Spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula in a dog

The purpose of this case report was to describe the surgical correction of a cholecystocutaneous fistula in a dog. A 6 yr old Vizsla presented with a 2 mo history of a chronic draining wound on the right ventral thorax. Diagnostics revealed numerous fistulous tracts opening at a single site on the right ventrolateral chest wall, extending caudodorsally through the chest wall and diaphragm to the region of the right medial liver lobe. Exploratory laparotomy revealed the apex of the gallbladder adhered to the diaphragm with a tract of fibrous tissue extending along the diaphragm laterally to the right thoracic wall. Cholecystectomy was performed. The fistulous tract was incised to expose the lumen of the fistula, and the fistula was omentalized. Twenty-eight months after surgery, the dog had had no recurrence of the fistulous tract. Exploratory laparotomy allowed excellent visualization of the intra-abdominal path of the fistula and facilitated the ease of resection of the source. Cholecystectomy resulted in rapid and complete resolution of the fistula without the need for excision of the fistula. Although rare, gallbladder disease should be a differential for chronic fistulous tracts.     

A review of lameness attributable to the shoulder in the dog: part two

The scapulohumeral joint is a common site of forelimb lameness in the dog. Establishing a definitive diagnosis may be difficult because of the limitations of orthopedic examination and radiographs and the inherent elusiveness of the associated conditions. The intent of this review is to present, in a single reference, the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of reported causes of lameness intrinsically associated with the shoulder. Part One of this series discusses conditions associated with cartilage and bone maturation disorders and joint instability, while Part Two reviews tendon diseases, muscle disorders, synovial diseases, and soft-tissue mineralization disorders.     

Combined Kirschner-Ehmer device and dorsal spinal plate fixation technique for caudal lumbar vertebral fractures in dogs

A new surgical technique was developed for the fixation of caudal lumbar vertebral fractures in dogs. The technique provides optimal stabilization, can be used in combination with dorsal decompression, and does not require an intact spinous process on the fractured vertebra or attachment of the fixation devices to the fractured vertebra. The fixation consists of a Kirschner-Ehmer device and dorsal spinal plates. After fracture healing, only mild sedation of the dog is needed to allow removal of the external hardware used in the fixation. The technique, its indications, and its use in 5 cases are described.     

Multiple cardiac anomalies in a cat.

A 7-week-old domestic shorthair cat was examined because of congestive heart failure. Echocardiography and angiography were used to identify multiple cardiac anomalies. Because of the uncorrectable nature of the defects, the cat was euthanatized. Necropsy revealed persistent left vena cava, patent foramen ovale, and a right atrial/left ventricular canal. The right atrioventricular valve was replaced by a small ostium, and no chordae tendinae or papillary muscles were observed around the ostium. The pulmonary trunk originated from the right atrium. The right ventricular free wall was approximately 1 mm thick.     

Comparison of three intraoperative patient warming systems

The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the efficacy of three patient warming devices (i.e., circulating water blanket, forced-air, and warming panels) used either alone or in combination on patients undergoing surgeries lasting >60 min. In total, 238 dogs were included and divided into either the celiotomy or nonceliotomy group. Dogs in each group were further divided into one of three subgroups. Dogs in subgroup 1 (n=39) were placed on a circulating water blanket with a forced-air warming blanket placed over the trunk. Subgroup 2 dogs (n=40) were placed on a forced-air warming blanket only. Subgroup 3 dogs (n=40) were placed on warming panels. Significant temperature drops occurred from time of induction (38.1°C±0.64°C) to the start of surgical procedures (36.7°C±0.95°C). Although body temperature was maintained once the warming units were started in all groups, there were significant differences in temperatures for the type of surgical procedures (i.e., celiotomies versus nonceliotomies) performed over time except for subgroup 3. The warming panels and forced-air devices were equally effective in preserving body temperature in anesthetized patients.     

The effect of the mode of application on the toxicity of Androctonus australis hector insect toxin

The toxicity of the insect toxin from the venom of the scorpion Androctonus australis Hector (AaH IT) was assayed using several ethods of application on various insect species. Activity was only demonstrated by opical application on Musca domestica. Three different solvents were assayed: ethanol + water (50 + 50 by volume), acetone + water (80 + 20 by volume) and acetone + dimethyl sulphoxide (50 + 50 by volume). When using the last two mixtures, LD₅₀ was found to be 1 μg 100 mg^?1 fly. When this activity is compared to that of five synthetic insecticides tested in the same conditions, AaH IT is about 1-5 times more active than propoxur and DDT, 10 times more active than malathion but 200 times less active than deltamethrin. No activity was observed against Aphis craccivora at 15 mg m^?2 in surface-contact tests on glass, or against Culex pipiens pipiens larvae at 2 × 10⁵ ng litre^?1 in water.     

A review of lameness attributable to the shoulder in the dog: part one

The scapulohumeral joint is a common site of forelimb lameness in the dog. Establishing a definitive diagnosis may be difficult because of the limitations of orthopedic examination and radiographs and the inherent elusiveness of the associated conditions. The intent of this review is to present, in a single reference, the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of reported causes of lameness intrinsically associated with the shoulder. Part One of this series discusses conditions associated with cartilage and bone maturation disorders and joint instability, while Part Two reviews tendon diseases, muscle disorders, synovial diseases, and soft-tissue mineralization disorders.     

Stiffness of modified Type 1a linear external skeletal fixators.

Modifications of a Type 1a external skeletal fixator (ESF) frame were evaluated by alternately placing transfixation pins on opposite sides of the connecting rod (Type 1a-MOD) or by placing additional connecting rods on either of the two inside (Type 1a-INSIDE) or two outside (Type 1a-OUTSIDE) transfixation pins. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stiffness of these modifications in terms of axial compression (AC), cranial-caudal bending (CCB), and medial-lateral bending (MLB). We hypothesized that these designs would allow significant increase in unilateral frame stiffness, over Type 1a, without proportional increase in frame complexity or technical difficulty of application. All of the ESF frames were constructed using large IMEX SKtrade mark clamps, 3.2 mm threaded fixation pins, 9.5 mm carbon fibre connecting rods and Delrin rods as bone models. Nine, eight pin frames of each design were constructed, and subjected to repetitive non-destructive loading forces (AC, CCB, MLB) using a materials testing machine. Frame construct stiffness for each force (AC, CCB, MLB) was derived from load-deformation curve analysis and displayed in N/mm. Data revealed the 1a-MOD and 1a-OUTSIDE constructs had significantly increased stiffness in CCB and AC as compared to the Type 1a constructs while all of the modified constructs were significantly stiffer in MLB than the Type 1a constructs.