'Battered pets': features that raise suspicion of non-accidental injury

A study of veterinarians' perceptions, and experience, of non-accidental injury (NAI) to pets was undertaken using an anonymous questionnaire distributed to a random sample of 1000 small animal practitioners in the UK. NAI was acknowledged by 91.3 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval, 88.2 to 93.9 per cent) of the 404 respondents who returned questionnaires, of whom 48.3 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval, 43.4 to 53.1 per cent) had either suspected or seen NAI. Four hundred and forty-eight cases were documented, predominantly in dogs (243) and cats (182). Factors either raising suspicion, or facilitating recognition, of NAI included: implication of a particular person, features of the history, referral agency involvement, behaviour of the owner and/or the animal, nature of the injuries, and socioeconomic class of owners. Additionally, sexual abuse and suspected cases of Munchausen syndrome by proxy were recorded.     

Dog bite wounds in dogs and cats: a retrospective study of 196 cases

The age, type, etc., time of injury, body areas injured, treatment modalities and mortality rates were reviewed in 185 dogs and 11 cats that were bitten by dogs. Male dogs were more frequently bitten than females, and small dogs (< or = 10 kg) were not only the most common victims but also were more likely to suffer multiple injuries. Mortality occurred only in cases with thoracic or abdominal injuries. Exploratory thoracotomy, performed in some of the cases presented with penetrating thoracic injury, did not prove to alter prognosis. Cats are not as frequently bitten as dogs, and are often younger than the mean age of cats in the overall hospital population.     

Non-accidental injury in companion animals in the Republic of Ireland

: Non-accidental injury (NAI), animal abuse and "battered pet" syndrome are terms used to identify "the intentional harm of an animal". The terms include, but are not limited to, wilful neglect, inflicting injury, pain or distress, or malicious killing of an animal. Three categories of abuse are recognised: physical, sexual and neglect.A postal survey was conducted to determine the extent to which NAI was recognised by veterinary surgeons in urban, semi-rural and rural veterinary practices in the Republic of Ireland. The questionnaire was sent to 600 veterinarians; completed submissions were received from 115 respondents (19.2%).The occurrence of NAI was acknowledged by 106 (92.2%) of the respondents and cases had been seen by 50 (43.3%) of them, comprised of 36.2% of urban veterinary surgeons from rural towns and of 82% of urban practitioners. In 59% of cases the client indicated the injury was non-accidental; 39 (67.2%) of the 58 reported cases involved a single event. Signs that made veterinary surgeons suspicious of NAI included inconsistent history, untreated injuries, recurring injuries, meekness of the animal, suspicious behaviour of the owner and injuries consistent with abuse. The types of injuries observed included burns, lacerations, gunshot wounds, poisoning, injury to genitalia, bruising and fractures.The findings of this study are comparable with those from other countries. Most but not all veterinary surgeons in Ireland recognise NAI and animal abuse is of significant concern in rural and urban communities as evidenced by this survey of practising veterinary surgeons.     

'Battered pets': sexual abuse

A study of non-accidental injury in small animals in the UK, based on responses from a random sample of small animal practitioners, identified 6 per cent of the 448 reported cases as being sexual in nature. Twenty-one cases occurred in dogs, five in cats and two in unspecified species. Reasons for suspecting sexual abuse were: the type of injury; behaviour of the owner; statements from witnesses; and admission by the perpetrator. Types of injury included vaginal and anorectal penetrative (penile and non-penile) injury, perianal damage, and trauma to the genitals. Some injuries (such as castration) were extreme, and some were fatal. In contrast, other cases revealed no obvious damage. The type and severity of injuries were similar to those described in texts on child abuse and human forensic pathology.     

Traumatic body wall herniation in 36 dogs and cats

Traumatic body wall hernias (TBWH) are serious sequelae to traumatic injury in dogs and cats. During the study period, 26 dogs and 10 cats with surgically managed TBWH were identified. Five cases (four dogs, one cat) did not have their hernias identified during the first 24 hours of hospitalization. Bite wounds were the most common cause of TBWH, accounting for 54% of canine and 40% of feline hernias. Twelve cases (nine dogs, three cats) had serious intra-abdominal injuries diagnosed in addition to their TBWH. Seventy-three percent of dogs and 80% of cats survived to hospital discharge. In addition, the authors report the occurrence of a unique cause of herniation, termed an autopenetrating hernia.     

