Simini Boards Cast

In this BoardsCast episode, we confront the deadly paradox at the heart of diaphragmatic hernia surgery: Sometimes the repair is successful… and the patient still dies. Using Tobias Chapter 85 – Diaphragmatic Hernias as our guide, we break down the physiologic traps that occur after the diaphragm is closed — when shifting organs, changing pressures, and fragile cardiopulmonary dynamics push the pa...

In this episode of BoardsCast , we begin our exploration of Tobias Chapter 84 – Abdominal Wall Reconstruction and Hernias , reframing one of the most misunderstood principles in soft tissue surgery: The abdominal wall doesn’t fail because the surgeon can’t close it.  It fails because the tissues cannot withstand the tension being placed on them. This episode breaks down the biomechanics, anatomy,...

In this episode of BoardsCast , we continue our walk through Tobias Chapter 84 – Abdominal Wall Reconstruction and Hernias by breaking down the three major hernia categories surgeons must recognize immediately: congenital, traumatic, and incisional. Each looks different, each behaves differently — but all follow the same biomechanical rules : Defect size, tension forces, and tissue quality determi...

In this BoardsCast episode, we dive into Chapter 84 of Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) to tackle one of the most deceptively simple decisions in abdominal wall reconstruction: Can you actually close this primarily… or are you lying to yourself? When tension is high, tissue is weak, infection is present, or the defect is biomechanically doomed, primary closure becomes the wrong...

In this episode of BoardsCast , we stay inside T obias Chapter 84 – Abdominal Wall Reconstruction and Hernias , focusing on the high-risk abdominal wall: the contaminated, infected, or downright dirty abdomen. Even flawless surgical technique can fail if the biology is wrong — and in a contaminated abdomen, biology is working against you. This episode explains why abdominal wall repairs break down...

In this BoardsCast episode, we complete our exploration of T obias Chapter 84 – Abdominal Wall Reconstruction and Hernias by focusing on the surgical environment every clinician fears: the contaminated or infected abdomen . Even the most technically flawless repair can fail when the underlying biology is hostile. This episode explains why contaminated fields undermine tension, sutures, mesh, and m...

In this BoardsCast episode, we open Chapter 83 of Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) and tackle one of the most misunderstood organs in small-animal surgery: the spleen .   The spleen is rarely the true problem — it’s the manifestation of a systemic, vascular, or hematologic process. This episode breaks down why. You’ll learn: How splenic anatomy and blood flow shape its disease p...

In Part B of our Chapter 83 series from Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) , we step into one of the most anxiety-provoking topics in small animal surgery: splenic masses . Are they benign? Malignant? Hemangiosarcoma hiding inside a hematoma? Or is the spleen simply lying to you? This episode cuts through the confusion with a structured, surgeon-focused approach to diagnosing and...

In this episode of BoardsCast , we continue our deep dive into Tobias Chapter 83 – The Spleen , shifting our focus to the dog who arrives pale, weak, tachycardic, and bleeding into the abdomen. Splenic rupture and hemoperitoneum are emergencies, but not all bleeding dogs are the same, and not all of them should go straight to surgery. You’ll learn: The difference between traumatic vs spontaneous s...

In Part D of our Tobias Chapter 83 – Spleen series, we tackle one of the most essential surgical decisions in splenic disease: When should you perform a partial splenectomy vs a total splenectomy? The spleen is forgiving, redundant, and biologically fascinating — but your surgical strategy must match the underlying pathology. You’ll learn: The physiologic consequences of removing vs preserving spl...

In this BoardsCast episode, we tackle one of the most dangerous — and least discussed — realities in small-animal soft tissue surgery: many splenectomy patients don’t die from the spleen… they die from what happens after the spleen is removed. Using Tobias Chapter 83 – Spleen as our framework, we break down the physiologic traps, hemodynamic crashes, and decision-making failures that turn an appar...

In this BoardsCast episode, we take the mystery out of neuro exams and replace it with clarity, confidence, and an efficient plan. Using Chapter 26 from Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) as our framework, this is your crash course in rapid neurologic evaluation and spinal cord localization — designed for surgeons, not neurologists. You’ll learn: How to perform a focused neuro exa...

