Extensive small bowel resection in dogs and cats: 20 cases (1998-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To determine outcome in dogs and cats that underwent extensive (ie, > 50%) resection of the small intestine and identify factors associated with outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 13 dogs and 7 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed, and follow-up information was obtained. RESULTS: In all 7 cats and in 8 of the 13 dogs, extensive intestinal resection was performed because of a foreign body. Mean+/-SD estimated percentage of intestine that was removed was 68+/-14% (range, 50% to 90%). Two dogs were euthanized 3 days after surgery because of dehiscence of the surgical site and development of septic peritonitis; 1 dog died of acute respiratory distress syndrome 5 days after surgery. The remaining 10 dogs and 7 cats were discharged from the hospital, and follow-up information was available for 15 of the 17. Median survival time was 828 days, and 12 of the 15 animals for which long-term follow-up information was available had good outcomes. However, none of the factors examined, including percentage of intestine resected, were significantly associated with outcome. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Most dogs and cats that underwent extensive resection of the small intestine had a good outcome. The amount of intestine resected was not associated with outcome. These data may be useful in providing prognostic information in cases of extensive small intestinal resection.     

Evaluation of primary re-excision after recent inadequate resection of soft tissue sarcomas in dogs: 41 cases (1999-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of primary re-excision alone for treatment of soft tissue sarcomas after recent incomplete resection, the frequency and clinical importance of detecting residual tumor in resected scars, and prognostic factors associated with the procedure. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 41 dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical records of dogs that had undergone recent incomplete excision of a soft tissue sarcoma at a referring veterinary practice and subsequent re-excision of the scar at the Colorado State University Veterinary Medical Center were reviewed. Owners and referring veterinarians were contacted for follow-up information. Slides from re-excised specimens were reviewed. Dogs that underwent radiation therapy after the re-excision procedure were excluded. RESULTS: 41 dogs met the inclusion criteria, and long-term follow-up information was available for 39 dogs. Median follow-up time was 816 days. Local recurrence of tumor developed in 6 of 39 (15%) dogs, and distant metastasis occurred in 4 of 39 (10%) dogs. Healthy tissue margins of 0.5 to 3.5 cm were achieved at re-excision. Residual tumor was identified in 9 of 41 (22%) resected scars. No tumor-, patient-, or treatment-related variables were associated with local recurrence except for the presence of liposarcoma or fibrosarcoma or whether fine-needle aspiration had been performed prior to surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: After incomplete resection of soft tissue sarcomas, resection of local tissue should be performed, even if excisable tissue margins appear narrow. A long-term favorable prognosis is achievable without radiation therapy or amputation. The presence of residual tumor in resected scar tissue should not be used to predict local recurrence.     

Preservation versus excision of the ileocolic junction during colectomy for megacolon: A study of 22 cats

From 1984 to 1991, 22 cats with megacolon underwent colectomy by end-to-end anastomosis of the distal colon to either the proximal colon (preserving the ileocolic junction in 14 cats) or to the distal small intestine (excising the ileocolic junction in eight cats). During the postoperative adaptive period, the two groups showed similar stool consistency, and the presence of either anorexia, lethargy, weight loss or diarrhoea with faecal incontinence. During the long term post-operative adaptive period, no significant difference in recurrent constipation was found between the two groups. The overall constipation rate after colectomy was 45 per cent (10 cats), and because of constipation recurrence 18 per cent (four cats) were euthanased, and 18 per cent (four cats) required further surgery. Long term following colectomy, those cats which under-went excision of the ileocolic junction had significantly looser stools than those cats in which the ileocolic junction was preserved. The preservation of the ileocolic junction during colectomy is therefore recommended.     

