Internet Survey of Participant Demographics and Risk Factors for Injury in Competitive Agility Dogs

Objective The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for an agility dog becoming injured during its career. We hypothesized that certain factors involved with the training, competition, age, sex, age of neuter, body condition, and management could be associated with the risk for injury. Study Design The outcome of interest in this cross-sectional survey design was injury versus no injury, and an initial univariable analysis screening was performed. All variables with a p-value of less than 0.20 in univariable analysis were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. Manual backward stepwise removal was performed until remaining variables had a p-value of less than 0.05. Results Five-hundred responses were included in the analysis. In the final multivariable model adjusting for all other variables, breed, age, age at neuter, and level of competition remained associated with injury in the study population. Conclusion These findings support existing literature on the predispositions for injury with certain breeds and competition level. Our study further suggests, however, that there is a need to better understand how health decisions earlier in life may affect the prevalence for injury in the agility competitor, particularly regarding age at neutering and age of the competitor.

Intra-articular Injection of a Dextran Polymer Combined with Antibiotic Medications for Bacterial Infective Arthritis in Dogs: 14 Cases

Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the use of an intra-articular delivery of a dextran polymer (IADP) for bacterial infective arthritis in dogs. Materials and Methods Cases of bacterial infective arthritis treated with IADP were reviewed. Resolution of infection was based on joint fluid cytology. Lameness scores, total nucleated cell counts, and per cent neutrophils were monitored throughout treatment. Results There were 14 dogs included in the study. The stifle was the most commonly affected joint. The median number of injections per dog was 3 with a median of 2 weeks between injections. Amikacin was combined with the dextran polymer in 13 cases and imipenem was used in 1 case. Concurrent oral antimicrobials were used in 12/14 cases, and surgery for infection was performed in 10/14 cases. Cytological evidence of infection resolved in 11/14 cases. Median lameness scores throughout treatment decreased from severe (grade ¾) at initial presentation to mild (grade ¼) at the final recheck. Median total nucleated cell counts and per cent neutrophils decreased from 40,000 white blood cell/µL and 91% to 2,200 white blood cell/µL and 4% respectively. A transient worsening of lameness was the main side effect documented in 5/14 cases. Conclusion Intra-articular dextran polymer combined with antimicrobials was generally well tolerated; however, the efficacy of IADP was unknown in this population since most dogs received concurrent oral antimicrobials and/or surgery.

Spontaneous Regression and Reoccurrence of Osteosarcoma in a Canine Tibia

A 32-month-old female Labrador Retriever mix-breed presented for right pelvic limb lameness with firm swelling on the lateral aspect of the stifle. Radiographs revealed a mass with periosteal elevation along the lateral cortex of the proximal tibia. Histology on a core biopsy sample was diagnostic for osteosarcoma. Surgical treatment was declined. Eight months post diagnosis, the patient was re-evaluated by the primary care veterinarian and had no lameness, pain, or tibial swelling. Sixty-three months later (5.2 years), the patient presented for cranial cruciate ligament ruptures. Radiographs revealed a smooth bony protuberance on the lateral aspect of the right proximal tibia in the area of the previous osteosarcoma. The patient underwent bilateral tibial plateau levelling osteotomies. The surgical recovery was uneventful with normal healing. Twenty-seven months following surgery, the patient returned for painful swelling around the right proximolateral tibia. Radiographs revealed an 8 × 9 cm osteoproliferative and osteolytic lesion of the proximal tibia. Osteosarcoma was confirmed via core biopsy. The bone tumour grew rapidly, and the patient was euthanatized 3 months thereafter. This case report demonstrates the unusual occurrence of an osteosarcoma in a young dog which spontaneously regressed. Ninety months (7.5 years) after clinical resolution of the initial tumour, osteosarcoma formed again in the same location. Lifetime patient monitoring with repeated clinical exams, serial radiographs, and multiple biopsies by the same surgeon, pathologists, and radiologist are unique features of this case report.

Osteopetrosis in a Domestic Shorthair Cat

The purpose of this case report was to describe a cat with generalized bone dysplasia, resembling osteopetrosis and Albers-Schönberg disease in humans. A 1-year-3-month-old, intact male, domestic shorthair cat had a 9-month history of multiple bone fractures without known trauma. Most fractures were treated conservatively and two by osteosynthesis. Bone healing occurred but recurring fractures eventually led to euthanasia. Radiographs, computed tomographic imaging, postmortem analysis and histopathologic examination revealed a generalized increase in bone density and mass with preservation of bone shape, obliteration of the bone marrow cavity and persistence of cartilage and primary trabeculae. Abuse and secondary bone diseases were excluded. History, diagnostic bloodwork, radiographs, computed tomographic imaging and histopathologic examination supported the diagnosis of inherited osteopetrosis and strongly resembled Albers-Schönberg disease in humans. The presence of osteoclasts suggested that the underlying pathology might be found in osteoclast dysfunction, deficient number of osteoclasts, inadequate recruitment of osteoclasts, or other micro environmental changes. In (young) cats that are presented with recurring fractures and the possible suspicion of abuse, inherited osteopetrosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis.

