Successful Outpatient Management of Severe Ionized Hypercalcemia Secondary to Cholecalciferol Ingestion in a Puppy

ABSTRACT A 4 mo old female intact boxer was presented because of polyuria, lethargy, and vomiting after ingestion of cholecalciferol rodenticide roughly 3 days prior. Blood work revealed an ionized hypercalcemia 2.23 mmol/L (reference range 1.04–1.33 mmol/L) on presentation. Because of financial limitations, the patient was unable to be hospitalized for standard of care. She was treated with a pamidronate infusion and discharged with medical management to include oral prednisone, furosemide, and subcutaneous fluids. The dog’s signs, body weight, and biochemical parameters were serially monitored over 3 wk as the ionized hypercalcemia resolved. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first published report documenting a successful outpatient medical protocol for potentially life-threatening hypercalcemia secondary to cholecalciferol toxicosis in a puppy.

Management of Canine Y-T Humeral Fractures Using Titanium Polyaxial Locking Plates in 17 Dogs

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to document the short- and medium-to-long-term outcomes and complication rates of Y-T humeral condylar fractures fixed using titanium polyaxial locking plate (T-PLP). A retrospective review was performed of the medical records and radiographs of dogs with a Y-T humeral condylar fracture treated with T-PLP at a single veterinary referral center (2012–2018). Seventeen cases met the inclusion criteria. Medium- to long-term follow-up (.6 mo) information was derived using the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire. Recorded complications were catastrophic (1/17) and minor (2/17). Gait at 10–12 wk following surgery was subjectively assessed as good or excellent for 13 cases. Radiographic bone union was achieved in 7/12 cases at 4–6 wk. LOAD scores obtained a mean of 15 mo (range 6–29 mo) following surgery and indicated no or mild impairment in 15/16 and moderate functional impairment in 1. The application of T-PLP for the treatment of Y-T humeral condylar fractures resulted in adequate stabilization allowing successful fracture healing and medium- to long-term outcomes comparable to previous reports. According to results of LOAD testing, the medium- to long-term follow-up suggests that clients were aware of mild to moderate functional impairment in all cases.

Successful Nonsurgical Management of a Traumatic Dens Fracture in a Cat with Clinical and Radiographic Resolution

ABSTRACT An adult domestic shorthair presented with obtundation, vestibular ataxia, head tilt, and visible evidence of facial injury following motor vehicle trauma. Plain radiographs and computed tomography imaging revealed a complete minimally displaced transverse fracture of the caudal aspect of the dens of the C2 vertebra and multiple minimally displaced cranial fractures. The dens fracture was managed with 8 wk of strict rest, followed by 4 wk of supervised activity at home. No external immobilization was performed. Neurological examinations at 8 days, 10 wk, and 9 mo following initial presentation were normal. Repeat radiographic and computed tomography examinations at 10 wk and 9 mo following the traumatic event demonstrated progressive and eventual complete osseous union of the fractured dens. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of successful nonsurgical management of a traumatic dens fracture in an adult cat with documented radiographic and clinical resolution. This report suggests that nonsurgical management can be considered in such cats and that complete resolution with osseous union is feasible.

Parotid Salivary Gland Extramedullary Plasmacytoma with Local Lymph Node Metastasis in a Dog

ABSTRACT A 12 yr old spayed female mixed-breed dog presented for evaluation of a recurrent soft-tissue sarcoma. On physical examination, a firm mass was palpated ventral to the left ramus of the mandible. A fine-needle aspirate of the mass was suggestive of a round-cell neoplasm. A complete blood count, serum biochemical profile, and an abdominal ultrasound with liver and splenic aspirates were performed, and no clinically relevant abnormalities were identified. Advanced imaging of the skull identified an enlarged parotid salivary gland and an enlarged ipsilateral medial retropharyngeal lymph node. The medial retropharyngeal lymph node was sampled via fine-needle aspiration, and a round-cell population similar to what was present in the mass was identified. An incisional biopsy was performed under general anesthesia, which yielded a diagnosis of salivary gland extramedullary plasmacytoma, confirmed with immunohistochemistry (MUM-1). The parotid salivary gland and medial retropharyngeal lymph node were then surgically excised, and metastasis to the lymph node was confirmed by histopathology. The dog remained alive for 685 days after surgery until she was euthanized for hindlimb paresis of undetermined cause.

Presample Volume Necessary to Obtain Accurate Laboratory Parameters from Central Venous Catheters in Dogs

ABSTRACT We compared laboratory parameters from central venous catheters using multiple presample volumes (PSVs) to venipuncture values. Blood was obtained from dogs for a venous blood gas, packed red blood cell volume (PCV), total solids (TS), and a coagulation panel. Blood was drawn both by venipuncture and from the catheter (using PSVs 300%, 600%, and 1200% of the dead space volume). Twenty dogs were enrolled. Venipuncture values were significantly higher than those obtained from the catheter for PCV (300% [P = .007], 600% [P = .005], and 1200% [P = .02]), TS (300% [P = .006] and 600% [P = .04]), and lactate (600% [P = .04] and 1200% [P = .01]). Venipuncture values were significantly lower than those obtained from a catheter for pH (1200% [P = .008]) and chloride (300% [P = .04], 600% [P = .003], and 1200% [P = .03]). An increase was found in prothrombin time in samples drawn with 600% PSV compared with 1200% (P = .008). The PCV and TS are diluted when smaller PSVs are used. A 1200% PSV best approximated the PCV and TS obtained by venipuncture. A 300% PSV may be adequate to evaluate coagulation and venous blood gas values.

