Decompressive craniectomy surgery in a dog with intracranial extradural hematoma following blunt force trauma.

A young miniature poodle was presented following blunt force trauma to the head. The dog initially responded well to medical management before developing clinical signs associated with increased intracranial pressure 48 h post-injury that became refractory to hyperosmolar therapy. A computed tomography scan obtained 76 h post-injury showed a short, oblique, non-displaced, complete fissure in the right temporal bone and a second short, oblique, non-displaced, complete fissure in the ventral aspect of the temporal bone. A biconvex, moderately hyperattenuating, space-occupying temporoparietal lesion was visualized immediately adjacent to the area of the temporal fractures. These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of intracranial extradural hematoma. Decompressive craniectomy successfully evacuated the extradural hematoma to alleviate increased intracranial pressure. The dog's neurologic function recovered quickly postoperatively. At follow-up physical examinations at 14 and 437 d, excellent return to function was noted. Key clinical message: This report describes the diagnosis and surgical management of an intracranial extradural hematoma in a dog with increased intracranial pressure refractory to medical management. Furthermore, this report describes the diagnostic imaging findings used to diagnose this particular form of primary brain injury.

Chirurgie de craniectomie décompressive chez un chien présentant un hématome extradural intracrânien à la suite d'un traumatisme contondant. Un jeune caniche miniature a été présenté à la suite d'un traumatisme contondant à la tête. Le chien a initialement bien répondu à la prise en charge médicale avant de développer des signes cliniques associés à une augmentation de la pression intracrânienne 48 heures après la blessure, qui sont devenus réfractaires au traitement hyperosmolaire. Une tomodensitométrie obtenue 76 heures après la blessure a montré une fissure complète courte, oblique, non déplacée dans l'os temporal droit et une deuxième fissure complète courte, oblique, non déplacée dans la face ventrale de l'os temporal. Une lésion temporo-pariétale biconvexe, modérément hyperatténuée et occupant de l'espace a été visualisée immédiatement à côté de la zone des fractures temporales. Ces résultats concordaient avec un diagnostic d'hématome extradural intracrânien. La craniectomie décompressive a réussi à évacuer l'hématome extradural pour atténuer l'augmentation de la pression intracrânienne. La fonction neurologique du chien s'est rétablie rapidement après l'opération. Lors des examens physiques de suivi à 14 et 437 jours, un excellent retour au fonctionnement a été noté.Message clinique clé:Ce rapport décrit le diagnostic et la prise en charge chirurgicale d'un hématome extradural intracrânien chez un chien présentant une augmentation de la pression intracrânienne réfractaire à la prise en charge médicale. En outre, ce rapport décrit les résultats de l'imagerie diagnostique utilisée pour diagnostiquer cette forme particulière de lésion cérébrale primaire.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Surgical treatment of a persistent right aortic arch with concurrent patent ductus arteriosus in a 4-month-old German shepherd dog.

A 4-month-old intact female German shepherd dog was presented with a history of postprandial regurgitation, a palpably distended cervical oesophagus after eating, and poor weight gain despite a ravenous appetite. Computed tomography angiography, esophagoscopy and echocardiography identified a persistent right aortic arch with a concurrent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) causing extraluminal oesophageal compression leading to marked segmental megaoesophagus. A heart murmur was not detectable. A left lateral thoracotomy was performed to ligate and transect the PDA without complication. The dog was discharged with mild aspiration pneumonia which resolved with antimicrobial therapy. Twelve months post-surgery the owners reported no regurgitation.

