Brachial plexus block using electrolocation for pancarpal arthrodesis in a dog

Conduction blockade was achieved at the brachial plexus of a dog undergoing surgery for pancarpal arthrodesis. The lidocaine/bupivacaine mixture used was the sole analgesic treatment applied during surgery and for 3 hours post-operatively. Location of the plexus brachialis was facilitated using a nerve stimulator. A low volume of lidocaine and bupivacaine (0.26 mL kg(-1)) resulted in successful blockade, which was evident from stable cardiorespiratory variables at low end-tidal (1.3-1.4%) isoflurane concentrations. Pain scoring and examination of motor and sensory function indicated adequate pain relief for 7 hours. While localization of the plexus brachialis can be performed 'blindly', electrolocation improves the success rate for less experienced anaesthetists.     

Immediate mandibular reconstruction of a 5 cm defect using rhBMP-2 after partial mandibulectomy in a dog

Objective— To report treatment of a complex odontoma of the mandible by partial mandibulectomy and immediate surgical reconstruction using bridging plate fixation with a synthetic graft.
Study Design— Clinical case report.
Animals— A 4-year-old male castrated cocker spaniel.
Methods— Immediate reconstruction of the left mandible (5 cm gap) was performed after complete excision of a complex odontoma. Locking plate fixation was applied immediately before complete excision of the mass. Fixation was removed, then after partial mandibulectomy, including all abnormal tissue, restored to achieve occlusion. The resulting mandibular defect was filled with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) delivered in an absorbable collagen sponge containing hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate granules (compression resistant matrix [CRM]).
Results— New bone growth was evident radiographically and on palpation at 3 months. Bony remodeling was evident during follow-up examinations up to 26 months. Bone collected by biopsy at the graft site at 7 months had robust new bone formation and evidence of continued remodeling. Only minor complications (repeated intraoral plate exposure) were encountered postoperatively and were easily resolved.
Conclusions— An osteoinductive factor (rhBMP-2/CRM) was successfully used as a graft substitute in immediate reconstruction of a large mandibular defect.
Clinical Relevance— Immediate reconstruction of large mandibular defects with osteoinductive materials as a graft substitute may be a viable alternative to partial mandibular resection or radiation therapy for benign odontogenic tumors in dogs.     

A preventive multimodal analgesic strategy for bilateral rostral mandibulectomy in a horse

This case report describes the use of a wound soaker catheter as part of a preventive multimodal analgesic plan in a mare undergoing a bilateral rostral mandibulectomy. The administration of local anaesthetic into the surgical wound using a wound soaker catheter, together with systemic nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioid therapy, controlled post operative pain satisfactorily.     

Severe cardiovascular depression in a cat following a mandibular nerve block with bupivacaine

ObservationsA 12 year old cat was presented for anaesthesia to remove a mandibular squamous cell carcinoma. After intramuscular premedication with dexmedetomidine and methadone, anaesthesia was induced with alfaxalone, administered intravenously (IV) to effect, and maintained with isoflurane vaporized in oxygen, following oro-tracheal intubation. Approximately 5 minutes after performing a mandibular nerve block with 1.16 mg kg^?1 of bupivacaine, the cat developed severe cardiovascular depression. Anaesthetic delivery was discontinued and cardiopulmonary resuscitation instituted. Drug administration consisted of atropine (0.02 mg kg^?1 IV, repeated three times), followed by atipamezole (0.08 mg kg^?1 IV). Dobutamine was subsequently administered (1 μg kg^?1 minute^?1 IV) until cardiovascular performance was considered satisfactory. During recovery from anaesthesia the cat exhibited seizure-like activity, which was controlled by a variable rate infusion of propofol. The cat made an uneventful recovery following discontinuation of propofol infusion, without residual neurological signs, and the surgical procedure was postponed.ConclusionsThis clinical report describes successful management of cardiovascular and neurological complications following a mandibular nerve block with bupivacaine in a cat. Although treatment was successful, the role played by the drugs administered during resuscitation remains uncertain.     

Bilateral mandibular dentigerous cysts in a dog

Cysts in the dental cavities of dogs are rare. This report documents the case of a young boxer that was referred after having had treatment for bilateral oral swellings. Dentigerous cysts were tentatively diagnosed. Surgery was performed to aspirate the fluid and remove the first premolars, which were positioned in the cysts. Histopathological examination of tissue collected during the surgical procedure confirmed the diagnosis.     

Tongue rotation for reconstruction after rostral hemiglossectomy for excision of a liposarcoma of the rostral quadrant of the tongue in a dog

A 15-year-old female beagle dog was presented for a lingual liposarcoma. Full staging of the disease did not show any evidence of metastasis. A tongue rotation for reconstruction after rostral hemiglossectomy was performed after removal of the mass. This surgical technique may be useful in tongue reconstruction after trauma or tumor excision.     

Fibrous dysplasia of mandibular bone in a dog

A nine-year-old, male German shepherd dog was presented with a firm, discrete mass lingual to the interdental space of the mandibular left third and fourth premolars. The lesion was excised and diagnosed as fibrous dysplasia of bone based on histopathologic examination. Fibrous dysplasia of bone is a rare, non-aggressive, radiolucent, non-neoplastic lesion considered developmental in origin. Usually observed as a solitary lesion, it has been reported in animals and man in the polyostotic form. The disease process causes deformity of bone which may lead to loss of bone strength. Clinical signs are secondary to site specific problems associated with expansile bone lesions. Oral examination performed 18-months postoperatively indicated no signs of recurrence.     

Spontaneous resorption of a diabetic cataract in a geriatric dog

Spontaneous cataract resorption is described in a geriatric cocker spaniel with a four-month history of diabetes mellitus. Resorption progressed to such a degree that vision was restored in that eye and almost all the cataract material disappeared. This is not common in geriatric dogs despite having been described with relative frequency in young animals with hereditary cataracts.     

Ventral ultrasound-guided suprainguinal approach to block the femoral nerve in the dog

This prospective study assessed a ventral ultrasound-guided suprainguinal approach to block the femoral nerve (FN) in dogs. The anatomical features of the FN were evaluated in four canine cadavers. In another five cadavers, the FN was located by ultrasound-guidance and the accuracy of this technique was evaluated by injection of black ink and posterior evaluation of the degree of staining of the nerves. In five live dogs, the FN was blocked with 2% lidocaine. The distribution of lidocaine around the nerve and the presence of motor deficit were evaluated. The FN was easily located and accurately blocked in all cases. This new ultrasound-guided approach was reliable for blocking the FN and might be a suitable alternative to the traditional approaches described to block the FN in the dog.     

Cranial nerve hamartoma in a dog

An 11-year-old, male, neutered Cavalier King Charles spaniel was euthanatized because of recurrent seizures and inflammatory bowel disease. An incidental finding at necropsy was the presence of bilateral, firm, white nodules across the petrosal crest of the skull. Microscopically, the nodules were composed of normal myelinated nerve fibers within a mucinous stroma. A diagnosis of cranial nerve hamartoma was made.