Postnatal modelling of the humeroantebrachial contact areas of radius and ulna in dogs

Necropsy dogs (n = 234) ranging in age between 2 days and 17 years were examined to characterize the cross-sectional shape of the humeroantebrachial contact area of the radius and ulna on radioulnar scans of giant, large, mid-sized, small, and chondrodystrophic breeds. During growth, the contact areas became more circular in shape in all breeds, those in small dogs remained most elliptic. Smallest normalized heights (distance between the tip of the anconeal process and the most proximal aspect of the cranial margin of the radial head = RUH, distance between the tip of the anconeal process and the cranial tip of the medial coronoid process = UH) and depths (distance determined in a right angle to RUH = RUD, distance determined in a right angle to UH = UD) were noted in large and giant breeds with no significant difference between these. In juveniles, a decrease in UD was correlated with a decrease in UH in all breeds as was a decrease in RUD correlated with a decrease in RUH, whereas in non-arthrotic adults this condition could only be proven for mid-sized dogs and small breeds but not for giant, large and chondrodystrophic dogs. The average radioulnar and ulnar heights and depths (as seen in non-arthrotic adults) were calculated to be obtained in mid-sized dogs at least 3-4 weeks earlier than in large dogs. Lipping of the cranial margin of the radial head was significantly (P < 0.001) associated with lesion(s) of the articular surface (i.e. erosion of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone and/or fragmentation of the medial coronoid process) and caused additional change in shape of this contact area, which was then even more circular. However, the variables evaluated (RUH, RUD, UH, UD) allowed only poor discrimination between constitution types and between non-arthrotic and arthrotic joints.     

Angiographic examination of the forelimb in dogs with abnormal growth of the distal radius and ulna

Brachial angiograms were performed on 13 forelimbs from 12 dogs with growth-plate disorders of the distal radius and ulna. Eight angiograms were considered normal and five showed failure of individual arteries to fill, in two cases associated with hypertrophy of other vessels. Angiography was too insensitive to identify the small vessels which supplied the growth plates.     

Fractures of the radius and ulna.

Fractures of the radius and ulna are common in the dog and cat. If treated inappropriately, complications may result. These include delayed union, nonunion, malunion, and growth deformities. ESF is a versatile method of fixation for fractures of the radius and ulna. Types that are applicable range from the simple type I to the complex type III fixator. In general, the more unstable the fracture, the more rigid the assembly must be to counteract fracture forces. There are three basic phases to consider when using ESF: (1) preoperative planning, (2) application of the ESF, and (3) long-term management. A deficiency in any one of these phases can lead to complications and an unsatisfactory clinical outcome. Although ESF can be used on many types of fractures, the technique is especially well suited for open or highly comminuted fractures when internal fixation is not applicable. In these cases, close attention must be paid to the integrity of the soft tissues. In addition, cancellous bone grafts should be placed either at the time of initial repair or in a delayed fashion after adequate vascularity has been established. Staged or complete removal of the ESF should be individualized to each fracture case. In general, staged disassembly or "dynamization" can begin when the bone and fixator begin to function as a composite as determined by radiographs. Complete fixator removal should be considered when the fracture exhibits clinical and radiographic evidences of union.     

Bone plate fixation of distal radius and ulna fractures in small- and miniature-breed dogs.

Bone plate fixation was reviewed in 29 distal radial fractures of small- and miniature-breed dogs. Twenty-two fractures in 18 dogs were available for follow-up. Number of complications and return to function were evaluated. Complications occurred in 54% of the fractures. Catastrophic complications occurred in 18% of fracture repairs with follow-up, while minor complications occurred in 36%. Sixteen (89%) of 18 dogs had a successful return to function. Bone plate fixation is a successful repair method for distal radius and ulna fractures in small-breed dogs, compared to previously reported methods.     