Treatment and outcomes of five dogs with intrathoracic migration of porcupine quills.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the perioperative findings and outcomes in dogs that underwent exploratory thoracotomy following porcupine quill migration and report (1) the use of traction alone for the removal of superficial quills in the pulmonary parenchyma, and (2) the use of exploratory pericardiotomy for the incidental identification of cardiac quills. ANIMALS: Five client-owned dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Short case series. METHODS: Medical records of dogs with pneumothorax or pericardial effusion secondary to porcupine quill migration from January 2019 to January 2022 were reviewed. Advanced imaging and a median sternotomy were performed in each dog. Demographics, preoperative findings, surgical treatment, and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Pulmonary quills were treated with gentle traction or lung lobectomy. The intraoperative palpation or appearance of the pericardium prompted pericardiotomy in three dogs, exposing epicardial and intravascular quills. No evidence of these quills was detected on preoperative advanced imaging or on gross appearance of the pericardium. Quills were removed with a combination of gentle traction, purse-string sutures, and mattress sutures. Pneumothorax and pericardial effusion resolved postoperatively in all dogs. All dogs survived to discharge. CONCLUSION: Traction allowed removal of quills that were superficially attached to the pulmonary parenchyma without the need for subsequent lobectomy. Epicardial and myocardial quills were detected following pericardiotomy in three dogs despite the absence of quills grossly penetrating the pericardium. Preoperative imaging did not allow consistent detection of quills.

Surgical management and outcome of dogs with primary spontaneous pneumothorax: 110 cases (2009-2019).

OBJECTIVE: To describe surgical management and associated outcomes for dogs with primary spontaneous pneumothorax. ANIMALS: 110 client-owned dogs with primary spontaneous pneumothorax that underwent surgical management. PROCEDURES: Medical records at 7 veterinary teaching hospitals were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, history, clinical signs, radiographic and CT findings, surgical methods, intraoperative and postoperative complications, outcomes, and histopathologic findings. Follow-up information was obtained by contacting the referring veterinarian or owner. RESULTS: 110 dogs were included, with a median follow-up time of 508 days (range, 3 to 2,377 days). Ninety-nine (90%) dogs underwent median sternotomy, 9 (8%) underwent intercostal thoracotomy, and 2 (2%) underwent thoracoscopy as the sole intervention. Bullous lesions were most commonly found in the left cranial lung lobe (51/156 [33%] lesions) and right cranial lung lobe (37/156 [24%] lesions). Of the 100 dogs followed up for > 30 days, 13 (13%) had a recurrence of pneumothorax, with median time between surgery and recurrence of 9 days. Recurrence was significantly more likely to occur ≤ 30 days after surgery, compared with > 30 days after surgery. Recurrence > 30 days after surgery was rare (3 [3%]). No risk factors for recurrence were identified. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Lung lobectomy via median sternotomy resulted in resolution of pneumothorax in most dogs with primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Recurrence of pneumothorax was most common in the immediate postoperative period, which may have reflected failure to identify lesions during the initial thoracic exploration, rather than development of additional bullae.

Presence of Qac genes in clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and their impact on chlorhexidine digluconate susceptibility.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) (resistance genes, qac A/B, smr, qacG, and qacJ, in clinical isolates of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MSSP) and methicillin-resistant S pseudintermedius (MRSP) from dogs and the impact on in vitro chlorhexidine susceptibility. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental in vitro study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Seventy isolates from dogs colonized or infected with MRSP (n = 50) or MSSP (n = 20). METHODS: Agar dilution was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of chlorhexidine digluconate. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the presence of QAC resistance genes, qacA/B, smr, qacG, and qacJ genes. RESULTS: One or more qac genes were identified in 52 of 70 (74%) isolates. Overall, there was no association between chlorhexidine MIC and the presence of one or more qac genes (P = .85) or the presence of qacA/B (P = .31), smr (P = .72) or qacJ (P = .93) individually. There was an association between qacG and MIC (P = .012), with a median MIC of 1.5 µg/mL for isolates possessing this gene and 1 µg/mL for those not possessing it. CONCLUSION: Quaternary ammonium compound resistance genes were present in MRSP and MSSP isolates. With the exception of qacG, the presence of these genes was not associated with increased MIC. All isolates exhibited MIC 5000 to 80 000 times lower than the concentration recommended for use. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Despite the presence of QAC genes, chlorhexidine digluconate should be effective against MRSP and MSSP if used correctly.

Visuospatial skills are better predictors than dexterity for basic ultrasonographic and fluoroscopic skills in veterinary students.

