
Your Custom Quiz
In Peycke 2022 et al., on CBLO in immature dogs, what was a **benefit of using K-wires** for tibial apophysis stabilization in CBLO?
🔍 Key Findings
- CBLO was effective for stifle stabilization in skeletally immature dogs with CrCL injuries, avoiding disruption of proximal tibial growth plates.
- Radiographic union of the osteotomy occurred in a mean of 6 weeks (range: 4–8 weeks), indicating rapid bone healing.
- Full limb function was restored in all cases by long-term follow-up (mean 23 months), including dogs with initial complications.
- Two dogs developed 19° valgus deformities due to screw interference with the proximal tibial physis; both were corrected surgically with return to function.
- One dog developed 10° recurvatum due to over-rotation of the tibial plateau, but retained full function without revision.
- CCS (countersink compression screw) caused early apophyseal closure in older dogs but had no adverse clinical effects.
- In contrast, K-wire or plate-only fixation preserved open apophysis, suggesting implant choice may influence growth.
- No meniscal injuries were observed, and all CrCL injuries were managed arthroscopically — 6 complete, 6 partial, 4 avulsions.
Veterinary Surgery
3
2022
Center of rotation of angulation-based leveling osteotomy for stifle stabilization in skeletally immature dogs
2022-3-VS-peycke-4
In Gomes 2025 et al., on subdural shunting for TL-AD, what was the significant long-term outcome of SDS placement compared to durotomy alone?
🔍 Key Findings
- Modified subdural shunt (SDS) placement was adapted from prior techniques using a hemilaminectomy approach and no suturing of the dura or shunt.
- Dogs receiving SDS had significantly better long-term outcomes (85.7% improved) compared to those with durotomy alone (41.7%).
- Recurrence rate was lower in the SDS group (14.3%) than control (41.7%), though not statistically significant.
- Most recurrences occurred in Pugs (5/7), suggesting a breed predisposition.
- Shunt size was limited to 25% of spinal cord diameter, typically 3–3.5 Fr.
- CSF flow through the shunt was confirmed intraoperatively, supporting the role of SDS in maintaining flow and possibly preventing recurrence.
- Immediate postoperative outcomes were not different between groups (≈42% deteriorated), but long-term recovery was better with SDS.
- Steroid use pre-surgery did not correlate with improved outcome; fewer SDS dogs received steroids pre-op.
Veterinary Surgery
5
2025
Post‐surgical outcome and recurrence rates in thoracolumbar arachnoid diverticula undergoing durotomy alone or alongside a modified technique of subdural shunt-placement in dogs
2025-5-VS-gomes-2
In Thibault 2023 et al., on DPO for THR luxation, which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the effectiveness of DPO in preventing reluxation?
2023-8-VS-thibault-4
In Ramsey 2025 et al., on tibial alignment, which statement regarding complications is most accurate?
🔍 Key Findings
- Straight interlocking nails (sILN) resulted in a significantly higher postoperative TPA compared with the contralateral limb (+5°), whereas bent nails (bILN) increased TPA by only +1°.
- Bent interlocking nails achieved closer-to-anatomic tibial plateau alignment than straight nails (p < .0001).
- Both techniques resulted in mild valgus malalignment (~2°) compared with the contralateral limb, but this was not clinically significant.
- No significant differences in medial mechanical proximal tibial angle (mMPTA) were detected between groups.
- Medullary canal fill was higher with bent nails (by ~6.6%), suggesting improved coaxial nail placement.
- Missed bolt hole frequency did not differ between straight and bent nail techniques.
- Complication rates were very low, with only one clinically relevant malalignment reported in the bent nail group.
- Despite higher TPA in the straight nail group, no increased incidence of CCL rupture was identified during follow-up.
Veterinary Surgery
8
2025
Comparison of tibial alignment following bent or straight interlocking nail fixation for dogs with diaphyseal tibial fractures
2025-8-vs-ramsey-5
In Saylak 2026 et al., on feline ilium fixation, what technical feature of the M-CRIF construct facilitated stable fixation in the small feline ilium?
