Radiographic Assessment of a Canine Uncemented Porous-Coated Anatomic Total Hip Prosthesis

Thirty uncemented porous-coated anatomic total hip prostheses in 24 dogs were evaluated radiographically at 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months after arthroplasty. All dogs were fully weight bearing and free of lameness at the time of follow-up. Radiographs were assessed for prosthetic component alignment, percentage of femoral canal fill, resorptive and formative bony changes, and changes at the implant bone interface. No evidence of infection, loosening, or failure of component fixation was seen. Settling of the acetabular component and subsidence of the femoral stem was seen early after surgery. Cortical atrophy was seen in all femurs and was the most significant bony remodeling change. Early results of clinical and radiographic evaluation of uncemented total hip arthroplasty in dogs have been encouraging.     

Evaluation of Lameness Associated with Arthroscopy and Arthrotomy of the Normal Canine Cubital Joint

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate gait, range of motion (ROM), and lameness in normal dogs after arthroscopy or arthrotomy of the cubital joint. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Fourteen mature, healthy dogs. METHODS: Dogs were randomly assigned to treatment groups. Seven underwent arthrotomy and 7 underwent arthroscopy of the left cubital joint. Dogs were evaluated using kinetic gait assessment, subjective evaluation scores, and cubital joint ROM. Evaluations were performed before and on days 2, 4, 7, 15, 22, and 29 after surgery. Radiographs made before and after the surgical procedures were evaluated. RESULTS: Significant differences in peak vertical force and vertical impulse force were not observed between surgery groups (P =.88 and.49, respectively). Joint ROM was not significantly different between groups (P =.09 for flexion and.91 for extension). For all dogs, joint ROM and radiographic evaluations remained normal throughout the study period. Significant differences in subjective lameness scores, weight bearing, or pain were not observed between groups (P >/ or =.19 for all variables). CONCLUSIONS: In this study population, significant differences between dogs undergoing arthroscopy or arthrotomy of the cubital joint with respect to postoperative pain, weight bearing, joint ROM, or temporal improvement of ground reaction forces were not observed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study suggest that postoperative morbidity should not be a factor when making a decision to perform either arthroscopy or arthrotomy for exploration of the medial compartment of the canine cubital joint.     

Fluoroscopically Guided Closed Reduction and Internal Fixation of Fractures of the Lateral Portion of the Humeral Condyle: Prospective Clinical Study of the Technique and Results in Ten Dogs

OBJECTIVE: To report a technique for fluoroscopically guided closed reduction with internal fixation of fractures of the lateral portion of the humeral condyle (FLHC) and determine the long-term results in 10 clinical cases. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical case study. ANIMALS: Ten dogs with 11 fractures. METHODS: Fractures of the lateral portion of the humeral condyle were stabilized with transcondylar screws and Kirschner wires. Closed reduction and implant placement were achieved using intraoperative fluoroscopic guidance. After fracture repair, postoperative radiographs were evaluated for articular alignment and implant placement. Dogs were evaluated after surgery by means of lameness scores, elbow range of motion (ROM), radiographic assessment, and owner evaluation of function. RESULTS: Postoperative reduction was considered anatomic in 6 fractures with all other fractures having <1.5 mm of malreduction. Follow-up was available for 9 patients from 9 to 21 months after surgery. All of the fractures had healed. One minor (wire migration) and one major (implant failure) complication occurred. Mean lameness scores were 0 (n = 6), 0.5 (n = 2), and 1 (n = 1) at the time of final follow-up. No significant differences were found in follow-up ROM values between affected and unaffected elbows. All of the dogs in this study regained 90-100% of full function, based on owner assessment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Fluoroscopic guidance for closed reduction and internal fixation of FLHC in dogs is an effective technique.     

