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A Penrose drain is a latex tube placed into a wound with one or two ends exiting the skin, allowing fluids to drain from the wound. Removing this unwanted fluid and pus helps the wound heal. This handout provides post-operative wound care instructions for dogs sent home with a Penrose drain.
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Perianal fistula, also known as anal furunculosis, is a serious medical condition that most commonly affects German shepherd dogs. Perianal fistulas are characterized by chronic, purulent, smelly, ulcerating, draining tracts in the anal region and surrounding skin. More recent studies indicate that the condition is more likely caused by an autoimmune disease.
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A perineal hernia occurs when the muscles of the perineum (the area between the anus and the scrotum or vulva that supports the organs of the pelvis) become weakened or torn. As a result, the bladder, intestines, or fat can push through the weakened muscles and bulge beneath the skin next to the anus.
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A perineal urethrostomy (PU) is a surgical procedure that is most commonly performed on male cats with a urinary obstruction. Male cats develop urinary obstructions much more readily than female cats, due to differences in urinary tract anatomy between the two sexes. A PU creates a new urinary opening that decreases the length of the urethra and allows urine to bypass this narrowed region. Less commonly, PU may also be done in cats with severe urethral trauma. After surgery, your cat will be required to wear an Elizabethan collar (e-collar) to prevent self-trauma to the surgical site.
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Pigmentary keratitis is a discoloration of the cornea due to chronic inflammation and is most common in brachycephalic breeds. In many cases, complete resolution cannot be achieved, but the condition can be stopped or slowed down if the underlying cause can be identified and treated. Surgery and medications may be used to help address the problem.
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Pneumothorax is an accumulation of air outside the lungs, but inside the chest wall. The air outside the lung prevents the lungs from inflating normally, and can lead to lung collapse. There are several variations of pneumothorax.
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Porcupine quills can puncture the skin and move through muscle, ultimately penetrating into body cavities and internal organs. They contain barbs like fishhooks and tend to migrate inwards instead of being expelled. Do not cut quills or attempt to remove the quills yourself. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog is quilled. Sedation or anesthesia is required to remove quills safely.
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A portosystemic shunt causes a bypass of blood from the gastrointestinal tract directly into the systemic circulation, avoiding the normal detoxifying process that happens in the liver and reducing nutrient input into the liver. Liver shunts can be congenital or acquired. Signs, treatment, and prognosis are discussed.
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When your cat comes home after an operation, you must take special care to ensure she remains indoors with restricted activity and cannot lick or chew at the incision site. Monitor your cat for abnormal signs and contact your veterinarian if you see any.
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When your dog comes home after an operation, you must take special care to ensure he remains indoors with restricted activity and cannot lick or chew at his incision site. Monitor your dog for abnormal signs and contact your veterinarian if you see any.