Primary secretory otitis media in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel: a review of 61 cases

Sixty-one episodes of primary secretory otitis media (PSOM) were diagnosed in 43 Cavalier King Charles spaniels over a 10-year period. The principal findings were signs of moderate to severe pain localised to the head or cervical area, and/or neurological signs. Diagnosis was made by examination of the tympanic membrane and middle ear with the aid of an operating microscope under general anaesthesia. A bulging, but intact, tympanic membrane was found in most cases. Following myringotomy, a highly viscous mucus plug was found filling the middle ear. Treatment, consisting of removal of the mucus plug, flushing of the middle ear, and local and systemic medical therapy, had to be repeated between one and five times. The prognosis was good in all cases. PSOM is an important differential diagnosis in Cavalier King Charles spaniels with signs of pain involving the head and neck, and/or neurological signs.     

Allogenic blood patch pleurodesis for management of pneumothorax in a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy with multiple pulmonary blebs and bullae

A 9‐week‐old male intact Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was presented for evaluation of acute onset dyspnea caused by left‐sided pneumothorax. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) identified multiple pulmonary bullae and blebs in multiple lung lobes. Rupture of ≥1 pulmonary blebs or bullae, precipitated by low impact trauma, was the suspected cause of pneumothorax. A volume of 7.5 mL/kg of fresh whole blood was collected from a type‐matched donor dog and administered into the left pleural space using a thoracostomy tube. The pneumothorax was successfully resolved and no adverse effects of blood patch pleurodesis were noted. The dog was clinically normal 12 months later.     

Nd:YAG laser‐assisted transendoscopic procedure for treatment of otitis media in a horse

An 8‐year‐old Warmblood gelding was referred for evaluation of headshaking to the Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover. Based on clinical signs and computed tomography – as well as magnetic resonance imaging – findings, otitis media was diagnosed. Medical treatment including trimethoprim potentiated sulfadimethoxine and meloxicam for 3 weeks did not result in cessation of clinical signs. Therefore, the tympanic cavity was opened transendoscopically using an Nd:YAG‐laser via the guttural pouch according to surgical procedures in human and small animal medicine, leading to a considerable improvement of clinical signs.     

Material in the middle ear of dogs having magnetic resonance imaging for investigation of neurologic signs

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and potential significance of finding material in the middle ear of dogs having magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Of 466 MR studies reviewed, an increased signal was identified in the tympanic bulla in 32 (7%) dogs. Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Cocker spaniels, Bulldogs, and Boxers were over-represented compared to the population of dogs having MR imaging. Five (16%) dogs had definite otitis media and one (3%) had a meningioma invading the middle ear. Of the remaining dogs, 13 (41%) had possible otitis media and 13 (41%) had neurologic conditions apparently unrelated to otitis media. The most common appearance of material in the middle ear was isointense in T1-weighted images and hyperintense in T2-weighted images. There was no apparent correlation between the signal characteristics of the material and the diagnosis. Enhanced signal after gadolinium administration was observed affecting the lining of the bulla in dogs with otitis media and in dogs with unrelated neurologic conditions. In dogs without clinical signs of otitis media, finding an increased signal in the middle ear during MR imaging may reflect subclinical otitis media or fluid accumulation unrelated to inflammation. Brachycephalic dogs may be predisposed to this condition.     

The results of surgical treatment of otitis media and interna in the dog

The case histories, surgical treatment and post–operative progress of twelve dogs with otitis media and/or otitis interna and one dog with an adnexal carcinoma arising within the tympanic bulla are described. Résumé. On décrit les antécédents du cas, le traitement chirurgique et les progrès postopératoires chez douze chiens avec une otite moyenne et/ou une otite interne et chez un chien avec un carcinome des annexes se formant dans la bulle tympanique. Zusammenfassung. Die Krankengëschichte, chirurgische Behandlung und postoperativer Fortschritt von zwǒlf Hunden mit Mittelohrentzǔndung und/oder Innerohrentzùndung und von einem Hund mit Adnexkarzinom, das sich innerhalb der tympanalen Bulla bildete, wurde beschrieben.     