Surgical treatment of disk-associated wobbler syndrome by a distractable vertebral titanium cage in seven dogs

Objective: To evaluate a distractable titanium cage for the treatment of disk‐associated wobbler syndrome (DAWS). Study Design: Prospective study. Animals: Dogs (n=7) with DAWS. Methods: After total discectomy of C5–C6 and C6–C7, the median part of the vertebral body of C6 was removed with preservation of the lateral walls and dorsal cortex. The removed cancellous bone was collected. The implant was placed in the bony defect of C6. After placement, the titanium cage was distracted and affixed by 4 screws. Finally, the implant was filled and covered with cancellous bone. Dogs had follow‐up examinations at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Six months after surgery, cervical radiographs and computed tomography (CT) were performed. Results: Although no intraoperative complications occurred, correct placement of the cage was technically challenging. Revision surgery was necessary in 2 dogs because of implant loosening and aggravation of vertebral tilting. All dogs improved after discharge from the hospital. In 1 dog, recurrence of clinical signs caused by articular facet proliferation at an adjacent intervertebral disk space occurred. Radiographs at 6 months demonstrated cage subsidence in 4 dogs. In all dogs, CT was suggestive for fusion of the bone graft with the vertebral body. Conclusions: Although results are promising, technical adaptations will be necessary to make this specific surgical technique, designed for humans, suitable for routine use in dogs.     

Evaluation of surgical repair of humeral condylar fractures using self-compressing orthofix pins in 23 dogs

OBJECTIVE: To report short- and long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes in dogs with humeral condylar fractures repaired using self-compressing Orthofix pins. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation with solicited long-term clinical and radiographic evaluations. ANIMALS: Twenty-three dogs with humeral condylar fractures. METHODS: Medical records and radiographs were reviewed. Owners were asked to return dogs for long-term clinical and radiographic evaluation. RESULTS: Dogs were aged 1.5-26 months (mean+/-SD, 5.8+/-5.0 months) with 20 dogs weighing <5 kg (mean, 3.6+/-2.8 kg). Of 21 dogs with immediate post-operative radiographs, 10 had anatomic reduction with the rest having either a step and/or gap at the articular surface. Kirschner wire migration and implant loosening were the most common post-operative complications. All fractures with adequate follow-up radiographic evaluations achieved union. Twelve of 13 dogs returned for long-term evaluation (mean, 19.0+/-18.5 months) were either sound (10 dogs) or had subtle, weight-bearing lameness (2). Fourteen dogs had radiographs >/=75 days after surgery (mean, 18.7+/-18.3 months), 8 dogs (57%) had no radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (OA; mean OA score, 0.8; median 0), and all dogs had good or excellent limb function. CONCLUSIONS: Self-compressing Orthofix pins are suitable implants for the stabilization of humeral condylar fractures in small breed dogs. Implants were convenient and simple to use and complications were easily resolved. Dogs consistently had good long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes with no or minimal lameness and OA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Self-compressing Orthofix pins should be considered for the repair of humeral condylar fractures in small breed dogs.     

Loss of implant-bone interface following distal radial locking-plate endoprosthesis limb-sparing surgery in a dog

An eight-year-old, neutered female Rottweiler was presented with lameness of seven days duration. Radiographs were consistent with a distal radial bone tumour. Limb-sparing surgery was performed using a commercially available endoprosthesis with a locking bone plate. Histopathological examination of the resected bone revealed an intraosseous fibrosarcoma, and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was initiated three weeks after surgery. Despite initial satisfactory limb function, lameness worsened four months after surgery. Radiographs revealed large areas of bone lysis around the proximal and distal screws, leading to significant resorption of the radius and radial carpal bone with subsequent construct failure. Further treatment was declined by the owner and the dog was subsequently euthanased. This case illustrates that implant failure is not necessarily averted by the use of locking (compared with non-locking) implants combined with an endoprosthesis to treat distal radial tumours in dogs.     

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.     

Accuracy and optimization of force platform gait analysis in Labradors with cranial cruciate disease evaluated at a walking gait

OBJECTIVE: To determine the combination of ground reaction forces (GRFs) that best discriminates between lame and non-lame dogs. To compare the sensitivity of force platform gait analysis and visual observation at detecting gait abnormalities in Labradors after surgery for rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). ANIMALS: All dogs were adult Labrador Retrievers: 17 free of orthopedic and neurologic abnormalities, 100 with unilateral CCL rupture, and 131 studied 6 months after surgery for unilateral CCL injury, 15 with observable lameness. PROCEDURE: Dogs were walked over a force platform with GRF recorded during the stance phase. Analytic properties of force platform gait analysis were calculated for several combinations of forces. The probability of visual observation detecting a gait abnormality was compared with that of force platform gait analysis. RESULTS: We determined that a combination of peak vertical force (PVF) and falling slope were optimal for discriminating sound and lame Labradors. After surgery, many dogs (75%) with no observable lameness failed to achieve GRFs consistent with sound Labradors. CONCLUSION: A force platform is an accurate method of assessing lameness in Labradors with CCL rupture and is more sensitive than visual observation. Assessing lameness with a combination of GRFs is better than using univariate GRFs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Therapies for stifle lameness can be accurately and objectively evaluated using 2 vertical ground reaction forces obtained from a force platform.     

