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- Author or Editor: Daniel Spector x
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Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION
A 5-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was evaluated because of an acute onset of dyspnea and open-mouthed breathing.
CLINICAL FINDINGS
Thoracic radiography revealed pleural effusion and signs consistent with restrictive pleuritis, and results of preoperative CT were consistent with diffuse, severe restrictive pleuritis, bilateral pleural effusion, and pulmonary atelectasis. Thoracocentesis yielded a red, turbid fluid that was identified as chylous effusion with chronic inflammation.
TREATMENT AND OUTCOME
Exploratory thoracotomy revealed diffuse, severe fibrous adhesions between the mediastinum, heart, lung lobes, and thoracic wall, with a thick fibrous capsule enveloping all lung lobes. Surgical treatment consisted of complete pleural decortication, pericardiectomy, and thoracic omentalization. The cat remained hospitalized for 6 days, receiving oxygen supplementation, multimodal analgesia, and supportive care. Long-term home care consisted of prednisolone administration, rutin supplementation, and provision of a low-fat diet. At recheck examinations 3-, 7-, and 20-weeks postoperatively, the cat remained tachypneic, but was otherwise clinically normal without dyspnea or respiratory distress. Follow-up thoracic radiography revealed improved pulmonary expansion, decreased pleural effusion, and resolved pneumothorax.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Surgical management of fibrosing pleuritis secondary to idiopathic chylothorax in cats has historically resulted in poor outcomes. This report details the first successful use of complete decortication in the surgical management of severe fibrosing pleuritis in a cat.
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION A5.5-year-old sexually intact male Bull Terrier was referred for evaluation because of sudden facial swelling and an inability to close its mouth.
CLINICAL FINDINGS Physical examination revealed bilaterally elevated nictitating membranes, an inability to adduct the mandible without assistance, and severe, diffuse, firm masticatory muscle swelling. Computed tomographic examination of the head revealed symmetric bilateral enlargement of the temporalis, masseter, and pterygoid muscles with heterogeneous contrast enhancement. Intracompartmental pressures in the left and right temporalis muscles as measured with an invasive arterial blood pressure transducer were 72 and 96 mm Hg, respectively.
TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Emergent fasciotomy of the temporalis and masseter muscles was performed, followed by medical management with corticosteroids and analgesics. The diffuse facial swelling resolved within 1 week after surgery. Results of serologic testing for antibody against masticatory 2M muscle fibers were negative. Results of histologic examination of temporalis muscle specimens were consistent with mild to moderate multifocal neutrophilic and histiocytic myositis with myofiber degeneration and necrosis.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE Acute compartmental syndrome should be considered as a differential diagnosis for dogs with a sudden onset of severe skeletal muscle swelling, signs of pain, and dysfunction. Findings for this dog with acute compartmental syndrome isolated to the masticatory muscles suggested that emergent fasciotomy followed by medical management may be an effective technique for treatment of this rare disease in dogs.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To report the clinical outcomes of the use of acellular fish skin grafts (FSGs) for the management of complex soft tissue wounds of various etiologies in dogs and cats.
ANIMALS
13 dogs and 4 cats with complex wounds treated with FSGs between February 2019 and March 2021.
PROCEDURES
Medical records were reviewed for information regarding cause, location, size of the wound, management techniques, complications, and clinical outcomes.
RESULTS
In dogs, the number of FSG applications ranged from 1 to 4 (median, 2 graft applications). The time between each application ranged from 4 to 21 days (median, 9.5 days). Time to application of the first FSG ranged from 9 to 210 days (median, 19 days). Wounds closed by second-intention healing following the first fish skin application between 26 and 145 days (median, 71 days; n = 12). In cats, 1 or 2 FSGs were used, and the wounds of 3 of 4 cats healed completely by secondary intention. The wounds of 1 dog and 1 cat did not heal. There were no adverse events attributed to the use of the FSGs.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
For dogs and cats of the present study, complete healing of most wounds occurred with the use of FSGs, the application of which did not require special training, instruments, or bandage materials.
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION
A 3-year-old 5-kg sexually intact female silvery langur housed in a single-species group at a zoological institution was presented because of acute trauma to the left forelimb.
CLINICAL FINDINGS
Radiography of the left forelimb revealed a type II Monteggia fracture (proximal ulnar fracture with cranial displacement and caudal luxation of the radial head). During surgery, disruption of the annular ligament and rupture of the lateral collateral ligament were noted.
TREATMENT AND OUTCOME
The langur underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the ulnar fracture and placement of a radioulnar positional screw, a prosthetic lateral collateral ligament, and a temporary hinged type 1A external skeletal fixator. The langur was returned to group housing, underwent behavioral training, and was periodically anesthetized for physical therapy sessions to improve range of motion of the left elbow joint. The external skeletal fixator was removed 4 weeks after surgery, and the radioulnar positional screw was removed 6 weeks after surgery. Three months after surgery, the range of motion of the langur’s left elbow joint was considered normal, and the animal returned to normal activity.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
For the captive silvery langur of the present report, surgical stabilization and postoperative management of a type II Monteggia fracture of the left forelimb were successful with recovery of elbow joint function. These techniques may be applied to other captive nonhuman primates, including those that brachiate or are members of social species that must be housed with conspecifics in the postoperative period to maintain group dynamics.
