Publications by Dr. Lindsay A. Parker

Mushins A, Sauvé C, Parker L. Validation Study: Utilization of Blood from the Oral Surgical Extraction Site for Perioperative Blood Glucose Monitoring. Journal of Veterinary Dentistry. 2026;0(0). doi:10.1177/08987564251414451

Blood glucose (BG) monitoring is an essential component of perioperative patient management under general anesthesia. This study demonstrates that BG levels obtained from oral surgical extraction sites are statistically comparable to samples obtained from the venous and ear pinna sites. Utilizing the oral surgical extraction site for BG measurement offers a practical alternative, thereby reducing the need for frequent venipuncture or ear pinna capillary puncture. In this study, 51 patients (38 canines and 13 felines) had BG measurements obtained from their oral surgical extraction sites, peripheral venous sites and ear pinnae resulting in 153 total samples. The analysis revealed there was no statistically significant difference in BG measurements between sampling sites. This study showed that oral surgical extraction sites provide a viable and accessible alternative for BG monitoring in feline and canine patients.

Parker LA, Varner KM, Dodam JR. Alfaxalone-nalbuphine-dexmedetomidine intramuscular premedication in a captive caracal (Caracal caracal). Vet Rec Case Rep. 2023;11:e695. https://doi.org/10.1002/vrc2.695

Alfaxalone combinations have been widely used in domestic cats as a part of anaesthesia protocols. Given the advantages of these protocols in the domestic cat, and because caracals are in the same family as domesticated cats, we developed an immobilisation protocol based upon alfaxalone, nalbuphine and dexmedetomidine. A captive 13‐year‐old female caracal required general anaesthesia for a lower urinary tract workup and cystoscopy procedure. Due to temperament, physical examination (including thoracic auscultation) and laboratory workup before premedication was not performed. An immobilisation protocol using alfaxalone, nalbuphine and dexmedetomidine was used to induce anaesthesia. Isoflurane in oxygen was used for maintenance of anaesthesia, and hydromorphone was added for analgesia when it was determined that a surgical incision was required. The caracal did well under general anaesthesia, recovered uneventfully and was discharged the same day. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this drug combination in the caracal.

Parker LA, Bukoski AD, Zelaya-Nunez C, Dodam JR, Varner KM, Torres BT. Pelvic limb anesthesia and analgesia in dogs undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO): A survey of board-certified anesthesiologists. Veterinary Surgery. 2023;52(4):521-530. doi:10.1111/vsu.13947

Objective: To report the locoregional anesthesia and analgesia preferences of veterinary anesthesiologists for use in dogs undergoing a TPLO and determine any association with specialty college, time from board-certification, or employment sector. Study design: Cross sectional study. Sample population: Diplomates of the American (ACVAA) and European (ECVAA) Colleges of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to diplomates and responses were used to determine associations between preferred methods. Results: The survey response rate was 28% (141/500) with 69% (97/141) of ACVAA diplomates and 31% of diplomates with ECVAA (44/141) certification. Peripheral nerve block (PNB) was preferred by 79% (111/141) of all diplomates, lumbosacral epidural (LE) by 21% (29/141), and peri-incisional infiltration (PI) by <1% (1/141). There was no association (p = .283) with specialty college. There was an association (p < .001) with time from board-certification with increased preference for LE when >10-years from certification and PI preferred by only those board-certified >20-years ago. There was an association with employment sector (p = .003) with more academic diplomates preferring LE. Anesthesiologists reported that treatment decisions were affected by various factors including time pressure and surgeon influence. Conclusion: Diplomates of ACVAA and ECVAA prefer PNB as the locoregional method of pelvic limb anesthesia in dogs undergoing TPLO. A greater percentage of newer and private practice diplomates prefer PNB while a larger percentage of senior and academic diplomates prefer LE. Decision making is multifactorial and includes perceived time pressure and surgeon influence. Clinical significance: Veterinary anesthesiologists prefer and frequently use PNB in dogs undergoing TPLO and surgeon influence may affect their chosen treatment.

Parker LA, Krebs K, Pan PL, Varner KM, Hoddinott KL. Treatment and outcome following substantial ketamine overdose in a dog. Can Vet J. 2023 Mar;64(3):235-238. PMID: 36874544; PMCID: PMC9979721.

