Repair of full-thickness defects in the femoral trochlea of dogs after trochlear arthroplasty.

Trochlear arthroplasty was performed on one stifle in each of 18 Greyhounds; their contralateral pelvic limbs and the pelvic limbs of 2 dogs treated with sham surgery were controls. At 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks, radiography, glycosaminoglycan histochemical analysis, histologic examination, and scanning electron microscopy of the trochlear surface were done. All dogs used the limb and walked without an observable limp within 2 weeks after surgery. Radiography at euthanasia did not reveal degenerative changes. Well-vascularized, highly cellular, loose fibrous connective tissue was reorganized with time into a dense fibrous connective tissue covering the entire wound. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the replacement tissue surface was rough, torn, and debris-covered. Differential histologic staining established that change to fibrocartilage had begun deep within the replacement tissue. Histochemical analyses corroborated those observations.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma in a cat.

A large proliferative soft tissue mass found on the forelimb of an adult cat was identified as a malignant fibrous histiocytoma through cytologic and histologic examinations. This is a rare tumor of mesenchymal cell origin, which has been previously reported in cats, dogs, horses, and human beings. In this cat metastasis to the local lymph node was found.

Recurring tetraparesis attributable to a heartworm in the epidural space of a dog.

Recurring nonambulatory tetraparesis caused by a heartworm in the epidural space was diagnosed in a dog. On myelography and digital subtraction imaging, the parasite appeared as a large extradural mass. Surgical removal of a mature, female Dirofilaria immitis resulted in resolution of the neurologic signs.

Arthrodesis of metatarsophalangeal joints in a dog.

Chronic osteomyelitis and septic arthritis involving the 3rd and 4th metatarsophalangeal joints were diagnosed in a Doberman Pinscher. Arthrodesis of the 3rd and 4th metatarsophalangeal joints resulted in a subtle persistent gait abnormality, but limb function was preserved. Arthrodesis of metatarsophalangeal joints is an alternative to amputation, especially when main weight-bearing digits are involved.

The effect of epidural and general anesthesia on the healing of colonic anastomoses.

Colonic anastomoses were performed on two groups of 13 dogs each. Epidural anesthesia and general anesthesia were performed in one group and general anesthesia only in the other. Intraoperatively, the epidural-general anesthesia dogs tended to bleed less, making the anastomosis less difficult. Histologic comparisons showed healing to be more advanced in the epidural-general anesthesia dogs compared to the general anesthesia dogs 24 hours and 7 days postoperatively. Differences were not noticed 14 and 28 days postoperatively. Bursting pressures were determined 24 hours after surgery. Differences between the groups were not noticed. Leakage occurred at 72% of the pressure determined to cause leakage in normal colons.

Respiratory paralysis secondary to epidural anesthesia in a dog.

Transient respiratory paralysis developed in a 12-year-old spayed female Cocker Spaniel that received an anesthetic epidurally for excisional biopsy of perianal masses. Paralysis developed almost immediately after injection of 2.5 ml of 2% lidocaine (1 ml/4.9 kg), and was managed by mechanical ventilation and appropriate fluid therapy IV until spontaneous respiration returned. The respiratory paralysis was attributed to the excessive cranial extent of the anesthetic block.

Mechanical properties of three orthopedic wire configurations.

An 18-gauge stainless steel wire was applied to a transverse fracture model to determine the antirotational effectiveness of cruciate, horizontal mattress, and simple interrupted interfragmentary wire configurations. The number of twists used to tighten the configuration and the distance from the fracture were compared in the cruciate and horizontal mattress patterns. In a 2nd experiment, the compressive forces generated at the fracture by cruciate and horizontal mattress configurations tightened with 1 and 2 twists were determined. The cruciate configuration was better than the horizontal mattress and simple interrupted configurations in preventing rotation (P less than 0.001). Increasing the distance from the fracture line to the wire holes decreased antirotational effectiveness. Tightening the cruciate and horizontal mattress configurations with 2 twists produced significantly greater compressions across the fracture line than did tightening with 1 twist (P less than 0.0001).

Type I biplanar configuration of external skeletal fixation: application technique in nine dogs and one cat.

Mechanical attributes and techniques of applying the type I biplanar (quadrilateral) configuration of external skeletal fixation are reported. The apparatus was used clinically on 9 dogs and 1 cat with long bone fractures. Bony union occurred in these animals, but was slightly delayed in one. Return to clinical function of the limb generally was good to excellent. The instances of delayed union and poor clinical results are discussed to emphasize the use of good techniques of application and case selection.

Surgical techniques for the liver and biliary tract.

Surgical treatment of hepatic and biliary disease requires a thorough knowledge of pertinent anatomy and pathophysiology. Proper attention to both preoperative and postoperative care is important. This article describes many of the more common surgical manipulations of the liver and biliary tract, as well as pre- and postoperative considerations.