Surgical repair of thoraco-lumbar vertebral fracture-luxations in eight cats using screws and polymethylmethacrylate fixation.

OBJECTIVE: To report our clinical experience in the surgical treatment of feline thoraco-lumbar vertebral fracture-luxations using optimal safe implantation corridors as previously described in vitro. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and radiographs of cats with vertebral fracture-luxations stabilized by screws and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) using optimal safe implantation corridors between 2009 and 2011 were reviewed. For each patient the data included: signalment, cause of vertebral fracture-luxations, presence of concurrent injuries, pre- and postoperative neurological grade, surgical treatment, imaging findings, and clinical outcome with short-term (2 weeks) and long-term (12 months) follow-up. RESULTS: Eight cats with vertebral fracture-luxations involving the lumbar (L)(n = 5), the thoracic (T) spinal segments (n = 2), or the thoraco-lumbar junction (n = 1) were included in the study. Screws and PMMA were used bilaterally in five cats and unilaterally in three cats. No surgical intra-operative complications using the defined corridors were recorded. Implant failure followed by spontaneous recovery was recorded in one case. Two cats died in the postoperative period (≤ 4 days). The short-term and long-term clinical outcome was excellent in four out of eight cats and satisfactory in two out of eight cats. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This pilot study demonstrates the clinical applicability of optimal safe implantation corridors for stabilization of feline thoraco-lumbar vertebral fracture-luxations with screws and PMMA. This technique can be used with limited risks of iatrogenic injuries for stabilization of vertebral fracture-luxation localized between T11-L4.

Laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs using a single-port multiple-access device.

The aim of this case series was to describe a novel technique of single-incision laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs using the SILS Port (Covidien), a single-port multiple-access device, in 40 client-owned dogs. A single 3 cm incision was made caudal to the umbilicus and the SILS Port device was bluntly introduced. Three cannulae were inserted in the SILS Port through the access channels. In the first 20 cases, a transabdominal suspension suture was used to transfix the ovaries. In all cases, ovariectomy was performed using a standard straight non-roticulated laparoscopic grasper and a vessel sealer/divider device. Mean (sd) duration of the ovarian resection was 25.1 (6.1) minutes (range 16 to 39 minutes). In five dogs (with transabdominal suspension suture), minor bleeding in the mesovarium or in the spleen was observed. Since the SILS Port allows simultaneous use of two instruments and a telescope through a single incision, the suspension suture is not mandatory. The lack of a transabdominal suspension suture increased collision between instruments and the telescope, but triangulation capabilities remained sufficient to achieve visualisation, sufficient manoeuvrability and safe vessel sealer/divider device application. The time to perform ovarian resection remained unaltered with or without suspension suture and regardless of the fat score of the ovarian ligament. Complications were less frequent without a suspension suture.

Minimally invasive video-assisted cervical ventral slot in dogs. A cadaveric study and report of 10 clinical cases.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the feasibility of a minimally invasive video-assisted (MIVA) cervical ventral slot (VS) in dogs without the use of fluoroscopy, and to report our initial clinical experiences in dogs. METHODS: Two surgical approaches to an intervertebral disk space (IVDS) were performed in eight intact canine cadavers to determine the feasibility of MIVA-VS using the Destandau Endospine™ Devicea (DED) without fluoroscopic guidance. In a subsequent clinical study, 10 client-owned dogs admitted for a Hansen type 1 disk extrusion underwent a MIVA-VS. Recorded data in both studies included: incision lengths, correct targeting of the IVDS, technical problems encountered during the procedure, and potential damage to major anatomical structures. In the 10 clinical cases, duration of the procedure and clinical outcome at five and 12 days, and after a minimum of three months were also recorded. RESULTS: Correct exposure of the targeted IVDS was achieved in all cases. There was no major iatrogenic damage. Mean skin incision length was 39 mm and mean surgery time was 52 minutes. The technique provided increased illumination and magnification of the surgical field. Recovery was uneventful in all cases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present study provided evidence that MIVA-VS using the DED was feasible and a relatively fast and safe procedure for the treatment of cervical disk herniation. Advantages of the technique seemed to include shorter incisions, less dissection and improved visibility.