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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Using CT scans to plan surgery for dogs and cats with recurring

By Bouabdallah, R et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2014·Ecole Nationale Sup&#xe9·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Use of preoperative computed tomography for surgical treatment of recurrent draining tracts.

Stomach & digestion

Plain-English summary

A group of dogs and cats with recurring draining wounds underwent preoperative CT scans to help plan their surgeries. The scans helped identify sources of infection or inflammation, such as foreign bodies, in some cases. After surgery, the majority of pets saw their draining tracts resolve, with a 95% overall cure rate. Most pets recovered well after just one surgery, even if no foreign body was found during the procedure.

People also search for: dog draining wound treatment · cat surgery for abscess · recurrent draining tracts in pets

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a rational decision-making approach based on preoperative computed tomography for surgical planning in dogs and cats with recurrent draining tracts. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of case records of animals that underwent preoperative computed tomography for surgical treatment of thoracic/abdominal recurrent draining tracts. Cases were classified according to whether a source of inflammation and/or infection, in particular foreign bodies, was identified (group 1), suspected (group 2) or neither identified nor suspected (group 3) at computed tomography. Surgery consisted of removal of the source of inflammation and/or infection (group 1), debridement or abscess drainage (group 2) or en bloc resection of diseased tissues (group 3). Clinical outcome was evaluated at least 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: A source of inflammation and/or infection was found in 100% (8 of 8), 41% (7 of 17) and 25% (3 of 12) of cases in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Recurrent draining tracts resolved in 100% (8 of 8), 94% (16 of 17) and 92% (11 of 12) of cases in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The proposed strategy provided a 95% (35 of 37) cure rate, after a single procedure in 81% (30 of 37) of cases. Recovery of a foreign body at surgery was not a prerequisite for the resolution of the recurrent draining tracts.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24325824/