Retrospective evaluation of postoperative joint immobilization using a temporary calcaneotibial screw for medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a temporary calcaneotibial screw (CTS) to immobilize medial or lateral tarsocrural joint instability (TCI) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Twelve dogs (including five active working farm dogs) with TCI. METHODS: Medical records (January 2015-June 2023) were retrospectively reviewed for cases of TCI managed surgically including temporary joint immobilization using a CTS and external coaptation. Clinical data consisted of medical records and an online survey completed by the owner. RESULTS: Surgical techniques to address TCI included primary ligamentous repair, synthetic ligament reconstruction, or malleolar fracture repair. Immobilization with a CTS was employed for 6-8 weeks postoperatively. The online survey was completed for 10 dogs. All dogs exhibited good-to-excellent functional outcomes at the follow-up (median, 31 months; range, 4-66). All working farm dogs (5) were able to return to normal or substantial levels of their work. Four distinct complications were reported in three dogs including one CTS breakage and three bandage-related soft-tissue injuries. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study represents the first report of employing a temporary CTS for TCI in dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A temporary CTS was effective in immobilizing the tarsocrural joint for dogs with TCI and the postoperative complication rate in this study was relatively low. A CTS screw and external coaptation is a viable alternative to previously reported methods of tarsocrural joint stabilization.

Case Report: Adrenal Epithelial Cyst in an 11-Year-Old Leptailurus Serval.

Case Description: A serval (Leptailurus serval) presented for progressive enlargement of the right adrenal gland, which had been found incidentally on abdominal ultrasound 2 years previously and upon subsequent ultrasound examinations enlarged progressively from 1.26 to 1.43 cm. Clinical Findings: Clinical signs had not been recorded by the zookeeper, however, progressive weight gain and lethargy were reported. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the presence of a right caudal pole adrenal mass measuring 1.8 cm. Treatment and Outcome: The right adrenal with associated mass was surgically resected via a ventral midline laparotomy that included the resection of the right phrenicoabdominal vein in association with the mass. Histopathological examination identified the mass as an epithelial cyst. Chromogranin A staining for a possible pheochromocytoma was performed but was negative. The serval recovered at the zoo without complication and has been on display for 18 months. Clinical Relevance: Epithelial adrenal cysts have not been previously reported in felids. An adrenal cyst should be included on the differential list for any animal with an enlarged, slowly growing adrenal gland mass with non-specific clinical signs.

Common bile duct obstruction palliated with common bile duct re-implantation (choledochoduodenostomy) in a cat.

A cat was presented with complete biliary obstruction at the level of the distal common bile duct (CBD), with loss of normal architecture. The area was excised and submitted for histopathology. Concurrent cholecystitis and gall bladder necrosis necessitated cholecystectomy. The proximal CBD was preserved and re-implanted adjacent to the original duodenal papilla. The cat recovered and remained asymptomatic for 6 months. At clinical relapse a carcinoma of suspected biliary origin was confirmed, and the cat was euthanized. In situations in which the CBD lumen cannot be re-established, the pathology is limited to the distal CBD, and the gall bladder is not available for cholecystoenterostomy, CBD re-implantation may be an option to salvage and retain a functional biliary tree.

Remédiation d'une obstruction du canal cholédoque par réimplantation du canal cholédoque (cholédochoduodenostomie) chez un chat. Un chat fut présenté avec une obstruction biliaire complète au niveau du canal cholédoque distal (CBD), avec perte de l'architecture normale. La région a été excisée et soumise pour examen histopathologique. Une cholécystite concomitante et une nécrose de la vésicule biliaire ont nécessité une cholécystectomie. Le CBD proximal fut préservé et réimplanté de manière adjacente à la papille duodénale originale. Le chat a récupéré et est demeuré asymptomatique pendant 6 mois. Lors d'une rechute clinique une suspicion de carcinome d'origine biliaire fut confirmée, et le chat euthanasié. Dans des situations où la lumière du CBD ne peut être ré-établie, que la pathologie est limitée au CBD distal, et que la vésicule biliaire n'est pas disponible pour une cholécystoenterostomie, la réimplantation du CBD peut être une option pour sauvegarder et maintenir un système biliaire fonctionnel.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).