Long-Term Outcome of Female Dogs Treated with Static Hydraulic Urethral Sphincter for Urethral Sphincter Mechanism Incompetence.

The purpose of the study was to report the postoperative outcome, complications, and long-term follow-up of the use of a static hydraulic urethral sphincter for the management of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in female dogs. Medical records were reviewed to extract information on long-term (>365 days) outcome data. Telephone owner questionnaire was performed to assess postoperative urinary continence scores (scale 1-10, where 10 is complete continence) and the presence and frequency of complications. Twenty female dogs were included. Mean (±standard deviation) time to follow-up was 1,205.1 (±627.4) days. Median continence score/10 (range) was 3.5 (2-6) preoperatively, and 9.0 (7-10) at the last follow-up. Median continence score was significantly higher at all time points postoperatively compared with before surgery (P < .001). Complete continence was achieved in 90% of bitches. Minor complications occurred in 13 bitches and included dysuria (8), bacterial cystitis (8), longer urination time (10), incisional seroma (5), urinary retention (3), hematuria (2), and pain when urinating (2). Major complications occurred in one dog (static hydraulic urethral sphincter removed 28 mo after placement). Continence scores were sustainably improved in the long-term. Complications were mostly minor. Urinary tract infections were the most common but resolved with conventional antibiotic treatment.

Open-mouth jaw locking in cats: a literature review and use of CT in three cases.

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: This report summarises and reviews the published cases of open-mouth jaw locking in cats and describes three further cases. Case 1 was a 5-year-old, 5.3 kg male neutered domestic shorthair cat. CT identified changes consistent with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysplasia with osseous degenerative changes, and the cat subsequently underwent bilateral partial zygomectomy with bilateral partial coronoidectomy. Case 2 was a 10-year-old, 6.0 kg male neutered Exotic Shorthair. Aside from a fracture of the left maxillary canine tooth crown and absence of the left maxillary fourth premolar tooth, no abnormalities were found on CT scan. The cat also underwent bilateral partial zygomectomy with bilateral partial coronoidectomy. The third case was a 1-year-old, 4.0 kg male neutered Persian cat. Changes on CT were consistent with bilateral TMJ dysplasia, and the cat underwent staged bilateral partial zygomectomy with bilateral partial coronoidectomy. There was no recurrence of open-mouth jaw locking in any of the cases on long-term follow-up. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: Open-mouth jaw locking has been reported in cats of a wide range of ages, from 1-10 years. Cats with all skull types (brachycephalic, mesaticephalic and dolichocephalic) may be affected, but brachycephalic breeds seem to be over-represented. A CT scan with the jaw locked in place is recommended for diagnosis and surgical planning purposes; two of the cases reported here document the first cases of TMJ dysplasia in cats to be definitively diagnosed using CT. Trauma and symphyseal or TMJ laxity may also predispose to development of the condition. Partial coronoidectomy and partial zygomatic arch resection performed alone or in combination are generally successful at preventing recurrence. Bilateral partial zygomectomy with bilateral partial coronoidectomy has not previously been reported as a surgical treatment, and is recommended when open-mouth jaw locking occurs bilaterally.

Suspected bilateral phrenic nerve damage following a mediastinal mass removal in a 17-week-old pug.

The anesthetic management of a pediatric pug for removal of a mediastinal mass is described. During recovery from anesthesia, the dog's respiratory pattern was compatible with bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis. Incidence, complications, possible treatments of phrenic nerve injury, problems of long-term mechanical ventilation, and alternative case management are discussed.

Lésion bilatérale suspectée du nerf phrénique après l'ablation d'une masse médiastinale chez un Pug âgé de 17 semaines. Nous décrivons la gestion anesthésique d'un Pug pédiatrique présenté pour l'ablation d'une masse médiastinale. Durant le réveil après l'anesthésie, le profil respiratoire du chien était compatible avec la paralysie diaphragmatique bilatérale. L'incidence, les complications et les traitements possibles d'une blessure du nerf phrénique, les problèmes de la ventilation mécanique à long terme et les solutions pour la gestion du cas sont discutés.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Electrosurgery reduces blood loss and immediate postoperative inflammation compared to cold instruments for midline celiotomy in dogs: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the use of an electrosurgical device with traditional cold instruments (scalpel and scissors) for midline celiotomy incision. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. SAMPLE POPULATION: One hundred and twenty client-owned dogs undergoing abdominal surgery. METHODS: Dogs were prospectively recruited and randomized to receive electroincision or cold instrument incision. For cold incision, surgeons used basic surgical instruments including scalpel and scissors. For electroincision, surgeons only used the electrosurgical device in cutting mode. Time for the approach, blood loss, and the incision length were recorded. A blinded observer assessed pain and incision redness, swelling, and discharge at 24 and 48 hours postoperative (graded 0-3). Owner assessment of incision healing was recorded by telephone interview. RESULTS: Blood loss during surgery was significantly lower for electroincision (mean 0.7, SD 1.7 mL) than cold incision (mean 3.0, SD 4.3 mL, P < .0001) with no significant difference in incision length or time for approach. Electroincision was associated with significantly less incision redness (cold median 1, range 0-3; electroincision median 0, range 0-2, P = .02) and less incision discharge (cold median 0.5 range 0-3; electroincision median 0, range 0-1, P = .006) at 24 hours postoperative. There was no significant difference in pain scores or incision healing in dogs receiving the two techniques. No incisional hernias were reported. A surgical site infection occurred in 1 dog (cold incision). CONCLUSIONS: Electroincision for a celiotomy approach in the dog reduces blood loss, and incision redness and discharge in the immediate postoperative period without affecting the occurrence of wound complications such as infection and dehiscence (including linea alba).

