Comparison of the diagnostic yield of 3 and 5 mm laparoscopic liver biopsy forceps in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether 3 and 5 mm laparoscopic cup biopsy forceps provide samples of equivalent diagnostic quality in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Twelve colony cats undergoing a concurrent nutrition study. METHODS: Two biopsy forceps (3 and 5 mm) and three biopsy techniques (twist, pull, and twist + pull) were used to collect 68 laparoscopic liver samples. Biopsies were performed consecutively with the 3 and 5 mm biopsy sites adjacent to each other. Data analyzed included the number of portal triads and hepatic lobules, tissue crush and fragmentation, overall sample area (mm2 ), sample weight, and agreement regarding morphologic diagnosis. RESULTS: The 5 mm forceps provided more hepatic lobules, portal triads, and a larger tissue weight and histologic area (mm2 ) (p < .01). The twist and pull techniques provide more hepatic lobules and portal triads compared to the twist + pull technique while the twist + pull technique resulted in greater tissue crush compared to the twist technique (p = .0097). There was good agreement for morphological diagnosis between the 3 and 5 mm samples using the twist + pull technique but not for the twist or pull techniques. CONCLUSION: Liver samples can be safely collected with 3 or 5 mm laparoscopic biopsy forceps and provide sufficient tissue for histopathology analysis in cats, with minimal artifact. The diagnostic accuracy of 3 mm samples remains unknown. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although 3 mm laparoscopic cup biopsy forceps provided samples of sufficient diagnostic quality for histopathologic interpretation in cats, further studies are required to assess their diagnostic accuracy.

Near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography in dogs: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of indocyanine green (ICG) dose and timing of administration on near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging of the normal canine biliary tree. STUDY DESIGN: Preclinical prospective study. ANIMALS: Eight purpose-bred beagles. METHODS: The dogs were randomized to receive two of four intravenous ICG dose (low [L]:0.05 mg/kg or high [H]:0.25 mg/kg)/time (0 and 3 h prior to NIRF) combinations. NIRF images were collected every 10 min for 120 min. Target (cystic duct)-to-background (liver) ratios were calculated for all timepoints and compared. RESULTS: ICG cholangiography was successful in all dogs. The contrast ratio was above 1 in the L0 group by 20 min and reached its peak at 100 min. In the H0 group, the ratio was above 1 by 60 min and reached its peak at 90 min. Contrast ratios above 2 (fluorescence twice as bright in the cystic duct compared to the liver) were maintained from 180 to 300 min for L3 and H3 and was achieved after 80 min for L0. CONCLUSION: Low dose ICG provided better ratios early after injection compared to the high dose which remained highly concentrated in the liver tissue after injection. Both doses provided excellent visualization of the biliary tree at 3 h post injection, low dose ICG provided better ratios from 3 to 5 h post injection. Based on these results, 0.05 mg/kg of ICG administered at anesthetic premedication, or as early as 3 h prior to laparoscopic surgery should yield optimal fluorescence images. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides guidelines for NIRF cholangiography in clinically normal dogs.

Comparing 3 mm and 5 mm laparoscopic liver biopsy samples in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether 3 mm cup biopsy forceps (CBF) provide equivalent diagnostic samples to 5 mm CBF for histopathologic diagnosis, bacterial culture, and copper quantification. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical prospective study. ANIMALS: Ten client-owned dogs, presenting for laparoscopic liver biopsy (LLB). METHODS: Dogs underwent LLB, and paired samples were collected using 3 and 5 mm CBF. Portal triad and hepatic lobule counts, crush and fragmentation artifacts, copper concentration, bacterial culture results, and agreement on histopathologic diagnosis were compared. RESULTS: Both CBF sizes allowed for easy sample collection and resulted in minimal hemorrhage. An average of 12.13 (confidence limit (CL): 9.4-14.9) and 17.84 (CL: 15.1-20.6) portal triads were obtained using a 3 and 5 mm CBF, respectively (p = .0003). A portal triad count of 11 or more was achieved in 73.3% of the 3 mm and 93.3% of the 5 mm samples. Gwets AC1 coefficient showed a high level of agreement (0.8) for overall histopathologic diagnosis (p < .0001). The 3 mm CBF crush scores were higher (median of the differences: -1; range: -1 to 1) (p = .035). There was no difference in fragmentation scores (p = .935). CONCLUSION: The 3 mm CBF yielded smaller samples in terms of size and portal triad count compared with the 5 mm CBF. However, the portal triad count was sufficient in a majority of samples and histologic agreement with the 5 mm CBF was excellent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In dogs, a 3 mm CBF yields adequate samples for histopathologic interpretation, copper quantification, and bacterial culture.

Application of a distant, direct, single-pedicle hinge flap for reconstruction of a circumferential cutaneous defect of the thoracic limb in a dog.

A 4-year-old, neutered male, mixed-breed dog initially presented to a tertiary referral center for suspected mushroom intoxication and subsequent necrotizing fasciitis of the right thoracic limb. One day after presentation, a fasciotomy was carried out to remove necrotic tissue, leaving an extensive cutaneous defect spanning from axilla to carpus and occupying 75 to 100% of the circumference of the limb. Following establishment of a bed of granulation tissue, a distant, direct, single-pedicle flap was performed using the lateral thoracoabdominal skin. The limb was flexed at the shoulder and secured to the body wall during flap healing. Staged division of the flap was initiated 20 d after flap harvesting and completed 3 d later. Complete reconstruction of the large circumferential cutaneous defect was obtained 56 d after initial presentation. No major complications were encountered. At 387 d postoperatively, the dog had clinically normal limb function and was free of lameness. Key clinical message: This case report demonstrates the successful use of a distant, direct, single-pedicle hinge flap for reconstruction of a large thoracic limb wound spanning from axilla to carpus in a dog. This technique should be considered a viable limb-sparing, surgical option for resolution of extensive cutaneous thoracic limb wounds.