Rapidly growing members of the genus Mycobacterium affecting dogs and cats

Rapidly growing members of the genus Mycobacterium were most often associated with chronic (2 to 72 months), nonhealing skin lesions of dogs and cats. Mycobacterium fortuitum (M. fortuitum) was the most commonly isolated mycobacterium obtained from these lesions, although M. chelonae-abscessus and M. flavescens were occasionally encountered. Isolates were tested in vitro to various antimicrobial agents and found to be susceptible to amikacin (100% of the isolates), cefoxitin (93.8%), ciprofloxacin (75%), clarithromycin (71.4%), doxycycline (28.6%), erythromycin (6.2%), gentamicin (68.8%), kanamycin (75%), minocycline (81.3%), streptomycin (14.3%), tobramycin (43.8%), trimethoprim/sulfonamides (57.1%), and vancomycin (15.4%).     

Anthropometric measurements of the scapula, humerus, radius and ulna in Labrador dogs with and without elbow dysplasia

Objective To determine if anthropometric measurements of the Labrador scapula, humerus, ulna and radius, or their ratios, are related to the presence of elbow dysplasia (ED). Methods Digital calliper measurements of the lengths of the left scapula, humerus, radius and ulna, and their ratios, were analysed by gender in 103 volunteer Labradors (41 dogs, 62 bitches) against the ED radiological scores derived by the International Elbow Working Group (IEWG). The IEWG score is an umbrella score used to classify for ED and includes fragmented coronoid process, osteochondritis dessicans, incongruity and ununited anconeal process, the last of which occurs rarely in Labradors. Results Of the 103 Labradors studied, 31 were diagnosed radiographically with ED (20 bitches (32%), 11 (27%) dogs). Scapula length was significantly shorter for bitches with ED (P = 0.02), but not for dogs with ED. However, dogs showed a trend for a difference in the ulna:radius ratio (P = 0.06), which bitches did not. Although a greater percentage of bitches than dogs had ED in this study, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions Labrador bitches diagnosed with ED have a shorter scapula, which is a new finding associated with this condition. The difference in presentation associated with gender is unexpected and further research is recommended.     

浅析影响犬蛋白质需要的因素

蛋白质是犬的一种必需营养物质,是犬日粮的主要营养要素之一。犬需要饲粮提供充足的蛋白质以获得最佳生长状态。然而在实际饲养过程中,宠物犬对蛋白质的需要受很多因素的影响,包括品种、年龄、生理状态、饲料、饲粮、气候条件、应激程度、运动和管理情况等,其中年龄、生理状态、饲料、饲粮、环境因素等五个方面是其主要影响因素。     

The factors affecting the distribution of babesiosis in dogs in Poland

The aim of this paper was to determine the factors affecting the development of canine babesiosis in Poland. The studies included 800 animals from 16 polish voivodeships-districts (50 from each voivodeship) with suspected piroplasmosis. Hematological and molecular tests confirmed infections in 158 animals. Analysis of the genetic material using the Real-Time Sybr Green HRM technique showed that 96 dogs were infected with Babesia canis 18S RNA-A and 62 with B. canis 18S RNA-B. It was observed that the disease occurs more often in eastern Poland (OR: 8.91; CI: 5.7-13.8), in males (OR: 1.04; CI: 0.7-1.5) and especially in rural areas (OR: 1.7; CI: 1.2-2.4). More prone to infection were pure-bred dogs (OR: 2.24; CI: 1.6-3.2), young animals under 1 year old (OR: 0.73; CI: 0.4-1.5), animals that had suffered from babesiosis in the past (OR: 17.9; CI: 10.9-29.2) and those that had not received preventive measures against ectoparasites (OR: 0.32; CI: 0.2-0.5). Knowledge of the factors facilitating the development of canine babesiosis helps to understand the causal connection between the dogs' exposure to the pathogen and the development of the disease and to limit the occurrence of the infection in these animals, to diagnose it early and to start proper treatment before serious complications develop.     

