Hepatic Lobectomy in the Dog A Comparison of Stapling and Ligation Techniques

The left lateral hepatic lobe was removed in six dogs with a stapling instrument and in six dogs by blunt dissection and ligation. Both techniques were safe and effective. Lobectomy by dissection and ligation was slower and less complete than by stapling. Major intraoperative or postoperative hemorrhage did not occur with either method. Serum chemistry values were elevated after surgery in all dogs but did not differ significantly between treatment groups. Microscopic hemorrhage, necrosis, and inflammation of the lobectomy site were more pronounced after dissection and ligation than stapling.     

Partial Maxillectomy in the Dog Comparison of Suture Materials and Closure Techniques

This study compares the healing of oronasal defects created by partial maxillectomy when closed using two different suture materials and two different suture patterns. In experiment 1, 24 dogs were divided into four equal groups. Partial maxillectomy was performed on each dog and was closed using either a two-layer simple interrupted suture pattern (12 dogs) or a modified Mayo mattress pattern (12 dogs) with either polyglactin 910 (12 dogs) or polypropylene (12 dogs) sutures. On the seventh postoperative day, the dogs were euthanized, suture line bursting pressures were measured, and wound healing was evaluated grossly and histopathologically. Suture line dehiscence occurred in one dog from each of the four groups. These were the only dogs in which electrocoagulation had been used. The healing of suture lines closed with the two-layer simple interrupted pattern was superior to that of those closed with the modified Mayo mattress pattern based on the degree of gross oral ulceration, suppurative inflammation, fibrosis and oral epithelial covering at the suture line, and the number of necrotic sites in the adjacent tissue. The healing of suture lines closed with polypropylene was superior to that of those closed with polyglactin 910 based on suture line bursting pressures and the degree of suppurative inflammation and tissue necrosis at the suture sites. In Experiment 2, partial maxillectomies were performed on four dogs, and closure was achieved using a two-layer simple interrupted suture pattern with either polyglactin 910 (two dogs) or polypropylene (two dogs). On the 30th postoperative day, the dogs were euthanized, and wound healing was evaluated grossly and histopathologically. All suture lines were well healed. All polyglactin 910 oral sutures were absent, while all polypropylene oral sutures were still present.     

Cholecystoduodenostomy in the Dog Comparison of Two Techniques

A mucosal apposition technique for cholecystoduodenostomy was compared to the cutting suture technique. The mucosal apposition technique was easier to perform, less traumatic, and produced a significantly larger anastomotic opening than the cutting suture technique. Eleven of 12 dogs returned to normal activity within 5 days after the mucosal apposition technique. Six of 12 dogs required 10 to 21 days after the cutting suture technique before regaining normal activity. Healing was similar for both techniques. Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were cultured from the gallbladders of both groups postoperatively.
Cholecystograms demonstrated rapid drainage of the biliary system following mucosal apposition. Drainage of the biliary system following the cutting suture technique was slower; gallbladders tended to be irregularly shaped and distended.
Gallbladders rapidly filled with contrast material during upper gastrointestinal barium studies following cholecystoduodenostomy by mucosal apposition. Gallbladders filled more slowly and less completely following the cutting suture technique: drainage of refluxed contrast material was delayed in some dogs.
Serum enzyme elevations (SGPT, SAP) and subclinical periportal inflammation and fibrosis were found following both techniques. Peripheral circulating eosinophil counts were significantly higher in dogs following the cutting suture technique.     

Tracheal Anastomosis in the Dog Comparison of Two End-to-End Techniques

Two techniques for tracheal resection and anastomosis were performed and compared in 20 normal dogs. In one technique, cartilage rings were split circumferentially, and the split rings were apposed with simple interrupted sutures that penetrated the annular ligament. In the other technique, the annular ligaments were incised and apposed with simple interrupted sutures placed through the annular ligament and around the adjacent ring. Endoscopy and xeroradiography were used to evaluate the anastomotic sites at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively. Infection, mucus accumulation, coughing, stridor, or anastomotic separations were not seen. Stenosis of the anastomotic site was observed in 80% of the dogs, due to the intraluminal protrusion of epithelialized fibrous connective tissue. The split cartilage technique was easy to perform and resulted in less dorsoventral stenosis than the annular ligament technique.     

A Comparison of Two Methods of Partial Pancreatectomy in the Dog

Partial pancreatectomy was performed in 9 dogs by dissection and ligation of the pancreatic ductule and blood vessels, and in 10 dogs by a suture fracture technique. The dogs were evaluated for detrimental effects by (1) monitoring clinical signs and serum amylase and lipase activities and (2) examining the excision sites grossly and histologically at necropsy. There were no clinically apparent detrimental effects with either technique. The suture fracture technique evoked more histologic inflammation than the dissection and ligation technique.     

