Quality of computerized medical record abstract data at a veterinary teaching hospital

This study was designed to evaluate the quality of data from computerized medical record abstracts at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ontario Veterinary College. Information in the paper medical record (registration, physical exam, daily progress, laboratory, radiology, anaesthesia and surgery forms), the summary sheet, and the computerized record were compared. A random sample of 100 patient visits from a subset of visits that were identified as all possible dog or cat elective-surgery visits in the computerized records from 1983 through 1991 were used. Clinicians were responsible for summarizing the medical record on the summary sheet and health record technicians entered the information from the summary sheet into the computer record. Most of the discrepancies (n = 33) noted for diagnoses, procedures or complications were due to the lack of transfer of information from the paper forms to the summary sheet. Although the medical record technicians detected and entered some of these (n = 10), most were not entered into the computerized records. The next most-common discrepancies (n = 5) were due to the clinician writing a different entry on the summary sheet than was present on the other paper record forms. Only one record had a miscoded diagnosis and three had miscoded procedures. Misfiled forms in the medical record folders of two patients resulted in one incorrect diagnosis and one incorrect procedure recorded in the computer record. When any discrepancy between the paper and computer record for diagnoses, procedures or complications was considered, 41% of the visits had discrepancies (46% dogs; 36% cats). The percentage varied by surgery status: non-elective surgeries 82%, elective surgeries 37% and non-surgical visits 29%. There was no obvious time trend. The completeness and accuracy of information in the database was inadequate for the intended research on post-operative complications following elective surgeries.     

Comparison of post-surgical complication rates and potential confounding factors in two common approaches for elective altering in female rats (Rattus norvegicus)

BackgroundElective altering in small mammals is a routine surgery in many exotic companion animal practices. Two techniques, the flank approach (FA), and ventral midline approach (VMA) have been well described in the literature. Flank approach and VMA are utilized for ovariectomy (with or without partial hysterectomy) and ovariohysterectomy respectively. The objective of this study is to compare complication rates between these two approaches as well as identify predictors for adverse events post operatively.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed at a single private practice to compare postoperative complication rates and potential influence of patient related variables for the two approaches for elective reproductive altering in female rats. A total of 457 female rats were included in this study. Elective altering was performed via FA in 396 rats and via VMA in 61 rats. Medical records were reviewed and data analyzed for complications accounting for patient age, weight, and surgeon expertise. Reported complications were grouped by incision-related, mortality within 48 hours postoperatively, and postoperative pathologic findings. To test for normality of continuous data, the Shapiro-Wilk test was used. Binary logistic regression was then performed to identify predictors of adverse events.ResultsComplications were noted in 22 of 396 rats (5.6%, 95% CI: 2–6%) undergoing FA and in (9.8%, 95% CI: 3–9.9%) undergoing VMA (difference in proportion: (6.0%, 95% CI: 4.3–8.7%). Pathologic findings were present in 3 of 396 (0.8%, 95% CI: 0.3–2.2%) in the FA group accounting for uterine disease and representing risk of remaining reproductive tissue through this approach. The VMA group had 1 of 61 (1.6%, 95% CI: 0–8.7%) pathologic findings (difference in proportion: 0.1%, 95% CI: 0–0.2%).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThrough binary outcome analysis via logistic regression, surgeon expertise, patient age, and weight failed to predict complications for both approaches and was not statistically significant. Surgeons should be aware of the advantages and complications of either technique when choosing a surgical approach for female elective altering in rats.     

Complications observed during and after ovariohysterectomy of 142 bitches at a veterinary teaching hospital

The clinical, anaesthetic and surgical records of 142 bitches admitted into the primary care clinic at the Small Animal Hospital, University of Liverpool, between January 2002 and August 2004 for routine ovariohysterectomy by final-year students were analysed for complications during and after the surgery. The time taken to perform the surgical procedure was recorded, to allow assessment of the time involved in one-to-one surgical teaching during live-recovery surgeries of client-owned pets. The types of complications were similar to those reported in earlier studies: nine bitches suffered haemorrhage of the ovarian arteries during surgery, and there were four cases of haemorrhage after surgery, 12 cases of wound inflammation and four other types of complication. The rates of intraoperative, postoperative and total complications were 6.3, 14.1 and 20.6 per cent, respectively.     

