Ultrasonographic abnormalities in eyes with traumatic hyphema obscuring intraocular structures: 33 cases (1991–2002)

Objective: To examine ultrasonographic abnormalities in eyes with traumatic hyphema obscuring intraocular structures.
Design: Retrospective clinical study.
Setting: The ophthalmology services of a private practice and university veterinary teaching hospital.
Animals: Twenty-two dogs, 6 cats, 3 horses, and 2 birds.
Measurements and main results: Medical records were reviewed for signalment, history, ophthalmic examination, ultrasonographic findings, treatment, and outcome in all patients that presented to the ophthalmology service with trauma-induced hyphema obscuring intraocular structures. Thirty-three patients were included and there were 35 affected eyes (17 left and 18 right). Abnormalities noted on ophthalmic examination included hyphema obscuring intraocular details beyond the iris (100%), corneal laceration (23%), iris prolapse (23%), fibrin clotting within the anterior chamber (17%), and subconjunctival and periocular bruising (17%). Ocular ultrasonography revealed the presence of either vitreous hemorrhage or a retinal detachment in 32 of 35 eyes (91%) with traumatic hyphema. Of the remaining 3 eyes, ocular ultrasonography revealed a lens luxation with posterior eye wall rupture in 1 eye and collapsed globes in the other 2 eyes. Twelve eyes were enucleated and 23 were treated medically. Ten of the medically treated eyes were lost to follow-up. Blindness was noted in all the affected eyes upon their final discharge and recheck examination.
Conclusions: Ocular ultrasonography revealed vitreous hemorrhage or a retinal detachment in 32 eyes (91%) with traumatic hyphema. Blindness was noted on the last available examination of every eye. The prognosis for vision in an eye with traumatic hyphema obscuring intraocular detail is poor.     

Clinical and neurological characteristics of aortic thromboembolism in dogs

OBJECTIVES: To characterise the clinical presentation and neurological abnormalities in dogs affected by aortic thromboembolism. METHODS: The medical records of 13 dogs diagnosed with aortic thromboembolism as the cause of the clinical signs, and where a complete neurological examination was performed, were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The onset was acute in only four dogs, chronic in five dogs (with all of these presenting as exercise intolerance) or chronic with acute deterioration in four dogs. Dogs with an acute onset of clinical signs were more severely affected exhibiting neurological deficits, while dogs with a chronic onset of disease predominantly presented with the exercise intolerance and minimal deficits. The locomotor deficits included exercise intolerance with pelvic limb weakness (five of 13), pelvic limb ataxia (one of 13), monoparesis (two of 13), paraparesis (two of 13), non-ambulatory paraparesis (two of 13) and paraplegia (one of 13). There was an apparent male predisposition and the cavalier King charles spaniel was overrepresented. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The rate of onset of clinical signs appears to segregate dogs affected by aortic thromboembolism into two groups, with different clinical characteristics and outcomes. Dogs with an acute onset of the clinical signs tend to be more severely affected, while dogs with a chronic onset predominantly present with exercise intolerance. It is therefore important to consider aortic thromboembolism as a differential diagnosis in dogs with an acute onset of pelvic limb neurological deficits and in dogs with longer standing exercise intolerance.     

Canine histiocytic ulcerative colitis

Objective To assess prevalence, breed predilection, response to therapy and prognosis of canine histiocytic ulcerative colitis (CHUC).
Design A retrospective study of cases of CHUC seen at Sydney University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (SUVTH) over a 20-year period (1975 -1994).
Procedure Case records of all dogs in which colitis was suspected were reviewed. Dogs were diagnosed with CHUC based on colonorectal biopsy and histopathological examination.
Results CHUC was diagnosed in 8 of 57 dogs presented for colitis. All affected dogs were Boxers and six were female. Dogs with milder clinical signs showed moderately good response to therapy. Four dogs were still alive 1 to 7 years after diagnosis. Three dogs were euthanased, one for reasons other than CHUC, and one was lost to follow-up.
Conclusions Young boxer dogs with relatively mild signs of CHUC may respond moderately well to medical and dietary therapy with fair prognosis. Euthanasia early in the course of the disease may be unwarranted. Prevalence may be increasing within the SUVTH referral population.     

Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) – a review and proposed strategies toward a better understanding of pathogenesis,early diagnosis,and therapy

Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) is one of the leading causes of currently incurable canine vision loss diagnosed by veterinary ophthalmologists. The disease is characterized by acute onset of blindness due to loss of photoreceptor function, extinguished electroretinogram with an initially normal appearing ocular fundus, and mydriatic pupils which are slowly responsive to bright white light, unresponsive to red, but responsive to blue light stimulation. In addition to blindness, the majority of affected dogs also show systemic abnormalities suggestive of hyperadrenocorticism, such as polyphagia with resulting obesity, polyuria, polydipsia, and a subclinical hepatopathy. The pathogenesis of SARDS is unknown, but neuroendocrine and autoimmune mechanisms have been suggested. Therapies that target these disease pathways have been proposed to reverse or prevent further vision loss in SARDS‐affected dogs, but these treatments are controversial. In November 2014, the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists' Vision for Animals Foundation organized and funded a Think Tank to review the current knowledge and recently proposed ideas about disease mechanisms and treatment of SARDS. These panel discussions resulted in recommendations for future research strategies toward a better understanding of pathogenesis, early diagnosis, and potential therapy for this condition.     

Brucella canis endophthalmitis in 3 dogs: clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment

Objective  To describe historical, clinical and diagnostic features of dogs with Brucella canis endophthalmitis and the response to medical therapy.
Animals studied  Three dogs with naturally acquired B. canis endophthalmitis.
Procedure  Dogs were treated symptomatically with topical ophthalmic anti-inflammatories and a novel antimicrobial protocol that included doxycycline, enrofloxacin, rifampin and streptomycin.
Results  All dogs presented with chronic or recurrent uveitis in the absence of overt systemic disease. Clinical ophthalmologic abnormalities were unilateral in each dog and included mild-to-moderate anterior uveitis, iris hyperpigmentation, marked vitreal infiltrates, and multifocal chorioretinitis. Dogs were diagnosed with canine brucellosis serologically and by blood culture ( n  = 2 dogs) or polymerase chain reaction of aqueous humor and blood ( n  = 1 dog). Active ocular inflammation resolved in all dogs during treatment, with preservation of vision in 2 dogs. Following treatment, B. canis could not be cultured from blood samples and serological values declined with seronegativity achieved in all dogs after a median of 96 weeks (range: 36–112 weeks) of therapy.
Conclusions  Brucella canis infection should be included in the differential diagnosis for dogs with intraocular inflammation, regardless of previous history or neuter status. This is the first report of apparently successful medical therapy of canine brucellosis with ocular involvement.     

Early retinopathy in the Bernese Mountain Dog in France: preliminary observations

The objective of the study was to describe a form of early retinopathy in the Bernese Mountain Dog in France. Sixty-two Bernese Mountain Dogs (38 males and 24 females), whose ages ranged from 2 months to 9 years, were examined over a period of 3 years. Visual behavior, pupillary light reflexes, menace responses and ocular fundi were evaluated in all animals. Electroretinography (ERG) was performed on six of the affected dogs after dark adaptation. Fluorescein angiography (FA) was performed on one affected dog. Whenever possible, the pedigrees of the affected dogs were evaluated. A histological examination of the retina was performed on one of the affected dogs. Eight dogs (seven males and one female) were diagnosed with retinopathy with an early onset of clinical signs. (Four dogs were aged between 3 months and 1 year, two dogs were aged 2 and 3.5 years, and one dog was 7 years old.) Night vision was impaired in most of the dogs. Retinopathy was characterized ophthalmoscopically by a bilateral, symmetrical horizontal zone of tapetal hyper-reflectivity adjacent to and above the optic disc, and sometimes by peri-papillary hyper-reflectivity. ERG changes included a reduction in b-wave amplitude varying from one case to another. Fluoroscein angiography demonstrated an ischemic-type alteration with epitheliopathy opposite the hyper-reflective zone. Pedigree examinations suggested a familial predisposition. The histological examination indicated photoreceptor degeneration that was more pronounced in the central tapetal zone. In France, retinopathy in the Bernese Mountain Dog involves an early retinal degeneration that produces specific manifestations of the ocular fundus, night visual impairment or blindness, and has familial transmission.     

