A novel surgical treatment of type 3 congenital elbow luxation in a dog

Congenital luxation of the ulnar and radius is a rare orthopaedic condition in the dog. This case report describes a novel surgical treatment for congenital elbow luxation in a medium-breed dog. A 6-week-old Kelpie presented for left forelimb lameness and deformity. Radiographs and computed tomography (CT) confirmed the diagnosis of unilateral ulnar and radius luxation. The surgical repair involved open reduction followed by fixation with an extraarticular pin and a transarticular external fixator. The outcome of surgery was improved leg function and weight-bearing, however, reluxation of the radial head was diagnosed 7 weeks following surgery. This technique may offer an alternative surgical option to improve clinical signs, as well as insight into improving the management of this condition.     

Surgical repair of a full-thickness ear pinna defect in a horse

A 5-year-old gelding used for showing was presented for surgical repair of a full-thickness 15 mm diameter defect in the right pinna, which had occurred as a delayed complication following laser excision of a sarcoid. The defect had resulted in progressive deformity of the ear, and the horse was considered at risk of further injury if the defect became entrapped on a fixed object. Two artificial dermis meshes were inserted to encourage the formation of granulation tissue across the defect, and a commercially available skin expander was implanted adjacent to the site. Eighteen days later, a second surgery was performed to remove the skin expander and to mobilise a local rotational skin flap to close the defect. Both surgeries were performed under standing sedation and local anaesthesia. The site healed well, avoiding further potential trauma to the ear and deformity due to tissue contracture at the site, although some deformation of the lateral aspect of the cartilage remained.     

Parent outcome expectancies for purchasing fruit and vegetables: a validation

OBJECTIVE: To validate four scales -- outcome expectancies for purchasing fruit and for purchasing vegetables, and comparative outcome expectancies for purchasing fresh fruit and for purchasing fresh vegetables versus other forms of fruit and vegetables (F&V). DESIGN: Survey instruments were administered twice, separated by 6 weeks. SETTING: Recruited in front of supermarkets and grocery stores; interviews conducted by telephone. SUBJECTS: One hundred and sixty-one food shoppers with children (18 years or younger). RESULTS: Single dimension scales were specified for fruit and for vegetable purchasing outcome expectancies, and for comparative (fresh vs. other) fruit and vegetable purchasing outcome expectancies. Item Response Theory parameter estimates revealed easily interpreted patterns in the sequence of items by difficulty of response. Fruit and vegetable purchasing and fresh fruit comparative purchasing outcome expectancy scales were significantly correlated with home F&V availability, after controlling for social desirability of response. Comparative fresh vegetable outcome expectancy scale was significantly bivariately correlated with home vegetable availability, but not after controlling for social desirability. CONCLUSION: These scales are available to help better understand family F&V purchasing decisions.     

Lafora disease as a cause of visually exacerbated myoclonic attacks in a dog

An 8-year-old, castrated male, miniature wire-haired dachshund was presented with a 4-month history of intermittent facial twitching (myoclonus). The myoclonic episodes progressed over a 16-month period. Generalized seizure activity was infrequent. Clinical examination revealed visually stimulated myoclonus. Response to therapy with antiepileptic drugs was equivocal. Genetic testing identified the dog as being affected by Lafora disease.