Samantha Woods

The capnellenes revisited: New structures and new biological activity

Abstract Three capnellanes have been isolated from the soft coral Capnella imbricata , one known ( 1 ) and two new structures ( 9, 10 ). Their structures were determined by a mixture of spectroscopic methods and comparisons to the previous literature. Cytotoxicity against a panel of cancer cell lines was determined for all the compounds with compound 1 showing an IC 50 of 0.7 μM against K562 leukaemia. In addition compound 9 was cytotoxic to promyelogenous leukaemia and 10 was active against renal leiomyoblastoma cells.

Plasma cytokine concentrations in dogs with a congenital portosystemic shunt

Congenital portosystemic shunts (cPSS) are a well-recognised vascular anomaly in dogs. Recent studies have shown an association between inflammation and hepatic encephalopathy (HE), which is a common clinical syndrome in dogs with a cPSS. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α are frequently increased in the plasma of human patients with liver disease and have been implicated in the development of HE. In the current study, plasma concentrations of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α were measured using a multiplex electrochemiluminescence immunoassay in 36 dogs with a cPSS and compared to 25 healthy dogs. There were no significant differences in plasma IL-2, IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations between the two groups; however, plasma concentrations of IL-6 were significantly higher in dogs with a cPSS compared to healthy dogs (P=0.02).

Clinical Comparison of the Hybrid Dynamic Compression Plate and the Castless Plate for Pancarpal Arthrodesis in 219 Dogs

OBJECTIVE To describe and compare a large population of dogs that had pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) using either a hybrid dynamic compression plate (HDCP) or a CastLess Plate (CLP). STUDY DESIGN Multicenter, retrospective, cohort study. ANIMALS Dogs (n = 240; 261 PCA). METHODS Medical records (2000-2012) from 12 UK orthopedic centers were reviewed for dogs that had PCA to document signalment, diagnosis, arthrodesis method, and complication rates. Follow-up data were used to compare outcome (lameness evaluation and radiographic healing) after use of HDCP and CLP plates. RESULTS PCA was performed with HDCP in 125 cases, CLP in 105, and by other techniques in 31. Carpal hyperextension injury was the most common diagnosis in HDCP and CLP groups. Surgical site infection (18.3%) was the most common postoperative complication. There was no difference in intra- (11% HDCP, 21% CLP) or postoperative (34% HDCP, 41% CLP) complication rates. Use of external coaptation did not affect postoperative complication rates or outcome. External coaptation related complications occurred in 32% HDCP and 18% CLP (P = .02). At median follow-up, most dogs were classified as having no or mild lameness (73% HDCP, 83% CLP) and there was radiographic healing in 40% HDCP and 46% CLP (P = .8) cases. CONCLUSIONS CLP and HDCP may both be used successfully to achieve pancarpal arthrodesis. Adjunctive external coaptation does not appear to have a measurable clinical benefit but is associated with morbidity.

Nanocrystalline silver dressing and subatmospheric pressure therapy following neoadjuvant radiation therapy and surgical excision of a feline injection site sarcoma

Clinical summary This is the first clinical report of use of a combination of nanocrystalline silver and subatmospheric pressure therapy to treat a resistant wound infection, following tumour removal and radiation therapy, in a difficult-to-manage surgical site in a cat. Practical relevance The therapy was well tolerated and the authors suggest it is a valid treatment protocol for management of non-healing or infected wounds in the cat.

Effect of fixation method on postoperative complication rates after surgical stabilization of lateral humeral condylar fractures in dogs

OBJECTIVES To assess the impact of stabilization method on the complication rate after lateral humeral condylar fracture (LHCF) repair. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective multicenter clinical cohort study. ANIMALS Dogs (n = 151) with LHCF. METHODS Medical records (2004-2012) were reviewed for dogs that had surgical repair of LHCF. Data retrieved included signalment, cause of fracture, evidence of incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle, occurrence of postoperative complications, presence of supracondylar comminution preoperatively, and persistence of an intracondylar fissure postoperatively. Outcome was assessed based on the most recent data available and graded as excellent, good, fair, or poor. RESULTS LHCF (n = 135) were evaluated in 132 dogs; 61 fractures were stabilized using a transcondylar screw and supracondylar K-wire, 13 using a transcondylar screw and supracondylar screw, and 61 using a transcondylar screw and lateral epicondylar plate. Major complications were significantly (P = .01) more common after stabilization using a transcondylar screw and supracondylar K-wire (28%) than in dogs where a supracondylar screw or lateral epicondylar plate were used (11%). Cases that had postoperative complications were significantly (P = .02) more likely to have a poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS LHCF stabilized using a transcondylar screw and supracondylar K-wire are more likely to have major complications resulting in a poorer outcome than cases stabilized using a supracondylar screw or lateral epicondylar plate.