Cerebrospinal Fluid PCR and Antibody Concentrations against Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Dogs with Neurological Signs

Background: The tick-borne bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (sl) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum have been suspected to cause neurological signs in dogs. Diagnosis often has been made based on positive antibody titers in serum of dogs with neurological signs, but a high seroprevalence in dogs in at-risk populations makes diagnosis difficult.
Objective: To determine if the neurological signs in dogs examined were caused by any of these bacteria.
Animals: Fifty-four dogs presented to a board-certified neurologist.
Methods: Prospective study. We divided dogs into 2 groups: those with inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) and those with neurological signs from other diseases. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from all dogs were analyzed.
Results: Dogs with inflammatory CNS diseases showed no serum antibodies against any of the agents. Among dogs with neurological signs from other diseases, 10.3% had serum antibodies for B. burgdorferi sl and 20.5% for A. phagocytophilum . All blood samples analyzed for bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and all CSF analyzed for antibodies and bacterial DNA for the 2 agents were negative.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Based on this study, these bacteria are unlikely causes of neurologic disease in dogs and the presence of serum antibodies alone does not document or establish a definitive diagnosis of CNS disease caused by these organisms. Dogs that have neurologic disease and corresponding serum antibodies against these agents should have additional tests performed to assess for other potential etiologies of the signs.     

Neurological Manifestations of Hypothyroidism: A Retrospective Study of 29 Dogs

Neuromuscular signs in association with hypothyroidism are described in 29 dogs. Eleven dogs had lower motor neuron signs, 9 had peripheral vestibular deficits, 4 had megaesophagus, and 5 had laryngeal paralysis. Primarily older (mean = 9.5 years), large-breed dogs were affected, and there was no sex or breed predisposition. Duration of clinical signs before presentation ranged from 2 to 8 weeks (mean = 5 weeks). The diagnosis was based on (1) results of neurological examination (29 dogs); (2) electromyographic abnormalities (18 dogs), including fibrillation potentials (n = 18), positive sharp waves (n = 15), and complex repetitive discharges (n = 4); (3) high serum cholesterol concentration (10 dogs; mean = 335 mg/dL); (4) low response to thyroid-stimulating hormone (29 dogs; mean T₄ prestimulation concentration = 0.8 μg/dL; mean T₄ poststimulation = 1.2 μg/dL); and (5) good response to thyroxine supplementation (26 dogs). Dogs with vestibular deficits had abnormal brainstem auditory-evoked responses (BAER), including increased latencies of P₁-P₆ and decreased amplitude of P_4,5-N₅. Seven other dogs had similar BAER abnormalities without manifesting clinical signs of vestibular involvement. Three dogs with vestibular signs had fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves without exhibiting lower motor neuron signs. All dogs were supplemented with levothyroxine (0.02 mg/kg P0 bid). The follow-up period ranged between 6 and 30 months (mean, 14 months). Serum T₄ concentrations were measured at least 3 times for each dog every 2 months (mean T₄ concentration = 2.6 μg/dL). All but 1 dog with lower motor neuron signs and 1 dog with vestibular signs recovered after 2 months (mean, 57 days). Signs of megaesophagus became progressively less severe over 4 months. Dogs with laryngeal paralysis improved partially after 5 months. We suggest that either vestibular or lower motor neuron signs, megaesophagus, or laryngeal paralysis may be the only clinical signs of an underlying, more generalized polyneuropathy associated with hypothyroidism. Electro-diagnostic abnormalities may be detected before clinical disease develops.     

A method for intervertebral space distraction before stabilization combined with complete ventral slot for treatment of disc-associated wobbler syndrome in dogs

Objective— To evaluate the use of a modified K-wire spacer for maintaining intervertebral distraction after ventral decompression and during stabilization as a treatment for disc-associated wobbler syndrome in large breed dogs.
Study Design— A retrospective study.
Animals— Dogs (n=7) with disc-associated wobbler syndrome.
Methods— Medical records (2003–2006) of dogs treated by a modified surgical method were evaluated. Data retrieved were signalment, onset and duration of clinical signs, neurologic abnormalities, diagnostic methods, surgical procedure, immediate, and long-term (≥1 year) postoperative clinical and radiographic outcome.
Results— Mean duration of clinical signs was 4.8 months. Neurologic signs included ataxia (2), ambulatory tetraparesis (2), and non-ambulatory tetraparesis (3). Three dogs had disc protrusion in 2 sites, 2 dogs had the procedure in 1 location and stabilization of both affected sites. All dogs improved dramatically and remained for 1–3 years. One dog had recurrence of cervical discomfort 13 months later.
Conclusions— Despite the limited number of dogs, overall initial successful outcome with only 1 dog having mild recurrence 13 months later supports further use and evaluation of this technique.
Clinical Relevance— Distraction using a K-wire spacer after ventral decompression followed by stabilization should be considered in dogs with disc-associated wobbler syndrome to prevent collapse of the intervertebral space.     