🔍 Key Findings
- All 36 feline corpus ilium fractures achieved union after fixation with either M-CRIF (n = 18) or conventional locking plates (n = 18).
- M-CRIF produced faster mid-term radiographic healing, with higher day-45 healing scores than locking plates (2.72 ± 0.46 vs 1.89 ± 0.83; p = .002); later healing scores were comparable.
- M-CRIF better preserved pelvic canal dimensions, with significantly less sacral index narrowing than plate fixation (p = .005).
- Screw loosening occurred in 22.2% (4/18) of plate cases but in none of the M-CRIF cases; one plate case required revision with an additional dorsal plate.
- The modified implant increased screw-placement flexibility, permitting four locking screws cranial and two caudal to the fracture while allowing clamps to be positioned at the required location and angle.
- M-CRIF required longer operative application, primarily because the rod had to be contoured intraoperatively, although application time decreased with surgeon experience.
- Neurological deficits decreased from 22.2% preoperatively to 5.5% postoperatively, suggesting generally favorable neurological recovery in the selected population.
- M-CRIF was considered a reliable alternative to conventional plating, offering greater fixation stability, fewer implant-related complications, and improved preservation of pelvic canal width.
Veterinary Surgery
6
2026
Locked plate versus modified clamp-rod internal fixation for feline corpus ilium fractures: A comparative clinical study
2026-6-vs-saylak-3
In Stoneburner 2024 et al., on MIS survey results, what was the most cited reason for performing MIS techniques?
🔍 Key Findings
- The survey included 111 practicing surgeons and 28 residents from ACVS, ECVS, and ANZCVS. 98.2% had performed soft tissue minimally invasive surgery (MIS).
- In the past year, surgeons reported a median caseload of 90% basic laparoscopy, 0% advanced laparoscopy, and 10% thoracoscopy; for residents: 100% basic laparoscopy, 0% advanced, 0% thoracoscopy.
- Laparoscopic ovariectomy and OHE were the most commonly performed MIS procedures, with most respondents proficient in basic laparoscopy, but few performing advanced laparoscopy or thoracoscopy.
- Top barriers to MIS adoption were: lack of consistent caseload, lack of training, difficult learning curve, equipment limitations, and cost.
- 76.6% of surgeons and 92.9% of residents received MIS training during residency. Those trained had completed residency median 6 years ago, compared to 22 years ago for those without MIS training (p < .001). Perceived adequate training correlated with higher proficiency.
- MIS was recognized as having a steep learning curve, but patient benefits (mean score 4.0/5) were the top motivation — less pain, faster recovery, improved visualization.
- The authors conclude basic laparoscopy is widely adopted, but advanced and thoracoscopic MIS remain underutilized. Training and access are key to future growth.
- Expanded training and improved access to equipment are necessary to promote broader integration of MIS into veterinary soft-tissue surgery.
Veterinary Surgery
5
2024
Laparoscopy and thoracoscopy in small animal surgery: A 2020 survey of small animal surgical diplomates and residents
2024-5-VS-stoneburner-5
In Otero Balda 2025 et al., on Short-term outcomes after feline cPSS surgery, what was the survival rate in cats pretreated with levetiracetam following the LEV1 protocol?
🔍 Key Findings
- 78% of cats that developed postattenuation neurologic signs (PANS) after congenital portosystemic shunt (cPSS) surgery survived to 30 days.
- Postattenuation seizures (PAS) were associated with significantly decreased 30-day survival (50% vs. 78%; OR: 0.015, p = .005).
- Treatment of PANS with propofol was a negative prognostic factor (OR: 0.112, p = .0008).
- Generalized PAS accounted for most seizure cases and were more frequently fatal than focal or unknown-type seizures.
- Pretreatment with levetiracetam (LEV1 protocol) showed a trend toward improved survival (100% vs. 60.6% in untreated cats), though not statistically significant (p = .06).
- Shunt morphology, method of attenuation, and study period (early vs. late) were not significantly associated with 30-day survival.
