L. Pisoni

Double-J ureteral stenting in nine cats with ureteral obstruction.

Ureteral stenting is a common practice in human medicine and has recently been reported in dogs and cats to provide urinary diversion for ureteral obstructions caused by ureteroliths, strictures, neoplasia, and in an attempt to prevent postoperative complications following ureteral anastomosis. The aim of this report is to describe a surgical technique of ureteral stenting and the follow-up and complications in nine cats. Number 3 French double-J catheters were used during open surgery for ureterotomy/ureterolith removal in eight cats and for segmental ureterectomy/end-to-end anastomosis in one cat for a localized benign stricture. Neoureterocystostomy was necessary in eight of the cats. Uroperitoneum did not occur. Stents were still in place in 7/9 animals after 357-1,565 days (median 1,277 days). A minor complication (stent migration) occurred in one cat, but stent removal was not required. Major complications were encrustation and persistent stranguria (in one cat each), requiring stent removal at 90 and 123 days, respectively. The first cat had a new stent inserted but was euthanased 3 months later for progressive renal failure. Despite the small number of cats, both the outcome and long-term stent tolerance observed in most cases suggest that ureteral stenting is a safe, adjunctive measure to ureteral surgery, mainly for concomitant ureteral and renal pelvic stones to prevent further obstruction and avoid pyelotomy/nephrotomy. However, smaller stents should be used to decrease the need for ureteral surgery.

Bilateral radial hemimelia and multiple malformations in a kitten.

Hemimelia is a congenital disease of complete or partial absence of one or more bones. The most important hypothesis is that radial agenesis is a consequence of neural crest injury. Treatment selection depends on the degree of the deformity and the reduction of limb function. This report describes a case of bilateral radial hemimelia and multiple malformations in a kitten aged 2 months treated conservatively with splint bandage, until bone maturity. The re-evaluation was performed 4 years later.

Two different approaches for novel extracapsular cranial cruciate ligament reconstruction: an in vitro kinematics study

OBJECTIVE To analyse the best combination of isometric points with the best kinematic results between two different approaches of TightRope® cranial cruciate ligament reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cranial drawer, cranial tibial thrust, internal/external, range of motion and varus/valgus tests were passively performed in different stifle conditions: cranial cruciate ligament-intact/deficient, after F2-T2/F2-T3 TR reconstruction at 22-44-99 N of tension. Data were acquired by a custom-made navigation system. RESULTS The cranial drawer test showed recovery of laxity only at 99 N in both approaches. Significant laxity reduction (cranial tibial thrust) was present at only the F2-T2 point. Differences were noted in internal/external and varus/valgus rotation between the cranial cruciate ligament-intact and TightRope® stifles at all of the implant tensions. The range of motion underlined significantly lower laxity values following the F2-T2/F2-T3 reconstruction at all of the evaluated implant tensions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The best isometric site was at the F2-T2 point, however significant differences in the amount of laxity between the two techniques were limited to the cranial tibial thrust and internal/external test. The F2-T2 technique was the best consideration for clinical application because it is relatively easy to perform, repeatable and results in good stifle stability with low morbidity and complications.

Surgical induction of metacarpal synostosis for treatment of ectrodactyly in a dog

Ectrodactyly is a rare developmental anomaly of the distal part of the forelimb. It is characterized by the presence of an abnormal longitudinal soft tissue and osseous separation or cleft between the digits and the metacarpal bones. It can be associated with hypoplasia, aplasia and malformation of one or more bones of the antebrachium, carpus, metacarpus and digits. Unilateral ectrodactyly and moderate lameness were diagnosed in a young female dog. The dog was treated surgically with reconstruction of soft tissues and stabilization of the metacarpal bones by two nylon cerclage sutures. After three years a mild residual lameness was present. Radiographic signs of synostosis between the metacarpal bones II, III and IV with presence of a cleft between carpal bones II and III were observed.

Renal adenocarcinoma-associated erythrocytosis in a cat: Clinicopathological features and immunohistochemical results

This report documents a case of secondary inappropriate erythrocytosis in a cat with renal cell adenocarcinoma, its stabilization through manual erythrocytapheresis, and the EPO-immunostaining on the affected kidney. An 11-year-old cat was presented with lethargy, weight loss and polyuria/polydipsia. An abdominal mass was detected upon physical examination. Clinicopathological work-up revealed marked erythrocytosis (HCT value 64.8%), renal azotemia and decreased urine specific gravity (USG). An abdominal ultrasound was performed, localizing the mass in the right kidney. Serum erythropoietin (EPO) was above the reference interval (RI), and the cytology of the mass was indicative of renal carcinoma. Manual erythrocytapheresis was performed in order to stabilize the patient before surgery, improving the cat’s clinical and clinicopathological condition. After nephrectomy, EPO and creatinine concentrations returned within the RI, while the USG markedly increased. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of renal adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry with anti-EPO antibody revealed diffuse and strong cytoplasmatic positivity in tumor cells.

Endoscopy-assisted tracheal reconstruction of posttraumatic obstruction in a cat: a case report.

A domestic shorthair cat was referred with a history of dyspnoea and lethargy that had arisen gradually within the last few days. The cat had been hit by an automobile 10 days earlier. A thoracic radiograph suggested stenosis of the intrathoracic trachea, proximal to the tracheal bifurcation. Endoscopic examination confirmed a narrowing of the tracheal lumen due to the presence of a fibrotic ring, with remaining patent lumen of about 2 mm. A surgical treatment with a right lateral thoracotomy approach and resection of the narrowed portion of the trachea (a length of about 1 cm) was performed under endoscopic vision. The procedure was unsuccessful because of the size of the tissue removed and the laxity of the remaining tracheal tissue that caused dehiscence of sutures between the tracheal stump and tracheal bifurcation. After consultation with the cat’s owners, an intraoperative euthanasia was performed.