Canine and feline primary ocular bacterial infections.

Bacterial infections are frequently associated with diseases of the eyelids, cornea, and conjunctiva. Animals sustaining KCS commonly have bacterial infections of the external eye owing to a lack of antimicrobial properties present in the normal tearfilm. Infection can occur in the nasolacrimal duct or lacrimal sac, which is referred to as dacryocystitis. Severe corneal ulcers are frequently infected with bacteria, especially Pseudomonas sp. Three new topical ophthalmic antibiotics have recently become commercially available: ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin.     

Tibial tuberosity advancement for stabilization of the canine cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifle joint: surgical technique, early results, and complications in 101 dogs

Objective— To describe the surgical technique, early results and complications of tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) for treatment for cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)-deficient stifle joints in dogs.
Study Design— Retrospective clinical study.
Animals— Dogs (n=101) with CrCL-deficient stifles (114).
Methods— Medical records of 101 dogs that had TTA were reviewed. Complications were recorded and separated into either major or minor complications based on the need for additional surgery. In-hospital re-evaluation of limb function and time to radiographic healing were reviewed. Further follow-up was obtained by telephone interview of owners.
Results— Complications occurred in 31.5% of the dogs (12.3% major, 19.3% minor). Major complications included subsequent meniscal tear, tibial fracture, implant failure, infection, lick granuloma, incisional trauma, and medial patellar luxation; all major complications were treated with successful outcomes. All but 2 minor complications resolved. The mean time to documented radiographic healing was 11.3 weeks. Final in-hospital re-evaluation of limb function (mean, 13.5 weeks), was recorded for 93 dogs with lameness categorized as none (74.5%), mild (23.5%), moderate (2%), and severe (1%). All but 2 owners interviewed were satisfied with outcome and 83.1% reported a marked improvement or a return to pre-injury status.
Conclusions— TTA is a procedure comparable with alternate methods of CrCL repair with expected good to excellent functional outcome.
Clinical Relevance— TTA procedure can be successfully used to obtain the dynamic stability of a CrCL-deficient stifle joint in dogs.     

Clinical study of cryosurgery efficacy in the treatment of skin and subcutaneous tumors in dogs and cats

Objective— To evaluate the efficacy of cryosurgery for treatment of skin and subcutaneous tumors in dogs and cats.
Study Design— Prospective study.
Animals— Dogs (n=20), cats (10).
Methods— Cutaneous or subcutaneous tumors were treated by liquid nitrogen cryosurgical spray (1 cm from target tissue at 90° until a 5-mm halo of frozen tissue was achieved) for 15–60 seconds. Malignant lesions had 3 freeze–thaw cycles benign tumors, 2 cycles. The second or third freeze cycle was performed after complete thaw of the preceding freeze. Wounds healed by second intention. Follow-up was weekly for 1 month and then twice monthly until wounds healed, and final outcome was determined by telephone interview of owners.
Results— Tumor size ranged from 0.3 to 11 cm diameter with 28 (60%) being 0.3–1 cm; 8 (17%) 1.1–3 cm, and 11 (23%) >3.4 cm. Complications included edema, erythema and for extremity lesions, pain and lameness. Treated lesions (n=47) had an overall remission of 98% (mean follow-up, 345±172.02 days [range, 150–750 days]). One malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor recurred 7 months after cryosurgical treatment.
Conclusion— Cryosurgery is an efficient method for treatment of skin and subcutaneous tumors in dogs and cats.
Clinical Relevance— Cryosurgical ablation is an effective means of treating small cutaneous or subcutaneous tumors in dogs and cats, especially in older animals where wound closure or cosmetic outcome might limit surgical excision alone.     

