A comparison of the rates of postoperative complications between dogs undergoing laparoscopic and open ovariectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy might have a lower overall and wound-healing complication rate than those undergoing an open surgical approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of dogs that underwent laparascopic or open surgical ovariectomy between January 1, 2013 and January 1, 2018 by the same team of similarly experienced surgeons using standard practice anaesthetic, theatre and perioperative protocols. General complications were described and graded using the Clavien-Dindo system. Complication rates were compared between the two groups of dogs. Wound complications were further subdivided using the U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidelines. RESULTS: According to the Clavien-Dindo system, 46 of 106 (44%) dogs undergoing open ovariectomy developed a complication. Thirty dogs (28.3%) had wound healing complications, the majority of which were minor and self-limiting. Superficial site infections occurred in 50 (5%) cases and deep surgical site infections in one dog (1%). Incisional herniation occurred in four (4%) cases. Thirty-one (20%) of 154 dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy developed a complication. Seventeen (11%) developed wound healing complications, most of which were minor; five (3%) developed superficial surgical site infections and none had deep surgical site infections. Incisional herniation occurred in none of the laparoscopic cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The rates of overall and wound healing complications were lower for the laparascopic group than the open surgical group in this non-randomised study. Laparoscopy might be considered preferable for ovariectomy in dogs but confirmation requires a randomised trial.

Risk factors for postoperative complications following bilateral closed anal sacculectomy in the dog.

OBJECTIVES: To report the complication rate for bilateral closed anal sacculectomy in the dog and to evaluate potential risk factors for the development of postoperative complications. To identify breed groups at risk of requiring anal sacculectomy. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of dogs undergoing bilateral closed anal sacculectomy between 2003 and 2013. RESULTS: Sixty-two dogs were included in the study of which 32·3% developed mild and self-limiting complications including 14·5% dogs that experienced postoperative defaecatory complications. No dog developed permanent faecal incontinence. Dogs less than 15 kg bodyweight were more likely to develop postoperative complications. Dogs that used gel to distend the anal sac were more likely to have postoperative complications than those that did not. Previous abscess formation, recurrent disease and pretreatment with antibiotics had no significant effect on postoperative complication rates. Cavalier King Charles spaniels and Labrador-type dogs were over-represented within this study population. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Anal sacculectomy is a safe procedure with a relatively high rate of short-term but self-limiting, minor, postoperative complications. Smaller (<15 kg) dogs are more likely to experience postoperative complications but the risk of permanent faecal incontinence is low.

Colonic vascular ectasia (angiodysplasia) in a juvenile dog.

An eight-month-old female English springer spaniel was presented with weight loss and severe haematochezia. Upper and lower endoscopy identified small intestinal inflammatory bowel disease and a vascular malformation within the descending colon. The colonic lesion was excised at coeliotomy and identified histopathologically as a colonic vascular ectasia. All clinical signs resolved following surgery and continued dietary management. To the authors' knowledge this is only the second published report of CVE in a juvenile dog and the first to survive to long term follow up.

Post-trauma inguinal seroma formation in the cat.

Seven cats presented with large caudoventral abdominal or inguinal swellings following road traffic accidents. No case had evidence of disruption to the body wall or inguinal ring and the inguinal swellings may have been the result of either shear or compressive injury to soft tissues of the inguinum or disruption of the regional lymphatics. Six cases resolved completely following strict rest or simple Penrose drain placement with no recurrence reported. Recurrence of seroma was seen in one case but which then fully resolved following omentalisation of the inguinum.

The use of haemostatic gelatin sponges in veterinary surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of absorbable gelatin sponges as haemostatic implants in clinical veterinary surgical cases and to document any related postoperative complications. METHODS: Practice databases were searched for the product names "Gelfoam" and "Spongostan". Patient records were retrieved and data regarding patient signalment, surgical procedure, National Resource Council (NRC) wound classification, source of haemorrhage, pre- and postoperative body temperature, postoperative complications, time to discharge and details of any postoperative imaging were recorded and reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained by repeat clinical examination or telephone interview with either the owner or referring veterinary surgeon. Cases with incomplete surgical records or those which were not recovered from anaesthesia were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: Fifty cases (44 dogs and 6 cats) satisfied the inclusion criteria. Satisfactory haemostasis was achieved in 49 cases with one case requiring reoperation during which a second gelatin sponge was used. There were no detected hypersensitivity responses or confirmed postoperative complications relating to the use of gelatin sponges during the follow-up period (median 13 months). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first review of the use of gelatin sponges in clinical veterinary surgery and suggests that gelatin sponges are safe to use in cats and dogs.