Coxofemoral luxation is the most common type of joint luxation observed clinically in dogs. This retrospective study determines the complications and outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation of coxofemoral luxations using a toggle rod stabilization in 58 dogs. The purpose of the study was to compare the results with previous studies to ascertain commonalities and differences. A majority of the canine luxations were stabilized using a 4.0 or 3.2 mm commercial toggle rod and either one or two strands of OrthoFiber, FiberWire, or monofilament nylon suture. Postoperative complications developed in 25 of the 58 (43%) dogs, with major complications in 9 cases (15.5%). The most common major complication was reluxation, which occurred in 6 dogs (10%). Five of the 6 cases of reluxation received monofilament suture, although there was not a statistically significant relationship between suture type and reluxation. Owner responses to a questionnaire reported good to excellent results for satisfaction with the procedure in 90% of cases. Results of the present study suggest that toggle rod stabilization remains an effective method for the treatment of coxofemoral joint luxation in dogs.

Objective To report overall rate and type of complications and outcomes of cats with coxofemoral luxation managed with hip toggle stabilization (HTS), to compare rate of postoperative complications and outcomes of cats treated with ultrahigh–molecular‐weight‐polyethylene (UHMWPE) or nylon, and to identify risk factors for reluxation and non‐excellent outcomes. Study design Multi‐institutional retrospective cohort study. Sample population Forty‐eight client‐owned cats. Methods Medical records of cats that underwent HTS from 2008‐2018 using UHMWPE or nylon were reviewed. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess for factors associated with reluxation and non‐excellent outcome. Final outcome was obtained from owner questionnaire. Results Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded in two (4.2%) and 11 (24.4%) cats, respectively. The most common postoperative complication was reluxation (n = 5 [11.1%]). Outcome was classified as excellent in 81.1% and good in 16.2% of cats after a median of 445.5 days (range, 53‐3720). No difference in rate of complications or outcomes was identified between UHMWPE and nylon. Performance of additional orthopedic procedures, occurrence of intraoperative complications, and non‐performance of capsulorrhaphy were associated with reluxation. Performance of additional non‐hip procedures (orthopedic/nonorthopedic) was associated with non‐excellent outcome. Conclusion Hip toggle stabilization was associated with a low rate of intraoperative complications and reluxation and excellent long‐term outcomes in most cats. No difference in rate of postoperative complications or outcomes of cats treated using UHMWPE or nylon was identified. Cats that underwent additional orthopedic procedures had greater risk of reluxation. Clinical significance Hip toggle stabilization is an effective technique for management of coxofemoral luxation in cats. Comparable results are expected using UHMWPE or nylon.

Punch resection alaplasty is a previously unreported surgical technique for the management of stenotic nares. Nine dogs underwent the procedure in conjunction with soft palate resection and/or laryngeal sacculectomy. Three dogs and two cats were treated with the novel punch resection alaplasty technique alone. Symmetrical resection was achieved, providing excellent cosmesis. Good to excellent results were achieved in all cases, with owners feeling that their pet's overall well being was improved following surgery.

Exposure to the PTEF caused no adverse effects on clinicopathologic, histologic, or bacteriologic variables tested in this study. It appears that PTEF is a safe form of adjuvant treatment for wounds and improves strength of sutured wounds and speeds contraction of open wounds.

SummaryArthrodesis is a well documented treatment option for comminuted intraarticular fractures, irreparable collateral ligament injuries, limb salvage for ischiatic nerve injury, and severe degenerative joint disease of the tarsocrural joint (1-6). Conservative splint or bandage application often results in a less than favorable outcome in the management of these types of injuries. Common techniques to achieve tarsocrural arthrodesis include divergent Steinmann pin placement, lag screw or compression plating and external skeletal fixation (1-5). This report describes a tarsocrural arthrodesis using a circular external fixation system to manage an open, severely contaminated, comminuted intra-articular fracture of the talus and calcaneous, with extensive soft tissue degloving injuries. The decision to use a circular external fixation system was based on its ability to (1) adequately stabilize the tibialtarsal region, (2) be applied with minimal soft tissue and vascular disruption, (3) allow adequate post-operative soft tissue wound management, and (4) be tolerated well by the patient allowing early weight bearing of the limb.Severe tarsocrural injuries were diagnosed on a four-year-old mixed breed dog including articular fractures of the tubercalcaneous, talus, fibula, multiple tarsal bones and the second metatarsal bone. A circular ring external fixator was used to arthrodese the joint. Twelve weeks following surgery the limb was functional without any mechanical gait alteration and with minimal to zero discomfort.