Efficacy against Fasciola hepatica and the pharmacokinetics of triclabendazole administered by oral and topical routes

Objective   To determine the efficacy of triclabendazole (TCBZ) against 28-day-old, early immature liver fluke in cattle and its pharmacokinetics following administration by the oral or topical (pour-on) route.
Procedures   Cattle (n = 18) were infected with 500 TCBZ-susceptible liver fluke metacercariae and randomly allocated to three groups. At 28 days after infection, the groups were: (1) untreated controls; (2) treated with oral TCBZ at 12 mg/kg in combination with oxfendazole and selenium (TOS); (3) treated with pour-on TCBZ at 30 mg/kg in combination with abamectin (TA). Blood samples were taken immediately prior to treatment and serially after treatment to assess the plasma profile of TCBZ metabolites. Ten weeks after treatment all animals were slaughtered and total liver fluke counts, fluke egg counts and liver pathology were assessed.
Results   Both the TOS and TA treatments resulted in significant reductions of 28-day-old liver fluke, as assessed by fluke counts and fluke egg counts at slaughter, and the reductions following TOS treatment were significantly greater than those following TA treatment. The blood profile of TCBZ metabolites in TOS-treated animals showed a significantly greater area under the plasma concentration time curve and a higher maximum observed concentration than those treated with TA. There was significantly less liver pathology in TOS-treated animals than in the TA-treated animals.
Conclusion   TCBZ administered orally at 12 mg/kg resulted in greater efficacy against 28-day-old, early immature liver fluke than was achieved by topical administration at 30 mg/kg. Plasma metabolites of TCBZ were higher and liver pathology was less in TOS-treated animals than in TA-treated animals.     

Eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis in two rabbits

The purpose of this case report is to describe the clinical course and cytologic findings, treatment, and outcome of eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis in two rabbits. Ophthalmic examination revealed ocular discharge, dacryocystitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, white conjunctival and corneal plaques, corneal vascularization, and stromal infiltration with different degrees of severity in each case. In case 2 there was also ulcerative disease of the cornea. Computerized tomography scan of the head, corneal biopsy for histopathologic examination with additional Luna and Giemsa stain were performed in case 2 and conjunctival as well as corneal specimens were obtained for bacteriologic culture and cytologic examination in case 1. Based on test results, a diagnosis of eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis was made in case 2 and a tentative diagnosis of eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis was made in case 1. Response to treatment with a topical steroid and topical cyclosporin was supportive of the diagnosis in both cases and shared many similarities with the response to treatment previously described in cats. Eosinophilic keratitis should be considered as part of a differential diagnosis list in rabbits with a history of keratitis.     

Differential diagnoses,investigation, and management of a periocular swelling close to the nasolacrimal duct in a horse – A case report of Dacryops

To describe the differential diagnoses, investigation, and management of a periocular swelling close to the nasolacrimal duct in a horse that was consistent with a nasolacrimal duct dacryops (lacrimal cyst). A 16‐year‐old gelding, Connemara cross presented with a history of a periocular swelling rostroventral medial to the right eye that had been sampled by the referring veterinary surgeon. A cystic lesion was diagnosed following standing computed tomography. Surgical removal of the cystic lesion was performed, and the tissue was submitted for histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination. Surgical removal of the cyst was curative, and there was no recurrence of clinical signs 7 months later. There was a small amount of mineralized material in the center of the cyst. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination confirmed a nasolacrimal duct cyst. Dacryops can form in horses as well as other species and appears to have a favorable outcome if surgically removed.     

Separation of the Auricular and Annular Ear Cartilages: Surgical Repair Technique and Clinical Use in Dogs and Cats

Objective— To report a surgical technique for primary repair of separation of the annular and auricular cartilages of the ear and long-term outcome.
Study Design— Case series.
Animals— Cats (3) and dogs (2) with ear canal separation.
Methods— Medical records (1998–2007) of dogs and cats with ear canal separation were reviewed. Long-term outcome was obtained by telephone interview of owners or referring veterinarians.
Results— Three cats and 1 dog had ear canal separation after being hit by a car; there was no history of trauma in 1 dog. Successful repair was achieved by a caudal approach to the ear canal, identifying and debriding separated cartilage edges and using primary repair. A patent ear canal was confirmed in all animals by otoscopy 4–12 weeks later and by ear canalography in 3 animals. Long-term outcome was excellent with no reported complications 10–90 months later (median 24 months).
Conclusions— Both acute and chronic separation between the annular and auricular cartilages, in the absence of middle ear disease, can be successfully treated using primary repair via a caudal approach to the ear canal, with excellent long-term outcome.
Clinical Relevance— Primary repair should be considered in animals with separation of the annular and auricular cartilages.     