Relationship of tibial plateau slope to limb function in dogs treated with a lateral suture technique for stabilization of cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifles

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a lateral suture technique (LST) on tibial plateau angle (TPA) measurement and to compare TPA with functional outcome in dogs treated for cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture with LST. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Dogs (n=34) with unilateral CrCL instability. METHODS: All dogs had lameness examination, survey stifle radiographs, and force plate analysis before and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 weeks after surgery. Radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) scores and lameness scores were assigned using previously reported methods. Preoperative radiographs were performed in all dogs, and postoperative serial radiographs were performed in 6 dogs for measurement of TPA. Differences in TPA measurements were evaluated with a random effects repeated measures model. The significance of LST on TPA measurement was established in 6 dogs and the effect of TPA on vertical impulse, peak vertical force, progression of radiographic scores, and lameness score were analyzed by general linear models in all dogs. Differences were considered significant if P<.05. RESULTS: Significant differences were not noted between pre- and serial postoperative measurements of TPA. A significant correlation was not established between TPA and postoperative vertical impulse, peak vertical force, lameness score, or radiographic OA scores. CONCLUSIONS: TPA values were unchanged after LST and TPA does not affect outcome measures in dogs treated with LST. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: TPA has no predictive value on clinical outcome in dogs treated with LST for stabilization of CrCL deficient stifles.     

Prospective evaluation of techniques for differentiating shoulder pathology as a source of forelimb lameness in medium and large breed dogs

Objective— To assess lameness evaluation, shoulder abduction angles, radiography, and ultrasonography for determining presence, location, and severity of forelimb pathology. Study Design— Prospective cohort study. Animals— Dogs ≥20 kg (n=30). Methods— Each dog was assigned lameness scores. Shoulder abduction angles were determined. Radiographs of shoulders and elbows were subjectively graded for pathology. One investigator unaware of dog history (lameness, radiographic findings) performed ultrasonographic assessment of shoulders with subjective grading of pathology. Another investigator unaware of dog history (lameness, radiographic, ultrasonographic findings) performed arthroscopic assessment of shoulders with subjective grading of pathology. Elbows were disarticulated and evaluated for gross pathology. Histologic pathology scoring of shoulder tissues was performed. Data were compared for differences among groups, sensitivities, specificities, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated. Results— Twenty‐seven forelimbs were considered clinically normal, 26 had shoulder pathology, 5 had elbow pathology, and 2 had pathology of both the shoulder and elbow. Dogs with shoulder pathology were twice as likely to be lame compared with dogs with elbow pathology. Limbs with medial shoulder instability had significantly higher abduction angles than normal limbs and those with elbow pathology. Radiographs were clinically useful for diagnosing elbow, but not shoulder, pathology. Ultrasonography was clinically useful for diagnosing shoulder pathology other than instability. Abduction angles, ultrasonographic evaluation, and arthroscopic assessments had strong, significant correlations with reference standards. Conclusions— Clinically relevant diagnostic techniques yielded characteristic, repeatable differences in objective and subjective assessments for distinguishing presence, location, and severity of forelimb lameness in dogs. Clinical Relevance— The diagnostic approach to forelimb lameness in dogs should include shoulder pathology as a differential with multiple assessments used to determine the clinical cause of lameness.     

