T-plate fixation of distal radial closing wedge osteotomies for treatment of angular limb deformities in 18 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical technique and clinical results of treatment for forelimb angular limb deformities, secondary to premature distal radial or ulnar physeal closure, by using T-plate fixation of a distal radial closing wedge osteotomy in 18 dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 18 client-owned dogs. METHODS: The medical records of 18 dogs that underwent a distal radial closing wedge osteotomy with T-plate fixation for correction of a forelimb angular limb deformity were reviewed. Small pins (Kirschner wires) were used to obtain the appropriate alignment of the antebrachiocarpal and elbow joints and proper limb orientation. In-hospital follow-up evaluation was obtained at the time fracture healing was observed radiographically. Further long-term follow-up was obtained by owner interview. RESULTS: Osteotomy sites were radiographically healed within 4 to 12 weeks (mean, 8 weeks) after surgery in the 14 dogs that returned for in-hospital follow-up. Limb function was graded as good or excellent in all dogs. Long-term follow-up by owner interview rated limb function and cosmetic appearance as good to excellent in all dogs. Plate removal was necessary in one dog 7 months after surgery because of osteopenia in the radius. CONCLUSION: This surgical technique was considered successful in the treatment of angular limb deformities in all dogs. A good to excellent prognosis is to be expected with this technique, with minimal complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of a T-plate for the correction of angular limb deformities has not been previously described in the literature. This technique permits accurate correction of the angular limb deformity and minimizes postoperative complications.

Chylous ascites in cats: nine cases (1978-1993).

Medical records of 9 cats with chylous ascites that underwent exploratory celiotomy were reviewed. In 7 cats, chylous ascites was associated with intra-abdominal neoplasia: 4 cats had an unresectable tumor (hemangiosarcoma, 3 cats; paraganglioma, 1 cat) within the mesenteric root; 2 had malignant lymphoma of the small intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes; and 1 had lymphangiosarcoma of the abdominal wall. In 2 cats, chylous ascites was associated with nonneoplastic diseases: 1 cat had severe biliary cirrhosis and an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt; the other had steatitis caused by vitamin E deficiency. Three cats were euthanatized or died at the time of surgery, and 5 cats were euthanatized within 3 months of surgery. One cat with malignant lymphoma responded well to chemotherapy and lived for 14 months after surgery.

Surgical treatment of thymoma in cats: 12 cases (1987-1992).

Twelve cats with thymoma were treated by surgical excision of the tumor alone. None of the cats received radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Two cats died or were euthanatized during the immediate postoperative period: 1 because of postsurgical hemorrhage, and the other because of an associated fungal pleuritis. None of the remaining 10 cats developed evidence of local tumor recurrence or metastases. Six of the cats were alive after follow-up periods ranging from 6 to 36 months (mean, 21 months; median, 21 months). Three cats were euthanatized 18 months, 32 months, and 45 months following surgery for unrelated problems, and 1 cat died as a result of trauma sustained 62 months postoperatively. Myasthenia gravis developed postoperatively in 2 of the cats.

Correction of mandibular nonunion and malocclusion by plate fixation and autogenous cortical bone grafts in two dogs.

Two dogs were treated for severe malocclusion secondary to segmental defects in the mandibular bodies as a result of nonhealing mandibular fractures. The problems of fibrous nonunions with large fracture gaps, the potential for infection, and the severe malocclusion were addressed in considering definitive surgical correction. The segmental defects in both dogs were spanned by use of autogenous cortical grafts (full-thickness rib segments or full cortical diaphyseal ulnar segments), supplemented with autogenous cancellous graft, and were stabilized with screw-and-plate fixation. Radiographic evaluation of bone healing and graft incorporation was difficult because of the implants, which obscured full observation of the bone graft sites. Successful graft revascularization, determined by 99mradiophosphate localization, was shown in both dogs; fairly uniform isotope uptake was observed throughout the graft sites and was continuous with the recipient bone. Mildly increased uptake was observed at 6 months and at 1 year after surgery and was considered consistent with remodeling associated with fracture healing. Observation of complete graft revascularization within 1 year provided ample evidence that the autografts were incorporated, with sufficient remodeling to characterize bone union.