Surgical techniques for the liver and biliary tract

Surgical treatment of hepatic and biliary disease requires a thorough knowledge of pertinent anatomy and pathophysiology. Proper attention to both preoperative and postoperative care is important. This article describes many of the more common surgical manipulations of the liver and biliary tract, as well as pre- and postoperative considerations.     

Renal and ureteral surgery in dogs

Renal and ureteral surgeries are performed commonly in veterinary medicine. Potential surgeries include nephrectomy, nephrotomy, pyelolithotomy, neoureterostomy, and ureteral anastomosis. The most common reason for surgery is the removal of urinary calculi. Before performing surgery, consideration of the patient's renal function is important to obtain optimal results. Maintaining normal urine production in the perioperative and postoperative period is important in most cases. The surgical procedures listed previously are reviewed individually, including postoperative care.     

Ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy and orchidectomy in rodents and rabbits

This article describes the surgical procedures for the ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy and orchidectomy in rodents and rabbits. The indications for each procedure are outlined and effective and safe anesthetics are described. Preoperative and postoperative care is also discussed.     

Dorsally recumbent urinary endoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic cystotomy is the method of choice for treatment of a cystic calculus in the horse. The main advantage of this procedure over others is the excellent ability to view and gain operative access to the urinary bladder. This article describes the procedure, including techniques, instrumentation, preoperative and postoperative care, and complications.     

Technique for Canine Total Hip Replacement

Between August 1976 and April 1980, a total of 132 canine total hip replacements using a commercially available prosthesis, were performed on clinical patients at The Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital and Berwyn Veterinary Hospital, Chicago. The technique for total hip replacement is described. Details of preoperative evaluation, the operative procedure, and postoperative care are presented.     

A chronically implantable gallbladder cannula for dogs.

A gallbladder cannula suitable for chronic implantation in the dog is described. The device is simple to operate, inexpensive to construct, durable, and easy to implant. With the cannula in place, measurements of hepatic and biliary drug kinetics, as well as enterohepatic function, in the awake nonstressed animal are possible. Minimal postoperative care is required after implantation of the device.     

Use of a carbon dioxide laser to treat ceruminous gland hyperplasia in a cat

This case report describes the skin condition ceruminous gland hyperplasia of the ears of a cat. The diagnosis was made through histopathology. Treatment consisted of carbon dioxide laser ablation of the cystic structures and postoperative care associated with the surgery, as well as a hydrolyzed protein diet, weekly ear cleaning and intermittent topical corticosteroid drops in the ears to minimize the reoccurrence of the cysts.     

Surgical repair of a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a pregnant dog

Objective: To describe the surgical repair and pre‐ and postoperative management of a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) in a pregnant dog. Case summary: A pregnant dog was presented for vomiting, lethargy, and pale mucous membranes. Pulsus paradoxus was noted on physical examination. The dog was diagnosed with a PPDH via thoracic radiographs, abdominal ultrasound, and an echocardiogram. The hernia was surgically repaired and the dog received supportive medical care until the puppies were old enough to be delivered via cesarean section. The mother and all puppies survived. New or unique information provided: This is the first report that describes the surgical repair and postoperative management of a PPDH in a pregnant dog.     

Postoperative complications after surgical management of incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle in dogs

Objective: To describe incidence and type of postoperative complications in the surgical management of incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC) and identify any risk factors associated with development of these complications. Study Design: Case series. Methods: Clinical records of dogs (n=57) that had prophylactic transcondylar screw insertion for treatment of IOHC (79 elbows) at 6 UK referral centers were reviewed. Signalment, presentation, surgical management, postoperative care, and complications were recorded. Postoperative complications were divided into seroma, surgical site infections (SSI) and implant complications. Results: Spaniel breeds and entire males were overrepresented. The overall complication rate was 59.5%. Seroma (n=25) and SSI (24) were the most commonly encountered complications. Implant failure occurred in 2 dogs. Labrador retrievers were at greater risk of developing a postoperative complication than other breeds (P=.03). Increasing bodyweight was a significant risk factor for development of a SSI (P=.03). Placement of the transcondylar screw in lag fashion rather than as a positional screw reduced the incidence of postoperative SSI (P=.007). Conclusions: Surgical management of IOHC is associated with a high rate of postoperative complications. Placement of the transcondylar screw in lag fashion may limit postoperative complications and warrants further consideration.     