A 9-year-old, 3.7 kg (8.14 lb) neutered male Yorkshire terrier mix was treated following a ketamine overdose after subcutaneous ureteral bypass surgery. Due to an error in communication and misinterpretation of an electronic treatment sheet, the dog was inadvertently placed on a continuous rate infusion (CRI) of ketamine at 67.6 mg/kg per hour, rather than the intended 0.2 mg/kg per hour rate. Four hours after initiation of the ketamine CRI, the dog developed signs indicative of a ketamine overdose including tachycardia, hyperthermia, anisocoria, and hypoglycemia. It was determined the dog had received an iatrogenic overdose of ketamine; the infusion had been running at 67.6 mg/kg per hour, resulting in 270 mg/kg of ketamine over 4 h. Aggressive supportive measures were undertaken, and the dog gradually recovered over an 18-hour period, without lasting consequences of the overdose. To the authors' knowledge, there are no current published reports of a ketamine overdose of this magnitude in a dog. This case report documents an iatrogenic 338 times intravenous ketamine overdose in a dog, which was successfully managed with supportive care. In addition, it highlights the importance of doctor-technician communication and the potential errors in using electronic treatment sheets.

Parker LA, Ganjei J. Partial caudal zygomatectomy for zygomatic sialoadenectomy in a ferret. Vet Rec Case Rep. 2023;11:e510. https://doi.org/10.1002/vrc2.510

An adult ferret presented with recurrent and progressive left-sided facial swelling of approximately 6-month duration. Computed tomography was used to confirm that the sialocele was associated with the zygomatic salivary gland. Using three-dimensional imaging, a partial caudal zygomatectomy was planned to approach the affected gland and perform a sialoadenectomy successfully. Preserving the rostral portion of the zygomatic arch allowed a normal globe appearance, and avoided undesirable cosmetic effects, including enophthalmia.

Parker, Lindsay A., Wustefeld-Janssens, Brandan, Dundas, James M., Transient Postoperative Hemorrhage from Elbow Arthroscopy Portals following Intra-Articular Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium Injection, Case Reports in Veterinary Medicine, 2022, 9428539, 6 pages, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9428539

Four adult, client owned dogs with diagnosed bilateral elbow dysplasia undergoing elbow arthroscopy for removal of fragmented medial coronoid process were identified via a retrospective database search, who also received intra-articular administration of pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) (Cartrophen Vet, Biopharm Australia Pty Ltd., Bondi Junction, New South Wales). Dogs had postoperative administration of 5 ml PPS injected into each elbow joint following elbow arthroscopy. Within 1-3 hours of administration, each dog experienced hemorrhage from arthroscopy incisions that was determined to be independent of surgical trauma given lack of hemorrhage intraoperatively. Pressure bandages were placed, and the hemorrhage and elevated coagulation parameters resolved 12-18 hours following intra-articular injection. No further intervention was required, and the dogs were discharged 20-26 hours postoperatively. The purpose of this case series is to describe 4 dogs who experienced transient and focal hemorrhage following off-label intra-articular administration of pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS). While this case series is limited due to small number of cases, results following bilateral, intra-articular injection of PPS support a transient systemic coagulopathy. Though this report represents administration of PSS via a route and at doses beyond that recommended on the label, results suggest that administration of PSS in the manner described in this report should be avoided.

Wustefeld-Janssens BG, Vinayak A, Parker LA, Hollenbeck DL. Quantification of Canine Apocrine Gland Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma (AGASACA) Tumor Specimen Shrinkage after Formalin Fixation. Animals. 2022; 12(15):1869. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12151869

The aim was to prospectively measure the shrinkage of primary apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA) tumors after 24 and 48 h of formalin fixation. Dogs that were diagnosed with AGASACA pre-operatively by aspiration cytology were prospectively enrolled in the study. Tumor extirpation was performed in a closed technique. The tumor and associated tissues were examined on the back table away from the patient and the widest dimension of the tumor was measured using a sterile ruler (Medline®; Northfield, IL, USA). This measurement was recorded in mm (t0). The tissue was placed in 10% buffered formalin and stored at room temperature. Two further measurements were taken after 24 (t24) and 48 (t48) hours of formalin fixation. Once the 48 h measurement was taken, the tissue was submitted for histopathology. The percentage of shrinkage between time points was calculated by using the following equation: (1 − [time b/time a]) × 100. Overall, 23 dogs with 23 tumors were enrolled. The mean percentage of shrinkage after 24 and 48 h of formalin fixation was 4.8% and 7.2%, respectively. The median diameter of the tumors reduced by 1 mm over 48 h and was not significantly different at any time point. These data will aid clinicians in interpreting measurements of AGASACA tumors following formalin fixation and shows that minimal change in tumor size is expected following 48 h.

