Comparison of two surgical techniques for the management of cervical spondylomyelopathy in dobermanns

A study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of two surgical techniques for the treatment of caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy (CCSM): ventral decompression (slot) and vertebral distraction and stabilisation with a screw and washer (screw/washer). Twenty-eight dobermanns managed surgically for disc-associated CCSM during a four-year period were studied retrospectively. The maximum postoperative period was 40 months. Cases were excluded if a minimum follow-up of 24 months after surgery could not be made. A 'slot' took a longer time to perform and had a higher rate of immediate postoperative deterioration. Duration of hospital stay was similar for both procedures. At six months after surgery the two techniques were comparable; 12/14 (screw/washer) and 13/14 (slot) patients were deemed to have a satisfactory outcome. Recurrence of cervical spinal cord disease was higher in the screw/washer dogs. At one year after surgery the recurrence rate was zero (slot) and 5/14 (screw/washer), respectively. At two years after surgery 4/14 of the slot dogs had deteriorated compared to 7/14 of the screw/washer dogs. Where Investigated, the cause of deterioration was either a domino disc lesion or vertebral endplate collapse and dorsal displacement of the screw and washer.     

Surgical and immediate post-release mortality of harlequin ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) implanted with abdominal radio transmitters with percutaneous antennae.

Radiotelemetry is an essential tool in the study of free-ranging bird populations, and a variety of transmitter-attachment methods have been developed. A promising new method is abdominal implantation of a transmitter with a percutaneous antenna. Researchers using this technique should be concerned about and aware of mortality during surgery and during the immediate post-release period (the 14-day period following surgery). Of 307 radio-implant surgeries performed between 1995 and 1997 in harlequin ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus), 7 (2.3%) deaths were documented during surgery or anesthetic recovery. Of 295 birds released with implanted radios, 10 (3.4%) died during the immediate post-release period. Modifications to anesthetic procedures used in the 204 surgeries performed in 1996 and 1997 reduced mortality to 1.5% during surgery and 1.5% during the immediate post-release period. Anesthetic modifications included intubation of all birds, placement of birds on an elevated platform that allowed the head to rest at a level lower than the body during surgery, placement of a heated water blanket under the birds during surgery, monitoring of body temperature, and use of electrocardiogram and Doppler ultrasound to monitor heart rates and arrhythmias. Low levels of mortality associated with abdominal implantation of radio transmitters may be unavoidable, but mortality can be minimized with adjustments to anesthetic technique.     

Surgical Repair of Mid‐body Proximal Sesamoid Bone Fractures in 25 Horses

Objective— To describe the characteristics of unilateral mid‐body proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) fractures, to determine factors associated with the outcome of horses after surgical repair, and to describe a technique for arthroscopically assisted screw fixation in lag fashion. Study Design— Retrospective case series. Animals— Horses (n=25) with unilateral mid‐body PSB fracture. Methods— Medical records (1996–2006), radiographs, and arthroscopic videos of horses with surgically repaired unilateral mid‐body PSB fractures were reviewed. Retrieved data included signalment, affected limb and PSB, fracture characteristics, and surgical technique. Outcome was established by radiographic assessment of healing and race records; categorical data were analyzed using Fisher's Exact test. Results— Medial forelimb PSBs were most commonly affected (80%). Surgical technique and degree of reduction were significantly associated with outcome; 44% of horses with screw repair and none of the horses with wire fixation raced (P=.047). Factors that may have influenced this outcome were differences in fracture reduction (improved reduction in 22% wire repairs and 88% screw repairs, P=.002) and use of external coaptation (22% wire repair and 88% lag screw repair, P=.002). None of the horses with unimproved reduction raced after surgery. Conclusions— Only 28% of horses with mid‐body PSB fractures raced after surgery. Compared with wire fixation, screw fixation in lag fashion resulted in good reduction and is seemingly a superior repair technique. Clinical Relevance— For mid‐body PSB fractures, arthroscopically assisted screw fixation in lag fashion and external coaptation for anesthesia recovery and initial support provides the best likelihood of return to athletic use.     

