ObjectivesTo report early results of uniportal video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery in dogs using a single‐incision subxiphoid approach.Materials and MethodsRetrospective study of 10 client‐owned dogs with: pyothorax (n=5), pericardial effusion (n=2), bilateral pneumothorax (n=1), retained surgical swab (n=1), cranial mediastinal mass (n=1). With the dog in dorsal recumbency a 3‐4 cm incision was made over the xiphoid process. After resection of the xiphoid process, a tunnel was created towards the pleura and open access maintained with an Alexis™ wound retractor. The pleural cavity was explored with a 10 mm 30° or 5 mm 0° telescope and straight laparoscopic instruments.ResultsMedian surgical time was 75 minutes. The SISA technique was performed successfully in five of 10 cases and allowed easy and adequate inspection of the intra‐thoracic structures. One case was converted to lateral thoracotomy after laceration of the vena cava and one converted to median sternotomy because of adhesions. An additional port was placed in three cases to facilitate triangulation and surgical manipulation. No other intra‐operative complications were encountered.Clinical SignificanceIn this initial report of uniportal thoracic approach in dogs, this technique allowed excellent access and treatment of mediastinal structures. Further cases are required to assess its suitability for pulmonary surgery.

A five-year-eight-month-old standard poodle presented with hypovolaemic shock and severe jaundice. The dog was diagnosed with a perforating pyloric ulcer and treated surgically with pylorectomy and gastroduodenostomy. During the recovery phase the dog developed peripheral oedema secondary to severe hypoalbuminaemia (14 g/l). Treatment of the hypoalbuminaemia included a human serum albumin (HSA) transfusion. The patient was readmitted nine days post-transfusion with pyrexia, petechiae, scleral bleeding, anorexia, oedema and forelimb lameness. A presumptive diagnosis of a type 3 hypersensitivity reaction to the HSA transfusion was made. The dog was treated with 0.5 mg/kg prednisolone twice daily, 20 mg/kg pentoxifylline three times a day and 1 mg/kg omeprazole twice daily. Clinical signs resolved within one week, and at the last follow-up, five months postsurgery, the owners reported that the dog was clinically well with no further signs of side effects from the HSA transfusion.

To report a surgical technique with cortical positional screws for the treatment of femoral capital physeal fractures in cats and report the clinical and radiographic outcome for cats treated with this technique. MethodsA retrospective study. Medical records of cats with femoral capital physeal fractures were reviewed. Cats treated with screw fixation and with preoperative, postoperative and 6-week postoperative radiographs available were included in this study. Radiographic analysis was performed by two surgical residents and a surgical diplomate. A telephone questionnaire with owners was performed for longterm follow-up. ResultsForty-six fractures in 39 cats were included. Fracture healing was visible in 97.7% of the fractures and a normal gait was present in 89.7% of the cats at 6-week follow-up. The complication rate was low with only two seromas reported. A significant increase in radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease and osteolysis of the femoral neck was noticed at 6-week radiographic follow-up. Degenerative joint disease and osteolysis were not associated with clinical outcome. The long-term outcome was satisfactory according to owners.