Idiopathic Eosinophilic Masses of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Dogs

Background: Eosinophilic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract of dogs occurs in numerous disorders, typically resulting in diffuse intestinal thickening. Rarely, eosinophilic masses have been reported.
Objective: Describe a series of dogs with 1 or more idiopathic eosinophilic gastrointestinal masses (IEGM) to better characterize the clinical features, treatment, and prognosis.
Animals: Seven dogs with 1 or more gastrointestinal masses composed primarily of eosinophilic infiltrates for which no underlying cause was found.
Methods: Retrospective case series.
Results: Rottweilers and purebred, large breed dogs predominated. Dogs were middle-aged and typically had chronic signs of upper or lower gastrointestinal disease. Decreased appetite, vomiting, and evidence of gastrointestinal hemorrhage were present in the majority of cases. An abdominal or rectal mass was frequently noted on physical examination. Common laboratory abnormalities included peripheral eosinophilia, mature neutrophilia, hypoproteinemia, and hypocholesterolemia. The masses were histologically composed of moderate to severe eosinophilic infiltrates, which were often transmural and accompanied by fibrosis. All dogs treated with surgery alone died of complications of their disease. Treatment with corticosteroids and ivermectin improved clinical signs, caused resolution of eosinophilic infiltrates, and prolonged survival in most dogs treated medically.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: These findings suggest that the prognosis for dogs with IEGM may be good when recognized and managed appropriately. When surgery is performed, medical treatment should also be added.     

Evaluation of a comparative pathogenesis between cancer-associated retinopathy in humans and sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome in dogs via diagnostic imaging and western blot analysis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dogs with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) for evidence of pituitary gland, adrenal gland, and pulmonary neoplasia and antiretinal antibodies and to evaluate dogs with neoplasia for antiretinal antibodies. ANIMALS: 57 clinically normal dogs, 17 with SARDS, and 53 with neoplasia. PROCEDURE: Thoracic radiography, ultrasonography of adrenal glands, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography of pituitary glands were performed in 15 dogs with SARDS. Western blot analysis was performed on sera of all dogs; recoverin (23 kd) and arrestin (48 kd) retinal antibodies were used as positive controls. RESULTS: Neoplasia was not detected via diagnostic imaging in dogs with SARDS. Western blot analysis revealed bands in all dogs ranging from > 48 to < 23 kd. Prominent bands with equivalent or greater density than 1 or both positive controls at the 1:1,000 dilution, and present at the 1:3,000 dilution, were detected in 28% of clinically normal dogs, 40% of dogs with neoplasia, and 41% of dogs with SARDS. No bands in dogs with SARDS had a consistent location of immune activity, and none were detected at the 23-kd site. The area around the 48-kd site had increased immune activity in all 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The etiology of SARDS in dogs does not appear to be similar to cancer-associated retinopathy in humans on the basis of absence of differential antibody activity against retinal proteins. Although dogs with SARDS often have clinical signs compatible with hyperadrenocorticism, neoplasia of the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, or lungs was not detected.     

Passive Drainage Versus Primary Closure After Total Ear Canal Ablation-Lateral Bulla Osteotomy in Dogs: 59 Dogs (1985–1995)

Objective- Compare passive wound drainage to primary closure of total ear canal ablation-lateral bulla osteotomy (TECA-LBO) in dogs.
Study Design- Retrospective analysis of medical records.
Sample Population- Fifty-nine dogs with end-stage otitis externa or neoplasia of the external and middle ear.
Methods- Medical records of dogs with TECA-LBO were reviewed. Dogs were divided into postoperative drain and primary closure groups. Statistical analyses were performed to identify differences in data for signalment, preoperative treatment, duration of hospitalization, immediate complications, and long-term complications between groups.
Results- No significant differences were detected in signalment, diagnosis, and duration of medical management between groups ( P >.05). Duration of hospitalization was greater for dogs in the drain group ( P <.05). Immediate postoperative complications occurred in 26 of 59 dogs and included ipsilateral facial palsy, incision swelling, vestibular signs, premature drain removal, and one dog died of aspiration pneumonia. Long-term (>6 months) complications were identified in 12 of 50 dogs and included dermatitis of the medial aspect of the pinna, chronic fistula formation, and permanent facial paralysis. No association between immediate or long term complications and method of closure was identified.
Conclusions- Primary closure is an acceptable alternative in dogs undergoing TECA-LBO when surgical wound dead space can be managed with meticulous hemostasis, complete debridement of devitalized tissue, and accurate apposition of tissue planes.     