Radiological skills including ultrasonography and fluoroscopy, require a combination of manual dexterity and visuospatial skill to develop competency. The ability to detect veterinary students with an interest in radiology but who are deficient in these skills, may permit more individual adaptations to training programs, allowing for students training in radiology to achieve maximal potential. The objective of this cohort study was to investigate whether innate dexterity and visuospatial skill could be used to predict performance of basic ultrasound and fluoroscopic skills in veterinary students. Fifty veterinary students from the Ontario Veterinary College completed three tests of visuospatial ability, two tests of manual dexterity, a three-dimensional mouse task, an ultrasound skill-testing task, and a fluoroscopic skill-testing task. Students who reported chopstick use completed the non-dominant hand ultrasound task significantly faster than students who did not (P = 0.001). There was a significant positive association between scores on the Mental Rotations Test and time to complete the non-dominant hand ultrasound task (P = 0.011) and fluoroscopy task (P = 0.029). No variables were associated with time to complete the dominant hand ultrasound task. The results of this study suggest that visuospatial skill, as assessed by the Mental Rotations Test, is a better predictor of baseline ultrasound and endovascular fluoroscopy skill than dexterity, with the exception of reported chopstick use, in veterinary students. Visuospatial skills can be developed and may be useful to include in the veterinary curriculum for students that are deficient, or students entering a field such as diagnostic imaging.

Struvite urolithiasis with eosinophilic polypoid cystitis in a shih tzu dog.

A 7-year-old female spayed shih tzu dog was presented with hematuria of 4 weeks' duration. Radiographs revealed 1 cystic calculus. A polypoid mass was found incidentally during cystotomy and was removed by partial cystectomy. Histopathology revealed eosinophilic polypoid cystitis and urolith analysis reported struvite. A urinary tract infection was treated.

Urolithiase de struvite avec cystite polypoïde éosinophilique chez une chienne Shih tzu. Une chienne Shih Tzu stérilisée âgée de 7 ans a été présentée avec une hématurie d'une durée de 4 semaines. Les radiographies ont révélé un calcul cystique. Une masse poylpoïde a été trouvée accessoirement et enlevée par cystectomie partielle. L'histopathologie a révélé une cystite polypoïde éosiniphilique et l'analyse des urolithes a signalé une struvite. Une infection urinaire a été traitée.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Investigating the impact of innate dexterity skills and visuospatial aptitude on the performance of baseline laparoscopic skills in veterinary students.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if manual dexterity and visuospatial skills can be used to predict baseline laparoscopic surgery skills in veterinary students. STUDY DESIGN: Pilot study. METHODS: Veterinary students (n = 45) from years 1-4 volunteered for this study. An hour-long electronic questionnaire was completed by participants. The first section was used to collect demographics and information about prior nonsurgical experiences. The second section included 3 tests of visuospatial skills, including the Purdue Visualization of Rotations Test, Mental Rotations Test, and Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices Test. Multiple tests were administered to assess innate dexterity, including the grooved pegboard test, indirect and direct zigzag tracking tests, and the 3Dconnexion proficiency test. Each dexterity test was performed once with the left hand and once with the right hand. The order of task performance was randomized. Basic laparoscopic skills were assessed using the validated fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery (FLS) peg transfer task. RESULTS: There was an association between left-handed grooved pegboard scores (95% CI -10046.36 to -1636.53, P-value = .008) and left-handed indirect zigzag tracking task (95% CI -35.78 to -8.20, P-value = .003) with FLS peg transfer scores. Individuals who reported playing videogames achieved higher scores on the FLS peg transfer task than those without videogame experience (95% CI 583.59 to 3509.97, P-value = .007). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that dexterity was a better predictor of baseline laparoscopic skills than visuospatial skills in veterinary students.

Single incision laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy for an ovarian tumor in a dog.

