Simini Surgery Review: Small Animal Edition

Carl Damiani
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Education

 Welcome to the Simini Surgery Review: Small Animal Edition—your shortcut to staying sharp in small animal surgery. We break down the latest peer-reviewed studies into clear, time-saving episodes you can listen to on your commute, between cases, or while walking the dog. Focused, fast, and clinically relevant—this is how busy surgeons stay current without spending hours digging through journals. Produced by Simini, creators of Simini Protect Lavage—the non-antibiotic lavage designed to target surgical site risks like biofilms and resistant bacteria.

  1. 1d ago

    Veterinary Surgery May 2026 – Ortho Part 2: SDFT Luxation Without Casts & Smarter THR Templating

    In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we continue our orthopedic coverage from the May 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery by examining two studies that reinforce an important surgical lesson: small technical details often determine long-term success. One study challenges the traditional reliance on postoperative immobilization following superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) luxation repair, while the other evaluates how radiographic positioning influences preoperative templating for canine total hip arthroplasty. In this episode: ✅ Viskjer et al. — A prospective study evaluating a modified block recession calcaneoplasty for treatment of canine SDFT luxation without routine postoperative tarsal immobilization. All dogs achieved full return to function, with objective gait analysis showing near-normal limb symmetry at long-term follow-up. The study demonstrated that carefully executed sulcus deepening can provide sufficient biomechanical stability without casts or splints, provided adequate calcaneal wall thickness is preserved. The key technical takeaway: maintain approximately 25% of calcaneal width on both the medial and lateral walls to avoid catastrophic fracture and recurrent luxation.  ✅ Zab et al. — A retrospective radiographic study comparing traditional extended hip radiographs with caudocranial flexed hip projections for canine THR templating. The authors found that extended views frequently created a false appearance of a stovepipe femoral canal, underestimating implant size in 88% of cases. Flexed views provided a more realistic representation of femoral canal morphology but tended to slightly overestimate final implant size due to magnification effects. The findings suggest that flexed hip projections may serve as a valuable alternative in dogs with severe osteoarthritis where standard positioning is difficult or impossible.  Together, these studies demonstrate that successful orthopedic outcomes often depend less on adding complexity and more on understanding the underlying biomechanics and anatomy. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed Viskjer et al. — Surgical management of luxation of the superficial digital flexor muscle tendon (SDFT) using a modified block recession calcaneoplasty without subsequent tarsal joint immobilizationZab et al. — Comparison of canine femoral implant templating for total hip arthroplasty on 25 sets of craniocaudal extended and caudocranial flexed hip radiographs 📚 From the May 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com Request a Sample: https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit

    13 min

  2. 1d ago

    Veterinary Surgery May 2026 – Ortho Part 1: Feline Achilles Repair, Internal Bracing & THR Stem Subsidence

    In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we continue our orthopedic coverage from the May 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery by exploring a common challenge across orthopedic reconstruction: how to restore stability while minimizing the complications associated with immobilization and implant-related concerns. From Achilles tendon reconstruction and multi-ligament stifle injuries in cats to postoperative stem migration after total hip replacement, these studies challenge long-held assumptions about how much external support—and how much radiographic concern—is truly necessary. In this episode: ✅ Bohin et al. — A multi-center retrospective study evaluating Achilles tendon repair in cats using a UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) synthetic implant. By using a load-sharing internal construct rather than rigid postoperative immobilization, surgeons achieved normal functional recovery in 11 of 12 limbs with long-term follow-up. The overall short-term complication rate was 15.4%, substantially lower than historical complication rates approaching 40% with traditional casts and transarticular fixation. The study highlights the importance of interference screw placement and infection prevention when using permanent braided implants.  ✅ Knell et al. — A retrospective case series describing coaptationless reconstruction of feline multi-ligament stifle injuries using knotless anchors, TightRope stabilization, and UHMWPE suture constructs. The technique achieved a remarkable 22 of 23 successful outcomes, with postoperative pain scores approaching normal by six months. The key lesson was that every deficient ligament must be reconstructed, particularly the caudal cruciate ligament, which proved essential for maintaining long-term stability without external coaptation.  ✅ Low et al. — A retrospective review of 177 canine total hip replacements using the BFX standard femoral stem. While 26 stems subsided more than 3 mm and seven subsided more than 5 mm, only a small fraction developed clinical complications. Instead, the strongest predictor of failure was the presence of an intraoperative femoral fissure, suggesting surgeons may be overemphasizing arbitrary radiographic subsidence thresholds while underappreciating the significance of intraoperative bone injury.  Together, these studies reinforce a central orthopedic principle: successful reconstruction often depends more on achieving stable internal mechanics than on relying on external protection or rigid radiographic rules. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed Bohin et al. — Outcomes of 11 cats with Achilles tendon (AT) rupture repair treated with a synthetic ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)Knell et al. — A multiligament, internal brace, coaptationless stifle reconstruction technique for feline stifle luxationLow et al. — Subsidence of the BFX standard stem after canine total hip replacement: A case series of 177 consecutive procedures📚 From the May 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com Request a Sample: https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit

    19 min

  3. 2d ago

    Veterinary Surgery May 2026 – Soft Tissue: Feline Cystolithotomy & AGASACA Margin Control

    In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we continue our soft tissue coverage from the May 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery by examining two studies that challenge surgeons to balance technical precision, patient recovery, and long-term outcomes.  One study evaluates whether a minimally invasive approach to feline urolith removal truly improves surgical success, while the other explores how microscopic surgical decisions can dramatically alter recurrence risk in dogs with anal sac adenocarcinoma. In this episode: ✅ Boone et al. — A retrospective study comparing modified percutaneous cystolithotomy (PCCL-M) with traditional open cystotomy in cats undergoing urolith removal. Despite superior visualization, PCCL-M did not improve complete stone clearance, with residual urolith rates similar to open surgery (33.3% vs. 30%). However, PCCL-M resulted in smaller incisions, shorter hospitalization times, and fewer immediate postoperative lower urinary tract signs, suggesting the primary benefit is improved recovery rather than improved stone retrieval. The study reinforces the importance of postoperative imaging regardless of surgical approach.  ✅ Gordon et al. — A retrospective study evaluating the prognostic value of the R margin classification system in dogs with apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA). Dogs with R1 margins experienced a 23-fold increase in local recurrence risk, with recurrence rates rising from 4% (R0) to 50% (R1). Importantly, achieving wider margins that occasionally included portions of the external anal sphincter did not result in a dramatic increase in major complications, supporting a more aggressive surgical approach when appropriate. The study also identified hypercalcemia and lymphovascular invasion as major predictors of poor outcome and metastasis.  Together, these studies emphasize that surgical success extends far beyond the procedure itself—requiring careful planning, objective postoperative assessment, and thoughtful long-term decision-making. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed Boone et al. — Outcomes and comparison of modified percutaneous cystolithotomy and traditional open cystotomy in 52 catsGordon et al. — Investigation of the “R” tumor margin classification and prognostic factors in apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma of dogs📚 From the May 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com Request a Sample: https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit

    14 min

  4. May 26

    Veterinary Surgery April 2026 – Soft Tissue: HAVM Occlusion, Laparoscopic Warmups & PPDH Repair

    In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we continue our soft tissue coverage from the April 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery by focusing on how minimally invasive surgery continues to evolve through better technique, better preparation, and smarter intraoperative decision-making.  From hepatic vascular malformations to laparoscopic performance warmups and thoracoabdominal hernia repair, these studies show how modern surgery increasingly depends on understanding both the patient’s physiology and the surgeon’s performance under pressure. In this episode: ✅ Weiss et al. — A 20-year retrospective study evaluating treatment strategies for hepatic arteriovenous malformations (HAVMs) in dogs. Medical management alone resulted in zero long-term survivors, while surgery dramatically improved outcomes. Among surgical approaches, dominant outflow vein occlusion (DOV) achieved a 95% acute occlusion rate and only 15% recurrence, significantly outperforming transarterial embolization (TAE), which showed a 53% recurrence rate due to collateral vessel recruitment. The study emphasizes the importance of venous outflow control using nonabsorbable suture ligation over mechanical occlusion devices.  ✅ Foreman et al. — A prospective study investigating whether a simple 30-minute preoperative laparoscopic warmup improves surgical performance in veterinary students performing live dog ovariectomies. Students who completed simulator exercises and laparoscopic video gaming reduced operative time by 20 minutes (63 vs. 84 minutes) and achieved significantly higher performance scores. The findings highlight the role of psychomotor priming and structured warmups in minimally invasive surgery training.  ✅ Massari et al. — The largest reported case series evaluating laparoscopic repair of peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernias (PPDH) in dogs and cats. Using ultra-low insufflation pressures (3–4 mmHg) and active pericardial venting, the authors achieved successful minimally invasive repair in 92% of cases. One patient required emergency conversion due to tension pneumopericardium and cardiovascular collapse, reinforcing the importance of careful hemodynamic management during thoracoabdominal laparoscopy.  Together, these studies demonstrate that successful minimally invasive surgery depends just as much on preparation and physiology as it does on instrumentation. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed Weiss et al. — Procedural descriptions and survival times for hepatic arteriovenous malformations (HAVM) in animals receiving primarily conservative treatment, arterial embolization, or dominant outflow vein occlusionForeman et al. — Effects of preoperative warm-ups on veterinary medical students' performance with live dog laparoscopic ovariectomyMassari et al. — Laparoscopic repair of peritoneopericardial hernias: Multicentric retrospective case series of 12 dogs and one cat📚 From the April 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com Request a Sample: https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit

    18 min

  5. May 26

    Veterinary Surgery April 2026 – Ortho: Double Plating Mechanics & Surgical Skills Training

    In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we continue our orthopedic coverage from the April 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery by focusing on two themes that shape every surgeon’s career: building stronger repairs and building stronger surgeons.  From double plate fixation in complex scapular fractures to structured cadaver-based resident training, these papers explore how biomechanics and deliberate practice influence both surgical outcomes and long-term competency. In this episode: ✅ Barrett et al. — An ex vivo biomechanical study evaluating single versus double plating constructs for comminuted canine scapular fractures. Adding a second plate along the caudolateral border nearly halved fracture displacement during cyclic loading (0.81 mm → 0.48 mm) and increased construct stiffness from 392.8 to 563.7 N/mm without increasing strain on the primary implant. The findings suggest that load-sharing double plating may support immediate postoperative weight bearing while potentially reducing reliance on restrictive external coaptation.  ✅ Leu et al. — A prospective pilot study evaluating a three-month cadaveric orthopedic skills curriculum for small animal surgery residents and interns. Using OSATS global rating scores, the study demonstrated significant improvement in technical performance, with median expert scores increasing from 17/35 to 23/35 after training. Interestingly, trainee self-assessment showed poor agreement with expert evaluation, highlighting the importance of objective feedback and structured mentorship during surgical development.  Together, these studies reinforce an important principle in orthopedic surgery: better outcomes depend not only on stronger implants, but also on stronger surgical preparation and training systems. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed Barrett et al. — Double plate fixation improves stiffness in a comminuted canine scapula fracture gap model compared to single plate fixationLeu et al. — Structured assessment of a cadaveric orthopedic surgical training program of small animal surgeons in training: A prospective observational pilot study📚 From the April 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com Request a Sample: https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit

    13 min

  6. May 5

    Veterinary Surgery February 2026 – Soft Tissue Part 4: Foreign Body Decision-Making & EndoGIA Lobectomy

    In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we wrap up our soft tissue coverage from the February 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery with two studies that refine decision-making at the intersection of diagnostics and technique. From predicting laparoscopic success in GI foreign bodies to rethinking stapling technology in open thoracic surgery, these papers emphasize how better planning—and better tools—can improve outcomes in high-stakes procedures. In this episode: ✅ Toth et al. — A prospective study evaluating abdominal ultrasound for surgical planning in canine GI foreign bodies. Ultrasound correctly identified foreign body type and morphology in 96.8% of cases, but consistently underestimated size. Importantly, location—not size—determined surgical success, with a 0% success rate for laparoscopic-assisted removal when objects were lodged at the caudal duodenal flexure. Linear foreign bodies were safely managed laparoscopically only if they did not extend past this anatomic bottleneck.  ✅ Weaver et al. — A retrospective study of 46 open lung lobectomies using the EndoGIA stapler, traditionally reserved for minimally invasive procedures. The device achieved zero major intraoperative complications, with over 82% of cases complication-free intraoperatively. While postoperative complications occurred (~10.8%), these were linked to underlying disease severity, not device failure. The EndoGIA’s articulating design and triple-staple row deployment improved maneuverability, hemostasis, and air leak prevention in confined thoracic spaces.  Together, these studies highlight a key surgical principle: the best outcomes come from matching the right approach—and the right tools—to the underlying anatomy and pathology. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed Toth et al. — Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonographic evaluation prior to laparoscopic-assisted gastrointestinal foreign body removal in 30 dogsWeaver et al. — Use of the Endo GIA™ stapler for lung lobectomy in dogs and cats undergoing open thoracic procedures (intercostal, transdiaphragmatic thoracotomy or median sternotomy): A retrospective study of 46 lung lobectomies📚 From the February 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com Request a Sample: https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit

    14 min

  7. May 5

    Veterinary Surgery February 2026 – Soft Tissue Part 3: Lung Lobectomy Ligatures & Omental Graft Reconstruction

    In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we wrap up our soft tissue coverage from the February 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery with two studies that expand your surgical toolbox using practical, adaptable techniques. From cost-effective lung lobectomy closure methods to biologically driven wound reconstruction, these papers challenge reliance on expensive tools and highlight the power of mechanics and tissue biology working together. In this episode, we talk about: ✅ Cronin et al. — A large clinical series evaluating hilar circumferential ligature techniques for lung lobectomy in dogs and cats. The study reported a low intraoperative hemorrhage rate of 4.3%, with no difference between pre-tied loops and hand-tied knots. However, sliding knots showed a dramatically higher hemorrhage rate (28.6%), reinforcing that knot selection—not just technique—directly impacts safety in thoracic surgery.  ✅ Makar et al. — A retrospective case series describing free autologous omental grafts for large distal limb wounds in dogs. Despite initial graft discoloration and heavy discharge, all wounds healed successfully, shrinking to ~19% of original size by 30 days and achieving full epithelialization in an average of 59 days, with no major complications or long-term lameness. The omentum’s angiogenic and immunologic properties allowed it to revascularize and control infection even in contaminated wounds.  Together, these studies reinforce a key principle: effective surgery doesn’t always require more technology; sometimes, it requires a better understanding of mechanics and biology. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed Cronin et al. — Perioperative outcomes of 65 dogs and 15 cats undergoing lung lobectomies with a hilar circumferential ligature.Makar et al. — Autologous, free omentum grafts for large, open, distal limb wounds in dogs: Technique and outcome in 10 dogs.📚 From the February 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com Request a Sample: https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit

    12 min

  8. May 5

    Veterinary Surgery February 2026 – Soft Tissue Part 2: Axial Flaps & Laparoscopic Ergonomics

    In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we continue our soft tissue coverage from the February 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery with two studies that highlight how outcomes depend not just on technique, but on tissue biology and surgeon-tool interaction. From large-scale reconstructive flap surgery in cats to laparoscopic instrument design, these papers reveal how both biology and ergonomics can shape surgical success. In this episode, we talk about: ✅ Cinti et al. — A retrospective study evaluating the lateral caudal axial pattern flap for reconstruction of large caudodorsal defects in cats. Despite a 50% complication rate, all complications were minor (seroma, edema, partial dehiscence), and 0% required revision surgery. Surgeons were able to safely use flaps averaging 61.3% of tail length, demonstrating that feline tail vasculature provides robust and reliable perfusion even under high tension, making this a viable option for massive defects.  ✅ Cormillot et al. — A prospective, randomized crossover study of 120 surgeons evaluating laparoscopic instrument handle size. The study found that hand size strongly predicts optimal handle preference, with surgeons wearing glove sizes ≤6.5 significantly preferring smaller handles, while larger-handed surgeons preferred standard sizes. Poor ergonomic fit led to two-handed instrument use, increased wrist strain, and reduced efficiency, highlighting a major but often overlooked contributor to surgeon fatigue and long-term injury risk.  Together, these studies emphasize a critical concept: successful surgery depends on both the biology of the patient and the biomechanics of the surgeon. 🎓 Journal Articles Discussed Cinti et al. — Outcome and complications of lateral caudal axial pattern flap in 14 cats.Cormillot et al. — Surgeon hand size influences laparoscopic finger loop handle preference.📚 From the February 2026 issue of Veterinary Surgery 🎁 Want to learn more about Simini Protect Lavage or request a sample? Learn More:  www.simini.com Request a Sample: https://www.simini.com/evaluation-kit

    12 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

 Welcome to the Simini Surgery Review: Small Animal Edition—your shortcut to staying sharp in small animal surgery. We break down the latest peer-reviewed studies into clear, time-saving episodes you can listen to on your commute, between cases, or while walking the dog. Focused, fast, and clinically relevant—this is how busy surgeons stay current without spending hours digging through journals. Produced by Simini, creators of Simini Protect Lavage—the non-antibiotic lavage designed to target surgical site risks like biofilms and resistant bacteria.

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