Bilateral ceratohyoidectomy for the resolution of clinical signs associated with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy

Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) is a progressive bilateral disease of unknown aetiology that most commonly affects adult horses. Irrespective of aetiology, THO frequently results in pain or fracture of the petrous temporal bone during normal movement of the tongue and larynx. In an effort to decrease pain and reduce the likelihood of petrous temporal bone fracture, partial stylohyoidectomy and ceratohyoidectomy have been developed. Serious complications have been reported following stylohyoidectomy and therefore the current recommendation is to perform unilateral ceratohyoidectomy. Benefits of ceratohyoidectomy include a lower risk of vascular and nerve damage and a reduced risk of clinical signs recurrence when compared with stylohyoidectomy. This report describes a case of THO in which clinical signs recurred approximately 2 years after unilateral ceratohyoidectomy was performed. Due to this complication, resection of the contralateral ceratohyoid bone was performed, which resulted in complete resolution of clinical signs. Although the clinical signs are frequently unilateral, the disease is most commonly a progressive bilateral condition and some horses may not have complete resolution of clinical signs when unilateral ceratohyoidectomy is performed. Therefore, if clinical signs persist after unilateral ceratohyoidectomy, a therapeutic consideration should include bilateral ceratohyoidectomy. This report suggests a favourable short‐term prognosis for a horse treated with bilateral ceratohyoidectomy.     

Intermittent gastroesophageal intussusception in a cat with idiopathic megaesophagus

An adult female domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for chronic upper respiratory disease and vomiting. A diagnosis of idiopathic megaesophagus with intermittent gastroesophageal intussusception (GEI) was made based on radiographic and endoscopic examinations. The GEI was manually reduced by use of a stomach tube during the endoscopic procedure. An incisional gastropexy was performed to prevent recurrence. Gastroesophageal intussusception is a rare condition in cats. In dogs it is usually associated with rapid progression of clinical signs, culminating in death. In this cat, the condition was associated with chronic signs, probably due to the intermittent nature of the GEI.     

Clinical evaluation of 1% cyclosporine for topical treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a prevalent and often vision-threatening condition in dogs. In several reports, 2% cyclosporine (cyclosporin A, CsA) was described as effective in modulating the clinical signs of KCS. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of 1% CsA vs a placebo, using a randomized double-blind clinical trial. Topical administration of 1% CsA significantly improved Schirmer wetting values and subjective markers of corneal health as compared with the placebo. In the dogs treated with topical administration of 1% CsA, the clinical signs of KCS were improved in 81.8% of cases.     

Elbow lameness in the young dog caused by a sesamoidal fragment

Intermittent lameness in 8 dogs was attributed to a sesamoidal fragment in the elbow joint. The clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of the condition are described.     

Yolk coelomitis in a white-throated monitor lizard (Varanus albigularis)

Yolk coelomitis as a result of pre-ovulatory follicular stasis is a common disorder in captive reptiles, especially in captive lizards of various genera. The clinical signs are generally fairly non-specific and diagnosis is based on clinical signs together with most of the common diagnostic modalities. The condition is most likely a husbandry and environment-related reproductive disorder. It has not been reported in wild free-living specimens. This report describes the clinical presentation and post mortem lesions in a white-throated monitor lizard that died during treatment for non-specific clinical signs related to a severe yolk coelomitis.     

Tracheitis associated with Bordetella bronchiseptica in a polar bear (Ursus maritimus).

A male polar bear (Ursus maritimus) was diagnosed with tracheitis associated with Bordetella bronchiseptica that was cultured from an endotracheal sample of thick mucopurulent exudate. The condition responded to oral amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and clinical signs of inappetence, depression, dysphagia, and tussis were resolved. One week after this presentation, a female conspecific presented with similar clinical signs, suggesting a transmissible nature of the disease or the same source of infection. The source of infection remains unknown.     

