Evaluation of primary critical ischemia time for the deep circumflex iliac cutaneous flap in cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the primary critical ischemia time for the deep circumflex iliac (DCI) cutaneous flap in cats. STUDY DESIGN: In vivo model. ANIMALS: Thirteen young adult female cats. METHODS: An island skin flap was created on the right side of each cat based on the angiosome of the ventral branches of the DCI vessels. The cats were randomly assigned to a flap ischemia time ranging from 1 to 3 hours in 10-minute intervals. Microvascular clamps were used to occlude the artery and vein for the designated time. Flaps were sutured into position after the ischemic period. On day 3, fluorescein dye was administered and the flaps were evaluated under ultraviolet light to assess percent area of perfusion. On days 7 and 14, the percent area of survival was determined for each flap based on cutaneous morphometry. RESULTS: All flaps had 100 percent area of survival throughout the study. On day 3, all flaps fluoresced uniformly compared with the surrounding skin. On days 7 and 14, all flaps were uniformly viable as confirmed by skin color, consistency, bleeding, and hair re-growth. CONCLUSION: The DCI cutaneous flap in cats can withstand up to 3 hours of ischemia with predictable survival. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In a clinical setting, high success rates can be expected with microvascular transfer of the DCI cutaneous flap in cats when the ischemia time is <3 hours and precise surgical technique is used.     

Axial Pattern Flap Based on the Superficial Temporal Artery in Cats: An Experimental Study

Objective — The purpose of this study was to determine the surgical guidelines for and the survivability of an axial pattern flap based on the superficial temporal artery in cats.
Study Design — The mean survival length and mean percentage area of survival of flaps after 7 days in control and experimental groups, are assessed and compared.
Animals — Ten mature, domestic shorthair cats.
Methods — The superficial temporal artery and vein were incorporated in the flaps of the experimental group (n = 5) and were ligated in the control group (n = 5). Seven days postoperatively, the length of tissue that remained viable in each flap was determined by measurement of the length of the grossly devitalized tissue and subtracting this from total flap length. Results — Mean width and length of all flaps was 2.0 ± 7.0 cm, respectively. Mean survival length (±SD) of experimental and control flaps was 6.9 (0.2) cm and 4.4 (2.2) cm, respectively. Necrosis occurred in all control flaps, resulting in a mean percentage area of survival of 62.8 (11.7)%, compared with 98.6 (3.2)% for experimental flaps. Results were significantly different (P <.05) between the experimental and control groups.
Conclusions — A flap based on the superficial temporal artery may be a source of skin for reconstructive procedures of the maxillofacial region in cats.
Clinical Relevance — Knowledge of the anatomic landmarks and survivability of an axial pattern flap are essential considerations when planning a reconstructive technique.     

Deep circumflex iliac cutaneous free flap in cats

OBJECTIVE: To develop and assess the survival of a microvascular cutaneous free flap based on the ventral branch of the deep circumflex iliac (DCI) artery and vein in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Phase 1: 6 feline cadavers; Phase 2: 2 adult cats; Phase 3: 10 adult cats. METHODS: Phase 1: Selective angiographic study of the deep circumflex iliac artery was completed in 6 feline cadavers. After injection of the DCI artery with barium, high-detail radiographs were made of skin flaps harvested from the lateral flank and thigh region. The extent of the cutaneous angiosome was mapped with regard to the underlying anatomical landmarks. Phase 2: An island flap based on anatomic boundaries of the DCI angiosome derived from phase 1 of the study was elevated in 2 cats. Flaps were observed for 3 weeks for survival. Phase 3: Free skin flaps based on the DCI vessels were harvested in 10 cats and transferred to the dorsal interscapular region. Flaps were evaluated for 2 weeks for survival. Tissue samples were collected for histopathology, and angiograms of the flaps were completed. RESULTS: Phase 1: Angiograms revealed a large primary cutaneous angiosome of the DCI artery located over the lateral femoral region, which extended from the iliac crest to the level of the patella. Phase 2: All island flaps survived for 3 weeks. Phase 3: Six free flaps survived for 2 weeks, and 4 flaps failed completely. Failure of 1 flap occurred because of avulsion of the venous and arterial anastomosis postoperatively. Another cat had intraoperative hemorrhage, which resulted in anemia and hypovolemia and likely caused the flap to fail. The other 2 flaps that failed had poor perfusion intraoperatively and had the longest ischemia times. CONCLUSIONS: The cutaneous DCI free flap in cats may be clinically useful in reconstruction of large cutaneous wounds. The length of ischemia time for successful cutaneous free flap transfer in the cat may be shorter than in other species. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Large wounds created by trauma or oncologic ablative surgery in cats could be reconstructed with cutaneous microvascular free flap. Additional studies assessing the critical ischemia time of cutaneous flaps in cats and evaluating the use of this flap clinically are needed.     