Retinal detachment in horses: 40 cases (1998-2005)

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical features, ophthalmic examination findings, etiology, treatment, and outcome of horses diagnosed with retinal detachment (RD). ANIMALS STUDIED: Forty horses, presented to the North Carolina State University and The Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospitals from 1998 to 2005 that were diagnosed with RD. PROCEDURE(S): Horses with documented RD, confirmed either on ophthalmic examination or by ultrasonography, and with a complete medical record were included. Information retrieved from the medical records included signalment, presenting complaint, duration of clinical signs, ophthalmologic examination findings, diagnostics performed, identified cause of the retinal detachment, treatment given, and outcome. RESULTS: Forty horses (46 eyes) were diagnosed with RD. Mean +/- SD duration of clinical signs of ocular disease was 10.5 +/- 14.7 months. Thirty-four horses presented with unilateral involvement, 6 with bilateral, 14 with partial and 32 with complete RD. Ultrasonography was used to make the diagnosis in 26 eyes, while RD was diagnosed on routine ocular examination in 20 eyes. Bullous RD was the only type of RD observed, although small vitreal traction bands were considered secondary to the underlying inflammation or trauma. RD caused by equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) was diagnosed in 27 of 40 (67.5%) horses. Trauma-induced RD involved 10 of the 40 horses (25%). Presenting problems included known ERU (n = 16), acute or progressive vision loss (n = 9), known ocular trauma (n = 6), cataract (n = 6), and a cloudy cornea (n = 3). No horses regained vision after RD despite therapy. Many eyes were enucleated or eviscerated, or the horses were euthanized. Seven eyes with complete RD were noted to be unchanged and comfortable with medical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The visual prognosis of RD in horses is grave; however, horses with nontraumatic RD (most commonly ERU) may be able to maintain a comfortable but blind globe with anti-inflammatory medical therapy.     

Ophthalmic and cone derived electrodiagnostic findings in outbred Miniature Long-haired Dachshunds homozygous for a RPGRIP1 mutation

Objective To investigate ophthalmic and cone‐derived electrodiagnostic findings in outbred Miniature Long‐haired Dachshunds (MLHD) homozygous for a mutation in the RPGRIP1 gene previously associated with cone‐rod dystrophy 1 (cord1). Animals A total of 36 MLHD homozygous for the RPGRIP1 mutation and 23 dogs clear of the mutation (control group). Procedures The dogs underwent ophthalmic examination and photopic electroretinogram (ERG) recordings. Results None of the control dogs presented with clinical or ophthalmic signs consistent with cord1. Amongst the dogs homozygous for the mutation one presented with bilateral symmetrical total retinal atrophy. None of the other dogs in this group showed signs consistent with cord1. Photopic ERG recordings were available in 23 control dogs and 34 dogs homozygous for the mutation. Photopic a‐ and b‐waves following four light stimuli (3 cdS/m²) at a rate of 5.1 Hz were not significantly different between groups. The amplitudes of the 30 Hz flicker (128 flashes, 3 cdS/m²) response were significantly reduced in the dogs homozygous for the PRGRIP1 mutation. The difference in age between the two groups did not significantly affect the difference. Conclusion Homozygosity of the RPGRIP1 mutation does not invariably result in early onset cord1. However, cone derived ERG recordings show evidence of a reduced cone or inner retinal function in homozygous but clinically normal MLHD. Modifying genes that have yet to be identified may influence an individual dog’s risk of developing the blinding cord1 and also the age of onset and rate of progression.     

