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Objectives: To report the incidence of and risk factors for development of recurrent secondary septic peritonitis (RSSP) in dogs. To report the outcome of dogs treated surgically for RSSP., Design: Retrospective study., Setting: University teaching hospital., Animals: One hundred forty-nine client-owned dogs treated surgically for secondary septic peritonitis (SSP)., Interventions: None., Measurements and Results: The medical records database was searched for dogs that underwent surgery to treat SSP. Of 149 dogs that met the inclusion criteria, 15 (10.1%) dogs developed RSSP following surgery and 134 (89.9%) did not. Dogs with RSSP had significantly lower albumin prior to the first surgery to treat secondary septic peritonitis (SPsx1) (median 18 g/L [1.8 g/dL] vs 22 g/L [2.2 g/dL], P = 0.005) and significantly higher PCV prior to SPsx1 (median 52% vs 45%, P = 0.028). Dogs with septic peritonitis of gastrointestinal (GI) origin were significantly more likely to develop recurrent peritonitis than those with sepsis from a non-GI source (odds ratio [OR], 4.4, 95% CI: 0.95-20, P = 0.041). Of dogs with sepsis of GI origin, those with sepsis due to a foreign body were significantly more likely to develop RSSP than those with GI sepsis from a non-foreign body cause (OR, 7.2, 95% CI: 1.6-43, P = 0.0018). Of the 15 dogs in the RSSP group, 8 were euthanized without further treatment. Relaparotomy was performed in the remaining 7 cases; 3 of these (42.9%) survived., Conclusions: There was a 10.1% rate of RSSP following SPsx1. Preoperative albumin was significantly lower and preoperative PCV was significantly higher in dogs that developed recurrence. Dogs with GI sepsis were at increased risk of recurrence and, among dogs with GI sepsis, the presence of a foreign body was an additional risk factor for recurrence., (© Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society 2020.)

Background: Veterinary medical education is increasingly moving towards outcome-based training based on competency frameworks. A source of concern is the translation of competencies into the practice of clinical teaching, for example, surgical skills training. It is suggested that the use of entrustable professional activities (EPAs) might bridge this gap. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to identify EPAs related to surgical skills for companion animal health to enhance competency-based education., Methods: Draft versions of EPAs related to surgical skills were established by an iterative consensus-based approach through 45-min interview sessions. These draft versions were used to explore the opinion of companion animal veterinarians, both veterinarians (specialists, residents and interns) involved in undergraduate teaching and veterinarians working in private practice involved in extramural clinical teaching, on the relevance and level of entrustment of the EPAs through a modified Delphi procedure. Mean (relevance) and median (level of entrustment) scores were calculated and textual comments were analysed to create a final framework of EPAs related to surgical skills., Results and Conclusion: The Delphi panel reached consensus in three rounds. Thirty-four per cent of those invited to participate in the study completed the final survey. Finally, a list of 13 EPAs related to companion animal surgical skills a student should be entrusted to perform at time of graduation was established., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© British Veterinary Association 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Aims: To describe the variation in surgical techniques used by veterinarians to perform routine dog and cat spays in first-opinion veterinary practice in New Zealand, and how these techniques differed with the number of years since the veterinarian graduated. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of veterinarians registered to practice in New Zealand was conducted online between 1 April and 30 May 2018. Respondents were asked their year of graduation and about the procedures, they would use to perform a routine spay of a healthy, 5 kg, young adult, female domestic shorthair cat, and a healthy, 20 kg, young adult, female mixed-breed dog. The number of years since graduation was calculated by subtracting the reported year of graduation from 2018. Results: Overall, 282 respondents provided details about dog spays, and 361 about cat spays, and the median number of years since graduation was 14 (min 0, max 50). Only 54/282 (19.1%) respondents performing dog spays and 43/361 (11.9%) performing cat spays wore a surgical cap, gown, mask, and gloves. For dog spays, 278 (98.6%) respondents used a ventral midline approach and 147 (52.1%) used manual exteriorisation of the uterus. Most used two clamps (168; 59.6%) and used two encircling ligatures (152; 53.9%) for removal of the uterus. For cat spays, 254 (70.4%) respondents used a ventral midline approach and 313 (86.7%) used a spay hook for exteriorising the uterus. Most used two clamps (250; 69.3%) with one encircling ligature (213; 59.0%) for removal of the uterus. Simple interrupted external or intradermal patterns were mostly used for skin closure for both dog and cat spays. For cat spays, the percentage of respondents using the ventral midline approach decreased with increasing years since graduation (p < 0.001). For both dog and cat spays, the percentage of respondents using two encircling ligatures and transfixation ligation of the uterus, and using a simple continuous suture pattern for the closure of the abdomen, decreased with number of years since graduation (p < 0.05). Conclusions and clinical relevance: Veterinarians responding to this survey used a wide range of techniques to perform routine dog and cat spays, some of which were associated with the number of years since graduation. It may be beneficial to provide veterinarians with resources to reflect on their current approaches for performing routine spays. However further research is needed to determine whether any surgical techniques are superior to others.

