Multiple acquired portosystemic shunts subsequent to traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in a dog.

A 4-year-old castrated male dog was presented because of acute, severe neurologic signs 4 months after a 10-meter fall. Liver enzyme activity was high. Imaging and surgery revealed diaphragmatic hernia, liver entrapment, and multiple acquired portosystemic shunts. Initial recovery indicated improved liver enzyme activity and neurologic status although pancreatitis ultimately ensued.

Shunts porto-systémiques multiples acquis à la suite d'une hernie diaphragmatique traumatique chez un chien. Un chien mâle castré âgé de 4 ans fut présenté à cause de signes neurologiques aigus sévères 4 mois après une chute de 10 mètres. L'activité des enzymes hépatiques était élevée. L'imagerie et la chirurgie ont révélé une hernie diaphragmatique, un coincement du foie et de multiples shunts porto-systémiques acquis. Le rétablissement initial montrait une amélioration de l'activité des enzymes hépatiques et du statut neurologique bien qu'une pancréatite ait finalement suivi.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Complication of an artificial urethral sphincter in the treatment of a urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence.

A 5-year-old, 39-kg spayed female mixed breed dog was treated for urinary sphincter mechanism incompetence with an artificial urethral sphincter (AUS). The dog was continent for 2 months, but then dramatic incontinence abruptly recurred. Imaging indicated that there was a leak in the cuff of the AUS. The AUS was replaced and continence was re-established.

Complication d'un sphincter urétral artificiel dans le traitement d'incontinence due au mécanisme du sphincter urétral. Une chienne de race croisée âgée de 5 ans et pesant 39 kg a été traitée pour de l'incontinence due au mécanisme du sphincter urinaire avec un sphincter urétral artificiel (SUA). La chienne était continente pour 2 mois, mais de l'incontinence dramatique est réapparue soudainement. Un examen par imagerie a montré qu'il y avait une fuite dans le manchon du SAU. Le SAU fut replacé et la continence ré-établie.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Evaluation of a laparoscopically assisted ovariectomy technique in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a laparoscopically assisted ovariectomy (LAO) technique in the cat with a bipolar vessel sealing device (BVSD) or suture ligation and to compare the outcomes to open ovariohysterectomy (OO). STUDY DESIGN: Randomized prospective study ANIMALS: Healthy, adult, sexually intact female cats (n = 30). METHODS: Ten cats were assigned to each group: LAO with BVSD (group A), LAO with ligation (group B), and OO with ligation (group C). Surgical times and complications were assessed. Serum glucose and cortisol were measured prior to surgery and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery. Pain was scored by using an interactive visual analog scale (IVAS) at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 hours after surgery. Rescue analgesia was provided when IVAS score was 4 or more. Physiological and serum values and IVAS scores were compared among groups with area under the curve (AUC) by using a 1-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Surgical time was shortest for group C (19.1 ± 5.2 minutes; P < .0002); there was no significant difference between groups A (27.7 ± 6.6 minutes) and B (33.2 ± 8.2 minutes). All procedures were completed successfully. No significant differences among groups were found in IVAS scores (P = .36), rescue analgesia (P = .22), glucose AUC (P = .53), or cortisol AUC (P = .27). CONCLUSION: The LAO technique was accomplished as described in all cats with no complications or failures. Pain scores were not different from cats undergoing OO. LAO can be performed efficiently to maximize the benefits of minimally invasive surgery and is amenable to clinical practice.

Comparison of surgical time and complication rate of subcutaneous and skin closure using barbed suture or traditional knotted suture in dogs.

This prospective study evaluated the handling, intraoperative and postoperative complication rates of a barbed knotless suture for closure of subcutaneous tissue and skin in 17 client-owned dogs (group A) following a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy procedure. Clinical characteristics, surgical time, and complication rates were compared to a control group of 17 client-owned dogs (group B) with subcutaneous tissue and skin closure using traditional suture material. Signalment was not significantly different between groups and did not have an effect on complication rates. Surgical times were not significantly different for subcutaneous tissue or skin closure between the 2 groups. There were significantly more intraoperative complications in the barbed suture group (A: 4/17; B: 0/17; P = 0.033) but no difference in minor or major postoperative complication rates (minor A: 2/16; B: 1/14; P = 0.626, major A: 2/16; B: 0/14; P = 0.171).

