Gastroschisis is a congenital anomaly with a reported incidence of 1 in 10,000 live births. Although prenatal diagnosis is more common with the widespread use of biochemical markers and obstetric ultrasound, the role of ultrasound in the identification of the fetus that might need early intervention has not been established. Acute bowel perforation was diagnosed by ultrasound at 34 weeks gestation in a fetus with gastroschisis. An immediate Cesarean section was performed, followed by repair with primary closure. The neonatal outcome was favorable. The post-partum findings, including bowel pathology, confirmed the antenatal diagnosis. Acute bowel perforation can be diagnosed antenatally. Immediate intervention, before further bowel injury occurs, might enhance the ability of the surgeon to perform primary closure and obtain a favorable outcome.

Concomitant cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) is a common complication in small breed dogs with patellar luxation (PL) with an elusive pathogenesis. Surgical treatment is available and commonly includes remodelling osteotomies. While these modern techniques have shown good functional results, access is limited due to the high costs for owners and the need for special surgical equipment. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the frequency and risk factors for concomitant CCLR in small breed dogs with PL. To study the outcome and complications of the combination of the Wedge recession osteotomy (WR) and Tibial tuberosity transposition (TT) with a Fascia over-the-top (OT) or a Capsular and fascial imbrication technique (CFI) for the simultaneous treatment of PL and concomitant CCLR. A retrospective study is presented here. The signalment, body weight, luxation grade and direction, affected side, bilateral or unilateral PL, CCLR and meniscal status were analysed. The surgical treatment for PL and concomitant CCLR, outcome and complications were investigated. Of 233 small breed dogs with PL, 52 (22.31%) had a concomitant CCLR. Maltese dogs were more likely to have concomitant CCLR. The mean age for the dogs with PL only was 5.32 years, which was significantly younger than the mean age of dogs with PL and concomitant CCLR (7.39 years). Overweight dogs with PL were prone to develop concomitant CCLR. Surgical stabilisation with a combination of WR, TT and OT or CFI had excellent or good results in 86.63% of the cases, while 16.67% of the cases developed complications. In conclusion, PL and concomitant CCL ruptures can be managed successfully by performing a combination of WR, TT and OT or CFI. The outcomes and complication rates are comparable to remodelling osteotomies. Moreover, these techniques are less expensive and can be performed with standard surgical equipment. These findings should be beneficial for clinical diagnosis, client education and treatment.

A patellar luxation and concomitant cranial cruciate ligament rupture is a common pathology in dogs. Diagnosis is based on clinical evidence of a patellar luxation and stifle joint instability. However, diagnostic imaging is required to assess the number of skeletal deformities and signs of instability. Surgical options include both soft tissue and osseous techniques, although, in most cases, a combination of multiple procedures is necessary to correct the patellar luxation and restore the stifle joint stability. Complication rates are generally low, but can include reluxation and implant-associated complications. This article describes the patellar luxation and cranial cruciate ligament rupture signs in dogs, including the clinical presentation and diagnosis, and discusses current treatment options.