A lag-screw technique for bridging of the medial aspect of the distal tibial physis in horses

A lag-screw technique for transphyseal bridging of the medial aspect of the distal tibial physis in foals with tarsal valgus deformities and results of the technique in 11 foals (6 with bilateral tarsal valgus deformities and 5 with unilateral tarsal valgus deformities) are described. Briefly, horses were anesthetized, and a single stab incision was made through the skin to the underlying bone over the most distal aspect of the medial malleolus. A 20-gauge needle was placed in the incision to guide screw placement, and a lag screw was inserted parallel to the medial cortex of the tibia under radiographic guidance. Screws were removed when the tarsal valgus deformity was clinically assessed to have improved by at least 80%. Clinically, all horses had evidence of a tarsal valgus deformity of > 7 degrees prior to surgery. Mean age at the time of lag-screw implanation was 220 days (range, 116 to 364 days). Mean time the implant was in place was 62 days (range, 39 to 89 days). The tarsal valgus deformity resolved in all 11 horses with excellent cosmetic results.     

Comparison of computer assisted surgery with conventional technique for treatment of abaxial distal phalanx fractures in horses: an in vitro study

Objective— To (1) evaluate and compare computer-assisted surgery (CAS) with conventional screw insertion (conventional osteosynthesis [COS]) for treatment of equine abaxial distal phalanx fractures; (2) compare planned screw position with actual postoperative position; and (3) determine preferred screw insertion direction.
Study design— Experimental study.
Sample population— Cadaveric equine limbs (n=32).
Methods— In 8 specimens each, a 4.5 mm cortex bone screw was inserted in lag fashion in dorsopalmar (plantar) direction using CAS or COS. In 2 other groups of 8, the screws were inserted in opposite direction. Precision of CAS was determined by comparison of planned and actual screw position. Preferred screw direction was also assessed for CAS and COS.
Results— In 4 of 6 direct comparisons, screw positioning was significantly better with CAS. Results of precision analysis for screw position were similar to studies published in human medicine. None of evaluated criteria identified a preferred direction for screw insertion.
Conclusion— For abaxial fractures of the distal phalanx, superior precision in screw position is achieved with CAS technique compared with COS technique.
Clinical Relevance— Abaxial fractures of the distal phalanx lend themselves to computer-assisted implantation of 1 screw in a dorsopalmar (plantar) direction. Because of the complex anatomic relationships, and our results, we discourage use of COS technique for repair of this fracture type.     

A single screw technique compared to a two screw and wire technique as a temporary transphyseal bridge for correction of fetlock varus deformities

A single screw technique is described as a temporary transphyseal bridge for the treatment of fetlock varus angular limb deformity in foals. This has been compared to tension band wiring with regards to rate of correction, cosmetic result and incidence of complications. The single screw was found to be an effective technique resulting in more rapid improvement of deviations in foals aged up to 5 months. Complications were minimal following both techniques and the final cosmetic result was better following single screw surgery.     

Vertebral distraction-fusion for cervical spondylopathy using a screw and double washer technique

A technique using two interbody washers and a transvertebral screw was utilised to distract the cervical vertebrae and so decompress the spinal cord in 17 dobermann pinschers and three great danes with cervical spondylopathy. Neurological dysfunction was graded (1 to 5) according to the degree of hindlimb ataxia. Myelography showed evidence of spinal cord compression at C6-7 in all dogs and at C5-6 in six dogs. Twenty-three compressive lesions were reduced when traction was applied to the cervical spine. Seventeen dogs improved following surgery and of these 10 improved by two or more grades. Follow-up radiographic studies indicated resorption of end-plate bone and eventual fusion of the vertebral bodies. Displacement of the screw into the vertebral canal, remodelling of the vertebral canal, fracture of C6 ventral spinous process and breakage of the screw were implant associated complications. The distraction-fusion technique with modifications appears to be an effective procedure for the management of cervical spondylopathy in dogs in which the compressive lesion is soft tissue in nature.     

Computer-assisted surgery for screw insertion into the distal sesamoid bone in horses: an in vitro study

OBJECTIVE: To compare the precision of computer-assisted surgery with a conventional technique (CV) using a special guiding device for screw insertion into the distal sesamoid bone in horses. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cadaveric forelimb specimens. METHODS: Insertion of a 3.5 mm cortex screw in lag fashion along the longitudinal axis of intact (non-fractured) distal sesamoid bones was evaluated in 2 groups (8 limbs each): CV and computer-assisted surgery (CAS). For CV, the screw was inserted using a special guiding device and fluoroscopy, whereas for CAS, the screw was inserted using computer-assisted navigation. The accuracy of screw placement was verified by radiography, computed tomography, and specimen dissection. RESULTS: Surgical precision was better in CAS compared with CV. CONCLUSION: CAS improves the accuracy of lateromedial screw insertion, in lag fashion, into the distal sesamoid bone. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The CAS technique should be considered for improved accuracy of screw insertion in fractures of the distal sesamoid bone.     