Clinical Techniques: Successful Management of Liver Lobe Torsion in a Domestic Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) by Surgical Lobectomy

This article describes the management of a case of liver lobe torsion in a domestic rabbit, which was presented with lethargy, abdominal pain and a palpable abdominal mass. Laboratory investigations showed anemia, hypoalbuminemia and raised liver enzymes. An exploratory laparotomy revealed torsion and necrosis of the caudate liver lobe. The affected lobe was removed by lobectomy. The rabbit made a rapid recovery and was in good health at a follow-up examination three months later.     

A Comparison of Liver Sampling Techniques in Dogs

Background

The liver sampling technique in dogs that consistently provides samples adequate for accurate histopathologic interpretation is not known.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare histopathologic results of liver samples obtained by punch, cup, and 14 gauge needle to large wedge samples collected at necropsy.

Animals

Seventy dogs undergoing necropsy.

Methods

Prospective study. Liver specimens were obtained from the left lateral liver lobe with an 8 mm punch, a 5 mm cup, and a 14 gauge needle. After sample acquisition, two larger tissue samples were collected near the center of the left lateral lobe to be used as a histologic standard for comparison. Histopathologic features and numbers of portal triads in each sample were recorded.

Results

The mean number of portal triads obtained by each sampling method were 2.9 in needle samples, 3.4 in cup samples, 12 in punch samples, and 30.7 in the necropsy samples. The diagnoses in 66% of needle samples, 60% of cup samples, and 69% of punch samples were in agreement with the necropsy samples, and these proportions were not significantly different from each other. The corresponding kappa coefficients were 0.59 for needle biopsies, 0.52 for cup biopsies, and 0.62 for punch biopsies.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

The histopathologic interpretation of a liver sample in the dog is unlikely to vary if the liver biopsy specimen contains at least 3–12 portal triads. However, in comparison large necropsy samples, the accuracy of all tested methods was relatively low.     

Evaluation of Toenail Blood Samples for Blood Gas Analysis in the Dog

Blood gas values were compared in blood collected from cut toenails and femoral arteries in 50 healthy crossbred dogs that were sedated and allowed to breathe room air spontaneously. Blood samples from cut toenails were collected by microcapillary technique with Natelson tubes. Femoral artery samples were collected by arterial puncture. Blood values for PO2, PCO2, pH, and HCO3 were compared. There was good correlation for pH, PCO2, and bicarbonate, but not for PO2. Microcapillary samples should be collected in 10 seconds or less for the most accurate results. A metal mixing "flea" was unnecessary. When properly handled, the Natelson tube technique provides an alternative method for collection of blood gas samples.     

Comparison of Three Skin Preparation Techniques in the Dog Part 1: Experimental Trial

Premeasured, clipped areas of skin on both sides of 30 adult dogs were prepared with povidone-iodine (PI), chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) with a saline rinse, or 4% CG with a 70% isopropyl alcohol rinse. Skin bacteria were quantified with Replicating Organism Detection and Counting (RODAC) plates and cultured for identification before, immediately after, and 1 hour after skin preparation. The percentages of bacterial reduction immediately and at hour 1 and the percentages of negative cultures, cultures with more than five colony-forming units (CFUs), and skin reactions were analyzed by analysis of variance and chi-square. The percentage of reduction in skin bacteria for all techniques was significant and comparable with that reported in humans. There were no significant differences between PI and CG results except that acute contact dermatitis was observed more frequently after skin preparation with PI. The authors conclude that for similar application times, PI and 4% CG rinsed with saline or 70% isopropyl alcohol are equally effective for up to 1 hour in the preoperative skin preparation of dogs.     

Esophagotomy Closure in the Dog A Comparison of a Double-Layer Appositional and Two Single-Layer Appositional Techniques

Esophagotomies were performed on 36 dogs and closed with 3-0 polydioxanone in double-layer simple interrupted, single-layer simple interrupted, or single-layer simple continuous patterns. The operative time was shortest for single-layer simple continuous closure, followed by single-layer simple interrupted and double-layer simple interrupted, respectively. Three dogs with each suture pattern were euthanatized at hours 0 and 1, and days 4 and 28 after surgery. The esophagotomy incisions were subjected to bursting strength testing and examined microscopically. The bursting wall tension was higher for all three suture pattern groups at 28 days than at 0 and 1 hour. The double-layer closure had higher bursting wall tension than the single-layer closures at 0 hour and 4 days. Single-layer simple continuous closure had the lowest bursting wall tension for each time period. Single-layer simple interrupted closure had the highest bursting wall tension at 28 days. Microscopic examination revealed close approximation of tissue planes for the double-layer closure and mucosal ever-sion for the simple interrupted and simple continuous single-layer closures. Healing was superior histologically with the double-layer closure.     

