Cats involved in road traffic accidents and that present with signs of shock or multiple injuries following a traumatic event have an increased mortality rate. Cats with a higher severity score had an increased duration of hospitalisation.

Objective To determine the effect of flushing of the common bile duct (CBD) on hepatobiliary markers and short‐term outcome in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy for the management of gallbladder mucocele (GBM). Study design Randomized, controlled, prospective study. Animals Thirty‐two client‐owned dogs. Methods Dogs were allocated randomly to either a “flush” group or a “non‐flush group.” Flushing was performed in a normograde fashion, followed by a routine cholecystectomy. Data collected included presenting clinical signs, preoperative and 3‐day postoperative hepatobiliary markers (alkaline phosphatase, ALP; alanine aminotransferase, ALT; gamma glumatyl‐transferase, GGT; bilirubin; cholesterol; triglycerides), duration of hospitalization, and complications. These data were compared between groups. Results Sixteen dogs were enrolled in each group. One dog (in the flush group) was excluded following diagnosis of hepatic lymphoma. Border terriers were overrepresented (20/31). Overall, there were marked reductions from preoperative to 3 days postoperative in serum bilirubin (p = .004), ALP (p = .020), ALT (p < .001), GGT (p = .025), and cholesterol (p < .001) values. There was no difference in any marker between groups. Survival to discharge was 90.3% (28/31 dogs). Conclusion Cholestatic markers decreased significantly 3 days postcholecystectomy. No short‐term clinical or clinico‐pathological benefits were identified when flushing the CBD in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy for GBM. Clinical significance The findings of the study do not support routine flushing of the CBD during cholecystectomy for GBM in dogs.

Case summary A 9-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was referred for assessment of a chronic non-weightbearing left forelimb lameness that had an acute onset following a suspected cat bite to the distal limb 4 weeks previously. There was minimal improvement following conservative management. On examination there was discomfort on palpation of the left palmar metacarpal region. An orthopaedic examination performed under sedation identified a moderate effusion of the left fourth metacarpophalangeal joint. A CT scan was performed, which identified fragmentation of the medial palmar sesamoid of the fourth digit (sesamoid V). Arthrocentesis of the fourth metacarpophalangeal joint identified septic inflammation. Surgical removal of the fragmented palmar sesamoid was performed and was submitted for histopathology and bacteriology analysis. Postoperative CT confirmed the removal of all fragments. Pasteurella species were isolated from the sesamoid fragments. Histopathology revealed osteomyelitis, neutrophilic inflammation and multifocal necrosis, with evidence of fibrosis present. The cat was re-examined 3 months postoperatively, at which point there was no evidence of lameness and orthopaedic examination of the limb was unremarkable. Relevance and novel information To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of fragmentation of a palmar sesamoid in a cat. This case study describes the diagnosis and the successful management of a cat with fragmentation of a palmar sesamoid, following an altercation with another cat.

OBJECTIVESTo present a canine patient with multiple neoplasms identified within a single adrenal gland and to discuss the diagnostics and management of the condition. METHODSA rare canine patient with multiple neoplasms present within a single adrenal gland is described. RESULTSAn 11-year-old neutered female Labrador retriever was presented with a history of tachypnoea, polyuria and polydipsia. Diagnostics included haematology, biochemistry, a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test, plasma ACTH, urine metanephrine and normetanephrine, serial Doppler blood pressure measurements and computed tomography (CT).CT identified a large bi-lobed abdominal mass in the location of the left adrenal gland. The results of endocrine testing were consistent with adrenal-dependant hyperadrenocorticism, although the presence of intermittent hypertension and borderline high metanephrines were suggestive of a concurrent phaeochromocytoma.As a phaeochromocytoma could not be ruled out, preparatory steps were taken preoperatively including ensuring appropriate drugs were available, pre-emptive blood typing and arterial blood pressure monitoring. A unilateral adrenalectomy was performed. Histopathological examination identified a benign myelolipoma and two distinct malignancies within the adrenal gland; a phaeochromocytoma and an adrenocortical adenocarcinoma. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and resolution of all clinical signs was observed within 4 weeks. No signs of recurrence or metastatic disease were noted 5 months postoperatively. The patient was euthanised 12 months postoperatively due to metastatic disease. STATEMENT (CONCLUSIONS)Multiple unilateral adrenal neoplasms are rare. This case demonstrates the importance of considering the presence of multiple functional tumours in a single patient and performing detailed endocrine testing to optimise pre/perioperative stabilisation and outcome.

To compare open and closed orchidectomy in dogs and the associated complications. MethodsA randomised clinical trial of 93 dogs presented to a teaching hospital. All data included is exclusive to this study. The dogs were randomly allocated to the open or closed orchidectomy group. They were pain scored 2 hours after surgery. Complications occurring within 14 days were recorded.The data was analysed to compare complications (chi-square test), postoperative pain (Kruskal-Wallis test) and duration of surgery (t-test) between groups and to assess whether pain score (chisquare test), age, weight and duration of surgery (Kruskal-Wallis test) had an association with the occurrence of complications. Results43 dogs underwent open and 50 dogs underwent closed orchidectomy. 5/43 (12%) dogs in the open and 12/50 (24%) dogs in the closed group developed complications; there was no significant difference in complication rate (p=0.2).