Cortisol in synovial fluid from normal and diseased canine joints—a preliminary report

Cortisol was determined in synovial fluid from normal and diseased canine joints. It was found that the amount of cortisol was considerably increased in diseased joints.     

Dynamic Compression of the Cervical Spinal Cord: A Myelographic and Pathologic Investigation in Great Dane Dogs

The authors report the radiographic and pathologic findings in 10 Great Dane dogs with the wobbler syndrome. In all 10 dogs it was possible to demonstrate myelographically that there was cervical spinal cord compression at 1 or 2 sites. The spinal cord compression was mainly dynamic in nature, as degree of compression increased in extension and decreased in flexion of the neck in 8 dogs. In 1 dog with deformed vertebral bodies (G6 and C7), compression increased slightly in flexion of the neck. In another dog, compression was lateral and could only be seen in the ventrodorsal view.The macroscopic findings substantiated the radiologic findings. The cause of the spinal cord compression was in 8 dogs a decrease in the dorsoventral diameter of the orifice of the vertebral canal of 1 or 2 vertebrae in combination with deformation and elongation of 1 or several vertebral arches. In extension of the neck, the cervical spinal cord was squeezed between the anterior tip of the elongated vertebral arch and the caudodorsal rim of the body of the adjacent cranial vertebra.Histologic examination was made of the spinal cord in 5 dogs and the compressive lesions that were found could explain the neurologic signs.In the discussion, the question is raised as to why pain is not a prominent sign in dogs with the wobbler syndrome in contrast to in dogs with cervical disc protrusion. It is believed that the inflammatory foreign body reaction, triggered by the protruded calcified nucleus pulposus is the main cause of pain in the disc protrusion syndrome. In the wobbler syndrome there is no obvious inflammatory reaction in the epidural space.Finally, the possible etiologic factors oC importance for the deformation oC the cervical vertebrae in wobblers are discussed. There are indications that both overnutrition and a genetic trait for rapid growth are of importance.     

A NEW AND VERSATILE LARGE ANIMAL DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY UNIT

The plans and technical specifications of a unit specifically designed for large animal radiography are described. The unit has two examination rooms, one for routine radiography in the standing position and the other for special procedures and investigations utilizing a custom-designed table with a carbon fiber top. The table is computer operated and the x-ray tubes above and below it are capable of penetrating the thickest parts of horses as well as performing such procedures as linear tomography, angiography, and magnification radiography. The facility is equipped with an image intensifier, television monitor, 100 mm spot film camera, Potter-Bucky grid, and Puck film changer as well as a number of additional features for coping with anesthetized large animals. The unit has been in operation for three years and has greatly improved the quality of radiographic examinations as well as opening up some important lines of investigative research     

A MACROSCOPIC AND RADIOLOGIC INVESTIGATION OF DENTAL DISEASES OF THE DOG

The type and frequency of dental diseases and disorders were determined in 162 randomly selected dogs available for necropsy. There were 82 males and 80 females ranging in age from seven months to 14 years. There were 150 purebred dogs (50 different breeds) and 12 mongrels. Only four breeds were represented by ten individuals or more: Poodles (Miniature and Toy), German Shepherds, Dachshunds, and Boxers. The oral cavity was examined macroscopically, and missing teeth, dental caries, dental calculus (tartar), and gingival epulides were recorded as to frequency and distribution. After macroscopic examination of the oral cavity, the head of each dog was sawed at the midline, fixed in formalin, and radiographed. The frequency, severity, and distribution of marginal periodontitis, periapical destruction, and root resorption were recorded. The most frequently noted disease was periodontitis, which increased in frequency and severity with increasing age of the dogs. The disease varied markedly among and within different breeds. Small dogs were more often affected with periodontitis than large dogs. Periapical destruction was a common finding. Caries and root resorption were less common. Missing teeth was a frequent disorder regardless of age. Most of the dogs had dental calculus.