Iatrogenic sciatic nerve injury in eighteen dogs and nine cats (1997-2006)

Objective— To report clinical features associated with iatrogenic peripheral nerve injury in dogs and cats admitted (1997–2006) to a referral teaching hospital.
Study Design— Retrospective study.
Animals— Dogs (n=18), 9 cats.
Methods— Patients had acute signs of monoparesis attributable to sciatic nerve dysfunction that developed after treatment. Neurologic examination and electrodiagnostic testing were performed. Surgical therapy was used for nerve entrapment and delayed reconstructive surgery used in other cases.
Results— Of 27 nerve injuries, 25 resulted from surgery (18 with treatment of pelvic injuries). Iliosacral luxation repair resulted in tibial (4 cats) and peroneal (3 dogs) nerve dysfunction. Other causes were intramedullary pinning of femoral fractures (3), other orthopedic surgery (cemented hip prosthesis [2] and tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy [1]), and perineal herniorrhaphy [1]. Nerve injury occurred after intramuscular injection (1 cat, 1 dog). Immediate surgical treatment was removal of intramedullary nails, extruded cement, or entrapping suture. Delayed nerve transplantation was performed in 2 dogs. Within 1 year, 13 patients recovered completely, clinical improvement occurred in 7, and there was no improvement in 7. Five of the 7 dogs that did not recover had acetabular or ilium fracture.
Conclusion— Iatrogenic sciatic nerve injury occurred most commonly during treatment of pelvic orthopedic diseases and had a poor prognosis. Clinical variation in sciatic nerve dysfunction in dogs and cats can be explained by species anatomic differences.
Clinical Relevance— Iatrogenic sciatic nerve injury leads to severely debilitating locomotor dysfunction with an uncertain prognosis for full-functional recovery.     

Fracture characteristics to distinguish between accidental injury and non-accidental injury in dogs

Non-accidental injury (NAI) refers to trauma arising from deliberate physical abuse and is increasingly recognised as an important differential diagnosis in veterinary medicine. Given the sensitivity and importance of identifying NAI, clinicians, pathologists, and veterinary forensic experts need clear scientific evidence to support their diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate fractures occurring in accidental and NAI in dogs by comparing the radiographic features of fractures in 19 dogs with abuse fractures and 135 dogs with accidental fractures.Radiographic findings indicated that the following five features should raise the index of suspicion of and support a diagnosis of NAI: (1) the presence of multiple fractures; (2) fractures occurring on more than one region of the body (forelimb, hindlimb, or axial); (3) transverse fractures; (4) fractures presenting at a later stage of healing (delayed presentation); and (5) multiple fractures at different stages of healing. Staffordshire bull terriers were over-represented in the NAI group. Many findings in this study correlate with patterns seen in human NAI fractures. However some aspects show significant differences, serving as a reminder that veterinary forensics cannot rely on data from existing human studies.     

The diagnostic yield of conventional radiographs and computed tomography in dogs and cats with maxillofacial trauma

Objective— To compare the diagnostic yield of conventional radiographs and computed tomography (CT) images of the skulls of dogs and cats with maxillofacial trauma (MFT).
Study Design— Prospective study.
Animals— Dogs (n=9) and 15 cats with MFT.
Methods— CT-scans and skull radiographs (4 standard projections) for each animal were evaluated using a semi-quantitative scoring system for the ability to identify 26 predefined, clinically relevant anatomic features (Part 1), and 27 predetermined potential traumatic injuries (Part 2). For Part 1, mean scores for each anatomic feature were recorded for every view and imaging modality. For Part 2, studies were evaluated for the frequency of cases where each predetermined traumatic injury was identified.
Results— Part 1: On radiographs it was easy to identify 17 of 26 anatomic features whereas 6 features were very difficult or impossible to identify on any view. All structures were considered easy or very easy to identify on CT. Scores for CT were lower than radiographs for evaluating dental occlusion and the integrity of the mandibular body. Part 2: CT scans demonstrated 1.6 times more maxillofacial injuries for dogs and 2.0 times more for cats than conventional radiographs. The average number of MFT injuries per animal by radiographs and CT-scan was 4.8 and 7.6 in dogs, and 3.8 and 7.7 in cats, respectively.
Conclusion— CT is superior to conventional skull radiography for identification of anatomic structures and traumatic injuries in dogs and cats. Skull radiography is useful for visualizing the mandibular body and dental occlusion.
Clinical Relevance— CT allows for accurate assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning of MFT in dogs and cats.     

