A three-year-old female Irish setter dog presented with a history of shallow breathing, pyrexia and regurgitation. CT imaging revealed a 13×7×5 cm caudal mediastinal mass extending from the level of the right atrium to the diaphragm and surrounding the oesophagus. Total excision was achieved by a left sixth intercostal thoracotomy approach. Histological examination was consistent with a sterile abscess. The dog recovered uneventfully and was discharged on the third day after surgery. One year following surgery, the dog was in excellent physical condition with no evidence of recurrence of clinical signs. Total excision using a left sixth intercostal thoracotomy was a feasible and effective surgical option in this case. Benefit of total excision versus partial excision for caudal mediastinal paraoesophageal abscesses in dogs remains to be determined. BACKGROUND

Double-loop double-crimp configurations are mechanically superior to other previously described configurations.

Two male puppies were presented: one with urinary incontinence and the other with abdominal distension and discomfort. A diagnosis of unilateral extramural ectopic ureter with associated hydronephrosis/hydroureter and contralateral renal aplasia was confirmed in both patients by a combination of abdominal imaging and exploratory coeliotomy. Both patients were also diagnosed with cryptorchidism ipsilateral to the renal aplasia. Routine investigations, including complete blood count, biochemistry and urinalysis, were otherwise unremarkable. Neoureterocystostomy with an intravesical technique and castration were performed in both patients. One month following surgery, severity of clinical signs, the degree of hydronephrosis/hydroureter and elevation of renal blood values had all improved in both patients.

Objectives The aim of the study was to describe traumatic stifle injury in cats and report complications and long-term outcome. Methods The medical records from seven veterinary hospitals of cats treated for traumatic stifle injury were reviewed. Long-term follow-up data were collected from referring veterinarians and using the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index, collected from owners. Results Seventy-two cats were included in the study. The most common combination of ligament injury involved both cruciate ligaments and the lateral collateral ligament (25.4%). Medial meniscal injury was more common (66.2%) than lateral meniscal injury (59.4%). A temporary transarticular pin was used intraoperatively to aid reduction in 23/73 (31.5%) surgeries. Postoperative immobilisation was applied in 41/72 (56.9%) cats with a mean duration of 4.8 weeks. Short-term complications occurred in 40/64 (62.5%) cats. Long-term complications occurred in seven (17.5%) cats. Overall outcome was excellent in 25/61 (41%) cats, good in 13/61 (21.3%) cats, fair in 11/61 (18%) cats and poor in 12/61 (19.7%) cats. Mean length of follow-up was 29.6 months (range 0.5–204). A significantly poorer outcome was observed in cats with medial meniscal injury and those undergoing revision surgery. Use of a transarticular pin when left in situ for postoperative immobilisation was associated with a poorer outcome (P = 0.043) and a higher risk of complications (P = 0.018). Postoperative immobilisation was not related to outcome. Conclusions and relevance Traumatic stifle injury in cats can lead to rupture of multiple ligaments causing significant instability of the joint. Surgical treatment is associated with a high rate of short-term complications, although long-term outcome may still be good to excellent in the majority of cats (62.3%). In cats where follow-up was available, postoperative immobilisation had no positive effect on outcome and may not be required. Leaving a transarticular pin for postoperative immobilisation is not recommended as it was significantly associated with a poorer outcome and a higher complication rate.