The pancreas is a glandular organ in the cranial abdomen that has both endocrine and exodrine functions. This chapter focuses on anatomy, surgical techniques and surgical conditions. Practical tips and warnings are highlighted throughout. Operative techniques: Pancreatic biopsy; Partial pancreatectomy; Debridement/omentalization of pancreatic abscesses or pseudocysts.

Local transposition of a muscle flap is a useful and simple technique and does not require any special instrumentation. However, it does require a good knowledge of anatomy, an understanding of the indications and limitations of the technique, and careful dissection. A muscle flap is indicated when the specific benefits of transposed muscle tissue are needed. This is particularly the case when closing defects that are ischaemic, infected or irradiated, or when muscle bulk or physical support is needed. This chapter discusses Indications; Types of muscle flap; Using muscle flaps; Complications; and Myocutaneous flaps. Case examples: Repair of a perineal hernia hernia with a semitendinosus muscle flap; and Reconstruction of a thoracic wall deficit (following tumour resection) with a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. Operative techniques: Raising a muscle or myocutaneous flap; Humeral head of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle flap; Ulnaris lateralis muscle flap; Superficial gluteal muscle flap; Internal obturator muscle flap; Cranial sartorius muscle flap; Caudal sartorius muscle flap; Rectus femoris muscle flap; Semitendinous muscle flap; Cranial border of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle flap; Cranial tibial muscle flap; Temporalis muscle flap; Cranial portions of the sternocephalicus, sternothyroideus and sternohyoideus muscle flaps; Caudal portions of the sternocephalicus, sternothyroideus and sternohyoideus muscle flaps; Cervical portion of the trapezius muscle flap; Deep pectoral muscle flap; Latissimus dorsi muscle flap; Cranial portion of the external abdominal oblique muscle flap; Rectus abdominis muscle flap; Cutaneous trunci myocutaneous; Latissmus dorsi myocutaneous flap; Trapezius myocutaneous flap; and the Gracilis myocutaneous flap.

Peritonitis is inflammation of the abdominal cavity that can occur spontaneously or as a result of pre-existing intra-abdominal pathology or penetration of the body wall. Peritonitis can be classified as primary or secondary, localized or generalized, and aseptic or septic. This chapter looks at the aetiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and pre- and postoperative treatment of peritonitis. Operative techniques: Open abdominal drainage; Closed suction drainage; Vacuum-assisted peritoneal drainage.

This chapter covers anatomy and physiology, pleural drainage techniques, and clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of a range of diseases involving the partial and visceral pleura and pleural cavity. Operative Techniques: Needle thoracocentesis; Small-bore wire-guided chest drain placement in a closed chest; Chest drain placement in an open chest.

The postoperative period is as important as the surgery itself in terms of analgesia and rehabilitation and depends on a team approach involving the surgeon, registered veterinary nurses, animal care staff and owners. This chapter discusses analgesia, immediate postoperative nursing care, physiotherapy/rehabilitation, discharge and re-examination, and exercise management. Operative Technique: Application of a soft padded dressing.

Chronic perineal dermatitis is a common problem in pet rabbits and may be a consequence of prolonged contact with urine, caecotrophs or both. This chapter looks at chronic perineal dermatitis and dewlap surgery. Operative Techniques: Removal of perineal skin fold and inguinal pouches; Dewlap removal.

This chapter discusses a range of congenital/developmental and acquired causes of shoulder lameness. Includes Quick Reference Guide to Imaging Techniques by Thomas W. Maddox. Operative Techniques: Craniomedial approach to the shoulder; Craniolateral approach to the shoulder; Caudolateral approach to the shoulder; Caudolateral arthrotomy for osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral head; Arthroscopy of the shoulder joint; Lateral shoulder stabilization; Medial shoulder stabilization – imbrication of the subscapularis muscle; Medial shoulder stabilization – placement of a medial collateral prosthesis; Tenotomy or tenodesis of the biceps brachii tendon of origin.

Surgery of the small intestine is commonly performed in small animals. Both the oesophagus and stomach are larger and more distensible than the small intestine, so foreign bodies are more likely to become lodged in the small intestine, particularly the duodenum and jejunum. This chapter covers anatomy, diagnostic and surgical techniques, surgical conditions and postoperative care. Operative techniques: Approach to small intestinal surgery; Enterotomy for removal of a solid foreign body; Small intestinal biopsy; Combined gastrotomy and enterotomy for removal of a linear foreign body; Enterectomy and anastomosis (sutured anastomosis); Functional end-to-end anastomosis using surgical staples; Reduction of intussusception and enteroplication; Omentalization of the small intestine.

Traumatic injuries involving the vertebral column and spinal cord are relatively common in small animal practice. This chapter deals with evaluation of the patient, management of the spinal trauma patient, general comments on postoperative management; prognosis. Operative techniques: Atlantoaxial subluxation; Cervical fractures and luxations;Thoracic fractures and luxations; Thoracolumbar fractures and luxations; Caudal thoracic fractures and luxations; lumbar fractures and luxations; Seventh lumbar vertebra fractures; Sacral fractures and caudal vertebral fractures.

The stifle joint is a complex hinge joint consisting of distinct femorotibial and femoropatellar articulations. This chapter discusses the clinical anatomy, examination, diagnosis and management of a wide range of diseases affecting the stifle. Quick Reference Guide to Imaging Techniques by Thomas W. Maddox. Operative Techniques: Patient preparation for stifle surgery; Lateral parapatellar approach; Medial parapatellar approach; Intra-articular stifle joint inspection; Meniscal inspection, partial meniscectomy and medial meniscal release; Crimped lateral fabellotibial suture; Tibial tuberosity transposition; Recession trochleoplasty; Tibial osteotomy procedures – Editor’s guide.