Surgical Treatment of Mineralized and Nonmineralized Supraspinatus Tendinopathy in Twenty-four Dogs

Objective— To report and compare the clinical diagnosis, surgical treatment, histopathologic changes, and outcomes of dogs with mineralized and nonmineralized supraspinatus tendinopathy (ST).
Study Design— Case series.
Animals— Dogs (n=24) with ST.
Methods— Medical records (1995–2006) of dogs with ST that had surgical treatment were reviewed. Results of clinical examination, diagnostic imaging, surgery, histopathology of resected tendon tissue, and outcome were compared between dogs with mineralized and nonmineralized ST.
Results— There were 15 dogs with mineralized ST and 9 with nonmineralized ST. Chronic, unilateral, intermittent or waxing-waning lameness, and pain elicited on palpation of the cranial aspect of the shoulder were the most consistent findings. On ultrasonographic or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 35 shoulders, enlargement of the supraspinatus tendon (54%), increased fluid content (63%), and medial displacement of the biceps tendon (60%) were observed. Eleven of 12 dogs with bilateral abnormalities only had unilateral lameness. Surgery was performed in 30 shoulders. Resected tendon specimens had myxomatous degeneration and/or cartilaginous metaplasia in 11 of 13 dogs in the mineralized group and all 9 dogs in the nonmineralized group. Functional outcome after surgery was poor in 3 dogs and good-to-excellent in 16.
Conclusions— Mineralized and nonmineralized ST have many similarities. Although lameness is usually unilateral, the supraspinatus tendon may be affected bilaterally.
Clinical Relevance— Ultrasonography and MRI are good imaging techniques for detection of ST especially the nonmineralized form. Surgical treatment results in good recovery of limb function. Nonmineralized ST is a recently described disorder in dogs and evaluation of more cases is necessary to determine outcome after surgical or medical treatment.     

Evaluation of a Transcondylar Toggle System for Stabilization of the Cranial Cruciate Deficient Stifle in Small Dogs and Cats

Objective— To evaluate use of a transcondylar toggle system (TCTS) for stabilization of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) deficient stifle in small dogs and cats. Study Design— Prospective clinical study. Animals— Small dogs (<7 kg; n=14) and cats (2) with CrCL‐associated lameness of <3 months duration and a tibial plateau angle <32°. Methods— Affected animals had an extracapsular CrCL repair using the TCTS. Lameness score, muscle atrophy, osteoarthritis (OA) score, and range of motion (ROM) were evaluated preoperatively, and at 6 weeks and 7–10 months postoperatively. Results— Operative time was 75 ± 16 minutes. Fifty‐six percent required >1 bone tunnel attempts. One dog required revision at 2 weeks because of suture loosening. All stifles were stable at 6 weeks postoperatively. Fifteen animals were available for follow‐up (7–10 months). Lameness improved significantly at 6 weeks (P<.0001), whereas muscle atrophy was worse at 6 weeks (P=.008) but improved at 7–10 months (P<.0001). OA scores were unchanged at 6 weeks (P=.08) but were significantly worse at 7–10 months (P<.0001). ROM remained unchanged at 6 weeks (P=1) and 7–10 months (P=.6). Conclusions— The medially placed toggle provides a reliable short‐term proximal anchor for the extracapsular suture with outcomes similar to other extracapsular techniques. The aiming device and drill bit are not recommended in their current form. Clinical Relevance— The TCTS appears to be a well‐tolerated technique for proximal suture anchoring in extracapsular CrCL repair in small dogs and cats where instrumentation and anatomic constraints preclude other techniques.     

Comparison between manual and automated total nucleated cell counts using the ADVIA 120 for pleural and peritoneal fluid samples from dogs,cats, horses,and alpacas

Background: Analysis of body fluids includes an estimate of total nucleated cell count (TNCC). Automated methods may enhance the accuracy and timeliness of TNCC results. Objective: The purpose of this report was to assess the ability of the ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer to accurately count nucleated cells in pleural and peritoneal fluids from animals, compared with manual counts. Methods: Pleural and peritoneal fluids submitted in EDTA tubes to our laboratory over a 17‐month period were used in the study. TNCC/μL was determined by a manual method, using a hemocytometer, and by an automated method, using the ADVIA 120. Correlation of results was determined by Passing‐Bablok regression, Bland–Altman plots, and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: Samples from dogs (n=36), cats (n=36), horses (n=59), and alpacas (n=11) were analyzed. High correlation in TNCC between methods was found for peritoneal fluid (n=93, r=.959), pleural fluid (n=49, r=.966), and all fluids combined (n=142, r=.960) (P<.001). Variation between methods was greater in samples with TNCCs<1000/μL (r=.62, P<.001). The ADVIA systematically overestimated the number of cells in all fluid samples by 95 cells/μL (confidence interval=19.2–190.5/μL). Conclusion: The ADVIA 120 reliably determines TNCC in pleural and peritoneal effusions and can be recommended for routine veterinary laboratory analysis.     