This report describes a single-incision, laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy in a 6-year-old, intact female Keeshond dog for the staging and treatment of a left-sided ovarian tumor. Abdominal access was obtained using a modified-Hasson technique allowing for placement of a multi-channel, single incision laparoscopic surgery port. Following carbon dioxide insufflation, superficial laparoscopic exploration of the abdominal cavity was performed and then both ovarian pedicles were sealed and divided using a vessel-sealing device. Laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy was performed with the aid of a wound retractor for exteriorization of the mass. There were no perioperative complications and the patient was discharged 1 day after surgery. Histopathology of the mass revealed an ovarian teratoma. Telephone follow-up 608 days after surgery revealed a good clinical outcome. Single-incision, laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy is technically feasible for the treatment of selected ovarian tumors in the dog.

Ovariohystérectomie à incision unique assistée par laparascopie pour une tumeur ovarienne chez une chienne. Ce rapport décrit une ovariohystérectomie à incision unique assistée par laparascopie chez une chienne Keeshond intacte âgée de 6 ans pour l'évaluation et le traitement d'une tumeur ovarienne du côté gauche. L'accès abdominal a été obtenu en utilisant une technique modifiée de Hasson pour le placement d'un accès chirurgical laparascopique à incision unique. Après l'insufflation de gaz carbonique, l'exploration laparascopique superficielle de la cavité abdominale a été réalisée et ensuite les deux pédicules ovariens ont été scellés et divisés à l'aide d'un dispositif de scellement des vaisseaux. L'ovariohystérectomie assistée par laparascopie a été réalisée à l'aide d'un rétracteur de plaie pour l'extériorisation de la masse. Il n'y a eu aucune complication péri-opératoire et la patiente a reçu son congé 1 jour après la chirurgie. L'histopathologie de la masse a révélé un tératome ovarien. Un suivi par téléphone 608 jours après la chirurgie a révélé un bon résultat clinique. L'ovariohystérectomie laparascopique à incision unique est techniquement réalisable pour le traitement de certaines tumeurs ovariennes chez les chiennes.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Investigating laparoscopic psychomotor skills in veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the influence of age, year of graduation, and video game experience on baseline laparoscopic psychomotor skills. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SAMPLE POPULATION: Licensed veterinarians (n = 38) and registered veterinary technicians (VTs) (n = 49). METHODS: A laparoscopic box trainer was set up at the 2016 Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) and the 2016 Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT) conferences held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Participants volunteered to perform a single repetition of a peg transfer (PT) exercise. Participants were given a short demonstration of the PT task prior to testing. A Spearman's rank correlation (rs ) was used to identify associations between baseline psychomotor skills and self-reported surgical and non-surgical experiences collected via survey. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare PT scores in veterinarians and VTs. A P-value of < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 36 years (range 21-67) and the majority were female (83%). In veterinarians, PT scores were highest in the most recent graduates (P = .01, rs = 0.42), and PT scores increased with self-reported VG experience (P = .02, rs = 0.38). PT scores correlated inversely with age (P = .02, rs = -0.37). No associations were observed in VTs (P > .05). Veterinary technicians that frequently used chopsticks scored higher than those without chopstick experience (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Age and year of graduation correlated inversely, while self-reported VG experience correlated positively with laparoscopic psychomotor skills of veterinarians, when assessed on a simulator. The use of chopsticks may contribute to the acquisition of psychomotor skills in VTs.

Evaluation of the Impact of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Biofilm Formation on Antimicrobial Susceptibility.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of four antimicrobials in planktonic vs. biofilm-associated Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 78 isolates from dogs colonized or infected with methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP, n=39) or methicillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius (MSSP, n=39). METHODS: Agar dilution was used to determine the MIC of amikacin, cefazolin, enrofloxacin, and gentamicin for planktonic bacteria. A modified broth microdilution assay was used to assess the MIC of biofilm-associated bacteria. RESULTS: MIC were significantly higher in biofilm-associated vs. planktonic bacteria for all antimicrobials; amikacin (median MIC: biofilm >2,000 µg/mL vs. planktonic 3 µg/mL, P<.0001), cefazolin (>1,000 vs. 0.5 µg/mL, P<.0001), enrofloxacin (>1,000 vs. 0.25 µg/mL, P<.0001), and gentamicin (>1,000 vs. 0.3 µg/mL, P<.001). For all antimicrobials, there were significant differences in planktonic MIC for MRSP and MSSP (all P<.0001) but no differences between biofilm MIC for MRSP and MSSP (P=.08-1.0). CONCLUSION: The MIC for biofilm-associated S. pseudintermedius are significantly higher than for planktonic bacteria. Standard methods for determining MIC are not appropriate for biofilm-associated infections. This must be considered when determining treatment regimens for infections that potentially involve biofilms, and further study of methods to control biofilm-associated infections is needed.

