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American College of Veterinary Surgeons Dr. Chris Wood BSc, DVM (Dist), MS
DACVS (Small Animal)

Study guide for surgical trainees

Small Animal Surgical Science

Dr. Chris Wood’s original Anki images and textbook explanations.

AI-prepared study draft. 14 chapters · 314 topics · Last updated .

  1. 01 Skin and Reconstruction, including Bandage and Drains 21 topics
    Open chapter page
    1. 01The wound-healing phase map
    2. 02Epithelialisation
    3. 03Angiogenesis, fibroblasts and wound contraction
    4. 04Local and systemic factors
    5. 05NSAIDs - skin-wound models
    6. 06Primary, delayed primary, secondary closure and second intention
    7. 07Dogs and cats: closed incisions versus open wounds
    8. 08Open healing over a moving joint
    9. 09Assess, debride, then choose closure or open management
    10. 10Lavage and honey: what each local treatment does
    11. 11Negative-pressure setting
    12. 12Contact layer to bandage change
    13. 13Laplace pressure and recognition of a tight bandage
    14. 14JP grenade suction and Poiseuille flow
    15. 15Burn depth, zones and delayed healing
    16. 16Pressure-sore grades and source treatment options
    17. 17Margins - three-dimensional planning
    18. 18Unplanned marginal excision
    19. 19Vessels first and tumour-bed lavage: source arguments
    20. 20Toceranib and KIT signalling
    21. 21What happens to an excised biopsy specimen
  2. 02 Antibiotics 9 topics
    Open chapter page
    1. 01The common antibiotic-spectrum key
    2. 02Mechanism to resistance
    3. 03Static, cidal and exposure
    4. 04Metabolism and elimination
    5. 05Blood-brain and blood-prostate barriers
    6. 06Antibiotic antagonism and absorption interference
    7. 07Why pus changes antibiotic activity
    8. 08Adverse-effect map and aminoglycoside risk reduction
    9. 09Tubular toxicity versus the kidney-biopsy context
  3. 03 Surgical Methods and Perioperative Care 46 topics
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    1. 01Principles to contamination class
    2. 02Perioperative antimicrobial selection and timing
    3. 03Infection surveillance
    4. 04Hand preparation: organisms, skin effects and workflow
    5. 05Antiseptic solutions
    6. 06Patient and room preparation
    7. 07Glove perforation and assisted gloving
    8. 08Masks shoe covers and gown barriers
    9. 09Cleaning and instrument damage
    10. 10Steam and dry heat
    11. 11Ethylene oxide
    12. 12Peroxide plasma and other methods
    13. 13Cycle verification
    14. 14Sterile-pack storage
    15. 15Disinfectant levels
    16. 16Bone instruments: bevel and bite mechanics
    17. 17Scissors: forces blades and handles
    18. 18Forceps: grip serrations and clamp action
    19. 19Needle shape and suture attachment
    20. 20Suture material names
    21. 21Suture mechanical vocabulary
    22. 22Suture strength over time
    23. 23Suture absorption and pH
    24. 24Sutures in urine
    25. 25Knot mechanics, throws and pattern response
    26. 26Staple geometry and device dimensions
    27. 27Cyanoacrylate bonding and derivative tradeoffs
    28. 28Mesh architecture and biologic incorporation
    29. 29Mesh interface failure and edge preparation
    30. 30Circuits
    31. 31Waveforms and coagulation
    32. 32Temperature and tissue effect
    33. 33Advanced bipolar vessel sealing
    34. 34Harmonic scalpel: vibration, cutting and coagulation
    35. 35Lasers: wavelength, absorption and tissue effects
    36. 36Seeing: light source and scope geometry
    37. 37Working space: irrigation, insufflation and thoracic limits
    38. 38What diagnostic numbers mean
    39. 39General and skin/SQ biopsy technique
    40. 40Organ biopsy: liver, spleen, kidney and pancreas
    41. 41Contrast media: iohexol and renal protection
    42. 42Malignancy,metastasis and angiogenesis
    43. 43Cancer stem cell hypothesis
    44. 44TNM staging and pulmonary imaging
    45. 45Immunohistochemistry map
    46. 46Laplace and Poiseuille equation reference
  4. 04 Musculoskeletal System 70 topics
    Open chapter page
