Thoracoscopic ligation of the thoracic duct may be a therapeutic option for management of chylothorax in dogs.

The need for alternative methods of teaching veterinary medicine and surgery has increased in recent years because of increasing costs and changing public opinion. For these reasons a hemostasis model was developed that mimics the arteries and veins of the peripheral vascular system, and can be used to teach the basic skills involved in blood vessel ligation and division. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the fluid hemostasis model compared with using live animals for teaching these skills. Forty sophomore veterinary students participated in the study. Two groups of 20 students each received identical instruction in the basic techniques required for vessel ligation and division. The students then completed various exercises using inanimate models to objectively evaluate their psychomotor skills. Both groups then practiced the techniques for equal time periods; one group used the hemostasis model and the other performed a splenectomy on live dogs. After the practice session, the students were videotaped (for later evaluation), as they performed vessel ligations and divisions. The students then repeated the exercises using the inanimate models for evaluation of skills improvement. Questionnaire responses before and after the project were obtained to determine the students' views on the need for inanimate models for teaching purposes. Results of this study indicate that the hemostasis model was as effective as live animals for teaching the basic skills involved in blood vessel ligation. The students' opinions regarding the use of properly designed inanimate models for teaching these skills were dramatically changed.

A 6-year-old spayed female cat was evaluated for uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and poor hair coat. Clinicopathologic abnormalities included high serum activity of liver enzymes, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, glucosuria, and an exaggerated response to ACTH stimulation. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed large adrenal glands. Hyperadrenocorticism was diagnosed. Treatment for a facial abscess was instituted along with administration of metyrapone for hyperadrenocorticism. After stabilization, bilateral adrenalectomy was performed. The cat recovered without complications and has remained clinically normal for 5 months with treatment of desoxycorticosterone pivalate and prednisone. Treatment with metyrapone appeared to stabilize the cat metabolically and clinically prior to surgery.

Cases of flail chest injury for 24 client-owned companion animals following various traumas were evaluated. Concurrently sustained injuries, initial emergency treatments, and definitive treatment and outcome for regimens that utilize stabilization of the flail segment were compared with cases treated with no stabilization. Flail chest was confirmed in 24 animals: 21 dogs and three cats. There was an even division (12 each) of right and left flail segments. The median number of ribs involved was three (range, two to seven). Flail segment stabilization was performed in nine, and 15 were treated with no stabilization. Statistical analysis using multiple data permutations evaluating all combinations failed to reveal a significant difference in outcome between stabilized and unstabilized cases.

The BIG is an effective alternative for obtaining rapid access to the intraosseous space for emergency fluid and drug administration.