Exploring the relevance of a landscape ecological paradigm for sustainable landscapes and livelihoods: A case-application from the Northern Territory Australia

Global change is exacerbating the need for more effective mechanisms and approaches for working towards economic, social/cultural and environmental sustainability. It is now well recognised that science for sustainability will require integrated problem-focussed research that is by nature trans-disciplinary. Resolutions to both global and regional scale issues must involve participation of a diverse number of stakeholders. One region that would benefit greatly from such an integrated approach is the Northern Territory of Australia. This area is home to some of the most pristine savanna landscapes in the world and it is also occupied by one of the oldest living human cultures which are still in existence today. However, in recent years there has been increasing pressure to develop this region. The Northern Territory is also facing problems associated with having a growing Aboriginal population with deepening health and social problems. So as well as needing to facilitate adaptation in response to global change and development for economic prosperity of the region, there is an obligation to alter management practices to reduce social disadvantage. In light of this, it will be important that future landscapes are multifunctional and designed to ensure the preservation of biological and cultural diversity, as well as having provision for the livelihoods of the people that live within them. This article recommends the adoption of a landscape ecological approach for strategic development and sustainable planning, which captures and incorporates the values and identities of the different stakeholders, as well as engaging them in a continuous, adaptive process of planning and management, and in doing so discusses the importance of human ecological holism as part of the conceptual framework for landscape ecology.     

Direct colloid osmometry in healthy New World camelids

Background: Direct colloid osmometry provides an objective assessment of the oncotic effects of crystalloid or colloidal fluid therapy, which is especially useful in monitoring fluid therapy of critically ill camelids due to their tendency toward nonspecific hypoproteinemia with increased risk of developing edema and ascites. Objectives: The aims of this study were to measure colloid osmotic pressure (COP) of alpacas and llamas, determine its correlation with concentrations of total protein (TP) and total solids (TS), as well as both albumin (A) and globulin (G) concentrations in the same model (A+G), and evaluate the effects of sample type and storage conditions on COP. Methods: Blood was collected from clinically healthy alpacas (n=23) and llamas (n=22) into heparin tubes. COP of fresh whole blood (COP_FB) and plasma (COP_FP) was determined using a membrane osmometer. For 20 alpacas, COP of refrigerated whole blood (COP_RB) and frozen plasma (COP_FrP) was also measured. Correlations between COP_FB and TS, TP, and A+G concentrations were assessed by simple and multiple regression analysis to model potential predictors. Results: Median COP_FB from alpacas (24.6 mmHg, range 19.3–28.1) was not significantly different from that of llamas (25.3 mmHg, range 22.5–33.7). Sample type or storage conditions did not affect COP. Measured COP had a strong positive linear correlation with TS, TP, and A+G concentrations in alpacas (r²=.7, .74, and .88, respectively). In llamas, COP correlated best with TS concentration (r²=.59), whereas correlation with TP and A+G concentrations was poor (r²=.19 and .25, respectively). Conclusion: COP can be measured using heparinized whole blood or plasma, either fresh or stored. Direct measurement is recommended whenever quantitative knowledge of COP is required in clinical or research setting. Further studies are needed to verify if the poor association of COP with TP found in this study can be generalized to llamas.     

PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) clonality testing in a horse with a solitary retropharyngeal lymphoma

A 19-year-old Quarter Horse gelding was evaluated for respiratory distress and a rapidly enlarging retropharyngeal mass. Initial evaluation revealed severe respiratory distress, and a large, firm mass, visibly appreciable as 12 × 12 cm, in the left retropharyngeal and perilaryngeal region, with surrounding left and right retropharyngeal swelling. No significant abnormalities were present on complete blood count and serum biochemistry analyses. Endoscopy revealed severe pharyngeal collapse restricting airflow without gross abnormalities of the pharyngeal mucosa other than inflammation and irritation. A multilobular retropharyngeal mass, diffusely heterogeneous in echogenicity, was present adjacent to, but not occluding, the carotid artery as assessed by ultrasonography. Initial needle aspirate suggested lymphoma. Tissue biopsy and histopathology confirmed a round cell tumour. A temporary tracheotomy was performed to provide respiratory relief, and the horse was managed on oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications while awaiting histopathological results. The decision was made to humanely euthanise the horse after biopsy results indicated lymphoma. Definitive diagnosis of T cell rich, large B cell lymphoma was made by combination of cytology, immunohistochemistry and molecular clonality PCR (PARR) testing. Lymphoma should be considered in horses with focal masses of the retropharyngeal region. Although treatment was not pursued, PARR testing was successful in this case and may be helpful for accurate characterisation of lymphoma in horses to more precisely determine prognosis and the most effective treatment plans, as it has been in human patients and small animals.     

Cutaneous metastasis of primary appendicular osteosarcoma in a dog

A 6-year-old, neutered male Rottweiler was presented to the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital because of a lytic bone lesion involving the distal portion of the right radius and possible pulmonary metastases on thoracic radiographs. Results of serum biochemical analysis were unremarkable. Aspiration and cytologic examination of the bone lesion indicated likely sarcoma with reactive bone. Cutaneous masses were found on the left thigh, interscapular region, and dorsal lumbar region, 4 weeks after initial presentation. Neoplastic spindle cells were found in aspirates from 2 of the masses. The neoplastic cells stained positive for alkaline phosphatase activity using cytochemistry. Re-evaluation of serum biochemical values at this time revealed a marked increase in alkaline phosphatase activity (413 U/L, reference interval 12-110 U/L) compared with the initial value (26 U/L). Due to progressive disease, the dog was euthanized and a necropsy was performed. Histologic findings included primary osteosarcoma of the distal portion of the right radius, with metastases in the lungs, spleen, left fourth and fifth ribs, soft tissue of the right medial thigh, and T1-T3/interscapular region. Cutaneous metastasis of primary appendicular osteosarcoma has been reported rarely in animals and humans. Increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity may be a potential indicator of poor prognosis for this neoplasm.