Comparaison du temps opératoire et du taux de complication de la fermeture sous-cutanée et de la peau en utilisant des points de suture barbelés ou des points de suture noués traditionnels chez les chiens. Cette étude prospective a évalué les taux de complication liés à la manipulation, peropératoire et postopératoire des points de suture barbelés sans noeuds pour la fermeture du tissu sous-cutané et de la peau chez 17 chiens appartenant à des clients (groupe A) après une intervention d'ostéotomie de nivellement du plateau tibial. Les caractéristiques cliniques, le temps opératoire et les taux de complication ont été comparés à un groupe témoin de 17 chiens appartenant à des clients (groupe B) avec du matériel de suture traditionnel pour la fermeture du tissus sous-cutanés et de la peau. Le signalement n'était pas significativement différent entre les groupes et n'a pas eu d'effet sur les taux de complication. Le temps opératoire n'était pas significativement différent pour la fermeture du tissu sous-cutané ou de la peau entre les deux groupes. Il y avait significativement plus de complications peropératoires dans le groupe à points de suture barbelés (A : 4/17; B : 0/17; P = 0,033) mais aucune différence pour les taux de complications postopératoires mineures ou majeures (mineure A : 2/16; B : 1/14; P = 0,626, majeure A : 2/16; B : 0/14; P = 0,171).(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Use of skin stretching techniques before bilateral caudal superficial epigastric axial flaps in a dog with severe burns.

This report describes how 2 days of skin stretching facilitated a tension-free closure of single event bilateral caudal superficial epigastric flaps in a dog with severe hindquarter burns. Full healing at all surgical sites with only minor dehiscence and without further treatment or abnormalities of gait or coat regrowth was achieved.

Usage des techniques d'étirement de la peau avant des lambeaux de peau axiaux épigastriques caudaux bilatéraux chez un chien atteint de graves brûlures. Ce rapport décrit comment deux jours d'étirement de peau ont facilité la fermeture sans tension d'un événement unique de lambeaux épigastriques superficiels caudaux bilatéraux chez un chien souffrant de graves brûlures à la cuisse. Une guérison complète a été obtenue à tous les sites chirurgicaux, avec seulement une déhiscence mineure, sans aucun autre traitement ni anomalie de la démarche ou de la repousse de la fourrure.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Quantification and characterization of pleural fluid in healthy dogs with thoracostomy tubes.

OBJECTIVE To quantify and characterize pleural fluid collected from healthy dogs after placement of a thoracostomy tube (TT). ANIMALS 8 healthy Coonhound-cross dogs (mean ± SD weight, 27.2 ± 1.6 kg). PROCEDURES Thoracic CT of each dog was performed before placement of a TT and daily thereafter for 7 days. Thoracic fluid volume was calculated from CT images. Effusion was aspirated when detected; volume was recorded, and cytologic analysis and bacterial culture were performed. RESULTS Mean ± SD volume of pleural effusion detected by CT was 1.43 ± 0.59 mL/kg (range, 0.12 to 3.32 mL/kg). Mean volume collected via aspiration was 0.48 ± 0.84 mL/kg (range, 0 to 2.16 mL/kg). Cytologic analysis yielded results consistent with an exudate, characterized by septic suppurative inflammation in 6 dogs and mixed inflammation in 1 dog; there was insufficient volume for analysis in 1 dog. Sufficient volume was obtained for bacterial culture for 6 dogs, which yielded pure growths of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (n = 3) and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (2) and mixed growth of both of these species (1). The TT was removed before day 7 in 4 dogs because of pyothorax (n = 3) and irreversible damage to the TT (1). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Presence of a TT induced a minimal volume of pleural effusion in healthy dogs. Pyothorax developed in most dogs between 4 and 6 days after TT placement. On the basis of these findings, a TT should be removed by the fourth day after placement, unless complications are detected sooner.

Comparison of intraoperative and postoperative pain during canine ovariohysterectomy and ovariectomy.

This study compared physiologic parameters indicating nociception during surgery and pain scores after surgery among dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy (OHE) and ovariectomy (OVE). Twenty healthy adult female dogs were randomly assigned to either the OHE or the OVE group. Physiologic data collected during surgery included heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure, hemoglobin oxygen saturation, end-tidal CO2 and isoflurane, and vaporizer settings. Postoperative pain was measured using the short form Glasgow Composite Pain Scale, an interactive visual analog scale, and algometry. There were no clinically relevant differences in intraoperative nociception indices between groups. Duration of surgery for OVE was significantly shorter than for OHE (OVE 15.4 minutes, OHE 17.5 minutes, P = 0.04). There was no significant difference between groups in the use of rescue analgesia after surgery, in the average interactive visual analog scale score over the 24-hour postoperative period (P = 0.12), and in algometer readings (P = 0.34).

