Evaluation of the usage of incisional liposomal bupivacaine as a local anaesthetic for dogs undergoing limb amputation.

BACKGROUND: Bupivacaine lioposomal suspension has recently emerged in the veterinary field for local analgesia. OBJECTIVE: To describe the extra-label administration of bupivacaine liposomal suspension at the incision site of dogs undergoing limb amputation and characterize any complications. STUDY DESIGN: Nonblinded retrospective study. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs undergoing limb amputation from 2016 to 2020. METHODS: Medical records of dogs undergoing limb amputation with concurrent use of long-acting liposomal bupivacaine suspension were reviewed for incisional complications, adverse effects, hospitalization length, and time to alimentation. Data were compared to a control group (CG) of dogs who underwent a limb amputation procedure without concurrent use of liposomal bupivacaine suspension. RESULTS: Forty-six dogs were included in the liposomal bupivacaine group (LBG) and 44 cases in the CG. The CG had 15 incidences of incisional complications (34%) compared to 6 within the LBG (13%). Four dogs required revisional surgery in the CG (9%) whereas none of the dogs required revisional surgery in the LBG. Time from surgery to discharge was statistically higher in the CG compared to the LBG (p = 0.025). First time to alimentation was statistically higher in the CG (p value = 0.0002). The total number of rechecks needed postoperatively revealed the CG having a statistically significant increase in recheck evaluations (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Extra-label administration of liposomal bupivacaine suspension was well-tolerated in dogs undergoing limb amputation. Liposomal bupivacaine usage did not increase incisional complication rates and its use allowed for a quicker time to discharge. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Surgeons should consider inclusion of extra-label administration of liposomal bupivacaine in analgesic regimens for dogs undergoing limb amputation.

Outcome following elective unilateral arytenoid lateralization performed in an outpatient manner is comparable to hospitalization for dogs with laryngeal paralysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes and short-term complications of dogs with laryngeal paralysis treated with unilateral arytenoid lateralization performed on an outpatient versus inpatient basis. ANIMALS: 44 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify dogs that underwent unilateral arytenoid lateralization for the treatment of laryngeal paralysis between 2018 and 2022. Signalment, surgical technique, anesthesia time, comorbidities, laryngeal examination, concurrent procedures, use of prokinetics and sedatives, episodes of vomiting, episodes of regurgitation, duration of hospitalization, postoperative complications, anxiety scores, and pain scores were recorded. Variables were compared between dogs and grouped by outpatient or inpatient management. RESULTS: The overall complication rate was 22.7% (10/44), with 35% (7/20) being in the inpatient group and 12.5% (3/24) being in the outpatient group. The overall mortality rate was 6.8% (3/44). The overall morbidity for hospitalized patients versus those undergoing and outpatient procedure was 5% (1/20) and 4.2% (1/24), respectively. There was no significant difference between overall rate of complications and mortality rates between the inpatient and outpatient groups. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that outpatient management of dogs with laryngeal paralysis treated with elective unilateral arytenoid lateralization is an appropriate method of postoperative management with no difference in complication or mortality rates. Further prospective studies with standardized surgical, sedative, and antiemetic protocols are warranted to evaluate more definitely.

Acellular fish skin grafts for the management of wounds in dogs and cats: 17 cases (2019-2021).

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical outcomes of the use of acellular fish skin grafts (FSGs) for the management of complex soft tissue wounds of various etiologies in dogs and cats. ANIMALS: 13 dogs and 4 cats with complex wounds treated with FSGs between February 2019 and March 2021. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed for information regarding cause, location, size of the wound, management techniques, complications, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: In dogs, the number of FSG applications ranged from 1 to 4 (median, 2 graft applications). The time between each application ranged from 4 to 21 days (median, 9.5 days). Time to application of the first FSG ranged from 9 to 210 days (median, 19 days). Wounds closed by second-intention healing following the first fish skin application between 26 and 145 days (median, 71 days; n = 12). In cats, 1 or 2 FSGs were used, and the wounds of 3 of 4 cats healed completely by secondary intention. The wounds of 1 dog and 1 cat did not heal. There were no adverse events attributed to the use of the FSGs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For dogs and cats of the present study, complete healing of most wounds occurred with the use of FSGs, the application of which did not require special training, instruments, or bandage materials.

Combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy utilizing a 2-port technique in 10 dogs.

A case series was selected retrospectively to evaluate the technique, outcome, and short-term complications associated with a combined laparoscopic ovariectomy (Lap OVX) and laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy (LAG) using a 2-port technique, and to compare it with previously published combined laparoscopic techniques for Lap OVX and LAG in dogs. Medical records of dogs undergoing elective, combined Lap OVX and LAG performed using a 2-port technique between 2017 and 2019 were reviewed. Total surgical time was compared to previously published combined Lap OVX and LAG techniques in dogs. Intraoperative and short-term complications were recorded. Ten dogs [median weight: 29.4 kg (range: 11.4 to 84.1 kg); mean: 37.4] met the inclusion criteria. Median surgical time to complete both the Lap OVX and LAG was 72.5 minutes (range: 47.0 to 120.0 minutes; mean: 77.4 minutes), which was not significantly different than that described in previous studies of combined Lap OVX and LAG (weighted mean average: 67.3 minutes; 95% confidence interval: 46.9 to 87.7, P = 0.3). No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported. It is concluded that a 2-port technique for combined Lap OVX and LAG is feasible, has few complications, and requires similar time to perform compared to other previously published laparoscopic techniques.