A Comparison of the Cutaneous Trunci Myocutaneous Flap and Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap in the Dog

Latissimus dorsi and cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flaps of equal dimension and location were randomly elevated on opposite sides of the thorax in 10 dogs (group 1) and resutured to their respective bed. The procedure was repeated in four additional dogs (group 2); however, the short perforating branches of the thoracodorsal artery and vein were divided at the base of each cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flap, whereas the cutaneous pedicle and underlying cutaneous trunci muscle were divided in the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps to determine subsequent skin survivability and the major source of circulation of each myocutaneous flap. There was little difference in the percentage of skin survival between the latissimus dorsi and cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flaps in group 1 dogs. Circulation to the "skin island" of group 2 latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps originated from intramuscular anastomotic connections between the major branch of the thoracodorsal artery entering the latissimus dorsi muscle and the proximal lateral intercostal arteries perforating the muscle. Ligation of the short perforating branches of the thoracodorsal artery resulted in partial skin necrosis in all group 2 cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flaps. Results from this study indicate that it is unnecessary to elevate the latissimus dorsi muscle for major skin flap elevation and survival. The thicker latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap is more difficult to develop surgically and appears to have no clinical major advantage over the more mobile cutaneous trunci myocutaneous flap or the adjacent thoracodorsal axial pattern flap for closure of large skin defects within the radius of flap rotation.     

Effect of postoperative analgesic protocol on limb function following onychectomy in cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the analgesic effects of topical administration of bupivacaine, i.m. administration of butorphanol, and transdermal administration of fentanyl in cats undergoing onychectomy. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 27 healthy adult cats. PROCEDURE: Cats were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups, and unilateral (left forefoot) onychectomy was performed. Gait analysis was performed before and 1, 2, 3, and 12 days after surgery. All forces were expressed as a percentage of the cat's body weight. RESULTS: On day 2, peak vertical force (PVF) was significantly decreased in cats treated with bupivacaine, compared with cats treated with butorphanol or fentanyl. The ratio of left forelimb PVF to PVF of the other 3 limbs was significantly lower on day 2 in cats treated with bupivacaine than in cats treated with fentanyl. No significant differences in vertical impulse (VI) were found between groups on any day. Values for PVF, VI, and the PVF ratio increased progressively following surgery. However, for all 3 groups, values were still significantly decreased, compared with baseline values, 12 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that limb function following onychectomy is significantly better in cats treated with fentanyl transdermally or butorphanol i.m. than in cats treated with bupivacaine topically. Regardless of the analgesic regimen, limb function was still significantly reduced 12 days after surgery, suggesting that long-term analgesic treatment should be considered for cats undergoing onychectomy. Irrigation of the surgical incisions with bupivacaine prior to wound closure cannot be recommended as the sole method for providing postoperative analgesia in cats undergoing onychectomy.     

