Surgery Flashcards
What are the different lung lobes in the cat and dog
- Right cranial
- Right middle
- Right caudal
- Accessory
- Left cranial (cranial and caudal portions)
- Left caudal
What is the maximum number of ribs that can be removed without affecting function
6 ribs
Name possible complications occurring after diaphragmatic hernia repair
- Re-expansion pulmonary edema
- Abdominal compartment syndrome
- Hemothorax
- Arrhythmias
- Reperfusion injury
Where should a tracheostomy incision be made? What is an alternative for emergency airway access?
Between the 3rd and 4th or 4th and 5th tracheal rings ; but if permanent tracheostomy might be required later, do between 2nd and 3rd rings to save the site
Cricothyrotomy is an alternative (easier)
What muscles need to be dissected for tracheostomy? Why is it important to stay on midline?
The sternohyoideus muscles
Dissection lateral from midline can lead to recurrent laryngeal nerve damage
At what level are thoracotomies typically performed
4th or 5th intercostal space (sometimes 6th intercostal space for caudal lung lobes)
Can go much more caudal if need to access esophagus / thoracic duct
What vessel should carefully be avoided when performing a thoracotomy
The internal thoracic artery (lying close to the sternum, parallel to it)
How should a thoracotomy be closed
- Circumcostal sutures
- Suture of each muscular layer
- Suture of the SQ, suture of the skin
What is the difference between bullae and blebs
Bullae are an accumulation of air within the lung parenchyma vs blebs are an accumulation of air between the parenchyma and visceral pleura
What is the maximum lung volume that can be removed in dogs and cats? What is the main consequences of major lung lobe resections?
50% (-> can do a left pneumonectomy but not a right unless there has been progressive loss of function before)
Main complication / consequence is pulmonary hypertension
What are the lung lobes most commonly affected by lung lobe torsion? What breeds are predisposed?
Right middle and left cranial
Pugs are predisposed to spontaneous left cranial lung lobe torsion and large deep chested dogs are predisposed to right middle lung lobe torsion
What type of pleural space disease commonly develops after lung lobectomy for lung lobe torsion
Chylothorax (usually resolves within 7 days but sometimes can require second surgery for thoracic duct ligation / pericardectomy)
What are the indications for immediate surgical intervention for diaphragmatic hernia?
- Herniated stomach
- Strangulated bowel or other organ
- Persistent hypoxemia and CV instability after medical intervention
- Ruptured viscera
