Use of an axial pattern flap and nictitans to reconstruct medial eyelids and canthus in a dog

A 10-year-old male neutered Boxer presented with recurrence of a mast cell tumor at the right medial canthal area. Following excision including 2 cm margins, the medial one-half of the upper and lower eyelids and the medial canthus were reconstructed using an axial pattern flap based on the cutaneous branch of the superficial temporal artery. The bulbar conjunctiva of the nictitans was preserved and sutured to the medial flap edge, thus creating a conjunctival lining to the deep aspect of the flap, protecting corneal epithelium. This is a valuable surgical technique for closing a large skin defect and reconstructing the medial eyelids, thus preserving the globe.     

An eye on the Shih Tzu dog: Ophthalmic examination findings and ocular surface diagnostics

Objective

To characterize the ocular surface parameters and determine the prevalence of ocular pathology in Shih Tzu dogs.

Animal Studied

Fifty Shih Tzu dogs (28 male, 22 female).

Procedures

Each dog underwent a complete ophthalmic examination (recording any pathology) and a series of diagnostics, allowing for a 10 min-interval between tests: intraocular pressure (IOP), blink rate, palpebral fissure length (PFL), corneal tactile sensation (CTS), Schirmer tear test and nasolacrimal reflex without (STT-1, NL-STT1) and with topical anesthesia (STT-2, NL-STT2), tear ferning, strip meniscometry test (SMT), tear film breakup time (TFBUT), and punctate fluorescein staining (PFS) of the cornea.

Results

Mean ± SD test values were as follows: IOP (17.9 ± 3.7 mmHg), blink rate (2.4 ± 1.4 blinks/min), PFL (23.8 ± 1.8 mm), CTS (1.8 ± 0.7 cm), STT-1 (22.0 ± 5.5 mm/min), NL-STT1 (24.2 ± 4.7 mm/min), STT-2 (16.9 ± 6.5 mm/min), NL-STT2 (18.5 ± 7.5 mm/min), SMT (7.5 ± 3.5 mm/5 s), TFBUT (5.3 ± 2.4 s), tear ferning (1.3 ± 0.7), and PFS (1.6 ± 0.6). PFL was significantly greater in male vs. female Shih Tzus (p< .001). Age was negatively correlated with TFBUT results (r = −0.31, p = .027). Lagophthalmos was observed in 82% eyes. Ocular surface pathology was common, including adnexal abnormalities (100% eyes with caruncular trichiasis and medial lower lid entropion) and corneal opacification (27% pigmentation, 20% fibrosis, 12% neovascularization).

Conclusions

Qualitative tear film deficiency (low TFBUT), along with several anatomical abnormalities that promote ocular irritation and reduce globe protection, together help explain the concerningly high prevalence of ocular surface disease in the Shih Tzu breed. Prophylactic measures (e.g., medial canthoplasty, topical lubrication) could be considered to improve ocular health in Shih Tzus.     

Periorbital epidermoid cyst in the medial canthus of three dogs

Periorbital epidermoid cyst in the medial canthus was identified ultrasonographically and confirmed histologically in 3 dogs. Surgical resection of the cysts, with reconstruction of the lacrimal canaliculi, was curative in all 3 cases.     

Entropion correction by fornix-based suture placement: use of the Quickert-Rathbun technique in ten dogs

The objective of this study was to evaluate fornix-based suture placement as a method for entropion correction in the dog. Lower eyelid entropion with resultant trichiasis was corrected in 10 dogs using fornix-based suture placement similar to that employed in the Quickert-Rathbun technique used in man. A double-ended suture was placed originating at the deepest extent of the fornix and exiting the lid 1-2 mm from the eyelid margin. Degree of correction was assessed visually immediately after surgery and at re-examination with a follow-up period of up to 6 months. Fornix-based suture placement led to immediate eversion of the eyelid in each case and thus amelioration of the trichiasis in all dogs. In two cases eyelid eversion initially appeared over-corrected and in two cases exposure of conjunctival tissue was evident initially at the palpebral margin. In all cases, however, such complications were transient with long-term results giving an acceptable apposition between ocular surface and eyelid margin in all adult dogs. In three juvenile dogs on which the technique was used, further surgical treatment was required as the puppies grew. Fornix-based suture placement is a novel approach to entropion correction in the dog which yields acceptable results in the majority of suitable cases without recourse to incisional surgery.     

A prospective study of breed differences in the thermal pain sensitivity of dogs

Objective

To compare the thermal nociceptive thresholds (TNTs) of dogs from three working/sport breeds.

