Electroencephalographic and histopathologic correlations in eight dogs with intracranial mass lesions.

During 1986 and 1987, electroencephalographic examinations were done on 8 dogs with intracranial mass lesions confirmed by computerized tomography, biopsy, necropsy, or a combination of these techniques. Tumor types included 1 astrocytoma, 1 undifferentiated glioma, 2 mixed gliomas, 2 meningiomas, 1 choroid plexus papilloma, and 1 cholesterol granuloma. It was found that no EEG pattern was pathognomonic for tumor type or location. Slow-wave activity was observed in the EEG of most of the dogs; asymmetry in amplitude or frequency was observed in approximately half the cases.

Spinal-evoked potentials in dogs with acute compressive thoracolumbar spinal cord disease.

Spinal evoked potentials (SpEP) were recorded on an electromyograph from electrodes placed percutaneously in the ligamentum flava at the lumbosacral junction and between the 10th and 11th thoracic vertebrae following tibial nerve stimulation in 31 anesthetized dogs with acute compressive spinal cord injuries. The neurologic status of each dog was determined by clinical examination before SpEP recordings, and the neurologic status was monitored for 2 months in dogs that had surgical or conservative treatment. Two months after spinal injury, the response to treatment (outcome) of each dog was evaluated and graded as favorable (ambulatory and urinary continent) or unfavorable (nonambulatory, urinary incontinent, or euthanatized with confirmation of myelomalacia). Onset latencies, conduction velocities, amplitudes and durations of the wave forms, and the ratio of conduction velocity to combined durations of the first positive (P1) and first negative (N1) waves (CV/DPN index) were determined and were compared with reference data from clinically normal (control) dogs. Single SpEP recordings were of value in determining the prognosis for recovery. Significant differences were not found in the L7-S1 recordings between the reference (control) and spinal injury groups. Analysis of data from the T10-11 recordings indicated significant differences between the reference and spinal injury groups and between the favorable and unfavorable outcome groups within the spinal injury group. A CV/DPN index was less than 30 in dogs with unfavorable outcomes and greater than 30 in dogs with favorable outcomes. Stepwise discriminant analysis of data from the spinal injury group predicted outcome correctly in all dogs.

Evaluation of a lateral retinacular fascia technique for cranial cruciate ligament rupture in the dog.

A new fascial technique was used to repair artificially induced rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in 20 dogs. Although technically simple to perform, the procedure resulted in only 12 animals free of lameness. In addition, a drawer sign was present in the stifle of 14 animals 31 days after surgery. Arthritis changes typical of cruciate ligament instability were observed in 16 joints; changes were slight to moderate in 10 joints.

Application of temporary splints.

Emergency splintage is a variety of first aid. The procedures which one might expect to find performed before the patient enters the hospital for definitive diagnostic treatment are too often ignored in a busy and otherwise excellent veterinary practice. Simple entrance in the hospital and cage confinement do not appreciably lessen the likelihood of increased self-trauma. The manipulation inherent in physical and radiographic examination of the injured and painful animal is an even greater indication for immobilization to prevent additional trauma. The clinician is dutybound to place a proper splint on the affected animal to lessen subsequent trauma and to prevent edema. The techniques presented allow this application with minimal time and expense and maximal support and protection to the patient.