Background The purpose of this study is to compare the rate of aspiration pneumonia and survival time of dogs undergoing two unilateral arytenoid lateralisation (UAL) techniques. Methods Eighty dogs diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis were treated by one of two UAL techniques: (1) a standard technique (ST) and (2) an anatomic preservation technique (APT). Outcome was assessed by in clinic re-examination and an owner follow-up questionnaire. Results Minor complications were reported for 22 per cent of dogs undergoing ST and 26 per cent for APT. Major complications were 7 per cent for ST versus 23 per cent for APT. Postoperative aspiration pneumonia was reported for 7 per cent of cases in ST and 17 per cent in APT. The median survival time for ST was 636 days and was 1067 days for APT. Cause of death was related to the laryngeal paralysis in 22 per cent, neurological deterioration in 16 per cent and for non-associated reasons in 59 per cent of cases. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of aspiration pneumonia or survival time among the treatment groups. Owners reported that their dogs improved after both surgical procedures, with 90 per cent of the owners satisfied with the surgical outcome. Eighteen per cent of the dogs suffered recurrence of clinical signs. Conclusions In this study, there was no significant difference in risk of aspiration pneumonia or survival time following arytenoid lateralisation by either an ST or an APT., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© British Veterinary Association 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objective: To determine the outcome and prognostic variables associated with long-term survival and complications in dogs undergoing hepatic lobectomy of the central division., Study Design: Multi-institutional retrospective case series., Animals: Sixty-one client-owned dogs with central division masses., Methods: Medical records of dogs undergoing hepatic lobectomy of the central division from January 1, 2000 to January 1, 2015 were reviewed for signalment, clinical signs, preoperative staging, preoperative cytology or biopsy results, date of procedure, location of mass, surgical technique, whether cholecystectomy or cholecystopexy was performed, complications, histopathologic diagnosis and margin evaluation, date of local recurrence or detection of metastatic disease, and survival., Results: Hilar resection was associated with increased intraoperative and postoperative complications. Intraoperative complications occurred in 29 dogs, with 20 dogs experiencing intraoperative hemorrhage. Nineteen dogs required transfusions. Immediate postoperative complications occurred in 20 dogs. Perioperative mortality rate was 11%, and 2-week mortality rate was 14.7%. The median survival time for dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was not reached. The 1- and 3-year censored survival rates for dogs with HCC was 82.1% and 82.1%, respectively. Margin status did not impact survival time., Conclusion: Hepatic lobectomy of the central division was associated with hemorrhage in approximately 33% of dogs, but there was a relatively low perioperative mortality rate. Hepatic lobectomy for HCC resulted in long-term survival, regardless of margin status., Clinical Significance: Surgeons should anticipate the requirement for blood products in dogs that may require hepatic lobectomy of the central division. Long-term survival can be expected after surgical treatment of HCC, regardless of margin status., (© 2019 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)

The intracoelomic implantation of satellite transmitters is associated with lower survival in surf scoters ( Melanitta perspicillata ) compared with other species of diving ducks, potentially due to physiologic alterations following physical exertion and stress caused by handling and confinement. The effect of intranasal administration of midazolam hydrochloride on survival of surf scoters surgically implanted with intracelomic transmitters was evaluated. Shortly after their capture in Forestville (QC, Canada) in the fall of 2013, 26 randomly selected adult female surf scoters were administered midazolam hydrochloride (4.6-5.9 mg/kg) intranasally. The same volume of saline (1 mL) was given to another 26 adult female surf scoters as a control group. All birds were surgically implanted with an intracoelomic transmitter equipped with a percutaneous antenna. Transmitters were programmed to transmit 2 hr each day for 30 days after implantation, and mortality was estimated for each group using the telemetry data. The association between the administration of midazolam and survival was assessed while controlling for other factors such as body mass, transmitter-mass-to-body-mass ratio, hematocrit, total solids, and duration of surgery, anesthesia, and confinement. The odds of presumed death in the saline group were 5.3 times higher than in the midazolam group (95% confidence interval: 1.7, 19.0; P = 0.004). The presumed mortality at 30 days for the midazolam group (23%) was lower than for the saline group (61%). No other variable was significantly associated with survival. These results suggest that sedation with midazolam shortly after capture increased the postsurgical survival of female surf scoters surgically implanted with intracoelomic transmitters., (© 2019 by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians.)

Regional anesthesia is a commonly used adjunct to orofacial dental and surgical procedures in companion animals and humans. However, appropriate techniques for anesthetizing branches of the mandibular and maxillary nerves have not been described for rhesus monkeys. Skulls of 3 adult rhesus monkeys were examined to identify relevant foramina, establish appropriate landmarks for injection, and estimate injection angles and depth. Cadaver heads of 7 adult rhesus monkeys (4 male, 3 female) were then injected with thiazine dye to demonstrate correct placement of solution to immerse specific branches of the mandibular and maxillary nerves. Different volumes of dye were injected on each side of each head to visualize area of diffusion, and to estimate the minimum volume needed to saturate the area of interest. After injection, the heads were dissected to expose the relevant nerves and skull foramina. We describe techniques for blocking the maxillary nerve as well as its branches: the greater palatine nerve, nasopalatine nerve, and infraorbital nerve. We also describe techniques for blocking branches of the mandibular nerve: inferior alveolar nerve, mental (or incisive) nerve, lingual nerve, and long buccal nerve. Local anesthesia for the mandibular and maxillary nerves can be accomplished in rhesus macaques and is a practical and efficient way to maximize animal welfare during potentially painful orofacial procedures.

Animal experimentation has been one of the most controversial areas of animal use, mainly due to the intentional harms inflicted upon the animals used. In an effort to reduce these harms, research on refinement has increased significantly over the past 20 years. However, the extent to which these efforts have helped to reduce the severity of the research procedures, and thus animal suffering, is uncertain. To provide an indication of the awareness and implementation of refinement methods, we reviewed the experimental techniques for 684 surgical interventions described in 506 animal research applications that had been sent to the German competent authorities for approval in 2010. In this paper, we describe and discuss the severity categorisation of the proposed surgeries and the planned health monitoring strategies. We found that the researchers frequently underestimated the levels of pain, suffering, distress and lasting harm that were to be inflicted on the animals. Furthermore, the planned health monitoring strategies were generally flawed. To ensure responsible treatment of animals and high-quality science, adequate training of research workers in recognising and alleviating animal suffering is essential., (2018 FRAME.)

Objectives: To evaluate factors that could be associated with retained surgical sponges in veterinary patients., Materials and Methods: A survey was distributed to 322 veterinarians attending a national veterinary conference in the UK. The survey included questions about the staff, scheduling, type of surgical procedure, surgical sponges, methods to track surgical sponges and details of clinical cases with retained surgical sponges., Results: The response rate was 64 of 322 (19%). Lack of designated scheduled time for surgical procedures was reported by 30% of respondents and was variable for 31%. More than half of respondents (66%) had two people involved in each surgical procedure. The majority of respondents sterilised their own surgical sponges (91%) and used non-radiopaque surgical sponges (56%). Sponges were not counted by 27% of respondents and only occasionally by 20%. Sponge count was not recorded by 70% of respondents. The majority (66%) did not use or have a surgical checklist. Lack of awareness of gossypibomas was reported by 11% of respondents. In all, 27% of respondents were aware of at least one case of retained surgical sponge. Of the 17 cases reported, 14 were small animals. The abdomen was the most common anatomical location for retained surgical sponges and followed elective neutering., Clinical Significance: Despite the low-response rate, our results suggest that methods of surveillance might reduce the incidence of retained surgical sponges. Lack of specifically scheduled time for surgery, few theatre staff and lack of sponge counting and documentation may have contributed to the 17 retained surgical sponge cases reported., (© 2018 British Small Animal Veterinary Association.)