Comparison of perioperative and short-term postoperative complications of gastrointestinal biopsies via laparoscopic-assisted technique versus laparotomy

This retrospective report describes perioperative and short-term postoperative complications of gastrointestinal biopsies obtained via a laparoscopic-assisted technique compared with laparotomy in a population of 60 client-owned dogs and cats with naturally occurring gastrointestinal disease. The medical records were examined for patients that underwent surgery for diagnostic gastrointestinal biopsies. Data were collected regarding perioperative complications such as hypotension, hypercarbia, and hypoxemia, and short-term postoperative complications including seroma and incisional infection/inflammation. The perioperative complication rate was 17.6% for the laparoscopically assisted group and 16.6% for the control group. The short-term postoperative complication rate was 5.9% for the laparoscopically assisted group and 0% for the control group. There was a 0% rate of intestinal dehiscence. There were no statistically significant differences in complication rates between the 2 groups, showing that laparoscopic-assisted gastrointestinal biopsies can be performed with acceptable perioperative and short-term postoperative complication rates.     

Complications associated with the use of indwelling epidural catheters in dogs: 81 cases (1996-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate complications associated with use of indwelling epidural catheters in dogs in a clinical setting. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS: 81 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for dogs in which a 19-gauge epidural catheter was placed percutaneously at L7-S1 and advanced to the point of maximum efficacy for pain control (between L7 and T4, depending on the procedure). Catheters were used to provide perioperative epidural analgesia during surgeries that included perineal (n = 6), hind limb (33), abdominal (43), thoracic (5), forelimb (2), and cervical (1) procedures. RESULTS: Catheters were maintained in situ from 1 to 7 days (mean, 2.3 days; median, 2.0 days). Sixty-four dogs did not have complications; 17 dogs had minor complications. Catheter dislodgement was the most common complication (13/80 [16%] dogs). Catheter site contamination without inflammation developed in 2 (2.4%) dogs; inflammation at the catheter site developed in 2 (2.4%) dogs but was not related to duration of time the catheter was in place. Complications were not serious and did not require treatment other than catheter removal. Dogs that dislodged their catheters were significantly younger (mean, 2.9 years; median, 2.0 years) than other dogs (mean, 6.2 years; median, 6.0 years). Dogs that received femoral fracture repair dislodged their catheters more often (62.5%) than dogs undergoing other procedures (10.9%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The complication rate associated with temporary epidural catheterization of dogs appears to be low, and complications generally are not serious.     

Tolerance of cutaneous or mucosal flaps placed into a radiation therapy field in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical outcome and factors affecting cutaneous or mucosal flaps in dogs treated with radiation therapy (RT). STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal clinical study. ANIMALS: Twenty-six client-owned dogs. METHODS: Dogs entered in the study had a flapping procedure and RT as part of their treatment. The sequence of flapping and RT included: (1) planned preoperative RT, (2) postoperative RT, and (3) flapping as a salvage procedure for management of complications or local tumor recurrence after RT. Flap complications were defined as necrosis, local infection, dehiscence, and ulceration. The risk and severity of flap complication were analyzed independently. RESULTS: Twenty (77%) dogs had a complication; 6 dogs required an additional flapping procedure; and 4 dogs had an unresolved complication. Flapping procedures performed to correct a complication, or failure of RT, had a significantly greater risk for complication; however, postoperative RT decreased the severity of complication. A dose per fraction of 4 Gy compared with 3 Gy was prognostic for increased severity of complications, whereas the head and neck location was prognostic for decreased severity of complication. CONCLUSIONS: Although morbidity was substantial, cutaneous or mucosal flaps were used successfully in an RT field in 85% of the dogs. Flaps that were part of the planned therapy as opposed to those used to correct a complication or failure of RT had a better clinical outcome. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cutaneous or mucosal flaps can be part of the treatment of dogs with tumor when adjuvant or neoadjuvant RT is to be used.     