    1. 01Connective-tissue matrix and mechanical roles
    2. 02Muscle hierarchy, sarcomere and fibre types
    3. 03Tendon classes and coverings
    4. 04Common calcaneal tendon
    5. 05Tensors and tissue behaviour
    6. 06Load-deformation and stress-strain
    7. 07Area moment of inertia
    8. 08Normal versus lame kinetic gait traces
    9. 09Muscle injury classification and the regeneration/scar balance
    10. 10Muscle contracture outcome recap
    11. 11Tendon healing, strength, repair configuration and loading
    12. 12Two pathways and intramembranous ossification
    13. 13Endochondral ossification and the long-bone template
    14. 14Growth-plate zones
    15. 15Regional ossification-centre union and physeal closure
    16. 16Bone organisation: woven, lamellar and osteons
    17. 17Bone modelling and remodelling
    18. 18Loading direction and fracture pattern
    19. 19Interfragmentary strain
    20. 20Mechanical environment of fracture healing
    21. 21Biological conditions for fracture healing
    22. 22Stability and implant roles
    23. 23Primary healing - contact and gap
    24. 24How secondary healing reduces strain
    25. 25The five phases of secondary healing
    26. 26Delayed union, non-union and malunion
    27. 27Nonunion patterns and biological viability
    28. 28Open-fracture classification, source treatments and reported outcomes
    29. 29Joint sampling,cytology and septic arthritis
    30. 30Biofilm formation and protection
    31. 31Stem-cell reservoirs and bone growth factors
    32. 32Four actions of bone grafts
    33. 33Graft-material properties
    34. 34Demineralised bone matrix preparation
    35. 35Fresh autogenous graft harvest reference
    36. 36Distraction osteogenesis
    37. 37Screw anatomy and cortical-cancellous differences
    38. 38Core and drill dimensions: master reference and eight recall prompts
    39. 39Driver-head profiles
    40. 40Cerclage reconstruction and twist technique
    41. 41Wire gauges and cerclage loop mechanics
    42. 42Implant size and canal-fill reference
    43. 43Conventional plate load transfer
    44. 44DCP and LC-DCP mechanics
    45. 45Locking plate mechanics and planning
    46. 46Elastic plate osteosynthesis
    47. 47Interlocking nail versus plate
    48. 48External skeletal fixation configurations
    49. 49Articular cartilage zones, matrix and defect response
    50. 50Cartilage and physis mnemonic recap
    51. 51Osteochondrosis types and sites
    52. 52Osteoarthritis tissue changes
    53. 53Osteoarthritis catabolic signalling
    54. 54Arachidonic acid pathway
    55. 55NSAID mechanisms and joint tissue effects
    56. 56NSAID-specific profile reference
    57. 57NSAID systemic adverse effects
    58. 58NSAID hepatic injury and liver enzymes
    59. 59Neuropathic pain adjuncts
    60. 60Paracetamol central mechanisms
    61. 61Chondroitin, glucosamine and essential fatty acids
    62. 62Primary and secondary hip stabilisers
    63. 63Right carpus: recall map and labelled reference views
    64. 64Tarsal supply and central tarsal fractures
    65. 65Tarsal collateral ligaments
    66. 66SI luxation landmarks and fixation reference
    67. 67CCL bands, meniscal tear forms and Sharpey-fibre attachment
    68. 68Meniscal hoop stress and release
    69. 69TPLO complications - mechanics and TTA geometry
    70. 70Ligament tension and screw-home quick-reference
  5. 05 Urogenital System 11 topics
    Open chapter page
    1. 01Nephron: functional unit and concentrating map
    2. 02Ureter course, circumcaval variation and diameter cues
    3. 03Bladder healing and the urethral seven-day cue
    4. 04Urethral regions, muscles and spay-associated tissue changes
    5. 05Bladder innervation
    6. 06Prazosin mechanism of action
    7. 07Basic anatomy of the testes; testicular cells; accessory sex glands in dogs and cats
    8. 08Age of onset and glandular versus complex benign prostatic hyperplasia
    9. 09Vaginal embryology: cloacal partition and paramesonephric fusion
    10. 10Gestation and fetal imaging: event-specific clocks
    11. 11Canine uterine tumours: leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma
