No abstract

No abstract

To report the outcome, frequency of complications and potential prognostic factors associated with surgical repair of superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) luxation in dogs.Materials and MethOds: Medical records from 10 referral hospitals were reviewed retrospectively for cases of SDFT luxation in dogs that underwent surgical stabilisation. Signalment, clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, surgical method, type and length of post-operative limb immobilisation, nature of and length of exercise restriction, presence of post-operative complications and outcomes were recorded. Data were summarised descriptively and prognostic risk factors assessed for association with surgical outcome using risk ratios.results: Forty-eight cases were included. A successful surgical outcome was recorded in 35 of 48 (73%) cases. Re-luxation of the SDFT occurred in seven of 48 (15%). Six out of 48 (13%) had a persistent lameness despite a stable non-luxating SDFT. A high frequency of post-operative complications occurred (71%), with the majority resolved medically. The risk of surgical failure was 60% higher (risk ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 2.4) where absorbable suture material was used compared to non-absorbable suture material. Surgical failure was more common in cases managed with non-rigid immobilisation post-operatively (57% failure) compared to cases managed with rigid immobilisation (19% failure), although this result was not statistically significant. Limb immobilisation of 6 weeks or longer did not significantly affect surgical outcome, compared to shorter periods of exercise restriction or limb immobilisation. clinical significance: A good outcome can be expected following surgical stabilisation of SDFT luxation. The use of non-absorbable suture was associated with a more successful surgical outcome.

In 2019/2020, Australia experienced a severe bushfire event, with many tens of thousands of livestock killed or euthanized. Little systematic research has occurred to understand livestock bushfire injuries, risk factors for injury, or how to make decisions about management of bushfire-injured livestock. Addressing this research gap is important as there is an increasing bushfire incidence globally. This paper presents qualitative research findings about bushfire-injured and killed livestock in the south-east of Australia after the 2019/2020 Australian bushfires. We describe observed pathology, treatments used, and risk factors for injury, then use thematic analysis to understand decision making about managing fire-injured livestock. Livestock injured by the fires showed pathology predominantly associated with the common integument (feet, hooves and skin) and signs of acute respiratory damage. It could take several days for the full extent of burns to become apparent, leaving prognostic doubt. Treatment strategies included immediate euthanasia, salvage slaughter, retention for later culling, treatment and recovery on farm, hospitalization and intensive treatment, or no intervention. Risk factors reported for livestock injury included lack of warnings about an impending fire, the type and amount of vegetation around livestock and the weather conditions on the day the fire reached livestock. Moving stock to an area with little vegetation before fire arrived was seen as protective. Decision making regarding injured livestock appeared influenced by three main themes: (1) observations on the severity of pathology, clinical signs and level of prognostic doubt, (2) pre-existing beliefs about animal welfare (responsibility to minimize unnecessary suffering) and (3) assumptions about the future. The management of livestock was largely appropriate due to the rapid provision of veterinary expertise. However, it is likely that some injured livestock were euthanized due to conservative veterinary advice driven by a lack of opportunity to re-assess stock, with impacts on farmers. In future, resourcing regular revisits of injured livestock to manage risks of gradual progression of burn pathology may facilitate more accurate prognostic assessment, provided injured animals can receive appropriate pain relief. In addition, a more comprehensive burns classification system linked to prognosis that can be rapidly applied in the field may assist assessments.

No abstract