Hypovitaminosis D in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and hypoalbuminaemia

Objectives : To compare serum vitamin D metabolites and plasma parathyroid hormone concentrations in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and normal albumin concentration, dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and hypoalbuminaemia, healthy dogs and hospitalised ill dogs with non‐gastrointestinal illness. Methods : Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations were measured in 36 healthy dogs, 49 hospitalised ill dogs with non‐gastrointestinal illnesses, 21 dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and normoalbuminaemia and 12 dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and hypoalbuminaemia. Plasma parathyroid hormone and ionised calcium concentrations were measured in a subset of these dogs. Results : Concentrations of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D were lower in hypoalbuminaemic dogs with inflammatory bowel disease than in the healthy dogs (P<0·001), hospitalised ill dogs (P<0·001) and normoalbuminaemic dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (P<0·001). Dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and hypoalbuminaemia had a higher plasma concentration of parathyroid hormone (P<0·01) and lower plasma concentration of ionised calcium (P<0·001) than hospitalised ill dogs. Dogs with inflammatory bowel disease had a positive correlation between serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and serum albumin (P<0·0001), serum calcium (P<0·0001) and plasma ionised calcium (P<0·0005) concentrations. Clinical Significance : Dogs with inflammatory bowel disease and hypoalbuminaemia frequently have ionised hypocalcaemia, high parathyroid hormone and low serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D concentrations. Further studies are indicated to establish the pathogenesis of this disease complication as well as therapeutic strategies to reverse this state.     

Effects of feeding a high omega‐3 fatty acids diet in dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis

The aim of this randomized, placebo‐controlled and double‐blinded trial was to compare the effect of a veterinary therapeutic diet (VTD) rich in omega‐3 fatty acids (omega‐3) from fish origin to a regular diet used as control (CTR) over a period of 13 weeks in dogs afflicted by naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA). Thirty privately owned dogs were selected. Dogs had lameness confirmed by an orthopaedic examination, had stifle/hip OA and had locomotor disability based on the peak of the vertically oriented ground reaction force (PVF) measured using a force platform. At Baseline, all owners were asked to determine 2–5 activities of daily living that were the most impaired. Activities were scores (0–4) in accordance with severity using case‐specific outcome measures (CSOM). The PVF was also measured. Dogs (15/group) were then randomly assigned to receive either the CTR or the VTD. The CSOM was completed twice weekly. The recording of PVF was repeated at Week 7 and 13. The VTD‐fed dogs showed a significantly higher PVF at Week 7 (p < 0.001) and at Week 13 (p < 0.001) when compared to Baseline. From Baseline to Week 13, VTD‐fed dogs had a mean (± SD) change in PVF recording of 3.5 ± 6.8% of body weight (%BW) compared with 0.5 ± 6.1%BW (p = 0.211) in CTR‐fed dogs. This change in primary outcome was consistent with an effect size of 0.5. Conversely, dogs fed the CTR did not show significant change in PVF measurements. At the end of the study, the CSOM was significantly decreased (p = 0.047) only in VTD fed dogs. In lame OA dogs, a VTD that contains high level of omega‐3 from fish origin improved the locomotor disability and the performance in activities of daily living. Such nutritional approach appears interesting for the management of OA.     

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.     

Influence of signalment on developing cranial cruciate rupture in dogs in the UK

Objectives : To investigate risk factors associated with cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs. Methods : Retrospective case‐control study: medical records of a first‐opinion veterinary practice were searched for dogs diagnosed with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (1995 to 2007). For each case, six unaffected dogs were randomly selected from all dogs presenting that day for comparison. Multi‐variable binary logistic regression was performed to assess the association of variables on likelihood of cruciate rupture. Results : Frequency of cranial cruciate ligament rupture was 1·19% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·02 to 1.36%]. West Highland white terriers (n=17), Yorkshire terriers (n=14) and Rottweilers (n=11) were at significantly increased risk of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (P≤0·002). Rottweilers were at five times greater risk compared with other pure breeds (OR 5·12, 95% CI 2·281 to 11·494, P<0·001), obesity quadrupled the risk of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (OR 3·756, 95% CI 1·659 to 8·502, P=0·001) and females were twice as likely to suffer cranial cruciate ligament failure compared to males (OR 2·054, 95% CI 1·467 to 2·877, P<0·001). Dogs less than two years old were statistically less likely to sustain cranial cruciate ligament rupture than dogs older than eight years (OR 0·246, 95% CI 0·127 to 0·477, P<0·001). There was no significant difference in median weights (in kilograms) of neutered dogs, compared to their entire counterparts in either the case group (P=0·994) or in the control group (P=0·630). There was also no significant difference in body condition (‐underweight/normal weight/overweight/obese) of neutered versus entire dogs among the cases (P=0·243), or the controls (P=0·211). Clinical Significance : Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is more likely in Rottweilers and in female dogs, older dogs and obese dogs. Following multi‐variable analysis, it was established that neutering was not associated with increased risk of cranial cruciate ligament rupture.     

