Veterinary SurgeryPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-06-26DOI: 10.1111/vsu.70128
Braiden M Blatt, Elizabeth A Maxwell, Judith Bertran, Josep Aisa
{"title":"Surgical approach for common carotid ligation at the level of the medial retropharyngeal lymph node in dogs: A comparative cadaveric study.","authors":"Braiden M Blatt, Elizabeth A Maxwell, Judith Bertran, Josep Aisa","doi":"10.1111/vsu.70128","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vsu.70128","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To describe procedural details of a unilateral or bilateral temporary or permanent ligation of the common carotid artery (CCA) at the level of the medial retropharyngeal lymph node (MRLN), with or without concurrent lymphadenectomy in dogs.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Computed tomographic (CT) and cadaveric study.</p><p><strong>Animals: </strong>Medium breed (15-35 kg) client-owned dogs undergoing CT evaluation (n = 10) and cadaver dogs (n = 12).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 10 dog contrast-enhanced CT scans were evaluated for spatial assessment of the carotid artery, regional lymphocenters, and adjacent anatomy. A total of 12 dog cadavers were randomized to undergo two of four surgical procedures for carotid artery ligation at the level of the MRLN: lateral or ventral approach, with or without lymphadenectomy. Feasibility, consistency of anatomical landmarks, and completeness of carotid isolation were assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CT evaluation consistently identified the CCA dorsomedial to the MRLN and the MRLN medial to the caudodorsal mandibular salivary gland. Both approaches provided reliable access to the CCA and cervical lymph nodes. CCA ligation was successfully performed bilaterally in all cadavers, with and without lymphadenectomy. No gross evidence of vascular trauma was observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The described approach may be used to minimize intraoperative bleeding in dogs undergoing maxillofacial surgery and may take advantage of planned unilateral or bilateral lymphadenectomy, minimal additional dissection, and elective permanent ligation.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>CCA ligation at the level of the MRLN may provide an adaptable surgical approach to the CCA and cervical lymph nodes in dogs. Further evaluation of this approach in clinical dogs undergoing maxillofacial procedures is warranted to determine potential intraoperative procedural complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":23667,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"1093-1103"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13420953/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148333236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Long-term clinical outcome of maxillofacial fractures in horses: A retrospective study of 30 cases (2020-2024).","authors":"Michèle Clarysse, Alexis Leps, Maarten Haspeslagh, Stijn Schauvliege, Ann Martens, Lieven Vlaminck","doi":"10.1111/vsu.70099","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vsu.70099","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess long-term outcome, complications, and return to function in horses with maxillofacial fractures.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective observational study.</p><p><strong>Animals: </strong>A total of 30 horses with skull fractures (2020-2024).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Clinical records were reviewed for signalment, fracture characteristics, imaging, treatment, and hospitalization. Long-term outcome was obtained via structured owner questionnaires addressing healing, complications, cosmetic appearance, and performance. Descriptive statistics were applied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 29 of 30 horses received treatment (25 surgical, 4 conservative); one was euthanized. A total of 28 fractures were displaced (and 16 involved the frontal bone). Computed tomography was performed in 11 cases. Postoperative median hospitalization after surgery was 11 days (range: 4-57). Sinus lavage during surgery was performed in 22 of 25 surgically treated horses (84%). Median antimicrobial and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) administration lasted 15 (range: 4-26) and 8 days (range: 2-24), respectively. Complications included temporary nasal discharge in nine horses (31%) and wound infection in two horses (6.9%). At a median follow-up time of 830 days (range: 142-1754), 28 of the 29 treated horses (96.6%) were successfully recovered. Cosmetic defects were recorded in 22 animals (75.9%). Of the 26 horses with available performance follow-up, all returned to their previous level of use.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Maxillofacial fractures in horses were successfully managed in nearly all cases, with favorable long-term outcomes and minimal impact on performance, despite frequent cosmetic defects.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>With timely treatment and supportive care, maxillofacial equine skull fractures carry an excellent prognosis for healing and return to use.</p>","PeriodicalId":23667,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"1055-1066"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13420947/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147532824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Veterinary SurgeryPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-04-15DOI: 10.1111/vsu.70106
Alexandros Bourbos, Francesco Piana, Alex Belch, Luca Vezzoni