- Electrolyte, glucose, and ammonia abnormalities were not strongly linked to survival outcomes in this study.
- Majority of PAS-related deaths were due to uncontrolled generalized seizures or euthanasia because of severity.
Veterinary Surgery
5
2025
Prognostic factors for short‐term survival of cats that experienced postattenuation neurologic signs after surgical attenuation of single congenital portosystemic shunts
2025-5-VS-otero-5
In Frapwell 2026 et al., on humeral condyle morphology, what hypothesis was proposed to explain HIF formation related to condylar shape?
🔍 Key Findings
- HIF-affected dogs had significantly greater angle A and B, indicating increased axial articular angulation of the medial and lateral humeral condyle (p < .001).
- Vertical condylar height (lengths a and b) was significantly greater in HIF-affected dogs compared to controls (p = .007 and p < .001 respectively).
- Angle G (dorsal plane medial condyle angle) was also significantly greater in HIF-affected dogs, suggesting altered medial humeral morphology (p < .001).
- The angle between axial surfaces (A–B angle) was significantly more acute in HIF dogs (107.4° vs. 114.2°, p < .001), suggesting potential for increased shear force.
- Springer Spaniels with HIF showed significantly greater angulation and vertical height than unaffected Springer controls (p < .001 to .007 across variables).
- Morphological differences persisted across non-spaniel breeds, reinforcing that altered condylar geometry is not breed-restricted.
- Authors propose that greater condylar angulation contributes to shear stress, orthogonal to the fissure, possibly contributing to HIF pathogenesis.
- These morphologic alterations could inform future screening or preventive strategies, and may explain variable surgical outcomes and implant failure.
Veterinary Surgery
1
2026
Analysis of humeral condylar morphology in dogs with and without humeral intracondylar fissure
2026-1-vs-frapwell-4
In Aertsens 2025 et al., on thoracic lift technique, which device was used to create the chest wall lift in the second cat?
🔍 Key Findings
Case 1: Chest wall lift improved oxygenation (PaO₂ increased from 179.4 to 306.3 mmHg) and enabled thoracoscopic-assisted lobectomy in a cat with pleural effusion and pulmonary carcinoma.
Case 2: Chest wall lift using a Steinmann pin allowed 3-port thoracoscopic lobectomy for a bronchial foreign body; no complications observed.
Both cats: Lift increased working space and eliminated need for thoracotomy; no device-related complications.
Pretied ligating loops (PLL) were effective for hilar vessel ligation—preferred over staplers or self-locking ligatures in feline thorax.
Conclusion: Thoracic lift is a novel, minimally invasive method enhancing thoracoscopic procedures in small patients, particularly cats.
Veterinary Surgery
4
2025
Chest wall lift for thoracoscopic lung lobectomy: Technique and results in two cats
2025-4-VS-aertsens-2
In Parker 2023 et al., on Locoregional analgesia in TPLO, which variable was significantly associated with increased preference for lumbosacral epidural (LE) over PNB?
🔍 Key Findings
- Peripheral nerve block (PNB) was preferred by 79% of anesthesiologists; lumbosacral epidural (LE) by 21%; PI <1%.
- Time since board-certification significantly influenced preference: PNB favored by newer diplomates, LE favored by more senior ones (p < .001).
- Employment sector mattered: PNB was preferred more in private practice, LE more in academia (p = .003).
- PNB perceived as more effective, with 78% reporting 81–100% effectiveness; compared to 55% for LE.
- PNB associated with fewer adverse effects (75%) than LE (4%) and PI (21%).
- PNB required less rescue analgesia intraoperatively (57%) and postoperatively (54%) than LE or PI.
- LE preferred for bilateral TPLOs and in smaller dogs; PNB for larger dogs, due to motor function preservation.
- Dexmedetomidine was the most common additive to PNB; bupivacaine-only was most used for PNB.
Veterinary Surgery
4
2023
Pelvic limb anesthesia and analgesia in dogs undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO): A survey of board-certified anesthesiologists
2023-4-VS-parker-2
Quiz Results
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Key Findings