Evaluation of S-adenosyl l-methionine in a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial for treatment of presumptive osteoarthritis in the dog

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of S‐adenosyl l ‐methionine (SAMe) in the treatment of clinically inferred canine osteoarthritis (OA). Study Design: Six weeks, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial. Animals: Dogs (n=33) with clinical signs, history, and orthopedic exams consistent with OA. Methods: Dogs were block randomized by body condition score (<6/9, or ≥6/9) into either the placebo or SAMe group. Outcome was assessed using pressure platform gait analysis, examination score, goniometry, and the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) at the time of study entrance and at 3 and 6 weeks after entry. Groups were compared using parametric and nonparametric paired tests as appropriate, and numbers needed to treat (NNT) were calculated for the CBPI and peak vertical force (PVF). Results: Both groups (n=15 placebo, n=18 SAMe) had a reduction in mean PVF (P=.02) and vertical impulse (VI; P=.06) from the 1st to 3rd visit. There was no significant difference between the placebo group and SAMe group for PVF, VI, or either part of the CBPI (Severity or Impact). The NNT at 6 weeks for the Severity score was 3, Impact score was 25, and PVF was 45. Conclusions: These data do not support the use of SAMe as an effective stand alone treatment for reducing clinical signs of OA, as measured by PVF, VI, goniometry, CBPI (both Severity and Impact), and examination score within 6 weeks of treatment.     

Comparison of Force Plate Gait Analysis and Owner Assessment of Pain Using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory in Dogs with Osteoarthritis

Background

Lameness assessment using force plate gait analysis (FPGA) and owner assessment of chronic pain using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) are valid and reliable methods of evaluating canine osteoarthritis. There are no studies comparing these 2 outcome measures.

Objective

Evaluate the relationship between CBPI pain severity (PS) and interference (PI) scores with the vertical forces of FPGA as efficacy measures in canine osteoarthritis.

Animals

Sixty‐eight client‐owned dogs with osteoarthritis (50 hind limb and 18 forelimb).

Methods

Double‐blind, randomized. Owners completed the CBPI, and dogs underwent FPGA on days 0 and 14. Dogs received carprofen or placebo on days 1 through 14. The change in PS and PI scores from day 0 to 14 were compared to the change in peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI).

Results

PS and PI scores significantly decreased in carprofen‐ compared with placebo‐treated dogs (P = .002 and P = .03, respectively). PVF and VI significantly increased in carprofen‐ compared with placebo‐treated dogs (P = .006 and P = .02, respectively). There was no correlation or concordance between the PS or PI score changes and change in PVF or VI.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In these dogs with hind limb or forelimb osteoarthritis, owner assessment of chronic pain using the CBPI and assessment of lameness using FPGA detected significant improvement in dogs treated with carprofen. The lack of correlation or concordance between the change in owner scores and vertical forces suggests that owners were focused on behaviors other than lameness when making efficacy evaluations in their dogs.     

Causes of anaemia other than acute blood loss and their clinical significance in dogs

