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Biomedical subjects

D R Waldron

Publications and source records attributed to D R Waldron.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Renal and ureteral surgery in dogs.

Renal and ureteral surgeries are performed commonly in veterinary medicine. Potential surgeries include nephrectomy, nephrotomy, pyelolithotomy, neoureterostomy, and ureteral anastomosis. The most common reason for surgery is the removal of urinary calculi. Before performing surgery, consideration of the patient's renal function is important to obtain optimal results. Maintaining normal urine production in the perioperative and postoperative period is important in most cases. The surgical procedures listed previously are reviewed individually, including postoperative care.

Animals↗

Biomechanics of the thoracolumbar vertebral column of dogs during lateral bending.

OBJECTIVE: To study biomechanical characteristics of the normal and surgically altered canine thoracolumbar vertebral column to determine the effects of surgery and trauma on lateral stability. ANIMALS: The T13-L1 vertebral motion units of 48 mixed-breed dogs were dissected free of surrounding musculature and prepared for biomechanical testing by cross-pinning the vertebral bodies and mounting in polymethylmethacrylate. PROCEDURE: Normal and surgically altered spinal specimens were subjected to lateral bending. The mean slope of the bending moment versus angular displacement curve and the load to failure were compared between treatment groups and significance was determined by the method of least squares (P < 0.05). Specimens were surgically altered by facetectomy, lateral fenestration, diskectomy, and combinations of these procedures. Each specimen was subjected to lateral bending to failure at a rate of 2.5 cm/min in a swing arm bending jig designed to simulate 4-point bending and subject the specimen to pure bending. RESULTS: Only specimens undergoing diskectomy had a significant decrease in slope and load at failure. Unilateral and bilateral facetectomies and fenestration induced a nonsignificant decrease in stiffness, compared with control specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Fenestrations and facetectomies do not appear to increase the risk of injury to the canine thora-columbar spinal cord during lateral bending. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Fenestrations and facetectomies, as used in routine laminectomies, may be performed without concern for significant destabilization of the spine in lateral bending; however, it is possible that thoracolumbar spinal fractures involving only the vertebral body may significantly destabilize the spine in all modes of bending.

Animals↗

Skin and fascia staple closure.

Skin stapling is the fastest method of closure for long skin incisions. In addition, clean-contaminated wounds closed by staples have a greater resistance to infections than wounds closed with suture. It is important to realize that staples are a particular modality of suturing live tissues and if used properly they add speed and precision to wound closure. Many skin staplers are available to the veterinary surgeon and most perform satisfactorily. Stapling may be economically feasible when the reduced cost of surgical time and anesthesia is considered.

Animals↗

Reexpansion pulmonary edema after surgery to repair a diaphragmatic hernia in a cat.

Fulminant pulmonary edema developed after rapid lung reexpansion following diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy in a cat. Despite medical treatment, the cat died. Pulmonary edema is a potential complication of lung reexpansion achieved by negative intrathoracic pressure or positive-pressure ventilation. Slow expansion of a collapsed lung over a 12-hour period may help prevent this devastating complication.

Animals↗

Metastatic extramedullary plasmacytoma of the colon and rectum in a dog.

Stage-3 extramedullary plasmacytoma of the large intestine was diagnosed in an 8-year-old Labrador Retriever. Three primary tumors were located in the colon and rectum, with metastasis to local lymph nodes and the spleen. The disease was associated with a monoclonal serum protein spike identified as IgG. Treatment consisted of surgical excision followed by chemotherapy, using melphalan and prednisone. The dog remained free from clinical signs of disease and adverse effects of the chemotherapy at 9 months. Findings in this dog indicated that extramedullary plasmacytoma may be an aggressive disease, associated with spread to distant sites and monoclonal gammopathy.

Animals↗

Clinical evaluation of axial pattern skin flaps in dogs and cats: 19 cases (1981-1990).

Nineteen axial pattern skin flaps were used in 16 dogs and cats to provide skin for repair of extensive cutaneous defects. Retrospective evaluation of medical records was used to determine percentage flap survival, postoperative complications, and long-term outcome of axial pattern skin flaps. The most common indication for use of axial pattern flaps was to augment wound closure following tumor resection (n = 7). Other indications included trauma (n = 5), chronic nonhealing wounds (n = 4), urine-induced cellulitis (n = 1), idiopathic dermal necrosis (n = 1), and chronic lymphoplasmocytic dermatitis (n = 1). Mean flap survival (+/- SD) was 96% (+/- 8). Postoperative complications included wound drainage (n = 15), partial dehiscence of the sutured flap (n = 7), distal flap necrosis (n = 6), infection (n = 3), edema (n = 3), and seroma formation (n = 2). After a median follow-up time of 5 months, evaluation of animals indicated that surgery provided successful wound reconstruction with good cosmetic results. Reconstruction of large cutaneous defects is facilitated by axial pattern flap application regardless of cause of wound. Postoperative complications are common but amenable to standard wound management techniques such as drain placement and surgical debridement of devitalized distal flap skin.