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Nine Canine Hind Limb Amputees: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of total hip arthroplasty in canine hindlimb amputees. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation of clinical cases. METHODS: Data recorded from the medical records of nine dogs included patient signalment, indication for amputation and total hip arthroplasty (THA), interval between amputation and THA, and surgical complications. Radiographs were used to assess implant orientation and evidence of complications. Functional outcome was assessed using direct patient evaluation by one of the authors or primary surgeons, or through telephone interview between the primary author and the owner. RESULTS: Seven dogs ultimately had a good or excellent clinical results. Complications occurred in five dogs. Four dogs luxated the prosthetic joint without an obvious traumatic event within 9 weeks of the initial surgery. Revision surgeries resulted in successful coxofemoral reduction in three of four dogs. There were no clinical or radiographic findings suggestive of implant loosening or infection. CONCLUSION: THA can be a successful salvage procedure in the canine hindlimb amputee with disabling, non-neoplastic, noninfectious coxofemoral disease. The risk of luxation in the early postoperative period is high and revision surgery is required for stabilization.     

Autogenous osteochondral grafting for treatment of stifle osteochondrosis in dogs

Objective— To develop and assess clinical outcomes for osteochondral autografting for treatment of stifle osteochondrosis (OC) in dogs. Study Design— Retrospective case series. Animals— Dogs with stifle OC (n=10). Methods— Osteochondral autografting was developed and optimized in canine cadavers and purpose‐bred research dogs using the Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS). Dogs with stifle OC (n=10 dogs, 12 stifles) were then treated using the OATS system. Outcomes were assessed by radiography (n=12), magnetic resonance imaging (1), second‐look arthroscopy (9), lameness scoring (12), and telephone survey of owners (10 clients, 12 stifles) 6–15 months after surgery. Results— Complications were documented in 4 of the 12 stifles treated and included peri‐incisional seromas (3) and marked stifle effusion (1). Subjective assessment of follow‐up radiographs revealed evidence of integration of the grafts with maintenance of subchondral bone surface architecture. Subjective assessment of follow‐up MRI in 1 stifle revealed evidence for incorporation of grafts with restoration of articular surface contour. Second‐look arthroscopy 6–30 weeks after surgery revealed maintenance of articular cartilage at the graft site. Dogs were significantly (P<.001) less lame at follow‐up compared with preoperative scores. Based on follow‐up owner surveys, only 2 dogs had no pain or lameness; the other dogs were judged to have mild pain and/or lameness. All owners noticed improvement in the dogs' quality of life after surgery. Conclusion— Osteochondral autografting deserves consideration and further evaluation as a primary treatment option for stifle OC in dogs. Clinical Relevance— Osteochondral autografting for treatment of lateral femoral condylar OC lesions in dogs using OATS instrumentation is safe and results in improved function and quality of life based on owners' perception 6–15 months after treatment.     

Meniscal injury following initial cranial cruciate ligament stabilization surgery in 26 dogs (29 stifles)

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical signs, arthroscopic findings, and outcome in a group of dogs undergoing second look arthroscopy for the treatment of meniscal tears following original surgery to correct a CCL deficient stifle joint. METHODS: The medical records of 26 dogs from the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Texas A&M University and the Veterinary Orthopedic Center (Round Rock, Texas) that had second look arthroscopy for lameness following an original surgical procedure were reviewed. Pre-operative clinical findings, 2nd look arthroscopic findings and owner assessed outcome were documented. RESULTS: Postliminary bucket handle tears of the medial meniscus were detected in 22 (75.9%) cases. Other postliminary meniscal injuries included frayed caudal horn tears of the medial meniscus 6 (20.7%), and longitudinal tears of the lateral meniscus 1 (3.4%). An audible or palpable click was present in 27.6% of cases. An improvement or resolution of lameness was reported in 96.5% of cases reported. In conclusion, tears of the medial meniscus are a significant cause of lameness in dogs subsequent to surgery for cranial crucial ligament ruptures. Increased lameness or acute onset of lameness after surgery for cranial crucial rupture is a consistent finding. In rare cases, a palpable or audible click will be appreciated. Arthroscopic evaluation and partial meniscectomy improve or resolve lameness in the majority of cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Sudden or increased lameness in dogs with historical CCL stabilization surgery should be evaluated and treated arthroscopically for postliminary meniscal injury if another cause for lameness can not be determined.     

