Comparison of 3 methods of onychectomy

The frequency of claw regrowth, bony remnants, and complications in cats that underwent forelimb onychectomy using laser, scalpel, or guillotine techniques were evaluated. Eighty-seven client-owned cats were recruited from 27 veterinary clinics in the Canadian Atlantic provinces. At least 1 year after onychectomy the cats underwent a physical examination, gait analysis, and radiographic evaluation by 1 of 2 authors. There was no significant difference in the frequency of claw regrowth among the 3 methods (P = 0.283). Significantly more cats had bony remnants following guillotine onychectomy (P < 0.001). Bony remnants were significantly associated with claw regrowth (P = 0.001). Cats that underwent laser onychectomy had significantly less post-operative complications (P = 0.023). The long-term outcome was not significantly different among the 3 methods. We conclude that leaving remnants of the third phalanx in situ is associated with an increased frequency of claw regrowth. Laser onychectomy may be preferred to reduce the risk of post-operative complications, bony remnants, and claw regrowth.     

Gamna‐Gandy bodies: a case of mistaken identity in the spleen of a cat

A 4‐year‐old, female spayed Domestic Shorthair cat was presented for a 2‐day history of lethargy, anorexia, and vomiting. Diagnostic assessments revealed a severe, regenerative anemia and the presence of a solitary, 3 × 4 cm splenic mass. Cytologic examination of fine‐needle aspirates of the splenic mass showed sheets of pleomorphic histiocytic cells with numerous intracellular and extracellular, negatively staining to deeply basophilic, branching structures. These structures were typically of thin uniform thickness with random angled branching that formed geometrical shapes and fragments, occasionally with sharpened ends and a crystalline appearance. Septal‐like divisions were irregularly spaced along some of the linear branches. The cytology was interpreted as a probable histiocytic inflammatory response to the unidentified foreign material with histiocytic sarcoma as a differential diagnosis. Histopathologic evaluation of the splenic mass resulted in a diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma. The branching material stained positively for both iron and calcium, indicating that the material was compatible with Gamna‐Gandy bodies present secondary to tumor‐associated hemorrhage and the formation of calcium–iron complexes.     

PREOPERATIVE CLINICAL EVALUATION OF THE SURGICAL PATIENT WITH POTENTIAL OR APPARENT INFECTION

Because of the type of patient treated, and the nature of the injury, the veterinarian is often called upon to treat surgical infections. These infections may be primary, or can be sequelae or trauma or elective surgery. Each clinician has his own protocol and priorities in evaluation of the patient with a surgical infection. A careful history and physical examination, together with clinical and microbiological laboratory testing procedures will help identify the pathogenic organism and indicate the severity of the infection in the animal patient. With this preliminary evaluation, the clinician and surgeon may attack the problem appropriately, and with a greater assurance of success.     

Histomorphometric analysis of articular cartilage, zone of calcified cartilage, and subchondral bone plate in femoral heads from clinically normal dogs and dogs with moderate or severe osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: To quantify and compare the microscopic changes in articular cartilage (AC), zone of calcified cartilage (ZCC), and subchondral bone plate in femoral heads from clinically normal dogs and dogs with moderate or severe osteoarthritis. SAMPLE POPULATION: Femoral heads from clinically normal dogs (n = 16) and dogs with moderate (24) or severe (14) osteoarthritis. PROCEDURES: Femoral heads were allocated to 3 categories (normal, moderate, or severe osteoarthritis) on the basis of radiographic findings, macroscopic findings, and histologic grade determined by use of a modified Mankin scale. Equally spaced 2-mm sections were cut in each femoral head in a coronal or transverse plane. Thickness of the AC, ZCC, and subchondral bone plate was recorded. RESULTS: Mean thickness of AC was significantly greater in samples with moderate and severe osteoarthritis than those considered normal. Mean thickness of the ZCC was significantly greater in samples with moderate and severe osteoarthritis than those considered normal. Mean thickness of the subchondral bone plate in samples with severe osteoarthritis was significantly greater than those with moderate osteoarthritis and those considered normal. A significant decrease in AC thickness was detected in the proximomedial area of femoral heads with severe osteoarthritis, compared with those considered normal. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A cause and effect association between thickening of subchondral structures and thinning and loss of the overlying AC was not detected. Changes in AC were associated with changes in the subchondral bone plate, which is compatible with the theory of adaptation in response to altered load distribution.