Computed tomography myelographic findings in dogs with cervical spondylomyelopathy

Computed tomography (CT) myelography is used occasionally in the diagnosis of cervical spondylomyelopathy, but the type of lesion found in large- versus giant-breed dogs using this modality has not been characterized. Our purpose was to report the frequency of compressive lesions in large- and giant-breed dogs with cervical spondylomyelopathy and imaged using CT myelography. Fifty-eight dogs were retrospectively studied, 23 large-breed and 35 giant-breed dogs. Multiple sites of compression were found in 12 large-breed dogs (52.2%) compared to 30 (85.8%) giant-breed dogs. The main site of compression was at C5-6 and C6-7 in both large-breed (91.3%) and giant-breed (72.4%) dogs. The main cause and direction of compression was disc-associated and ventral in 19 (82.6%) of the large-breed dogs while osseous changes were the primary cause of compression in 27 (77.2%) of the giant-breed dogs, with most compressions being lateral (51.4%), followed by dorsolateral (14.2%). Osseous compression was observed at C7-T1 in eight giant-breed dogs (22.8%), and at T1-T2 or T2 only in five dogs (14.3%). Four of 23 large-breed dogs (17.4%), and seven (20%) of 35 giant-breed dogs had spinal cord atrophy. Therefore, giant-breed dogs often have multiple compressions, usually caused by osseous changes causing lateralized compressions. In large-breed dogs most compressions are disc-associated and located ventrally. Considering the number of giant-breed dogs with compressions at C7-T1, T1-2, and T2, it is important to include the cranial thoracic region when imaging dogs suspected of having cervical spondylomyelopathy.     

Effects of medetomidine and medetomidine-butorphanol combination on Schirmer tear test 1 readings in dogs

Medetomidine is a commonly used sedative in veterinary medicine whether administered alone or in combination with an opioid such as butorphanol. There are no previous studies that look at the effects of this drug on sequential Schirmer tear test (STT) 1 readings in dogs, including effects on tear production after reversal of the drug. The present study looked at two groups of 10 dogs each that were sedated with intravenous medetomidine or a combination of medetomidine and butorphanol. All dogs had tear readings taken presedation, 15 min postsedation, and 15 min after reversal of medetomidine with atipamezole. Results revealed that intravenous sedation with medetomidine and medetomidine-butorphanol in dogs with no history of ophthalmic disease and presedation STT 1 readings above 15 mm/min, causes a significant decrease in tear production that is measurable at 15 min postsedation. Readings returned to near presedation values within 15 min postreversal in most cases. It is therefore recommended that all eyes be treated with a tear substitute from the time the sedative is given until at least 15 min after reversal.     

Effect of topical tropicamide on tear production as measured by Schirmer's tear test in normal dogs and cats

Objective To evaluate the effect of a single dose of topical 1% tropicamide on tear production as measured by the Schirmer tear test (STT) in the normal dog and cat. Material and methods Twenty‐eight dogs and 32 cats received 50 µl : l of 1% tropicamide in one eye and the opposite eye served as the control. STTs were performed immediately before instillation of tropicamide and then at 1, 4, 8 and 24 h post drug instillation. STT results were compared between the control and treated eyes at the different times. Results Aqueous tear production in dogs, measured by STT, was not significantly reduced. The mean ± SEM STTs for the baseline time for control and tropicamide‐treated eyes were 19.9 ± 0.8 and 20.3 ± 0.8 mm wetting/min, respectively. For the control eyes, the subsequent mean ± SEM STT levels were 20.3 ± 0.9 (1 h), 21.1 ± 0.8 (4 h), 20.1 ± 0.9 (8 h), and 18.7 ± 0.7 (24 h). For the tropicamide‐treated eyes, the subsequent mean ± SEM STT levels were 19.4 ± 0.9 (1 h), 19.3 ± 0.9 (4 h), 20.0 ± 0.9 (8 h), and 18.4 ± 0.8 (24 h). Aqueous tear production of both eyes was significantly reduced in cats at 1 h but returned to baseline by 4 h post tropicamide instillation. The mean ± SEM STT levels for the baseline time in cats for control and tropicamide‐treated eyes were 14.9 ± 0.8 and 14.7 ± 0.8 mm wetting/min, respectively. Subsequent mean ± SEM STT levels for the control eyes were 6.4 ± 1.1 (1 h), 11.9 ± 1.0 (4 h), 13.9 ± 0.8 (8 h), and 16.4 ± 1.0 (24 h). For the tropicamide‐treated eyes, the subsequent mean ± SEM STT levels were 5.3 ± 0.8 (1 h), 10.2 ± 0.8 (4 h), 14.7 ± 1.0 (8 h), and 16.6 ± 1.0 (24 h). Conclusion Single dose 1% tropicamide does not significantly lower tear production rates, as measured by the STT, in normal dogs. However, in normal cats single doses of 1% tropicamide in one eye cause significant reductions in tear production of both eyes at 1 h that recovered to baseline levels by 4 h.     

