Surgical correction of pectus excavatum in two cats

Two sexually intact male Bengal cats, one a 4-month-old weighing 2.8 kg and the other, a 3-month-old weighing 2.0 kg, were presented to the University of Missouri-Columbia Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of respiratory distress. On initial presentation, both cats were dyspneic, exercise intolerant, and had marked concave deformation of the caudal sternum. Surgical correction of pectus excavatum was performed using a cylindrical external splint and U-shaped external splint. Post-operative thoracic radiography revealed that there was decreased concavity of the sternum and increased thoracic height at the level of the caudal sternebrae in both cats.     

Use of internal splinting to realign a noncompliant sternum in a cat with pectus excavatum

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 5.5-month-old female domestic longhair cat was examined because of dorsal deviation of the caudal aspect of the sternum and progressively worsening dyspnea during play activities. CLINICAL FINDINGS: A diagnosis of pectus excavatum was made clinically and confirmed radiographically. The cardiac silhouette was shifted into the right hemithorax. The vertebral index (VI) and frontosagittal index (FSI), which are radiographic indices used to grade the extent of the deformity, were 5.2 and 3.0, respectively. Minimum thoracic height was 13 mm at this time. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The sternal malposition was corrected during surgery; for stabilization, an internal splint was provided by use of a plate that was applied to the ventral side of the sternum. Radiographic indices improved until day 85; at that time, an increase in the distance between plate and sternum was detected, and plate removal was advised. The radiographic indices improved again after plate removal. At 310 days after surgery, VI was 9.6, FSI was 1.6, and minimum thoracic height was 34 mm. No dyspnea was evident during physical examination. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of treatment suggest that this technique may be useful as an alternative surgical option for cats with pectus excavatum that have a noncompliant sternum.     

Pectus excavatum surgically repaired using sternum realignment and splint techniques in a young cat

Successful surgical repair of pectus excavatum deformities has so far only been reported in very young animals. This case report describes an alternative technique for repairing pectus excavatum in a young cat. The cat had shown moderate deformity with slight respiratory impairment when young and had experienced clinical problems with age. A sternum realignment technique involving a pin associated with an external splint was used. This alternative technique was a safe and efficient procedure in the five-month-old cat.     

Dynamic right ventricular outflow tract (infundibular) stenosis and pectus excavatum in a dog

This is the first published report of a dog with dynamic right ventricular outflow tract (infundibular) stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, and pectus excavatum. A juvenile dog presented with a grade V/VI left base systolic heart murmur, tachycardia, and pectus excavatum. Diagnosis of the aforementioned conditions was based on radiography, electrocardiography, and echocardiography. At 9 1/2 wk of age the heart murmur was no longer audible and the right ventricular stenosis and hypertrophy had dissipated and regressed, respectively. Resolution may be associated with growth of the dog. A good prognosis is foreseen.     

Use of an external ring fixator for correction of an acquired angular limb deformity in a donkey

Numerous techniques for surgical correction of angular limb deformities in horses involving an osteotomy of the affected bone and stabilization with an internal fixation device have been described. However, because the osteotomy typically has to be performed at the level of the physis, leaving little bone between the physis and the nearest joint, stabilizing the osteotomy by use of internal fixation devices may be difficult. In horses with severe chronic angular limb deformities, the amount of soft-tissue contracture may make it impossible to correct the deformity during a single procedure without causing stretch injuries to the adjacent tendons and neurovascular structures. Adjustable external ring fixators incorporating hinged rods on 1 side of the limb and an angular motor assembly on the other may be useful for treatment of severe chronic angular limb deformities in younger equids, because they allow for gradual correction of the deformity.     

