Delayed onset vagus nerve paralysis after occipital condyle fracture in a horse

Occipital condylar fractures (OCFs) causing delayed onset lower cranial nerve paralysis (LCNPs) are rare. We present a 7‐year‐old Friesian horse with delayed onset dysphagia caused by vagus nerve (CNX) paralysis and suspicion of glossopharyngeal nerve (CNIX) paralysis developed several days after a minor head injury. Endoscopic examination revealed right laryngeal hemiplegia and intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate. An area of submucosal hemorrhage and bulging was appreciated over the dorsal aspect of the medial compartment of the right guttural pouch. Radiological examination of the proximal cervical region showed rotation of the atlas and the presence of a large bone fragment dorsal to the guttural pouches. Occipital condyle fracture with delayed onset cranial nerve paralysis was diagnosed. Delayed onset cranial nerve paralysis causing dysphagia might be a distinguishable sign of OCF in horses. Delayed onset dysphagia after head injury should prompt equine clinicians to evaluate the condition of the atlanto‐occipital articulation and skull base.     

Postoperative complication of cervical fracture repair in a dog

Fracture and luxation of the second cervical vertebra of a dog were repaired with braided polyester sutures. After 28 months, the dog became ataxic. Compression of the spinal cord at C1-2 was seen on a myelogram. Surgical exploration of the area revealed a granuloma associated with the sutures and compressing the spinal cord. After the granuloma was removed, the dog recovered and has remained neurologically normal for 21 months. The abnormal tissue was determined histologically to be a pyogranuloma.     

Ultrasonographic appearance of the craniocervical junction in normal brachycephalic dogs and dogs with caudal occipital (Chiari-like) malformation

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the spine, especially of the spinal cord, has been rarely reported in dogs. The atlanto-occipital junction provides a small acoustic window through which examination of the craniocervical transition can be performed. Normal sonographic findings of this region in 10 normal brachycephalic dogs are presented and compared with sonographic findings from 25 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with the caudal occipital malformation syndrome. Sonographic findings were compared with magnetic resonance imaging findings to determine the extent of cerebellar herniation and syringohydromyelia. Cerebellar displacement into the foramen magnum was clearly identified sonographically; however, syringohydromyelia was not discernable due to bone overlay.     

Stabilisation with dorsal and ventral fixation of a traumatic cervical instability in a dog

This case study reports the outcome of dorsal and ventral stabilisation of a traumatic cervical instability in a dog. A 2-year-old, male Pointer was admitted following a motor vehicle accident. Clinical examination revealed non-ambulatory tetraparesis, severe neck pain and upper motor neuron changes in all limbs. Deep pain response was present. Subluxation of C2/3 and fractures of the dorsal spinous process and lamina of C2 were observed on radiographs. Ventral stabilisation was performed with screws and bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate). For dorsal fixation of the fractures, screws and cerclage wire were used. The dog stood up independently after 1 month, was able to walk 1.5 months postoperatively and had recovered completely at 1 year following surgery. We conclude that combined stabilisation techniques are effective for this type of cervical fracture in which the dorsal, middle and ventral structures of the vertebra are severely disrupted.     

Magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis: incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle in a German shepherd dog

Clinical signs, radiological, arthroscopic findings and magnetic resonance imaging features of a male German shepherd dog with incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle are described. The dog showed recurrent left forelimb lameness and pain on elbow palpation. In routine radiographs, the lesion was obscured. In oblique radiographs, a radiolucent line was detected, and magnetic resonance imaging clearly demonstrated a defect in the humeral condyle. However, arthroscopy showed no changes or discontinuity of the humeral cartilage. Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle may be underrepresented in conventional, routine studies because if there is concurrent additional elbow pathology (for example fragmented coronoid process), treatment may lead to clinical improvement and further diagnostic techniques may not be performed. The benefit of magnetic resonance imaging in this case is demonstrated.     

Usefulness of MRI compared with CT for diagnosis of mesenteric lymphoma in a dog

We evaluated the usefulness of MRI and compared it with CT for diagnosis of mesenteric lymphoma in a dog. The results in the plain CT, dynamic CT and plain MR (T1WI and T2WI) images suggested that the mass was a large single nodular lesion with abundant blood perfusion. On enhanced MRI(T1WI) , the mass was depicted as a tumor with adhesion to the gut wall. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed the mass was consistent with the findings on enhanced MRI. We think that MRI might be a useful imaging tool for diagnosis of canine mesenteric lymphoma.     

Surgical correction of severe strabismus and enophthalmos secondary to zygomatic arch fracture in a dog

A grossly displaced segmental zygomatic arch fracture with marked ventro-lateral deviation of the left globe was diagnosed in a 3-month-old male German Shepherd dog following a bite injury. The fracture was approached via a modified lateral orbitotomy and a fragment of the lacrimal bone removed. The rostral portion of the fracture was stabilized with a 5-hole 2.0 dynamic compression plate bone plate. The surgical correction achieved sufficient skeletal fixation for proper anatomical reduction of the globe and excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes.     

Comminuted basilar skull fracture in a colt: Use of computed tomography to aid the diagnosis

The case of a one‐year‐old colt with acute onset of neurological dysfunction and epistaxis after a traumatic event is presented. After initiating emergency treatment, the colt was anaesthetised for diagnostic imaging. Radiographic examination of the head was suggestive of soft tissue opacity in the area of the guttural pouches, but was inconclusive about osseous involvement. A computed tomography (CT) scan, used to obtain further details, showed a comminuted basilar skull fracture with 2 displaced fragments that were not detected by radiography. Because of the poor prognosis for survival and return to athletic function, the horse was subjected to euthanasia. CT imaging provided the most useful diagnostic information about type, localisation, extension and severity of the basilar skull fracture.     