Outcome of ameroid constrictor occlusion of single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in cats: 12 cases (1993-2000)

OBJECTIVE: To determine postoperative (< or = 6 days), short-term (< or = 90 days), and long-term (> or = 6 months) outcomes of cats undergoing ameroid constrictor occlusion of single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (PSS) and identify factors associated with outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 12 cats. PROCEDURE: Cats with single congenital PSS that underwent surgical placement of ameroid constrictors were identified. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone interviews and facsimile correspondence with referring veterinarians and owners. Results-All cats survived the surgery and were discharged from the hospital. One cat had seizures during the postoperative period. Five cats were clinically normal during follow-up evaluations within 90 days after the surgery. Long-term follow-up information was available for 9 cats. Three were clinically normal, 4 had been euthanatized because of progressive neurologic disease, and 2 had neurologic abnormalities that could not be controlled with medication. Four of 7 cats with continued or recurrent neurologic abnormalities 1 or more months after surgery had normal scintigraphic or hepatic function test results 2 to 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that the long-term outcome of ameroid constrictor occlusion of PSS in cats is poor. Owners of older cats and cats with preexisting neurologic signs should be made aware of the potential for a poor outcome when considering surgical correction of this disease.     

Results of excision of thymoma in cats and dogs: 20 cases (1984-2005)

OBJECTIVE: To provide long-term follow-up information for a series of dogs and cats with invasive and noninvasive thymomas treated by excision alone. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 9 cats and 11 dogs with thymoma. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed. The following factors were analyzed for their effect on prognosis: age of dog or cat, invasiveness of the tumor, percentage of lymphocytes in the mass (percentage lymphocyte composition) on histologic evaluation, and mitotic index of the mass. RESULTS: All patients were treated with excision of the tumor alone. Median overall survival time for the cats was 1,825 days, with a 1-year survival rate of 89% and a 3-year survival rate of 74%. Median overall survival time for the dogs was 790 days, with a 1-year survival rate of 64% and a 3-year survival rate of 42%. Recurrence of thymoma was observed in 2 cats and 1 dog, and a second surgery was performed in each, with subsequent survival times of 5, 3, and 4 years following the first surgery. Percentage lymphocyte composition of the mass was the only factor that was significantly correlated with survival time; animals with a high percentage of lymphocytes lived longer. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of this study indicated that most cats and dogs with thymomas did well after excision. Even cats and dogs with invasive masses that survived the surgery and the few cats and dogs with recurrent thymomas or paraneoplastic syndromes had a good long-term outcome. Excision should be considered an effective treatment option for dogs and cats with thymomas.     

Indications for and outcome of positive-pressure ventilation in cats: 53 cases (1993-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine indications for and outcomes of positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) in cats, document ventilator management, and identify factors associated with outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 53 cats that underwent PPV. PROCEDURE: Information on signalment, history, concurrent diseases, clinical findings, results of venous blood gas analyses and clinicopathologic testing, treatment, ventilator settings, and outcome was retrieved from the medical records. Data for cats that survived were compared with data for cats that died or were euthanatized while undergoing PPV RESULTS: PPV was initiated for management of respiratory failure (36 cats [68%]), cardiac arrest (9 [17%]), neurologic impairment (6 [11%]), and nonresponsive hypotension (2 [4%]). Eight cats (15%) survived, 19 (36%) died, and 26 (49%) were euthanatized while undergoing PPV. Cats that survived had a longer duration of ventilation than did those that died or were euthanatized and had a significantly higher incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Signalment and ventilator settings were not associated with outcome. Cats that had no clinical evidence of pulmonary disease but required PPV because of primary neurologic disease had a higher survival rate (2/6) than did cats that required PPV because of respiratory failure (5/36), cardiac arrest (1/9), or nonresponsive hypotension (0/2). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that the survival rate for cats requiring PPV may be lower than reported survival rates for dogs. Death was attributable to progressive respiratory failure, non-responsive hypotension, kidney failure, or neurologic impairment.     