Objectives : To identify the causes of anaemia, other than acute blood loss, in dogs and to determine whether severity of anaemia provides clues to the diagnosis. Methods : The veterinary medical database of the Veterinary Campus Hospital, Lyon was searched. Dogs with anaemia (packed cell volume <37%) were included and assigned to different disease groups. Dogs with acute blood loss were excluded. The case records were examined for weakness at presentation, the severity and regeneration of anaemia and the final diagnosis including tumour type if applicable. Results : The case records of 456 dogs with low packed cell volume were included. Cancer‐related anaemia and anaemia of inflammatory disease accounted for 33·1 and 28·5% of cases, respectively. Most dogs with cancer‐related anaemia had solid tumours (73%). The prevalence of immune‐mediated anaemia increased with severity of anaemia (5·3, 15·5, 41·2 and 56·2% for mild, moderate, severe and very severe anaemia, respectively), whereas the prevalence of anaemia of inflammatory disease decreased (36·7, 22·5, 2·9 and 0% for mild, moderate, severe and very severe anaemia, respectively). Clinical Significance : Anaemia of inflammatory disease and cancer‐related anaemia were the most frequently identified causes of anaemia in dogs. The percentage of dogs with immune‐mediated anaemia increased with anaemia severity, whereas the percentage of dogs with anaemia of inflammatory disease decreased with anaemia severity. Thus, severity of anaemia may provide clues to the diagnosis.     

Reliability of radiological assessment of ulnar trochlear notch sclerosis in dysplastic canine elbows

Objectives : The objectives of this study were to quantify the sensitivity and specificity of visual assessment of radiographs of the canine elbow in detecting ulnar trochlear notch sclerosis, to establish interobserver and intra‐observer variation for the presence and grade of sclerosis and to quantify the effect of radiographic exposure on observer grading. Methods : Mediolateral elbow radiographs were obtained from Labrador retrievers (n=34) aged between six and 18 months. Radiographs from dogs with an arthroscopic diagnosis of fragmented medial coronoid process (n=17) and those from a control population (n=17) were subjected to observer grading for the presence or absence of and the grade of ulnar trochlear notch sclerosis. Interobserver and intra‐observer variation and observer sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Digital data from the ulnar trochlear notch were correlated with mean observer grade to quantify the effect of radiographic exposure on observer grade. Results : Interobserver agreement was “fair” (kappa=0·251 to 0·369) and intra‐observer agreement was “moderate” to “substantial” (kappa=0·462 to 0·667). The sensitivity of observer assessment was 72 per cent with a specificity of 22 per cent. Mean observer grade was not significantly correlated with the degree of radiographic exposure (P=0·70). Clinical Significance : Ulnar trochlear notch sclerosis is a phenomenon associated with fragmented medial coronoid process. However, interobserver agreement in grading this feature is only fair, being identified by observers with moderate sensitivity but with relatively poor specificity. This low specificity may predispose to overdiagnosis in clinical cases. Intra‐observer agreement is moderate to substantial, suggesting that individuals can reliably quantify this radiological feature on multiple occasions. The ability of observers to assess the degree of sclerotic change is not significantly affected by radiographic exposure.     

Plasma and serum concentrations of cytarabine administered via continuous intravenous infusion to dogs with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology

The objective of this study was to evaluate the plasma and serum concentrations of cytarabine (CA) administered via constant rate infusion (CRI) in dogs with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology (MUE). Nineteen client‐owned dogs received a CRI of CA at a dose of 25 mg/m²/h for 8 h as treatment for MUE. Dogs were divided into four groups, those receiving CA alone and those receiving CA in conjunction with other drugs. Blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 8, and 12 h after initiating the CRI. Plasma (n = 13) and serum (n = 11) cytarabine concentrations were measured by high‐pressure liquid chromatography. The mean peak concentration (C_MAX) and area under the curve (AUC) after CRI administration were 1.70 ± 0.66 μg/mL and 11.39 ± 3.37 h·μg/mL, respectively, for dogs receiving cytarabine alone, 2.36 ± 0.35 μg/mL and 16.91 + 3.60 h·μg/mL for dogs administered cytarabine and concurrently on other drugs. Mean concentrations for all dogs were above 1.0 μg/mL at both the 1‐ and 8‐h time points. The steady‐state achieved with cytarabine CRI produces a consistent and prolonged exposure in plasma and serum, which is likely to produce equilibrium between blood and the central nervous system in dogs with a clinical diagnosis of MUE. Other medications commonly used to treat MUE do not appear to alter CA concentrations in serum and plasma.     

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.     