Bite wounds involving the spine: characteristics, therapy and outcome in seven cases

Medical records of five dogs and two cats with bite wounds to the spine were reviewed. All dogs were bitten in the cervical spine and presented as quadriparetic. Both cats were bitten at the lumbar spine; one was paraparetic and the other paraplegic. Concomitant injuries to structures other than the spine were seen in two cases. Radiographic findings included vertebral fractures in all cases. Medical therapy included antibiotics (7/7), methylprednisolone sodium succinate (4/7) and analgesia (7/7). Five cases underwent minor (4/5) or extensive (1/5) surgical debridement. All cervical fractures were stabilized with fiberglass casts and animals with lumbar injury were cage rested for a month. Six of the cases survived, five of which regained good to excellent ambulatory ability within the first month. Although, the numbers of reported cases are limited, this study shows that adequate surgical debridement and wound drainage combined with external coaptation can be sufficient to manage bite wounds that involve the spine.     

Isolation of Microsporum canis from the hair coat of pet dogs and cats belonging to owners diagnosed with M. canis tinea corporis

Microsporum canis has been frequently isolated from human cases of tinea capitis and tinea corporis. The infection may be acquired from infected animals with cutaneous lesions but also from asymptomatic carriers or from the environment. As asymptomatic M. canis carriers are considered to be a critical factor in the epidemiology of dermatophytosis in humans, this study investigated the relationship between the presence of dermatophytes on the hair coats of dogs and cats without cutaneous lesions and the occurrence of the disease in their respective owners. A total of 136 dogs and 248 cats were sampled from January 1999 to January 2005. Seventy-eight animals (22 dogs and 56 cats) belonged to individuals affected by tinea corporis caused by M. canis and 306 (114 dogs and 192 cats) to individuals without dermatophytosis. Age, sex, breed, habitat and season were recorded for each animal and examined as potential risk factors. Dermatophytes were isolated from 20.5% of the dogs and 28.2% of the cats. Microsporum canis was isolated from 36.4% of dogs cohabiting with owners diagnosed with tinea corporis but it was never isolated from dogs whose owners had no lesions. By contrast, M. canis was isolated from 53.6% of cats cohabiting with owners diagnosed with tinea corporis and from 14.6% of cats whose owners had no signs of the disease. These results clearly indicate that both cats and dogs should be considered as a major source of pathogenic dermatophytes for humans even when they do not present clinical signs of dermatophytosis.     

A survey of gundog lameness and injuries in Great Britain in the shooting seasons 2005/2006 and 2006/2007.

The aim of this paper was to record the types of injuries and causes of lameness exhibited by dogs involved in game shooting. The study investigated gundogs that worked in the seasons 2005/2006 and 2006/2007. Information was acquired by owner questionnaires. The dogs were classified as working in the beating line, as peg dogs or as picking up dogs. A further group comprised Setters and Pointers that worked the grouse moors. A secondary objective was to assess the incidence of injuries that were treated by owners without seeking the assistance of their veterinarian, and to identify those that may have been underestimated. Depending on whether a dog was injured or went lame, and, if so, the nature of the injury, was correlated with the number of days worked, where it worked, its breed and the type of work it did. A mildly positive association between the Spaniel breed group and injuries was seen in 2005/2006 but not in 2006/2007. However, the relationship between the type of work and injuries was very significant for both seasons with dogs working in the beating line being at greatest risk and Setters and Pointers having the least number of injuries. The dogs in the beating line were also at a significantly greater risk of injury in both years when the type of injury was investigated. Fifty-three percent of all injuries were deemed to be sufficiently minor, that veterinary attention was not sought. However, those dogs with proximal thoracic limb lameness may have been under-investigated. There was a highly significant association between tail injuries and undocked Springer and Cocker Spaniels.     

Thoracic wall and pulmonary trauma in dogs sustaining fractures as a result of motor vehicle accidents

The records of 267 dogs seen at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Teaching Hospital for fractures resulting from motor vehicle accidents were examined to determine the prevalence and types of thoracic wall and pulmonary trauma associated with such cases. Results were analyzed for type and prevalence of thoracic wall and pulmonary injury, and for the prevalence of such injury in dogs with and without extrathoracic injury, in dogs with fractures of single vs multiple bones, in dogs with single fractures of specific bones, in dogs with fractures in the cranial vs the caudal one half of the body, and in dogs with fractures ipsilateral vs contralateral to thoracic injury. The overall prevalence of thoracic wall and pulmonary trauma was 38.9%; pulmonary contusions, pneumothorax, and fractured ribs were the most common injuries. More than 1 type of thoracic wall or pulmonary injury was diagnosed in 57.7% of the cases. Of the dogs with thoracic injury, 24% also had extrathoracic injuries; 16.5% of dogs without thoracic injury had extrathoracic injuries, not including fractures. Of the dogs with fractures of 1 bone, 36.3% had thoracic injuries. Of the dogs with fractures of more than 1 bone, 42.3% had thoracic injuries. The prevalence of thoracic wall and pulmonary trauma was significantly associated with the site of the fracture (cranial vs caudal and ipsilateral vs contralateral); significant association with the specific bone fractured was also seen for some fractures.     