Bilateral thyroarytenoid cartilage lateralization and vocal fold excision with mucosoplasty for treatment of idiopathic laryngeal paralysis: 67 dogs (1998-2005)

Objective— To evaluate combined bilateral thyroarytenoid cartilage lateralization, vocal fold excision, and mucosoplasty technique (BTAL) through ventral median laryngotomy for treatment of laryngeal paralysis in dogs.
Design— Retrospective study.
Animals— Dogs (n=67) with laryngeal paralysis.
Methods— Medical records were reviewed for dogs with idiopathic laryngeal paralysis that had BTAL between January 1998 and March 2005. Retrieved data included signalment, history, physical and laryngoscopic examination findings, clinicopathologic tests, and results of recheck examination findings.
Results— BTAL was performed by a single surgeon. Short-term (<6 months) follow-up information was available for 67 dogs and long-term (>12 months) for 40 dogs. Major postoperative complications were surgical failures (13; 7 short term, 6 long term) and aspiration pneumonia (1). Mean recurrence of clinical signs was at 19 weeks (range, 2–30 weeks). Minor complications occurred in 22 (33%) dogs including occasional coughing or gagging, stridorous breathing during exercise, panting, noisy or heavy breathing, and aspiration pneumonia (3 dogs) that did not require hospitalization. All owners reported an improved quality of life and had no regrets with surgical outcome.
Conclusions— BTAL is seemingly an effective procedure for treatment of laryngeal paralysis.
Clinical Relevance— BTAL is associated with a low incidence of aspiration pneumonia; however, there is substantial risk of recurrence of clinical signs associated with narrowing of the glottis. Consequently, unilateral arytenoid lateralization currently represents the accepted approach to the treatment of laryngeal paralysis.     

Surgical treatment of lumbosacral foraminal stenosis using a lateral approach in twenty dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis

Objectives— To describe clinical signs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and surgical findings using a lateral approach to the lumbosacral intervertebral foramen and to evaluate clinical outcomes in dogs with or without concurrent dorsal decompression and annulectomy.
Study Design— Retrospective study.
Animals— Dogs (n=20) with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS).
Methods— Medical records (2002–2006) of dogs that had lumbosacral lateral foraminotomy alone or in combination with dorsal decompression were reviewed. Degree of dysfunction was assessed separately for each pelvic limb; dogs with unilateral signs were included in group A, those with bilateral signs in group B. Retrieved data were: signalment, history, neurologic status on admission, 3 days, 6 weeks, and 6 months postoperatively, duration of clinical signs, results of MRI, surgical site(s), intraoperative findings, and outcome.
Results— Based on the clinical and MRI findings unilateral foraminotomy was performed in 8 dogs, bilateral foraminotomy in 1 dog, unilateral foraminotomy with concurrent dorsal decompression in 7 dogs, and bilateral foraminotomy with concomitant dorsal decompression in 4 dogs. Surgery confirmed the presence of foraminal stenosis in all dogs, with osteophyte formation and soft tissue proliferations being the most common lesions. Outcome was good to excellent in 19 dogs and poor in 1 dog. Mean follow-up was 15.2 months (range, 6–42 months).
Conclusion— Lateral foraminotomy addresses compressive lesions within exit and middle zones of the lumbosacral foramen.
Clinical Relevance— Successful surgical management of DLSS is dependent on recognition and correction of each of the compressive lesions within the lumbosacral junction.     

Funduscopic findings following cataract extraction by means of phacoemulsification in diabetic dogs: 52 cases (1993-2003)

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of retinal hemorrhages and microaneurysms in dogs with diabetes mellitus following cataract extraction by means of phacoemulsification and identify potential risk factors. DESIGN: Retrospective study. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs undergoing phacoemulsification between 1993 and 2003 were reviewed, and information was recorded on signalment, history, physical examination findings, ophthalmic examination findings, results of laboratory testing, electroretinographic findings, and surgical findings. Glycemic control was classified as poor, intermediate, or good on the basis of baseline blood glucose concentration, perioperative body weight loss, daily insulin dosage, and presence of glucosuria and ketonuria. Data from diabetic and nondiabetic dogs were analyzed to determine prevalence and risk factors for development of retinal hemorrhages or microaneurysms following phacoemulsification. RESULTS: 11 of the 52 (21%) dogs with diabetes mellitus developed ophthalmoscopic signs of retinal hemorrhages or microaneurysms, compared with 1 of the 174 (0.6%) nondiabetic dogs. Median time from onset of diabetes mellitus to diagnosis of retinopathy was 1.4 years (range, 0.5 to 3.2 years). No risk factors for development of retinopathy were identified. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that retinal hemorrhages and microaneurysms may be more common and develop earlier in diabetic dogs than previously reported. This may affect treatment, as diabetic dogs survive longer with improved glycemic control.     

