Page 2 - Clinical Connections - Autumn 2023

RVC RESEARCH STUDY VETERINARY SERVICES RVC.AC.UK
by the RVC’s pioneering Blood Donor
Service.
Rocco initially recovered well from his
emergency surgery. A few days post-
operatively his right testicle and scrotum
became markedly inflamed and swollen,
due to the previously suspected testicular
artery injury. Rocco’s family consented to
castration. He underwent continued close
monitoring and management of his AKI and
once his azotaemia had stabilised, Rocco
underwent castration with scrotal ablation.
The opportunity was also taken to place an
oesophageal (feeding) tube.
He recovered well and over the
subsequent days the critical care team
continued to manage his AKI carefully, while
the surgery team evaluated the progress CT images showing subcutaneous gas, urinary bladder herniation and poor contract enhancement
of his surgery sites and drains. The wound of the right pelvic limb
drain was removed a few days post-
operatively. unremarkable, although a mild pyrexia was Rocco sustained numerous and severe
Rocco was fit for discharge approximately noted, and Rocco was diagnosed with an injuries as a result of his bite wounds.
two weeks following injury. The team elected abscess of his amputation site. Rocco had His recovery was made possible by the
to keep his o-tube in place for discharge open wound management, with daily wound committed and collaborative efforts of the
to ensure adequate caloric intake. The flushing and antibiotic treatment based on services at the QMHA. Rocco undoubtedly
primary care practice was asked to repeat culture results. benefitted from emergency admission and
biochemistry monthly in order to monitor Rocco’s owners said they felt confident stabilisation and immediate out of hours
Rocco’s ongoing kidney function. continuing wound management at home. care from the anaesthesia, imaging and
They were provided with instructional surgery teams. He also received input from
Rocco’s returns videos and were able to take Rocco home the transfusion medicine team and on-going
Three days after discharge, Rocco was re- for continued care from the comfort of his management with the critical care and
presented to the RVC Emergency Referral own home. surgical teams.
Service. He had been vomiting and had a Clinical Connections spoke to Rocco’s
reduced appetite. On presentation, he was owner, Benjamin Wong, some time after
quiet but alert and responsive on physical discharge, who said: “Rocco’s been doing
examination. Emergency assessment, really well. The experience didn’t change
including point of care ultrasound scanning, his personality and he’s been fine on three
did not reveal any emergent abnormalities. legs. He had kidney issues for a while and
His oesophageal tube site was inspected so we had to monitor his diet, but his kidneys
and was unremarkable and the o-tube and liver are okay now. He’s lively, happy
was removed. The surgical site appeared and back to his normal self.”

Rocco enjoying a walk after his recovery
Rocco was a patient that required true
transdisciplinary care and it was a pleasure
for all teams to contribute to Rocco’s
extraordinary outcome. All of those involved
are delighted with his progress.

External appearance of Rocco’s wounds following clipping and draping for exploratory surgery (left
image). An exploratory coeliotomy was performed. Severe injury is appreciable to the right pelvic limb For small animal referrals, please call:
musculature with numerous severed muscles and concurrent right coxofemoral luxation (middle). A 01707 666399
right coxofemoral amputation was performed. The biceps femoris and semimembranosus muscles Email:
of the pelvic limb were found to be viable and were used to augment Rocco’s body wall repair. qmhreception@rvc.ac.uk

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2 Autumn 2023