Detection and clinical evolution of scrapie in sheep by 3rd eyelid biopsy

The goal of this article was to characterize the clinical evolution of scrapie in naturally affected sheep. Eighteen sheep with scrapie diagnosed by examination of 3rd eyelid biopsy and 12 control ewes were studied throughout the duration of their disease. Diagnosis was confirmed postmortem by histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and Western blot analysis of nervous tissue. Complete clinical examinations were performed every 2 weeks for each animal, of which 3 clinical examinations per animal are reported. Those clinical signs that showed a significant frequency within the corresponding clinical examination were considered representative of each stage of the disease (ie, early, middle, and late). The representative clinical signs for the early stage were hypoesthesia in the limbs, alteration of mental status, and a body condition score <3. Remarkably, hypoesthesia in the limbs was one of the 1st signs appearing during the early clinical stage in the affected animals, even before the appearance of other signs. For the middle stage, representative signs were the same as those for the early stage, together with hyporreflexia in the limbs, cardiac arrhythmia, pruritus/wool loss, and the appearance of the nibbling reflex. Representative clinical signs for the late stage were the same as those for the early and middle stage, together with head tremors, hyperexcitability to external stimuli, ataxia or gait abnormalities, and teeth grinding. On the basis of these results, we propose the calculation of an objective clinical index that allows the differentiation among clinical stages and that could be useful for further studies. The usefulness of 3rd eyelid lymphoid tissue biopsies for sequential clinical studies in naturally scrapie-affected sheep is demonstrated.     

Pathogenicity of field isolants of hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus for neonatal pigs.

The pathogenicity of hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus isolated from the brain of each of 5 pigs with clinical signs and microscopic lesions of encephalomyelitis (1 pig from each of 5 naturally infected herbs) was tested under experimental conditions. Each isolant was administered intranasally to 5 neonatal pigs. Clinically affected pigs developed either an acute or chronic form of illness, commencing 4 to 8 days after exposure. Listless, inappetence, and vomiting were clinical signs common to both forms. Additional signs of the acute form were paddling, muscle tremors, and hyperesthesia. Additional signs of the chronic form were loss of condition and either loss of weight or failure to gain weight at a rate similar to nonaffected littermates.     

Coccidiosis Caused by Isospora ohioensis-like Organisms in Three Dogs

Three dogs with atypical coccidiosis are described. The age and clinical signs were not those normally associated with coccidiosis described in the literature. The ages of the three dogs were twenty-two months, five months and twelve weeks respectively. The clinical signs were recurrent mild to severe diarrhea, depressed growth and poor body condition. Repeated fecal examinations were needed to diagnose the disease. Sulfamethazine and amprolium were used successfully in treating the condition in all cases.     

Short-Bowel Syndrome in Four Dogs

Short bowel syndrome occurred in four dogs after extensive (74% to 88%) small intestinal resection. Weight loss and diarrhea were the principal clinical signs. Treatment was based on the severity of clinical signs. One dog is alive after 27 months. Three dogs died within 3 months. The prognosis depends on the extent and site of resection, degree of intestinal adaptation, preoperative condition, and postoperative care.     

Cerebellar abiotrophy

Cerebellar abiotrophy is a degenerative condition of Arabian horses that produces signs of head tremors and ataxia. Affected foals demonstrate clinical signs between the time of birth and 6 months of age. The condition is untreatable, although some animals have reportedly improved to varying degrees. The disease is believed to be inherited; however, definitive evidence is lacking at this time.     

