Biomedical subjects

W V Bitetto

Publications and source records attributed to W V Bitetto.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1987

Osteosarcoma in cats: 22 cases (1974-1984).

Osteosarcoma was diagnosed in 22 cats. Diagnosis was based on results of physical, radiographic, and histologic findings. Fifteen tumors arose from the appendicular skeleton, 4 from the skull, 2 from the pelvis, and 1 from a rib. Radiography revealed that in 14 of 15 cats (93%) with appendicular tumors, the lesion was metaphyseal, primarily lytic, with a "moth-eaten" appearance; absence and presence of periosteal new bone formation were associated with the tumors in 12 and 3 cats, respectively. The remaining 7 cats had axial tumors that were characterized by the presence of periosteal new bone formation in addition to bony lysis. Of the 15 cats with appendicular tumors, 12 were treated by amputation and 3 were euthanatized at the time of diagnosis. Of the cats undergoing amputation for treatment of their appendicular tumors, 6 cats were still alive 64 months after surgery (range, 13 to 64 months); the median survival time of the 5 cats (1 cat was lost to follow-up evaluation) that died was 49.2 months (range, 1 to 122 months). Four of 12 cats (33%) survived greater than or equal to 5 years after diagnosis. Of the cats with axial tumors that were not euthanatized at the time of diagnosis (6 of 7), the median survival time was 5.5 months. Based on these findings, we concluded that cats with appendicular osteosarcoma have a better prognosis than those with axial osteosarcoma, and that amputation is a viable treatment for cats with appendicular osteosarcoma.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Selection of the appropriate surgical approach for intervertebral disc disease.

In no other area of veterinary surgery is the selection and performance of the appropriate surgical approach more important than neurosurgery. An adequate, atraumatic, and anatomically sound exposure is an important part of the battle in most orthopaedic procedures and is an even more important consideration when related to neurosurgery. The delicate and often unforgiving nature of the tissue involved dictates that careful planning and attention to detail become high priority concerns for the veterinary neurosurgeon. Most veterinarians recommend surgery for dogs with severe impairment, recurrent disease, and progressively deteriorating neurologic signs. Difficulties remain in the timing of surgery and in the choice of what surgical approach is most appropriate for the neurologically impaired dog in question. Surgical approaches in the cervical region include ventral and dorsal. In the thoracolumbar spine, either dorsal or dorsolateral approaches are used. In the lumbosacral region, a dorsal approach is preferred. The objective of this chapter will be to compare and contrast each of these approaches and to guide the reader in the selection of the appropriate approach for each patient.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Intraoperative problems associated with intervertebral disc disease.

Intervertebral disc disease in the dog is a common problem in veterinary medicine. The clinician must understand the pathophysiology of disc extrusions so the owner can be informed properly when medical versus surgical treatment is indicated. Intervertebral disc surgery requires the same preoperative considerations as any other surgery would: knowledge of regional anatomy, proper equipment, and good surgical techniques and tissue handling. The spinal cord is an unforgiving structure, forcing the surgeon to understand and to avoid intraoperative complications. Some complications are inevitable. Recognizing these complications early and resolving them quickly will help ease early recovery of neurologic function.

Animals↗