Feline Ilial Fractures: A Prospective Study of Dorsal Plating and Comparison with Lateral Plating

Objective— To (1) report a technique for repair of feline ilial fractures using a dorsally applied bone plate and (2) compare outcome with cats treated by a lateral plate.
Study Design— Prospective study.
Animals— Cats (n=10) with iliac fractures.
Methods— Cats with ilial fractures (January 2005–December 2006) were treated by application of a dorsally applied bone plate. Immediate postoperative radiographs were compared with those taken 4–6 weeks later to assess screw loosening, screw purchase, and pelvic canal narrowing. Owners were contacted for medium-term (>3 month) follow-up. Data were compared with a report of outcome after lateral plating (LP) in 21 cats.
Results— Mean (± SD) screw purchase (89 ± 11 mm) was significantly greater ( P <.01) with a dorsal plate compared with a lateral plate (33 ± 8 mm). Significantly more screws ( P <.01) were used with a dorsal plate (median, 7) compared with a lateral plate (median, 6). Significantly less postoperative pelvic canal narrowing developed in the dorsal plating group between postoperative and 4–6-week follow-up radiography compared with the LP group (2% versus 15%, P <.01).
Conclusion— Dorsal plating of feline ilial fractures results in significantly less screw loosening and pelvic canal narrowing at 4–6 weeks after surgery compared with LP.
Clinical Relevance— Dorsal plating of feline iliac fractures may reduce complications associated with pelvic canal narrowing such as constipation and megacolon.     

Y-T humeral fractures with supracondylar comminution in five cats

Five cats with Y-T fractures of the humeral condyle were reviewed. Breeds presented included domestic shorthair (four cats) and Maine Coon (one cat). Age ranged from two to 16 years. All the cats were neutered males. A road traffic accident was suspected in all cases. Four of the fractures were severely comminuted and one fracture had four fragments. The fractures were repaired via combined medial and lateral approaches. Fixation of the epicondylar ridges was performed using buttress plates in four cases and neutralisation plates in one case. The intracondylar fracture was stabilised using a 2.7 mm lag screw in four cases and a 3.5 mm lag screw in the other. A corticocancellous bone graft was applied in two cases. The intracondylar fracture was accurately reduced in all cases. Complete radiographic healing was documented in two cases 6 and 11 weeks following surgery. Failure of the fixation occurred in the most severely comminuted fracture five days postoperatively. Surgical revision was not performed, and the limb was amputated. Three cats were free of lameness and had resumed outdoor activities at follow-up (five to eight months after surgery). Marked lameness due to loss of elbow movement was observed in the other case.     

Closed Reduction and Lag Screw Fixation of Sacroiliac Luxations and Fractures

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for closed reduction and percutaneous insertion of a lag screw for fixation of sacroiliac fracture-luxations, and to report the success of this technique in stabilizing sacroiliac fracture-luxations. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective clinical study. STUDY POPULATION: 13 consecutive client-owned dogs with sacroiliac fracture-luxations. METHODS: Sacroiliac fracture-luxations were stabilized by using a closed reduction and percutaneous lag screw fixation technique. Preoperative, postoperative, and last re-examination radiographs were used to assess the location and number of pelvic injuries, other orthopedic injuries, percent reduction of the sacroiliac joint, percent sacral width screw depth, position of the screw, pelvic canal diameter ratio, hemipelvic canal width ratio, and complications. Information on signalment, weight, weight-bearing status, neurologic status, and complications was obtained from the medical record. RESULTS: Mean percent reduction of the sacroiliac joint was 92.33%. All screws were placed within the sacral body with a mean screw depth/sacral width of 79.03%. No screw loosening occurred. Mean pelvic canal diameter ratios were 0.99, 1.20, and 1.14 preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at the last re-examination, respectively. Nine of 13 dogs were willing to walk on the ipsilateral rear leg the day after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Closed reduction and percutaneous insertion of a lag screw for stabilization of fracture-luxation of the sacroiliac joint is an acceptable method of repair. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Sacroiliac fracture-luxations can be successfully reduced and stabilized using a minimally invasive technique.     

