Dystocia in the cat: A retrospective study of 155 cases

In a retrospective study of 155 cases of feline dystocia, 67-1 per cent were of maternal origin, mainly caused by uterine inertia, while 29-7 per cent were of fetal origin, mainly resulting from malpresentations/malorientations and deformities. Its breed incidence was somewhat higher in Persian cats than in other breeds and considerably lower in Norwegian forest cats. Litter size was not related to the risk of developing dystocia. Ninety-seven cats (62.5 per cent) were treated with calcium and, or, oxytocin. Medical treatment was successful in only 29 cases (29.9 per cent). Caesarean sections were performed on 123 (79.4 per cent) of the cats that were brought to the hospital because of dystocia. In 55 cases (35.5 per cent) a caesarean section was performed without prior attempts at medical treatment.     

Tarsal injuries in the cat: A retrospective study of 21 cases

A retrospective study of 21 surgically treated feline tarsal injuries showed that the degree of soft tissue trauma was the main parameter influencing the long term outcome. Generally, tarsal fractures could be successfully reconstructed and managed by internal fixation. Simple rupture of a collateral ligament could be sutured or treated with a suture prosthesis, resulting in a good long term result. Intertarsal instabilities were successfully treated by the application of miniplates resulting in stable ankyloses. Talocrural luxations evaluated in this study had a poor long term outcome. Further research is needed to show if alternative postoperative management involving early mobilisation and physiotherapy might improve the outcome of talocrural luxations with severely damaged soft tissues.     

Hiatal hernia in the dog: a clinical report of four Chinese shar peis

Four Chinese shar pei littermate puppies were presented for vomiting, regurgitation, hypersalivation, and poor growth. Diagnosis of hiatal hernia was made for each of the four dogs based on survey radiographs and barium esophagram studies. All dogs initially underwent medical therapy, to which only one dog responded. All dogs underwent surgical treatment, which included manual hernia reduction followed by phrenoplasty, esophagopexy, and left incisional gastropexy, 5 to 40 days following initiation of medical therapy. The three surgical techniques described eliminated the need to enter the pleural cavity and offered excellent long-term results with no recurrence of clinical signs following surgery.     

Hypothyroidism in the dog: a retrospective study of sixteen cases

Sixteen dogs with confirmed hypothyroidism were reviewed. The diagnosis was based on subnormal plasma thyroxine concentration and poor response following TSH administration. Common clinical signs were alopecia (12 dogs), lethargy (11) and obesity (11). Plasma cholesterol concentrations were abnormally high in 10 of 14 cases tested, five of 12 were anaemic and three of five had increased creatine phosphokinase activity. Skin changes compatible with endocrinopathy were present in all five cases biopsied. Spontaneous muscle activity was found on electromyography in four cases so examined. All dogs were treated with sodium levothyroxine, and 10 of 13 for which information was available responded satisfactorily.     

Mesenteric volvulus in the dog: a retrospective study of 12 cases

Mesenteric volvulus was diagnosed in 12 dogs over a nine-year period. Each case was presented with abdominal distension and shock. Haematochezia, which is frequently reported in association with mesenteric volvulus, was present in only two of the dogs. The diagnosis, which in all cases was based on radiography, was followed by immediate treatment for shock and surgical intervention whenever possible. In five of the 12 cases, the volvulus was treated successfully and these patients survived. This indicates that the prognosis for mesenteric volvulus might be better than is currently believed, and immediate laparotomy is recommended if mesenteric volvulus is suspected.     

Fungal urinary tract infections in the dog and cat: a retrospective study (2001-2004)

Thirty-five animals (23 dogs, 12 cats) with fungal urinary tract infections (UTIs) were retrospectively studied. Dysuria, hematuria, increased frequency of micturition, anorexia, depression, and pyrexia were the most common clinical signs noted. Seven species of fungi were identified in the affected animals. Candida albicans was the most common isolate. Most animals diagnosed with fungal UTI also had other concurrent urinary tract or medical problems. Lower urinary tract diseases, diabetes mellitus, neoplasia, and renal failure were the most common concurrent or preceding diseases identified. Resolution of fungal UTI occurred in 12 animals that received specific antifungal treatment.     

