Feline radial and ulnar diaphyseal fractures: a retrospective study of 49 cases comparing single bone fixation and dual bone fixation

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to report the complications in radial and ulnar diaphyseal fractures in cats and to compare the differences in outcome between single and dual bone internal fixation.

METHODS

Medical records between 2004 and 2022 were searched retrospectively for cats with antebrachial diaphyseal fractures treated with internal bone-plate fixation. In total, 49 cases were included from six referral hospitals, including one teaching hospital. Patient information was collated, including fracture configuration, location, repair method and clinical outcome as assessed by veterinary physical examination, radiography and owner questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 47 cats (mean age 4.2 years) were included. Fractures were located distally (24/49, 49%), proximally (13/49, 26.5%) and mid-diaphyseally (12/49, 24.5%). Dual bone fixation was used in 13/49 (26.5%) cases, with only 1/13 (7.7%) having major complications. By comparison, 4/36 (11.1%) of single plated fractures had major complications. Single bone fixation was 14.25 times more likely (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.07-97.99) to have a successful outcome (veterinarian-assigned score of 0) compared with dual bone fixation (P = 0.007). When evaluating owner-assessed outcomes, single bone fixation was 9.4 times more likely (95% CI 1.4-61.96) to have a successful outcome (owner score of 0) compared with dual bone fixation (P = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Fractures that were repaired with single bone fixation had a greater chance of a better outcome. Although the difference was not significant, there was a higher major complication rate and a lower minor complication rate for cases treated with single bone fixation compared with dual bone fixation. The majority of fractures were located in the distal diaphysis. Comminution of the fracture and concurrent orthopaedic issues did not significantly affect the outcome. Further prospective studies with standardised follow-up, radiographic assessment, surgeon and implants are required to truly assess the difference between dual and single bone fixation.

Limb sparing in a cat with a humeral osteosarcoma using a customised three-dimensional printed endoprosthesis

Case summary

A 12-year-old male neutered Bengal cat presented for a left thoracic limb lameness of several weeks' duration. Abnormal advanced imaging findings depicted the presence of an irregularly marginated osteolytic lesion in the proximal-mid diaphysis of the left humerus. A histopathological evaluation of the humerus confirmed a diagnosis of osteoblastic osteosarcoma. Limb-sparing surgery was planned with a custom-designed three-dimensional printed endoprosthesis. Mild neuropraxia was noted immediately postoperatively and deemed to have resolved by the 2-week follow-up. Stereotactic radiation was planned, though pulmonary metastasis was noted on planning CT. The cat was euthanased 90 days postoperatively owing to the development of pulmonary clinical signs.

Relevance and novel information

This is the first reported case of a humeral limb salvage procedure in a cat using a custom-designed three-dimensional printed endoprosthesis. Although the survival time in this case was short, the patient maintained an adequate quality of life and limb function was preserved.

Clinical utility of liver biopsies in dogs undergoing splenectomy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of neoplasia detected on liver biopsy obtained at the time of splenectomy in dogs with splenic masses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of medical records of dogs with splenic masses from which liver biopsies were taken following splenectomy.

RESULTS

Malignant splenic neoplasia was detected in 50 of 113 (44.2%) of the dogs undergoing splenectomy. Neoplastic liver disease was detected on biopsy from 1 of 40 (2.5%) dogs with a grossly normal liver and from 20 of 69 (28.9%) dogs with a grossly abnormal liver. Dogs with a grossly abnormal liver had a ~ 16 times (95% CI: 2.5-170) higher chance of being diagnosed with liver neoplasia on biopsy. Haemoabdomen was also associated with an increased likelihood of liver neoplasia on biopsy at the time of splenectomy.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

A liver biopsy taken from grossly normal liver is a low-yield diagnostic test but liver biopsy is recommended following splenectomy if the liver appears abnormal at surgery.

Retrospective analysis of complications and outcomes in Boxers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers undergoing cranial cruciate ligament surgery

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether Boxers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers (SBT) have a higher incidence of complications or a worse outcome after cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) surgery compared with control breeds.

DESIGN

The design was a retrospective cohort study with data reviewed from medical records and outcome assessed by owner questionnaire.

RESULTS

The cohort included 210 canine stifles comprising 33 Boxers, 47 SBTs and 130 controls. For Boxers, the overall complication rate (39.4%), major complication rate (30.3%) and revision surgery rates (18.2%) were significantly higher than those of the control groups (14.6%, 10.8% and 4.6%, respectively). Overall, SBTs were no more likely to suffer complications or repeat surgery than the control group. Considering only lateral fabello-tibial suture (LFS) stabilisation, both Boxers (32.0%) and SBTs (23.3%) had higher complication rates than the control group (6.3%). There were no significant differences in outcome among the Boxer, SBT and control groups; median follow-up time was 2 years (range 0.5-7 years).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall complication rate for Boxers undergoing CCL surgery was higher compared with other breeds of dog. When surgical techniques were analysed separately, the LFS was associated with a higher complication rate in Boxers and SBTs. Further investigation into breed-specific surgical techniques is indicated.

Transformation of a thymic branchial cyst to a carcinoma with pulmonary metastasis in a dog

A 9-year-old, female neutered Dalmatian was evaluated for acute onset of dyspnoea. Thoracocentesis on presentation yielded 1300 ml sanguineous fluid, while thoracic radiology and ultrasonography showed a mixed-echoic cavitary cranial mediastinal mass, sternal lymph node enlargement and pleural effusion. Surgical exploration of the thorax revealed a multi-lobulated red/brown cranial mediastinal mass and multiple similarly coloured ovoid nodules within several lung lobes. Histopathology revealed thymic branchial cysts with neoplastic transformation and examination of the lung was consistent with metastasis. Despite initially recovering well, acute sepsis and pyothorax resulted in cardiac arrest 8 days postoperatively. This is the first veterinary report of neoplastic transformation of a thymic branchial cyst with pulmonary metastasis.