluçäo dos sinais clínicos foi observada entre o 25§ e 68§ dias após a cirurgia, segundo avaliaçäo realizada pelos proprietários. A funçäo do membro operado foi considerada boa. Dois cäes apresentaram desgaste e ruptura da prótese após a cirurgia. Concluiu-se que a prótese de poliéster, da forma como foi implantada neste estudo, näo pode ser considerada como substituto satisfatório, uma vez que resultados superiores podem se obtidos com técnicas menos invasivas e mais simples.

Substituiçäo do ligamento da cabeça do fêmur com auto-enxerto de fáscia lata na luxaçäo coxofemoral em cäes / Substitution of femoral head ligament in dogs with fascia lata autograft for treatment of hip luxation

Uma técnica cirúrgica para o tratamento da luxaçäo coxofemoral que substituiu o ligamento da cabeça do fêmur por fáscia lata associada ao enxerto ósseo foi realizada em 20 cäes. Estes foram separados em cinco grupos e submetidos à eutanásia para realizaçäo dos exames macro e microscópicos aos 15, 30, 60, 90 e 120 dias do pós-operatório. Na macroscopia, näo foi observada luxaçäo da articulaçäo. Em 65 por cento dos animais, o enxerto de fáscia lata estava presente. Microscopicamente, a fáscia lata utilizada como substituto do ligamento da cabeça do fêmur näo desenvolveu reaçöes inflamatórias, permanecendo preservada e integrada ao tecido ósseo. O uso da fáscia lata como substituto do ligamento da cabeça do fêmur mostrou-se viável, podendo ser utilizada para reforçar a estabilidade articular.