{"title":"Temporary transarticular stabilization with locking compression plate for the treatment of traumatic glenohumeral luxation in 10 dogs.","authors":"Alexandros Bourbos, Francesco Piana, Alex Belch, Luca Vezzoni","doi":"10.1111/vsu.70106","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vsu.70106","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study was to describe the surgical technique, and the short to medium clinical outcome of dogs treated with temporary glenohumeral joint (GHJ) stabilization following traumatic luxation.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Short case series.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Medical records of dogs presented with GHJ luxation and treated with a temporary transarticular locking compression plate and screws were reviewed. Signalment, clinical signs, direction and duration of the luxation, diagnostic imaging, operative technique, complications and clinical outcome were reviewed. Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) and Canine Orthopedic Index (COI) questionnaires were completed by the owners at 6 months after implant removal.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Clinical and radiographic findings were documented for 10 client-owned dogs at a mean follow-up of 42.5 days when implants were removed through a minimally invasive procedure. Two dogs exhibited minor complications identified through radiographs performed at the follow-up appointment consisting of screw loosening or breakage. These did not affect the clinical outcome. Temporary GHJ stabilization resulted in return stability and range of motion for all dogs. At 6 months 9/10 dogs returned to complete function while one died for other causes. In one case, luxation recurred 8 months postoperatively for which the dog underwent glenohumeral joint arthrodesis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Temporary transarticular GHJ stabilization is a possible treatment option in cases of traumatic glenohumeral joint luxation. Further studies are required to determine the minimum immobilization time necessary to achieve joint stability, to assess the long-term complication rate and the possible risks associated with this technique in a controlled population.</p>","PeriodicalId":23667,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"1143-1151"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13420930/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147692682","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Veterinary SurgeryPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-04-17DOI: 10.1111/vsu.70110
Anton D Aßmann, José Suàrez Sànchez-Andrade, Andrea S Bischofberger
{"title":"Standing computed tomographic tenography is reliable in identifying soft tissue lesions within the digital flexor tendon sheath in horses.","authors":"Anton D Aßmann, José Suàrez Sànchez-Andrade, Andrea S Bischofberger","doi":"10.1111/vsu.70110","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vsu.70110","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To determine the diagnostic performance of standing computed tomographic tenography (CTT) in detecting naturally occurring intrathecal lesions of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), manica flexoria (MF), and in identifying palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL) desmitis and constriction in horses undergoing tenoscopy.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective observational study.</p><p><strong>Animals: </strong>Client-owned horses of various breeds and use, median age of 12.5 years (range: 6-20 years).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 24 horses with inconclusive ultrasonographic and contrast tenographic examinations were included. All underwent DFTS anesthesia, CTT, and tenoscopy. CTT images were retrospectively evaluated by one ECVDI radiologist and a third-year ECVDI resident, both blinded to tenoscopy findings, reaching a consensus. For each structure within the DFTS (SDFT; DDFT; MF and PAL), lesions were recorded as present or absent. Diagnostic performance of CTT for lesion detection was calculated using tenoscopy as the reference.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CTT demonstrated high overall diagnostic performance, with a sensitivity and specificity of 93% for detecting intrathecal lesions. Identification was improved for lesions of the DDFT (sensitivity: 100%; 12/12; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 51%-97%; specificity 83%; 95% CI: 51%-97%) and MF (sensitivity: 90%; 9/10; 95% CI: 66%-99%; specificity: 93%; 95% CI: 66-99%), compared to the SDFT (sensitivity: 71%; 5/7; 95% CI: 29%-99%; specificity: 94%; 95% CI: 71%-99%) and PAL (sensitivity: 64%; 14/22; 95% CI: 15%-100%; specificity: 100%; 95% CI: 15%-100%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CTT demonstrated a high diagnostic performance in detecting intrathecal lesions, particularly those involving the DDFT and MF.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>CTT is a valuable advanced imaging modality for evaluating DFTS pathology, particularly when standard imaging techniques do not provide definitive diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":23667,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"1122-1132"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13420937/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147718391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Veterinary SurgeryPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-02-18DOI: 10.1111/vsu.70083
Ariane Campos Schweitzer, Céline Mespoulhes-Rivière, Justin D Perkins, Norm G Ducharme, Richard J Piercy, Nicola Lynch, Fabrice Rossignol
