A Comparison of Simple Continuous Versus Simple Interrupted Suture Patterns for Tracheal Anastomosis After Large-Segment Tracheal Resection in Dogs

Two suture techniques for tracheal anastomosis after large-segment tracheal resection were compared. Eight cartilages were resected from the trachea of each of 12 dogs; anastomoses with 4-0 polydioxanone suture were created using a simple continuous suture technique in six dogs and a simple interrupted suture technique in six dogs. Surgical time was shorter but apposition of tracheal segments at the time of surgery was less precise with the simple continuous suture technique. The dogs were evaluated for 150 days after surgery. Clinical abnormalities after tracheal resection and anastomosis were not observed. Percent dorsoventral luminal stenosis was calculated by measuring the tracheal lumen diameter on lateral cervical radiographs. Percent luminal stenosis was calculated planimetrically using a computerized digitizing tablet. Anastomotic stenosis was mild in all dogs; however, the mean percent luminal stenosis determined planimetrically was significantly greater for dogs that had the simple continuous suture technique. Planimetric measurements of cross-sectional area made before and after formalin fixation were not significantly different. Radiographic determination of percent dorsoventral luminal stenosis was a poor predictor of diminution of cross-sectional area determined planimetrically.     

Evaluation of a Collagenase Generated Osteoarthritis Biomarker in Naturally Occurring Canine Cruciate Disease

Objective— To determine the clinical value of a novel osteoarthritis (OA) biomarker in detecting canine cruciate disease.
Study Design— Cross sectional clinical study.
Animals— Dogs (n=22) with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture and 12 control dogs.
Methods— Concentrations of collagenase-generated cleavage epitope of type II collagen (Col2-3/4C_{long mono}, or C2C) in serum, urine, and joint fluid were compared between a group of dogs with CCL rupture and a control group. Correlation of C2C concentrations to the clinical stage of stifle OA was also evaluated.
Results— There were no significant differences in C2C concentrations in serum, urine, and joint fluid between groups ( P >.05). Subjective scores of lameness, joint effusion, osteophytosis were significantly more severe in the CCL rupture group compared with the control group ( P <.05). There was no significant correlation of C2C concentrations with clinical stage of stifle OA ( P >.05).
Conclusion— This OA biomarker did not detect pathology associated with CCL rupture. Our results suggest that collagenase-specific degradation of type II collagen in articular cartilage may not be involved in the early stage of naturally occurring canine cruciate disease, and that pathology associated with naturally occurring CCL rupture is different from that of experimental OA model.
Clinical Relevance— C2C is not clinically useful in detecting CCL rupture in dogs.     

Jejunal Intussusception: A Complication of Functional End-to-End Stapled Anastomoses in Two Ponies

Jejunojejunal intussusception occurred after jejunal resection and stapled functional end-to-end anastomosis in two pony mares. In both mares, the lead point of the intussusception was the stapled functional end-to-end (FEE) anastomosis. The stapled free ends of jejunum were oversewn with an inverting suture pattern. A possible explanation for development of the intussusception was the acute angle created in the intestine by the FEE anastomsis. This angulation may have impaired flow of ingesta causing motility changes that predisposed the site to intussusception. Because the oversewn blind intestinal ends acted as the lead point for formation of the intussusception, it may be inadvisable to oversew the stapled anastomotic ends.     

Parenteral Anticholinergics in Dogs With Normal and Elevated Intraocular Pressure

Dogs given parenteral anticholinergic drugs have been thought to be at risk for development or exacerbation of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). In a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled study, we evaluated the effect of intramuscular glycopyrrolate (0.01 mg/kg) on pupil diameter and IOP in unanesthetized normal dogs. Treatment with glycopyrrolate did not change pupil diameter or IOP from baseline, nor were there differences between glycopyrrolate and saline-treated (control) dogs. In addition, the authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 2,828 dogs undergoing general anesthesia between April 1987 and September 1990 to determine if there was an association between parenteral anticholinergic medication and postanesthetic elevation in IOP. The authors also determined the frequency of bradycardia requiring anticholinergic therapy during anesthesia in dogs with glaucoma. Of the 2,828 cases reviewed, the records of 46 dogs coded for glaucoma were examined in detail. The 46 dogs underwent 62 episodes of anesthesia, with 23 episodes including exposure to an anticholinergic drug. An increase in IOP from preanesthetic to postanesthetic measurement occurred in three dogs. One of these dogs received anticholinergic medication for bradycardia during anesthesia. The postanesthetic elevation in IOP in this dog was probably not drug related. Preanesthetic anticholinergic administration did not affect the incidence of anticholinergic administration for bradycardia during the anesthetic episode. Anticholinergic therapy during anesthesia was more frequent when the preanesthetic medication included an opiate drug. These studies do not indicate an association between parenteral anticholinergic administration and elevations in IOP.     

Age, Tibial Plateau Angle, Sex, and Weight as Risk Factors for Contralateral Rupture of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament in Labradors

Objective— To compare rates of contralateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) in Labradors based on age and weight at initial rupture, sex, and tibial plateau angle (TPA) and to determine whether Labradors that rupture their initial cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) at an earlier age (<4 years) are more likely to rupture their contralateral side within a certain period of time. Study Design— Case series. Animals— Labradors (n=94) that had tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). Methods— Two groups: no contralateral rupture (NR) and contralateral rupture (CR) were compared for significant (P<.05) differences in percentage of subsequent cruciate tears using a Wilcoxon's rank‐sum tests for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test for sex. Adjusted odds ratios for likelihood of subsequent cruciate tears (yes/no) were estimated using logistic regression. Associations of these characteristics with time to subsequent rupture were assessed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis estimation. Predictors of presentation with bilateral ruptures (BR) versus single rupture were also evaluated using Wilcoxon's rank‐sum tests and a generalized Fisher's exact test. Results— Subsequent CCLR occurred in 45 dogs (48%), and BR on admission were identified in 10 dogs (10.6%). Comparing NR and CR dogs, there were no significant differences between age or weight at initial rupture, sex or TPA; however there were associations toward longer time to CR for dogs older than the median age and female dogs (intact and spayed). There were no significant differences in age, sex, weight, or TPA of dogs with bilateral CCL ruptures compared with initial unilateral ruptures; however, there was a trend toward dogs presenting at an older age and with lower TPA's in the BR group. Among the 84 NR/CR dogs, the median time to rupture of the contralateral CCL was 5.5 months (95% CI 5.2–5.7). Conclusions— Age and weight at initial rupture, sex, and TPA does not affect likelihood or rate of contralateral CCL rupture or presentation with bilateral CCL ruptures. Clinical Relevance— Approximately 50% of Labradors will rupture the contralateral CCL within 5.5 months of the initial rupture but age, weight, sex, and TPA cannot be used as predictive features.