Hyperthyroidism associated with a thyroid adenoma in a dog

Hyperthyroidism associated with thyroid adenoma was diagnosed in a dog. Typical clinical signs of hyperthyroidism were resolved with surgical excision of the adenoma. Hyperthyroidism in dogs usually is associated with thyroid carcinoma, which has a poor prognosis. This case emphasizes the importance of obtaining a histologic diagnosis of thyroid tumors in hyperthyroid dogs before giving a prognosis.     

Surgical treatment of a vertebral fracture associated with a haematogenous osteomyelitis in a dog.

A seven-month-old Rottweiler was referred for a diagnosed femoral neck fracture and a suspected vertebral fracture. The simplified neurological examination revealed an acute paraplegia. A discospondyilitis associated with a pathologic fracture of Th11 and a spinal compression, and a haematogenous epiphysitis of the femoral neck were diagnosed based on radiographic and computed tomographic examinations. The vertebral fracture was stabilised using screws and polymethylmetacrylate with gentamycin by a lateral intercostal approach. The dog was able to walk seven days later. A femoral head and neck ostectomy was performed two weeks later. Staphylococcus intermedius was isolated from both sites, which confirmed the diagnosis. The dog was treated with cephalexin (30 mg/kg/d) for six weeks. A telephone interview with owners indicated that no more clinical signs were present four months after the second surgery. Discospondylitis associated with haematogenous osteomyelitis has only been reported in two cases. Paraplegia is an unusual clinical presentation for discospondylitis. The lateral approach (which allowed a direct access to the infected site) and the technique (screws associated with antibiotic-impregnated cement) are unique for surgical treatment of discospondylitis. Although applying cement to an infected area may pose a risk, antibiotic-loaded cement is successfully used in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis in humans.     

Neutrophilic leucocytosis in a dog with a rectal tumour

A nine-year-old cocker spaniel was presented with a three-year history of intermittent haematochezia and a palpable rectal mass. Routine haematological examination revealed a marked mature neutrophilia (86.04 x 10(9) neutrophils/litre). A friable mass in the middle portion of the rectum was detected on colonoscopy. Histopathological examination of mucosal pinch biopsies collected from the mass confirmed a diagnosis of adenomatous tubulopapillary polyp. Some evidence of malignant transformation was observed. Palliative treatment with piroxicam suppositories at a dose of 1.4 mg/kg administered rectally every third day was instituted. On re-evaluation, 47 days after starting medical therapy, the owner reported a significant reduction in haematochezia and tenesmus; however, frequency of defecation had remained unaltered. Routine haematology revealed a reduction in the mature neutrophil count (33.67 x 10(9) neutrophils/litre). This report describes a case of a rectal tumour associated with a neutrophilic leucocytosis, which responded to palliative therapy with piroxicam suppositories.     

Coxofemoral luxation in a border collie as a complication of a Clostridium tetani infection

A four-month-old male, entire, border collie was presented to the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals with a two day history of muscular spasms and "Risus sardonicus". Tetanus was diagnosed, and the dog was treated with tetanus antitoxin, antibiotics and supportive therapy. Coxofemoral luxation resulted as a complication of the tetanus and was successfully managed by performing a femoral head and neck excision. This is the first report of joint luxation associated with Clostridium tetani infection in a dog.     

Hypercalcemia in a dog: a challenging case

An 18-month-old, spayed female, mixed-breed dog was referred for investigation of persistent hypercalcemia. After extensive diagnostic evaluation, a tentative diagnosis of occult lymphosarcoma (LSA) was made and the dog was euthanized. At necropsy, infection with Heterobilharzia americana was diagnosed. In endemic areas, schistosomiasis should be included in the differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia, and a fecal examination should be performed in every dog with a hypercalcemia of unknown origin.     

Cervicothoracic syringohydromyelia associated with a prosencephalic mass in a dog

A five‐year‐old, female, neutered boxer, with neuroanatomical signs consistent with a C1‐C5 myelopathy, was diagnosed with a prosencephalic mass and associated severe cervicothoracic syringohydromyelia. After treatment with corticosteroids and lomustine, neurological examination was normal. Imaging repeated three months later showed significant reduction in both the size of the mass and the syringohydromyelia. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of a dog with syringohydromyelia secondary to a rostral brain mass that had clinical signs on presentation solely due to the syrinx, and the first reported case in a dog of partial resolution of syringohydromyelia after treatment solely with chemotherapy.     

