Prognostic value of sternal lymphadenopathy on malignancy and survival in dogs undergoing splenectomy.

The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to determine prevalence of sternal lymphadenopathy in a population of dogs undergoing splenectomy, and to evaluate if the prevalence was associated with splenic malignancy. In addition, the study investigated if survival in dogs diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma (HSA) differed between those with or without sternal lymphadenopathy at the time of surgery. Digital radiographs and medical records for dogs who underwent splenectomy from 2013 to 2016 where retrospectively reviewed. One hundred ninety-five dogs underwent splenectomy during the study period. The overall prevalence of sternal lymphadenopathy was 12.8%. The prevalence of sternal lymphadenopathy in dogs with hemangiosarcoma was 16.2% (12/74), other malignancy was 15.8% (3/19), and with a benign process 9.8% (10/102). There was no significant association between sternal lymphadenopathy with hemoperitoneum (p = .20) or between sternal lymphadenopathy and presence of neoplasia (p = .37). There was no significant difference in survival probability in all dogs with or without sternal lymphadenopathy (p = .073). However, sternal lymphadenopathy was associated with lower survival in 74 dogs with HSA (p = .036) and 19 with other splenic malignancies (p = .039). The presence of sternal lymphadenopathy should not be considered a negative prognostic indicator if present in dogs presenting with a hemoperitoneum. Although the presence of sternal lymphadenopathy at the time of initial presentation was not significantly associated with survival time in all dogs with splenic disease, it may have predictive value related to survival of dogs with splenic malignancy.

Hemilaminectomy for thoracolumbar Hansen Type I intervertebral disk disease in ambulatory dogs with or without neurologic deficits: 39 cases (2008-2010).

OBJECTIVE: To describe prognostic factors, outcome, and time to recovery among ambulatory dogs having hemilaminectomy for Hansen Type I intervertebral disk disease. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 38; 39 hemilaminectomies). METHODS: Medical records (January 2008-May 2010) on all dogs that had hemilaminectomy for Hansen Type I intervertebral disk disease were reviewed. Records for dogs that were ambulatory preoperatively were analyzed for signalment, duration and severity of signs, presence of neurologic deficits, and postoperative outcome. Dogs were categorized based on Frankel score and subcategorized by their level of conscious proprioceptive (CP) deficit. Postoperatively, time to ambulation and to regain normal CP responses was recorded. Results for each group were compared using a χ(2) test and considered significant when P < .05. Recovery times were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Seven dogs were categorized as modified Frankel grade I preoperatively and 32 dogs as grade II with varying levels of deficits (1 of these dogs had previously been operated as grade II and was reoperated again as grade II). Increasing degree of CP deficit preoperatively was significantly correlated with longer time to ambulation (P = .005) as well as longer time to CP normal (P = .01). Duration of signs was not significantly correlated with time to ambulation or neurologic recovery for either grade I or II dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Most dogs recovered well with surgical decompression. Increasing degree of deficits preoperatively is significantly correlated with longer recovery time.

Tarsometatarsal arthrodesis using tarsometatarsal intramedullary pin stabilization.

OBJECTIVE: To report the use of tarsometatarsal intramedullary pin stabilization for arthrodesis of the tarsometatarsal joint. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 12) and cats (n = 2) with tarsometatarsal instability. METHODS: Medical records (January 2004-February 2011) were reviewed for dogs and cats with tarsometatarsal instability repaired with intramedullary pin stabilization. After a dorsal approach to the tarsometatarsal joint, the articular surface was removed, and intramedullary pins were inserted through the metatarsal bones into the distal tarsal bones. Stabilization was supplemented with external coaptation until healing occurred. The intramedullary pins were removed after radiographic evidence of arthrodesis. RESULTS: Radiographic evidence of bony fusion across the tarsometatarsal joint occurred in all animals. One major complication occurred, with skin necrosis at a single pin site requiring surgical debridement at the pin site. Follow-up (mean, 107 weeks) was available for 13 cases; 12 were reported to be completely sound, and 1 dog was ambulating normally at a walk but favored the leg when running. CONCLUSION: Tarsometatarsal intramedullary pin stabilization can be used for the treatment of tarsometatarsal instability with a low risk of major complications.