Application d'un lambeau distant, direct, à pédicule unique pour la reconstruction d'un défaut cutané circonférentiel du membre thoracique chez un chien. Un chien de race mixte mâle castré de 4 ans a été initialement présenté à un centre de référence tertiaire pour suspicion d'intoxication aux champignons et de fasciite nécrosante subséquente du membre thoracique droit. Un jour après la présentation, une fasciotomie a été réalisée pour enlever le tissu nécrotique, laissant un vaste défaut cutané s'étendant de l'aisselle au carpe et occupant 75 à 100 % de la circonférence du membre. Après la mise en place d'un lit de tissu de granulation, un lambeau distant, direct, à pédicule unique a été réalisé en utilisant la peau thoraco-abdominale latérale. Le membre était fléchi au niveau de l'épaule et fixé à la paroi corporelle pendant la cicatrisation du lambeau. La division par étapes du lambeau a été initiée 20 jours après la récolte des lambeaux et terminée 3 jours plus tard. La reconstruction complète du grand défaut cutané circonférentiel a été obtenue 56 jours après la présentation initiale. Aucune complication majeure n'a été rencontrée. À 387 jours après l'opération, le chien avait une fonction cliniquement normale du membre et n'avait pas de boiterie.Message clinique clé :Ce rapport de cas démontre l'utilisation réussie d'un lambeau distant, direct et à pédicule unique pour la reconstruction d'une grande plaie d'un membre thoracique s'étendant de l'aisselle au carpe chez un chien. Cette technique doit être considérée comme une option chirurgicale viable épargnant les membres pour la résolution des plaies cutanées étendues des membres thoraciques.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Laparoscopic ureteronephrectomy for the treatment of giant kidney worm infection in 2 dogs.

One male and one female dog were presented with giant kidney worm infection in the right kidney. Infection was identified through visualization of intra-renal Dioctophyme renale on abdominal ultrasound. Both dogs underwent right-sided laparoscopic ureteronephrectomy for treatment of the giant kidney worm infection. Additional adult worms were extirpated from the peritoneal cavity of both dogs. Both dogs recovered without complication from anesthesia and surgery and were discharged within 24 hours after surgery. Laparoscopic ureteronephrectomy has not previously been described for the treatment of giant kidney worm infection in North America.

Urétéro-néphrectomie laparoscopique pour le traitement d'une infection par le ver géant du rein chez deux chiens. Un chien mâle et un chien femelle furent présentés avec une infection par le ver géant du rein dans le rein droit. L'infection fut identifiée par visualisation de Dioctophyme renale intra-rénal par échographie abdominale. Les deux chiens furent soumis à une urétéro-néphrectomie laparoscopique pour le traitement de l'infection par le ver géant du rein. Des vers adultes additionnels furent retirés de la cavité péritonéale des deux chiens. Les deux chiens ont récupéré sans complication de l'anesthésie et de la chirurgie et ont obtenu leur congé en moins de 24 h après la chirurgie. L'urétéro-néphrectomie laparoscopique n'avait pas encore été décrite en Amérique du Nord pour le traitement de l'infection par le ver géant du rein.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Clinical findings and outcomes of 153 dogs surgically treated for intestinal intussusceptions.

OBJECTIVE: To describe perioperative characteristics and outcomes of dogs surgically treated for intestinal intussusception. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional, retrospective study. ANIMALS: One hundred fifty-three client-owned dogs with intestinal intussusception. METHODS: Dogs were included when they had undergone surgical treatment of a confirmed intestinal intussusception. Medical records were reviewed for demographics and clinical data, including surgical complications (graded 1-4). Follow-up was obtained via telephone interview with owners and referring veterinarians. RESULTS: Dogs had a median age of 10 months (range, 2-156), and the most common location for intussusception was ileocolic (66/153 [43%]). Most cases had no identifiable cause (104/155 [67%]). Intestinal resection and anastomosis (IRA) was performed in 129 of 153 (84%) dogs; enteroplication was performed in 28 of 153 (18%) dogs, including 13 with and 15 without IRA. Intraoperative complications occurred in 10 of 153 (7%) dogs, all involving intestinal damage during attempted manual reduction. The median duration of follow-up after discharge was 334 days (interquartile range, 15-990; range, 1-3302). Postoperative complications occurred in 53 of 153 (35%) dogs, including 22 of 153 (14%) with severe (grade 3 or 4) events. Diarrhea, regurgitation, and septic peritonitis were the most common postoperative complications; intussusception recurred in four of 153 (3%) dogs, all within 72 hours postoperatively. Fourteen-day postoperative mortality rate was 6%. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of intestinal intussusception was curative in most dogs, even when an underlying cause was not identified. Surgical complications were common, including a 14% risk of life-threatening short-term complications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Surgical treatment of intestinal intussusception offers an excellent prognosis, but the potential life-threatening complications should be considered.