Osteoarticular Infection of the Shoulder Joint Due to Trichophyton Spp. in a Dog

A 10-year-old Labrador Retriever was referred for persistent lameness due to chronic right shoulder pain, unresponsive to various pain management therapies. Radiographs indicated signs of severe degenerative changes in the joint. Synovial fluid analysis was not diagnostic. Septic arthritis was suspected based on computed tomography and clinical signs. Arthroscopy allowed joint exploration, tissue biopsies, and copious joint lavage. Trichophyton spp. proliferation was identified on antimicrobial culture and histological analysis on samples obtained during arthroscopy. Oral griseofulvin therapy was initiated. Two months later, the referring veterinarian decided to interrupt the treatment after a negative synovial culture despite persistent lameness. Euthanasia was elected upon after pain also appeared on the tarsus; a post-mortem exam was not authorized by the owner. The origin of the infection remains unclear as this patient had no skin lesions and its immunological status was unknown. However, dermatophytosis has been reported in healthy dogs without skin lesions. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of an osteoarticular infection with a dermatophyte in a dog.

Treatment of Stifle Joint Luxation in a Cat Using a Temporary Trans-Articular Locking Plate

The aim of this study was to report the surgical treatment of stifle joint luxation through temporary immobilization of the joint with locking plates in a cat. Stifle joint was immobilized using a temporary trans-articular locking plate applied medially. Return to function was assessed by physical and radiographic follow-up examinations. The cat had good return to function despite a reduction in range of motion. Moderate chronic gonarthritis developed, as seen radiographically. Under the limitation of this single case, temporary trans-articular plating may be considered as useful method for the treatment of long-standing, severely displaced stifle joint luxations in cats.

Extradural Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour at T7 Level in a 2-Year-Old Dog

The aim of this report is to describe an unusual localization of nerve sheath tumour (NST), clinical presentation, imaging, surgical management, and outcome in a 2-year-old dog. A 2-year-old female American Staffordshire Terrier presented with nonambulatory paraparesis, thoracolumbar hyperaesthesia, hindlimb hyperreflexia, and mild muscle atrophy. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extradural mass at T7-T8, without vertebral lesions. Surgical treatment consisted in resection of the soft tissue mass through dorsal laminectomy. The dog was ambulatory within 24 hours and free of recurrence at 18 months postoperatively. Histopathologic and features of immunohistochemistry were consistent with NST. The NST of this report was similar to those described before, but exhibited unusual characteristics, such as being extradural, without extension into intervertebral foramina, and being located in an atypical region (T7-T8). Moreover, survival time and relapse-free interval are greater than previously reported for similar cases.

Concomitant Partial Achilles Tendon Rupture and Lateral Luxation of the Superficial Digital Flexor Muscle Tendon in a Dog

The aim of this study was to report a posttraumatic partial Achilles tendon (AT) rupture associated with lateral luxation of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in a Whippet. This article is a brief communication. A Whippet was presented with posttraumatic plantigrade stance and non-load-bearing lameness of the right pelvic limb. The objective findings consisted in partial AT rupture and SDFT lateral luxation. Surgical treatment ensued: tenorrhaphy of the torn tendons and calcaneo-tibial screw insertion for tarsal immobilization, followed by suturing of the SDFT retinaculum. A casting bandage was employed for additional immobilization. Nonetheless, a bandage complication prompted the premature removal of the fixation screw and casting wrap. Complete functional recovery was achieved by the 20th postoperative week. The simultaneous occurrence of SDFT luxation and partial AT tear has not been reported in the literature before. The long-term postoperative functional outcome was highly satisfactory.

Internal Radioulnar Fixation for Treatment of Nonunion of Proximal Radius and Ulna Fractures in a Toy Breed Dog

In this case report, we describe an alternative surgical procedure to treat proximal radius and ulnar nonunion in a toy breed dog. A 14-month-old, Maltese cross-breed dog was referred after previous treatment with external and internal fixation had failed, resulting in a nonunion of a fracture of the proximal radius and ulna with the proximal radius fragment too small and friable to be used for fixation. A craniomedial approach was made to debride the radius nonunion site and a second approach to the lateral aspect of the ulna was made. The fracture was realigned and a titanium locking plate was applied in bridging fashion, fixed to the proximal ulnar fragment with three locking screws in the most proximal plate holes, a fourth screw was inserted in the mid-shaft of the distal ulnar fragment and three locking screws were inserted in the distal most holes of the plate through the distal ulna to engage the distal radial fragment. A recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 2 graft was inserted into the radius and ulna fracture sites. The dog had a successful clinical and radiographic outcome with bridging of the defect 4 weeks postoperatively and complete callus formation 8 weeks postoperatively. Implants have undergone dynamization and then removal. Use of a locking plate as an internal fixator achieving fixation of the proximal ulna and distal radius can be considered an option for the treatment of proximal radioulnar nonunions with a small proximal radial fragment.

Repair of a Divergent Elbow Dislocation with Distal Ulnar Fracture in a Dog Using TightRope and External Skeletal Fixation

The aim of this study was to report the outcome in a 6-year-old male English Setter dog that suffered a combination of divergent elbow dislocation and open distal ulnar fracture. This study is a case report. After surgical reduction in the elbow luxation, the dog was treated with the TightRope fixation system used as replacement of the lateral collateral ligament, a radioulnar positional screw, and external skeletal fixation. Removal of all implants was performed 3 months postoperatively. The 6-month follow-up visit found the dog without lameness, displaying normal activity, and with normal elbow range of motion and normal Campbell's test. Successful surgical management was achieved with good long-term results using TightRope, a positional screw, and an external skeletal fixator.