ObjectivesTo determine (1) the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients undergoing soft tissue surgery at a veterinary teaching hospital and to study (2) and describe the main risk factors associated with SSI and (3) assess the economic impact of SSI.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingVeterinary teaching hospital.Participants184 dogs undergoing soft tissue surgery during a 12-month period (October 2013 to September 2014).Primary outcome measureSurgical site infection.ResultsOut of the 184 patients analysed, SSI was diagnosed in 16 (8.7 per cent) patients, 13 (81.3 per cent) were classified as superficial incisional infection, 2 (12.5 per cent) as deep incisional infection and 1 (6.3 per cent) as organ/space infection. The administration of steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (P=0.028), preoperative hyperglycaemia (P=0.015), surgical times longer than 60 minutes (P=0.013), urinary catheterisation (P=0.037) and wrong use of the Elizabethan collar (P=0.025) were identified as risk factors. Total costs increased 74.4 per cent, with an increase in postsurgical costs of 142.2 per cent.ConclusionsThe incidence of SSI was higher than the incidence reported in other published studies, although they were within expected ranges when a surveillance system was implemented. This incidence correlated with an increase in costs. Additionally new important risk factors for its development were detected.

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.

Objective: To determine the effect of stifle flexion on the proximity of the cranial tibial artery to the proximal tibia in canine stifles with an intact or transected cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). Study design: Ex vivo randomized blinded computed tomographic angiographic study. Sample population: Fifteen pelvic limbs from eight greyhound cadavers. Methods: The femoral artery and vein were cannulated and injected with 10 mL of iohexol. Each limb was placed in lateral recumbency on an acrylic sheet with predrawn femoral and tibial lines representing angles of stifle extension. Computed tomography was performed before (limbs 1-15) and after (limbs 10-15) CCL transection. The shortest distance between the cranial tibial artery and proximal tibia (dCrTA-PT) was measured at a distance of one patellar length from medial intercondylar tubercle. Results: Median dCrTA-PT in intact specimens at 70 , 90 , 110 , and 135 was 2.04, 2.05, 2.28, and 2.51 mm, respectively (P = .008). Pairwise comparisons identified a difference between 70 and 135 (P = .007). Mean dCrTA-PT in transected specimens at 70 , 90 , 110 , and 135 was 2.60, 2.57, 2.90, and 2.79 mm, respectively (P = .208). Median overall dCrTA-PT was 2.24 mm in intact specimens (limbs 1-15, all four angles of extension combined) and 2.76 mm in transected specimens (limbs 10-15, all angles combined; P = .01). Conclusion: Flexion of the stifle resulted in a negligible decrease in dCrTA-PT in intact specimens but had no effect in CCL transected stifles. Clinical significance: The angle of stifle extension does not appear to have any clinically significant effect on the proximity of cranial tibial artery to the proximal tibia.

Objective To compare pin placement accuracy, intraoperative technique deviations, and duration of pin placement for pins placed by free‐hand probing (FHP) or 3D‐printed drill guide (3DPG) technique. Sample population Four greyhound cadavers. Methods Computed tomography (CT) examinations from T6‐sacrum were obtained for determination of optimal pin placement and 3DPG creation. Two 3.2/2.4‐mm positive profile pins were inserted per vertebra, one left and one right from T7–L7 (FHP [n = 56]; 3DPG [n = 56]) by one surgeon and removed for repeat CT. Duration of pin placement and intraoperative deviations (unanticipated deviations from planned technique) were recorded. Pin tracts were graded by two blinded observers using modified Zdichavsky classification. Descriptive statistics were used. Results A total of 54/56 pins placed with 3DPGs were assigned grade I (optimal placement) compared with 49/56 pins using the FHP technique. A total of 2/56 pins placed with 3DPGs and 3/56 pins using the FHP technique were assigned grade IIa (partial medial violation). A total of 4/56 pins placed using the FHP technique were assigned grade IIIa (partial lateral violation). No pins were assigned grade IIb (full medial violation). Intraoperative technique deviations occurred with 6/56 pins placed using the FHP technique and no pins with 3DPGs. Overall, pins were placed faster (mean ± SD 2.6 [1.3] vs. 4.5 [1.8] min) with 3DPGs. Conclusions Both techniques were accurate for placement of spinal fixation pins. The 3DPG technique may decrease intraoperative deviations and duration of pin placement. Clinical relevance Both techniques allow accurate pin placement in the canine thoracolumbar spine. The FHP technique requires specific training and has learning curve, whereas 3DPG technique requires specific software and 3D printers.

ObjectiveTo describe arthroscopic‐assisted hip toggle stabilization (AA‐HTS) in cats, evaluate its feasibility and associated rate of iatrogenic injury, and assess deviations from planned surgical technique.Study designEx vivo study.AnimalsSkeletally mature cat cadavers (n = 7).MethodsPreoperative pelvic computed tomography (CT) was performed for surgical planning and to identify the ideal femoral bone tunnel projection. Ultrasound‐guided transection of ligament of head of femur was performed. Following exploratory arthroscopy, AA‐HTS was performed using a commercially available aiming device. Surgical time, intraoperative complications, and feasibility of technique were recorded. Iatrogenic injury and technique deviations were assessed by postoperative CT and gross dissection.ResultsDiagnostic arthroscopy and AA‐HTS were successfully performed in all 14 joints. Median (range) surgical time was 46.5 (29‐144) min, including 7 (3‐12) min for diagnostic arthroscopy and 40 (26‐134) min for AA‐HTS. Intraoperative complications occurred in 5 hips, related to bone tunnel creation (4) and toggle dislodgment (1). Toggle passage through the femoral tunnel was the most challenging component of technique, recorded as mildly difficult in 6 joints. No damage to periarticular/intrapelvic structures was identified. Minor articular cartilage damage (<10% total cartilage area) was identified in 10 joints. Thirteen deviations (8 major, 5 minor) in surgical technique from preoperative planning were identified in 7 joints.ConclusionIn feline cadavers AA‐HTS was feasible but was associated with a high rate of minor cartilage injury, intraoperative complications, and technique deviations.Clinical significanceHip toggle stabilization using an arthroscopic‐assisted approach may be an effective technique for management of coxofemoral luxation in cats.