  6. 06 Abdomen 11 topics
    Open chapter page
    1. 01Abdominal-wall composition from diaphragm to pelvic canal
    2. 02Diaphragm openings, contents and borders
    3. 03Attachments of the lesser and greater omentum
    4. 04Splenic flow, reserve, RBC filtering and functional pools
    5. 05Canine portal drainage and the variable colic junction
    6. 06Portosystemic shunt signalment, embryology and acquired routes
    7. 07Liver production,functional reserve,resection and coagulation cues
    8. 08Biliary pathway and major/minor duodenal papillae
    9. 09Canine hepatocellular carcinoma:forms,resection and prognosis
    10. 10Pancreatic cells, products, protection and canine ducts
    11. 11Origins of insulinoma and gastrinoma; Whipple and Zollinger–Ellison cues
  7. 07 Surgical Biology 40 topics
    Open chapter page
    1. 01Stem-cell origins and potency
    2. 02Cell-cycle checkpoints
    3. 03Cytokines and inflammatory cells
    4. 04Acute-phase proteins
    5. 05Healing tissue strength
    6. 06Body water, ions and transcellular shifts
    7. 07Crystalloids: composition, tonicity and redistribution
    8. 08Hypertonic saline, maintenance fluids and sodium correction
    9. 09Human albumin in dogs
    10. 10Hydroxyethyl starch
    11. 11Acid-base disorders and compensation
    12. 12Type A and type B lactic acidosis; LDH and concurrent acid load
    13. 13Glucose measurement and Whipple's triad
    14. 14Resting energy and species nutrient requirements
    15. 15Oxygen delivery, extraction and the critical-delivery threshold
    16. 16Mean arterial pressure and its measurement
    17. 17Ischaemia-reperfusion injury
    18. 18Dehydration and blood-loss severity
    19. 19Shock mechanisms and species clues
    20. 20Dehydration fluid plan
    21. 21Compensation in hypovolaemic shock
    22. 22Resuscitation boluses and endpoints
    23. 23CVP and dynamic volume response
    24. 24Blood products and transfusion volumes
    25. 25Transfusion compatibility and adverse reactions
    26. 26Primary haemostasis and endothelial platelet inhibition
    27. 27Secondary haemostasis and laboratory tests
    28. 28Natural anticoagulants and heparin
    29. 29Fibrinolysis, inhibitors and greyhound postoperative bleeding
    30. 30von Willebrand disease
    31. 31Thromboembolism and thromboelastography
    32. 32Disseminated intravascular coagulation
    33. 33Perioperative drugs that impair coagulation
    34. 34Methods of operative bleeding control
    35. 35Direct pressure and tourniquets
    36. 36Mechanical, active and sealant topical agents
    37. 37Temporary occlusion times
    38. 38Surgical-site infection: location, procedure class and risk
    39. 39MDR-1 mutation and drug transport
    40. 40Trazodone
  8. 08 Digestive System 10 topics
    Open chapter page
    1. 01Abdominal arterial supply
    2. 02Swallowing phases and nerves
    3. 03Oesophageal sphincters and blood supply
    4. 04Gastric glands and secretory cells
    5. 05GI and colonic wound healing versus skin
    6. 06Factors affecting GI healing
    7. 07B12 binding and ileal absorption
    8. 08Refeeding syndrome and electrolyte shifts
    9. 09Defecation reflex: pelvic, hypogastric and pudendal nerves
    10. 10Anal and circumanal glands
  9. 09 Endocrine System 6 topics
    Open chapter page
    1. 01Adrenal zones, steroid transport and catecholamines
    2. 02Thyroid and parathyroid vessels, nerves and lymphatics
    3. 03Ectopic thyroid and parathyroid tissue
    4. 04Thyroid and parathyroid hormones
    5. 05Hypercalcaemia: HARDIONS G
    6. 06Thyroid, gastric, parathyroid and adrenal cell map
  10. 10 Anesthesia and Drugs 36 topics
    Open chapter page
    1. 01The anaesthetic triad and plane
    2. 02ASA classification
    3. 03Medical gases and pressure regulation
    4. 04Vaporiser mechanisms and calibration
    5. 05Rebreathing and non-rebreathing circuits
    6. 06Ventilator cycling, tidal volume and reservoir bag
    7. 07Inhalant MAC and blood-gas solubility
    8. 08Nociception and pain processing
    9. 09Peripheral and central sensitisation
    10. 10Opioids - mechanisms and drug cues
    11. 11Opioids - seven adverse-effect cues