Objective: To determine the incidence of and associated risk factors for glove perforation in large animal surgery., Study Design: Prospective observational cohort study., Sample Population: Surgical gloves (n = 917) worn during 103 large animal surgical procedures., Methods: Gloves worn by personnel involved in sterile preparation and surgical procedures were tested for perforation by 2 previously validated methods, water leak test (WLT) and electroconductivity testing (ECT). The association between surgical and glove-related variables and glove perforation was assessed by using a multivariable mixed-effect logistic regression model., Results: At least 1 glove perforation was detected in 66% of surgical procedures, and 17.9% (164/917) of gloves tested were identified as perforated. All perforations were detected by ECT, whereas only 110/178 (61.8%) were detected by WLT. All perforations detected by WLT were also detected by ECT. The risk of glove perforation increased with duration of wear (>60 minutes odds ratio [OR] 2.3, 95% CI 1.4-3.7; P < .001) and with invasiveness of procedures (OR 7.9, 95% CI 3.2-19.5; P < .001). Primary surgeons were at higher risk for glove perforation than first (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.5; P = .008) and second (OR 3.4, 95% CI 2-6.7; P < .001) assistants. Only 25% of glove perforations were detected intraoperatively by the wearer., Conclusion: Incidence of glove perforation is similar in large animal, human, and small animal surgery and is influenced by duration of wear, invasiveness of the surgery, and role of the wearer. ECT is more sensitive than WLT for detection of glove perforation., (© 2017 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)

OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of blood transfusion, mortality rate, and factors associated with transfusion in dogs and cats undergoing liver lobectomy. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 63 client-owned dogs and 9-client owned cats that underwent liver lobectomy at a specialty veterinary practice from August 2007 through June 2015. PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed and data extracted regarding dog and cat signalment, hematologic test results before and after surgery, surgical method, number and identity of lobes removed, concurrent surgical procedures, hemoabdomen detected during surgery, incidence of blood transfusion, and survival to hospital discharge (for calculation of mortality rate). Variables were compared between patients that did and did not require transfusion. RESULTS 11 of 63 (17%) dogs and 4 of 9 cats required a blood transfusion. Mortality rate was 8% for dogs and 22% for cats. Pre- and postoperative PCV and plasma total solids concentration were significantly lower and mortality rate significantly higher in dogs requiring transfusion than in dogs not requiring transfusion. Postoperative PCV was significantly lower in cats requiring transfusion than in cats not requiring transfusion. No significant differences in any other variable were identified between dogs and cats requiring versus not requiring transfusion. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Dogs and cats undergoing liver lobectomy had a high requirement for blood transfusion, and a higher requirement for transfusion should be anticipated in dogs with perioperative anemia and cats with postoperative anemia. Veterinarians performing liver lobectomies in dogs and cats should have blood products readily available.

Objectives: To describe an ultrasound assisted technique for desmotomy of the palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL), determine its efficacy and intraoperative complications., Study Design: Cadaveric and in vivo study., Animals: Cadaveric limbs (n = 12), adult horses (n = 4), and clinical cases (n = 2)., Methods: Ultrasound assisted desmotomy of the palmar/plantar annular ligament (UAD-PAL) was performed in cadaveric limbs and in standing horses with the operated limb placed in a distal limb splint. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia and was followed by tenoscopic examination in 2 clinical cases. A hook knife was developed for the procedure. Complete transection was assessed by postmortem dissection (10 forelimbs, 10 hindlimbs) and tenoscopic examination (1 forelimb, 1 hindlimb). Thickness of PAL, surgery time, other intraoperative parameters and complications associated with the procedure were recorded., Results: Complete PAL transection was accomplished in 20/22 limbs. No iatrogenic damage to adjacent intrathecal structures was identified in any case. The instrument was correctly positioned on the first attempt in 19/22 cases. The most common intraoperative complication was inadvertent subcutaneous placement of the instrument (n = 2). Significant thickening of the PAL (3 mm) was present in 1/2 limbs in which complete transection was not achieved., Conclusions: UAD-PAL with the custom-made hook knife was effective at transecting the PAL with minimal intraoperative complications. The procedure can be performed in standing sedated horses. Another method should be considered in horses with thickened PAL., (© 2017 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)

The use of local anaesthesia in ruminants allows many surgical procedures to be conducted free of pain, efficiently and inexpensively in the field. Local anaesthesia combined with sedation and immobilisation of the animal can replace general anaesthesia for many procedures (e. g. castration, claw amputation). The level of difficulty differs among various local anaesthetic techniques: local infiltration of tissue or anaesthesia of the cornual nerve are easily performed, whereas local anaesthesia of the eye, regional anaesthesia in limbs or anaesthesia for umbilical surgery are more difficult to carry out. This article presents an illustrated overview of the most common local anaesthetic procedures in cattle as well as in small ruminants and serves as a practical guide for veterinarians in the field. In principle, these techniques can likewise be applied in other ruminants or artiodactyls.