Low‐Field MRI and Multislice CT for the Detection of Cerebellar (Foramen Magnum) Herniation in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Background

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) have a high prevalence of Chiari‐like malformation (CM). Herniation of the cerebellum into the foramen magnum is a key diagnostic feature for CM. Midsagittal MR images are the preferred technique for visualizing cerebellar herniation (CH).

Objective

To investigate whether CT can be used to diagnose CH.

Animals

Fifteen client‐owned CKCS dogs referred for investigation of the brain and cranial cervical spine on MRI and CT.

Methods

Two reviewers retrospectively analyzed midsagittal T1WSE and T2WSE MR images and midsagittal pre‐ and postcontrast 2D multiplanar reformatted CT images from each dog for the presence of CH. And, if present, the length (mm, CHL) of the herniation was measured. The results were analyzed statistically.

Results

There was no significant difference between the different observers and techniques for the detection of CH and measurement of CHL. Overall, the CHL was longer on the CT images.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Both techniques are useful for detecting CH and measuring CHL. Because CHL does not have a known direct impact on the clinical presentation of CM, CT can be used as a diagnostic tool in a routine clinical practice for CM in CKCS when MRI is not available. We emphasize that MRI is the standard screening technique in CKCS for breeding purposes to detect the presence of CM and SM and, at the current time, CT cannot replace MRI.     

Longitudinal bone transport for treatment of primary bone tumors in dogs: technique description and outcome in 9 dogs

OBJECTIVE: To describe a surgical technique for bone transport osteogenesis (BTO) limb salvage and report outcome in 9 dogs with primary bone tumors. ANIMALS: Nine dogs with spontaneously occurring primary bone tumors. RESULTS: BTO surgery was performed as a primary means of limb salvage in 7 dogs and as a salvage procedure after catastrophic allograft infection and failure in 2 dogs. Mean defect size was 9.5 cm with a mean of 123 days distraction until docking. Mean time from surgery to fixator removal was 205 days. Minimum follow-up was 9 months. There were 2 histologically confirmed local recurrences where although limb function was excellent, eventually resulted in limb amputation. Limb function was good to excellent in all but 2 dogs; 1 was chronically non-weight bearing before BTO surgery because of complications associated with an allograft limb salvage that had been performed previously on the same limb. The cause of lameness in the other dog was undetermined. CONCLUSIONS: BTO limb salvage can be successful in dogs with primary bone tumors. Whereas allograft limb salvage may be simpler from an initial management perspective, BTO has some unique advantages when compared with the allograft technique. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:BTO has an emerging role in limb salvage surgery for dogs with primary bone tumors. BTO provides excellent long-term outcomes in some dogs with primary bone tumors and will likely become increasingly more attractive as technique modifications allow the duration of the treatment to be shortened.     

Suboccipital craniectomy, dorsal laminectomy of C1, durotomy and dural graft placement as a treatment for syringohydromyelia with cerebellar tonsil herniation in Cavalier King Charles spaniels

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate retrospectively the efficacy of the suboccipital craniectomy and dorsal laminectomy of C1 with durotomy and placement of a dural graft for treatment of syringohydromyelia (SHM) because of cerebellar tonsil herniation in Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS). This technique is used with great success in human medicine. STUDY DESIGN: Four CKCS diagnosed by Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of SHM because of cerebellar tonsil herniation and not responsive to medical therapy underwent a suboccipital craniectomy and dorsal laminectomy of C1 (2 dogs) and of C1 and partial C2 (2 dogs) with durotomy and placement of a dural graft. Three dogs were evaluated neurologically 24 hours, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively and evaluations were compared with preoperative neurological examination. Repeat MRI took place 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Neurological examinations showed neither improvement nor progression of clinical signs 3 months postoperatively. MRI showed no regression of syrinx size 3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Improvement was not seen. Given the progressive nature of the disorder, evaluation over a longer period of time is necessary to detect if progression has stopped. Some modification to the surgical technique is needed to accomplish the same results as in human medicine. A study of a larger population is needed to attain more reliable information. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Suboccipital craniectomy and dorsal laminectomy of C1 with durotomy and placement of a dural graft is a feasible technique in CKCS, but needs some modification to accomplish the same results as in human medicine.     

