Bacterial contamination of gloves worn by small animal surgeons in a veterinary teaching hospital

This prospective study investigated bacterial contamination of surgical gloves during small animal surgical procedures and factors associated with glove contamination. The outer surface of surgical gloves was sampled and cultured after completion of surgical procedures. Bacterial presence and numbers were recorded. Of 78 gloves sampled from 39 surgical procedures, bacterial contamination was noted in 16/78 (21%) gloves from 12/39 (31%) procedures. There was no difference in contamination of left or right hand glove [7/39 (18%) versus 9/39 (23%)], respectively (P = 0.78). There was no impact of glove type of left hand (P = 0.41), right hand (P = 0.44) or either hand (P = 0.26) contamination, or of surgical time (P = 0.71), dominant hand (P > 0.13), surgery type (orthopedic versus soft tissue versus neurological) (P > 0.42) or surgical wound classification (P > 0.11) on the incidence of contamination.     

The economics of surgical laser technology in veterinary practice.

A decision to invest in and develop laser technology should only be made after a thorough investigation and comparison of the available types, vendors, available features, and purchasing options. A sound marketing program must then be used for introducing laser technology to the staff, clients, and colleagues. Without adhering to such a program, a practice will [figure: see text] not experience the necessary profitability following the purchase of a laser. Staff enthusiasm and support will dwindle, and ultimately the laser investment will be viewed unfavorably. When marketed properly, however, the investment in a surgical laser will provide outstanding profitability. The return on investment can be provided by using the support staff for client education, by offering laser technology for routine elective procedures and complex procedures, and by adhering strictly to a fee schedule. Add that to the truly remarkable results obtained using laser surgical techniques, a practice will be greatly enhanced.     

One educator's perspective on the role of instructional technology in veterinary surgical education

A brief overview of the history of instructional technology (IT) use in veterinary surgery education is followed by an assessment of the state of the art in this discipline in the United States. Comments on assessment of teaching tools and the need for a concerted effort at future assessments are made in light of published information regarding the success of alternative learning methods in education in other disciplines. A few final comments are shared about discipline specific technology demands in surgical education and the issue of copyrights versus sharing resources.     

Survey of pet owners' expectations of surgical practice within first opinion veterinary clinics in Great Britain

O bjectives : The expectations of small animal pet owners in Great Britain were evaluated on a number of issues regarding aseptic practice and clinical management and compared with final year veterinary students' assessment of actual veterinary practice.
M aterials and M ethods : A survey was completed by 328 small animal pet owners and 56 veterinary practices in Great Britain. Questions from the pet owner survey related to expectations and opinions on a number of surgical issues and questions from the veterinary surgeon survey examined veterinary practice in relation to the same issues. Comparisons were made to determine whether there were any differences between pet owner expectations and veterinary student assessment of actual practice of small animal first opinion clinics.
R esults : In the majority of issues examined there was a significant mismatch between client expectation and provisions made. Of particular importance was the discrepancy regarding the use of surgical gloves and administration of analgesia.
C linical S ignificance : These results suggest that attempts should be made to understand and improve the disparity that exists between small animal pet owners and veterinary surgeons in Great Britain.     

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.     

Guidelines for resident training in veterinary clinical pathology. III: cytopathology and surgical pathology

The Education Committee of the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology has identified a need for improved structure and guidance of training residents in clinical pathology. This article is the third in a series of articles that address this need. The goals of this article are to describe learning objectives and competencies in knowledge, abilities, and skills in cytopathology and surgical pathology (CSP); provide options and ideas for training activities; and identify resources in veterinary CSP for faculty, training program coordinators, and residents. Guidelines were developed in consultation with Education Committee members and peer experts and with evaluation of the literature. The primary objectives of training in CSP are: (1) to develop a thorough, extensive, and relevant knowledge base of biomedical and clinical sciences applicable to the practice of CSP in domestic animals, laboratory animals, and other nondomestic animal species; (2) to be able to reason, think critically, investigate, use scientific evidence, and communicate effectively when making diagnoses and consulting and to improve and advance the practice of pathology; and (3) to acquire selected technical skills used in CSP and pathology laboratory management. These guidelines define expected competencies that will help ensure proficiency, leadership, and the advancement of knowledge in veterinary CSP and will provide a useful framework for didactic and clinical activities in resident‐training programs.