Comparaison de la douleur peropératoire et postopératoire durant l'ovariohystérectomie et l'ovariectomie canines. Cette étude a comparé les paramètres physiologiques indiquant la nociception durant la chirurgie et la cotation des douleurs après la chirurgie parmi les chiennes subissant une ovariohystérectomie (OHE) et une ovariectomie (OVE). Vingt chiennes adultes en santé ont été réparties au hasard soit au groupe OHE ou au groupe OVE. Les données physiologiques recueillies durant la chirurgie incluaient la fréquence cardiaque, la fréquence respiratoire, la température, la tension artérielle, la saturation en oxygène de l'hémoglobine le PCO2 et l'isoflurane de fin d'expiration ainsi que les réglages du nébuliseur. La douleur postopératoire a été mesurée à l'aide de la forme abrégée de l'échelle de douleur composée de Glasgow, d'une échelle analogue visuelle interactive et de l'algométrie. Il n'y avait pas de différences pertinentes sur le plan clinique dans les indices de nociception peropératoire entre les groupes. La durée de la chirurgie d'OVE était significativement plus courte que celle d'OHE (OVE 15,4 minutes, OHE 17,5 minutes, P = 0,04). Il n'y avait aucune différence significative entre les groupes pour le recours à un analgésique de secours après la chirurgie, dans la note d'échelle visuelle interactive moyenne pendant la période postopératoire de 24 heures (P = 0,12) et dans les lectures de l'algésimètre (P = 0,34).(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Urinary bladder herniation through a caudoventral abdominal wall defect in a mature cat.

A 16-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat with no history of trauma was presented to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine for assessment of urinary incontinence. Diagnostic investigation revealed herniation of the urinary bladder through a caudoventral abdominal wall defect. Clinical signs resolved after surgical reduction of the bladder.

Herniation de la vessie urinaire par un défaut de la paroi abdominale caudo-ventrale chez un chat adulte. Une chatte domestique âgée de 16 ans sans anamnèse de traumatismes a été présentée au Western College of Veterinary Medicine pour l'évaluation de l'incontinence urinaire. L'enquête diagnostique a révélé une herniation de la vessie urinaire en raison d'un défaut de la paroi abdominale caudoventrale. Les signes cliniques se sont résorbés après la réduction chirurgicale de la vessie.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Modified-closed castration: a novel technique for sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) orchiectomies.

A novel surgical technique was used in the routine castrations of two intact male southern sea otters, Enhydra lutris nereis, housed at the Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, Georgia, USA). This technique involved incising the parietal vaginal tunic to allow placement of double ligation of the ductus deferens, testicular artery, and pampiniform plexus en masse. After ligating and transecting these structures, they were introduced back into the tunic, which was closed with a circumferential ligature. The incision site was closed in a routine manner. Both otters recovered well from the procedure. One otter had mild cutaneous dehiscence postoperatively, and the other had no obvious complications. Benefits of this procedure include reduced risk of ligature slippage or loosening and resultant hemorrhage, as provided by the traditional open portion of the castration, and decreased postoperative swelling, as provided by the closed part of the castration. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time this technique has been described for use in sea otters.

Comparison and description of transdiaphragmatic and abdominal minimally invasive cisterna chyli ablation in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To develop, describe, and compare transdiaphragmatic (TD) and abdominal minimally invasive approaches to cisterna chyli (CC) ablation. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Adult dogs (n = 18; weighing, 19.0 ± 0.9 kg). METHODS: With dogs in sternal recumbency, laparoscopic camera and instrument portals were established entirely within the craniolateral aspect of the abdomen (AB) or in combination with a TD camera portal. A popliteal lymph node was injected with methylene blue to provide coloration of the CC in both groups. Once the CC was identified, laparoscopic forceps were used to tear and ablate the CC tissue. Ablation was confirmed by necropsy examination and observation of blue fluid leaking into the peritoneal cavity after injection of the ileocecocolic lymph nodes with methylene blue. After censor of the first 2 dogs in each group, the AB and TD techniques were compared using procedural time and visual analogue scale data of procedure ease, hemorrhage, triangulation efficiency, and adequacy of portal placement. RESULTS: Successful CC ablation was achieved in 7 of the TD group and 5 of the AB group. Failure was because of an inability to identify the CC or tearing of the aorta. Other than a longer procedural time in the TD group, there were no statistical differences identified. Complications encountered during the procedures led to technical refinements. CONCLUSIONS: Both TD and AB minimally invasive approaches can be used to achieve successful CC ablation.