Evaluation of the success of medical management for presumptive thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation in dogs

Objective— To determine the success of medical management of presumptive thoracolumbar disk herniation in dogs and the variables associated with treatment outcome.
Study Design— Retrospective case series.
Animals— Dogs (n=223) with presumptive thoracolumbar disk herniation.
Methods— Medical records from 2 clinics were used to identify affected dogs, and owners were mailed a questionnaire about success of therapy, recurrence of clinical signs, and quality of life (QOL) as interpreted by the owner. Signalment, duration and degree of neurologic dysfunction, and medication administration were determined from medical records.
Results— Eighty-three percent of dogs (185/223) were ambulatory at initial evaluation. Successful treatment was reported for 54.7% of dogs, with 30.9% having recurrence of clinical signs and 14.4% classified as therapeutic failures. From bivariable logistic regression, glucocorticoid administration was negatively associated with success ( P =.008; odds ratio [OR]=.48) and QOL scores ( P =.004; OR=.48). The duration of cage rest was not significantly associated with success or QOL. Nonambulatory dogs were more likely to have lower QOL scores ( P =.01; OR=2.34).
Conclusions— Medical management can lead to an acceptable outcome in many dogs with presumptive thoracolumbar disk herniation. Cage rest duration does not seem to affect outcome and glucocorticoids may negatively impact success and QOL. The conclusions in this report should be interpreted cautiously because of the retrospective data collection and the use of client self-administered questionnaire follow-up.
Clinical Relevance— These results provide an insight into the success of medical management for presumptive thoracolumbar disk herniation in dogs and may allow for refinement of treatment protocols.     

Treatment of proliferative feline eosinophilic keratitis with topical 1.5% cyclosporine: 35 cases

Objective  Proliferative feline eosinophilic keratitis is a chronic keratopathy caused by a suspected immune mediated response to an unknown antigenic stimulus. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy of topical 1.5% cyclosporine solution in proliferative feline eosinophilic keratitis.
Methods  Thirty-five cats were treated topically with 1.5% cyclosporine A between 1997 and 2007. Eosinophilic keratitis was diagnosed by clinical appearance and evidence of eosinophils and/or mast cells in corneal cytology. The patients were treated with topical cyclosporine (1.5%) twice (26 of 35, 74.3%) and three times (9 of 35, 25.7%) daily. The minimum period for follow-up was 5 months.
Results  The age of the patients ranged from 2 to 13 years with a mean age of 6.0 years. Twenty-two were neutered males, and 13 were females. The represented breeds were 30 DSH, 3 DLH, one Siamese and one Maine Coon. Cytologic examination of a corneal scrape revealed the presence of eosinophils in 34 of 35 specimens, and mast cells in 25 of 35 specimens. Improvement in the treated eyes was seen in 31 cats (88.6%). Four animals (11.4%) did not respond to the treatment with topical cyclosporine. Recurrences were seen in seven (22.6%) cases. Blepharitis was noted as an infrequent side effect.
Conclusion  Based on our findings, topical cyclosporine (1.5%) is an effective treatment of proliferative feline eosinophilic keratitis in the vast majority of cases. Recurrences were mainly associated with poor owner compliance. Chronic, often lifelong therapy with medications is thus recommended.     

Clinical evaluation of 51 dogs treated conservatively for disc-associated wobbler syndrome

O bjectives : To evaluate the clinical evolution and potential risk factors of 51 dogs treated conservatively for disc-associated wobbler syndrome.
M ethods : Medical records of dogs treated conservatively for disc-associated wobbler syndrome were reviewed, and owners were contacted regarding clinical evolution and survival of their animals. Relationships between age, treatment before diagnosis, type of neurological signs, results of medical imaging and outcome were determined.
R esults : Fifty-one dogs underwent conservative treatment for disc-associated wobbler syndrome. A successful outcome was achieved in 45 per cent (23 of 51) of the patients. Median follow-up period was 18.5 months, and median survival time was 47 months. In 85 per cent of the dogs in which euthanasia was performed because of disc-associated wobbler syndrome, this was carried out in the first year after diagnosis. Outcome score was influenced by type of neurological signs and additional radiographic and/or myelographic abnormalities. Outcome score was not significantly associated with age, number of protruded intervertebral discs, occurrence, type and results of treatment before diagnosis.
C linical S ignificance : Conservative treatment of disc-associated wobbler syndrome is associated with a guarded prognosis. It can be considered in cases where all four limbs are not affected and no additional radiographic and/or myelographic abnormalities are detected.     

