ABSTRACT OF THE WEEK

Veterinary surgery : VS : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Volume 46 | Issue 7 (October 2017)

Long-term outcome of dogs treated with ulnar rollover transposition for limb-sparing of distal radial osteosarcoma: 27 limbs in 26 dogs.

Vet Surg. October 2017;46(7):1017-1024.

Bernard Seguin¹, Matthew D O'Donnell², Peter J Walsh³, Laura E Selmic⁴

¹ Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.; ² Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon.; ³ Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.; ⁴ Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:To determine outcomes in dogs with distal radial osteosarcoma treated with ulnar rollover transposition (URT) limb-sparing surgery including: viability of the ulnar graft, complications, subjective limb function, disease-free interval (DFI), and survival time (ST).

STUDY DESIGN:Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS:Twenty-six client-owned dogs with distal radial osteosarcoma and no involvement of the ulna.

METHODS:Data of dogs treated with URT were collected at the time of surgery and retrospectively from medical records and by contacting owners and referring veterinarians.

RESULTS:URT technique was performed on 27 limbs in 26 dogs. The ulnar graft was determined to be viable in 17 limbs, nonviable in 3, and unknown in 7. Complications occurred in 20 limbs. Infection was diagnosed in 12 limbs. Biomechanical complications occurred in 15 and local recurrence in 2 limbs. Limb function graded by veterinarians or owners was poor in 2 limbs, fair in 4, good in 14, excellent in 3, and unknown in 4. Median DFI was 245 days and median ST was 277 days.

CONCLUSION:The URT technique maintained the viability of the ulnar graft. The complication rate was high but limb function appeared acceptable. Although sufficient length of the distal aspect of the ulna must be preserved to perform this technique, local recurrence was not increased compared to other limb-sparing techniques when cases were appropriately selected.

Article Tools:

Medline

Email to me

Archives Highlights:

Bone Marrow Aspiration in Dogs: Indications and a Step-by-Step Tutorial
In dogs, bone marrow aspirates are often collected from the proximal humerus or ilium. A special 14- to 18-gauge needle with stylet is placed into the bone marrow cavity, and cells are subsequently aspirated. These needles are designed to penetrate cortical bone without becoming obstructed. Other sites in dogs include the sternum, ribs, and proximal femur. Aspiration from the pelvis and femur is challenging, if the region contains abundant adipose tissue.

Toxocara cati Infection in Cats
The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends testing kittens for intestinal parasites at least 4 times in the first year of life and twice a year thereafter. Although the prepatent period for T cati infection is 8 weeks, to combat any potential of hookworm infection, treatment for parasitic infection should be initiated at 2 weeks of age and repeated every 2 weeks until regular broad-spectrum parasite control is begun.

High-pressure injection of paint into the hand: A small injury with serious consequences.
High-pressure injection injury to the hand is a serious lesion threatening the limb. Several injected materials are involved, and paint is known to have the most serious consequences, with a high amputation rate. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are two important prognostic factors for a better outcome.

Feline Stress Management During air Travel: A Multimodal Approach.
While the discussion is focused on air travel specifically, the stress management methods described can be applied to all types of longer distance travel, such as a long road trip or a ferry crossing, as well as a stay in a holiday home.

Cowpox in zoo and wild animals in the United Kingdom.
We present epidemiological data and diagnostic features of 27 recent, naturally occurring cowpox cases in zoo and wild animals across the UK, including the first reports of cowpox in two snow leopards, a Bengal tiger, three Chilean pudus, a Malayan tapir, and a Eurasian otter, and the first reports of Orthopoxvirus infection in a lar gibbon, a Southern tamandua, and an aardvark.