The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of trephination of the frontal sinus and injection of antifungal cream using a medical bone marrow drill in dogs. Results were compared with frontal sinus trephination using a standard surgical technique. Bilateral trephination of the frontal sinuses was carried out in the heads of 11 cadavers using a medical bone marrow drill and a surgical bone chuck. The time taken to carry out the procedure using both techniques was compared. Before and after injection of antifungal cream into the frontal sinuses, computed-tomography (CT) scanning was done to assess for iatrogenic trauma and to determine the degree to which the sinuses were filled with each technique and evaluate the diffusion of the cream into the nasal cavity of each dog. The mean volume of the sinuses was 8.8 mL (3.1 to 14.3 mL). Trephination, flushing, and injecting of antifungal cream were significantly faster using the medical technique. There was no significant difference in the mean filling of the frontal sinuses between the medical (82.7%) and the surgical (82.4%) technique ( P -value = 0.3). Filling of the nasal cavity was classified as very good in 6/11 cases, with evidence of trauma caused by the surgical trephination technique in 1 head. Findings suggest that use of the medical bone marrow drill is highly feasible for frontal sinus trephination. Injection of antifungal cream into the frontal sinuses using the bone marrow needle resulted in good diffusion into the ipsilateral nasal cavity and could be used to treat aspergillosis when debridement or sinusoscopy is not deemed necessary.

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer in exotic species is a rapidly evolving area of veterinary medicine. In general, surgical excision remains pivotal in cancer treatment, although optimal outcomes are achieved when a coherent and thorough diagnostic and therapeutic plan is created prior to surgery. While surgical cure is not always achieveable, multimodal treatment plans can offer a variety of options, and palliative procedures may be used to improve quality of life. Treatment goals, whether curative intent or palliative intent, should be identified before surgery, and practitioners should endeavor to adhere to surgical principles in order to attain the best outcomes., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Autopsy of animals that die in the perianesthetic period allows identification of anesthetic and surgical complications as well as preexisting disease conditions that may have contributed to mortality. In most studies to date investigating perianesthetic mortality in animals, inclusion of autopsy data is very limited. This retrospective study evaluated autopsy findings in 221 cases of perianesthetic death submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory from primary care and referral hospitals. Canine (n = 105; 48%) and feline (n = 90; 41%) cases predominated in the study, involving elective (71%) and emergency (19%) procedures. The clinical history provided to the pathologist was considered incomplete in 42 of 221 cases (19%), but this history was considered essential for evaluating the circumstances of perianesthetic death. Disease had been recognized clinically in 69 of 221 animals (31%). Death occurred in the premedication or sedation (n = 19; 9%), induction (n = 22; 11%), or maintenance (n = 73; 35%) phases or in the 24 hours postanesthesia (n = 93 animals; 45%). Lesions indicative of significant natural disease were present in 130 of 221 animals (59%), mainly involving the heart, upper respiratory tract, or lungs. Surgical or anesthesia-associated complications were identified in 10 of 221 cases (5%). No lesions were evident in 80 of 221 animals (36%), the majority of which were young, healthy, and undergoing elective surgical procedures. Lesions resulting from cardiopulmonary resuscitation were identified in 75 of 221 animals (34%). Investigation of perianesthetic death cases should be done with knowledge of prior clinical findings and antemortem surgical and medical procedures; the autopsy should particularly focus on the cardiovascular and respiratory system, including techniques to identify pneumothorax and venous air embolism., (© The Author(s) 2016.)

OBJECTIVE To estimate the proportion of veterinarians working with feline patients in private practices who do or do not perform onychectomy and assess attitudes regarding and practices related to onychectomy in a large population of veterinary practitioners. DESIGN Anonymous online survey. SAMPLE 3,441 veterinarians. PROCEDURES An online survey was provided to members of the Veterinary Information Network from June 18, 2014, through July 9, 2014. Descriptive statistics and frequency distributions for applicable response types were calculated, and Mann-Whitney U tests were conducted to compare responses to onychectomy-related opinion questions between respondents who indicated they did or did not perform the procedure. Not all respondents answered every question. RESULTS 2,503 of 3,441 (72.7%) survey respondents reported performing onychectomy, and 827 (24.0%) indicated they did not; 1,534 of 2,498 (61.4%) performing the procedure reported a frequency of < 1 onychectomy/month. Most (2,256/3,023 [74.6%]) respondents who performed onychectomy indicated that they recommended nonsurgical alternatives. Surgical techniques and approaches to analgesia varied, with use of a scalpel only (1,046/1,722 [60.7%]) and perioperative administration of injectable opioids (1,933/2,482 [77.9%]) most commonly reported. Responses to opinion questions in regard to the degree of pain associated with onychectomy and recovery; whether declawing is a form of mutilation, is necessary in some cats for behavioral reasons, or is a necessary alternative to euthanasia in some cats; and whether state organizations should support a legislative ban on onychectomy differed significantly between respondents who did and did not perform the procedure. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Onychectomy is a controversial topic, and this was reflected in survey results. In this sample, most veterinarians performing the procedure reported that they did so infrequently, and most offered nonsurgical alternatives to the procedure.

Representative inhalant anesthetic agent, isoflurane is commonly used during surgery in rats. However, isoflurane mediates relatively strong respiratory depression. In human and veterinary medicine, sedatives and analgesics are co-administered to complement the anesthetic action of inhalant anesthesia. The present study aimed to establish the novel balanced anesthesia that combines midazolam and butorphanol with isoflurane (MBI) in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups, and administered either isoflurane monoanesthesia or isoflurane with midazolam (2.5 mg/kg, ip) and butorphanol (2.0 mg/kg, ip). The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) in each group was evaluated. Induction and recovery times were measured in each group. Adverse reactions during induction were also recorded. In each group, vital signs were assessed for 1 h under 1.5×MAC of isoflurane. Instability of vital signs was assessed under each anesthesia by calculating coefficient of variance. Compared with isoflurane monoanesthesia, MBI anesthesia caused 32% MAC reduction (isoflurane monoanesthesia: 1.30 ± 0.09%, MBI 0.87 ± 0.08%, P<0.05). MB premedication mediated smooth sedating action with low incidence of adverse reactions such as urination and defecation. Isoflurane monoanesthsesia remarkably decreased respiratory rate and saturation O2 (SPO2). In contrast, MBI anesthesia resulted in a relatively stable respiratory rate without decreases in SPO2 during the anesthetic period. In summary, MB premedication is effective for attenuating respiratory depression induced by isoflurane, and achieving smooth induction. This anesthetic protocol serves as a novel option for appropriate anesthesia in rats.