Tibial tuberosity advancement for treatment of CrCL injury: complications and owner satisfaction

The purpose of this retrospective study of 171 dogs that underwent 193 tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) surgeries was to describe complications and owner satisfaction associated with the procedure. Complications occurred in 21 cases (11%). Subsequent meniscal tear was the most common complication (10/193, 5.2%). Increasing body weight (P=0.02-0.04) and small cage size (P=0.06) were significantly associated with postsurgical complications. Ninety-two percent of owners were satisfied with the outcome of the TTA procedure, but only 84% stated that they would be willing to have the procedure performed again. The authors concluded that TTA had a complication rate and owner satisfaction similar to other tibial osteotomies for the surgical correction of cranial cruciate ligament disease.     

Ventral mandibulectomy for removal of oral tumours in the dog: Surgical technique and results in 19 cases

The purpose of this retrospective study is to describe in detail a novel ventral approach for mandibulectomy and the results in 19 dogs. The medical records of 19 dogs that received a partial or total unilateral mandibulectomy with the new ventral approach were reviewed. Information obtained included signalment, tumour type, extent of mandibulectomy, removal of regional lymph nodes, intrasurgical complications, immediate postoperative complications, histopathological diagnosis and study of margins. Intrasurgical complication occurred in one dog (haemorrhage) and required a blood transfusion. Postoperative morbidity was minor and included transient ventral cervical swelling and self‐limiting sublingual swelling (two dogs). All 19 animals were discharged between 24 and 48 hours of the procedure, and appetite was considered normal at discharge. Some perceived advantages of this procedure include easy identification of all the important anatomic structures in the area, including the inferior alveolar artery and temporo‐mandibular joint, and the fact that osteotomy of the zygomatic arch is not necessary (in case of caudal mandibulectomy). In addition, dissection of both mandibular and retropharyngeal lymph nodes is easily achieved by caudal extension of the same skin incision.     

Renal biopsy: a retrospective study of methods and complications in 283 dogs and 65 cats

Renal biopsy often is required to establish a definitive diagnosis in dogs and cats with renal disease. In this retrospective study, we determined the complications of renal biopsy as well as factors that may be associated with development of complications and procurement of adequate renal biopsy specimens in 283 dogs and 65 cats. Data extracted from medical records at 4 institutions were evaluated using logistic regression. Proteinuria was the most common indication for renal biopsy in dogs. Complications were reported in 13.4 and 18.5% of dogs and cats, respectively. The most common complication was severe hemorrhage; hydronephrosis and death were uncommon. Dogs that developed complications after renal biopsy were more likely to have been 4 to < 7 years of age and > 9 years, to weigh < or = 5 kg, and to have serum creatinine concentrations > 5 mg/dL. The majority of biopsies from both dogs (87.6%) and cats (86.2%) were considered to be of satisfactory quality. Biopsies from dogs were more likely to be of high quality if they were obtained when the patient was under general anesthesia and more likely to contain only renal cortex if they were obtained by surgery. We concluded that renal biopsy is a relatively safe procedure, with a low frequency of severe complications. Hospital practices and patient variables have the potential to impact both the quality of the specimen obtained and the rate of complications.     

Toggle rod stabilization for treatment of hip joint luxation in dogs: 62 cases (2000-2005)

OBJECTIVE: To determine outcome of open toggle rod stabilization in dogs with luxation of the hip joint. Design-Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 62 dogs. PROCEDURES: Information on signalment, surgical procedure, and postoperative care was obtained from the medical records. A questionnaire was sent to all owners to solicit follow-up information. RESULTS: The distribution for time between luxation and surgery was bimodal, with 24 (39%) dogs examined < or = 2 days after injury and 23 (37%) examined > 7 days after injury. Postoperative complications developed in 16 of the 62 (26%) dogs, with complications developing within 1 week after surgery in 10 of the 16. The most common complication was reluxation, which occurred in 7 dogs. Dogs in which surgery time was < 2 hours were significantly less likely to have a reluxation (2/40 [5%]) than were dogs in which surgery time was > or = 2 hours (5/22 [23%]). When asked to rate current limb function (0 = no lameness and 5 = non-weightbearing lame) a minimum of 6 months after surgery, 23 of 27 (85%) owners indicated a score of 0 or 1. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of the present study suggest that toggle rod stabilization is an effective treatment for hip joint luxation in dogs. However, complications, particularly reluxation, were common.     

Complications of enteroplication for the prevention of intussusception recurrence in dogs: 35 cases (1989-1999).