Clinical manifestations of cataracts in small breed dogs

Objective  To determine the incidence, etiology, and concurrent ophthalmic findings in small breed dogs that presented with cataracts.
Animal studied  Five hundred and sixty-one small breed dogs (942 eyes) were presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Seoul National University between July 2002 and December 2007 with cataract.
Procedure  The medical records of small breed dogs with cataract were reviewed. The reason for presentation, cataract duration, bilaterality, breed, gender, age, vision, etiology, stage of cataract development, concurrent ophthalmic findings, IOP, ocular ultrasonography findings, and scotopic electroretinography (ERG) findings were investigated.
Results  The most frequently presented breeds were the Miniature/Toy Poodle ( n  = 112, 20.0%), Yorkshire Terrier ( n  = 110, 19.6%), and Shih Tzu ( n  = 95, 16.9%). The Miniature/Toy Poodle showed a significantly higher odds ratio for cataract formation (2.6). The proportion of female cataract patients was significantly higher than that of male cataract patients in the overall population ( P  < 0.05). The Miniature/Toy Poodles had significantly higher numbers of females affected with cataract ( P  < 0.01). The mean age for cataract formation was 8.3 ± 3.9 years. The mean age at onset in the Miniature/Toy Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier was significantly higher, whereas that in the Miniature Schnauzer group was significantly lower ( P  < 0.0001). Clinical signs related to lens induced uveitis had a tendency to increase with cataract progression ( P  < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the b-wave amplitude for mixed rod cone response by stage ( P  = 0.137).
Conclusions  Small breed dogs with cataracts had characteristics with regard to age of onset and gender distribution, depending on the breed.     

Meningomyelitis in dogs: a retrospective review of 28 cases (1999 to 2007)

Objectives : To characterise dogs with meningomyelitis and to compare signalment, body temperature and vaccination status to a representative control group. Methods : Dogs with meningomyelitis were identified retrospectively. Signalment, history, vaccination status, body temperature, severity of neurological dysfunction (modified Frankel score), diagnostic procedures, aetiology, survival to discharge and long‐term survival were analysed. Results : Affected dogs were younger (P<0·05) and more frequently hound or toy breeds (P<0·05) when compared with controls. Hound and toy breed dogs less than or equal to three years of age had a 13 times higher odds of meningomyelitis compared with other breeds (P<0·001). General proprioceptive ataxia, limb paresis and paraspinal hyperaesthesia were the most common clinical signs. Meningomyelitis of unknown aetiology and granulomatous meningomyelitis were the most common diagnoses. The median time to death or continued follow‐up in dogs alive at discharge was 213 days. Meningomyelitis resulted in death or euthanasia in 14 of 28 dogs. Clinical signs improved or resolved in seven of 28 dogs. Clinical Significance : Meningomyelitis is a differential diagnosis for dogs with clinical signs of myelopathy. Young dogs and toy or hound breeds seem to be predisposed. Clinical signs of meningomyelitis improve or resolve in some dogs.     

Trigeminal neuropathy in dogs: a retrospective study of 29 cases (1991-2000)

The medical records of 29 dogs unable to close their mouths due to flaccid paralysis or paresis of the muscles innervated by the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve, were reviewed. Idiopathic trigeminal neuropathy was diagnosed in 26 dogs based on complete resolution of clinical signs and lack of any long-term neurological disease. Of these dogs, golden retrievers were overrepresented. No age, sex, or seasonal predispositions were identified. Trigeminal sensory innervation deficits were observed in 35% (9/26), facial nerve deficits were observed in 8% (2/26), and Horner's syndrome was observed in 8% (2/26) of dogs. Electromyographic examination of the muscles of mastication revealed abnormalities in seven of nine dogs. Results of cerebrospinal fluid analysis were abnormal in seven of eight dogs. Corticosteroid therapy did not affect the clinical course of the disease. Mean time to recovery was 22 days. Lymphosarcoma, Neospora caninum infection, and severe polyneuritis of unknown origin were diagnosed in three of 29 dogs at necropsy.