Align-ju SCIENCE SHORTS
Contamination of gloves and instruments with cancer cells during surgery
USER-ALT Ebba Orjefelt and others, University of Edinburgh, UK
Cancer is a leading cause of mortality in dogs, responsible for up to 30 % of all deaths and 45 % of those in dogs over 10 years old. Tumour cells that become dislodged during surgical procedures can adhere and grow at distant sites. The authors describe a survey of 194 veterinary surgeons focusing on their attitudes to handling gloves and instruments to avoid tumour seeding. Most respondents( 89 %) reported that they changed both gloves and instruments during procedures to reduce the contamination risk. Surgeons with advanced qualifications and those working in referral hospitals were more likely to do so. While 75 % of respondents recognised the risk of contamination by tumour cells spreading in this manner, nearly all( 98 %) expressed an interest in receiving guidance on improving surgical practice in this area.
Journal of Small Animal Practice https:// doi. org / 10.1111 / jsap. 13852
Positioning of dogs during total hip replacement procedures
USER-ALT Robert Barnett and others, Veterinary Care and Specialty Group, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
During total hip replacement procedures, accurate positioning of the patient will help to minimise errors in acetabular component placement. True lateral recumbency with perfect superimposition of the pelvic bones is essential, and several positioning devices have been developed to aid the process. The authors monitored the position of canine patients during 26 procedures in which vacuum bean bag positioners were used. Fluoroscopic measurements of the patient ' s position were made after draping and immediately before the acetabular cup was forced into the prepared bone socket. These measurements revealed positioning shifts that were not consistently in the same direction in either the transverse, dorsal or sagittal planes. These unrecognised shifts in pelvic alignment could lead to inappropriate implant positioning. Pelvic positioning should therefore be regularly evaluated during these procedures.
American Journal of Veterinary Research https:// doi. org / 10.2460 / ajvr. 24.12.0404
Guidelines for the resuscitation of newborn kittens and puppies
USER-ALT Manuel Voller and others, VCA Canada Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital, British Columbia, Canada
Kittens and puppies experience major challenges during the birth process as they transition to independent life from a state in which all their physiological needs are met by their dam. As a consequence, between 5 % and 10 % of neonates are likely to be stillborn. In two papers produced for the RECOVER( Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation) project, the authors describe the findings of an international panel of more than 100 veterinary critical care specialists. The first paper reviews the clinical evidence on the resuscitation of newborn kittens and puppies and attempts to identify current knowledge gaps. The accompanying paper presents clinical guidelines for veterinary professionals involved in the treatment of such cases.
Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care https:// doi. org / 10.1111 / vec. 70012 https:// doi. org / 10.1111 / vec. 70013
Volume 40( 6) • December 2025
21