Outcome of Supraglenoid Tubercle Fractures in 12 Dogs.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report the outcome and complications of surgical stabilization following fracture of the supraglenoid tubercle in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from three referral centres (Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Michigan State University and Veterinary Referral Hospital Hallam) were reviewed retrospectively for cases of supraglenoid tubercle fracture (n = 12). RESULTS: Overall success rate was 9/12. Major complication rate was 2/12 and minor complication rate was 9/12. All fractures that had major complications were comminuted. Methods of stabilization included pin and tension band wire (n = 5), lag screw (n = 2), plate fixation (n = 2), fragment removal (n = 2) and conservative management (n = 1). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Good outcomes can be achieved following fractures of the supraglenoid tubercle, although cases with comminution have a higher complication rate. Further research into the optimal method of fixation and postoperative management is required.

Short and long-term outcome following surgical stabilization of tarsocrural instability in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcome and complications following surgical stabilization of canine tarsocrural luxations. METHODS: Medical records of dogs which were surgically treated for tarsocrural joint instability between February 2007 and June 2014 were reviewed. Surgical technique, complications and long-term outcome (via questionnaire and Canine Brief Pain Inventory) were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-four dogs (26 joints) were included. All injuries were traumatic. All joints had associated fractures; malleolar in 21/26 limbs (13/26 medial). Eight joints had internal fracture fixation and transarticular external skeletal fixator, six had external fixator alone, four had prosthetic ligaments with external fixator, and four had prosthetic ligaments with external coaptation. Two joints had pantarsal arthrodesis and two primary ligament repair. Complications occurred in 24/26 limbs giving 45 distinct complications; 16 were minor, 29 major, and 31 complications were external fixator associated. Prosthetic ligaments were significantly associated with major complications (p = 0.017); five out of eight required subsequent removal between 105-1006 days. Cost was significantly associated with major complications (p = 0.017) and soft tissue wounds (p = 0.03). Long-term lameness was seen in nine of 14 dogs. There was no association between pain severity (p = 0.3) and pain interference scores (p = 0.198) when comparing stabilization methods. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Complications are common; however many are external fixator related. Prosthetic ligaments are significantly associated with major complications. Regardless of technique, a degree of ongoing lameness is likely.

Topographic bone density of the radius and ulna in greyhounds and labrador retrievers with and without medial coronoid process disease.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify, using computed tomography (CT), cross-sectional ulnar bone density (UBD), and regional radial bone density (RRBD) at the level of the medial coronoid process (MCP) in elbows with and without medial coronoid process disease (MCPD) and with and without fragmentation of MCP (FCP). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical case-control and ex vivo study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Labrador Retriever elbows (n = 54) and normal cadaveric Greyhound elbows (11) undergoing elbow CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Labrador Retriever elbows were divided into 2 groups: (1) clinically unaffected and (2) MCPD-affected elbows. This 2nd group was subdivided based on the presence of a displaced FCP. UBD was measured linearly, in Hounsfield units (HU) across the widest part of the ulna incorporating the MCP. The radial head was divided into 6 zones, with mean RRBD (HU) calculated for each group. RESULTS: MCPD-affected Labrador Retriever elbows had significantly lower UBD within the MCP with a higher UBD in the cranial ulnar medulla. Lower RRBD was also seen in the radial head adjacent to the MCP in MCPD-affected Labrador Retriever elbows with FCP compared with Labrador Retriever elbows without FCP. Greyhounds had consistently lower RRBD and UBD at the apex of the MCP compared with clinically unaffected Labrador Retriever elbows. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a caudolateral load-transfer shift through the ulna in MCPD-affected elbow joints, unloading the MCP. Changes in regional radial head bone density suggest that the radial head is involved in the pathogenesis of MCPD.