Distal normograde intramedullary pin and locking plate placement in the canine humerus: A cadaveric study

Objective: To identify a repeatable anatomic landmark for pin insertion and to describe the technique for placement of a distal normograde intramedullary (IM) pin of approximately 35% of the IM diameter using this approach combined with a locking compression plate (LCP) on the medial aspect of the canine humerus. Study Design: Ex vivo anatomic study. Sample Population: Canine cadavers (n=10 Greyhounds). Methods: An anatomic landmark for pin insertion was identified based on three-dimensional reconstructions of previous elbow computed tomography studies and cadaveric dissection of the medial aspect of the humeral condyle. Bilateral distal normograde IM pin and LCP placement were performed and confirmed radiographically and by disarticulation and sagittal sectioning. Results: The anatomic landmark for pin insertion was consistently identified in each specimen using the technique described. Distal normograde insertion of a 3.5 mm IM pin was possible in Greyhound cadaveric humeri at the described location in conjunction with a 3.5 mm LCP with fixed angle, locked screws. A monocortical locking screw was required to avoid interference with the IM pin in 28 of 60 of the 3 proximal screw holes. No pin interference was encountered in any of the distal screw holes. Conclusion: The anatomic landmark and technique described in our study enabled repeatable successful placement of a distal normograde IM pin of approximately 35% of the IM diameter combined with an LCP on the medial aspect of the canine humerus. This technique may be useful for locking plate-rod fixation of distal humeral diaphyseal fractures

Laparoscopy - A new and rapidly advancing field in veterinary science

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique for exploration and manipulation of the internal structures and wall of the peritoneal cavity. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure, diagnostic accuracy, reduction in surgical stress, reduced patient morbidity and post-operative pain contribute to making this procedure a definite alternative to open surgical approaches in small animals. This narrative review will cover the equipment, technique, diagnostic and surgical applications, advantages, disadvantages and complications of small animal laparoscopy. Laparoscopy represents a major advancement in veterinary science and demonstrates a forward thinking approach to patient care

Bilateral phalangeal fillet technique for metacarpal pad reconstruction in a dog

Loss of the metacarpal or metatarsal pad requires reconstruction with other pad tissue to allow functional weight-bearing on the limb. This report describes the use of a bilateral phalangeal fillet technique to reconstruct a weight-bearing surface in a dog following complete excision of its right metacarpal pad for malignant melanoma. This resulted in a functional weight-bearing limb