Short-Term Radiographic Complications and Healing Assessment of Single-Session Bilateral Tibial Tuberosity Advancements.

The objective of this study is to report on the short-term radiographic complications and bone healing associated with single-session bilateral tibial tuberosity advancements (TTAs). This retrospective study consists of 74 client-owned dogs with bilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture that underwent consecutive single-session bilateral TTAs. Radiographs from 74 dogs (148 stifles) were evaluated for evidence of postoperative complications. One hundred forty-three of 148 stifles were scored for radiographic healing using a previously described scoring system. Variables evaluated for a relationship with radiographic complications and healing scores were: breed, age, body weight, sex, and TTA plate type. The overall radiographic complication rate was 17.6% (13/74). Twelve of the 13 radiographic complications were considered to be minor and one was major. Increasing body weight and use of a fork implant were statistically significant factors associated with an increased risk of complication. One hundred forty-three stifle radiographs met the inclusion criteria to be assessed for healing. The mean score was 2.96 out of 4.0. The overall radiographic complication rate and healing scores associated with single-session bilateral TTAs were found to be similar to those described for unilateral TTA.

Elective and emergency surgical management of adrenal gland tumors: 60 cases (1999-2006).

Sixty-one adrenal gland tumors were surgically removed from 60 dogs. Fifty-two dogs underwent elective adrenalectomy and 8 dogs underwent emergency adrenalectomy for acute adrenal hemorrhage. Size of adrenal tumors ranged from 10 mm to 80 mm. Histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of adrenocortical tumor in 47 dogs, 26 of which were malignant. Pheochromocytoma was diagnosed in 11 dogs. Six dogs had tumor invasion of the caudal vena cava. Of the seven dogs that did not survive the perioperative period, four underwent emergency adrenalectomy. No dogs with tumor invasion of the caudal vena cava died perioperatively. Perioperative morality rates were 5.7% for dogs that underwent elective adrenalectomy and 50% for dogs that underwent emergency adrenalectomy for acute adrenal hemorrhage. Median survival time was 492 days for the 53 dogs that survived the perioperative period. Of the factors analyzed, only adrenal tumor size and the presence of acute adrenal hemorrhage had predictive values for perioperative mortality. Those dogs that survived the perioperative period had extended survival times of up to 1,590 days. The mortality rate associated with elective adrenalectomy in dogs may be lower than previously reported. Dogs with very large tumors or acute adrenal hemorrhage may have a more guarded prognosis.

Radiographic and clinical changes of the tibial tuberosity after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate radiographic changes of the tibial tuberosity after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery and identify clinical findings and risk factors associated with such changes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Hundred and eighty-six client-owned dogs (219 stifles) that had TPLO surgery. METHODS: Patient data retrieved included radiographic changes of the tibial tuberosity during re-examination, age, body weight, whether unilateral or single-session bilateral surgery had been performed, location of the anti-rotational pin, approximate tibial tuberosity area, and approximate average tibial tuberosity width. RESULTS: Fracture with resulting caudal displacement of the proximal tibial tuberosity (1.4%; 3 of 219) occurred less frequently than non-displaced tibial tuberosity fractures (7.3%; 16 of 219). Age, weight, average tibial tuberosity width, location of the anti-rotational pin, and single session bilateral surgery were identified as risks factors for non-displaced fracture. Weight divided by the square of the average tibial tuberosity width may be a stronger risk factor than either weight or average tibial tuberosity width alone. CONCLUSIONS: Dogs undergoing single session bilateral TPLO surgery are at greater risk for developing non-displaced tibial tuberosity fractures. The non-displaced tibial tuberosity fracture does not appear to adversely affect outcome or lead to tibial tuberosity avulsion. Significant risk factors for fracture of the proximal tibial tuberosity with caudal displacement were not identified. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Factors including age, weight, tibial tuberosity thickness, and conditions that may enhance strain on the tibial tuberosity, such as single-session bilateral procedures, may increase risk of fracture.