Lateral Thoracic Artery Axial Pattern Flap in Cats

Objective— To describe the location of the lateral thoracic artery (LTA), determine dimensions of an axial pattern flap based on this artery, and report use of this flap in 2 cats.
Study Design— Ex vivo study and case reports.
Animals— Cat cadavers (n=8); cats (n=2) with thoracic limb skin defects.
Methods— Dissection of the LTA was carried out on 1 side of each cadaver and the contralateral side was used for injection studies. In 4 specimens, the LTA was cannulated and injected with positive contrast material and the flap was raised and radiographed. In 4 specimens, the flap was injected with methylene blue. Adequacy of flap injection was subjectively evaluated and leakage of methylene blue from the cut edge was noted.
Results— The cutaneous location of the LTA caudal to the triceps muscle was confirmed. Mean flap size was 8.7 cm × 15.5 cm for a mature, averaged-sized cat. Perfusion of the entire flap was demonstrated and viability of the flap was confirmed in 2 clinical cases.
Conclusion— The LTA flap is useful for repair of skin defects of the brachium and antebrachium in cats.
Clinical Relevance— The LTA flap is an alternative technique for repair of skin defects involving the thoracic limb of cats.     

Pedicle skin flaps in ponies: viable length is related to flap width.

The relationship between pedicle flap width and viable length was characterised for skin flaps of the flank in ponies. Four dorsally based, pedicle type skin flaps of 20 cm in length and 3, 6, 9 or 12 cm in width were created in a random sequence on one flank in each of 10 ponies. Flap survival length was assessed by skin texture and appearance, depilation of hair and wound healing at 14 days after surgery. There was considerable variation between animals in the viable length of flaps of the same width; however, a significant difference in the viable length of flaps of different widths was detected (P = 0.002). The viable length of the 3 cm flaps was significantly different from that of the 12 cm flaps (9.69 +/- 1.1 cm vs 12.97 +/- 1.0 cm, mean +/- se P less than 0.05). There was a positive correlation between flap width and viable length (r2 = 0.141, P = 0.017). There was no effect of flap order (cranial to caudal positioning relative to the other flaps) on viable length (P = 0.286). The results of this study demonstrate a significant relationship between flap width and viable length, confirming a previously unsupported assumption that flap width and viable length are related. These findings suggest that the clinician should employ broad pedicles when using local flaps to reconstruct skin defects on the flank of the horse.     

Pulmonary Arteriography and Hemodynamics During Feline Heartworm Disease

The ability of aspirin to block arterial disease and thromboembolism of the pulmonary arteries was studied in heartworm-infected cats. Three groups of cats were transplanted with four heartworms per cat and studied. One group of eight cats (aspirin group) received aspirin (97.5 mg, twice a week) for the five-month infection and another group of eight cats served as the nontreated control group (nontreated group). Based upon the results of the first two groups, the third group (adjusted aspirin group) of six cats was studied in which the aspirin dosage was adjusted in order to maintain an inhibition of in vitro platelet aggregation. Cats were studied by nonselective pulmonary arteriograms before heartworm transplantation and by selective arteriograms, aortograms, and pulmonary hemodynamics five months after heartworm transplant. Pulmonary hypertension, (mean pulmonary artery pressures greater than 16 mmHg), was discovered in three cats with one cat in each group. There were no differences in the mean pulmonary artery pressure or vascular resistance between the groups. Many of the arterial diameters for the nontreated and aspirin groups were greater after the five-month infection than before heartworm infection. All of the postinfection caudal arteries were tortuous and had aneurysms. Some of the caudal lung lobes had perfused areas that appeared to have a hypervascular microvasculature. The proportion of obstructed right and left distal caudal pulmonary arteries and the resulting nonperfused area of the caudal lung lobe in the nontreated and aspirin treated groups were each greater than in the adjusted aspirin group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Axial pattern flap based on a cutaneous branch of the facial artery in cats

Objective: To describe the cutaneous portion of the facial artery in cats and an axial pattern flap based on a branch of this artery. Study Design: Ex vivo study. Sample Population: Cat cadavers (n=12). Methods: The common carotid artery was identified, cannulated, and infused with methylene blue to assist in the identification of the facial artery, which was subsequently cannulated and selectively infused with methylene blue. The main trunk of the artery and its branches were dissected. The extent of blue coloration of the skin was evaluated on the contralateral side of the same specimen after infusing methylene blue into the facial artery. In 4 specimens, the flap was raised along previously defined borders and adequacy of perfusion was evaluated. Results: The area of skin perfused by the facial artery extended from the lower eyelid dorsally, to the angularis oris cranially, and the wing of the atlas caudally. Borders of the skin flap were defined on the basis of the anatomic dissection and skin coloration after selective infusion of the facial artery with methylene blue. A skin flap of 6 cm × 3.4 cm, based on the first caudally directed cutaneous branch of the facial artery was shown to be well perfused. The viability of this flap was confirmed in a clinical case. Conclusion: The facial artery flap is useful for repair of skin defects of the head in cats.     