Intraluminal tracheal stenting for treatment of tracheal narrowing in three cats

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of intraluminal tracheal stenting in 3 cats with either benign or malignant tracheal obstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Three client-owned cats. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed and information regarding signalment, clinical signs, physical examination findings, diagnostic tests performed, treatment, outcome and follow-up were retrieved. Intraluminal tracheal stent placement was performed as previously described in the literature. RESULTS: Three cats received intraluminal tracheal stents for the treatment of tracheal obstruction due to 3 different underlying causes: stricture secondary to traumatic endotracheal intubation, stricture secondary to a previous tracheotomy, and neoplasia. Self-expanding metallic stents of varying sizes were placed, and all cats recovered uneventfully from the procedures. The cat with tracheal neoplasia was euthanized because of pulmonary metastatic disease 6 weeks post-stent placement. The two cats with tracheal obstructions secondary to benign strictures are currently 39 months and 32 weeks post-stent placement, respectively. No complications were noted during the post-stent period in any of the 3 cats. CONCLUSIONS: Intraluminal tracheal stenting was easily, safely, and rapidly performed without complications and resulted in immediate improvement in clinical signs in all three cases. None of the cats in this study developed significant stent-associated complications during the study period. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Intraluminal tracheal stenting has the potential to be a viable option for the treatment of tracheal obstruction in cats and perhaps for similar disease processes in other veterinary patients.     

The use of veterinary cuttable plates for carpal and tarsal arthrodesis in small dogs and cats

The objective of the study was to evaluate, retrospectively, carpal and tarsal arthrodesis in small dogs and cats by using veterinary cuttable plates in 6 animals and comparing those with arthrodesis stabilized with other implants in 9 animals. Veterinary cuttable plates were used for 1 pancarpal, 2 partial tarsal, and 3 pantarsal arthrodeses. Other implants were used to stabilize 1 pancarpal, 6 partial tarsal, and 2 pantarsal arthrodeses. In the veterinary cuttable plates group, complications included 2 cases with pressure sores and 1 case with screw loosening. One animal was lost to follow-up and 4 of the remaining 5 were always weight-bearing. In the other group, there were 2 cases with pressure sores, 1 case with dermatitis, and 2 cases with pin migration. Six out of 9 animals were always weight-bearing. The use of veterinary cuttable plates appears to be a suitable option with a good clinical outcome.     

The surgical treatment of cholelithiasis in cats: a study of nine cases

Nine cats that had surgical treatment for obstructive cholelithiasis were reviewed to evaluate clinical signs, diagnostic test results, and outcome after surgery. Common clinical signs included progressive vomiting (9/9), dehydration (9/9), anorexia (6/9), icterus (5/9), and lethargy (4/9). Five cats had a cholecystectomy performed, one cat had a cholecystotomy, and three cats had a biliary diversion procedure. Four of the cats that had a cholecystectomy had no recurrence of vomiting or anorexia. The majority of cats (7/9) had multiple choleliths, which were radiopaque and most commonly composed of calcium carbonate. Seven cats were diagnosed with cholangiohepatitis, and four of these cats did not need long-term medical therapy. Most cats (7/9) survived long term postsurgery (mean, 21 months; median, 24 months) without additional medical therapy, while the two cats with concurrent hepatic lipidosis died. Cholecystectomy appeared to have low morbidity with good clinical success.     

LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF HYPERTHYROID CATS TREATED WITH IODINE-131

A long-term follow-up study of hyperthyroid cats treated with iodine-131 was conducted at the Texas A&M University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Between January 1985 and December 1990, 255 cats were treated. Basic demographic data, information on treatment, and diseases at the time of diagnosis were recorded. Two hundred and thirty seven cats had long-term follow-up data collected by telephone interviews with the referring veterinarian and/or the owner on outcome of therapy, diseases that developed during the follow-up period and survival. Risk for developing hyperthyroidism was highest for cats greater than 10 years of age. There was no breed predisposition. Neutered cats were slightly over-represented among the cases compared to intact animals. Eighty-five percent of treated cats became clinically normal and remained euthyroid for a median time of 17.5 months. Four percent remained hyperthyroid and 9% became hypothyroid, requiring thyroid hormone supplementation.     

