Minor surgical conditions Flashcards
abscess definition
localised collection of purulent material lined with granulation and fibrous tissue
- pyogenic organisms may cause cell death and inflammation
- normally points and bursts leading to drainage
complications of abscesses
- toxaemia
- pyaemia (type of sepsis that leads to widespread abscesses)
- sinus
- skin necrosis
signs of an abscess
- pyrexia
- anorexia
- vomiting
- pain
- swelling
- discharge (skin abscess)
treatment of an abscess
- establish drainage
- lance and flush with saline or weak disinfectant
- surgery for internal abscesses - maintain drainage
- regular flushing to keep abscess open
- surgical drains - treat with antibiotics
- once drainage is achieved
- consider analgesia
cellulitis definition, signs, treatment
distribution of pus through tissue (non localised)
- arises from acute inflammation
signs of cellulitis:
- pain, sensitive to touch, pyrexia, generalised swelling
treatment:
- systemic antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, analgesics
sinus definition
infected blind-ending tract leading from a focus of infection (deeper tissues) to body surface
- lined with granulation tissue
signs of a sinus
- pyrexia
- pain
- sensitive to touch
- disease specific signs (anal furunculosis)
examples of sinus - foreign body tract (grass seed)
fistula definition
abnormal tract between two epithelial surfaces or connecting an epithelial surface to the skin
- may arise as a result of trauma or congenital (recto-vaginal fistula)
signs and treatment of fistula
- chronic infection
- visually abnormal
- physically abnormal
treatment: surgical repair
comparison between fistula and sinus
sinus- bind ending cavity covered in granulation tissue connecting to an epithelial surface
fistula- connection between 2 epithelial surfaces
ulcer definition
loss of epithelial surface of a tissue
- shallow lesions caused by trauma and aggravated by poor blood supply or infection
- slow to heal
common areas: skin, GI tract, cornea
signs of an ulcer
- pain
- swelling
- visual appearance
- secondary problems (infection)
treatment of an ulcer
- remove cause
- keep surface clean
- dress wound if possible
- surgical treatment
causes of an ulcer
- pathogens (calici virus)
- irritants (chemicals ulcer)
- poor blood supply
- pressure (decubital ulcers)
corneal ulcers
- varies in depth
caused by: trauma, bacteria, eyelash/lid disorders
signs: - increased lacrimation, discharge
- ocular pain
- blepharospasm
cyst definition
abnormal sac filled with fluid or semi-solid matter lined with epithelium
sebaceous cyst definition
form out of a sebaceous gland on skin
hydatid cyst definition
larval form of tapeworm forms a fluid-filled sac
meibomian cyst definition
cyst on the upper or lower eyelid caused by the inflammation of eyelid oil glands
haematoma definition
blood vessel bursts and blood accumulates in tissue
- can occur anywhere
- need to decide whether its due to trauma, surgery, clotting disorder or vessel disorder
signs: swelling, pain, discolouration of skin
rupture definition
protrusion of organs or soft tissue through unnatural opening or tear
- result of trauma but may be predisposed by tissue weakness
hernia definition
abnormal protrusion of organs or soft tissue through natural opening
- usually occurs through abdominal wall
hernia or rupture classifications
reducible: can be repositioned
irreducible: cannot be repositioned
strangulated: contents become devitalised due to restricted blood vessels
umbilical hernia
- common in kittens and puppies
- usually only falciform fat protrudes
- can be repaired using midline incision during a bitch spay but left otherwise
inguinal hernia
- through inguinal canal (caudal abdominal wall)
females: swelling by groin extending to vulva
males: herniate into scrotal sac - ultrasound, radiography used to determine severity of hernia
perineal hernia
- most common in elderly dogs due to chronic constipation and straining
- male dogs: enlarged prostate
- muscle around anal sphincter gradually break down
- uni or bilateral
diaphragmatic rupture
- usually caused by trauma (RTA)
- can cause dyspnoea if large due to abdominal contents falling forwards into chest
- breathe easier if sitting up
ventral or abdominal rupture
- tear anywhere along abdominal wall other than umbilical or inguinal areas
- usually arises due to trauma (RTA or blunt trauma (kick))