Prevalence and patterns of self-reported animal-related injury among veterinarians in metropolitan Kampala

To establish the prevalence, patterns and risk factors of animal-related injuries among veterinarians, self-administered questionnaires were given to 60 veterinarians practicing in metropolitan Kampala. The prevalence of animal-related injuries in metropolitan Kampala was 72% (95%CI, 57~84). Some veterinarians (34%) suffered multiple injuries with a mean and median of 2.1 and 2.0 injuries per veterinarian, respectively. Of a total of 70 self-reported animal related injuries, cattle accounted for 72%, cats for 25%, dogs for 23%, self inoculation for 15% and birds for 13%. Injuries associated with poultry did not require hospital treatment. The upper limb was the most the frequently (68%) injured anatomical body part of veterinarians, and vaccination of animals (25%) was the major activity associated with injury. Animal-related injuries are common among practicing veterinarians in metropolitan Kampala; however, they did not differ significantly based on the veterinarian''s gender, experience or risk awareness.     

Diagnostic abdominal paracentesis and lavage in the evaluation of abdominal injuries in dogs and cats: clinical and experimental investigations.

Abdominal paracentesis and lavage, using a peritoneal dialysis catheter, was evaluated clinically for use in detecting intraabdominal injury in 20 dogs and 3 cats. The technique was also evaluated experimentally in 12 dogs in which various volumes of autogenous blood were infused into the abdomen. The procedure was found to be safe, well tolerated, and reliable in the detection of intraabdominal injuries. The volume of free blood in the abdomen of the experimental dogs was accurately determined. The procedure was superior to physical examination and to needle paracentesis for the early detection and evaluation of intraabdominal injuries.     

Ischemic bandage injuries: a case series and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE:To determine the prognosis and distribution of ischemic injuries caused by inappropriate bandaging of the lower limb in dogs and cats. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. ANIMAL POPULATION: Eleven client-owned animals, including 9 dogs and 2 cats with a history of injuries consistent with incorrect application of a bandage. METHODS: Medical records for dogs and cats referred to the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital with limb wounds between 1995 and 1999 were reviewed for clinical history and referring veterinary surgeons' reports, indicating that the injury was directly related to the application of a bandage to the limb. RESULTS: The indications for bandage application included 2 postoperative cruciate ligament ruptures, 2 lacerations, 3 internal fixations, an onychectomy, a shoulder dislocation, a dog bite, and a tendon strain. None of the patients had other body systems involved or underlying or concurrent diseases. Five different types of bandage were described (support, Robert Jones, pressure, splint, and Velpeau), and no particular age or breed was overrepresented. Of the 11 animals, 5 required full-thickness skin grafts, 3 had to have digits amputated, and 2 required limb amputations. Nine animals survived, but only 4 became fully functional on the affected limb. CONCLUSIONS: Bandage-related injuries are potentially serious sequelae to a routine procedure. A guarded prognosis should be given when there is loss of deeper structures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A review of bandaging principles is presented. Method of application, choice of materials, and close monitoring of the bandage are important factors in preventing iatrogenic injury.     

Molecular epidemiology of feline bordetellosis in two animal shelters in California,USA

"Kennel cough" in dogs in animal shelters is readily transmissible, reduces adoption rates, and commonly leads to the euthanasia of affected dogs. In cats, tracheobronchitis, conjunctivitis, and pneumonia have been associated with Bordetella bronchiseptica infection-but most cases of upper-respiratory infection (URI) probably are caused by herpesvirus and calicivirus, and many B. bronchiseptica culture-positive cats are clinically normal. Our prospective observational study was undertaken to document the contribution of B. bronchiseptica to disease in cats and dogs from two animal shelters undergoing outbreaks of canine kennel cough, to evaluate whether cross-species transmission might have occurred, and to determine if the presence of infected cats represented a risk to dogs. Clinically defined cases of kennel cough in dogs and URI in cats were investigated in two shelters by calculating clinical-disease incidence, alveolar-lavage cytological examination, bacterial and viral cultures, antibiotic-susceptibility testing, and molecular fingerprinting by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.In a 40-cat and 40-dog "no-kill" shelter, the prevalences of culture positivity were 47% for B. bronchiseptica and 36% for calicivirus at the same time as two resident dogs demonstrated clinical cough. When no dogs had kennel cough 3 months later, 10% of cats were B. bronchiseptica-culture-positive and 63% calicivirus positive. In a large traditional shelter, the incidence of kennel cough in dogs increased over 12 weeks to a maximum of 19 cases/week/120 dogs, during which time the culture prevalence was 23% for B. bronchiseptica in dogs and 47% in cats. Three to 6 months before the kennel-cough epidemic, no dogs or cats were B. bronchiseptica positive. Very little genetic variability was detected in isolates from these shelters; all isolates except one corresponded to a single strain type which was identical to the pattern in a vaccine used in these shelters. Isolates from other cats, a horse, a llama, and a sea otter were genetically distinct from the shelter isolates. There was widespread resistance to cephalosporins and ampicillin, but low or no resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanate, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, and enrofloxacin. Greater percent resistance was observed in the traditional shelter than in the no-kill shelter and feline isolates were more likely to be resistant than canine isolates.     