Comparison of two surgical techniques for management of intramural ureteral ectopia in dogs: 36 cases (1994-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To determine outcome associated with intramural ureteral ectopia treated with 1 of 2 surgical techniques (neoureterostomy with ligation of the distal ureteral segment vs neoureterostomy with resection of the distal ureteral segment) and compare results of these 2 techniques in dogs. DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 36 dogs (15 treated with the ligation technique and 21 treated with the resection technique). PROCEDURES: Information was obtained from medical records. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by owner questionnaire. RESULTS: 15 of 21 (71%) dogs in the resection group and 7 of 14 (50%) dogs in the ligation group still had urinary incontinence after surgery. Three of 20 (15%) dogs in the resection group and 4 of 14 (29%) dogs in the ligation group reportedly had multiple episodes of urinary tract infection following surgery. The outcome of surgery was judged to be excellent by the owners of 10 of 18 (56%) dogs in the resection group and 9 of 14 (64%) dogs in the ligation group. No significant differences were found between surgery treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of the present study suggest that although most owners of dogs that undergo surgery for treatment of intramural ureteral ectopia consider the outcome of surgery to be excellent, substantial proportions of dogs will continue to have urinary incontinence and recurrent urinary tract infections after surgery. Findings do not provide any support to the hypothesis that the resection technique is superior to the ligation technique for management of dogs with intramural ureteral ectopia.     

Ventilatory failure, ventilator management, and outcome in dogs with cervical spinal disorders: 14 cases (1991-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of and risk factors for ventilatory failure in dogs undergoing surgery for treatment of cervical spinal disorders and to document ventilator management, clinical course, and long-term outcome of dogs that experienced ventilatory failure in association with cervical spinal disorders or their management. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 14 dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs with cervical spinal disorders that required positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) were identified, and signalment, concurrent diseases, neurologic status at initial examination, clinical course, pulmonary function before, during, and after PPV, management techniques, complications, and outcome were recorded. Dogs that underwent surgery and required PPV were compared with dogs that underwent cervical spinal surgery during the same period that did not require PPV. RESULTS: 14 dogs with cervical spinal disorders required PPV to treat hypoventilation, including 13 of 263 (4.9%) dogs that underwent surgery for cervical spinal disorders. Lesions between the second and fourth cervical vertebrae and treatment by means of a dorsal decompressive laminectomy were associated with a significantly increased risk of perioperative hypoventilation. Pulmonary gas exchange function was normal or nearly normal throughout the course of PPV in dogs that survived. Ten dogs survived, and 9 of the 10 regained neurologic function. All 9 dogs that regained neurologic function had deep pain perception on initial examination at the veterinary teaching hospital. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that a small percentage of dogs with cervical spinal disorders may require perioperative ventilatory support. With prolonged PPV and aggressive management, a good outcome may be achieved in dogs similar to those described in the present study.     

Clinical study of cats injured and killed in road traffic accidents in Cambridgeshire

Data were collected on the injuries, treatment and outcome of 128 cats involved in road accidents and seen as first-opinion cases in veterinary practices in Cambridgeshire. Sixteen cats were dead on arrival; the mortality rate for the remaining cats was 16 per cent. Half of the cats were aged between seven months and two years, with more males than females affected. Most cats had moderate injuries; strays had more severe injuries than owned cats. Areas of the body most often injured were the extremities, head and neck, pelvis and thorax. Skeletal injuries were present in 67 cats and neurological signs in 29. Diagnostic procedures and medical treatment were necessary for the majority of cats; surgery was required in 51 cases. Most cats were hospitalised for between two and seven days and some required up to one month of treatment. The cost of treatment was less than 400 pounds sterling for 84 per cent of cats.     