Creation of a Urethral Conduit from a Preputial Indirect Flap in a Dog with Perineal Hypospadias

Objective— To report a surgical technique for creation of a urethral conduit using a preputial indirect flap.
Study Design— Case report.
Animals— Male Doberman Pinscher (6 weeks old).
Methods— A urethral conduit was constructed using a multistage preputial indirect flap in a dog with severe perineal hypospadias.
Results— Successful transfer of a perineal located urethral meatus to a more anatomically normal inguinal location was achieved with a preputial flap. The procedure was performed to aid control of recurrent urinary tract infections after anal and urethral separation in a dog with imperforate anus, urethrorectal fistula, and proximal perineal hypospadias.
Conclusions— Creation of a urethral conduit from a tubed bipedicle flap using redundant preputial tissue eliminated fecal contamination of the urethral meatus, aiding control of urinary tract infection. A good functional and cosmetic outcome was achieved.
Clinical Relevance— This technique should be considered in aiding control and prevention of urinary tract infections in dogs with proximal perineal hypospadias where a preputial remnant exists.     

Surgical resection of a dysgerminoma in a mare

A mare was referred for further evaluation of a mass found in the left caudal abdomen during a routine postpartum reproductive palpation. The mare was clinically normal with no history of health problems. Ultrasonographic examination of the mass confirmed its presence, but the origin of the mass could not be accurately determined. Routine haematology and serum biochemistry results were within normal limits. The mare was initially treated conservatively with antibiotics, but the mass continued to increase in size, so it was surgically excised. The mass involved the left ovary. The mare showed transient abdominal pain after surgery, but developed no other complications and was in foal 7 months later. On histology, the mass was diagnosed as a dysgerminoma, a rare ovarian tumour of germ cell origin.     

Treatment of a Periarticular Tibial Fracture in a Foal with a Hybrid External Fixator

Objective— To report repair of a right proximal tibial Salter-Harris type II fracture in a foal with a hybrid external fixator (HEF).
Study Design— Case report.
Animals— A 5-month-old male foal.
Methods— After open surgical reduction, an HEF built with wires, 2 half-rings, 3 half-threaded connecting rods, and Schanz pins was used to stabilize the fracture.
Results— Immediately after surgery, the foal had relatively good weight bearing. The HEF was removed at 60 days after radiographic confirmation of healing.
Conclusions— HEF can be used to stabilize a proximal tibial Salter-Harris type II fracture in a 5-month-old foal.
Clinical Relevance— HEF should be considered as another option for repair of proximal tibial Salter-Harris type II fractures in foals.     

Repair of a deep digital tendon deficit in a horse using a polypropylene implant.

A yearling horse was treated for a chronic wound with a 4 cm deficit in the deep digital tendon. The gap in the tendon was bridged with paired polypropylene braided implants designed for use as a ligament augmentation device. Uncomplicated healing and return to function occurred.     

Immunohistochemical evaluation of a malignant intestinal carcinoid in a dog

An intestinal carcinoid with multiple metastases was identified in a 5-year-old male Shih Tzu with a clinical history of anemia, fatigue, anorexia, vomiting, intermittent diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, and progressive emaciation. There was a yellowish-white mass 15 mm in diameter in the anterior jejunum and white nodules consistent with metastases in many organs. Histopathologically, the mass consisted of neoplastic cells arranged in lobules, trabeculae, or closely interdigitating islands of cells. Neoplastic cells were generally polygonal with round hyperchromatic nuclei, modest amounts of eosinophilic cytoplasm, and eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules. Mitoses were common. Rosette formations of tumor cells were apparent in metastatic tumors. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells stained positive for cytokeratin 13, synaptophysin, protein gene product 9.5, neuron-specific enolase, chromogranin A, calcitonin gene-related peptide, serotonin (5-HT), and Leu-7. Serum 5-HT concentrations for this dog were increased 10-fold compared with those of normal dogs. All findings were consistent with a diagnosis of a malignant intestinal carcinoid.     

Surgical correction of a partial atrioventricular septal defect with a ventricular septal defect in a dog

Echocardiography of a dog with a cardiac murmur revealed an ostium primum septal defect, a ventricular septal defect, and mitral valve malformation with regurgitation. The mitral valve and tricuspid valve were separated and displaced at the same level as the ventricular septum. The mitral valve had a cleft in the septal cusp. Cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography showed a left-to-right shunt and a "goose-neck sign," which indicated an elongated left ventricular outflow tract. The diagnosis of a partial atrioventricular septal defect with ventricular septal defect was made. Surgical correction was successfully performed under extracorpo-real circulation using a cardiopulmonary bypass system.     