基于CT技术评估髌骨内脱犬骨骼畸形

本研究旨在通过计算机断层扫描(computed tomography, CT)检查探究不同症状髌骨内脱(medial patellar luxation, MPL)犬的解剖结构差异,同时对比CT和X线技术的一致性和优缺点。选用患有髌骨内脱和健康的小型犬后肢共34条,根据症状分为正常组(n=9)、MPL无症状组(n=9)、MPL有症状组(n=16),进行CT检查,通过CT图像测量滑车沟深度/髌骨厚度、髌韧带长度/髌骨长度、解剖性股骨远端解剖轴外侧角(anatomic latero-distal femoral angle, aLDFA)、股骨远端机械轴外侧角(mechanical latero-distal femoral angle, mLDFA)、股骨近端解剖轴外侧角(anatomic latero-proximal femoral angle, aLPFA)、股骨近端机械轴外侧角(mechanical latero-proximal femoral angle, mLPFA)及股骨颈干角(femoral inclination angle, FIA),并分析各组之间的差异。此外通过...     

Clinical manifestations of cataracts in small breed dogs

Objective  To determine the incidence, etiology, and concurrent ophthalmic findings in small breed dogs that presented with cataracts.
Animal studied  Five hundred and sixty-one small breed dogs (942 eyes) were presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Seoul National University between July 2002 and December 2007 with cataract.
Procedure  The medical records of small breed dogs with cataract were reviewed. The reason for presentation, cataract duration, bilaterality, breed, gender, age, vision, etiology, stage of cataract development, concurrent ophthalmic findings, IOP, ocular ultrasonography findings, and scotopic electroretinography (ERG) findings were investigated.
Results  The most frequently presented breeds were the Miniature/Toy Poodle ( n  = 112, 20.0%), Yorkshire Terrier ( n  = 110, 19.6%), and Shih Tzu ( n  = 95, 16.9%). The Miniature/Toy Poodle showed a significantly higher odds ratio for cataract formation (2.6). The proportion of female cataract patients was significantly higher than that of male cataract patients in the overall population ( P  < 0.05). The Miniature/Toy Poodles had significantly higher numbers of females affected with cataract ( P  < 0.01). The mean age for cataract formation was 8.3 ± 3.9 years. The mean age at onset in the Miniature/Toy Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier was significantly higher, whereas that in the Miniature Schnauzer group was significantly lower ( P  < 0.0001). Clinical signs related to lens induced uveitis had a tendency to increase with cataract progression ( P  < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the b-wave amplitude for mixed rod cone response by stage ( P  = 0.137).
Conclusions  Small breed dogs with cataracts had characteristics with regard to age of onset and gender distribution, depending on the breed.     

Bald thigh syndrome of Greyhound dogs: gross and microscopic findings

Bald thigh syndrome (BTS) is a disease limited to Greyhound dogs. It is characterized clinically and grossly by bilateral hair loss on the lateral and caudal thighs. The cause of BTS is unknown but may be associated with hypothyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism. Samples of skin, thyroid glands, and adrenal glands from 43 Greyhound dogs with BTS were examined microscopically. Microscopic changes were characterized by dilatation of follicular infundibula, presence of catagen follicles and epidermal hyperplasia. Changes in the skin from these Greyhound dogs suggest an endocrinopathy as the cause; however, we were unable to confirm which one.     

CT and radiographic evaluation of bronchial collapsibility at forced expiration in asymptomatic brachycephalic dogs

Bronchial collapse due to bronchomalacia is an important cause of chronic coughing in dogs. Radiographic and CT evidence of bronchial collapse has previously been reported in healthy Beagle dogs under forced expiration. However, published studies in brachycephalic dog breeds that are prone to bronchial collapse are currently lacking. In the present prospective analytical experimental study, CT and radiography were used to measure the bronchial diameter and collapsibility of each pulmonary bronchus during end‐expiratory, 5 mL/kg forced‐expiratory, and 10 mL/kg forced‐expiratory phases in 17 asymptomatic brachycephalic dogs and six healthy Beagle dogs. Bronchial collapsibility was significantly greater during forced expiration, than that at the end of expiration in both groups (P < .001). Bronchial collapsibility measurements of the left lung lobes and the right cranial, middle, and accessory lobes were significantly higher in asymptomatic brachycephalic dogs than those in healthy Beagle dogs, during all expiratory phases (P < .05). The higher bronchial collapsibility of brachycephalic dogs was also supported using CT multiplanar reconstruction images and radiography. In conclusion, radiographic and CT measures of bronchial collapsibility in asymptomatic brachycephalic dogs are higher than measures in healthy Beagle dogs. Therefore, measures of bronchial collapse in brachycephalic dogs should not be evaluated using the same baseline measures as those used for healthy Beagle dogs.     