Unilateral Laryngeal Paralysis Secondary to Otitis Media/Interna in Two Cats

ABSTRACT Two adult cats were presented for coughing, gagging, dysphonia, exaggerated swallowing attempts, unilateral vestibular dysfunction, and/or Horner syndrome. In both cats, unilateral laryngeal paralysis was identified on the side ipsilateral to other neurological deficits. Cross-sectional imaging was consistent with otitis media/interna. In both cats, there also was extensive cellulitis surrounding the tympanic bulla and dissecting through tissue planes to involve the opening of the tympano-occipital fissure on the side ipsilateral to the laryngeal paralysis. Laryngeal paralysis was presumed secondary to involvement of the vagus nerve as it emerged from the tympano-occipital fissure. Antibiotic therapy resulted in resolution of clinical signs in both cats and restored laryngeal function as evidenced by visual examination of the larynx in one cat.

Canine Intrapelvic Hemangiosarcoma in 12 Dogs (2000–2019): a Retrospective Case Series

ABSTRACT Intrapelvic hemangiosarcoma (IP HSA) is an uncommon primary location of canine HSA, and its presentation appears to be different than that of other intra-abdominal HSA locations. The objectives of this study were to report on the clinical presentation, diagnostic options, and clinical outcomes of dogs with IP HSA. Medical records from two veterinary teaching hospitals between 2000 and 2019 were reviewed for dogs diagnosed with IP HSA. Inclusion criteria consisted of a cytologic or histopathologic diagnosis of HSA from a mass arising from the muscles of the pelvic canal. Exclusion criteria included masses arising from organs within the pelvic canal, including the urethra, prostate, and urinary bladder. Twelve dogs were ultimately included in the study. Clinical presentation of IP HSA was varied, with clinical signs including hindlimb lameness, urethral obstruction, and evidence of hemoperitoneum. The median progression free survival was 92 days (range: 1–1057 days). The overall survival time was 165 days (range: 1–1170 days). IP HSA is an underreported location of canine HSA with similar biologic behavior and outcome compared with visceral HSA. It serves as an important differential in patients presenting with new-onset lameness and urethral obstruction.

2021 AAHA Working, Assistance, and Therapy Dog Guidelines

ABSTRACT The guidelines are the first comprehensive consensus report on veterinary healthcare recommendations for working, assistance, and therapy dogs. This category of canine patients includes a broad assortment of animals, some with well-defined functions and others that provide a more generalized support role. The guidelines discuss recommendations for dogs trained for protection, odor/scent detection, service functions for people with diagnosed disabilities or physical limitations, emotional support, and therapeutic intervention. Although the term is often used to describe dogs providing animal-assisted activities, true therapy dogs provide goal-directed therapy, often under the supervision of a healthcare professional such as an occupational therapist or psychologist. Many working dogs undergo extensive training and have rigorous physical demands placed upon them. These factors make working, assistance, and therapy dogs inherently valuable and impose a need for a high level of primary veterinary care as described in the guidelines. Because working dogs have a particularly close relationship with their handlers, a trust relationship between the practice team and the working-dog client is imperative.

Electrolyte Derangements, Hyperlactatemia, and Cardiac Abnormalities Secondary to Refeeding in Three Dogs: Case Report

ABSTRACT Three dogs that presented to the emergency service in severely emaciated body conditions were admitted to the hospital for monitoring and refeeding. During their hospitalization, all three dogs developed electrolyte derangements or required supplementation to prevent hypophosphatemia and hypomagnesemia. Additionally, all dogs developed hyperlactatemia, which was suspected to be secondary to thiamine deficiency. Two dogs were reported to have cardiac abnormalities, including cardiac arrhythmias, systolic dysfunction, and spontaneous echogenic contrast. These cases highlight the complexity of refeeding syndrome and its associated complications that extend beyond electrolyte deficiencies.

Cranial Mediastinal Thyroglossal Duct Adenocarcinoma in a Dog

ABSTRACT A 7 yr old female spayed Canaan dog was presented for evaluation of a subclinical intrathoracic mass noted during meta-static staging for a digit and lingual mass. Thoracic ultrasound and computed tomography revealed a 6.0 × 5.5 cm mass within the cranial mediastinum. The mass was septated with mixed fluid and soft-tissue structures and no evidence of vascular invasion. Narrow excision of the mass via a sternal thoracotomy was performed. Histopathology of the mass was consistent with a thyroglossal duct cyst adenocarcinoma. This is the first reported case of a thyroglossal duct cyst adenocarcinoma arising in the cranial mediastinum of a dog. There was no evidence of metastasis or recurrence 25 mo after surgery and adjunctive therapy.