Long-term results of transarticular pinning for surgical stabilisation of coxofemoral luxation in 20 cats.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to describe initial and long-term results of open reduction and transarticular pinning for treatment of coxofemoral luxations in cats. METHODS: Cats were treated by open reduction and transarticular pinning for coxofemoral luxation over a five year period at two institutions. Follow-up assessment included orthopaedic examination, radiography and owner questionnaires. RESULTS: Twenty cats were included in the study (14 males and six females). One cat was affected bilaterally. Mean time to follow-up was 21 months. Seventeen joints were stabilised with a 1.6 mm pin, three with 2.0 mm pins and a 1.2 mm pin was used in the remaining joint. An Ehmer sling was not utilised in any case. All transarticular pins except one were removed (mean 3.5 weeks), with all hips still in reduction The overall success rate was 77 per cent, with two reluxations and one resorbed femoral head noted on radiographs of 13 joints followed long term. All 20 owners reported good to excellent long-term functional outcome for their cats. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Results from this study indicate that transarticular pinning for stabilisation of coxofemoral luxation in cats can provide a good long-term outcome without sacrificing the integrity of the coxofemoral joint.

Tension band stabilisation of acetabular physeal fractures in four kittens.

The surgical repair of acetabular physeal fractures in four kittens using a screw and tension band technique is reported. This was an appropriate method for restoring articular congruency and improving pelvic alignment. All cases had an excellent outcome and full limb use following fracture repair. In kittens younger than 12 weeks, there is a possibility of premature fusion of the acetabular bone resulting in development of a deformed, shallow acetabulum and hip subluxation. However, surgery is still justified when there is pelvic canal narrowing to decrease the risk of future defecatory problems. Early implant removal in such young kittens may decrease the severity of deformity caused by premature physeal closure. In kittens of 16 weeks or older, the prognosis is good for normal acetabular development and implant removal is not necessary.

Combined clotrimazole irrigation and depot therapy for canine nasal aspergillosis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of short duration 1 per cent clotrimazole flush when combined with 1 per cent clotrimazole cream instilled into the frontal sinuses for the treatment of nasal aspergillosis in 14 dogs. METHODS: Fourteen dogs with clinical, radiological, serological and rhinoscopic findings consistent with nasal aspergillosis were treated by frontal sinus trephination and a short, five-minute flushing of 1 per cent topical clotrimazole solution followed by a 1 per cent clotrimazole cream instilled as a depot agent. RESULTS: Twelve of the 14 dogs (86 per cent) responded well to treatment and either had no clinical signs after treatment or had signs consistent with mild rhinitis during a minimum follow-up period of six months. Only one dog required multiple treatments. Treatment was well tolerated by all patients, with minimal complications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This treatment compares favourably to previously published data using one-hour topical clotrimazole or enilconazole flushing treatment protocols. The treatment technique significantly reduced treatment time under anaesthesia.

Traumatic bilateral ureteric rupture in two dogs.

Two cases of bilateral ureteric rupture in dogs are reported. Both dogs were presented following road traffic accidents with signs of depression and abdominal distension. Both animals were azotaemic and abdominal fluid analysis was consistent with uroabdomen. In case 1, the injuries affected the proximal portion of both ureters and the dog was euthanased. In case 2, the ruptures were located more distally and a ureteroneocystostomy was performed, with contralateral ureteronephrectomy. This dog is clinically normal 16 months postoperatively.

Effects of three intramedullary pinning techniques on pin location and articular damage in the canine humerus.

The purpose of this study was to compare the pin location and articular damage for intramedullary (IM) pins inserted into the humerus in a directed retrograde, non-directed retrograde, and normograde fashion. Proximal pin positioning in the humerus was significantly more cranial (p < 0.05) using both retrograde techniques when compared to the normograde technique, although this did not cause significant interference with anatomical structures. The distance to the biceps tendon, transverse humeral ligament, and the distal pin location was similar with all insertion techniques, however two of ten pins passed in a non-directed retrograde fashion penetrated the shoulder joint. The results of this study suggest that although non-directed retrograde pinning cannot be recommended, either normograde or retrograde pins directed craniolaterally provide acceptable techniques for insertion of IM pins during distal humeral fracture repair.

Differential suppression of endometrial prostaglandin F2alpha by the equine conceptus.

Prostaglandin F2alpha secretion by the uterine endometrium between Days 13 and 14 postovulation causes luteal regression in mares. A mechanism involving interruption or suppression of this secretion causes pregnancy to be maintained. The present study was designed to determine the age of the conceptus when maximal suppression of PGF2alpha secretion occurs. Mares were examined daily during estrus with ultrasonography (day 0 = day of ovulation). Conceptus tissues were recovered nonsurgically on Days 9 (n = 7), 12 (n = 5), 13 (n = 5), and 16 (n = 7) and uterine biopsies on Day 14. Both uterine and conceptus tissues were washed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) with 100 units penicillin G/ml + 100 microg streptomycin/ml, pH 7.4. Endometrial tissue (approximately 200 mg) plus conceptus tissues were incubated in 15 ml of tissue culture medium 199 (M199) + 10% fetal calf serum and 10 units penicillin G/ml and 10 microg streptomycin/ml at 37 degrees C under 5% CO(2): 5% O(2) : 90% N(2). Samples were taken at 4, 8, and 24 h. Two plates that contained only endometrial tissue and two additional plates with 25 mg flunixin meglumine added along with endometrial tissue were also included in the incubations. Concentrations of PGF2alpha were measured in all samples using radioimmunoassay. There was a trend toward suppression of PGF2alpha secretion by conceptus tissues, regardless of age. However, Day 12 concepti significantly suppressed PGF2alpha secretion compared with that of endometrial tissue incubated alone (P = 0.03).