Evaluation of the Cranial Rectus Abdominus Muscle Pedicle Flap as a Blood Supply for the Caudal Superficial Epigastric Skin Flap in Dogs

This study evaluates the cranial rectus abdominus muscle pedicle flap as the sole blood supply for the caudal superficial epigastric skin flap. This flap was composed of a cranially based rectus abdominus muscle pedicle flap that was attached to the caudal superficial epigastric island skin flap (including mammary glands 2 to 5) via the pudendoepigastric trunk. Selective angiography of the cranial epigastric artery in eight cadaver dogs proved that the arterial vasculature in the cranial rectus abdominus was contiguous with that in the caudal superficial epigastric skin flap. In the live dog study, three of six of the flaps failed because of venous insufficiency. Necrosis of mammary gland 2 occurred in two of six flaps. One of six flaps survived with the exception of the cranial most aspect of mammary gland 2. Angiography of the cranial epigastric artery proved that arterial blood supply to these flaps was intact. Histological evaluation of the failed flaps showed full-thickness necrosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, the presence of severe congestion, and venous thrombosis. Retrograde venous blood flow through the flap was inconsistent, and hence resulted in failure of this myocutaneous flap. Use of this flap for clinical wound reconstruction cannot be recommended.     

Postcaval Thrombosis and Delayed Shunt Migration After Pleuro-Peritoneal Venous Shunting for Concurrent Chylothorax and Chylous Ascites in a Dog

Simultaneous chylothorax and chylous ascites related to intestinal lymphangiectasia was diagnosed in a 4-year-old spayed female dog. Palliative pleural and peritoneal drainage was accomplished by placement of fenestrated silastic sheeting into surgically created diaphragmatic defects, and implantation of a pleuro-peritoneal venous shunt. The immediate postoperative period was complicated by acute renal failure secondary to postcaval thrombosis originating at the site of placement of the efferent pump catheter and extending to the level of the renal veins. Rapid resolution of this complication was accomplished with systemic anticoagulation. Clinical signs related to fluid accumulation resolved for 10 weeks after which acute decompensation occurred and the dog was euthanatized. Postmortem examination showed that reaccumulation of fluid was associated with migration of the efferent limb of the shunt from the caudal vena cava.     

Repair of Facial Defects with Periosteal Flaps in Two Horses

Facial defects that extended into the sinuses of two horses were repaired by using adjacent periosteum to cover the defects, using either a single flap or double flap technique. Acceptable cosmetic appearance was restored in both horses. Resistance to penetration of a needle and ultrasonic scanning demonstrated bony bridging in one horse.     

Bluetongue and Douglas virus activity in New South Wales in 1989: further evidence for long-distance dispersal of the biting midge Culicoides brevitarsis

SUMMARY: Infection of cattle with bluetongue and Douglas viruses was detected on the central and southern coast of New South Wales from January to April 1989. Bluetongue virus infection was found well south of areas of expected occurrence. Evidence is presented to support wind-borne dispersal of infected vectors, Culicoides brevitarsis , southwards from the Hunter Valley.     

Urinary Bladder incarceration and Infarction by an Intra-Abdominal Fat Pad in a Virginia Opossum (Didelphis Virginiana)

A 2.5-year-old, female opossum had acute stranguria. Based on radiography and ultrasonographic examination a cystic structure was identified in the caudal abdomen associated with bilateral hydroureter and hydronephrosis. This structure contained a neutrophilic fluid, determined to be urine. There was a neutrophilic leukocytosis. Serum chemistry values were within normal limits. The opossum was euthanized. An intra-abdominal fat pad incarceration of the urinary bladder above the trigone was present, resulting in complete obstruction of the urinary bladder and partial obstruction of the ureters. Vessels to the bladder were involved in the incarceration which resulted in vascular compromise and infarction of the bladder. Mild to moderate hydroureter and hydronephrosis were present.     

Acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndromes in veterinary medicine: consensus definitions: The Dorothy Russell Havemeyer Working Group on ALI and ARDS in Veterinary Medicine

Background: As veterinary medicine has become more sophisticated, with greater numbers of veterinary patients receiving intensive care, more patients with an acute respiratory distress (ARDS)‐like syndrome have been recognized. Methods: A consensus definition meeting was held for the purpose of developing veterinary‐specific definitions for acute lung injury (ALI) and ARDS. Results/conclusions: Three clinically based definitions for acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress‐like syndromes occurring in veterinary patients were described. Neonatal equine respiratory distress syndrome (NERDS) was defined separately due to the specific requirement for primary developmental surfactant dysfunction and lack of an inflammatory component. Five diagnostic criteria categories were established for Veterinary ALI/ARDS (Vet ALI/ARDS) with 4 required and a fifth highly recommended criteria. A strong consensus was reached that onset of respiratory distress must have been acute and that known risk factors must be present. Additional criteria included evidence of pulmonary capillary leak with no evidence of increased pulmonary capillary pressure, evidence of inefficient gas exchange and, finally, evidence of inflammation. Some features of ALI/ARDS in the neonatal horse were recognized as unique, therefore, equine neonatal ALI/ARDS (EqNALI/EqNARDS) was similarly defined but with a graded gas exchange inefficiency table to allow for normal developmental changes in gas exchange. Use of these definitions in planning prospective studies of these problems in veterinary patients should allow for more direct comparisons of studies and clinical trials, with a larger goal of improving outcome in veterinary patients.     

Implantation of an Uncemented Total Hip Prosthesis Technique and Initial Results of 100 Arthroplasties

A porous-coated modular total hip system was developed for uncemented implantation in dogs. The operative technique was developed in cadaver bones and live animals. One hundred uncemented total hip arthroplasties were performed in 92 dogs. Results were successful in 98% of the joints during follow-ups of 3 months or more. Complications included three luxations of the prosthetic joint, two fissure fractures of the femoral cortex, and one complete displacement of the acetabular component from its bony bed. Four complications were resolved successfully.