Evaluation of Closed Reduction and Screw Fixation in Lag Fashion of Sacroiliac Fracture‐Luxations

Objective— To evaluate outcome by radiographic assessment after closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation in lag fashion of sacroiliac fracture‐luxations in dogs. Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals— Dogs (n=24) with sacroiliac fracture‐luxations. Methods— Medical records (1999–2006) and radiographs of 24 dogs (29 fracture‐luxations) that had stabilization of sacroiliac fracture‐luxation by fluoroscopic‐guided closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation in lag fashion were reviewed. Signalment, body weight, number, and location of all concurrent injuries and implants used for repair were recorded. Radiographs were used to evaluate the accuracy of screw placement in the sacral body, screw depth/sacral width ratio, reduction of the sacroiliac joint, pelvic canal diameter, and hemipelvic canal width. Radiographic re‐examination (range, 4 to >8 weeks postoperatively) was available for evaluation. Results— Mean screw depth/sacral width ratio on immediate postoperative and re‐examination radiographs was 64% and 61%, respectively. Mean percentage reduction of the sacroiliac joint on immediate postoperative and re‐examination radiographs were 91% and 87%, respectively. Pelvic canal diameter ratio demonstrated successful restoration of the pelvic canal. Hemipelvic canal width ratio documented successful closed reduction repair independent of concurrent pelvic injuries. Conclusion— Successful repair of sacroiliac fracture‐luxations, determined by radiographic assessment, can be achieved by fluoroscopic‐guided closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation in lag fashion. Clinical Relevance— Fluoroscopic‐guided closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation in lag fashion of sacroiliac fracture‐luxations is a minimally invasive technique that restores and maintains pelvic canal dimensions and should be considered as an alternative to open reduction or nonsurgical management of sacroiliac fracture‐luxations.     

Equine Degenerative Myeloencephalopathy: A Vitamin E Deficiency That May Be Familial

Two horse farms, on which there was a high incidence of proven and suspected equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM), were studied. Symmetric ataxia and paresis, along with laryngeal adductor, cervicofacial, local cervical, and cutaneous trunci hyporeflexia, characterized the syndrome. Serum vitamin E concentration reflected a deficient state in affected and unaffected horses on both farms when compared with selected reference groups and with published values. A high incidence of the disease was evident in offspring of two particular sires on one farm. Vitamin E supplementation resulted in correction of the deficient state in most horses and was associated with a drastic reduction in the incidence of EDM on one farm from 40% to less than 10% the year following vitamin E supplementation. In addition, during the last year, the severity of signs in the few cases was dramatically reduced. This information substantiates the hypothesis that EDM is a vitamin E-responsive disorder of Equidae with a possible familial predisposition.     

ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSIS OF OVARIAN CYSTS IN TEN GUINEA PIGS

Ten guinea pigs with an ovarian cyst had clinical signs of anorexia, alopecia, or depression. Ultrasonographic features of the 2- to 3-cm diameter fluid-filled cysts included compartmentalization and connection to the ovary. In two animals, a unilateral cyst was present, and in two others, the cysts were bilateral. Diagnosis of the disease by plain radiography is difficult because of the similar opacity of ovarian cysts, abdominal neoplasms, and trichobezoars.     

ULTRASOUND AS AN AID FOR DIAGNOSIS OF OVARIAN ABSCESSES IN TWO MARES

This report describes two mares presented for evaluation of anorexia, fever of unknown origin, and weight loss. Clinical examination, laboratory findings, and transrectal ultrasonographic images suggested ovarian abscessation. One mare was successfully treated medically. Because of financial considerations, the second mare was euthanatized and a postmortem examination was performed. At necropsy, there was an enlarged right ovary with an adhesion to the large colon. Microscopic findings were characteristic of an ovarian abscess.     

Use of the Kishigami Atlantoaxial Tension Band in Eight Toy Breed Dogs with Atlantoaxial Subluxation

Objective— To determine the applicability, complications, and long-term functional outcome of the Kishigami Atlantoaxial Tension Band (Kishigami AATB) for management of congenital and traumatic atlantoaxial (AA) instability in toy breed dogs.
Study Design— Case series.
Animals— Toy breed dogs (n=8) with congenital or traumatic AA instability.
Methods— The AA joint of each dog was surgically stabilized through a dorsal approach using the original or a modified version of the Kishigami AATB. Pre- and postoperative neurologic status, radiographs, and complications were reviewed. Follow-up examination was performed at 1 and 12 months.
Results— Functional improvement occurred in 5 dogs; 1 dog did not improve or worsen and 2 dogs were euthanatized at owner request. Adequate reduction and stabilization was achieved in 7 dogs based on immediate postoperative radiographs; failure of reduction was evident in 1 dog. No relevant complications occurred.
Conclusions— Kishigami AATB may be acceptable as an alternative method for dorsal stabilization of AA subluxation in toy breed dogs in which use of ventral screws or pins is challenging. Experience with this technique in a larger population is necessary to compare our results to those reported by ventral approach.
Clinical Relevance— The surgical technique described is effective, safe, and simple in the surgical treatment of AA subluxation in toy breed dogs.     

APPLICATION OF THE PIN-HOLE COLLIMATOR IN SMALL ANIMAL NUCLEAR SCINTIGRAPHY: A REVIEW

The pin-hole collimator is used to improve spatial resolution and magnify areas of interest. The pin-hole collimator has many applications in small animal veterinary scintigraphy. The principles of image formation for the pin-hole and parallel hole collimators are reviewed. The effects of distance on resolution and sensitivity are presented for the pin-hole and parallel hole collimators. Specific application of the pin-hole and parallel hole collimators. Specific application of the pin-hole collimator in veternary scintigraphy are discussed.     

TECHNIQUES OF AFTERLOADING IRIDIUM-192 INTERSTITIAL BRACHYTHERAPY IN VETERINARY MEDICINE

Continuous low-dose-rate irradiation of animal tumors has become feasible through the implantation of iridium-192 by an afterloading technique. ¹⁹²Ir is an ideal radioisotope for interstitial brachytherapy in veterinary medicine because of its 74.2-day half-life, medium-energy gamma radiation (0.35 MeV), moderate shielding requirements, low cost, and adaptability to most tumor configurations. The afterloading technique can easily be applied to veterinary patients. The effectiveness of interstitial brachytherapy may be enhanced by combination with surgery and/or hyperthermia. Computer-assisted dose calculations make afterloaded ¹⁹²Ir implantation an accurate, precise method of interstitial brachytherapy.