Ultrasonographic examination of injuries to the achilles tendon in dogs and cats.

The value of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of lesions of the Achilles tendon was Investigated in 42 dogs and seven cats. A standardised four-part ultrasonographic examination was established. Linear transducers with a frequency of more than 7.5 MHz were used. Ultrasonography allowed identification and differentiation of total ruptures and the differentiation of partial ruptures into deep or superficial ruptures, or those comprising muscular tears. The healing process could be monitored and imaged using this technique. Suture material was readily visible in surgically treated cases. Displacement of the superficial digital flexor tendon could be identified. In such cases, the tendon tissue was seen either medially or laterally to the calcaneus. The healing process of the Achilles tendon could also be documented using ultrasonography. However, it was not possible to determine the age of the injury and the exact end of the healing process. Ultrasonography therefore proved to be an excellent diagnostic method for imaging lesions of the Achilles tendon and associated injuries in dogs and cats. After physical examination, the technique should be the next logical step in the evaluation of a suspected injury to the Achilles tendon.     

Nocardia infections in cats: a retrospective multi-institutional study of 17 cases

OBJECTIVE: To record 17 cases of nocardiosis in cats from eastern Australia and to compare this series with cases previously reported. DESIGN: Retrospective/prospective study. RESULTS: Nocardia spp infections were diagnosed in 17 cats over 14 years from the three eastern states of Australia. There were no isolates from dogs during this period, but one isolate from a koala and two from dairy cows. The majority of cats presented with spreading lesions of the subcutis and skin associated with draining sinus tract(s). Early cutaneous lesions consisted of circumscribed abscesses. Infections spread at a variable rate, generally by extension to adjacent tissues. Lesions were generally located in regions subjected to cat bite or scratch injuries, including limbs, body wall, inguinal panniculus and nasal bridge. In some other cases, lesions were situated on distal extremities. The clinical course was variable, from chronic, indolent, initially localised infections to acute fulminating disease. Of the 17 cats, 14 were domestic crossbreds and three were purebreds. There was a preponderance of male cats (12 castrated, 1 entire young adult, 1 entire kitten). Nine of 17 cats were 10 years or older. Interestingly, the majority of infections were attributable to N nova. Immediate and/or predisposing causes could be identified in all cases, and included: renal transplantation [one cat]; chronic corticosteroid administration [three cats]; catabolic state following chylothorax surgery [one cat]; fight injuries [seven cats]; FIV infections [three of seven cats tested]. Of the 17 cats, three were apparently cured. Four were thought to be cured, but infection recurred after several months. Three cats responded partially but were euthanased, while another was improving when it died of unrelated complications. Two died despite treatment and two were euthanased without an attempt at therapy. For two cats there were either insufficient records or the patient was lost to follow up. CONCLUSION: Nocardiosis is a rare, serious disease. Currently it is more common in cats than dogs. Nocardial panniculitis may be clinically indistinguishable from the syndrome caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria. Although the prognosis is guarded, patients with localised infections caused by N nova often respond to appropriate therapy. If definitive treatment is delayed because of misdiagnosis, the disease tends to become chronic, extensive and refractory. Insufficient duration of therapy leads to disease recurrence.     

Trauma in dogs and cats: an overview

Trauma is an important health hazard for dogs and cats. About 13 per cent of all patients seen in two large veterinary hospitals were for evaluation of injuries. Approximately 35 per cent of dogs and cats were injured severely, with an overall mortality rate of about 9 per cent from either spontaneous death or euthanasia. The major factor that influences an animal's chances of being injured is the owner's management of the animal's environment. Factors that influence the outcome of a traumatic event include the cause of injury, the amount of distribution of kinetic energy discharged into the animal, and the anatomic location of the injury. The veterinarian's role in dealing with trauma should be not only emergency resuscitation and definitive treatment of injured animals but also education of pet owners to the common environmental hazards that all too frequently affect their pets.