Aetiology and diagnosis of persistent nasal disease in the dog: a retrospective study of 42 cases

Forty-two dogs with a history of persistent nasal disease were evaluated by a combination of clinical examination, thoracic and nasal radiography, retroflexed endoscopy and biopsy, and anterograde rhinoscopy and blind nasal biopsy. A definitive diagnosis was made in 91 per cent of cases. Neoplasia was the most common diagnosis (33 per cent of cases), followed by inflammatory rhinitis (24 per cent). Other diagnoses included periodontal disease (10 per cent), aspergillosis (7 per cent) and foreign bodies (7 per cent). Adenocarcinoma was the most common tumour diagnosed. The clinical findings were found to be too variable to be used as specific diagnostic criteria. Anterograde rhinoscopy and retroflexed endoscopy had higher specificity and sensitivity than radiology for the diagnosis of neoplasia, inflammatory rhinitis, aspergillosis and foreign bodies. With a systematic approach to the investigation of persistent nasal disease, a definitive diagnosis can be successfully obtained in the vast majority of cases.     

Dermatophytosis due to Microsporum persicolor: a retrospective study of 16 cases

A retrospective study of 16 cases of dermatophytosis due to Microsporum persicolor in dogs is reported. Hunting dogs were overrepresented (12/16). Skin lesions were observed on the face in all cases, but also on other locations (limbs, neck). The lesions included alopecia (15/16), erythema (13/16), scales (14/16), and crusts (13/16). Histopathology was performed in 10 cases and showed folliculitis and a lichenoid interface dermatitis. Fungal culture was positive in all cases and clinical resolution was achieved with standard antifungal agents (enilconazole, ketoconazole, griseofulvin). Two recurrences were observed (new contacts with rodents).     

Dystocia in the bitch: A retrospective study of 182 cases

In a retrospective study of 182 cases of canine dystocia, no relationship was found between either breed or age and occurrence of dystocia. However, medium-sized breeds (between 12.7 and 20.5 kg bodyweight) were slightly over represented. Of the bitches that had whelped previously, 42 per cent had experienced dystocia. The dystocia was of maternal origin in 75.3 per cent of the cases, mainly due to uterine inertia, while 24.7 per cent were of fetal origin, mainly resulting from malpresentations/malorientations. The most common reason for dystocia was primary, complete uterine inertia (48.9 per cent) and 40 per cent of the bitches with this problem had small litters of one or two pups. The most common treatment was calcium and, or, oxytocin injection followed by a caesarean section. Digital manipulation including forceps delivery and, or, medical treatment was successful in only 27.6 per cent of the cases. Of the bitches studied, 65.7 per cent had a caesarean section. Pup deaths occurred in 52.2 per cent of the litters. Among bitches that had been treated within one to four-and-a-half hours after the beginning of second stage labour, 5.8 per cent of the pups died, whereas the corresponding value for bitches that had been treated between five and 24 hours after the beginning of second stage labour was 13.7 per cent. The total frequency of pup deaths was 22.3 per cent. These findings show that early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in reducing the pup death rate in cases of dystocia.     

Risk factors for humeral condylar fractures in the dog: A retrospective study

Humeral condylar fractures have fracture lines that extend through the joint surface and through one or both epicondyles. One hundred and eighty-nine dogs with humeral condylar fractures are presented in this study. Lateral condylar fractures were the most frequent (67 per cent), occurring nearly 10 times as often as the medial condylar fracture. Intercondylar fractures represented about 35 per cent of these. Condylar fractures occur as a result of moderate trauma and only rarely due to traffic accidents. The histories and circumstances of the three fracture types are not essentially different. Dogs, three and four months old, were strongly over-represented among the lateral and medial condylar fractures, compared with the age distribution of other types of fractures in the extremities of the dogs. Humeral condylar fractures were recorded in 58 breeds. All dogs are vulnerable to humeral condylar fractures. All sizes and both sexes are equally at risk. Some breeds seem to be more vulnerable to lateral condylar fractures: English and French bulldogs, Yorkshire terriers, miniature schnauzers, Gordon setters and German short-haired pointers. The St Bernard seems to be more vulnerable to medial and intercondylar fractures and the German shepherd dog and beagle to intercondylar fractures. A retrospective case control study does not provide wholly reliable statistical information on risk factors, and the statistics concerning breed and breed size must be judged accordingly. The method was considered to be the best statistical model available for this study.     

Transarticular pinning for repair of hip dislocation in the dog: a retrospective study of 40 cases

Transarticular pinning was used for the repair of hip dislocation in 40 dogs. The mean follow-up period was 18.4 months. Satisfactory results were achieved in 80% of the cases. Body weight, ipsilateral femoral head fracture, and hip dysplasia appeared to affect long-term prognosis. The most frequent complication was pin breakage, but this did not affect final outcome and could be avoided by using pins of larger diameter. Osteonecrosis was observed in two cases.     