OBJECTIVE: To compare complication and recurrence rates in dogs treated for intussusception that underwent enteroplication to rates in dogs treated for intussusception that did not undergo enteroplication. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 35 dogs with intestinal intussusception. PROCEDURE: Information on signalment, clinical signs, potential predisposing causes, surgical technique, opioid administration, use of enteroplication, postoperative complications, and whether the intussusception recurred was obtained from the medical records. RESULTS: Dogs ranged from 8 weeks to 10 years old. Opioids were administered in the perioperative period in 34 dogs. Enteroplication was performed in 16 dogs. Complications of enteroplication that required a second surgery were identified in 3 dogs. None of the 16 dogs that underwent enteroplication had a recurrence of intussusception, whereas 1 of the 19 dogs that did not undergo enteroplication had a recurrence. Rate of intussusception recurrence and likelihood that a second surgical procedure would be required were not significantly different between dogs that underwent enteroplication and dogs that did not. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that enteroplication may be associated with life-threatening complications in dogs, but the likelihood of a dog requiring a second surgical procedure following surgical correction of intussusception was not different between dogs that underwent enteroplication at the time of the initial surgery and dogs that did not.     

Corneal transplantation for inflammatory keratopathies in the horse: visual outcome in 206 cases (1993-2007)

Objective To evaluate the visual outcome of three techniques of corneal transplantation surgery in treating severe inflammatory keratopathies in the horse. Design Retrospective medical records study. Animals studied Medical records of 206 horses that received corneal transplantation surgery at the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center from 1993 to 2007 were reviewed. Procedure Data collected from the medical records included signalment, types of ocular lesions, type of transplant surgery performed, length of follow‐up, complications, and visual outcomes. Results Full thickness penetrating keratoplasty (PK) was performed in 86 horses for melting ulcers, iris prolapse/descemetoceles, and medically nonresponsive full thickness stromal abscesses (SA). Posterior lamellar keratoplasty (PLK) and deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (DLEK) are split thickness penetrating keratoplasties that were utilized for medically nonresponsive deep stromal abscesses (DSA) in 54 and 66 eyes, respectively. The most common postoperative surgical complication was graft rejection and varying degrees of graft opacification. Wound dehiscence and aqueous humor leakage was also a common postoperative problem. A positive visual outcome was achieved for PK, PLK, and DLEK in 77.9%, 98.1%, and 89.4%, respectively. Conclusions Corneal transplantation is a tectonically viable surgery in the horse with an overall success rate of 88.5% in maintaining vision when treating vascularized and infected corneal disease in the horse.     

Evaluation of surgical outcome,complications, and mortality in dogs undergoing preoperative computed tomography angiography for diagnosis of an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt: 124 cases (2005–2014)

This study evaluated the safety of preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) and its effect on surgical time and clinical outcomes in dogs that underwent surgical correction of a single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (CEPSS). Patient data were retrospectively collected from medical records and owner communications for 124 dogs with single CEPSS, undergoing preoperative CTA (n = 43) or not (n = 81) which were surgically treated from 2005 to 2014. The frequency of major postoperative complications was 4.7% and 9.9% for the CTA and no CTA groups, respectively (P = 0.49). Mean ± standard deviation (SD) surgical time for the preoperative CTA group was 84 ± 40 min and 81 ± 31 min for the no CTA group (P = 0.28). We conclude that anesthetized preoperative CTA appears to be a safe method for diagnosis and surgical planning in dogs with single CEPSS, and does not appear to affect surgical procedure time, complication rate, or clinical outcome.     

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Nine Canine Hind Limb Amputees: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of total hip arthroplasty in canine hindlimb amputees. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation of clinical cases. METHODS: Data recorded from the medical records of nine dogs included patient signalment, indication for amputation and total hip arthroplasty (THA), interval between amputation and THA, and surgical complications. Radiographs were used to assess implant orientation and evidence of complications. Functional outcome was assessed using direct patient evaluation by one of the authors or primary surgeons, or through telephone interview between the primary author and the owner. RESULTS: Seven dogs ultimately had a good or excellent clinical results. Complications occurred in five dogs. Four dogs luxated the prosthetic joint without an obvious traumatic event within 9 weeks of the initial surgery. Revision surgeries resulted in successful coxofemoral reduction in three of four dogs. There were no clinical or radiographic findings suggestive of implant loosening or infection. CONCLUSION: THA can be a successful salvage procedure in the canine hindlimb amputee with disabling, non-neoplastic, noninfectious coxofemoral disease. The risk of luxation in the early postoperative period is high and revision surgery is required for stabilization.     