Animals↗

Evaluation of biocompatible osteoconductive polymer as an orthopedic implant in dogs.

The biocompatibility and osteoconductive properties of biocompatible osteoconductive polymer (BOP), a synthetic implant, were evaluated. Bilateral oval cortical defects (1 x 2 cm) were made in the lateral subtrochanteric area of the proximal portion of the femur in 16 dogs that later were treated with BOP fiber (n = 16) or autogenous cancellous bone (n = 11), or were not treated (n = 5). The BOP block was attached extraperiosteally to the proximal portion of the humerus in 6 dogs. Radiographic assessment of surgery sites was performed at 4-week intervals, and histologic evaluation was performed at 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks after surgery. Radiographic signs of bone healing were not observed in defects treated with BOP fiber. Defects treated with cancellous bone or not treated had radiographic signs of progressive bone ingrowth. Radiographic evidence of periosteal new bone formation near control and BOP-treated defects was observed 4 weeks after surgery; increased periosteal reaction was associated with BOP fiber. This new bone had resorbed by week 24, except bone adjacent to BOP fiber, where continued periosteal reaction was apparent. Histologic evidence of bone formation was observed extending to, but not incorporating, BOP fibers. The BOP fibers became surrounded by a fibrous capsule, and fibrovascular connective tissue infiltrated between and into BOP fibers, but minimal bone formation incorporated the BOP material during the follow-up period. During that time, active periosteal new bone formation was evident adjacent to the BOP fibers. Defects treated with cancellous bone or not treated healed by ingrowth of cancellous bone during the first 12 weeks after surgery and by reformation of the lateral cortical wall by week 24. The BOP blocks became surrounded by a fibrous capsule, but connective tissue or bone ingrowth into BOP blocks was not observed. Results indicate that BOP is not osteoconductive within a 6-month time frame when used in subtrochanteric femoral defects or when placed extraperiosteally on the proximal portion of the humerus of clinically normal dogs.

Animals↗

Direct cutaneous arterial supply to the tail in dogs.

Cutaneous arterial blood supply to the tail was evaluated in 12 dogs. Subtraction radiography of internal iliac artery and distal aorta angiography in 3 of these dogs was used to determine arterial blood supply to the tail from the median sacral and lateral caudal arteries. Dissection of the tail in 8 canine cadavers revealed bilateral subcutaneous location of lateral caudal arteries following tail amputation. An axial pattern flap based on the lateral caudal arteries contributed to the reconstruction of a large caudodorsal cutaneous defect in a dog. An axial pattern flap based on the lateral caudal arteries following tail amputation may be indicated to aid reconstruction of large caudodorsal cutaneous defects of the trunk in dogs.

Amputation, Surgical↗

Cleft palate repair.

Cleft palates are congenital or acquired and effect the primary palate (lip) or the secondary (hard and soft) palate. Surgical repair of congenital cleft palate is indicated at an early age. Preservation of maximal tissue and tissue blood supply and a tension-free closure of the defect are requisite for successful repair. Multiple surgical procedures are often performed prior to resolution of this problem. Aspiration pneumonia is often present concurrently and should be treated with appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Anesthesia, Inhalation↗

Salivary mucoceles.

The overall incidence of salivary gland disease in dogs and cats is low. Salivary mucocele is the most frequently diagnosed disease of salivary glands. Mucoceles consist of collections of saliva in subcutaneous, sublingual, pharyngeal, or periorbital locations. Definitive therapy of salivary mucoceles consists of excision of the affected salivary gland and mucocele drainage.

Animals↗

Surgery of the geriatric patient.

The geriatric patient commonly requires surgical intervention. Although precaution is warranted, age alone is not a contraindication to surgery. A problem-oriented approach is needed, along with proper surgical planning that incorporates preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative needs of the patient. This article discusses both perioperative management theory and practical surgical techniques that can be applied to the aged animal. Many of the principles discussed are not limited to the practice of geriatric surgery but reflect reactions of aging patients to specific disease pathologies.

Aging↗

Survival of a dog with pneumonia caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum.

Pneumonia caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum was diagnosed in the left lung lobes of a 3-year-old male Samoyed. Unilateral pneumonectomy and antibiotic treatment (primarily amoxicillin trihydrate-clavulanate potassium and kanamycin) were associated with resolution of the pneumonia. In dogs, M fortuitum causes pulmonary disease that radiographically resembles bacterial pneumonia. Therefore, M fortuitum infection should be considered in dogs with radiographic signs of bronchopneumonia that worsen despite antibiotic treatment.