Reasons for Performing Study: Buprenorphine, a μ-agonist opioid, has recently been licensed for equine use, but butorphanol, a κ-agonist opioid, is more commonly used in horses. The effect of the 2 opioids has not previously been compared in a large clinical study., Objectives: To compare post operative analgesia and physiological variables in horses undergoing elective surgery following premedication with either buprenorphine or butorphanol in a conventional clinical setting., Study Design: Multicentre, prospective, randomised, blinded clinical investigation., Methods: Eighty-nine healthy horses admitted for elective surgery to one of 6 UK equine veterinary clinics were premedicated with acepromazine, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and romifidine followed by intravenous (i.v.) buprenorphine or butorphanol. Anaesthesia was induced with diazepam/ketamine and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. A range of surgical procedures were performed and supplementary anaesthetic agents given as required. Physiological variables were monitored during anaesthesia and pain, ataxia, sedation and vital function were assessed post operatively. Data were analysed using t-tests, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U-test and Chi-squared test as appropriate and P<0.05 was regarded as significant, except for multiple comparisons, when P<0.01 was used., Results: Surgery was carried out successfully in all cases and no mortality or serious morbidity occurred. Physiological variables remained within normal limits and all horses recovered successfully, most standing within 1 h of ceasing anaesthesia. There were no significant differences between groups in any variable except post operative pain when scores (simple descriptive scale) between 3 and 6 h were significantly lower after buprenorphine than after butorphanol., Conclusions: Horses experienced less post operative pain after buprenorphine than after butorphanol premedication. Compared with butorphanol, buprenorphine did not cause any different effects on vital function., (© 2015 The Authors. Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Equine Veterinary Association.)

Lidocaine is commonly used in ruminants but has an anecdotal history of being toxic to goats. To evaluate lidocaine's effects on selected cardiopulmonary parameters. Isoflurane-anesthetized adult goats (n = 24) undergoing abdominal surgery received a loading dose of lidocaine (2.5 mg/kg) over 20 min followed by constant-rate infusion of lidocaine (100 μg/kg/min); control animals received saline instead of lidocaine. Data collected at predetermined time points during the 60-min surgery included heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, pO2, and pCO2. According to Welch 2-sample t tests, cardiopulmonary variables did not differ between groups. For example, after administration of the loading dose, goats in the lidocaine group had a mean heart rate of 88 ± 28 bpm, mean arterial blood pressure of 70 ± 19 mm Hg, pCO2 of 65 ± 13 mm Hg, and pO2 of 212 ± 99 mm Hg; in the saline group, these values were 90 ± 16 bpm, 76 ± 12 mm Hg, 61 ± 9 mm Hg, and 209 ± 83 mm Hg, respectively. One goat in the saline group required an additional dose of butorphanol. Overall our findings indicate that, at the dose provided, intravenous lidocaine did not cause adverse cardiopulmonary effects in adult goats undergoing abdominal surgery. Adding lidocaine infusion during general anesthesia is an option for enhancing transoperative analgesia in goats.

Despite the routine collection of oocytes from African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) for use in research, few studies have evaluated methods for preparing their skin for surgery. We evaluated 3 skin preparatory agents by examining their antibacterial efficacy and the gross and microscopic appearance of Xenopus skin after exposure. Frogs (n = 14) were sedated and treated (contact time, 10 min) with 0.9% sterile NaCl on one-half of the ventrum and with 0.5% povidone-iodine or 0.75% chlorhexidine on the other half. Bacterial cultures were obtained before and after skin treatment; bacteria were identified by mass spectrometry. To assess inflammation and degenerative changes, the incision sites were photographed and biopsied at 0, 1, and 7 d after surgery. We isolated at least 22 genera of bacteria from the skin of our frog population (mean ± SE, 5.21 ± 0.82 genera per frog). Iodine (2.00 ± 0.44 genera) and chlorhexidine (0.29 ± 0.76 genera) both had greater antimicrobial activity than did saline. Skin erythema did not correlate with treatment group. Histologic evidence of epidermal degeneration and necrosis was greater on days 1 and 7 after chlorhexidine treatment than after iodine or saline. In addition, frogs treated with chlorhexidine had a higher incidence of clinical illness associated with the exposure site. In summary, although chlorhexidine has adequate antimicrobial activity against organisms on X. laevis skin, it leads to skin damage and subsequent clinical complications. We therefore do not recommend chlorhexidine as a preoperative preparation agent in Xenopus.

The objective of this study was to compare 2 surgical approaches (scrotal or abdominal) for castration of guinea pigs and to investigate post-operative infection rates with either technique. Forty-eight guinea pigs were castrated by scrotal or abdominal technique after being randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups (n = 24). Individuals were either castrated by an experienced exotic animal surgeon (n = 12) or by an experienced small animal surgeon (n = 12). Surgical wounds were evaluated daily before euthanasia for histological evaluation 2 wks after surgery. Post-operative infection rate was significantly higher in the scrotal group than in the abdominal group, with a higher rate for the experienced small animal surgeon. Castration of guinea pigs with the abdominal technique is significantly faster and has a significantly lower post-operative infection rate than the scrotal technique.

Objective: To compare perioperative RBC transfusion among dogs undergoing liver lobectomy, splenectomy, partial gastrectomy, rhinotomy, thyroidectomy, perineal herniorrhaphy, and intrathoracic surgery., Design: Retrospective case series., Animals: 207 client-owned dogs that underwent various surgeries., Procedures: Medical records were reviewed for dogs that had undergone liver lobectomy, splenectomy, partial gastrectomy, rhinotomy, neoplastic thyroidectomy, perineal herniorrhaphy, or intrathoracic surgery. Transfusion requirement (packed RBC, whole blood, and bovine hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier) and survival rate at 2 weeks after surgery were compared among dogs undergoing the various surgeries., Results: Patients undergoing splenectomy and liver lobectomy were significantly more likely to receive RBC transfusion when each was compared with patients undergoing all other procedures. A significant association was found between body weight and perioperative RBC transfusion, with greater odds of transfusion as body weight increased. Dogs receiving perioperative RBC transfusions were significantly less likely to survive to 2 weeks after surgery., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Results indicated that dogs undergoing splenectomy and liver lobectomy may require RBC transfusion perioperatively. Veterinarians who perform these procedures should plan accordingly and have packed RBCs or whole blood donors readily available.