Prevention of coccidiosis in domestic dogs and captive coyotes (Canis latrans) with sulfadimethoxine-ormetoprim combination

Sulfadimethoxine-ormetoprim combination was evaluated as a coccidiostat against experimentally induced coccidiosis in young dogs and coyotes (Canis latrans). The animals were experimentally inoculated with 50,000 or 100,000 sporulated oocysts of Isospora ohiohensis (98%) and Isospora canis (2%). In experiment 1, daily treatment for 13 to 23 days with a combination of 27.5 mg of sulfadimethoxine/kg of body weight (BW) and 5.5 mg of ormetoprim/kg of BW admixed to the feed resulted in no significant (P greater than 0.05) difference in fecal oocyst counts between treated and nontreated groups of dogs or coyotes. In experiment 2, treatment with a combination of 55 mg of sulfadimethoxine/kg of BW and 11 mg of ormetoprim/kg of BW for 23 days was 99.8% effective against Isospora spp infections in dogs. Significantly (P less than 0.05) fewer oocysts were present in feces of treated dogs than were present in feces of nontreated dogs from first passage of oocysts at day 4 to the end of the patent period at days 19 to 21. After the 2nd week of treatment, BW of treated dogs were significantly greater (P less than 0.05) than BW of nontreated dogs. Evidence of drug toxicity was not observed clinically or by serum chemical analyses.     

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on incorporation of an autogenous cancellous bone graft in a nonunion diaphyseal ulnar defect in cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) would affect incorporation of an autogenous cancellous bone graft in diaphyseal ulnar defects in cats. ANIMALS: 12 mature cats. PROCEDURE: Bilateral nonunion diaphyseal ulnar defects were created in each cat. An autogenous cancellous bone graft was implanted in 1 ulnar defect in each cat, with the contralateral ulnar defect serving as a nongrafted specimen. Six cats were treated by use of hyperbaric oxygen at 2 atmospheres absolute for 90 minutes once daily for 14 days, and 6 cats were not treated (control group). Bone labeling was performed, using fluorochrome markers. Cats were euthanatized 5 weeks after implanting, and barium sulfate was infused to evaluate vascularization of grafts. Ulnas were evaluated by use of radiography, microangiography, histologic examination, and histomorphometric examination. RESULTS: Radiographic scores did not differ between treatment groups. Microangiographic appearance of grafted defects was similar between groups, with all having adequate vascularization. Differences were not observed between treated and nontreated groups in the overall histologic appearance of decalcified samples of tissue in grafted defects. Mean distance between fluorescent labels was significantly greater in cats given HBOT than in nontreated cats. Median percentage of bone formation in grafted defects was significantly greater in cats given HBOT. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperbaric oxygen treatment increased the distance between fluorescent labels and percentage of bone formation when incorporating autogenous cancellous bone grafts in induced nonunion diaphyseal ulnar defects in cats, but HBOT did not affect revascularization, radiographic appearance, or qualitative histologic appearance of the grafts.     

Risk factors, clinical signs, and survival in cats with a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: 74 cases (1985-1989).