Anaesthetic and surgical management of an intra-tracheal mass in a cat

An 11-year-old, 7 kg male neutered domestic shorthair cat, presented to the University Veterinary Hospital (UVH) for investigation of chronic tachypnoea and dyspnoea. Radiographs, bronchoscopy and computerised tomography (CT) demonstrated an intra-tracheal mass measuring 13 mm × 5 mm × 6 mm arising from the right wall of the caudal trachea immediately cranial to the carina. Due to size and position, debulking and subsequent cryosurgery were attempted to minimise the amount of tissue removed and prevent recurrence. A combination of anaesthetic techniques was required to allow cryotherapy, with the trachea open whilst maintaining adequate ventilation. This case report demonstrates that cryotherapy in conjunction with anaesthetic planning, can achieve a positive outcome for the cat.     

Surgical correction of colonic duplication in a cat

A 2-year-old, castrated male Manx cat was presented for anorexia, obstipation, and straining to defecate. Imaging tests revealed a cystic mass associated with the descending colon. Three surgical explorations over several years were performed before complete resection of the cystic mass was achieved. Histopathology of the mass revealed normal colonic structures consistent with colonic duplication. Complete resection of a noncommunicating duplicate colon may allow successful treatment of this condition and resolution of associated clinical signs.     

Orthodontic correction of a base narrow mandibular canine tooth in a cat

A 6-month-old cat was diagnosed with a lingually displaced mandibular canine tooth causing palatal trauma. This case report describes the correction and outcome for orthodontic movement of the left mandibular canine tooth.     

Pes varus correction in Dachshunds using a hybrid external fixator

Objective— To describe surgical correction of pes varus deformity in Dachshunds by acute medial opening wedge osteotomy of the distal aspect of the tibia stabilized with a hybrid external skeletal fixator (HESF), and report clinical and radiographic outcomes.
Study Design— Multicenter, retrospective clinical study.
Animals— Immature Dachshunds (n=13) with pes varus deformity.
Methods— Limb function and lameness scores were assigned before and after surgery, and correction was determined visually at surgery. Tibiotarsal joint orientation (TTJO) and medial and lateral tibial cortex lengths, measured on radiographs of deformed and normal (when available) limbs, were compared before correction and after fixator removal.
Results— Pes varus deformities (n=14) were corrected; 93% had good to excellent clinical outcome. None of the dogs had a normal preoperative gait. Mean TTJO of abnormal and normal tibiae before surgery were 29° varus (median, 28°), and 12° valgus (median, 12°). Angular correction ranged from 20° to 51° (mean, 36±8°; median, 36°). M e an TTJO after fixator removal was 7° valgus (median, 7°). Two dogs had minor transient postoperative complications whereas 3 had major complications; only 1 of which was resolved.
Conclusions— Pes varus deformity in Dachshunds can be corrected by acute medial opening wedge osteotomy of the distal aspect of the tibia stabilized by HESF. Technique modifications are needed to improve correction precision.
Clinical Relevance— Visual inspection of limb alignment during surgery resulted in good to excellent clinical outcomes; however, 91% of tibiae were under- or overcorrected (mean, 6°; median, 5°). Limb alignment should be based on evaluation of immediate postoperative TTJO measurements, not solely on intraoperative visual assessment.     

Diagnosis and surgical management of a fractured atlas in a cat

A 6-month-old male-castrated domestic shorthair cat was presented shortly after being bitten on the neck by a large breed dog. On presentation the cat was non-ambulatory tetraparetic with preserved deep pain perception. Plain radiographs of the neck did not show any abnormalities. Computed tomography was performed and showed a right-sided depressed fracture of the dorsal lamina of the atlas. A partial dorsal laminectomy was performed to alleviate the spinal cord compression. The cat made a full recovery within 12 weeks of surgery.     

Thoracoscopic correction of a congenital persistent right aortic arch in a young cat

A 9-week-old kitten was diagnosed with a congenital vascular ring anomaly by means of an esophageal contrast study. At 6 mo of age, a non-selective vascular study was used to diagnose a persistent right aortic arch (PRAA). Left-sided thoracoscopic surgery was performed, using a Liga-Sure vessel sealant device to seal and transect the ligamentum arteriosum.     