Assessing repeatability and validity of a visual analogue scale questionnaire for use in assessing pain and lameness in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To develop a visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire that is repeatable and valid for use in assessing pain and lameness in dogs. SAMPLE POPULATION: 48 client-owned dogs with mild to moderate lameness. PROCEDURE: The dogs were from 3 studies conducted during a 3-year period. Of the 48 dogs, 19 were used in repeatability assessment, 48 were used in principal component analysis, and 44 were used in model selection procedures and validity testing. A test-retest measure of repeatability was conducted on dogs with a change of < 10% in vertical peak force. A force platform was used as the criterion-referenced standard for detecting lameness. Principal component analysis was used to describe dimensionality of the data. Repeatable questions were used as explanatory variables in multiple regression models to predict force plate measurements. Peak vertical, craniocaudal, and associated impulses were the forces used to quantify lameness. The regression models were used to test the criterion validity of the questionnaire. RESULTS: 19 of 39 questions were found to be repeatable on the basis of a Spearman rank-correlation cut point of > 0.6. Model selection procedures resulted in 3 overlapping subsets of questions that were considered valid representations of the forces measured (vertical peak, vertical impulse, and propulsion peak). Each reduced model fit the data as well as the full model. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The VAS questionnaire was repeatable and valid for use in assessing the degree of mild to moderate lameness in dogs.     

Complications associated with temporary tracheostomy tubes in 42 dogs (1998 to 2007)

Objective : To identify the type and frequency of tracheostomy tube complications, and to determine factors associated with these complications, and with poor outcome. Methods : A database search for dogs undergoing temporary tube tracheostomy was performed. The medical records were scrutinised. The signalment, respiratory disease history, diagnosis, surgery, type and frequency of tube care procedures, type of complications and outcome were recorded. Results : Forty‐two records were found. Complications occurred in 36 of 42 (86%) cases. Bulldogs were more likely to dislodge the tube than other breeds (P=0·0376), and cases with three or more complication types underwent more routine care procedures than those with fewer complications (P=0·0370). Thirty‐four of 42 (81%) dogs had a successfully managed tracheostomy tube and survived until tube removal, or elective euthanasia without significant tube complications. Bulldogs were also significantly (P=0·0376) more likely to have an unsuccessful tube outcome, as were dogs experiencing severe bradycardia during treatment (P=0·0176). Dogs with unsuccessful tube outcome were significantly (P=0·0331) younger than dogs with successful tube outcome. Clinical Significance : Tracheostomy tubes in dogs have a high complication rate but a good outcome in most dogs. Careful management may improve the outcome of dogs with tracheostomy tubes, especially bulldogs and dogs exhibiting bradycardia during treatment.     

Evaluation of changes in vertical ground reaction forces as indicators of meniscal damage after transection of the cranial cruciate ligament in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether decreases in peak vertical force of the hind limb after transection of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) would be indicative of medial meniscal damage in dogs. ANIMALS: 39 purpose-bred adult male Walker Hounds. PROCEDURE: The right CrCL was transected arthroscopically. Force plate measurements of the right hind limb were made prior to and 2, 4, 10, and 18 weeks after transection of the CrCL. Only dogs with > or =10% decreases in peak vertical force after week 2 were considered to have potential meniscal damage. Dogs that did not have > or =10% decreases in peak vertical force at any time point after week 2 were assigned to group 1. Group 2 dogs had > or =10% decreases in peak vertical force from weeks 2 to 4 only. Group 3 and 4 dogs had > or =10% decreases in peak vertical force from weeks 4 to 10 only or from weeks 10 to 18 only, respectively. Damage to menisci and articular cartilage was graded at week 18, and grades for groups 2 to 4 were compared with those of group 1. RESULTS: The percentage change in peak vertical force and impulse area was significantly different in groups 2 (n = 4), 3 (4), and 4 (4) at the end of each measurement period (weeks 4, 10, and 18, respectively) than in group 1 (27). The meniscal grade for groups 2 to 4 was significantly higher than for group 1. A > or =10% decrease in peak vertical force had sensitivity of 52% and accuracy of 72% for identifying dogs with moderate to severe medial meniscal damage. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs with transected or ruptured CrCLs, force plate analysis can detect acute exacerbation of lameness, which may be the result of secondary meniscal damage, and provide an objective noninvasive technique that delineates the temporal pattern of medial meniscal injury.     