Open reduction of sacral fractures using transarticular implants at the articular facets of L7-S1: 8 consecutive canine patients (1995-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate facet stabilization as an aid for open reduction and fixation of sacral fractures. STUDY DESIGN: A clinical case series. STUDY POPULATION: Eight consecutive client-owned dogs with sacral fractures. METHODS: A combination of a standard lateral approach to the ilium and a dorsal approach to the articular facets of L7-S1 was performed. The articular facets were reduced and stabilized with a Kirschner wire or a combination of a Kirschner wire and a cortical screw. Primary stabilization of the sacrum was then accomplished using a cortical screw inserted from the lateral aspect of the ilium, through the sacral fracture into the body of the sacrum. Accuracy of reduction, position of the implants, percent screw depth/sacral width, pelvic canal diameter ratio, and complications were assessed using radiographs and physical examination. RESULTS: Mean sacral fracture reduction was 91% immediately after surgery, and was 87% when measured at follow-up examinations. Mean screw depth/sacral width was 66%. Mean pelvic canal diameter ratio was 1.12 postoperatively and 1.03 at the 4- to 6-week reevaluation. Six of the 8 dogs were using the leg well 10 to 12 days after surgery; none had clinically detectable neurologic deficits. The long-term (mean, 2.7 years) outcome for these dogs was good (normal to grade I lameness). CONCLUSION: Fixation of the L7-S1 facet joints facilitates repair of sacral fractures.     

"Emergency splitting" of the teat canal--a therapeutic procedure in case of concurrent occurrence of acute thelitis and severe mastitis

In case of concurrent acute thelitis and severe mastitis, an immediate surgery of the stenosis ("emergency splitting") might be justified in order to improve milkability as a prerequisite for the removal of pathological milk secretion and therapy, successful mastitis therapy. The aim of this study was to compare the milkability and the clinical cure rate of mastitis between Group A (n = 19, cows with stenosis, thelitis and mastitis) and Group B (n = 19, cows with stenosis, with or without clinical mastitis, but without acute thelitis) following surgery of the papillary duct using a cutting instrument (Danish cannula model with a double cutting edge). In most cases, milkability was restored at the end of the treatment in both groups (Group A: 89.5%; Group B: 100%). In this time period nine of 19 quarters with mastitis in Group A were clinically cured (47%). Six month after the surgery, the animal owners considered the milkability as very good in 70% and 72% of the cases in Group A and Group B, respectively. However, "emergency splitting" led to a more intensive and longer postsurgical treatment. The average duration of total treatment (day of surgery plus 6 days of obligate postsurgical treatment plus additional treatment days) was 7.4 and 6.7 days in Group A and Group B, respectively. Furthermore, the higher expenditure was due to the more costly mastitis therapy. During the six month following surgery, only one cow of Group A had to be culled due to persistent mastitis and two cows because of insufficient milkability.     

Evaluation of Closed Reduction and Screw Fixation in Lag Fashion of Sacroiliac Fracture‐Luxations

Objective— To evaluate outcome by radiographic assessment after closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation in lag fashion of sacroiliac fracture‐luxations in dogs. Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals— Dogs (n=24) with sacroiliac fracture‐luxations. Methods— Medical records (1999–2006) and radiographs of 24 dogs (29 fracture‐luxations) that had stabilization of sacroiliac fracture‐luxation by fluoroscopic‐guided closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation in lag fashion were reviewed. Signalment, body weight, number, and location of all concurrent injuries and implants used for repair were recorded. Radiographs were used to evaluate the accuracy of screw placement in the sacral body, screw depth/sacral width ratio, reduction of the sacroiliac joint, pelvic canal diameter, and hemipelvic canal width. Radiographic re‐examination (range, 4 to >8 weeks postoperatively) was available for evaluation. Results— Mean screw depth/sacral width ratio on immediate postoperative and re‐examination radiographs was 64% and 61%, respectively. Mean percentage reduction of the sacroiliac joint on immediate postoperative and re‐examination radiographs were 91% and 87%, respectively. Pelvic canal diameter ratio demonstrated successful restoration of the pelvic canal. Hemipelvic canal width ratio documented successful closed reduction repair independent of concurrent pelvic injuries. Conclusion— Successful repair of sacroiliac fracture‐luxations, determined by radiographic assessment, can be achieved by fluoroscopic‐guided closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation in lag fashion. Clinical Relevance— Fluoroscopic‐guided closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation in lag fashion of sacroiliac fracture‐luxations is a minimally invasive technique that restores and maintains pelvic canal dimensions and should be considered as an alternative to open reduction or nonsurgical management of sacroiliac fracture‐luxations.     