The surgical correction of a deviated anterior maxilla in a horse

SUMMARY The surgical correction of facial deformities of the horse have rarely been undertaken. The surgical and medical management of submucous clefting of the anterior maxilla in a young colt is described.     

A method of surgical correction of glaucoma in a dog

A new surgical technique is described for the attempted relief of glaucoma in a dog. To achieve aqueous drainage a Supramid thread was placed in the anterior chamber, threaded subconjunctival^ across the globe and inserted into the nasolacrimal duct via the dorsal lacrimal punctum. It is hoped that the level of success achieved in this one case will prompt others, to investigate the nasolacrimal duct as a possible drainage route for aqueous fluid.     

Partial tarsal arthrodesis and botulinum toxin A injection for correction of tarsal arthrogryposis in a cat

An 11-week-old, domestic shorthair cat was presented for evaluation of a congenital right tarsal deformity. The cat was non-weightbearing lame on the right hindlimb. There was severe tarsal hyperextension and concurrent spasticity/contracture/shortening of the gastrocnemius muscle-tendon. The cat was otherwise healthy. Radiographically there was luxation of the proximal intertarsal joint and talocrural hyperextension. Treatment with 10 mu/kg botulinum toxin A (Botox; Allergan) intramuscular injections directly into the gastrocnemius muscle and passive physiotherapy marginally improved the range of motion in the talocrural joint. Definitive surgical treatment with partial tarsal arthodesis produced an excellent clinical outcome. This case report demonstrates the successful treatment of a severe congenital tarsal abnormality and also documents the first clinical use of botulinum toxin in a feline patient.     

Successful surgical management of a perforating oesophageal foreign body in a cat

CASE PRESENTATION AND SURGICAL INTERVENTION: a 3-year-old cat was presented with a recent history of dysphagia and intermittent regurgitation. Radiography revealed a bony oesophageal foreign body at the level of the thoracic inlet. Endoscopic retrieval was attempted but resulted in severe dyspnoea due to the development of pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema secondary to perforation of the oesophageal wall. Immediate surgical exploration was carried out. Extensive necrosis of the oesophagus resulting from the presence of the foreign body led to a decision to perform an oesophageal resection and anastomosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: this is the first clinical report of a cat treated successfully by oesophagectomy following oesophageal perforation due to an obstructive foreign body. The authors suggest that prompt surgical intervention, the ability to convert to a surgical procedure under the same anaesthetic as a non-surgical retrieval, placement of a gastrostomy tube and the availability of advanced anaesthetic and critical care support are important factors to consider when managing feline patients with a perforating oesophageal foreign body.     

Use of a biosynthetic material to repair the surgical defect following excision of an epibulbar melanoma in a cat

A limbal melanoma was surgically excised from the OS of a 4-year-old castrated male Domestic Short-haired cat (DSH). The resultant scleral defect was repaired by placement of A-cell bio-scaffold material. The patient responded well in the postoperative period with no apparent discomfort, nor any observable complications. No signs of recurrence have been evident nearly 2.5 years following surgical removal. A-cell appears to be a safe and reasonable option to lend support to corneoscleral defects following removal of neoplastic lesions. It carries with it the advantages of availability, minimal host rejection, and reduced potential for iatrogenic spread of infections agents.     

Use of latissimus dorsi and abdominal external oblique muscle for reconstruction of a thoracic wall defect in a cat with feline osteochondromatosis

A 4-year-old, male castrated European shorthair cat was presented with a firm mass palpable on the right caudal rib cage. Lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs of the thorax revealed a 4x3x2cm large, expansile and radiodense mass originating from the distal part of the 13th rib. After removal of the tumour, which was histopathologically confirmed as feline osteochondromatosis, the diaphragm, omentum, external abdominal oblique and latissimus dorsi muscles were used to reconstruct the defect. Feline osteochondromatosis is induced by retroviruses, eg, feline leukaemia virus, for which the cat tested positive. The tumour was removed for palliative reasons, because such tumours have the tendency to transform into osteosarcomas. Six months after the surgical excision the cat showed no clinical signs of reoccurrence.