Proximal tibial intraarticular ostectomy for treatment of canine cranial cruciate ligament injury

OBJECTIVE: To report a technique for surgical alteration of the slope of the tibial plateau by a proximal tibial intraarticular ostectomy (PTIO) after injury to the canine cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) and to determine the outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=52) with CCL injury in 60 stifle joints. METHODS: CCL injury was treated by lateral stifle arthrotomy, removal of CCL remnants, and appropriate meniscal surgery. PTIO was performed to remove a wedge of bone from the proximal aspect of the tibia. The ostectomy site was reduced and stabilized using a bone plate and screws applied to the medial surface of the tibia as well as a craniocaudal positional screw. Dogs were evaluated at 6 weeks, 6, and 12 months by complication assessment, lameness scores, stifle range of motion (ROM), thigh circumference, radiographic assessment, degenerative joint disease (DJD) scores, and surgeon and owner evaluation of function. RESULTS: Lameness scores improved by 6 and 12 months in all but 1 dog. Thigh circumference and DJD were increased at 6 and 12 months. Complications occurred in 20% of dogs with all but 1 occurring perioperatively or within 6 weeks; most common were injury to the long digital extensor tendon (4 dogs) and plate failure (3); 2 other dogs required surgery to treat complications. Most owners (98%) reported that lameness had improved by 12 months; 90% were extremely or very satisfied with the procedure and 90% would have the same procedure performed on another dog. CONCLUSION: PTIO to level the tibial plateau provided a satisfactory clinical outcome in dogs >20 kg with CCL injury and the complication rate was similar to tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO). Stifle osteoarthritis continued to progress radiographically. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PTIO represents an alternative to TPLO that does not require specialized surgical equipment.     

Short-term outcome after total elbow arthroplasty in dogs with severe, naturally occurring osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate limb function in client-owned dogs before and after total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) for severe, naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical evaluation comparing limb function before and after surgery. ANIMALS: Twenty adult, large breed dogs with elbow OA. METHODS: Physical, radiographic, and force platform gait examinations were performed on all dogs before surgery. TEA was performed, and examinations were repeated at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Pre- and postoperative findings were compared. RESULTS: TEA led to a satisfactory outcome in 16 dogs. In dogs with a satisfactory outcome, function in the operated limb increased over time, with mean peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI) 1 year after surgery being nearly twice the presurgical value. Serious complications encountered included infection (n = 2), luxation (n = 1), and fracture of the humeral condyle (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Although TEA, as presented, has significant limitations, it can be successfully performed in dogs with naturally occurring elbow OA. Improvements in technique and implant design should lead to improved prognosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on 1-year data, TEA can be successfully performed in dogs and should be considered as a treatment alternative for adult dogs with lameness from severe OA of the elbow joint.     

Risk Factors for Femoral Fracture after Canine Press‐Fit Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty

Objective: To evaluate risk factors for femoral fracture after porous‐coated cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). Study Design: Case series. Animals: Dogs (n=74) that had cementless THA (n=84). Methods: Medical records of dogs from 2 referral hospitals were reviewed for occurrence of postoperative femoral fracture. Patient and operative (age, breed, sex, weight, and canal flare index [CFI], indication for arthroplasty, intraoperative fissure, cerclage usage, and implant sizes) factors were analyzed. Assessment of implant positioning and canal fill was performed on immediate postoperative radiographs. Femoral fractures (n=11) were evaluated and compared with 73 cases without fracture that met the inclusion criteria. Results: Mean (±SEM) age was 7.30±0.69 years for dogs with, and 4.77±0.37 years for dogs without femoral fracture. Age was positively associated with fracture (P=.022). Mean (±SEM) CFI was 1.80±0.09 for dogs with, and 1.98±0.04 for dogs without fracture. CFI was negatively associated with fracture (P=.045). Body weight, intraoperative fissure, cerclage use, implant size, position, and canal fill did not influence the occurrence of femoral fracture. Conclusions: Older dogs and dogs with lower CFI may be at increased risk for femoral fracture after porous‐coated cementless THA. Clinical Relevance: Risk factors exist for femoral fracture after cementless THA using porous‐coated implants, and should be critically evaluated during the patient selection. These risks should be weighed against the benefits of the system, and measures to minimize femoral fracture in at‐risk patients studied.     