Intramedullary pinning of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cats using a simple distraction technique

Objective— To describe a simple technique of intramedullary (IM) pinning for open reduction and internal fixation of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cats and evaluate outcome.
Study Design— Retrospective study.
Animals— Cats (n=17).
Methods— Medical records of cats with metacarpal and metatarsal fractures treated by a specific IM pinning method with Kirschner wires were reviewed. Types of fractures and number of pins used were recorded. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were evaluated. Outcome was assessed based on clinical examination, evaluation of radiographs, and owner questionnaire.
Results— Seventeen questionnaires were evaluated. Thirteen cats had a final recheck and radiographic assessment. Eight cats were lost to follow-up. Sixteen owners (94%) reported no obvious change in their cat's gait after treatment. One owner reported excellent function in her cat despite a slightly abnormal gait because of bent implants.
Conclusions— IM pinning after distraction of bone fragments is a reliable technique for treatment of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cats. Complications associated with fracture healing may or may not be associated with lameness.
Clinical Relevance— IM pinning used in conjunction with appropriate bandaging for 4 weeks yields excellent functional outcome for treatment of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in cats. Metacarpo- and metatarsophalangeal joint damage is prevented using this technique.     

Semiconductor diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for the treatment of glaucoma in horses: a retrospective study of 42 eyes

Objective To evaluate the outcome of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) for the treatment of glaucoma in horses. Procedure Medical records at The Ohio State University were reviewed. All horses that underwent diode laser TSCP between the years of 1995 and 2007 were included. Preoperative, procedural and clinical follow‐up data were collected, and telephone follow‐up was performed. Results Forty‐two eyes of 36 horses were included. Twenty‐four hours prior to surgery mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 37.17 ± 13.48 mmHg (42 eyes). Forty‐one of 42 eyes (98%) were sighted and 39 of 39 (100%) of eyes were receiving topical glaucoma medication. At 3–5 weeks postoperatively the average IOP was 19.36 ± 12.04 mmHg (22 eyes). IOP remained significantly lower than pretreatment values at all periods of clinical follow‐up (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in vision outcome, or the requirement for topical glaucoma medication relative to pretreatment values at any follow‐up period. Hyphema in 5 of 42 eyes was the only complication noted. Of the 27 eyes seen for clinical follow‐up, 2 were enucleated because of refractory elevation of IOP. Mean telephone follow‐up was 49 months. Twenty‐one of 22 owners contacted (95%) reported that the treatment had been of value, 14 of 22 eyes (64%) were receiving topical glaucoma medication, and 13 of 22 eyes (59%) were considered sighted. Conclusions Diode laser TSCP aided in the control of IOP and maintenance of vision but did not eliminate the need for topical glaucoma medication during the period of clinical follow‐up.     

Epilepsy in Border Collies: Clinical Manifestation, Outcome, and Mode of Inheritance