Impact of polymethylmethacrylate additives on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius biofilm formation in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of gentamicin, silver, or both additives in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) biofilm formation in vitro. SAMPLE: 4 preparations of PMMA beads (formed with no additive [control], gentamicin, silver, and gentamicin and silver). PROCEDURES: Beads from each group were exposed to 10 MRSP isolates known to be strong biofilm formers. Following incubation, the beads were rinsed to remove planktonic bacteria, then sonicated to dislodge biofilm-associated bacteria. Resulting suspensions were serially diluted, plated on blood agar, and incubated overnight; CFUs were counted. Variance of mean CFU counts following log10 transformation was analyzed among PMMA groups. RESULTS: None of the PMMA additives tested completely inhibited MRSP biofilm formation. There was a significant effect of gentamicin and gentamicin plus silver on this variable, compared with controls, but not of silver alone. There was no difference between gentamicin and gentamicin plus silver. When only isolates not susceptible to gentamicin were evaluated, there were no significant differences among PMMA additive groups. Within gentamicin-susceptible isolates, there was an impact of gentamicin and gentamicin plus silver, but no impact of silver alone and no difference between gentamicin and gentamicin plus silver. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Gentamicin-impregnated PMMA was effective at reducing biofilm formation of gentamicin-susceptible MRSP isolates but had no effect on isolates not susceptible to gentamicin. Silver-impregnated PMMA had no effect on MRSP biofilm formation. Results suggested that gentamicin-impregnated PMMA may not be effective in vivo against MRSP isolates not susceptible to gentamicin. Antibacterial efficacy of silver should not be assumed without proper testing of the target bacteria and specific silver compound.

Bacterial contamination of gloves worn by small animal surgeons in a veterinary teaching hospital.

This prospective study investigated bacterial contamination of surgical gloves during small animal surgical procedures and factors associated with glove contamination. The outer surface of surgical gloves was sampled and cultured after completion of surgical procedures. Bacterial presence and numbers were recorded. Of 78 gloves sampled from 39 surgical procedures, bacterial contamination was noted in 16/78 (21%) gloves from 12/39 (31%) procedures. There was no difference in contamination of left or right hand glove [7/39 (18%) versus 9/39 (23%)], respectively (P = 0.78). There was no impact of glove type of left hand (P = 0.41), right hand (P = 0.44) or either hand (P = 0.26) contamination, or of surgical time (P = 0.71), dominant hand (P > 0.13), surgery type (orthopedic versus soft tissue versus neurological) (P > 0.42) or surgical wound classification (P > 0.11) on the incidence of contamination.