Imaging diagnosis: CT findings in a dog with intracranial hemorrhage secondary to angiostrongylosis

A seven-month-old Cocker Spaniel had a cough, acute lethargy, decreased responsiveness, and episodes of hyperexcitability. There were bilateral generalized increased lung sounds, bilateral episcleral hemorrhage, and systemic hypertension. Prolonged buccal mucosal bleeding time and elevated D-dimer concentrations were detected. Radiographically, there was a generalized moderate unstructured interstitial pattern. In thoracic CT images, there was a diffuse moderate hyperattenuating appearance of the bronchial walls and interstitium and diffuse areas of moderate bronchiectasis. The brain CT images were characterized by marked hyperattenuating well-defined masses. In addition, there were smaller hyperattenuating and hypoattenuating masses scattered throughout the cerebral and cerebellar parenchyma. A zinc sulphate flotation test confirmed large numbers of Angiostrongylus vasorum L1 larvae. Despite therapy the dog continued to deteriorate and underwent euthanasia. Postmortem examination confirmed the presence of multiple intracranial and extracranial hemorrhages. Angiostrongylosis should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses in dogs presenting with neurologic signs consistent with acute intracranial haemorrhage.     

Plating and grafting for nonunion of a subtrochanteric femoral fracture in a dog

Healing problems following pin and wire reduction of an unstable subtrochanteric femoral fracture are described. A nonunion was treated in a two year old spayed Springer Spaniel by plating and autogenous bone grafting.     

CT and MRI imaging diagnosis of epidural idiopathic sterile pyogranulomatous inflammation in a dog spinal canal

A 12-year-old neutered male shih tzu developed progressive pelvic limb paraparesis. Computed tomography showed a radiolucent mass lesion in the spinal canal at the left side of the 11th thoracic vertebra. The mass was not enhanced by intravenous contrast medium injection. It was hyperintense on both T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance images. The signal intensity of the mass was decreased with a fat suppression technique, indicating a fatty origin. After removal of the mass via T11-T12 hemilaminectomy, chronic panniculitis was confirmed by histopathological examination. This case demonstrates the utility of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of spinal canal pyogranulomatous inflammation.     

Free jejunal segment for treatment of cervical esophageal stricture in a dog

A 2-year-old female Chinese Shar Pei was admitted with a 20-cm cervical esophageal stricture that was untreatable by conventional medical and surgical methods. A free jejunal segment was used to replace the strictured portion of the esophagus. Twenty-one months after surgery, the dog was able to eat liquefied canned dog food with minimal regurgitation and was maintaining normal body weight. Free jejunal transfer offers a treatment method for otherwise fatal esophageal lesions that are not responsive to conventional methods of medical and surgical treatment.     

Successful treatment of severe salt intoxication in a dog

Objective: To report successful treatment of severe salt intoxication and hypernatremia in a dog. Case summary: A 5‐year‐old intact female Doberman Pinscher was admitted to the intensive care unit with a history of seizures and coma. The owner had administered approximately 100 g of cooking salt to induce vomiting following ingestion of a nontoxic dose (10 g) of chocolate. Upon admission, the dog was comatose with intermittent seizures and vomiting. Diagnostic tests confirmed salt intoxication (Na: 200 mEq/L, Cl: 180 mEq/L) and metabolic acidosis (pH: 7.18; pCO₂: 39 mmHg; HCO₃: 14.3 mmol/L). Immediate treatment included intravenous fluid therapy, an anticonvulsant, antiemetic, diuretic, low molecular weight heparin, and supplemental oxygen. A fluid therapy protocol was initiated to decrease serum sodium concentration by approximately 2 mEq/L/hr. After 24 hours of intensive care, the patient regained consciousness and volume and acid‐base abnormalities improved. The patient developed a variety of abnormal clinical signs as a result of the severe hypernatremia. After 5 days of treatment, the serum sodium concentration returned to the established reference range. The patient recovered completely in 10 days. New information provided: Severe hypernatremia due to salt ingestion is a rare condition in dogs. All dogs in previous case reports of salt intoxication have died. This case report is the first to report survival of a dog with severe salt intoxication.     

Proliferative potential of a spinal nephroblastoma in a young dog

The proliferative potential of a spinal nephroblastoma was studied in a young dog. A 4-month-old, female golden retriever showed developing deterioration in her gait and subsequent paralysis of her hind legs. At necropsy, a well-demarcated grayish brown tumor mass was found in the lumbar spinal cord segments between L2 and L3. Histologically, a blastemal cell tumor with a tubule- or glomeruli-like structure was found to be infiltrating intradurally. Proliferating cells at the S-phase, assessed using the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling method, were seen occasionally in the tubular cells and glomeruli-like structures and were frequently seen in the blastemal cells. Immunohistochemically, the tubular epithelial cells were positive for cytokeratin, and the blastemal cells were positive for vimentin. The present tumor showed a high potential for growth and invasion, which suggests that it the potential to expand into the adjacent spinal cord.     

Cytologic and histologic features of a poorly differentiated glioma in a dog

A 5-year old female Boxer with a 1-week history of progressive paresis and paraplegia had a T10-13 subarachnoid filling defect on myelography. Exploratory hemilaminectomy revealed an intramedullary spinal cord tumor which was subsequently diagnosed as a poorly differentiated glioma, most likely an anaplastic ependymoma. The cytologic, histologic, and immunocytochemical staining characteristics of this neoplasm are described. Differential diagnoses, including primary and secondary tumors involving the central nervous system are discussed.