Population characteristics, risk factors, and survival characteristics were evaluated in 74 cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) seen at North Carolina State University veterinary teaching hospital from 1985 to 1989, and compared with 82 clinically normal cats. The mean (+/- SD) age of cats with HC was 6.5 (4.0) years. Neutered males were at significantly greater risk (odds ratio 3.1) than neutered females. Breed, body weight, or coat color were not determined to be risk factors for HC. Tricolor cats were significantly underrepresented, probably reflecting the male predisposition for HC and not a true risk reduction associated with coat color. Forty-one cats were without clinical signs of heart disease (murmur and/or gallop sound only), 24 were in congestive heart failure, and 9 had systemic arterial embolism, 3 of which had concomitant congestive heart failure. The median survival time for 61 cats with HC, for which survival information could be obtained and that were not euthanatized on day 1, was 732 days. Survival was not affected by age at diagnosis, breed, body weight, or sex. However, clinical signs were important in determining prognosis; cats with heart rates greater than 200 beats/min survived significantly longer (median survival greater than 1,830 days) than those with heart rates greater than or equal to 200 beats/min (median survival = 152 days). Cats without clinical signs (median survival greater than 1,830 days) survived longer than those with clinical signs, and cats in heart failure survived a median of 92 days, compared with 61 days for those with systemic arterial embolism. Analysis of survival revealed no significant difference between the 2 groups of cats with clinical signs; however, all cats with embolism and only 60% of cats with heart failure were dead 6 months after diagnosis.     

The efficacy of cyclosporine A in cats with presumed atopic dermatitis: a double blind, randomised prednisolone-controlled study

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of cyclosporine A (CsA) and prednisolone in feline atopic dermatitis (AD) in a randomised, controlled double blind study. Twenty-nine cats with feline AD were randomly allocated to two groups. Eleven cats were treated orally with prednisolone (1mg/kg SID) and 18 were treated with CsA (5mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. At day 0 (D0) and D28, skin lesions were graded by means of the canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI). Skin biopsies and intradermal allergy tests were performed at D0 and blood samples for haematology and serum biochemistry were collected at D0 and D28. During the trial the cat owners were asked to evaluate the intensity of the pruritus once weekly on a linear analog scale and to record side effects. Based on the CADESI there was no significant difference between the two groups in the amount of remission (P=0.0562) or in the number of cats that improved by >25% (P=0.0571). The effect of CsA and prednisolone on pruritus as evaluated by the owners was not significantly different (P=0.41) between the two groups. No serious side effects were observed. The conclusion was that CsA is an effective alternative to prednisolone therapy in cats with presumed atopic dermatitis.     

Effect of feline interferon-omega on the survival time and quality of life of cats with feline infectious peritonitis

BACKGROUND: There is no therapy with proven efficacy to treat cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). HYPOTHESIS: Feline interferon-omega (FeIFN-omega) prolongs survival time and increases quality of life in cats with FIP. ANIMALS: Thirty-seven privately owned cats were subjects of this study. METHODS: The study was performed as a placebo-controlled double-blind trial. Feline infectious peritonitis was confirmed by histology or immunostaining of feline coronavirus (FCoV) antigen in effusion or tissue macrophages or both. The cats were randomly selected for treatment with either FeIFN-omega or a placebo. All cats received adjunctive treatment with glucocorticoids and antibiotics and passive immunization with Feliserin. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the survival time of cats treated with FeIFN-omega versus placebo or in any other variable evaluated (with the exception of the lymphocyte count). The cats survived between 3 and 200 days (median, 9 days). There was only 1 long-term survivor (> 3 months), and the cat was in the FeIFN-omega group. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: No effect of FeIFN-omega on survival time or quality of life could be demonstrated in this study.     

Embryo transfer in the cat during the non-breeding season

Studies were conducted to investigate the possibility of embryo transfer in the cat during the non-breeding season. Estrus was induced in 19/22 (86.4%) cats using a porcine pituitary gland preparation. Uterine horns were flushed in 5 cats 6-8 days after mating with expanded blastocysts being collected from 4 cats. One to nineteen blastocysts per cat were transferred to the uterine horns of 6 recipient cats in which ovulation had been induced with HCG. The time differences between time of ovulation in donor and recipient animals were 0.5 days earlier in the recipient (2 cats), 1 day later in the recipient (3 cats), and no difference (1 cat); conception occurred in all the recipients. The ratio of fetuses to transplanted embryos were 1/1, 1/2, 2/3, 2/6, 4/7, and 2/19, respectively. Fetal death occurred in 2 cats at days 22 and 25 and abortion occurred in 3 cats at days 34, 35 and 39. There was a delay in the expulsion of placentae in the animals that experienced fetal death on days 22 and 25, expulsion occurring on days 36 and 56, respectively. One cat was treated with progesterone and carried 2 fetuses to day 66; pregnancy was terminated by cesarean section. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that embryo transfer can be performed in cats in which estrus and ovulation have been induced with porcine pituitary gland preparation during the non-breeding season. However, luteal activity needs to be supplemented by exogenous progesterone administration to maintain pregnancy.     

