SummaryA new noninvasive method was used to evaluate gas exchange in 12 patients undergoing thoracotomy for a variety of surgical procedures. A plot of inspired oxygen partial pressure versus oxygen saturation was analysed to calculate the independent contribution of shunt and intermediate ventilation/perfusion ratio which occurs during general anaesthesia for thoracotomy. A model based on the inspired to arterial oxygen difference involving the shunt equation was used to show how the relationship between inspired oxygen partial pressure and oxygen saturation could be used to derive two parameters of oxygen exchange, the virtual shunt and an index of low ventilation/perfusion ratio. In all cases, there was a very good fit of the data to the model. Thoracotomy caused a mean increase in shunt from 13.8% to 20.8% and a worsening ventilation/ perfusion ratio from 0.5 to 0.2, the magnitude of which depended on the underlying pathology. In two patients, the ventilation/perfusion ratio decreased to less than 0.1. The method enables the prediction of oxygen saturation at different inspired oxygen partial pressures and allows the two components of gas exchange to be isolated using simple routine measurements of inspired oxygen and pulse oximetry.
A female white-naped crane (Grus vipio) was presented with an open, oblique fracture of the distal right tarsometatarsus and concomitant vascular and nerve damage. Conventional fracture fixation repairs failed, which led to implantation of a custom titanium limb prosthesis. After subsequent revisions with 2 different prosthetic devices, limb function was ultimately restored but a later yolk embolism caused a circulatory compromise in the opposite leg, which necessitated euthanasia. Histopathologic results revealed limited ingrowth of bone into the porous coated implant, which indicated that a limb prosthesis may provide salvage for long-legged, heavy-bodied birds with fractures of the tarsometatarsus.
Growing skull fractures have been reported in humans for many years, usually resulting from injury to the soft skull during the rapid growth period of an infant's life. Nestling raptors have thin, fragile skulls, a rapid growth rate, and compete aggressively for food items. Skull trauma may occur, which may lead to the development of a growing skull fracture. Growing skull fractures may be under-diagnosed in raptor rehabilitation facilities that do not have access to advanced technologic equipment. Three-dimensional (3-D) computed tomography was used to diagnose a growing skull fracture in a red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). The lesion was surgically repaired and the animal was eventually returned to the wild. This is the first report of a growing skull fracture in an animal. In this case, 3-D computed topographic imaging was utilized to diagnose a growing skull fracture in a red-tailed hawk, surgical repair was performed, and the bird recovered completely and was ultimately released.
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