Clinical considerations of the thoracic limb.

The avian skeleton is significantly different from the mammalian skeleton, and these differences are important when providing fracture repair and postoperative care for the avian patient. Successful repair depends on an understanding of fracture management and healing and of the anatomical, physiologic, and behavioral concerns of avian patients. Having knowledge of fracture repair without an understanding of the unique needs of avian patients' results in a disappointing treatment response.     

Intestinal lymph of ruminants. I. Operative techniques for collecting intestinal lymph from ruminants

Operative technique developed for collecting intestinal lymph from cattle and sheep are described. The method of creating an external anastomosis between intestinal lymph and the posterior caval vein (lymph-caval anastomosis), the postoperative care of animals, and the blood sampling technique are presented in detail. The optimal period of use of the anastomosis is 15 to 18 days. Its further use is of no reason, since the intestinal lymph changes in quality.     

Short-Bowel Syndrome in Four Dogs

Short bowel syndrome occurred in four dogs after extensive (74% to 88%) small intestinal resection. Weight loss and diarrhea were the principal clinical signs. Treatment was based on the severity of clinical signs. One dog is alive after 27 months. Three dogs died within 3 months. The prognosis depends on the extent and site of resection, degree of intestinal adaptation, preoperative condition, and postoperative care.     

Periodontal surgery equipment

Periodontal surgery requires the operator to have specific knowledge and skills. The use of proper equipment will improve the operator's skill and will decrease surgical time. It will also result in less tissue trauma, thus increasing healing time and reducing postoperative complications and patient discomfort. Various surgical procedures can be enhanced with the usage of equipment that is designed for specific tasks of the procedure. Proper care of equipment is essential for extended instrument life.     

Surgical resolution of an avulsion fracture of the peroneus tertius origin in a giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata)

A 4-mo-old, 185-kg male giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata) was presented due to stifle effusion and lameness of 3-wk duration. Radiographs revealed a fracture of the extensor fossa of the lateral trochlear ridge of the femur at the origin of the peroneus tertius. Under anesthesia, dysfunction of the reciprocal apparatus was documented by flexing the stifle while the tarsus remained extended. An avulsion fracture of the origin of the peroneus tertius and extensor digitorum longus muscle was diagnosed. An exploratory arthroscopy of the femorotibial joint was followed by arthrotomy to excise the large bone fragment from its soft tissue attachments. Because of the fractious temperament of the animal, postoperative care was restricted to stall rest for 3 mo, and no postoperative complications arose. Only a mild residual lameness remained by 6 mo after surgery.     

Routine lens extraction for the treatment of cataract in the dog*

In dogs treated for cataract by lens extraction, the authors comment on the wide variety of procedures that have been advocated and used in pre-operative treatment, anaesthesia, operative technique and postoperative care. The article outlines the procedures that have been tried and rejected over the last 10 years and those which are now favoured by the authors. Using standard criteria to assess results, the successful outcome of treatment has increased from 50% to 75%.     

The Association of Shelter Veterinarians veterinary medical care guidelines for spay-neuter programs