Comparison of measurements of 18 analytes in canine and feline blood samples using the in-practice Falcor 350 and the reference KoneLab 30i analysers

Objectives : Falcor 350 (A. Menarini Diagnostics) is a wet‐reagent biochemistry analyser that is available for in‐house use. The aim of this study was to compare the results produced by this analyser with those obtained by a wet‐reagent analyser (KoneLab 30i; Thermo Clinical Labsystems) that served as the reference instrument. Methods : Blood samples from 120 clinical cases (60 dogs and 60 cats) were analysed for 18 analytes (urea, creatinine, total proteins, albumin, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, amylase, lipase, glucose, triacylglycerol, cholesterol, total calcium, phosphate, sodium and potassium) using both the reference and Falcor instruments. Results : Good to excellent correlations (r_s value) (canine/feline) were identified for urea (0·87/0·86), creatinine (0·96/0·99), total proteins (0·91/0·95), albumin (0·96/0·93), creatine kinase (0·98/0·99), aspartate aminotransferase (0·95/0·98), alanine aminotransferase (0·99/0·99), alkaline phosphatase (0·99/0·98), total bilirubin in dogs (0·88), amylase (0·99/0·87), lipase in dogs (0·88), glucose (0·97/0·98), triacylglycerol (0·93/0·97), cholesterol (0·99/0·99), total calcium (0·88/0·89), phosphate (0·94/0·97) and potassium (0·96/0·97). The correlations for sodium (0·41/0·61), total bilirubin in cats (0·78) and lipase in cats (0·25) were considered unacceptable. Clinical Significance : For 13 of the 18 analytes (creatinine, total proteins, albumin, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, amylase, glucose, cholesterol, triacylglycerol, phosphate, potassium and urea) in both canine and feline samples, the two instruments produce values that are closely related to each other (excellent correlation) and are sufficiently similar to allow them to be used interchangeably without the need for additional correction factor computations (good agreement). Because of differences in the methodologies, the Falcor results for alkaline phosphatase, total calcium, sodium, lipase and total bilirubin cannot be used interchangeably with those generated by the KoneLab and should be interpreted using reference intervals established from the Falcor analyser.     

Prevalence of proteinuria in a canine oncology population

Objective

To evaluate the point prevalence of proteinuria in dogs presenting to the University of Georgia Oncology Service for the first time.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective study, 60 client‐owned dogs with a confirmed cancer diagnosis were included but those with lower urinary tract neoplasia were excluded. Each dog's signalment, cancer diagnosis, previous cancer treatments, current medications and travel history were recorded. Renal values, electrolytes, packed cell volume, total solids, systolic blood pressure, urinalysis, urine protein:urine creatinine and retinal examinations were recorded. Non‐proteinuric, borderline proteinuria and overt proteinuria were defined as urine protein:urine creatinine <0·2, ≥0·2 but <0·5, and ≥0·5, respectively. Urine culture was performed in dogs with active urine sediments or overt proteinuria.

Results

Twenty‐nine dogs were non‐proteinuric (48·3%), 22 (36·7%) borderline proteinuric and nine (15%) overtly proteinuric. None were azotaemic. Hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥160 mmHg) was detected in 18 (30%) dogs. Of these, six were non‐proteinuric, nine borderline proteinuric, and three overtly proteinuric. Proteinuria was detected in 51% of dogs presented to our oncology service, the majority of which were classified as borderline.

Clinical Significance

The high proportion of proteinuria in dogs in this study suggests that screening for proteinuria in dogs with cancer may be prudent. Larger studies are required to correlate specific cancer types and the impact of treatment with the development, magnitude and persistence of proteinuria.     

Clinical effectiveness and safety of intraarticular administration of a 117mTin radiocolloid (Synovetin OATM) for treatment of early and intermediate grade osteoarthritis of the elbow in a dose finding study conducted in 44 dogs

Osteoarthritis of the elbow joint secondary to elbow dysplasia is common in dogs. Intraarticular radionuclide injection is thought to suppress both synovitis and inflammatory pain mediators in the joint which are not directly addressed by current treatments. This dose-finding investigation was a longitudinal, prospective, experimental parallel group, post-test study with repeated measures. Forty-four dogs, with low to intermediate-grade osteoarthritis, received a single injection into their most clinically affected elbow joint and were randomized into three treatment cohorts; 37 MBq, 64.75 MBq, or 92.5 MBq (normalized to the body surface area of a 22 kg dog) of ^117mSn radiocolloid. Dogs were assessed monthly by owners, using the canine Brief Pain Inventory (cBPI), and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months intervals by investigators. Positive responses to treatment were observed by both owners and clinicians in all dose groups with the medium dose group having the highest and most durable response rate based on cBPI scores. The results of this study support the use of ^117mSn radiocolloid as a primary treatment of osteoarthritis in low to intermediate-grade osteoarthritis of the canine elbow.     