Comparison of the hanging-drop technique and running-drip method for identifying the epidural space in dogs

Objective

To compare the running-drip and hanging-drop techniques for locating the epidural space in dogs.

The bacteriological and clinical assessment of a new preparation for the treatment of otitis externa in dogs and cats

The efficacy of a preparation (Oterna—Glaxo Laboratories Ltd) for use in the treatment of otitis externa in small animals has been assessed bacteriologically. The aetiology of the disease was studied in 133 ears of cats and dogs; normal ears were examined by comparison. Pityrosporum canis and staphylococci were the organisms most commonly isolated; their incidence was much higher in clinically affected ears than in normal ears. Gram-negative organisms were found only in diseased ears. Seventy-three clinical cases of otitis in dogs and cats were treated with a preparation containing neomycin, monosulfiram and betamethasone. Bacteriological and clinical evaluations were made before and after treatment and the organisms isolated were tested for sensitivity to the antimicrobial constituents of the preparation. There was a 92 % correlation between the bacteriological and clinical results. A ‘good’ or ‘very good’ bacteriological response was recorded for 71% of the ears treated. Résumé. On a évalué bactériologiquement l'efficacité d'une préparation (Oterna—Glaxo Laboratories Ltd) pour l'usage dans le traitement de l'otite externe de petits animaux. L'étiologie de la maladie a été étudiée dans 133 oreilles de chats et chiens; des oreilles normales ont été examinées pour comparaison. Le Pityrosporum canis et des staphylocoques ont été les microorganismes le plus souvent isolés; leur incidence était beaucoup plus élevée dans les oreilles affectées cliniquement que dans les oreilles normales. Des micro-organisms Gram-négatifs ont été seulement trouvés dans les oreilles malades. Soixante-treize cas cliniques d'otite chez les chats et les chiens ont été traités avec une préparation contenant de la néomycine, du monosulfiram et du bétaméthazone. Les évaluations bactériologique et clinique ont été faites avant et après le traitement et les micro-organismes isolés ont été vérifiés pour la sensibilité aux constituants antimicrobiens de la préparation. Il y avait une corrélation de 92% entre les résultats bactériologiques et cliniques. On a enregistré une réaction bactériologique ‘bonne’ ou ‘très bonne’ dans 71% des oreilles traitées. Zusammenfassung. Die Wirksamkeit eines Präparats (Oterna—Glaxo Laboratories Ltd) für die Behandlung von äußerer Otitis bei kleinen Tieren ist bakteriologisch bestimmt worden. Die Ursachenforschung dieser Krankheit wurde an 133 Ohren von Katzen und Hunden durch-geführt. Zum Vergleich wurden normale Ohren untersucht. Pityrosporum canis und Staphylokokken waren die am häufigsten abgesonderten Lebewesen. Ihr Vorkommen war bei klinisch betroffenen Ohren viel größer als bei normalen Ohren. Gram-negative Lebewesen wurden nur in kranken Ohren vorgefunden. Dreiundsiebenzig klinische Fälle von Otitis bei Hunden und Katzen wurden mit einem Präparat behandelt, das Neomycin, Monosulfiram und Betamethasone enthielt. Bakteriologische und klinische Bewertungen wurden vor und nach Behandlung durchgeführt, und die abgesonderten Lebewesen wurden auf Empfindlichkeit gegen mikrobenbetreffende Bestandteile des Präparates geprüft. Zwischen den bakteriologischen und klinischen Ergebnissen bestand eine 92 prozentige Wechselbeziehung. Eine “gute” oder “sehr gute” bakteriologische Reaktion wurde an 71% der behandelten Ohren festgestellt.     