This article seeks to examine the history of equine surgery at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) in the context of the changing horse economy during the first half of the 20th century. We argue that despite the transition to livestock medicine, public health and small animal practice, the horse, especially as a surgical topic, retained a (diminished) place at OVC due to the lucrative new recreational equine market, the deep links between horses and veterinary medicine, and the equine focus for nearly half a century of Dr. W.J.R. Fowler, the College's primary surgical instructor.

Objective: To determine the incidence of and risk factors for postoperative regurgitation and vomiting (PORV) in dogs., Design: Retrospective cohort study., Animals: 244 client-owned dogs., Procedures: Dogs referred for nonelective surgery in the first 3 months of 2000 and 2012 were included. Breed; sex; age; weight; body condition score; emergency status; food withholding status; history of vomiting or regurgitation; American Society of Anesthesiologists score; presence of diabetes or hypothyroidism; preoperative PCV and total solids concentration; anesthesia protocol; corticosteroid, opioid, neuromuscular blocking agent, and nitrous oxide usage; anesthesia time; surgery time; type of surgery; and occurrence of vomiting or regurgitation within 24 hours after recovery from anesthesia were recorded. Data were analyzed by means of the Fisher exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and logistic regression., Results: 30 of 244 (12.3%) dogs meeting study inclusion criteria developed PORV. There was no significant difference in the incidence of PORV between the 2000 (12/111 [10.8%]) and 2012 (18/133 [13.5%]) cohorts, although the incidence of regurgitation was higher in 2012. Univariate logistic regression identified the most significant risk factors as gastrointestinal surgery (OR, 11.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.11 to 40.03), premedication without strong sedatives including either an α2-adrenoceptor agonist or acepromazine (OR, 5.36; 95% CI, 1.89 to 15.17), American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 4 (OR, 5.25; 95% CI, 1.05 to 26.15), history of vomiting or regurgitation (OR, 5.12; 95% CI, 1.83 to 14.31), emergency surgery (OR, 4.08; 95% CI, 1.29 to 12.90), neurologic surgery (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.02 to 9.92), sevoflurane inhalation anesthesia (OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.25 to 6.13), and being sexually intact (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.07 to 5.27). Multivariate analysis was not clinically useful owing to the low sensitivity and specificity of the model., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Between 2000 and 2012, there was no change in the incidence of PORV for dogs undergoing neurologic, orthopedic, and soft tissue surgical procedures; however, the proportion of dogs that regurgitated increased significantly in 2012. Preoperative antiemetic prophylaxis should be considered in dogs undergoing gastrointestinal surgery and in those in which other risk factors are present.

Objective: To 1) describe the incidence of surgical site infections (SSI) in dogs undergoing surgery at the Ontario Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre; 2) describe and compare procedure-specific SSI rates; and 3) identify factors associated with development of SSI., Study Design: Prospective, cohort study, Animals: Dogs (n = 846) undergoing surgery during 45 weeks (September 2010-July 2011)., Methods: Follow-up telephone conversation with dog owners was performed 30 days postoperatively, with additional 1-year follow-up performed for cases with surgical implants. A standardized questionnaire was administered to detect and characterize SSI., Results: SSI were identified in 26 (3.0%) dogs; 11 (42%) were classified as superficial SSI, whereas 13 were deep, and 2 were organ/space. Of the confirmed SSI, only 17 (65%) were documented in the medical records. Hypotension (P = .011), class of surgery (P = .029), and use of an implant (P = .001) increased the risk of SSI. Microbial cultures were submitted for 19 cases (73%) and of those, 74% were staphylococci., Conclusions: SSI can result in devastating consequences in dogs and understanding risk factors is critical to target prevention practices. Whereas some risk factors such as hypotension are modifiable, others such as class of surgery are not. When possible, active surveillance should be used as part of a hospital infection control program., (© Copyright 2014 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)

Obesity has increased dramatically in the last few decades and affects over one third of the adult US population. The economic effect of obesity in 2005 reached a staggering sum of $190.2 billion in direct medical costs alone. Obesity is a major risk factor for a wide host of diseases. Historically, little was known regarding adipose and its major and essential functions in the body. Brown and white adipose are the two main types of adipose but current literature has identified a new type of fat called brite or beige adipose. Research has shown that adipose depots have specific metabolic profiles and certain depots allow for a propensity for obesity and other related disorders. The goal of this protocol is to provide researchers the capacity to identify and excise adipose depots that will allow for the analysis of different factorial effects on adipose; as well as the beneficial or detrimental role adipose plays in disease and overall health. Isolation and excision of adipose depots allows investigators to look at gross morphological changes as well as histological changes. The adipose isolated can also be used for molecular studies to evaluate transcriptional and translational change or for in vitro experimentation to discover targets of interest and mechanisms of action. This technique is superior to other published techniques due to the design allowing for isolation of multiple depots with simplicity and minimal contamination.

A 7-year-old male entire West Highland white terrier was referred to the Small Animal Hospital at the University of Glasgow for bilateral, chronic, medically unresponsive otitis media and externa. A history of cranio-mandibular osteopathy was also reported. Bilateral total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy was performed with the aid of a pneumatic burr. Extensive bone proliferation was present bilaterally originating from the caudal mandibular ramus and tympanic bulla which incorporated the horizontal canal on each side. The right facial nerve was identified leaving the stylomastoid foramen and running in a cranial direction through a 1.5 cm diameter cuff of bone surrounding the horizontal canal and external acoustic meatus. Despite careful dissection, a facial nerve neurotmesis ensued which required microsurgical epineurial repair. Neurologic examination performed 12 h post-operatively revealed abnormalities consistent with right facial nerve paralysis. At 3 months, the facial nerve function was found to have improved significantly and was assessed to be normal four months after surgery. To the authors' knowledge, this clinical communication described the first reported clinical case where unilateral facial nerve paralysis resulting from iatrogenic facial nerve neurotmesis was successfully treated by microsurgical epineurial repair.

