Evaluation of Intestinal Staples for End-to-end Anastomosis of the Small Intestine in the Horse

Segments of jejunum that had been subjected to ischemia 1 month previously were resected en bloc in six horses. Everted end-to-end anastomoses were performed by application of double rows of stainless steel staples. The anastomotic sites were examined at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 8 months postoperatively. All but one of the horses experienced colic at some point after the second postoperative week. At 3 weeks, there was extensive adhesion and stricture formation associated with the anastomoses. With increasing time postoperatively, there were progressively less severe adhesions and strictures. At 6 and 8 months, there was separation of the muscularis with noticeable thinning at the anastomotic site.     

Intraocular and Cardiopulmonary Effects of Low-dose Mannitol in the Dog

Fatal complications have been reported during anesthesia in dogs that received a standard (1–2 g/kg IV) dose of mannitol during intraocular surgery. A lower dose (0.25 g/kg IV), which had been shown to reduce intracranial pressure in humans, was evaluated during halothane anesthesia in dogs. There were no significant changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) or cardiovascular variables. This lower dose (0.25 g/kg IV) did not reduce IOP and would not be of benefit in dogs undergoing intraocular surgery.     

Atrial Fibrillation Associated with Anesthesia in a Standardbred Gelding

A Standardbred gelding was anesthetized on three occasions over a 3 year period. Anesthesia was induced with xylazine and thiamylal on the first occasion, with xylazine, guaifenesin, and thiamylal on the second, and with acepromazine, guaifenesin, and ketamine on the third. Anesthesia was maintained with halothane during each episode. The horse had atrial fibrillation (AF) after induction of anesthesia on the first two occasions. Because arterial blood pressure remained within normal limits during AF and anesthesia, conversion to normal sinus rhythm with quinidine was not attempted. Reversion to normal sinus rhythm occurred within 12 hours of recovery after each of the first two anesthetic episodes. The gelding remained in normal sinus rhythm throughout the third anesthetic period and recovered uneventfully. Potential causes for AF in anesthetized horses are discussed.     

Medial Plating for the Repair of Middle and Distal Diaphyseal Fractures of the Humerus in Dogs

Six middle and distal humeral shaft fractures in dogs were repaired by the application of a bone plate along the medial shaft of the humerus. In all animals, clinical and radiographic evidence of normal bone healing was observed. The bone plate and ancillary implants were removed from five dogs by 10 months. In none of the six dogs were any untoward effects of placing the bone plate along the medial shaft of the humerus detected nor were there any difficulties encountered with the medial humeral soft tissues.     

Induction of Anesthesia Using Diazepam/Ketamine in Dogs with Complete Heart Block A Preliminary Report

Intravenous diazepam and ketamine were used to induce anesthesia in four dogs with complete heart block while cardiac and hemodynamic measurements were made. Immediately after induction there were minor changes in the measured variables. However, 5 minutes after injection, with the dogs supine and mechanically ventilated, cardiac output was reduced 41%. An additional 20 dogs with heart block had uncomplicated induction when this drug combination was used. The combination of diazepam and ketamine appears useful for inducing anesthesia in dogs with heart lesions, although further studies must be done to establish its value in such patients.     

Electrosurgical Arthrotomy and Excision of Soft Tissue Masses in the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Horse

Electrosurgical arthrotomy and excision of infra-articular soft tissue masses from the metacarpophalangeal joint was performed in 12 horses. In six of the 12 horses, osteochondral fragments from the dorsoproximal aspects of the first phalanx were also removed. The electrosurgical scalpel afforded excellent intraoperative efficacy for arthrotomy and relatively bloodless excision of soft tissue masses without the need for a tourniquet. There were no complications associated with healing in 11 of the 12 horses. A retraction technique that used careful positioning of a Langenbeck periosteal elevator relative to the collateral ligaments provided access to both medial and lateral margins of intra-articular masses. With this technique, all masses could be removed through one central arthrotomy incision.     

Pharyngeal Mucoceles in Dogs

Eight cases of pharyngeal mucoceles were diagnosed in 49 dogs with salivary mucoceles over a 7 year period. Five of the eight pharyngeal mucoceles were seen in Miniature Poodles. The presenting complaint in all eight dogs was labored breathing, with or without coughing upon excitement or exercise. Diagnosis was made by aspirating a thick mucoid fluid from the pharyngeal swelling. Treatment consisted of resection of the mandibular and sublingual salivary glands on the affected side and aspiration of the mucocele in all eight dogs, and resection of redundant pharyngeal tissue in five dogs. Time to follow-up ranged from 1.5 to 7.5 years. There were no postsurgical complications or recurrences of the mucocele.     

Scapular Sequestrum in a Horse A Case Report

A 15-year-old Morgan mare presented with a draining tract associated with osteomyelitis and sequestration of the medullary cancellous bone of the right scapula. Moderate lameness and muscle atrophy were present. Partial resection of the lateral cortex allowed exploration and debridement of the medullary cavity of the scapula. The mare returned to soundness, the muscle mass returned, but a small discharging sinus persisted.     

Placement of Multiple Full Pins for External Fixation Technique and Results in Four Dogs

A technique using a third bar and guide clamp was developed to permit reduction and stabilization of distal limb fractures with full pins and two connecting bars, one on each side of the bone. The system uses only single Kirschner clamps. Four distal limb fractures were stabilized using this technique. Closed reduction was used in three dogs to avoid devitalization of fragments and avoid contamination of a closed fracture. The fracture site stability achieved with this configuration allowed early return to weight bearing and rapid bone healing.     

Mechanical Testing and Evaluation of Eight Synthetic Casting Materials

Eight synthetic casting materials were evaluated with respect to tensile and fatigue strengths, exothermicity (evolution of heat during polymerization), permeability (porosity), radiolucency, and cost. Strength determination for a five-layer sample included measurement of the ultimate load at which a material failed, the ability to absorb energy, and the stiffness a material possessed after application of a cyclic stress. Results indicated that Vet Cast was superior with respect to tensile and fatigue strengths. The exothermic reaction associated with the "curing" or polymerization process was evaluated and not considered excessive although Ultra Cast attained a temperature of 48.0°C and was uncomfortable to handle during application. Permeability was determined. Delta Lite and Hexcelite NS were the most permeable materials and dried more rapidly and thoroughly after immersion than the other casting materials. Hexcelite NS was considered the least radiolucent material and was the most expensive material studied. Each of the synthetic casting materials demonstrated superiority in one or more of the categories tested. No one product demonstrated consistent superiority in criteria appropriate for clinical application.