Effect of Therapy on Susceptibility to Urinary Tract Infection in Male Cats with Indwelling Urethral Catheters

Indwelling urinary catheters with a closed urine collection system were maintained in 30 male cats for 3 days after induction of irritant cystitis. All cats received subcutaneous fluids during the 3 days the catheters were in place. The effects of four different treatment regimens on urinary tract infection rates, incidence of urethral obstruction, and development of urinary tract lesions over a 10-day period were compared with results in a nontreated group. Treatments were 1) amoxicillin for 5 days PO; 2) prednisolone for 5 days PO; 3) both amoxicillin and prednisolone for 5 days PO; and 4) dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for 3 days intravesicularly. Euthanasia was done before the end of the 10-day experimental period if the cats had two bouts of urethral obstruction or if the cats became uremic for causes unrelated to urethral obstruction. Seven cats were euthanatized before the conclusion of the experiment. These cats had been treated with prednisolone, prednisolone and amoxicillin, or DMSO. All cats that received amoxicillin alone or no therapy survived the 10-day period. Mortality was due to repeated urethral obstruction or to uremia associated with pyelonephritis or papillitis. Urinary tract infection rate was similar in all groups. The group treated with prednisolone alone had the highest incidence of renal infection. Inflammatory lesions in the lower urinary tract were similar in all groups. In conclusion, persistent urinary tract infection often develops in cats with cystitis after indwelling urethral catheterization even when closed systems of urine drainage are used.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Use of laser Doppler flowmetry to determine blood flow in and viability of island axial pattern skin flaps in rabbits

Perfusion and viability of island axial pattern skin flaps were tested in 37 healthy New Zealand white rabbits, using laser Doppler monitoring of blood flow in the capillary loops and the subpapillary plexus of the dermis. Skin flaps, selected on the basis of the caudal superficial epigastric vein and artery, were lifted and replaced in their original locus after selective occlusion of their vascular pedicles. Subjects were allotted into groups: control group (n = 10); arterial occlusion (n = 7); venous occlusion (n = 10); and arterial and venous occlusion (n = 10). The rabbits were monitored from 48 hours before surgery until euthanasia 48 to 72 hours after replacement of the flap. Flap viability was assessed on a clinical basis, using a comparative scoring method based on a numeric scale. The degree of necrosis in histologic sections was evaluated, using a scoring system. Laser Doppler measurements were obtained on 3 consecutive days before surgery, to establish the normal basal blood flow in the skin. Postsurgical measurements were obtained at 2-hour intervals for the first 8 hours and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery. Measurements of basal blood flow varied significantly (P less than 0.05) from site to site on the surface of individual flaps and over time. When laser Doppler flowmetric (LDF) measurements from 6 sites on a flap were used as a measure of laser Doppler flow for the total flap, there was no significant difference between contralateral flap areas outlined on the abdomen of the rabbits. Temporal variations over 3 days for each rabbit or among rabbits were not significant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Response rates and survival times for cats with lymphoma treated with the University of Wisconsin-Madison chemotherapy protocol: 38 cases (1996-2003)