Calcaneal Fractures in Non‐Racing Dogs and Cats: Complications, Outcome, and Associated Risk Factors

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of complications and describe the outcome associated with calcaneal fractures in non-racing dogs and in cats. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective multicenter clinical cohort study. ANIMALS Medical records of client-owned dogs and cats (2004-2013). METHODS Medical records were searched and 50 animals with calcaneal fractures were included for analysis. Complications were recorded and an outcome score applied to each fracture. Associations between putative risk factors and both major complications, and final outcome scores were explored. RESULTS Complications occurred in 27/50 fractures (61%) including 23 major and 4 minor complications. At final follow-up, 4 animals (10%) were sound, 27 (64%) had either intermittent or consistent mild weight-bearing lameness, 7 (17%) had moderate weight-bearing lameness, and 1 (2%) had severe weight-bearing lameness. Fractures managed using plates and screws had a lower risk of complications than fractures managed using pin and tension band wire, lag or positional screws or a combination of these techniques (Relative risk 0.16, 95% CI 0.02-1.02, P=.052). Non-sighthounds had reduced odds of a poorer outcome score than sighthounds (Odds ratio 0.11, 95% CI 0.02-0.50, P=.005) and fractures with major complications had 13 times the odds of a poorer outcome score (Odds ratio 13.4, 95% CI 3.6-59.5, P<.001). CONCLUSION This study reports a high occurrence of complications associated with calcaneal fracture stabilization in non-racing dogs and in cats, and a poorer outcome score was more likely in animals with complications. A more guarded prognosis should be given to owners of non-racing dogs or cats with calcaneal fractures than previously applied to racing Greyhounds with calcaneal fractures.

Surgical management of impalement injuries to the trunk of dogs: a multicentre retrospective study

OBJECTIVES To review a large series of dogs referred for treatment of traumatic impalement injuries to the thorax and/or abdomen and to report aetiologies, injury characteristics, management and long-term outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Previously collected data on dogs that were surgically treated for impalement injuries to the trunk at six veterinary specialist referral institutions in the UK over an 11-year period were reviewed. Data included patient signalment, physiological variables, injury-specific variables, diagnostic imaging reports, surgical procedures undertaken, duration of hospitalisation, antibiotic use, complications and outcomes. Data were reported with summary statistics. RESULTS Fifty-four dogs were included. Impalement occurred most frequently on wooden objects (n=34), and the thoracic cavity was most commonly penetrated (n=37). Computed tomography was sensitive and specific to identifying wooden material in 64% and 88% of cases (n=11), respectively. Thoracotomy was performed in 56%, coeliotomy in 20% and a foreign body or its fragments were retrieved during surgery in 37% of the cases. Complications occurred in 19 dogs (35%), and of these, 68% were minor and 32% major. The survival rate for thoracotomy cases was 93% (n=30). Overall long-term survival was 90%. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Despite the often dramatic presentation of impalement injuries, the majority of patients treated in the specialist referral setting can achieve excellent outcomes. These injuries require thorough diagnostic imaging and interpretation before adequate surgical exploration and management, augmented by anaesthesia and critical care during the peri- and postoperative periods; therefore stable patients should be referred to centres able to provide this type of care.

The incidence of surgical site dehiscence following full thickness gastrointestinal biopsy in dogs and cats and associated risk factors

OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to: (1) document the incidence of surgical site dehiscence after full-thickness gastrointestinal biopsy in dogs and cats and (2) identify potential risk factors. METHODS Data relating to dogs and cats undergoing full-thickness gastrointestinal biopsy were reviewed retrospectively following submission of a completed questionnaire by 12 referral institutions. Outcome measures were definite dehiscence, possible dehiscence (clinical records suggestive of dehiscence but not confirmed), suspected dehiscence (definite and possible combined) and death within 14 days. Logistic regression was planned for analysis of association of dehiscence with low preoperative serum albumin, biopsy through neoplastic tissue, biopsy alongside another major abdominal surgical procedure and biopsy of the colon. RESULTS Of 172 cats, two (1·2%) had definite dehiscence, and four (2·3%) had possible dehiscence. Low preoperative serum albumin was significantly associated with definite dehiscence in univariable analysis and with suspected dehiscence and death within 14 days in univariable analysis, but all odds ratios had wide 95% confidence intervals. A histopathological diagnosis of neoplasia was significantly associated with death within 14 days in univariable analysis. Of 195 dogs, two (1·0%) had definite dehiscence, and three (1·5%) had possible dehiscence. In dogs, there was no association between any outcome measure and the putative risk factors. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Incidence of dehiscence following full-thickness gastrointestinal biopsy was low in this study. When determining the appropriateness of biopsy in individual cases, this information should be balanced against the potentially life-threatening consequences of dehiscence.

Fractures of the radius and ulna

Fractures of the radius and ulna are commonly encountered in dogs and cats and they are often stated to be simple to repair. While the surgical approaches to both the radius and ulna are certainly easier than to the proximal limb, the paired bone system predisposes individuals with these injuries to a unique set of complications. Skeletally immature animals are at risk for development of angular limb deformity following these injuries and frequent monitoring with early investigation and intervention where necessary is advised. In any dog, and particularly cats, with antebrachial fractures, every effort must be made to maintain the natural motion that occurs between the radius and ulna; failure to do so may precipitate implant failure and/or lead to impaired quality of life. Toy-breed dogs suffer fractures of the radius and ulna frequently and pose a unique challenge for management, with high complication rates associated with inappropriate methods of stabilisation such as external coaptation. This article...

Fractures of the scapula

Although scapular fractures only occur infrequently, the anatomical location of the scapula means that it is critical for thoracic limb function, therefore appropriate treatment is essential in maintaining limb function. The scapula has a substantial protective soft tissue envelope and considerable trauma is required to fracture it; consequently a high proportion of patients suffer concurrent injuries that may take precedence for management on initial presentation. Scapular fractures are generally classified as stable extra-articular, unstable extra-articular and intra-articular, with surgical treatment being advised for the latter two categories. Cases for which conservative management is appropriate carry an excellent prognosis, as healing generally occurs quickly and shoulder function is often restored even in cases of malunion. Open reduction and internal fixation is employed for some scapular body and spine fractures, fractures of the acromion, most fractures of the scapular neck, fractures of the su...