Tensile Comparison of Polydioxanone, Polyglyconate, and Barbed Glycolide-Trimethylene Carbonate Suture in Canine Cadaveric Tensor Fascia Lata.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mode of failure, load at yield, ultimate load to failure and stiffness of non-barbed polydioxanone, non-barbed polyglyconate and barbed glycolide-trimethylene carbonate (GTC) suture in canine cadaveric fascia. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo biomechanical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 18 fascia lata specimens from 9 canine cadavers. METHODS: 6 fascia lata specimens were sutured with polydioxanone, 6 with polyglyconate, and 6 with barbed GTC suture. Load at yield, stiffness, ultimate load to failure were measured using tensile strength testing. Statistical analysis was used to compare outcomes between suture materials. The mode of failure was recorded and described. RESULTS: The load at yield and ultimate load to failure were significantly greater for polydioxanone than barbed GTC (P=.045 and P=.016, respectively). The load at yield and ultimate load to failure was not significantly different between polydioxanone and polyglyconate (P=.687 and P=.586, respectively). The load at yield and the ultimate load to failure was not significantly different between polyglyconate and barbed GTC (P=.194 and P=.109, respectively). Stiffness was not different between constructs (P=.103). Polydioxanone and polyglyconate failed by suture breakage and suture pullout. Barbed GTC failed by suture slippage and suture breakage. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that under the conditions of this study, 4-0 monofilament polydioxanone had a greater load at yield and load to failure than similarly sized, barbed copolymer suture in the fascia lata. This finding may help direct suture choice for fascial closure.

Surgical resolution of an oesophageal duplication cyst causing regurgitation in a domestic shorthair cat.

CASE SUMMARY: An 18-month-old female domestic shorthair cat was referred for investigation of a 6 month period of regurgitation. Contrast radiography indicated an intramural oesophageal structure. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the area retrieved viscous fluid containing high numbers of squamous epithelial cells. Computed tomography disclosed a thin-walled contrast-enhancing structure containing non-enhancing homogenous contents. Exploratory thoracotomy confirmed an intramural cystic oesophageal structure, which was resected. Histopathological analysis of the resected tissue demonstrated an intramural oesophageal duplication cyst. A 12 month follow-up period has seen complete resolution of the cat's clinical signs. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: This is the first report of successful oesophageal duplication cyst removal in a cat. Oesophageal duplication cysts should be included on the differential list for dysphagia and regurgitation in cats. Complete surgical removal in this cat carried a good long-term outcome.

Myelomeningocoele and a dermoid sinus-like lesion in a French bulldog.

A 2-year-old male French bulldog was presented for investigation of lumbosacral pain and hindlimb ataxia associated with urinary and fecal incontinence. Survey radiography, myelography, and computed tomography images were suggestive of a dermoid sinus with associated spina bifida. Surgical intervention led to a resolution of pain and neurological deficits. Histopathological analysis of the excised tissue was compatible with a myelomeningocoele of the 7th lumbar vertebra.

Méningo-myélocèle et lésion dermoïde s'apparentant à un sinus chez un Bouledogue français. Un Bouledogue français mâle âgé de deux ans a été présenté pour faire enquête sur une douleur lombo-sacrée et une ataxie des jambes postérieures associée à une incontinence urinaire et fécale. La radiographie, la myélographie et les images par tomodensitométrie pour faire enquête sur les symptômes suggéraient un sinus dermoïde avec spina-bifida connexe. L'intervention chirurgicale a donné lieu à une résolution de la douleur et des autres déficits neurologiques. L'analyse histopathologique du tissu excisé était compatible avec un méningo-myélocèle de la 7e vertèbre lombaire.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Thoracoscopic resection of right auricular masses in dogs: 9 cases (2003-2011).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of thoracoscopic resection of masses located on the right auricle in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 9) with a mass on the right auricle. PROCEDURES: Hospital records from 2003 to 2011 were reviewed. Only dogs that underwent thoracoscopic resection of a mass on the right auricle were selected. Data collected included history, clinicopathologic findings, surgical technique, and outcome. RESULTS: All dogs with pericardial effusion were examined by means of echocardiography. Cardiac masses on the right auricle were identified in 5 dogs. Eight dogs had clinical signs of cardiac tamponade and right-sided heart failure. All dogs underwent thoracoscopic resection of a mass on the right atrium. Eight hemangiosarcomas and 1 pyogranulomatous lesion were resected. One dog with a mass located at the base of the right auricle died during surgery. No postoperative complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Right auricular masses were successfully removed in 8 dogs. Masses close to the base of the right atrial appendage may not be amenable to resection with thoracoscopy. Resection of small masses at the tip of the right auricular appendage can be performed thoracoscopically.