Animals↗

Platysma myocutaneous flap for head and neck reconstruction in cats.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the fourth most common neoplasm in cats. As in man, local resective surgery of stage III and IV carcinoma often results in recurrence related to compromised margins. Radical resective procedures may be performed when reconstructive techniques are available to restore cosmesis and function. A platysma myocutaneous flap that was based on a cutaneous branch of the caudal auricular artery and vein was developed to fulfill this requirement. Control flaps, which included ligation and division of the caudal auricular artery and vein, were similarly developed on the contralateral aspect of the neck. Mean survival of all platysma myocutaneous flaps (86.7%), compared with control flaps (62.9%), was significantly different (p < .05). Flaps grouped in lengths of 6, 9, and 12 cm had mean survival lengths of 93.8%, 81.9%, and 84.4%, respectively. The mean survival length of flaps measuring 12 cm in length was significantly different (p < .05) compared with flaps measuring 6 and 9 cm. On the basis of the results of this study, the platysma myocutaneous flap based on a cutaneous branch of the caudal auricular artery and vein may be a source of tissue for reconstructive procedures of the head and neck in cats.

Animals↗

The effect of epidural and general anesthesia on the healing of colonic anastomoses.

Colonic anastomoses were performed on two groups of 13 dogs each. Epidural anesthesia and general anesthesia were performed in one group and general anesthesia only in the other. Intraoperatively, the epidural-general anesthesia dogs tended to bleed less, making the anastomosis less difficult. Histologic comparisons showed healing to be more advanced in the epidural-general anesthesia dogs compared to the general anesthesia dogs 24 hours and 7 days postoperatively. Differences were not noticed 14 and 28 days postoperatively. Bursting pressures were determined 24 hours after surgery. Differences between the groups were not noticed. Leakage occurred at 72% of the pressure determined to cause leakage in normal colons.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Application of ventral pins and polymethylmethacrylate for the management of atlantoaxial instability: results in nine dogs.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report was to determine the efficacy of the application of ventral pins and polymethylmethacrylate for the management of congenital and traumatic atlantoaxial instability (AAI) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Medical records and radiographs of nine dogs with AAI were reviewed for neurological deficits, clinical diagnosis, surgical technique, and long-term outcome. SAMPLE POPULATION: Six toy breed dogs with congenital AAI and three medium or large breed dogs with traumatic AAI were identified for inclusion in the study. METHODS: The atlantoaxial joints of nine dogs with AAI were surgically stabilized using ventral application of pins and polymethylmethacrylate. Follow-up evaluation for resolution of clinical signs and possible complications of surgery was performed in all dogs. The median follow-up time for surviving dogs (8) was 11.5 months with a mean of 13 months. RESULTS: An excellent outcome was identified in five patients. Three dogs had a good outcome and one dog died of respiratory complications. Cervical pain was eliminated or significantly reduced in all dogs that survived and none of the dogs had major residual neurological deficits. CONCLUSIONS: Arthrodesis could not be confirmed on follow-up radiographs due to the presence of the polymethylmethacrylate; however, adequate stabilization of C1-C2 appears to have been achieved based on the resolution of clinical signs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Application of ventral pins and polymethylmethacrylate is an effective means of surgical treatment for congenital and traumatic AAI.

Animals↗

Endoscopic diagnosis of chronic hypertrophic pyloric gastropathy in dogs.

The endoscopic appearance of chronic hypertrophic pyloric gastropathy (CHPG) in five dogs is described. Several patterns of enlarged mucosal folds that surrounded and obstructed the pyloric canal were observed. Initially, endoscopically obtained biopsy samples of mucosa were judged to be histologically normal. Diagnosis of CHPG was confirmed and relief of pyloric obstruction accomplished at exploratory laparotomy (in four dogs). Retrospective evaluation of pyloric tissue samples, obtained during endoscopy, identified subtle histological characteristics of CHPG. Gastric and duodenal neoplasia or antral polyps can mimic the endoscopic appearance of CHPG but can be differentiated based on their endoscopic and histological appearance. These cases show that endoscopic examination is a valuable procedure for the diagnosis of CHPG in dogs that chronically vomit.

Animals↗

Partial splenectomy in the dog: a comparison of stapling and ligation techniques.

Partial splenectomy was performed in 17 adult dogs by using either surgical stapling instrumentation or conventional suturing techniques. Blood loss was minimal as determined by clinical observation and comparison of packed cell volumes and total protein levels before and after surgery. Surgical stapling instrumentation or suturing techniques may be used safely for partial splenectomy in the dog; however, the stapling technique significantly decreases operative time.

Animals↗