Surgical treatment of perineal hernia in the dog

In a nine-year period 101 dogs which were available for subsequent follow-up studies, were subjected to perineal hernia surgery. In thirty-six dogs the hernia was bilateral and, therefore, 137 hernias were initially operated. In 111 operations the standard perineal technique was adopted. In twenty-six operations the superficial gluteal muscle was reflected and sutured into the hernial defect (‘gluteal flap’). Later, following recurrence of hernia or new development on the second side, a further sixteen operations were done, including three anal splitting procedures. In all cases the deep sutures were of monofilament nylon. A post-operative follow-up was carried out for a minimum period of 12 (average 39) months. The operative and post-operative complications included superficial and deep wound infection, partial or complete sciatic paralysis, rectal prolapse and recurrence of the hernia following breakdown of the repair, as well as occurrence of the hernia on the opposite side. The success rate (75 per cent excluding six immediate post-operative fatalities) judged by remission of signs and lack of recurrence was higher in the standard technique (81 per cent) than the gluteal flap method (64 per cent). Anal splitting was unsuccessful and resulted in faecal incontinence. The standard technique was slow, sometimes gave limited exposure but was rarely associated with wound breakdown (13 per cent of operations), though sciatic paralysis was only noted in this procedure. The gluteal flap method was longer, gave excellent exposure with no risk of sciatic nerve damage, but was often associated with wound breakdown (58 per cent). Both techniques led sometimes to rectal prolapse. Castration with hernial repair resulted in a lower recurrence rate (13 per cent v. 20 per cent). Castration should be carried out in all cases of perineal hernia.     

Comparison of computer-assisted surgery with conventional technique for the treatment of axial distal phalanx fractures in horses: an in vitro study

OBJECTIVES: To compare the precision obtained with computer-assisted screw insertion for treatment of mid-sagittal articular fractures of the distal phalanx (P3) with results achieved with a conventional technique. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Thirty-two cadaveric equine limbs. METHODS: Four groups of 8 limbs were studied. Either 1 or 2 screws were inserted perpendicular to an imaginary axial fracture of P3 using computer-assisted surgery (CAS) or conventional technique. Screw insertion time, predetermined screw length, inserted screw length, fit of the screw, and errors in placement were recorded. RESULTS: CAS technique took 15-20 minutes longer but resulted in greater precision of screw length and placement compared with the conventional technique. CONCLUSION: Improved precision in screw insertion with CAS makes insertion of 2 screws possible for repair of mid-sagittal P3 fractures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CAS although expensive improves precision in screw insertion into P3 and consequently should yield improved clinical outcome.     

Clinical evaluation of a titanium, headless variable-pitched tapered cannulated compression screw for repair of frontal plane slab fractures of the third carpal bone in thoroughbred racehorses

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical evaluation of third carpal bone (C3) frontal plane slab fracture repair with the Acutrak screw system. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Racing Thoroughbreds (n=17) with frontal C3 slab fractures. METHODS: C3 slab fractures in Thoroughbred racehorses (1999-2004) were repaired by use of the Acutrak screw system. Data collected were (1) preoperative variables--gender, age at injury, limb involved, injury occurrence, fracture thickness, complexity, and displacement, race starts and earnings and (2) postoperative variables were: surgical complications, days to first start, race starts, and earnings. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre- and postoperative starts and earnings; significance was set at P<.05. RESULTS: Seventeen Thoroughbred racehorses (12 females, 3 males, 2 geldings) were enrolled. Mean (+/-SD) age at injury was 3.3+/-1.0 years. Right carpi (10) were affected more than left (7). Ten injuries occurred during training, 7 during racing. Twelve of 15 horses that raced before injury returned to racing. Average days to first start was 349.3+/-153.9 days. Horses that returned to racing had more starts after repair (median, 6.5 versus 3.5; P=.04) and did not have decreased earnings per start (median, $2452 versus $3061; P=.30). CONCLUSION: The Acutrak screw system is a useful repair technique for frontal C3 slab fractures in Thoroughbred racehorses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Adequate reduction and stability of C3 slab fractures can be achieved with the Acutrak screw system, decreasing the likelihood of fragment splitting and screw head impingement on carpal soft tissues.     