Possible application of oxidative stress parameters for the evaluation of animal welfare in sheltered dogs subjected to different environmental and health conditions

The objective of this study was to establish an additional prognostic parameter to assess animal welfare. We explored the validity of using the thiol antioxidant barrier (SHp) and determination of reactive oxygen metabolites (dROMs) as indicators of stress and welfare in sheltered dogs. The shelter is a stressful environment for a dog because of its unpredictable and uncontrollable nature. The dogs enrolled in the present study belonged to 2 types of animal shelters (shelter 1 and shelter 2) that differed for social and spatial restrictions for the dogs. Animals were tested for leishmaniosis and ehrlichiosis and divided into 4 groups on the basis of their negative (group A and B) or positive (group C and D) status and the shelter they belonged to. The Student t test showed significant differences on SHp concentrations between groups A and B (negative titers; different shelters) (P < 0.0001; t₍₁₀₎ = 11.08), groups C and D (positive titers; different shelters) (P < 0.02; t₍₇₎ = 2.998), and groups A and C (different infection status and same shelter) (P < 0.004; t₍₈₎ = 3.975). Levels of dROMs showed significant differences between groups A and C (different infection status and same shelter) (P < 0.03; t₍₈₎ = 2.552) and groups B and D (different infection status and same shelter) (P < 0.02; t₍₉₎ = 2.817). The high dROMs values recorded in all dogs during the study may be because of the stressful environment of animal shelters, in general. The low SHp concentrations that we found in dogs from shelter 1 may suggest a highly stressful condition related to the poor social environment for interaction. SHp and dROMs may provide useful information about the responsiveness of sheltered dogs subjected to different environmental (social and spatial restrictions, management practices, and diet) and health (negative or positive status for leishmaniosis and ehrlichiosis) conditions and may suggest the possibility of establishing an additional prognostic tool for the assessment of welfare and health in sheltered dogs.     

The Safety and efficacy of a new self-expandable intratracheal nitinol stent for the tracheal collapse in dogs

To evaluate the potential utility of a self-expandable intratracheal nitinol stent with flared ends for the treatment of tracheal collapse in dogs, endotracheal stenting therapy was performed under fluoroscopic guidance in four dogs with severe tracheal collapse. During the 4 to 7 month follow-up, after stent implantation, clinical signs, including dyspnea and respiratory distress, dramatically improved in all dogs. The radiographs showed that the implanted stents improved the tracheal collapse, and there were no side effects such as collapse, shortening or migration of the stents. In conclusion, the self-expandable intratracheal nitinol stents provided adequate stability to the trachea and were effective for attenuating the clinical signs associated with severe tracheal collapse.     

Development of a fluorescent computer‐assisted spermatozoal quantification method and a comparison of results for manual counting with a haemocytometer and computer‐assisted semen analysis in dogs

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a novel, computer‐assisted spermatozoal quantification (CASQ) method of determining spermatozoal concentration in canine semen. In Experiment A, the spermatozoal concentration was measured (n = 28) with a haemocytometer using light microscopy, CASQ and computer‐assisted semen analysis (CASA; MMC sperm), following three independent dilutions. The limits of agreement between the haemocytometer and CASQ were ?13.1% to 13.8% and ?27.0% to 28.6% between the haemocytometer and CASA. The precision CVs (limits of agreement) were 5.7% (?7.8% to 8.9%) for the haemocytometer, 6.2% (?8.8% to 12.3%) for CASQ and 10.8% (?16.0% to 19.5%) for CASA. In Experiment B, spermatozoa were manually counted (n = 42) with the haemocytometer under fluorescent illumination using the CASQ sample. The limits of agreement between the CASQ and the haemocytometer were satisfactory (?4.6% to 4.6%) and the precision CVs (limits of agreement) were 6.2% (?9.0% to 11.4%) for the haemocytometer and 4.4% (?5.8% to 8.6%) for CASQ. The CASQ method was then clinically applied to compare the haemocytometer (light and fluorescent methods) with CASQ and CASA. Outlying data were removed. These studies demonstrated that CASQ was reliable and that the MMC sperm CASA was unreliable as methods for determining spermatozoal concentration in canine semen. Computer‐assisted spermatozoal quantification was also determined to be more precise than manual counting with the haemocytometer. Using the clinical protocol, the agreement between the haemocytometer and CASQ method was acceptable, but it was worse than in the experiments where duplicate samples and a larger volume of semen were analysed. The CASQ method may be a useful method to measure the membrane status of canine spermatozoa; however, further investigation is required. Counting spermatozoa using fluorescent microscopy and the haemocytometer may improve the efficiency of counting and the accuracy of the method.