Background: There is a lack of data on idiopathic epilepsy (IE) in Border Collies (BCs) in the veterinary literature.
Hypothesis: Genetic epilepsy occurs in BCs and is frequently characterized by a severe clinical course and poor response to medical treatment.
Animals: Forty-nine BCs diagnosed with IE.
Methods: Medical records, seizure data, treatment data, and pedigree information of affected dogs were collected. Cases were classified phenotypically as affected or not affected; mild, moderate, or severe clinical course; active epilepsy (AE) or remission; and drug resistant or not drug resistant.
Results: Clinical manifestations were classified as having a moderate (33%) or severe clinical course (49%), characterized by a high prevalence of cluster seizures and status epilepticus. Survival time was significantly decreased in dogs <2 years of age at seizure onset, and in dogs with a severe clinical course. Drug resistance was apparent in 71% of 24 dogs treated with ≥2 antiepileptic drugs. The epilepsy remission rate was 18%. Median age at onset was significantly higher and initial seizure frequency was significantly lower in dogs with remission compared with dogs with AE. Pedigree analyses indicated a strong genetic founder effect in the appearance of epilepsy, resembling autosomal recessive inheritance.
Conclusion and Clinical Importance: The present study confirms the occurrence of genetically mediated epilepsy with a frequent severe clinical course and drug resistance in BCs. The results provide information about the long-term prognosis of IE in BCs for veterinarians and concerned owners, and may benefit breeders as well.     

Thoracoscopic Thoracic Duct Ligation and Thoracoscopic Pericardectomy for Treatment of Chylothorax in Dogs

Objective— To report the use of thoracoscopic thoracic duct ligation (TDL) and pericardectomy for treatment of chylothorax.
Study Design— Case series.
Animals— Dogs with chylothorax (n=12).
Methods— Dogs with secondary or idiopathic chylothorax had thoracoscopy performed in sternal recumbency through 3 portals in the caudal right hemithorax for TDL and were then repositioned in dorsal recumbency for pericardectomy. Portals were placed in the 5th and 7th intercostal spaces of the right hemithorax with 1 transdiaphragmatic portal in the right paraxiphoid position. Follow-up was performed by recheck examination or telephone interview to determine outcome.
Results— Seven dogs (58%) had idiopathic chylothorax; 6 dogs (85.7%) had complete resolution of their effusion, whereas only 2 of the 5 nonidiopathic dogs (40%) had complete resolution.
Conclusions— Thoracoscopy is minimally invasive, provides excellent observation, and allows for ligation of the thoracic duct in the caudal thorax. Patients with idiopathic chylothorax may have a better prognosis after TDL and pericardectomy than dogs with nonidiopathic chylothorax.
Clinical Relevance— Thoracoscopy for ligation of the thoracic duct and pericardectomy is an acceptable surgical technique for treatment of chylothorax.     

Investigation on the clinical efficacy and tolerability of a 0.4% topical stannous fluoride preparation (MedEquine Gel) for the treatment of bacterial skin infections in horses: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial

The purpose of this prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of a novel gel containing 0.4% stannous fluoride (MedEquine) for the treatment of cutaneous bacterial infections in horses. Twenty privately owned horses diagnosed with bacterial skin infections based on physical findings and cytology results were enrolled and randomly assigned to either a placebo or an active ingredient treatment group. The product was applied on affected areas daily for 4 weeks. Cytology and clinical evaluations were done by the same investigator at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. Owners scored pruritus weekly. Both owners and investigators were blinded to the allocation to the groups. At the end of the study, stannous fluoride gel treatment significantly decreased the investigator's clinical scores and owners' pruritus scores while no significant changes were detected in the vehicle treatment group. At the end of the trial, none of the horses in the stannous fluoride group required additional therapy while four of ten horses in the vehicle group required systemic therapy to resolve the infection. No adverse effects were detected in any of the groups. The gel formulation made compliance easier for owners compared to the traditional bathing regimen and allowed spot treatment, which was particularly helpful in animals with localized infections. These favourable aspects of the treatment were highlighted by the owners of the horses enrolled in the study. In conclusion, 0.4% stannous fluoride gel (MedEquine) was an effective and safe therapy for the topical management of bacterial skin infections in the horses included in the study.     

Common procedures in rabbits.

Rabbits are popular companion animals that present to veterinary clinics for routine and emergency care. Clinics equipped for treat-ing dogs and cats may be easily adapted to accommodate rabbits.This article reviews common procedures performed by the clinician specific to rabbits. Topics include handling and restraint, triage and patient assessment, sample collection, and supportive care techniques. Miscellaneous procedures, including anesthetic delivery, nasolacrimal duct flushing, and ear cleaning, are also discussed.     

