Simini Surgery Review: Small Animal Edition

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we highlight three studies from the August 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery, each tackling challenges in total hip arthroplasty (THA) across species and surgical phases—from candidacy in tiny dogs to implant selection in cats, to fracture prevention in everyone else.

We cover:

✅ Kimura et al. — A study of dogs under 4 kg undergoing mini cementless THA using the Zurich system. With a 100% implant survival rate and rapid return to function, the study supports THR over FHNE—even in the tiniest patients, as long as careful planning and imag...

Duration: 00:21:20

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we explore three orthopedic and neurosurgical studies from the August 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery. The common thread? Designing smarter, more intentional surgeries—with better data and better outcomes.

We cover:

✅ Berthomé et al. — A multi-institutional retrospective study in small dogs showing 0% recurrence of cervical IVDD after ventral slot when prophylactic fenestration was added. Despite 40 extra minutes of surgery, complication rates remained unchanged.

✅ Danielski et al. — In 93 limbs, combining intramedullary pinning with rhBMP-2 during proximal ulnar osteotomy reduced major complications to 5.3% and eliminated...

Duration: 00:20:09

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we explore three cutting-edge studies from the July 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery—each one helping refine high-risk soft tissue interventions through better diagnostics, emerging techniques, and practical survival insights.

We cover:

✅ Miyagi et al. — An ex vivo pilot study demonstrating the feasibility of endoscopic-assisted laser sphincterotomy (EARC) for the intramural bile duct in dogs. They achieved 100% procedural success in 18 cadavers and identified a reliable visual cue to guide incision—offering a safer, minimally invasive future for biliary access.

✅ Otero Balda et al. — A mul...

Duration: 00:17:59

In this episode of the Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast, we unpack three high-stakes studies from the July 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery—each challenging conventional boundaries in gastrointestinal, neurologic, and oncologic soft tissue surgery.

We cover:

✅ Fink et al. — A retrospective series exploring Roux-en-Y reconstruction in small animals with biliary or upper GI obstruction. While morbidity was high, no cases developed reflux syndromes—making this a promising alternative to traditional techniques in select patients.

✅ Gomes et al. — A study evaluating subdural shunt placement for dogs with thoracolumbar arachnoid diverticula (TLAD). Compa...

Duration: 00:19:54

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we explore three research-driven updates from the July 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery. These studies challenge assumptions and refine surgical technique across both orthopedic modeling and minimally invasive soft tissue surgery.

We cover:

✅ Mazdarani et al. — A feline limb press model study revealing how rigid femoral fixation misrepresents real muscle forces. Flexion-friendly models better replicate in vivo biomechanics—potentially reshaping how we interpret feline stifle repair research.

✅ Chik et al. — A prospective study showing that brief pre-insufflation stretching improves working space during canine lap...

Duration: 00:20:30

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we close out the May 2025 soft tissue series with two studies that refine your surgical mindset—from lymph node staging to complex liver resections.

We cover:

✅ Mattioli et al. — A large retrospective review of 201 peripheral lymphadenectomies in dogs. The findings? Overall complication rates were low—but mandibular and retropharyngeal nodes carried higher risks, especially when surgical time exceeded 21.5 minutes.

✅ Oramas et al. — A cadaver feasibility study using a novel positioning and access strategy for laparoscopic right lateral liver lobectomy. With 100% completion across all c...

Duration: 00:15:19

In this episode of the Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast, we explore two critical and very different questions facing small animal surgeons today: How do we better predict neurologic recovery in deep pain-negative dogs? And how can we optimize pulmonary staple lines to reduce air leaks?

We cover two impactful studies:

✅ Low et al. — A multicenter study that trained and validated a machine learning model (XGBoost) to predict post-op ambulation in dogs with acute TL-IVDE. The model outperformed traditional markers and could change how we counsel and select cases for surgery.

Duration: 00:11:57

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we dive into three standout studies from the May 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery—each spotlighting how simple innovation, institutional learning, and advanced mapping can reshape soft tissue outcomes in small animal patients.

We cover:

✅ Aertsens et al. — A chest wall lift technique for feline thoracoscopy. See how a bent Steinmann pin and improved oxygenation helped avoid open conversion in two complex cases.