Cervical Spinal Locking Plate in Combination with Cortical Ring Allograft for a One Level Fusion in Dogs with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Objective— To evaluate use of a surgical technique commonly used in humans for treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) in dogs.
Design— Prospective case series.
Animals— Dogs with CSM (n=10).
Methods— Dogs weighing >30 kg that had CSM at 1 vertebral articulation were eligible for inclusion. Dogs had vertebral column distraction/fusion performed using a cortical ring allograft, cancellous autograft, and a spinal locking plate. Dogs were evaluated temporally by repeat neurological examinations and by client perception of postsurgical outcome, determined by telephone interview.
Results— Nine dogs survived the immediate postoperative period. Seven of 8 dogs had moderate to complete improvement without recurrence (mean follow-up, 2.48 years). The most common postsurgical complications were screw loosening (n=4) and plate shifting (2), neither of which required surgical revision. One dog had pseudoarthrosis that may have negatively impacted outcome.
Conclusion— Treatment of single level CSM in dogs with ring allograft and a spinal locking plate system may lead to successful outcomes. The major problems encountered with included cost of the implants and adjusting the system designed for humans to fit the vertebral column of a dog.
Clinical Relevance— For dogs with CSM at a single level, the use of a spinal locking plate in combination with a cortical ring allograft can be an effective surgical treatment. Costs of the implants as well as anatomic differences in dogs make this type of surgery less appealing.     

Hemilaminectomy and vertebral stabilisation for the treatment of thoracolumbar disc protrusion in 28 dogs

Objectives : To evaluate the results of hemilaminectomy and vertebral stabilisation (+/? annulectomy) for the treatment of thoracolumbar disc protrusion. Methods : The medical records of dogs with thoracolumbar annular protrusions treated by hemilaminectomy and vertebral stabilisation were reviewed. Neurological function was assessed 24 hours following surgery. Long‐term follow‐up was by clinical examination or telephone questionnaire. Results : Twenty‐eight dogs fulfilled the criteria. Age ranged from 4 to 12·5 years (median 8 years, mean 7·7 years), bodyweight from 5·1 to 51·5 kg (median 28 kg, mean 27·1 kg), and duration of neurological signs before presentation from 48 hours to 104 weeks (median 5 weeks, mean 9·3 weeks). At presentation 22 dogs were ambulatory and six were non‐ambulatory. Myelography and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified 31 thoracolumbar protrusions causing spinal cord compression. Unilateral hemilaminectomy was performed in 27 dogs and bilateral hemilaminectomy in one dog. Partial annulectomy was performed in 24 of 31 protrusions. Stabilisation was performed using vertebral body bone plates in 26 dogs and vertebral body screws and bone cement in two dogs. Internal vertebral venous plexus haemorrhage was recorded in nine dogs. A screw was inadvertently placed into an intervertebral disc in two dogs. Neurological examination 24 hours postoperatively revealed deterioration in pelvic limb motor function in 17 dogs. One dog was euthanatised at the owner’s request 6 days after surgery. Long‐term evaluation of 24 cases was performed 3 to 52 months following surgery (median 21 months, mean 23·9 months). Six dogs had improved from their preoperative status and one had deteriorated as assessed by the authors. Fifteen dogs had improved from their preoperative status and two were unchanged as assessed by owners. Clinical Significance : Hemilaminectomy and vertebral stabilisation are an effective treatment for chronic spinal cord compression due to thoracolumbar annular protrusion in dogs. A temporary deterioration in neurological function is not uncommon following surgery. Internal vertebral plexus haemorrhage and inappropriate vertebral body screw placement are potential complications.     

SINGLE PORT LAPAROSCOPIC-ASSISTED OVARIOHYSTERECTOMY IN 3 RABBITS

Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) involves only a single 2-3 cm incision in the ventral midline of the patient with entry of the port, particularly the foam SILS Port multiple access port. This type of minimally invasive surgery using only 1 port and a controlled Hasson approach provides decreased risk of iatrogenic abdominal viscera penetration. This SILS Port (Covidien, Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) also allows easy transition of instruments, telescope, and bipolar electrocautery devices amongst the 3 built-in cannulae for ideal triangulation for each side of the patient. In these 3 cases, the body wall incision length was reduced as compared to an open technique, involved fewer incisions as compared to a multiple port access technique, and subjectively proposed less risk to the cecum with the foam port. The median surgery time was 50 minutes (45-55 minutes), and no intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications were encountered in this series. The purpose of this clinical technique article is to describe and illustrate the laparoscopic-assisted ovariohysterectomy procedure via SILS for the domestic rabbit.