In this BoardsCast episode , we continue our neurology fundamentals series by diving into one of the most powerful — and testable — distinctions in neuroanatomy: upper motor neuron (UMN) vs. lower motor neuron (LMN) dysfunction. Using Chapter 26 of Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) as our anchor, we break down how this single split explains tone, reflexes, gait, and prognosis. Yo...

 In this BoardsCast episode, we take the “UMN vs LMN” framework from Part B and apply it to the four major spinal cord regions surgeons must localize instantly. Using Chapter 26 of Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) , we translate the entire spinal cord into four predictable “neuro boxes.” You’ll learn: The hallmark signs of each spinal cord segment How gait, posture, reflexes, an...

In this BoardsCast episode, we wrap up our neuro-localization series by stepping out of the spine and into the brain. Using Chapter 26 of Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) as our guide, we translate neuroanatomy into simple, memorable, boards-ready patterns that distinguish forebrain, brainstem, cerebellar, and vestibular disease at a glance. You’ll learn: The hallmark signs of e...

In this BoardsCast episode, we continue our deep dive into Tobias Chapter 26: Neurologic Examination & Neuroanatomic Diagnosis , focusing on cranial nerve testing and the two most commonly misunderstood neurologic responses: the menace response and the pupillary light reflex (PLR) . These two tests look similar — bright light, hand wave, eyeball reaction — but they assess completely different...

In this BoardsCast episode, we scope our way through the stifle — the most frequently examined joint in small animal arthroscopy. Using Chapter 71 of Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) as our guide, we unpack what’s inside the joint when it’s cruciate-deficient, meniscus-torn, or just plain fogged by fat pad. You’ll learn: Portal placement for optimal scope access Cruciate rupture...

In this BoardsCast episode, we scope into the most mobile — and arguably most misunderstood — joint in small animal orthopedic surgery: the shoulder. With Chapter 71 of Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) as our surgical roadmap, we explore biceps tendon pathology, humeral OCD, and synovitis under the scope. You’ll learn: Portal placement and joint distention techniques specific to...

In this BoardsCast episode, we close out our arthroscopy series by confronting the hard truth: most scope complications aren’t about the joint — they’re about the surgeon. Referencing Chapter 71 from Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) , this episode outlines the five most common — and most avoidable — errors in small animal arthroscopy. You’ll learn: What causes iatrogenic damage...

In this BoardsCast episode, we dive into the essentials of arthroscopy — the minimally invasive approach that allows direct evaluation and treatment of the joint without opening it wide. Built around Chapter 71 of Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed) , this episode connects key anatomic, procedural, and board-relevant principles. You’ll learn: When to scope instead of open — and wha...

In this episode of BoardsCast , we dive deep into the elbow — one of the most complex and commonly scoped joints in small animal orthopedics. Focused on the conditions grouped under “elbow dysplasia,” we examine fragmented coronoid process (FCP), osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD), and elbow incongruency through the lens of Chapter 71 in Tobias & Johnston’s Veterinary Surgery (2nd ed). You’ll lea...

In this BoardsCast episode, we bring structure to the world of external skeletal fixation — exploring how frame design, fixation forces, and biological constraints determine outcomes in fracture repair. Whether you're pinning a toy dog radius or managing a segmental tibial gap, knowing how to build (and when to remove) an ESF makes or breaks the result. You’ll learn: The four core ESF frame t...

In this BoardsCast episode, we tackle one of the most frustrating failures in orthopedic repair — a broken plate. From strain concentration to screw density and fatigue over time, this episode breaks down how good implants go bad and how to prevent it. You’ll learn: The three major reasons why plates fail postoperatively Why implant fatigue is almost always a time + stress equation The role of scr...

In this episode of BoardsCast, we tackle joint infections — when bacteria make their way into the synovial space and trigger one of the most damaging sequelae in orthopedic surgery. From diagnosis to definitive treatment, we walk through how to save the joint — or when to let it go. You’ll learn: How to recognize and confirm septic arthritis What diagnostic tools are reliable (and which aren’t) In...

In this BoardsCast episode, we tackle one of the most challenging conversations in surgery: when to take the limb — and when to fight to save it. Whether you’re dealing with cancer, trauma, or chronic orthopedic failure, limb salvage vs. amputation is about far more than the cut. You’ll learn: The indications and contraindications for limb salvage Key factors influencing functional outcome after a...