✅ Brockman et al. — A 7-year journey tracking mitral valve repair outcomes in 132 dogs. From 22 to 30 survivors per quartile...

Duration: 00:18:48

In the final installment of our May 2025 orthopedic series, we bring precision into focus with two articles that spotlight both surgical technique and clinical decision-making under pressure.

We cover two compelling studies:

✅  Rocheleau et al. — A retrospective case series using arthroscopic treatment for infected total hip replacements. This “implant-salvage-first” strategy led to 87.5% success—especially when paired with advanced lavage and partial synovectomy.

✅ McClean et al. — A cadaver study comparing two blind techniques for shoulder joint injections in dogs. Learn which approach cuts iatrogenic cartilage injury by 80%—and why your next injection mi...

Duration: 00:15:17

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we continue our three-part orthopedic series with Part 2 of the May 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery. This episode zooms in on upper limb orthopedic strategies—from groundbreaking shoulder stabilization to fresh insights into humeral intracondylar fissures in Cocker Spaniels.

We cover two standout studies:

✅ Burton et al. — A CT-based morphometric analysis that connects subtle conformational differences in forelimb bones to humeral fissures. This work opens new doors to proactive diagnostics and even preventative surgery.

✅ Schuenemann et al. — A clinical series showing th...

Duration: 00:14:12

In this Simini Small Animal Surgery Podcast episode, we kick off a three-part series diving into the orthopedic articles from the May 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery.

This episode focuses on fixation decisions and biomechanical insights that directly impact small animal orthopedic surgery.

You’ll hear takeaways from three studies:

✅ Internal vs. external fixation in young dogs with tibial fractures — when each method shines and where complications differ.
✅ MIPO vs. open plating for radius/ulna fractures — what 105 cases tell us about outcomes and surgical t...

Duration: 00:25:02

In this episode of  Fast Track Update, we review key articles from the April 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery, with a focus on small animal soft tissue surgery. Designed for residents, clinicians, and board-prepping surgeons, this rapid-fire review helps you digest the latest research in just one commute.

Topics include:

Surgical site infection risk reductionGallbladder mucocele managementLaparoscopic liver biopsy outcomesEffects of analgesia on intestinal motility3D printing for airway obstruction modelingAnd more — all with commentary on clinical relevance and board applicability

Don’t have time to read the full issue? We’ve got you covered.

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Duration: 00:17:22

In this Simini Surgery Podcast Fast Track Update episode, we tackle the complex biomechanics and frustrating biology of tendon and ligament healing.

We cover:

The shape and phases of the stress-strain curveWhy tendons and ligaments fail differently than boneThe three stages of healing: inflammation, proliferation, remodelingWhy healed tissue is never as strong — and how scar tissue disrupts force transferRepair strategies: Krackow vs. locking loop, suture tension, and rehab timingWhy conservative management often fails, and how to reduce re-rupture risk

If you’ve ever wondered why a repaired tendon still ruptures — or why scarred ligaments lose propri...

Duration: 00:26:18

In this Surgical Spotlight episode of the Simini Surgery Review, we break down the biomechanics and clinical impact of the tibial plateau angle (TPA) in cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease.

We cover key findings from a 2022 VCOT Review paper, including breed-related TPA variations, the influence of neuter status, and how imaging technique can skew your angles—and your surgical outcomes.

Whether you’re planning a TPLO tomorrow or refining your pre-op protocols, this is essential listening for small animal surgeons.

Key Topics Covered:

– Biomechanics of cranial tibial thrust and why sl...

Duration: 00:13:49

In this Simini Surgery Podcast Fast Track Update episode, we explore the most clinically relevant takeaways from the January 2025 issue of VCOT. Tailored for the busy small animal surgeon, this episode condenses the newest research into actionable insight — helping you zero in on what matters most to your practice.

We cover:

Long-term outcomes for soft tissue repair of traumatic patellar luxationCT-based anatomical differences in cats with medial patellar luxationHealing assessments after TPLO in Boxer dogsFixation strength in femoral neck fractures: 2 screws vs. 3Survival predictors in feline high-rise syndrome using the ATTS score

🔗 Explo...

Duration: 00:19:38