As efforts to reduce the overpopulation and euthanasia of unwanted and unowned dogs and cats have increased, greater attention has been focused on spay-neuter programs throughout the United States. Because of the wide range of geographic and demographic needs, a wide variety of programs have been developed to increase delivery of spay-neuter services to targeted populations of animals, including stationary and mobile clinics, MASH-style operations, shelter services, feral cat programs, and services provided through private practitioners. In an effort to ensure a consistent level of care, the Association of Shelter Veterinarians convened a task force of veterinarians to develop veterinary medical care guidelines for spay-neuter programs. The guidelines consist of recommendations for preoperative care (eg, patient transport and housing, patient selection, client communication, record keeping, and medical considerations), anesthetic management (eg, equipment, monitoring, perioperative considerations, anesthetic protocols, and emergency preparedness), surgical care (eg, operating-area environment; surgical-pack preparation; patient preparation; surgeon preparation; surgical procedures for pediatric, juvenile, and adult patients; and identification of neutered animals), and postoperative care (eg, analgesia, recovery, and release). These guidelines are based on current principles of anesthesiology, critical care medicine, microbiology, and surgical practice, as determined from published evidence and expert opinion. They represent acceptable practices that are attainable in spay-neuter programs.     

Surgical outcome and ocular complications of evisceration and intraocular prosthesis implantation in dogs with end stage glaucoma: a review of 20 cases

Surgical outcome and complications following evisceration and implantation of intraocular silicone prosthesis (ISP) in 20 canine eyes with end-stage glaucoma were analyzed, including clinical signs, complications, cosmetic appearance, and owners' responses. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 312 days. Major short-term surgical complications were central corneal ulceration (6/20) and infections (3/20), while long-term complication was keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) (2/20). All patient owners (100%) showed satisfied with the surgical outcome and postoperative cosmetic effect including 85% of the owners gave an excellent or good rating of satisfaction. No more medication needed for long term control except the KCS cases. With careful case selection and post-operative care, evisceration with ISP implantation proves a good and safe surgical procedure with minimal complications for end stage glaucoma.     

建立奶山羊代谢调控模型的动静脉插管技术及术后护理研究

对12头泌乳奶山羊建立代谢调控模型的外科手术及术后护理方法进行了研究。采用了一套改进的手术方法对试验羊进行肠系膜上静脉、肠系膜下静脉和门静脉插管,以及颈动脉皮肤包埋游离术来建立模型。术后8头羊所插的导管平均保持畅通2个月左右,2头羊保持畅通40 d左右,还有2头羊被淘汰。采用的改进手术方法有效地降低了建模的难度,并提高了建模的成功率,从而为动物营养代谢研究提供了有力保障。     

妊娠山羊宫内胎儿脐动脉插管手术方法的研究

为了优化山羊胎儿脐动脉插管模型,本试验采用医用硬膜外导管对单胎妊娠120日龄的山羊进行胎儿脐动脉插管手术,对其手术途径、导管类型、插管方法、麻醉和术后护理进行研究。术后可顺利采集胎儿血液样本,1周后母山羊正常分娩。本试验建立的山羊胎儿脐动脉插管模型的手术方案,可为胎儿疾病的诊断及临床用药等提供试验基础。     

Characteristics and outcomes in surgical management of severe acute pancreatitis: 37 dogs (2001–2007)

Objective – Describe clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with canine patients undergoing surgical intervention for treatment of acute pancreatitis.
Design – Retrospective outcome study from 2001 to 2007.
Animals – Thirty-seven dogs.
Interventions – None.
Measurements and Main Results – The following data were collected for dogs who underwent surgical intervention in the course of treatment for severe acute pancreatitis: preoperative clinicopathologic and physical data, ultrasonographic findings, surgical procedure detail, histopathologic findings, and transfusion requirements. The survival rate was 80.8% in dogs with extrahepatic biliary obstruction, 64.3% in dogs undergoing necrosectomy, and 40.6% with pancreatic abscess. Overall survival was 63.6%. Surgical complications included intraoperative and postoperative hemorrhage in 12 dogs, postoperative development of diabetes mellitus in 3 dogs, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in 1 dog, and bacterial peritonitis in 2 dogs.
Conclusion – Surgical intervention and aggressive postoperative care may be pursued in select dogs with severe acute pancreatitis. In dogs with extrahepatic biliary obstruction secondary to acute pancreatitis, surgical intervention may be associated with a good prognosis whereas dogs with pancreatic abscess formation may have a more guarded prognosis.