Effect of weight reduction on clinical signs of lameness in dogs with hip osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of weight reduction on clinical signs of lameness among overweight dogs with clinical and radiographic signs of hip osteoarthritis. DESIGN: Nonblinded prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: 9 client-owned dogs with radiographic signs of hip osteoarthritis that weighed 11 to 12% greater than their ideal body weight and were examined because of hind limb lameness. PROCEDURE: Dogs were weighed, and baseline body condition, hind limb lameness, and hip function scores were assigned. Severity of lameness was scored using a numerical rating scale and a visual analogue scale. Dogs were fed a restricted-calorie diet, with amount of diet fed calculated to provide 60% of the calories needed to maintain the dogs' current weights. Evaluations were repeated midway through and at the end of the weight-loss period. RESULTS: Dogs lost between 11 and 18% of initial body weight. Body weight, body condition score, and severity of hind limb lameness were all significantly decreased at the end of the weight-loss period. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that in overweight dogs with hind limb lameness secondary to hip osteoarthritis, weight reduction alone may result in a substantial improvement in clinical lameness.     

Norwich terriers possess a greater vertebral heart scale than the canine reference value

Previous studies have demonstrated evidence that normal reference ranges for radiographic vertebral heart scale values can vary among dog breeds. The purpose of this retrospective, observational study was to determine whether the normal vertebral heart scale values published by Buchanan and Bücheler for lateral radiographs are applicable to the Norwich terrier. Secondary objectives were to determine if clinical signs of respiratory disease, age, sex, weight, body condition score, recumbency, or thoracic depth‐to‐width ratio had any influence on vertebral heart scale measurements in this breed. The electronic medical record systems of two universities were reviewed and Norwich terriers were included in the study if they had orthogonal thoracic radiographs performed and no historical or radiographic evidence of cardiopulmonary disease. A vertebral heart scale was calculated for each patient. Sixty‐one client‐owned, Norwich terrier dogs with no clinical signs of cardiovascular disease were evaluated. The vertebral heart scale for Norwich terriers without evidence of cardiac disease (10.6 ± 0.6) was found to be significantly greater than the canine reference value of 9.7 ± 0.5 initially established by Buchanan and Bücheler. No significant correlation was found between clinical signs of respiratory disease, sex, age, thoracic depth‐to‐width ratio or lateral recumbency, and vertebral heart scale. Norwich terriers with a body condition score ≥6 had a significantly higher vertebral heart scale than those with a body condition score ≤5. Breed‐specific ranges and body condition scores need to be considered when interpreting vertebral heart scale values for Norwich terriers.     

Myotonia in a chow chow

Congenital myotonia was diagnosed in an inbred Chow Chow pup with severe muscle stiffness that regressed with exercise. Voluntary movement, percussion, or needle insertion caused sustained contraction of the muscles involved. Electromyographic recordings from several muscles contained myotonic discharges. Creatine kinase activity was mildly increased. Slight myofiber hypertrophy and a few atrophic fibers were seen in muscle biopsy specimens. Treatment of the pup with procainamide caused a marked decrease in clinical signs. Myotonia congenita in the Chow Chow appears to be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. This condition can be diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs. Satisfactory clinical management of myotonia congenita can be achieved with procainamide.     

Congenital portosystemic shunts in the cat: A report of nine cases

The clinical features, diagnosis, management and outcome of nine cases of congenital portosystemic shunt in the cat are reported. Neurological signs associated with hepatic encephalopathy and ptyalism were the main clinical signs. Six cases were presented as kittens less than six months of age and the remaining three cases were presented as adults, although in one of these signs were first noted at eight to 12 weeks of age. Fasting hyperammo-naemia was the only consistent abnormal biochemical finding. Medical management was instituted in all cases and surgical partial ligation was later performed in four with recanalisation of the ligated vessel occurring in three cases. The condition in the cat is compared and contrasted with that in the dog.     

Concurrent diabetes mellitus and hypoadrenocorticism in the dog: Diagnosis and management of eight cases

Eight cases of concurrent diabetes mellitus and hyperadrenocorticism are described. In all but one dog diabetes mellitus was the first condition recognised and, in these, clinical signs attributable to hyperadrenocorticism developed further while the dogs received replacement insulin therapy. The most common signs were resistance to exogenous insulin with daily insulin replacement dosage requirements exceeding 2 iu/kg, erratic insulin requirements, continuing polydipsia/polyuria and weight loss. Lethargy and muscle weakness were variable and dermatological abnormalities were present in only four cases. Six dogs were treated with op'DDD and clinical signs resolved with improvement of glycaemic control.     