Ovariectomie laparoscopique combinée à une gastropexie assistée par laparoscopie en utilisant une technique à deux orifices chez 10 chiens. Une série de cas a été sélectionnée rétrospectivement pour évaluer la technique, les résultats et les complications à court terme associées à une ovariectomie laparoscopique (Lap OVX) combinée à une gastropexie assistée par laparoscopie (LAG) en utilisant une technique à deux orifices, et pour la comparer avec les publications précédentes de techniques laparoscopiques combinées pour Lap OVX et LAG chez le chien. Les dossiers médicaux des chiens soumis à une Lap OVX et une LAG électives combinées effectuées à l'aide d'une technique à deux orifices entre 2017 et 2019 ont été examinés. Le temps chirurgical total a été comparé aux techniques combinées Lap OVX et LAG précédemment publiées chez le chien. Les complications peropératoires et à court terme ont été enregistrées. Dix chiens [poids médian : 29,4 kg (intervalle : 11,4 à 84,1 kg), moyenne : 37,4] répondaient aux critères d'inclusion. Le temps chirurgical médian pour terminer à la fois la Lap OVX et la LAG était de 72,5 minutes (intervalle : 47,0 à 120,0 minutes; moyenne : 77,4 minutes), ce qui n'était pas significativement différent de celui décrit dans les études précédentes sur l'association Lap OVX et LAG (moyenne pondérée moyenne : 67,3 minutes, intervalle de confiance à 95 % : 46,9 à 87,7, P = 0,3). Aucune complication peropératoire ou postopératoire n'a été rapportée. Il est conclu qu'une technique à deux orifices pour la combinaison Lap OVX et LAG est réalisable, comporte peu de complications et nécessite un temps d'exécution similaire à celui d'autres techniques laparoscopiques précédemment publiées.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Comparison of outcomes for single-session and delayed full-thickness applications of meshed skin grafts used to close skin defects after excision of tumors on the distal aspects of the limbs in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes after application of full-thickness, meshed free-skin grafts in single-session versus delayed (staged) procedures after tumor excision from the distal aspects of the limbs in dogs. ANIMALS: 52 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify dogs that received full-thickness, meshed free-skin grafts after tumor excision from the distal aspects of the limbs between 2013 and 2018. Signalment; diagnostic test results; comorbidities; procedure type (single session or staged); tumor characteristics; donor site, recipient site, and size of grafts; concurrent procedures; surgeon; antimicrobial administration; external coaptation type; number of bandage applications; percentage graft survival; graft outcome; postoperative complications; and time to complete healing were recorded. Graft outcome was deemed successful if there was full-thickness graft viability over ≥ 75% of the original graft area. Variables were compared between dogs grouped by procedure type. RESULTS: The number of bandage applications was significantly greater for dogs that had staged versus single-session procedures. Twenty-seven of 30 (90%) and 18 of 22 (82%) skin grafts placed in single-session and staged procedures, respectively, were successful. Percentage graft survival, graft outcome, and complication rate did not differ between groups. All complications were minor. Time to complete healing was significantly longer after staged procedures (median, 51 days) than after single-session procedures (29.5 days). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested both procedure types are appropriate for skin graft placement. The shorter healing time and fewer bandage changes associated with single-session skin graft placement may be beneficial after tumor excision. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Rat model of metastatic breast cancer monitored by MRI at 3 tesla and bioluminescence imaging with histological correlation.

BACKGROUND: Establishing a large rodent model of brain metastasis that can be monitored using clinically relevant magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques is challenging. Non-invasive imaging of brain metastasis in mice usually requires high field strength MR units and long imaging acquisition times. Using the brain seeking MDA-MB-231BR transfected with luciferase gene, a metastatic breast cancer brain tumor model was investigated in the nude rat. Serial MRI and bioluminescence imaging (BLI) was performed and findings were correlated with histology. Results demonstrated the utility of multimodality imaging in identifying unexpected sights of metastasis and monitoring the progression of disease in the nude rat. METHODS: Brain seeking breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231BR transfected with firefly luciferase (231BRL) were labeled with ferumoxides-protamine sulfate (FEPro) and 1-3 x 106 cells were intracardiac (IC) injected. MRI and BLI were performed up to 4 weeks to monitor the early breast cancer cell infiltration into the brain and formation of metastases. Rats were euthanized at different time points and the imaging findings were correlated with histological analysis to validate the presence of metastases in tissues. RESULTS: Early metastasis of the FEPro labeled 231BRL were demonstrated on T2*-weighted MRI and BLI within 1 week post IC injection of cells. Micro-metastatic tumors were detected in the brain on T2-weighted MRI as early as 2 weeks post-injection in greater than 85% of rats. Unexpected skeletal metastases from the 231BRL cells were demonstrated and validated by multimodal imaging. Brain metastases were clearly visible on T2 weighted MRI by 3-4 weeks post infusion of 231BRL cells, however BLI did not demonstrate photon flux activity originating from the brain in all animals due to scattering of the photons from tumors. CONCLUSION: A model of metastatic breast cancer in the nude rat was successfully developed and evaluated using multimodal imaging including MRI and BLI providing the ability to study the temporal and spatial distribution of metastases in the brain and skeleton.