Capillaria hepatica in a dog and a hedgehog

A liver infection with Capillaria hepatica is described, having been found for the first time in Switzerland in a dog and a hedgehog. After a literature review of cases known among man and animals, we present our own pathological findings. Furthermore, the parasite's life cycle is discussed.     

Ventricular parasystole in a dog and a cat

In human beings, ventricular parasystole usually is a benign arrhythmia with an ectopic focus that fires independently from the rest of the heart. The specific electrocardiographic criteria used to diagnose this condition are variable coupling intervals with the preceding beat; interectopic intervals, all multiple of the same number; and fusion beats. Ventricular premature beats having those characteristics were identified in a dog and a cat, both free of detectable, structural heart disease. In these cases, the arrhythmia was refractory to treatment, but the animals were clinically normal. Recognition of this kind of arrhythmia is important because it may help in avoiding unnecessary concerns and treatment.     

Encephalitis caused by a Sarcocystis-like organism in a steer

Sarcocystis spp can cause poor growth, anorexia, fever, anemia, muscular weakness, nervousness, abortion, and even death in cattle. Lesions in the CNS of cattle infected with Sarcocystis spp are microscopic and relatively minor, compared with those in other organs. We report extensive encephalitis in a steer attributable to a Sarcocystis-like organism.     

Traumatic urothorax in a dog: a case report

Pleural effusion caused by post-traumatic extravasation of urine from the abdominal cavity to the pleural cavity (urothorax) is an uncommon complication following traumatic injury. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a case of traumatic urothorax in a dog presented with pleural and abdominal urine effusion. Combined urothorax and uroabdomen should be included in the differential-diagnosis list for dogs with recent trauma and a bicavitary effusion. The diagnosis can be confirmed by elevated creatinine concentrations in both effusates, compared to its serum concentration.     

Repair of a delayed-union stress fracture of the dorsal cortex of a metacarpal bone in a horse

A delayed union metacarpal stress fracture was repaired in a horse, using lag-screw fixation in conjunction with dc electrical stimulation. Twelve weeks after surgery, radiographic and scintigraphic evaluations revealed that the fracture line was not discernible and that there was a decrease in radiopharmaceutic uptake, as compared with that in previous bone imaging studies. In this horse, DC stimulation of a delayed union stress fracture in a bone resulted in a healing pattern similar to that in human beings with delayed union fractures when treated with electrical stimulation.     

Cytologic appearance of a keloidal fibrosarcoma in a dog

A 5-year-old neutered male, mixed-breed dog was presented with a single 4-mm, nodular, firm, haired subcutaneous mass on the left flank that had been present for approximately 2 weeks. Cytologic preparations of the mass revealed many spindle cells, few mast cells, rare eosinophils, rare macrophages, abundant hyalinized collagen, and moderate numbers of erythrocytes. The spindle cells were oval to fusiform, with oval nuclei, finely stippled to lacy chromatin, 1-5 variably sized prominent nucleoli, and moderate to abundant cytoplasm with indistinct cell borders, wispy cytoplasmic extensions, and occasionally, fine magenta granulation. The cell population exhibited moderate anisocytosis, moderate anisokaryosis, and rare binucleation. The eosinophilic material occurred both in large angular aggregates with blunt ends and in amorphous aggregates with fine wispy projections. Histologic findings were consistent with a keloidal fibrosarcoma. To the authors' knowledge, this report is the first to describe the cytomorphologic characteristics of a keloidal fibrosarcoma in a dog.     

Bilateral fusion of a supernumerary kidney in a cat

A rare case of bilateral fusion of a supernumerary kidney was found during the necropsy of a female, 8-year-old, mixed breed cat that died as a result of azotemia and chronic enteritis. Apart from enteritis, necropsy revealed four kidneys, two in the sublumbar left region and two in the sublumbar right region, with cortical and medullary regions well individualized and independent; however, the pelvis was partially fused, giving rise to a single ureter. The kidneys were small, whitish and firm, with irregular surfaces. Microscopically, all kidneys displayed normal renal glomeruli and tubules among the immature renal glomeruli and tubules with characteristics of hypoplasia. Foci of glomerulosclerosis, nephrocalcinosis and interstitial fibrosis were also observed.