Risk factors for nuisance barking in dogs

Objective   To determine the key variables related to the environment, animal and owner that influence nuisance barking by dogs in a city with a subtropical climate.
Design and Population   A case–control survey of dog owners in Brisbane, Queensland, was conducted using a questionnaire investigating key variables connected to nuisance barking. Owners of dogs exhibiting nuisance barking were obtained from a list of dogs being treated in a Brisbane behaviour clinic, and those of control dogs were selected from a telephone directory.
Results   Univariate analysis showed that animal, owner and environmental factors all potentially influence the occurrence of nuisance barking. Multivariate analysis identified the following factors, with the relevant odds ratios (OR) as significant: age of the dog (young dog vs old dog, OR 11.2); multiple dogs in the household vs single (OR 5.6); origin of the dog (home bred vs obtained from breeder or friend, OR 4.0); type of dog, (herding vs other types, OR 3.2) and dog with access to the home vs dog without access (OR 2.5).
Conclusion   The greatest risk for nuisance barking occurs with a young dog of the herding type that is home bred and with access to the house in a multiple dog household.     

Asynchronous growth of the canine radius and ulna: effects of retardation of longitudinal growth of the radius.

After 2,000 rads of x-radiation to the right distal radial physis of eight 70-day-old dogs, the longitudinal growth of the right radius was retarded 42.1% when compared with the growth of the nonirradiated left radius. Asynchronous growth of the right radius and ulna resulted. The gross and radiographic changes that occurred over the subsequent 75 days were described. Subluxation of the humeroradial and humeroulnar joints occurred and was first observed 31 days after irradiation. By 75 days after irradiation, the radius was puller 7.8 mm distally by the radioulnar ligament. However, subluxation of the humeroradial joint was minimized by accelerated growth from the proximal radial physis and articular cartilage. Acceleration of growth also occurred at the distal radial articular cartilage. Growth from the distal ulnar physis and styloid process was retarded. It was thus apparent that after retardation of growth from the distal radial physis, considerable adjustment occurred in the relationship between the radius and the ulna and also in growth from their other physes, which reduced the deleterious effects of the growth retardation.     

Repair of fracture of the proximal portion of the radius and ulna in a llama

Repair of a comminuted fracture of the proximal portion of the radius and ulna in a 4-month-old llama was achieved by use of internal fixation. An 8-hole narrow dynamic compression plate was applied to the lateral aspect of the radius and a 7-hole narrow dynamic compression plate was applied to the cranial aspect of the radius. One year after surgery, the llama had a normal gait and the cosmetic appearance of the limb was excellent.     

Risk factors for development of dysautonomia in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors associated with dysautonomia in dogs. DESIGN: Case-control study. ANIMALS: 42 dogs with dysautonomia examined between October 1988 and January 2000 and 132 control dogs examined during the same period for an unrelated problem. PROCEDURE: Information was gathered from medical records and surveys mailed to owners of case and control dogs. RESULTS: 42 case and 132 control dogs were included; completed surveys were returned by owners of 30 case and 103 control dogs. Dogs with dysautonomia were significantly younger (median, 18 months) than control dogs (median, 60 months) and more likely to come from rural areas and to spend > or =50% of their time outdoors. Compared with rural control dogs that spent at least some time outdoors, affected dogs were more likely to have access to pasture land, farm ponds, and cattle, and to have consumed wildlife, at least occasionally. The largest numbers of dogs with dysautonomia were identified during February and April, with relatively few dogs identified during the summer and early fall. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although the cause of dysautonomia is unknown, results suggest that dogs with dysautonomia were significantly more likely to live in rural areas and spend > or =50% of their time outdoors than were control dogs examined for unrelated diseases.     

Modified transfixation pinning of compound radius and ulna fracture in a heifer

A 405-kg heifer sustained a compound fracture of the distal portion of the radius and ulna after being hit by a car. The fracture was thoroughly debrided, lavaged, and reduced with the heifer under general anesthesia. The fracture was immobilized with a modified walking cast, using 2 fully threaded 6.4-mm (outside diameter) Steinmann pins placed through the proximal portion of the radius. The pins were incorporated into a full-limb fiberglass cast, and a 0.5-cm X 2.25-cm aluminum walking bar was positioned medially and laterally on the limb. The modified walking cast was removed after 7 weeks, and the fracture healed without complication. The transfixation pins and aluminum walking bar helped reduce the strong compressive and rotational forces at the fracture site. The modified walking cast can potentially be used for fixation of a variety of fractures in large animals.