    12. 12Ketamine
    13. 13Alpha-2 agonists
    14. 14Benzodiazepines
    15. 15Propofol
    16. 16Alfaxalone and etomidate
    17. 17Neuromuscular blockade and reversal
    18. 18Anticholinergics and vagal events
    19. 19Vasoactive and inotropic agents
    20. 20Local anaesthetics: actions, timing, toxicity and epinephrine
    21. 21Brachial plexus block and nerve origins
    22. 22Epidural technique, spread and opioid choice
    23. 23Capnography and evidence of circulation
    24. 24Arterial pressure and organ perfusion
    25. 25Alveolar–arterial oxygen gradient
    26. 26Cheyne-Stokes breathing
    27. 27HCM, DCM and cardiac anaesthesia
    28. 28Hyperthyroid and hypothyroid anaesthesia
    29. 29Hepatic and renal disease
    30. 30Allergic airway disease
    31. 31PDA closure and the Branham reflex
    32. 32Laryngeal examination and doxapram
    33. 33Ophthalmic anaesthesia
    34. 34Caesarean section and neonatal physiology
    35. 35Monro–Kellie, CPP and cerebral haemodynamics
    36. 36Malignant hyperthermia
  11. 11 Ear 4 topics
    Open chapter page
    1. 01Inner ear, balance and hearing
    2. 02Tympanic membrane: structure, self-cleaning and repair
    3. 03TECA: major vessels and nerves
    4. 04TECA postoperative neurological complications
  12. 12 Cardiorespiratory 22 topics
    Open chapter page
    1. 01Vessel branching, veins and vessel walls
    2. 02Lung lobes, rib neurovascular bundle and pulmonary vessel positions
    3. 03Aortic arch branches and thoracic venous return
    4. 04Muscles of inspiration and expiration
    5. 05Recoil, surfactant and airway resistance
    6. 06Control of alveolar ventilation
    7. 07Lung volumes and functional residual capacity
    8. 08Oxygen diffusion, content and unloading
    9. 09Hypoxemia, VQ and oxygen response
    10. 10Pleural pressure gradients and effusion
    11. 11Pleural fluid, pressure, cardiac output and the source Starling model
    12. 12Head and neck lymphatics and the thoracic duct
    13. 13Thoracic lymphatic drainage
    14. 14Pressure-volume loops and the Frank-Starling principle
    15. 15ECG in relation to pressure volume loop
    16. 16Heart-failure compensation and the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system
    17. 17Bernoulli, stenosis and VSD
    18. 18How pimobendan works
    19. 19Pericardial volume and cardiac tamponade
    20. 20physiology behind pulsus paradoxus
    21. 21Aortic body tumours and pericardiectomy
    22. 22Tracheal anastomosis: tension, age and healing
  13. 13 Neurosurgery 21 topics
    Open chapter page
    1. 01Grey and white matter, falx and tentorium
    2. 02Brain regions and cerebral connections
    3. 03Meninges, CSF and hydrocephalus
    4. 04Cranial nerves: modality and brain regions
    5. 05Cranial nerve exits and the alar-foramen correction
    6. 06Trigeminal and facial nerve functions
    7. 07Horner syndrome, strabismus, nystagmus and PLR
    8. 08Spinal reflex segments and reliability
    9. 09Cutaneous nerve territories and sciatic injury
    10. 10Postural reactions: pathways and interpretation
    11. 11Imaging - spatial resolution and MRI versus CT
    12. 12CT Hounsfield units and MRI signal cues
    13. 13The blood–brain barrier and antibiotic entry
    14. 14Cerebral blood flow, CPP and Cushing’s reflex
    15. 15Cerebral oxygen requirement
    16. 16Type I and II IVDD - mechanisms and historical limits
    17. 17Cervical spondylomyelopathy - osseous and disc-associated patterns
    18. 18Primary and secondary CNS injury
    19. 19Secondary CNS injury: cellular mechanisms
    20. 20Why action potentials normally travel forwards
    21. 21Gate-control theory
  14. 14 Head and Neck 7 topics
    Open chapter page
    1. 01Alar folds, nasal movement and olfaction
    2. 02Salivary gland openings and secretion
    3. 03Oral blood supply and regional blocks
    4. 04Laryngeal cartilages — source views, attachments and species differences
    5. 05Extrinsic laryngeal muscles
    6. 06Intrinsic laryngeal muscles and glottic closure
    7. 07Intrinsic laryngeal innervation
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