Effects of postoperative administration of ketoprofen or carprofen on short- and long-term results of femoral head and neck excision in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether postoperative administration of ketoprofen or carprofen had any effects on short- or long-term results of femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial. ANIMALS: 40 client-owned, large-breed dogs undergoing FHNE and 15 healthy large-breed dogs used as controls for hip joint angle measurements and force plate analyses. PROCEDURE: Dogs undergoing FHNE were treated with ketoprofen, carprofen, or a placebo for 21 days after surgery. Hip joint abduction and extension angles were measured at the end of surgery and 120 days later. Lameness scores were assigned, and force plate analyses were performed on days 3, 15, and 120. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among treatment groups in regard to hip joint angles or lameness scores. Force plate analysis revealed that dogs in all 3 treatment groups bore consistently less weight on the operated limb than did control dogs for the duration of the study. Dogs receiving ketoprofen had greater peak propulsive force at a walk on day 3 and greater peak vertical force at a walk on day 15 than did dogs receiving the placebo. Treatment of an acute condition and preservation of the lesser trochanter, but not postoperative analgesic administration, were positively associated with ground reaction forces on day 120. Owners of 12 of 31 dogs indicated that the dog's gait worsened for a few days after discontinuation of analgesic administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of ketoprofen or carprofen after surgery was not associated with long-term results of FHNE, probably because of the impact of other factors. Because some owners noticed worsening of the lameness following cessation of analgesic administration in the present study, it is possible that longer administration would have improved long-term results.     

Surgery alone or in combination with radiation therapy for treatment of intracranial meningiomas in dogs: 31 cases (1989-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To compare, for dogs with intracranial meningiomas, survival times for dogs treated with surgical resection followed by radiation therapy with survival times for dogs treated with surgery alone. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 31 dogs with intracranial meningiomas. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs with histologic confirmation of an intracranial meningioma were reviewed. For each dog, signalment, clinical signs, tumor location, treatment protocol, and survival time were obtained from the medical record and through follow-up telephone interviews. RESULTS: Dogs that underwent tumor resection alone and survived > 1 week after surgery had a median survival time of 7 months (range, 0.5 to 22 months). Dogs that underwent tumor resection followed by radiation therapy had a median survival time of 16.5 months (range, 3 to 58 months). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that in dogs with intracranial meningiomas, use of radiation therapy as a supplement to tumor resection can significantly extend life expectancy.     

Mineralization of the supraspinatus tendon in dogs

Mineralization of the supraspinatus tendon is proposed as a cause of forelimb lameness in dogs. A new radiographic position (cranioproximal-cranio-distal) is advanced to detect abnormalities of the craniomedial aspect of the proximal portion of the humerus. Four dogs had surgery to remove mineralized debris from the supraspinatus tendon insertion and have improved limb function. Two dogs were evaluated in depth, with no signs of relapse 2 to 4 years after surgery. Other dogs, without apparent forelimb lameness, have had mineralization detected by use of radiography, thus emphasizing the need for thorough forelimb evaluation before determining that the mineralization is indeed the cause of lameness.     

Effects of meloxicam on severity of lameness and other clinical signs of osteoarthritis in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of meloxicam on severity of lameness and other clinical signs in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial. ANIMALS: 217 client-owned dogs with clinical and radiographic signs of OA. PROCEDURE: Dogs were randomly assigned to be treated with meloxicam (n = 105; 0.2 mg/kg [0.09 mg/lb], SC, once on day 1, then 0.1 mg/kg [0.045 mg/lb], PO, q 24 h, for 13 days) or a placebo (n = 112). A general clinical score was assigned by investigators on days 1 (ie, prior to initiation of treatment), 8, and 15 on the basis of severity of lameness, extent of weight bearing, and severity of signs during palpation of the affected joint. Owners and investigators provided overall evaluations on days 8 and 15. RESULTS: Dogs treated with meloxicam had significantly greater improvements in general clinical scores, compared with baseline scores, on days 8 and 15 than did dogs treated with placebo. On days 8 and 15, percentages of dogs treated with meloxicam in which owners and investigators considered treatment to be successful were significantly higher than percentages of control dogs in which treatment was considered to be successful. No abnormalities in hematologic and serum biochemical test results were detected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that compared with administration of a placebo, administration of meloxicam for 14 days significantly improved the clinical condition of dogs with OA without causing adverse effects.