{"title":"Functional and histopathologic evidence of laryngeal reinnervation using the spinal accessory nerve in horses.","authors":"Ariane Campos Schweitzer, Céline Mespoulhes-Rivière, Justin D Perkins, Norm G Ducharme, Richard J Piercy, Nicola Lynch, Fabrice Rossignol","doi":"10.1111/vsu.70083","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vsu.70083","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate functional and histopathologic outcomes of standing selective laryngeal reinnervation using the spinal accessory nerve (SAN) in horses with experimentally induced recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN).</p><p><strong>Animals: </strong>Five Thoroughbred mares.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Prospective cohort study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The horses underwent left recurrent laryngeal neurectomy followed 8 weeks later by selective laryngeal reinnervation using the SAN. Follow-up evaluations at 4.5, 6, 8, and 12 months included treadmill exercising endoscopy, ultrasonography of intrinsic laryngeal muscles, and percutaneous electrical stimulation of the SAN. Twelve months postoperatively, the horses were euthanized for macroscopic and histopathologic examination of the cricoarytenoideus dorsalis (CAD), cricoarytenoideus lateralis (CAL), sternomandibularis (SM), spinal accessory and recurrent laryngeal nerves.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twelve months following laryngeal reinnervation, mean left-to-right quotient angle ratio (LRQ) recovered to 94% of predenervation values with no difference from the baseline (95% CI [90, 98]; p = .69). One horse exhibited a slower and incomplete recovery. Post-mortem examination confirmed successful spinal accessory nerve implantation in the left CAD muscle in all horses. Histopathologic examination revealed axonal regeneration of the spinal accessory nerve and reinnervation of the left lateral CAD muscle belly with fiber type grouping and a shift toward an increased proportion of type I fibers consistent with functional reinnervation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Selective laryngeal reinnervation using the spinal accessory nerve restored functional arytenoid abduction at exercise in 4/5 horses with experimentally induced RLN.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>In horses with RLN and mild to moderate CAD muscle atrophy, selective laryngeal reinnervation using the SAN represents a physiological and effective treatment option.</p>","PeriodicalId":23667,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"1078-1092"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13420966/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146221188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Veterinary SurgeryPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-02-22DOI: 10.1111/vsu.70081
Reza Sanaei, Ayda Farhoudi, Babatunde A Ayodele, George Dimitroulis, Christina M Murray, Helen M Davies, Alastair J Sloan, Charles N Pagel
{"title":"Technical note on an ovine model to study biomedical implants intended for maxillofacial reconstruction.","authors":"Reza Sanaei, Ayda Farhoudi, Babatunde A Ayodele, George Dimitroulis, Christina M Murray, Helen M Davies, Alastair J Sloan, Charles N Pagel","doi":"10.1111/vsu.70081","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vsu.70081","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To describe a repeated-measures model permitting evaluation of up to four implants intended for maxillofacial applications in sheep.</p><p><strong>Animals: </strong>Two-year-old Merino wethers (n = 5).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retromandibular subparotid approach was developed through anatomical study of atlases, predissected models and cadaveric experiments. A purpose-designed surgical guide and test miniplates were produced to improve standardization among test implants. Five sheep were monitored for 6 months postoperatively to demonstrate the safety and practicality of the model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All animals resumed food intake within 5 min of regaining the righting reflex. The only complication consisted of a mild unilateral swelling over the surgical site in two sheep, which resolved spontaneously within 8 weeks.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The approach provided a safe and reliable surgical corridor to the mandibular ramus in sheep. Surgical site swelling should be assessed by ultrasonography to exclude implant involvement. This model may improve standardization and reduce animal numbers in studies evaluating maxillofacial implants.</p>","PeriodicalId":23667,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"1152-1164"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13420931/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147272026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Veterinary SurgeryPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-06-15DOI: 10.1111/vsu.70125
Massimo Petazzoni, Tommaso Nicetto, Federico Longo