Morbidity and mortality rate in equine anesthesia is still unacceptably high. Thus it is critical contemplating whether the benefit of general anesthesia for a specific patient and procedure outweighs the risks. Sedative protocols that would allow performing diagnostic and surgical procedures with the patient remaining standing would therefore be ideal. Infusion of short-acting agents allows to rapidly achieve a titratable steady state of sedation. Supplementing sedatives and tranquilizers with systemic analgesic or regional anesthetic techniques (i.e. epidurals) facilitates standing surgical procedures. Multimodal analgesia would also provide superior analgesia with potentially fewer side effects than a single agent approach., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To determine hospital admission variables for dogs with trauma including values determined with scoring systems (animal trauma triage [ATT], modified Glasgow coma scale [MGCS], and acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation [APPLE] scores) and the usefulness of such variables for the prediction of outcome (death vs survival to hospital discharge)., Design: Prospective, multicenter, cohort study., Animals: 315 client-owned dogs., Procedures: By use of a Web-based data capture system, trained personnel prospectively recorded admission ATT, MGCS, and APPLE scores; clinical and laboratory data; and outcome (death vs survival to discharge) for dogs with trauma at 4 veterinary teaching hospitals during an 8-week period., Results: Cause of injury was most commonly blunt trauma (173/315 [54.9%]) followed by penetrating trauma (107/315 [34.0%]), or was unknown (35/315 [11.1%]). Of the 315 dogs, 285 (90.5%) survived to hospital discharge. When 16 dogs euthanized because of cost were excluded, dogs with blunt trauma were more likely to survive, compared with dogs with penetrating trauma (OR, 8.5). The ATT (OR, 2.0) and MGCS (OR, 0.47) scores and blood lactate concentration (OR, 1.5) at the time of hospital admission were predictive of outcome. Surgical procedures were performed for 157 (49.8%) dogs; surgery was associated with survival to discharge (OR, 7.1)., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Results indicated ATT and MGCS scores were useful for prediction of outcome for dogs evaluated because of trauma. Penetrating trauma, low blood lactate concentration, and performance of surgical procedures were predictive of survival to hospital discharge. The methods enabled collection of data for a large number of dogs in a short time.

Objective: The current prevalence of onychectomy (declawing) in cats is unknown, and education regarding the procedure appears to vary greatly among veterinary schools. The purpose of this project was to determine the prevalence of onychectomized cats near Raleigh, NC and to document the frequency and style (laboratory or lecture) with which the procedure is taught in USA veterinary schools., Animals: One thousand seven hundred ninety four cats ranging in age from 8 days to 21 years, of which 938 (52.3%) were female and 1719 (95.8%) were sterilized., Methods: Data were collected over a 10-week period regarding cats seen for appointments in five veterinary facilities (two cat-only, two general, and one tertiary). Data collection included signalment and onychectomy status. During this time, 28 veterinary schools were polled regarding education of veterinary students in onychectomy., Results: Three hundred and seventy four (20.8%) cats had undergone onychectomy. A significantly higher percentage of declawed cats were seen in the general practices compared with the other practice types (p < 0.030). Younger cats had a higher rate of onychectomy (p < 0.001). Twenty-six veterinary schools responded to the survey (93%). Fourteen (54%) of the responding schools did not include in their core curriculum a lecture or surgical laboratory providing instruction in the onychectomy procedure., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Almost 21% of cats seen in veterinary hospitals near Raleigh, NC were declawed. Less than 50% of veterinary schools in the USA include a mandatory lecture or laboratory to teach the procedure. There appears to be a discrepancy between the popularity of the onychectomy procedure and the emphasis placed on relevant instruction in veterinary schools in the USA., (© 2013 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.)

Significant advances in veterinary diagnostic and surgical techniques have been made over the past several decades. Many of these advances, however, have not reached the field of marine mammal medicine. A number of limitations exist: risks of anesthesia, anatomical challenges, difficulties with wound closure, environmental constraints, equipment limitations, and perceived risks. Despite these limitations, surgical treatments have been successfully utilized in marine mammals. While surgery is performed in pinnipeds more frequently than in cetaceans, studies conducted in the 1960s and 1970s on dolphin sleep and hearing demonstrated that general anesthesia can be successfully induced in cetaceans. Since this pioneering work, a small number of successful surgeries have been performed in dolphins under both general anesthesia and heavy sedation. While these surgical procedures in pinnipeds and cetaceans have typically been limited to wound management, dentistry, ophthalmic procedures, fracture repair, and superficial biopsy, a number of abdominal surgeries have also been performed. Recently there have been pioneering successes in the application of minimally invasive surgery in marine mammals. Many of the anatomical challenges that almost prohibit traditional laparotomies in cetacean species and present challenges in pinnipeds can be overcome through the use of laparoscopic techniques. Due to the limited number of pinnipeds and cetaceans in captivity and, thus, the limited case load for veterinarians serving marine mammal species, it is vital for knowledge of surgical procedures to be shared among those in the field. This paper reviews case reports of surgical procedures, both traditional and laparoscopic, in pinnipeds and cetaceans. Limitations to performing surgical procedures in marine mammals are discussed and surgical case reports analyzed in an effort to determine challenges that must be overcome in order to make surgery a more feasible diagnostic and treatment option in the field of marine mammal medicine.

