Complications and outcomes associated with 13 cases of triceps tendon disruption in dogs and cats (2003-2014).

This study reports data from a larger number of cases of triceps tendon disruption. Records from 10 veterinary referral hospitals between 2003 and 2014 were searched for canine and feline cases diagnosed with triceps tendon disruption, based on orthopaedic examination confirmed during surgery. Long-term follow-up and owner satisfaction were assessed using a questionnaire. There were 13 cases of triceps tendon disruption diagnosed across seven hospitals (nine dogs, four cats). Trauma, history or presence of a wound, surgery in the region of tendon attachment or corticosteroid treatment preceded triceps tendon disruption. Radiographic signs or histopathology suggestive of a chronic tendinopathy was common. All cases underwent surgical repair involving a tendon suture pattern, 12 of which were secured through bone tunnels. Immobilisation was used in all cases in the form of transarticular external skeletal fixation (TAESF) (8/9 dogs) or spica splint (four cats, two dogs; in one dog a TAESF was applied after complications associated with the spica splint). Complications occurred in 11 cases (17 total complications), frequently associated with the immobilisation method. One case had traumatic tendon rerupture two years following surgery. A wound at presentation was associated with the development of multiple complications. Nine cases had long-term follow-up; five achieved normal function, four achieved acceptable function. Despite the complications, overall return to subjective normal or acceptable function, as assessed by the owners, was achieved in the majority of cases.

Evaluation of osteotomy accuracy and rotational and angular alignment for cranial closing wedge ostectomy performed with and without alignment aids.

OBJECTIVE: To (1) investigate the use of K-wires as alignment aids for cranial closing wedge ostectomy (CCWO) and (2) evaluate their effect on osteotomy accuracy and angular/rotational alignment. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric study. ANIMALS: Cadaveric pelvic limbs (n = 20). METHODS: CCWO was performed with and without alignment aids on 20 cadaveric pelvic limbs. CT scans were performed pre- and post-operatively to evaluate tibial torsion and valgus/varus deformity. Digital photographs of the ostectomized bone wedges were used to assess divergence of the 2 osteotomies, and the area of the medial and lateral aspects measured to assess osteotomy angulation within the dorsal plane. RESULTS: Osteotomy divergence angle, the difference between the area of the medial and lateral aspects of the ostectomized wedges, and the difference between the pre- and post-operative angles of valgus/varus deformity were all significantly smaller for the alignment aid group. The difference in pre- and post-operative tibial torsion was not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: K-wires can be used successfully as alignment aids during CCWO and help to create a significantly more orthogonal osteotomy. This allows a significant reduction in the difference between the preoperative and postoperative angles of valgus or varus, which may reduce the risk of developing a clinically important iatrogenically introduced valgus/varus deformity postoperatively.

Ischaemic distal limb necrosis and Klebsiella pneumoniae infection associated with arterial catheterisation in a cat.

This case report describes dorsal pedal arterial thrombosis and infection with Klebsiella pneumoniae subsequent to arterial catheter placement in a cat. The complication led to avascular necrosis of the metatarsal and pedal soft tissue. The catheter was placed for blood pressure monitoring during surgery for correction of a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia. The exact mechanism of thrombosis was unclear. Amputation of the limb was required and the histopathological findings are presented. This is the first report of such a complication.

Evaluation of cut accuracy and cis cortical damage for tibial plateau leveling osteotomy performed with and without aid of a novel saw guide: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare osteotomy orientation relative to the sagittal and transverse planes of the tibia, and cis cortical damage for tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) performed with the following aids: (1) Synthes TPLO jig and saw guide, (2) Slocum TPLO jig with ancillary Kirschner wires (SlocumK), and (3) Slocum jig alone. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro study on Synbone(®) bone models and canine cadavers. ANIMALS: Cadaveric pelvic limbs pairs (n = 30). METHODS: TPLO was performed on 30 Synbone tibias with either the Slocum jig (n = 10), SlocumK (10), or Synthes jig (10). Synbones were analyzed to quantify osteotomy inclination, torsion, craniocaudal positioning, and medial cortical bone damage. Osteotomies were performed on cadaveric tibias and CT reconstruction used to assess the same osteotomy parameters. RESULTS: Significant differences in Synbone tibial osteotomy inclination (P < .001), medial cortical bone damage (P < .001) and craniocaudal osteotomy position (P < .05) were observed between the Synthes and Slocum jigs. CT analysis revealed significant differences in osteotomy inclination (P < .001) and torsion (P < .001). The use of the SlocumK resulted in osteotomies with minimal torsional malalignment however with high levels of metal debris and accelerated blunting of the TPLO blade. CONCLUSION: TPLO osteotomy inclination, torsion, and craniocaudal positioning are improved and the degree of iatrogenic medial cortical bone damage is minimal with the Synthes TPLO jig compared to the Slocum TPLO jig.