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.     

A Comparison of Indirect Blood Pressure Monitoring Techniques in the Anesthetized Cat

Objective —To determine the accuracy of three indirect blood pressure monitoring techniques (oscillometric technique [OS], Doppler [DOP], and optical plethysmography [OP] [blood pressure determined with a pulse oximeter waveform]) when compared with direct arterial pressure measurement in cats. Study Design —Prospective study. Animal Population —Eight healthy (five female, three male), domestic short-hair cats, weighing 3.5 ± 0.8 kg Methods —Cats were anesthetized with isoflurane. The inspired concentration of isoflurane was adjusted to produce mild hypotension (80 to 100 mm Hg direct systolic), moderate hypotension (60 to 80 mm Hg direct systolic), and severe hypotension (<60 mm Hg direct systolic). Indirect pressure measurements were obtained from the thoracic limb and compared with concurrent direct measurement using regression analysis and a modification of Bland and Altman's technique. Results —All three techniques underestimated systolic pressure. OS produced the best prediction of systolic pressure with a bias ± precision of -15.9 ± 8.1 mm Hg. DOP and OP were relatively inaccurate with a bias ± precision of -25 ± 7.4 mm Hg and -25 ± 7.5 mm Hg. All three techniques correlated well with direct pressure with r values of 0.81, 0.88, and 0.88 for OS, DOP, and OP. DOP and OP provided an accurate prediction of direct mean arterial pressure with a bias ± precision of -0.8 ± 6 mm Hg and 0.6 ± 5.5 mm Hg. Correlation was good between DOP and mean arterial pressure with r = 0.89. Correlation was also good between OP and mean arterial pressure with r = 0.90. Conclusions —OS provided the most accurate prediction of direct systolic pressure. DOP and OP provided a good prediction of mean arterial pressure in the cat. Clinical Relevance —All three of these techniques are useful for detecting trends. Direct monitoring of blood pressure should be considered if accurate blood pressure measurement is required.     

Butorphanol Tartrate for Partial Reversal of Oxymorphone-Induced Postoperative Respiratory Depression in the Dog

A randomized, blinded, crossover study was designed to evaluate the respiratory, cardiovascular, and behavioral effects of butorphanol given postoperatively to oxymorphone-premedicated and surgically stimulated dogs. Nine healthy adult dogs were premedicated intramuscularly with atropine (0.04 mg/kg), acepromazine (0.10 mg/kg), and oxymorphone (0.2 mg/kg). Anesthesia was induced with thiamylal (12 mg/kg) and maintained with halothane in oxygen. According to the protocol of a concurrent study, all dogs had percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding tubes placed during the first anesthetic episode and removed during the second anesthetic episode. All dogs received postoperatively either butorphanol tartrate (0.2 mg/kg) or an isovol-umetric dose of saline placebo, both given intravenously. Respiratory rate (RR), tidal volume (TV), minute ventilation (MV), end-tidal CO₂ concentration (ET_CO2). heart rate (HR), and indirect diastolic (DP), systolic (SP) and mean arterial (MAP) blood pressures were measured at times 0, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 120 minutes after injection. The time from injection of the test drug until extubation was recorded. RR, MV, HR, and DP were significantly ( P < .05) increased, while ET_co2 was significantly decreased, for a minimum of 30 minutes in butorphanol-treated dogs compared with saline controls. TV, SP, and MAP were transiently (≤15 minutes) increased in butorphanol-treated dogs compared with saline controls. There was no significant difference between the times to extubation in the butorphanol-treated dogs versus the saline control dogs.     

Surgical Technique of Left Lung Reimplantation in the Dog

The instrumentation and technique for reimplantation of the left lung of 6 dogs was described in detail. Thoracic radiographs made during the first 3 postoperative days consistently showed scattered areas of consolidation in the 3 left lung lobes characteristic of alveolar and interstitial infiltrates. Following a peak reaction at 3–5 days postoperatively, the infiltrates gradually resolved at a variable rate and disappeared completely within 2 weeks. All dogs were euthanized 14 days after operation and postmortem examinations were performed. No stenosis was noted in the bronchial, arterial, and atrial anastomoses. Histopathologic examination by light microscopy of lung tissue indicated no abnormalities. Arterial blood gases and pH, and mean pulmonary artery and pulmonary wedge pressures determined immediately prior to euthanasia were within normal limits.