Nodular granulomatous episclerokeratitis in dogs: 19 cases (1973-1985)

We examined the age and breed prevalence and the response to treatment of 19 dogs with nodular granulomatous episclerokeratitis. Biopsy specimens were evaluated to determine the histologic characteristics of the lesions. In these dogs, this disorder was an idiopathic, bilateral disease characterized histologically by the presence of chronic granulomatous inflammation and reticulin fiber formation. The onset of clinical signs developed predominantly in young to middle-aged Collies, with a slow progression and benign clinical course. With treatment, the condition rarely threatened vision and was controlled easily with azathioprine (2 mg/kg) and/or corticosteroid. The dose of immunosuppressive drug was tapered to allow for minimal systemic effects and continued remission of clinical signs. The response to treatment was highly variable.     

Hematology and some blood chemical parameters as a function of tick-borne disease (TBD) signs in horses

Two statements provide the context within which this investigation was carried out: (i) Apulia is an enzootic region for tick-borne diseases (TBD); (ii) the principles of enzootic stability and the study of resilient/resistant breeds are among the tools for future pest control strategies. Thus, a trial protocol was established to check the amount of variation in hematologic and biochemical parameters serving as a function of TBD signs in resilient horses. Blood samples were collected from 109 horses belonging to the Apulian native Murgese breed. Hematologic and biochemical parameters were screened and microscopic search for the parasites in the red cells was performed. Differences in clinical manifestations and hematological and biochemical responses were recorded. The following disease classification was used: infection-free horses (class 0), infected horses (presence of Theileria equi and/or Babesia spp in the red cells) without clinical signs (class 1), and horses suffering from clinical disease (class 2). Seventy-one horses (65.1%) showed no TBD signs; hemoparasites were found in 38 horses (34.9%), of which only five (4.6%) showed clinical signs. A significant decreasing trend was shown from class 0 to class 2, where animals with clinical signs presented highly reduced values of some relevant blood parameters. The similarity of the blood values of class 0 and 1 animals is the most striking result of this work and calls for more extensive, detailed research into the mechanisms through which infected horses with no clinical signs of disease can cope with the condition.     

Choanal atresia in a Himalayan cat--first reported case and successful treatment

A 2-year-old Himalayan cat was presented for investigation of chronic, persistent, unilateral nasal discharge that was unresponsive to antibiotics. Unilateral choanal atresia was diagnosed on nasopharyngoscopy. Following surgical repair using the transnasal route and temporary stenting all clinical signs resolved. This is the first reported case of choanal atresia in a cat. It serves to alert practitioners to the occurrence of this unusual condition which should be included in the differential diagnoses of upper respiratory tract signs in young cats.     

Tick toxicity in cats caused by Ixodes species in Australia: a review of published literature

Tick toxicity in cats caused by Ixodes holocyclus and related species is a common medical condition on the east coast of Australia. Intoxication typically causes a flaccid ascending neuromuscular paralysis and clinical signs can include anxiety, dysphonia, hind limb weakness and/or ataxia, pupillary dilation, respiratory signs and possible bladder voiding dysfunction. Diagnosis is made with a combination of appropriate clinical signs and visualisation of tick(s) on a thorough body search. Cases are classified clinically using a scoring system, which grades neuromuscular weakness and respiratory compromise. The mainstays of treatment are tick removal, administration of tick antitoxin serum and intensive supportive care. Given a prompt and appropriate management regimen, prognosis is good, according to available literature. Most of the literature concerning tick toxicity in cats is anecdotal in nature and an evidence-based review of what is known of this condition has not previously been published.