Outcome of and complications associated with tube cystostomy in dogs and cats: 76 cases (1995-2006)

OBJECTIVE: To determine indications for cystostomy tube use in dogs and cats, complications associated with their use, and outcome of dogs and cats in which cystostomy tubes had been inserted. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 37 dogs and 39 cats. PROCEDURES: Information was obtained from medical records. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by use of a client questionnaire. RESULTS: Indications for cystostomy tube placement were bladder dysfunction, urinary tract rupture, obstructive urinary tract neoplasia, urinary diversion following urogenital surgery, obstructive urolithiasis, and feline lower urinary tract disease. Median time tubes were in place was 11 days, but duration of tube use was significantly longer for animals with bladder dysfunction than for animals with urinary tract trauma, urinary diversion, or urinary tract obstruction. Thirty-seven (49%) animals had tube complications. Development of complications was not significantly associated with species, age, body weight, duration of tube use, or tube type, except that animals were significantly more likely to develop complications following long-rather than short-term use. In 42 animals, the underlying condition resolved and the tube was removed; 22 animals died or were euthanatized with the tube in place. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that cystostomy tubes may be used for animals with various conditions related to problems with urine outflow. Nearly half the animals in the study developed complications related to the cystostomy tube, suggesting that potential complications should be discussed with owners prior to tube placement. However, most complications were easily resolved.     

Retrospective study of 28 cases of cholecystoduodenostomy performed using endoscopic gastrointestinal anastomosis stapling equipment

Medical records were reviewed of 24 dogs and four cats that underwent cholecystoduodenostomy to relieve extrahepatic biliary obstruction. These procedures had been performed using a 30-mm endoscopic gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler. At presentation, most animals had clinical signs of vomiting and anorexia, and total bilirubin was elevated in both dogs (n=21) and cats (n=4). Pancreatitis (n=13), cholangiohepatitis (n=7), and neoplasia (n=6) were the most common underlying conditions. Sixteen dogs and two cats survived to their 2-week reevaluation. The most common cause of death was euthanasia (n=9) secondary to neoplasia (n=4), peritonitis (n=3), or respiratory arrest (n=2).     

Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration of Focal Parenchymal Lesions of the Lung in Dogs and Cats

Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the lung was performed on 16 dogs and 3 cats with consolidated pulmonary lesions or masses identified on thoracic radiographs. The cytologic results from the FNA were confirmed by histopathology, response to treatment, or microscopic identification of Blastomyces organisms. Neoplasia was identified correctly by FNA cytology in 10 of 11 animals, and no false positive results occurred, yielding a positive predictive value of 100%. Of 8 animals with infectious disease, 5 of 6 had blastomycosis and 1 had a bacterial infection, based on cytologic evaluation. Eight animals required sedation for the procedure, and none had clinical complications. We conclude that ultrasound-guided FNA of pulmonary mass lesions is an inexpensive, safe, and accurate method for diagnosing blastomycosis or neoplasia, especially carcinomas, in dogs and cats.     

Procarbazine as adjunctive therapy for treatment of dogs with presumptive antemortem diagnosis of granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis: 21 cases (1998-2004)

BACKGROUND: Granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME) is an idiopathic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Remission often is short-lived in dogs treated with glucocorticoids. Procarbazine is T cell-specific and crosses the blood-brain barrier. HYPOTHESIS: Dogs with presumptive antemortem diagnosis of GME given procarbazine as adjunctive therapy to prednisone will have improved long-term outcome compared with dogs given no treatment or glucocorticoids alone. ANIMALS: Two groups were studied: (1) Dogs with presumptive antemortem diagnosis of GME treated with procarbazine and prednisone (n = 21); (2) Dogs that had a histologic diagnosis of GME at postmortem examination and received no treatment (n = 11). METHODS: Dogs with presumptive GME treated with procarbazine were identified retrospectively from medical records of 2 veterinary referral hospitals. Selection criteria required all dogs have a neurologic examination, blood work, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and brain imaging (MRI or CT). RESULTS: Median survival time for all dogs studied was 5.0 months. Median survival time for dogs treated with procarbazine was 14.0 months and for untreated dogs, 0.73 months. Treatment with procarbazine was significantly correlated with survival time (P < .001). Procarbazine was the only independent predictor of survival. Prednisone was reduced in dosage or discontinued in 17 dogs. Adverse reactions to procarbazine therapy included myelosuppression in 7 dogs and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in 3 dogs. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that procarbazine treatment of presumptive GME may result in greater improved long-term outcome than has been previously reported for glucocorticoid treatment alone and may complement other immunomodulatory therapies. Procarbazine-treated dogs must be monitored for adverse reactions.     