A retrospective study of surgically treated cases of septic peritonitis in the cat (2000–2007)

O bjectives : To review aetiology, clinical signs and outcome of cats surgically treated for septic peritonitis (2000-2007).
M ethods : A retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were the identification of intracellular bacteria and degenerate neutrophils and/or a positive culture from abdominal fluid and exploratory coeliotomy. Aetiology, clinical signs, haematological and biochemical parameters, surgical treatment and outcome were recorded and analysed.
R esults : Twenty-six cats fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Abdominal pain was reported in 10 (38 per cent) and vomiting was reported in 11 (42 per cent) of the cats. The most common aetiology was trauma (31 per cent). The principal source of contamination was the gastrointestinal tract. Hyperlactataemia, hypoproteinaemia and hyperglycaemia were reported in 9, 13 and 14 of the 26 cases, respectively. Non-survivors had significantly higher blood lactate concentrations than survivors (P=0·02). Nineteen cats were managed with primary closure, two with closed suction drains and three with open peritoneal drainage. Twelve (46 per cent) cats survived to discharge.
C linical S ignificance : In cats, lethargy, depression and anorexia were more common clinical signs than abdominal pain. Lactate level at the time of diagnosis may be a useful prognostic indicator in cats. The proportion of cats that survived was lower than previously reported and owners should be given a guarded prognosis.     

Cystine calculi I in the dog: an epidemiological retrospective study

During 1970 to 1990, 134 cases of obstructive cystine calculi were diagnosed in Sweden; it was estimated that at least two out of 10,000 male dogs in Sweden had this condition. The disease was found especially in the dachshund, basset hound and Welsh corgi (0–2 to 04 per cent). The study showed that obstructive cystine calculi occur in male dogs of all ages, but not in females or pups. Most cases (53 per cent) were detected at the age of three to five years. Recurrence was common (38 per cent), but was rare in older dogs. Eight dogs which originally had cystine calculi suffered recurrent stones consisting of magnesium ammonium phosphate. Surgery was performed in 40 per cent for the first time (n=122) during the first quarter of the year and in 71 per cent during January to July. Since this condition affects only male dogs after sexual maturity, it was assumed that the formation of cystine calculi involved the sex hormone(s).     

Monoclonal gammopathies in the dog: a retrospective study of 18 cases (1986-1999) and literature review

Eighteen dogs with monoclonal gammopathies were evaluated retrospectively. Most of the cases were associated with lymphoproliferative tumors (i.e., nine multiple myelomas, one Waldenstr?m's macroglobulinemia, one lymphoma, one chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and one mucocutaneous plasmacytoma). The prevalence of nonmyelomatous monoclonal gammopathies (28%) was also significant (three leishmaniasis and two ehrlichiosis). Presenting complaints and clinical signs often were nonspecific or related to bleeding diathesis. Significant laboratory findings included proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and anemia. Some unusual features were also observed: a multiple myeloma with immunoglobulin M secretion, another myeloma with two narrow spikes on the electrophoretic pattern, and a mucocutaneous plasmacytoma secreting an immunoglobulin G paraprotein.     

Hiatal hernia controversies--a review of pathophysiology and treatment options

OBJECTIVE: To provide a detailed discussion of the aetiology and pathophysiology of hiatal hernia in both humans and small animals, and review current medical and surgical treatments. DESIGN: Review article. SUMMARY: Hiatal hernia is not completely understood in humans or animals. It has a complex multifactorial aetiology and pathophysiology. A primary disturbance of the lower oesophageal sphincter has not been shown in humans or animals. Knowledge of pathophysiology is necessary to institute appropriate treatment. Medical and/or surgical therapy is not indicated in asymptomatic cases. Medical treatment should be used for up to 1 month in stable cases of sliding hiatal hernia. Paraoesophageal hiatal hernias and any large sliding hiatal hernia should be considered for prompt surgical treatment. Surgical techniques used depend on the type of hiatal hernia present. Surgical treatment of hiatal hernia cases should be performed by experienced surgeons, and must include hiatal closure and gastropexy. The Nissen fundoplication procedure has been discontinued in the veterinary field due to poor success rates, coupled with the published view that there is a marked difference in pathophysiology between humans and dogs. Reported complications associated with the original Nissen fundoplication technique are identical in the human and veterinary literature. There have been no complications reported with use of the modified or 'floppy' Nissen fundoplication in dogs. Both oesophagopexy and Nissen fundoplication require further evaluation in small animals.