Parker LA, Ogilvie AT. Use of intraoperative ultrasound aiding in extraction of migrated and embedded porcupine quills in a dog. Vet Rec Case Rep. 2022;10:e399. https://doi.org/10.1002/vrc2.399

A dog presented for porcupine quills; the client had removed the majority of quills themselves, but due to recurring quills and progressive swelling of the left thoracic limb, referral was recommended. Following preoperative ultrasonography to identify the location of remaining quill fragments, surgical exploration was performed. Approximate quill location was determined with preoperative ultrasound, but quill extraction with solely blunt dissection proved to be challenging. Intraoperative ultrasonography was then utilised to rapidly and successfully identify the remaining fragments and guided the surgeons in complete quill removal. Intraoperative ultrasound hastened the removal of fractured and embedded quills. This case highlights how intraoperative ultrasonography aided in efficiently identifying the location and orientation of embedded quills and thereby guided their surgical removal. It also highlights how imperative early medical intervention for porcupine quills is, in order to avoid disastrous complications.

Chambers AR, Skinner OT, Mickelson MA, et al. Adherence to follow-up recommendations for dogs with apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma: A multicentre retrospective study. Vet Comp Oncol. 2020;18:683–688. https://doi.org/10.1111/vco.12597

Progressive disease is common following anal sacculectomy for apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA); additional therapy may prolong survival. Adherence to medical recommendations influences therapeutic success in humans. The purpose of this study was to assess the adherence to follow-up recommendations in dogs with AGASACA. Medical records of patients that underwent anal sacculectomy for AGASACA, with or without iliosacral lymphadenectomy, between July 2015 and July 2018, were reviewed at eight referral institutions to assess post-operative recommendations and owner adherence to recommendations. One hundred and seventy-four dogs were included, of which 162 underwent unilateral anal sacculectomy, 12 underwent bilateral anal sacculectomy and 39 underwent concurrent iliosacral lymphadenectomy. Seventy-six owners (44%) received recommendations for staging at the time of discharge, histopathology results or at the first follow-up visit. One hundred and forty owners (80%) received recommendations for treatment following the initial surgery. Fifty of seventy-six (66%) owners pursued at least one staging recommendation and 69 of 140 (49%) owners pursued some kind of adjuvant treatment recommendation. Overall, 16 of 76 (21%) were adherent to staging recommendations with 20 adherent for the first year following surgery (26%). Forty-seven of 140 (34%) were adherent to treatment recommendations with 54 (39%) adherent for the first year. Owners that were adherent to restaging recommendations at 1 year following surgery were significantly more likely to pursue treatment for progressive disease (P = .014). Further work is required to assess owner motivation and evaluate strategies to improve adherence, given the potential impact on patient treatment.

 

Parker LA, Sakals S. Complication of an artificial urethral sphincter in the treatment of a urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence. Can Vet J. 2019 Aug;60(8):869-872. PMID: 31391605; PMCID: PMC6625174.

A 5-year-old, 39-kg spayed female mixed breed dog was treated for urinary sphincter mechanism incompetence with an artificial urethral sphincter (AUS). The dog was continent for 2 months, but then dramatic incontinence abruptly recurred. Imaging indicated that there was a leak in the cuff of the AUS. The AUS was replaced and continence was re-established.

Lindsay A. Parker, Amy S. Kapatkin, & Mark C. Fuller. (2019). Lag screw fixation for treatment of an ulnar styloid process fracture with antebrachiocarpal joint luxation in a cat. VCOT Open, 2(1), e32–e35. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-1691827

Fracture of the ulnar styloid process can result in clinically debilitating antebrachiocarpal instability. Previously described repair methods include Kirschner wire and figure of eight tension band wire and/or intramedullary pinning. This case report describes surgical repair of a short oblique ulnar styloid process fracture in a cat using two cortical screws placed in lag fashion. Recheck evaluation confirmed lameness-free full return to function with anatomical fracture healing.