Treatment of canine leproid granuloma syndrome: preliminary findings in seven dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine effective treatment strategies for patients with refractory canine leproid granuloma syndrome. DESIGN: Multi-institutional retrospective/prospective case series using client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: Seven dogs (four Boxers, one Dobermann, one Bullmastiff and one Bullmastiff cross-bred; ages 3 to 11 years) with leproid granulomas were treated successfully using a variety of treatment regimens. These cases were recruited because: lesions were either widely distributed over the dog; progressive, despite routine therapy, or were associated with particularly disfiguring lesions. The treatment regimen evolved during the course of the clinical study. RESULTS: Combination therapy using rifampicin (5 to 15 mg/kg p.o., every 24 h) and clarithromycin (8 to 24 mg/kg p.o. daily; dose divided every 8 or every 12 h) was used most frequently and proved to be effective and free from side effects. Total daily doses of clarithromycin in excess of 14 mg/kg were considered optimal and long treatment courses, in the order of 1 to 3 months, were used. Combination therapy using rifampicin (25 mg/kg; that is, higher than the recommended dose) and clofazimine was effective in one case, but resulted in hepatotoxicity. A topical formulation of clofazimine in petroleum jelly was used as an adjunct to oral rifampicin and doxycycline in another patient treated successfully. CONCLUSION: Based on our evolving clinical experience, a combination of rifampicin (10 to 15 mg/kg p.o., every 24 h) and clarithromycin (15 to 25 mg/kg p.o. total daily dose; given divided every 8 to 12 h) is currently recommended for treating severe or refractory cases of canine leproid granuloma syndrome. Treatment should be continued (typically for 4 to 8 weeks) until lesions are substantially reduced in size and ideally until lesions have resolved completely. A topical formulation, containing clofazimine in petroleum jelly may be used as an adjunct to systemic drug therapy. Further work is required to determine the most cost effective treatment regimen for this condition.     

Use of the harmonic scalpel for soft palate resection in dogs: a series of three cases

Soft palate resection is performed to resect a redundant or diseased soft palate, often associated with brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome (BAOS). Resection has been associated with numerous complications, including coughing, bleeding, pharyngeal oedema, respiratory obstruction and death. Traditionally, the surgery is performed by sharp dissection and suturing, but other reported techniques include the use of an electrothermal sealing device or a laser. Operative time for sharp dissection is approximately 12 min, but is shortened to around 5 min when using a laser, as the haemostatic properties of the instrument negates the need for post-resection oversewing. The successful use of a harmonic scalpel to resect redundant soft palates in three dogs is described. The resected soft palates were not oversewn and the surgical time was comparable with that for laser surgery. The first dog had a minor bleed 6 h postoperatively, possibly associated with suboptimal placement of the harmonic scalpel cutting jaws. The following two patients had no postoperative complications. The harmonic scalpel laparoscopic handpiece allowed excellent visualisation of the surgical field and rapid performance of the procedure. All three patients had markedly improved postoperative respiratory function. Cleaning and resterilisation permitted multiple reuse of the handpiece, making it cost-competitive with other surgical techniques.     

Effect of short-term diphenhydramine administration on aqueous tear production in normal dogs

Objective To perform a randomized, placebo‐controlled, masked clinical trial using a cross‐over design to determine the effect of oral diphenhydramine on aqueous tear production in normal dogs. Animals studied Seventeen dogs with normal ophthalmic examinations. Procedures Baseline tear production was established for each dog by performing Schirmer tear test I (STT I). Dogs received 20‐day treatment courses of both oral diphenhydramine and placebo solutions with a 10‐day washout period between treatment periods. Each dog was randomly assigned to receive diphenhydramine or placebo at the outset of the study. Measurements of STT I values were measured at regular intervals during the study and were conducted at the same time of day throughout the study to control for diurnal variations in tear production. The significance of the impact of diphenhydramine treatment on the quantity of aqueous tear production, as determine by STT results over time, was evaluated using regression analysis with appropriate transformation. Results Statistical comparisons at each measurement time, including baseline measurements between control and treatment groups, revealed no significant differences. Mean STT I levels also did not differ significantly at any measurement time compared to baseline for treatment or control groups. Conclusions Short‐term administration of oral diphenhydramine does not result in a significant decrease in aqueous tear production in normal dogs.     

Ultrasonographic findings of pylorogastric intussusceptions in two dogs

A Yorkshire terrier (case 1) and a Miniature Schnauzer (case 2) were diagnosed with pylorogastric intussusceptions (PGIs). Both cases showed acute vomiting and had previous histories of laparotomy. In case 1, the invaginated pyloric wall was thickened unevenly containing multiple hypoechoic areas and had indistinct wall layering on ultrasonography. PGI with diffuse gastric edema and necrosis was confirmed on laparotomy. The dog recovered completely after gastrectomy and a Y-U plasty. Case 2 had uniformly thickened walls of invaginated gastric pylorus with the distinct wall layering. PGI was reduced spontaneously the next day.