Bilateral thyroarytenoid cartilage lateralization and vocal fold excision with mucosoplasty for treatment of idiopathic laryngeal paralysis: 67 dogs (1998-2005)

Objective— To evaluate combined bilateral thyroarytenoid cartilage lateralization, vocal fold excision, and mucosoplasty technique (BTAL) through ventral median laryngotomy for treatment of laryngeal paralysis in dogs.
Design— Retrospective study.
Animals— Dogs (n=67) with laryngeal paralysis.
Methods— Medical records were reviewed for dogs with idiopathic laryngeal paralysis that had BTAL between January 1998 and March 2005. Retrieved data included signalment, history, physical and laryngoscopic examination findings, clinicopathologic tests, and results of recheck examination findings.
Results— BTAL was performed by a single surgeon. Short-term (<6 months) follow-up information was available for 67 dogs and long-term (>12 months) for 40 dogs. Major postoperative complications were surgical failures (13; 7 short term, 6 long term) and aspiration pneumonia (1). Mean recurrence of clinical signs was at 19 weeks (range, 2–30 weeks). Minor complications occurred in 22 (33%) dogs including occasional coughing or gagging, stridorous breathing during exercise, panting, noisy or heavy breathing, and aspiration pneumonia (3 dogs) that did not require hospitalization. All owners reported an improved quality of life and had no regrets with surgical outcome.
Conclusions— BTAL is seemingly an effective procedure for treatment of laryngeal paralysis.
Clinical Relevance— BTAL is associated with a low incidence of aspiration pneumonia; however, there is substantial risk of recurrence of clinical signs associated with narrowing of the glottis. Consequently, unilateral arytenoid lateralization currently represents the accepted approach to the treatment of laryngeal paralysis.     

Endoscopic examination of the nasolacrimal duct in ten horses

Reasons for performing study: No endoscopic examination of the nasolacrimal duct has been described before. In contrast with other imaging techniques, endoscopy provides a direct inspection of the intralumen and ductal mucosa in standing sedation. Objectives: To provide a reference against which the endoscopic and clinical features of obstructive nasolacrimal disease in the horse may be compared. Methods: Endoscopic examination of the nasolacrimal duct was performed in 10 French Thoroughbred bay mares with a 3 mm shaft diameter flexible fibrescope. The duct was divided into 3 zones (1, 2 and 3) from the nostril to the lacrimal sac. Results: Endoscopic examination of the nasolacrimal duct appeared to be quite easy to perform in Zones 1 and 2, while the ease or difficulty of examining Zone 3 depended on the weight and size of the horse for the position of the endoscope in the lacrimal canal. Conclusions: Endoscopic inspection has provided the possibility of a novel diagnostic approach to conditions of the nasolacrimal duct in horses. Potential relevance: Endoscopic examination of the nasolacrimal duct could help to diagnose and treat nasolacrimal diseases by performing sample withdrawal and duct irrigation.     

A retrospective study of 153 cases of undiagnosed collapse, syncope or exercise intolerance: the outcomes

Objectives : To retrospectively assess the long‐term outcome for dogs that were presented with collapse, syncope or exercise intolerance for which an underlying cause is not identified. Methods : The clinical records of animals presenting to two practices were assessed. Dogs which presented for collapse, syncope or exercise intolerance at least 6 months previously and did not receive a definitive diagnosis despite investigation were included. Follow‐up of these cases was carried out by conducting telephone interviews with the owners. Results : One hundred and fifty‐three cases were successfully followed up. Clinical signs had resolved in 64 cases (42%), 35 dogs (23%) were continuing to exhibit clinical signs, although 22 of these had improved without medical intervention. In 17 cases (11%), a diagnosis had subsequently been made or treatment was being administered and 37 dogs (24%) had died. Of the deaths, 18 (12%) were considered to be related to the original presentation. The overall prevalence of death and deterioration related to the problems investigated was 16·2% of cases. Death in boxers was significantly more common than in other breeds (36%). Clinical Significance : Death and deterioration are uncommon outcomes for dogs other than boxers presenting with collapse, syncope and exercise intolerance for which a definitive diagnosis cannot be made.