Successful surgical treatment of a suspected iatrogenic arytenoid cartilage fracture in a dog.

A 3-year-old, intact female golden retriever was presented with a sudden onset of inspiratory obstructive dyspnea following general anesthesia to perform a mastectomy. The cuneiform process of the left arytenoid cartilage was found to be extremely mobile on laryngeal examination. Fracture of the cuneiform process of the left arytenoid cartilage was diagnosed. A combined cricoarytenoid and thyroarytenoid caudolateralization procedure was performed on the left side, and no further dyspnea was observed during a follow-up period of 7 months. Fracture of the cuneiform process of the arytenoid cartilage has not been previously reported in dogs. The condition may respond favorably to cricoarytenoid and thyroarytenoid caudolateralization surgery.

Liver size, bodyweight, and tolerance to acute complete occlusion of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between preoperative liver size, bodyweight, and tolerance to shunt occlusion in dogs with congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt(s) (CPSS). STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. ANIMALS: Dogs with CPSS (n=35). METHODS: Ultrasonography was used to measure preoperative maximum transverse dimension of the liver (TS) of each dog. Intraoperative portal pressures were measured, before and after CPSS occlusion, via a jejunal vein catheter. Tolerance to shunt occlusion was judged on gross visceral observations, and on changes in portal pressure, central venous and mean arterial pressures. RESULTS: TS was significantly related to bodyweight (P<.05). Mean ratios for TS/bodyweight were calculated for dogs tolerant and intolerant of acute complete shunt occlusion. Dogs tolerant to occlusion had significantly higher TS/bodyweight ratios than dogs intolerant to occlusion (P=.025). Dogs with a TS/bodyweight ratio of >7 were more likely to tolerate CPSS occlusion than dogs with a TS/bodyweight ratio of <5 (P=.036). A model was generated to predict portal pressure rise after shunt occlusion, based on liver dimensions and bodyweight (R=0.668). Intestinal oxygenation did not correlate significantly with tolerance to CPSS occlusion (P=.29). CONCLUSION: In dogs with CPSS, liver size (relative to bodyweight) is significantly greater (P=.025) in dogs that are tolerant of full ligation than intolerant of occlusion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preoperative measurement of bodyweight and liver size help indicate the likelihood of tolerance to acute complete occlusion of CPSS in dogs.

Acute oropharyngeal and esophageal stick injury in forty-one dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical findings, treatment, and outcome in dogs with acute (<7 days) oropharyngeal or esophageal stick injury. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=41) with acute oropharyngeal or esophageal injury. METHODS: Dogs had clinical and radiographic examination, and frequently, cervical surgical exploration. The decision to operate was based on radiographic findings of cervical emphysema. Outcome was determined by owner or veterinarian interview. RESULTS: Of 41 dogs, 27 had oropharyngeal injury and 14 had esophageal injury. Five dogs with esophageal injury died. All dogs with radiographic evidence of cervical emphysema (n=34) had ventral median cervical exploration or necropsy; 11 had wood fragment(s) retrieved. In 7 dogs without radiographic signs of cervical emphysema, wounds involving the pharynx or soft palate were treated by local debridement and lavage using an oral approach. Mean follow-up time was 36.4 months. All wounds healed without complication; however, 1 dog that was not surgically explored had a piece of wood surgically retrieved 3 months later. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic evidence of cervical emphysema is a frequent finding in dogs with acute penetrating oropharyngeal or esophageal injury and indicates trauma to the deeper cervical tissues. Acute penetrating injury of the oropharyngeal region, when treated appropriately, has a better prognosis than acute esophageal penetration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ventral median cervical surgical exploration is recommended in dogs with acute penetrating injury of the oropharynx or esophagus if there is radiographic evidence of tissue emphysema.

False unilateral hyperlucent lung: a trapped lung with persistent pneumothorax

Se considera que el pulmón hiperlucente unilateral tiene signos radiográficos distintivos. Informamos um caso de neumotórax recurrente asociado con un pulmón encarcelado que presentó estos mismos signos. El neumotórax se desarrolló de una ampolla segmentaria grande en el lóbulo superior izquierdo. Un empiema creó extensas adherencias dentro del espacio pleural situadas de tal forma que imitaban ampollas grandes. Scintigramas de perfusión y ventilación y una tomografia computada no ayudaron a establecer el diagnóstico. El pulmón encarcelado se identificó por angiografía y la función pulmonar mejoró grandemente después de una decorticación pleural. Un neumotórax crónico debe ser sospechado al encontrarse un pulmón hiperlucente. La sospecha debe aumentar cuando ocurren colapsos repetidos del pulmón, una pérdida exagerada de volumen o una efusiónpleural