Objective: To study current perianaesthetic mortality in dogs in Spain and to identify the main risk factors predisposing to perianaesthetic mortality in our country., Study Design: A multicentre prospective cohort study., Animal Population: Dogs anaesthetised for different surgical and diagnostic procedures at 39 Spanish veterinary clinics between February 2007 and March 2008., Methods: Data of patients, procedures and anaesthetic management were recorded. Anaesthetic death was defined as perioperative death within 24 hours of the procedure end. A multivariate study evaluated perinanaesthetic death using logistic binary regression models with the Wald technique., Results: 2012 animals were included in the analyses. Twenty-six dogs died. The global mortality rate was 1.29% (95% Confidence interval (95% CI): 0.88-1.89%). ASA I-II was 0.33% (95 CI: 0.14-0.78%); ASA III-V was 4.06% (95% CI: 2.67-6.13%). Most deaths occurred during the post-operative period (20 dogs, 77%). The multivariate analysis revealed that high ASA grade was associated with an increased risk of mortality. The use of opioids plus NSAIDs during anaesthesia was related with a decrease of the risk., Conclusions: Perianaesthetic mortality in dogs in Spain was 1.29% (95% CI: 0.88-1.89%). ASA grade was the main prognostic factor of likelihood of death. The use of some analgesics (opioids and NSAIDs) in the perioperative period was associated with reduced odds of death and may be protective., Clinical Relevance: Evaluation and stabilisation of patients before interventions may help lower risk of death during the anaesthesia. In addition to their use for welfare purposes, analgesics may be beneficial in reducing anaesthetic-related deaths., (© 2013 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.)

Objective: To provide a brief introduction into Critical Incident Reporting Systems (CIRS) as used in human medicine, and to report the discussion from a recent panel meeting discussion with 23 equine anaesthetists in preparation for a new CEPEF-4 (Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Equine Fatalities) study., Study Design: Moderated group discussions, and review of literature., Methods: The first group discussion focused on the definition of 'preventable critical incidents' and/or 'near misses' in the context of equine anaesthesia. The second group discussion focused on categorizing critical incidents according to an established framework for analysing risk and safety in clinical medicine., Results: While critical incidents do occur in equine anaesthesia, no critical incident reporting system including systematic collection and analysis of critical incidents is in place., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Critical incident reporting systems could be used to improve safety in equine anaesthesia - in addition to other study types such as mortality studies., (© 2013 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia.)

Objective: To compare microscopic characteristics of commercially available surgical margin inks used for surgical pathology specimens., Study Design: Prospective in vitro study., Sample Population: Thirty-five different surgical margin inks (black, blue, green, orange, red, violet, and yellow from 5 different manufacturers)., Methods: Inks were applied to uniform, single-source, canine cadaveric full-thickness ventral abdominal tissue blocks. Tissue blocks and ink manufacturers were randomly paired and each color was applied to a length of the cut tissue margin. After drying, tissues were fixed in formalin, and 3 radial slices were obtained from each color section and processed for routine histologic evaluation, yielding 105 randomly numbered slides with each manufacturer's color represented in triplicate. Slides were evaluated by 5 blinded, board-certified veterinary anatomic pathologists using a standardized scoring scheme. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate for ink manufacturer effects on scores, correlation among different subjective variables, and pathologist agreement., Results: Black and blue had the most consistently high scores whereas red and violet had the most consistently low overall scores, across all manufacturers. All colors tested, except yellow, had statistically significant differences in overall scores among individual manufacturers. Overall score was significantly correlated to all other subjective microscopic scores evaluated. The average Spearman correlation coefficient among the 10 pairwise pathologists overall ink scores was 0.60., Conclusions: There are statistically significant differences in microscopic ink characteristics among manufacturers, with a notable degree of inter-pathologist agreement., (© Copyright 2013 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)

Objective: To define a method for the basilar sesamoidean approach (BSA) to the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) in horses and compare it with the axial sesamoidean approach (ASA) for DFTS synoviocentesis and injection., Design: Evaluation study., Animals: 12 healthy adult mares without evidence of abnormalities related to the lower limbs., Procedures: Each horse had 1 forelimb and 1 hind limb assigned to each DFTS approach (basilar vs axial, relative to the proximal sesamoid bones) in a Latin square design. The order of horses and of limb injection for each horse was randomly selected. All procedures were performed in standing sedated horses. The number of attempts to place a needle in the DFTS, presence of synovial fluid in the needle hub, time for DFTS injection, and number of accurate injections of sterile contrast material into the DFTS (evaluated by means of radiography) were compared between methods., Results: Median time for injection was significantly shorter for the BSA, compared with the ASA. The median number of times the needle was redirected was also significantly less for the BSA. Odds of obtaining synovial fluid via the BSA were 5.7 times as great as for the ASA (95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 278). Successful injection of contrast material into the DFTS did not differ significantly between the BSA (24/24 limbs) and ASA (23/24)., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The BSA was a useful method for DFTS synoviocentesis in the forelimbs and hind limbs of standing sedated horses and was superior to the ASA in most aspects. This approach to the DFTS should be considered when DFTS injection or synovial fluid retrieval is desired, particularly in horses with minimal DFTS effusion.

Mechanical ventilation is frequently used in patients under general anesthesia during invasive procedures. Invasive animal experiments similarly require the maintenance of normal hemodynamic and pulmonary parameters during long-term general anesthesia. The authors describe a method for mechanical ventilation of mice. Mice were ventilated and monitored for up to 8 h of general anesthesia during surgery. Hemodynamic and pulmonary parameters remained within the normal ranges. The authors believe that this ventilation technique can be of great value for experimental procedures in mice that require general anesthesia.

The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN), a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, is a major component of the neurovascular bundle along with the inferior alveolar artery and vein. In rats, when exposed using an external oral approach while remaining intact, it can serve as an important tool to study the different effects of neuromediators and assess the role of different groups of nerve fibers. This paper describes a new technique to expose this nerve giving some experimental results to support its usefulness., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Surgical implantation is generally accepted as the preferred attachment method for longterm fish telemetry study, but the negative effects of this surgical implantation on fish should not be ignored. The key for the successful fish telemetry study is that the existence and attachment of the transmitters in the experimental fish would not have negative effects on the normal fish physiology or behavior. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the potential negative effects of surgical implantation of transmitter on experimental fish prior to telemetry monitoring. This paper reviewed the overseas research progress in the effects of surgical implantation of transmitter on fish, and discussed the possible negative effects and affecting degrees of transmitters, surgical procedure, environmental factors, ad anthropogenic factors in the process of transmitter' s surgical implantation in fish. Some suggestions were put forward to reduce the potential negative effects, and the research directions of surgically implanted transmitters in fish in China were prospected.