P. Trebacz

Comparison of usefulness of different diagnostic procedures in slipped capital femoral epiphysis in cats

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) has been described in human medicine as a condition of predominantly teenage males, with obesity being a contributing factor (11, 22). The disease develops mainly bilaterally and is of an atraumatic origin (14). Slipped capital femoral epiphysis has also been described in mainly young (4.5-24 months), neutered male cats (16, 18, 21). Some studies have shown that SCFE occurs predominantly in Siamese cats, but until now a breed predisposition has not been confirmed (18). Untreated, SCFE leads to hypertrophic pseudoarthrosis or degenerative joint disease in humans (1, 13, 18, 22). Clinical signs are non-specific. The main symptom is lameness, which can develop acutely or be of chronic duration, without a history of previous trauma. Muscle atrophy, crepitation and painful reaction to palpation with a limited range of hip joint motion can be detected. SCFE develops mostly bilaterally, but it may have different severity and affect one or both sides independently (2, 6, 9, 18, 27). Patients do not show any other abnormalities in addition to those mentioned above (11, 13, 18). Predisposing factors for SCFE are sex, obesity, castration, and delayed physeal closure as a secondary effect of gonadectomy (13, 25). The aim of the study was to compare the usefulness of different diagnostic procedures – radiology, computed tomography, and histopathology – in slipped capital femoral epiphysis in cats.

Prepubic Minilaparotomy as the Surgical Approach in Treatment of Prostate Disorders in Dogs. A Cadaver Study

Abstract The aim of the study was to assess the prepubic minilaparotomy approach in the surgical treatment of prostatic disorders in dogs. The technique of a limited approach to the prostate was developed on the fresh cadavers of 14 intact adult male dogs, diversified in regard to size and body weight. The abdominal cavity was opened in midline, from the right-sided prepubic parapenile incision. The cut was limited to 7 cm. Afterwards, it was expanded by self-retaining retractors: Gelpi, Weislander, Finnochetto Baby, and Adson. Finnochetto Baby and Gelpi retractors used in pairs enabled an adequate exposition of the prostate in small dogs. The Finnochetto Baby retractor enabled an adequate exposition of the prostate in medium dogs and the Adson retractor - in large and giant dogs. The Weislander and Gelpi retractors used individually did not allow for sufficient access to the prostate in any group of the cadavers. Prepubic minilaparotomy can be a useful surgical approach in the treatment of prostate disorders in dogs. It can be used especially for minor surgical procedures, e.g. sampling of large tissue specimens for histopathological examination, partial prostatectomy, or treatment of intraparenchymal cavitary lesions.