Retrospective evaluation of maropitant and perioperative factors affecting postoperative appetite in cats

The primary goal of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of postoperative appetite return in cats premedicated with maropitant citrate. Medical records of 75 cats admitted for gastrointestinal (GI) and urogenital (UG) surgeries were reviewed and analyzed. Buprenorphine analgesia was used with 36 cats (48%) premedicated with maropitant and 39 cats (52%) that were used as a control group. No significant differences in postoperative appetite return were reported with maropitant premedication compared to controls. Age, breed, preoperative weight, surgery type, surgery and anesthesia times, and total hospitalization time were also evaluated and were not reported to be significantly associated with postoperative appetite return. Presenting complaints of hyporexia or anorexia were significantly associated with earlier postoperative appetite return. Results of this study suggest that cats treated with buprenorphine for GI or UG surgeries do not have postoperative appetites return sooner when premedicated with maropitant.     

Combined transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation and Ahmed gonioimplantation in dogs with primary glaucoma: 51 cases (1996-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the combined diode laser cycloablation procedure and adjunctive Ahmed gonioimplant use in dogs with primary glaucoma. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 48 dogs, 51 eyes with primary glaucoma. PROCEDURE: Medical records from two large private clinical ophthalmology services were reviewed. Signalment, duration of glaucoma, gonioscopic evaluation, laser power and duration settings, immediate postoperative and final intraocular pressure and visual results, short and long-term visual outcome, and surgical complications were recorded. RESULTS: The age range of affected dogs was 3.0-14.0 years, with a mean age of 7.5 +/- 2.6 years. Eleven pure breeds were represented, with the most common being the American Cocker Spaniel. The sex distribution was 22 neutered males, 1 intact male, 23 spayed females, and 2 intact female dogs. The right eye was affected in 33 cases, and the left eye in 18 cases. The average total joules, which was administered with the diode laser, was 109.6 +/- 23.6 J. Immediate surgical complications included fibrin formation in the anterior chamber (15), corneal ulcers (4), hyphema (7), and focal retinal detachment (1). Long-term complications included cataract formation (8 total, 2 of which were significant, vision-threatening), elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) (6), unstable gonioimplant (1), and glaucoma recurrence (14). Additional surgeries performed on the eyes over the course of study included: intrascleral prosthesis (4), enucleation (1), resection of fibrotic scar tissue (5), and repeat laser cycloablation (8). The dogs were examined for a mean follow-up time of 17.6 months (range: 2-83 months postoperatively). Twenty-nine cases were followed greater than one year. Vision was maintained in 42/51 eyes (82%) in the immediate short-term of this study. In all cases included in the study, good control of IOP was achieved in 39/51 (76%) of eyes, and IOP was poor or uncontrolled in 12/51 (24%) of eyes. Twenty out of 41 eyes (49%) maintained fair to excellent vision six months after surgery. Twelve months postoperative observations demonstrated that 12/29 (41%) of the eyes were still visual. CONCLUSIONS: In primary glaucoma, the combined procedure of laser diode cyclophotocoagulation and Ahmed valve implant was associated with return or maintenance of vision in 42/51 eyes (82%) in the immediate short-term of this study, and a long-term IOP control in 39/51 (76%) of the cases, with 12/29 eyes (41%) visual after 12 months.     