Surgical and nonsurgical management of and selected risk factors for spontaneous pneumothorax in dogs: 64 cases (1986-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To compare results of surgical versus nonsurgical treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 64 dogs with pneumothorax without any history of antecedent trauma. PROCEDURE: Information on signalment, thoracic radiographic findings, treatment, histologic findings, and outcome was obtained from the medical records. Signalment of affected dogs was compared with signalment of a control population of 260 dogs examined by the emergency service for reasons other than pneumothorax during the study period. RESULTS: Siberian Huskies were overrepresented in the case population, compared with the control population of dogs examined by the emergency service for other reasons. Twenty-eight dogs were treated without surgery (ie, thoracocentesis or tube thoracostomy with or without cage rest), and 36 were treated with surgery. Information regarding final outcome was available for 33 dogs treated with surgery (median follow-up time, 485 days) and 15 dogs treated without surgery (median follow-up time, 366 days). Dogs that underwent surgery had significantly lower recurrence (1/30) and mortality (4/33) rates, compared with dogs treated without surgery (6/12 and 8/15, respectively). A definitive diagnosis was obtained for 38 dogs, including 34 of 36 dogs undergoing surgery; 26 had bullous emphysema and 4 had neoplasia. Two dogs developed spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to migration of plant foreign bodies. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that recurrence and mortality rates for dogs with spontaneous pneumothorax managed surgically were significantly lower than rates for dogs managed by nonsurgical means alone. Early surgical intervention is recommended for definitive diagnosis and treatment of dogs with spontaneous pneumothorax.     

SnakeMap: four years of experience with a national small animal snake envenomation registry

SnakeMap is a national cloud-based, veterinary snakebite registry. It was designed to prospectively collect data of the clinical circumstances and temporospatial information on cases of snake envenomation in dogs and cats. We herein introduce the project and summarise the data from the first 4 years of SnakeMap. The registry is a veterinary community-based online database allowing case entry from veterinary hospitals across Australia. Registry data comprise hospital characteristics, patient characteristics, envenoming snake type, treatment and outcome variables, including time and geolocation of the snake bite. We present summative information on select key variables from the SnakeMap registry (1 July 2015 to 30 June 2019). Twenty-eight hospitals from 6 states/territories entered 624 cases into the registry, including 419 dogs (67%) and 205 cats (33%). Bite time was available in 216 animals of which 90 (42%) were reported to be bitten in the 3 hours between 03:00 pm and 05:59 pm; median bite to presentation interval was 60 (interquartile range [IQR] 30, 211) minutes in dogs and 95 (IQR 41, 238) minutes in cats. Bites occurred in the owner's yard in 356 dogs (85%) and 53 cats (26%). A snake venom detection kit was used in 172 cases (28%) and antivenom was administered in 523 cases (85%). Most animals (n = 534, 88%) survived to discharge (median hospitalisation of 25 [IQR 16, 62] hours). SnakeMap effectively collects relevant clinical data from dogs and cats with presumed snake bite and provides locally specific information on the epidemiology of snake envenomation in small animals.     

Lung Resection Using Surgical Staples in Dogs and Cats

Thirty seven dogs and cats were subjected to lobectomy, partial lobectomy, or pneumonectomy using stapling equipment. The most common indication was neoplasia. No operative, perioperative, or long-term deaths could be attributed to the use of staples: complications were minimal. Staple resection was believed to be safe, fast, and efficient for removal of various segments of canine and feline lung.