OBJECTIVE: To determine response rates and survival times for cats with lymphoma treated with the University of Wisconsin-Madison chemotherapy protocol. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 38 cats with lymphoma. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed, and information on age, sex, breed, FeLV and FIV infection status, anatomic form, clinical stage, and survival time was obtained. Immunophenotyping was not performed. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD age of the cats was 10.9 +/- 4.4 years. Overall median survival time was 210 days (interquartile range, 90 to 657 days), and overall duration of first remission was 156 days (interquartile range, 87 to 316 days). Age, sex, anatomic form, and clinical stage were not significantly associated with duration of first remission or survival time. Eighteen of the 38 (47%) cats had complete remission, 14 (37%) had partial remission, and 6 (16%) had no response. Duration of first remission was significantly longer for cats with complete remission (654 days) than for cats with partial remission (114 days). Median survival time for cats with complete remission (654 days) was significantly longer than median survival time for cats with partial remission (122 days) and for cats with no response (11 days). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that a high percentage of cats with lymphoma will respond to treatment with the University of Wisconsin-Madison chemotherapy protocol. Age, sex, anatomic form, and clinical stage were not significantly associated with duration of first response or survival time, but initial response to treatment was.     

Axial Pattern Flap Based on the Cutaneous Branch of the Superficial Temporal Artery in Dogs: An Experimental Study and Case Report

OBJECTIVE: To determine the anatomic guidelines and viability of an axial pattern flap based on the cutaneous branch of the superficial temporal artery (STA) in dogs. Application of the flap in a clinical patient is reported. STUDY DESIGN: Flap viability in control and experimental groups was determined 7 days postoperatively. ANIMALS: A total of 14 mature, mesaticephalic dogs; 1 clinical patient. METHODS: The cutaneous branch of the STA and vein were incorporated in the flaps of the experimental groups (group A, n = 5; group B, n = 4) and were ligated in the control group (n = 5). Flap length was extended in experimental group B. Seven days postoperatively, the length and area of tissue that remained viable in each flap was determined and compared with similar measurements performed intraoperatively. Cutaneous fluorescence was also used postoperatively to assess flap perfusion. The flap used in the clinical patient had the same dimensions as flaps developed in group A. RESULTS: Mean survival length (+/- SD) of STA flaps [group A, 9.1 (0.8) cm], was significantly increased (P < .05) compared with control flaps [7.0 (0.6) cm]. Percentage flap length survival (+/- SD) of STA flaps [group A, 91.8 (8.9)%], was significantly increased (P < .05) compared with control flaps [71.6 (7.0)%]. Mean percentage area of survival (+/- SD) of STA flaps [group A, 93.1 (7.5)%], was significantly increased (P < .05) compared with control flaps [73.5 (7.4)%]. Group B flaps had a mean survival length of 10.4 (1.1) cm, percentage flap length survival of 69.5 (4.8)%, and mean percentage area of survival of 69.1 (6.5)%. There was no positive correlation between the area of flap fluorescence at days 0, 1, and 3, and the area of flap survival. Application of the flap in a clinical patient allowed primary wound reconstruction with 100% survival. CONCLUSION: A flap based on the cutaneous branch of the STA may be a source of skin for reconstructive procedures of the maxillofacial region in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of the anatomic landmarks and expected viability of a STA axial pattern flap is essential before consideration of its use as a reconstructive surgical technique.     

Efficacy of selamectin against biting lice on dogs and cats

The efficacy of selamectin was evaluated against naturally acquired Trichodectes canis infestations on dogs and against Felicola subrostratus infestations on cats. Twenty dogs and 18 cats were randomly allocated to treatment with either a placebo or selamectin (6 mg/kg), administered topically once only on day 0. The treatment had no adverse effects in either the dogs or the cats. Efficacy was assessed by counting the live lice (adults and nymphs) on each animal by using a coat-parting technique on days -3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 for the dogs, and on days -1, 7, 21, 35 and 42 for the cats. On day 43, the number of live lice on each dog was also assessed by using a whole-body combing technique. Selamectin was 100 per cent effective in killing biting lice on the dogs and cats throughout the period of assessment; the louse counts on the treated dogs and cats were significantly lower than the pretreatment counts (P = 0.0001) and were also significantly lower than on the placebo-treated dogs (P < 0.05) and cats (P = 0.0001). There was a marked reduction in the prevalence of clinical signs associated with ectoparasite infestation in the treated dogs and no clinical signs were observed in any of the treated cats.