Complications associated with temporary tracheostomy tubes in 42 dogs (1998 to 2007)

Objective : To identify the type and frequency of tracheostomy tube complications, and to determine factors associated with these complications, and with poor outcome. Methods : A database search for dogs undergoing temporary tube tracheostomy was performed. The medical records were scrutinised. The signalment, respiratory disease history, diagnosis, surgery, type and frequency of tube care procedures, type of complications and outcome were recorded. Results : Forty‐two records were found. Complications occurred in 36 of 42 (86%) cases. Bulldogs were more likely to dislodge the tube than other breeds (P=0·0376), and cases with three or more complication types underwent more routine care procedures than those with fewer complications (P=0·0370). Thirty‐four of 42 (81%) dogs had a successfully managed tracheostomy tube and survived until tube removal, or elective euthanasia without significant tube complications. Bulldogs were also significantly (P=0·0376) more likely to have an unsuccessful tube outcome, as were dogs experiencing severe bradycardia during treatment (P=0·0176). Dogs with unsuccessful tube outcome were significantly (P=0·0331) younger than dogs with successful tube outcome. Clinical Significance : Tracheostomy tubes in dogs have a high complication rate but a good outcome in most dogs. Careful management may improve the outcome of dogs with tracheostomy tubes, especially bulldogs and dogs exhibiting bradycardia during treatment.     

Bilateral rostral maxillectomy and nasal planectomy for large rostral maxillofacial neoplasms in six dogs and one cat

This paper describes in detail an aggressive rostral maxillectomy procedure in one cat and six dogs, and the postoperative complications and outcomes are reported. The surgeries were performed to attempt complete excision of large and extensive rostral maxillary fibrosarcomas (n=4), squamous cell carcinomas (n=2), or poorly differentiated mesenchymal neoplasia (n=1). The surgeries involved transection of the maxilla at the level of premolar (PM)1 and PM2 in a cat and two dogs, and between PM2 and PM3 in four dogs. There were no intraoperative complications. Complete margins of resection were obtained in all cases. The postoperative appearance was acceptable to owners. Local recurrence was only observed in one dog (10 months after surgery) during a follow-up period of 11 to 66 months (median, 21.5 months).     

Fragment size is associated with post-operative complications following elective arthroscopy of the tibiotarsal joint of horses

The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the occurrence of joint-related complications after elective arthroscopy of the tibiotarsal joint (TTJ) in 329 horses, and the association with specific clinical parameters. Data were collected from medical records of horses undergoing elective tibiotarsal joint arthroscopy for fragment removal. Exact conditional univariate regression was used to determine significant risk factors for joint-related post-operative complications.Of 485 joints, 2 (0.4%) developed surgical site infection, 4 (0.8%) developed septic arthritis, 1 (0.2%) developed synovial fistula. There was a significantly increased odds of having septic arthritis as height and length of the distal intermediate ridge of the tibia (DIRT) lesion increased. The median height and length of the DIRT fragments in affected cases was 13.5 mm and 18.0 mm, respectively. For each unit (1 mm) increase in height, there was a 42% increase in the risk of septic arthritis occurrence (P = 0.0042), and a 15% increase for each unit increase in length (P = 0.035). Horses were significantly less likely to develop septic arthritis when suture smaller than USP 0 was used.Horses with larger osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the DIRT region have an increased risk of developing septic arthritis following fragment removal.     

Open versus closed bilateral anal sacculectomy for treatment of non-neoplastic anal sac disease in dogs: 95 cases (1969-1994)

OBJECTIVE: To determine complications associated with anal sacculectomy in dogs with non-neoplastic anal sac disease and compare complication rates for open versus closed techniques. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 95 dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed for information on signalment, history, physical examination findings, type of anal sac disease, surgical technique (closed, standard open [surgery performed prior to 19801, or modified open [surgery performed after 19801), and postoperative complications. RESULTS: In 57 dogs, a closed technique was used, and in 38, an open technique was used. Only 3 dogs developed short-term complications (excessive drainage, scooting and inflammation, and seroma formation), and 14 developed long-term complications (continued licking of the surgery site, fecal incontinence, fistulation, and stricture formation). Development of postoperative complications was significantly associated with surgical technique. Dogs that underwent standard open sacculectomy prior to 1980 were 13.67 times as likely to have a long-term complication as were dogs that underwent closed sacculectomy. Weight of the dog, type of anal sac disease, age at the time of surgery, and whether the wound was closed surgically were not significantly associated with whether dogs developed postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that anal sacculectomy is a safe and effective treatment for non-neoplastic anal sac disease in dogs and is associated with a low rate of complications. The standard open technique was associated with the greatest number of complications, whereas complication rates for the closed and modified open techniques were similar to each other.