Gall bladder mucoceles and their association with endocrinopathies in dogs: a retrospective case‐control study

Objective : To investigate the relationship between endocrinopathies and diagnosis of gall bladder mucocele in dogs via a retrospective case‐control study. Methods : Records of 78 dogs with a surgical or ultrasonographic diagnosis of gall bladder mucocele were examined for the presence or absence of hyperadrenocorticism, hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus. Two age‐ and breed‐matched controls for each gall bladder mucocele dog (156 total control dogs) were examined for the same concurrent diseases. A matched case‐control analysis was performed using conditional logistic regression. Results : The odds of mucocele in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism were 29 times that of dogs without hyperadrenocorticism (P=0·001; 95 per cent CI 3·8, 219·9). No difference was found between dogs with and without diabetes mellitus. Although a significant association was found between gall bladder mucocele and hypothyroidism, potential observation bias was also identifi ed. Clinical Significance : Hyperadrenocorticoid dogs that were presented for acute illness with laboratory evidence of hepatobiliary disease should undergo evaluation for the presence of a biliary mucocele. Dogs diagnosed with a gall bladder mucocele should be screened for concurrent hyperadrenocorticism if clinical suspicion exists.     

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.     

Effects of postoperative rehabilitation on limb function after cranial cruciate ligament repair in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of early postoperative rehabilitation on limb function in dogs after surgery for ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (RCCL). DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: 51 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs weighing between 20 and 40 kg (44 to 88 lb) that had RCCL and medial meniscal injury were studied. After removal of the RCCL and complete medial meniscectomy, the stifle joint was stabilized by use of a lateral retinacular stabilization technique. Twenty-five dogs were included in a postoperative rehabilitation group, and 26 dogs were included in an exercise-restricted group. Limb function (peak vertical force [PVF] and vertical impulse [VI]) was determined before surgery and 6 months after surgery, using force platform gait analysis. RESULTS: Prior to surgery, mean PVF and VI in affected limbs were similar between groups. Six months after surgery, PVF and VI were significantly increased in dogs of both groups. However, PVF and VI in dogs in the rehabilitation group were significantly greater than those of dogs in the exercise-restricted group. At this time, differences in limb function (as measured by PVF and VI) between the repaired and normal limbs were not evident in dogs in the rehabilitation group. Conversely, limb function in the repaired limb of dogs in the exercise-restricted group was still significantly less than that of the normal limb. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs that have surgery for RCCL and a torn medial meniscus benefit from postoperative rehabilitation; rehabilitation should be considered part of the postoperative management of these patients.     

Canine intracranial neoplasia: clinical risk factors for development of epileptic seizures

Objectives : To identify clinical risk factors for seizures in dogs with intracranial neoplasia. Methods : A cross‐sectional retrospective study of 68 dogs with histopathologically confirmed primary or secondary intracranial neoplasia, complete clinical history and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was conducted. Signalment and clinical history were retrieved from clinical records and magnetic resonance images of the brain were re‐evaluated. Prevalence of findings was compared between dogs with and without seizures. Results : Forty‐two dogs had tumour‐related seizures, the remaining 26 were seizure‐free. Tumour types included meningioma (23 dogs with and 5 without seizures), glioma (9 dogs with and 6 without seizures), choroid plexus tumour (2 dogs without seizures), neuroblastoma (1 dog with seizures) and metastatic/invasive tumours including lymphoma (9 dogs with and 13 without seizures). On the basis of multi‐variable logistic regression analysis, risk factors for seizures associated with intracranial neoplasia were magnetic resonance imaging findings consistent with the presence of neoplastic tissue in frontal lobe [odds ratio (OR) 9·61; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·59 to 35·61], marked gadolinium enhancement (OR 10·41; 95% CI 2·07 to 52·30) and magnetic resonance imaging findings of subfalcine and/or subtentorial herniation (OR 3·88; 95% CI 1·10 to 13·71). Clinical Significance : Dogs with primary or secondary intracranial neoplasia are at risk of seizures, particularly those with tumours that affect the frontal lobe, enhance markedly with gadolinium, or cause subfalcine and/or subtentorial herniation.