{"title":"Clinical outcomes and complications after proximal tibial detorsional osteotomy for patellar luxation in dogs: A multicenter retrospective study.","authors":"Massimo Petazzoni, Tommaso Nicetto, Federico Longo","doi":"10.1111/vsu.70125","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vsu.70125","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To report outcomes and complications of proximal tibial detorsional osteotomy (PTDO) in dogs with patellar luxation (PL).</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Multicenter retrospective observational case series.</p><p><strong>Animals: </strong>A total of 53 stifles in 50 client-owned dogs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Medical records (2013-2023) were reviewed. Preoperative tibial torsion was assessed by computed tomography (CT; tibial torsion angle [TTA]) or by standardized caudocranial radiographs (tibial tuberosity alignment). Concurrent procedures and implants were recorded. Postoperative radiographs were evaluated for patellar position, tibial alignment, bone healing, and implant position. Final limb function was categorized as full, acceptable, or unacceptable based on lameness, patellar tracking, complications, and radiographic outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Medial PL was present in 52/53 (98%) cases. Preoperative medial displacement of the tibial tuberosity was diagnosed in 52/53 (98%) limbs. Mean preoperative TTA was 8.8° ± 4.7 (external torsion). Normal patellar tracking was restored in 51/53 (96%) cases. Final limb function was full in 38/53 (72%) and acceptable in 13/53 (24%) cases. Mean radiographic follow-up was 3.0 ± 0.9 months (short-term). Mean time to radiographic union was 2.7 ± 0.5 months. Overall complications occurred in 18/53 (33%: 11% major; 22% minor); most major events were implant-related and managed successfully with revision.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PTDO effectively corrected abnormal tibial torsion, resulting in restoration of zormal patellar tracking in 96% of stifles. A 11% major complication rate was observed.</p><p><strong>Clinical relevance: </strong>PTDO is a reliable surgical technique to treat abnormal tibial torsion in dogs with PL.</p>","PeriodicalId":23667,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"1043-1054"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13420934/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148253603","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Veterinary SurgeryPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-04-08DOI: 10.1111/vsu.70078
Hui Yu Lu
{"title":"Letter-to-the-editor about \"Thoracoscopic resection of cranial mediastinal masses: Retrospective study in 17 cats\".","authors":"Hui Yu Lu","doi":"10.1111/vsu.70078","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vsu.70078","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23667,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"1031"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13420938/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147639820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Veterinary SurgeryPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-06-15DOI: 10.1111/vsu.70105
Stefania Renier, Filippo Cinti
{"title":"Reply to the Letter-to-the-Editor about \"Thoracoscopic resection of cranial mediastinal masses: Retrospective study in 17 cats\".","authors":"Stefania Renier, Filippo Cinti","doi":"10.1111/vsu.70105","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vsu.70105","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23667,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Surgery","volume":" ","pages":"1032"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13420921/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148259725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Delays to fracture stabilization and the effect on postoperative outcomes: A retrospective cohort study of 211 canine humeral condylar fractures.","authors":"Daniel Low, Maria Manou, Scott Rutherford","doi":"10.1111/vsu.70137","DOIUrl":"10.1111/vsu.70137","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate the effect of surgical delay on radiographic and patient outcomes following canine humeral condylar fracture stabilization.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective observational cohort study.</p><p><strong>Sample population: </strong>A total of 211humeral condylar fractures (204 dogs).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Time to surgery and clinical data were collected from the medical record. Immediate postoperative radiographs were reviewed for an intracondylar gap or articular step defect. Postoperative complications and short-term outcome data were collected with a minimum 28-day follow-up period. Multivariable logistic regression analysis modeled radiographic and patient outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fracture events occurring on Friday or Saturday were systematically associated with longer delays to surgery (p < .001). Increasing delays to surgery were associated with an increased risk of an intracondylar gap or articular step defect on immediate postoperative radiographs (adjusted OR = 3.86 per additional day, 95% CI: 2.04-7.29, p < .001). Presence of an intracondylar gap or articular step defect was associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications (adjusted OR = 5.92, 95% CI: 1.44-24.36, p = .01). Presence of an intracondylar gap or articular step defect was associated with an increased risk of a poorer short-term outcome (adjusted OR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.04-0.42, p = .001). The presence of postoperative complications increased the risk of a poorer short-term outcome (adjusted OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.17-0.87, p = .02).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Delays to surgery are an important system-level factor influencing the accuracy of fracture reduction, postoperative complications, and short-term outcomes in canine humeral condylar fracture repair.</p><p><strong>Clinical significance: </strong>System-level optimization may be an avenue for quality improvement in this patient population.</p>","PeriodicalId":23667,"journal":{"name":"Veterinary Surgery","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148621492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}