Biomechanical Evaluation of Gastropexy Techniques in the Dog

The relative strength of adhesions created by three different gastropexy techniques in dogs was evaluated two and six months following surgery. Tube gastrostomy formed a stronger adhesion (p>.001) when compared with simple gastropexy and permanent gastropexy two months after operation. In a smaller number of animals examined at six months, no difference in strength was noted between permanent gastropexy and tube gastrostomy.     

Evaluation of Internal Obturator Muscle Transposition in Treatment of Perineal Hernia in Dogs

A technique that utilizes transposition of the internal obturator muscle for repair of perineal hernias was evaluated. Forty-two male dogs were followed for at least one year after surgery. The repair failed in only one animal, a dog with previously operated bilateral hernias. Microangiography demonstrated an adequate blood supply to the transposed internal obturator muscles of two dogs examined at three weeks and three months after surgery.     

Rupture of the Vinculum in Association with Tendon Injury within the Digital Flexor Tendon Sheath in Two Horses

The following report documents an unusual anatomical finding in two cases of aseptic tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath. Disruption of the vinculum attachment between the palmar/plantar border of the superficial digital flexor tendon and the adjacent palmar/plantar annular ligament was identified in combination with other tendon pathology within the digital flexor tendon sheath. This tenoscopic finding has not been described previously in the literature.     

Rostral Mandibulectomy Three Case Reports in Dogs

A rostral mandibulectomy was performed on three dogs with mandibular neopiasia. The technique involves stabilization of the mandibular rami, excision of the mandible rostral to the frenulum of the tongue, and cosmetic closure of the wound. Two patients were living 11 months postoperatively. This technique is effective in treating some malignant neoplasms of the rostral mandible.     

Temporary Bilateral Carotid Artery Occlusion During Surgical Exploration of the Nasal Cavity of the Dog

Surgical exploration of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses of dogs is often necessary to diagnose or treat conditions causing complete or partial nasal obstruction. Hemorrhage may obscure exploration and be detrimental to the patient. Temporary occlusion of both common carotid arteries reduces blood loss and enhances visualization during rhinotomy. Temporary bilateral common carotid artery occlusion was performed on 15 dogs subjected to nasal exploration. No obvious detrimental effects were noted.     

Fractures of the Humerus in Dogs and Cats A Retrospective Study of 130 Cases

Case histories of 130 dogs and cats with humeral fractures were reviewed. The different types of fractures were classified. Most animals with proximal, shaft, and supracondylar fractures had excellent results. The poor prognosis associated with distal articular fractures was due most often to failure of the fixation device in the supracondylar area; best results were achieved with a plate on the caudal and medial surface of the distal humerus.     

A Comparison of Two Surgical Approaches to the Equine Femoropatellar Joint for the Treatment of Osteochondritis Dissecans

The femoropatellar joints of four mature, clinically normal horses were surgically entered by a craniolateral or a lateral approach. Visualization of intra-articular structures was documented for each approach. Horses were euthanized 21, 42, and 63 days after surgery. Joint healing was evaluated clinically, and the joints were subjected to gross pathological and histopathological examination. Healing was by first intention following arthrotomy in six limbs. Skin dehiscence occurred in two limbs with healing by second intention. Subcutaneous seromas developed which resulted in peri-incisional swelling in seven limbs. The lateral approach to the femoropatellar joint provided greater exposure of the lateral femoral trochlear ridge and articular surface of the patella.
Surgery was performed on nine joints of seven clinical patients with osteochondritis dissecans. The craniolateral approach was used on four joints, and the lateral approach was used on five joints. Skin dehiscence occurred following four arthrotomies. Location of the lesion was concluded to be the main criterion for selection of the surgical approach.     

Clinical Experience With Polydioxanone Suture Material

Polydioxanone (PDS™) synthetic absorbable suture material was evaluated in 169 dogs and cats. Sutures or ligatures were used on 446 tissues including 18 contaminated and 16 infected wounds. There was less tissue friction than with polyglycolic acid or polyglactin 910 sutures. The suture tended to kink during placement of continuous suture patterns. There was one wound dehiscence.
Polydioxanone may be used wherever surgical gut, polyglycolic acid, or polyglactin 910 sutures are normally used.     

Femoral Head Fractures Resulting in Epiphyseal Fragmentation Results of Repair in Five Dogs

Five mature dogs with fragmented femoral head fractures were treated. Fracture reduction was accomplished with lagged cortex screws and Kirschner wires or Smilley nails. Results were good or excellent in four dogs. Rigid internal stabilization, early surgical treatment, and reduced activity postsurgically are essential for proper healing of these fractures.     

Static Strength Evaluation of Six External Skeletal Fixation Configurations

The relative strength of six different configurations of external skeletal fixation was determined by subjecting them to axial compression, and shear and torsion forces while measuring the load they would sustain before failing. The double clamp, single connecting bar, double connecting bar, quadrilateral frame, full pin splintage and three- dimensional tent configurations were found to be successively stronger in all three of the tests with the exception of the quadrilateral frame being more resistant to shear force than the full pin splintage configuration.