Contamination bactérienne des gants portés par des chirurgiens pour petits animaux dans un hôpital d'enseignement vétérinaire. Cette étude prospective a étudié la contamination bactérienne des gants chirurgicaux durant les interventions chirurgicales pour petits animaux et les facteurs associés à la contamination des gants. La surface extérieure des gants chirurgicaux a été échantillonnée et une culture a été effectuée après la réalisation des interventions chirurgicales. La présence et la numération bactériennes ont été consignées. Parmi les 78 gants provenant de 39 interventions chirurgicales, la contamination bactérienne a été signalée dans 16/78 (21 %) gants provenant de 12/39 (31 %) interventions. Il n'y avait aucune différence au niveau de la contamination du gant gauche ou droit [7/39 (18 %) contre 9/39 (23 %)], respectivement (P = 0,78). Il n'y a eu aucun impact au niveau de la contamination quant au type de gant de la main gauche (P = 0,41), de la main droite (P = 0,44) ou de l'une ou l'autre main (P = 0,26) ou à la durée de la chirurgie (P = 0,71), à la main dominante (P > 0,13), au type de chirurgie (orthopédique contre tissus mous contre neurologique) (P > 0,42) ou à la classification de la plaie chirurgicale (P > 0,11) sur l'incidence de la contamination.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcal contamination of clothing worn by personnel in a veterinary teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) contamination rate of white coats (WC) and surgical scrubs (SS) worn by personnel at the Ontario Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre (OVCHSC) and to identify risk factors associated with clothing contamination. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Personnel including clinical faculty, house officers, technicians, and veterinary students working at the OVCHSC. METHODS: Electrostatic cloths were used to sample WC and SS of hospital personnel. Samples were tested for MRSA and MRSP and isolates were typed. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire and data was evaluated for risk factors. RESULTS: Of 114 specimens, MRS were isolated from 20 (17.5%), MRSA from 4 (3.5%), and MRSP from 16 (14.0%). Technicians were 9.5× (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 1.2-∞, P = .03) more likely than students to have clothing contaminated with MRSA. No risk factors were identified for MRSP or for overall MRS contamination. CONCLUSIONS: Standard hospital clothing was found to have a high prevalence of MRS contamination in a veterinary teaching hospital and could be a source of hospital-acquired infections.

Characterization of the biofilm forming ability of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius from dogs.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an opportunistic pathogen of dogs and has emerged as a leading cause of skin, wound and surgical site infections worldwide. Methicillin resistance is common and clinical infections as a result of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) pose a clinical challenge. In other staphylococci, biofilm formation has been shown to be a virulence factor for infection, however, it has received little attention in S. pseudintermedius. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the biofilm forming ability of clinical isolates of S. pseudintermedius obtained from dogs using phenotypic and genotypic techniques. RESULTS: 96% (136/140) of S. pseudintermedius isolates were classified as strong or moderate biofilm producers, with the majority of isolates being able to produce biofilm. There was no difference in biofilm formation between MRSP and MSSP (p=0.8), amongst isolates from clinical infections compared with isolates obtained from colonized dogs (p=0.08), and between isolates from sequence type (ST) 71 and ST 68 (P=0.09). icaA was detected in 77.9% (109/140) of isolates and icaD was detected in 75.7% (106/140) of isolates. Scanning electron microscopic evaluation of S. pseudintermedius biofilm production revealed aggregates of cocci and irregularly produced extracellular polymeric matrix. CONCLUSION: The majority of S. pseudintermedius isolates evaluated in this study were able to produce biofilm and this may be an important virulence factor in the rapid emergence of this bacterium in veterinary hospitals worldwide. Further study into the mechanisms of biofilm formation by S. pseudintermedius is warranted.

In vitro miconazole susceptibility of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND: The emergence and dissemination of meticillin-resistant staphylococci has created significant treatment challenges in veterinary medicine and increased interest in topical therapy for superficial infections. Concern has been expressed regarding the use of some topical antimicrobials in animals because of the potential for emergence of resistance, and additional options are required. Miconazole has limited antibacterial properties that include antistaphylococcal activity. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the in vitro susceptibility of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus aureus to miconazole. METHODS: In vitro susceptibility of 112 meticillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP), 53 meticillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and 37 meticillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius (MSSP) to miconazole was assessed using agar dilution. RESULTS: The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) range, MIC(50) and MIC(90) for MRSP were 1-8, 2 and 4 µg/mL, respectively. Corresponding results for MRSA were 1-8, 2 and 6 µg/mL, and for MSSP 1-4, 2 and 2 µg/mL. The MIC for MSSP was a significantly lower MIC than that for both MRSP (P = 0.006) and MRSA (P < 0.001), while the MIC for MRSP was significantly lower than that for MRSA (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: These in vitro data suggest that miconazole could be a useful therapeutic option for superficial infections caused by meticillin-susceptible and meticillin-resistant staphylococci, but proper clinical investigation is required.