Influence of extreme brachycephalic conformation on perioperative complications associated with total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy in 242 dogs (2010-2020).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of extreme brachycephalic conformation on presenting signs, imaging findings, intraoperative and perioperative complications following total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy (TECA-LBO). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional retrospective study. ANIMALS: A total of 306 (n = 242 dogs) TECA-LBOs (extreme brachycephalic breeds [EBB] = 81, other breeds [OB] = 225). METHODS: Medical records of patients undergoing TECA-LBO at a single referral institution (2010-2022) were evaluated. RESULTS: Extreme brachycephalic breeds most commonly presented acutely, at a younger age with oto-neurological signs (46/81, 56.8%). Chronic otitis externa without neurological signs (171/225, 76.0%) was most common in OBs. Extreme brachycephalic breeds preoperatively presented more frequently with facial nerve paresis (p = .001), vestibular syndrome (p = .001), and Horner's syndrome (p = .002) compared to OBs. On diagnostic imaging, bilateral changes (p = .038), aural masses (p = .045), para-aural abscesses (p = .011), otitis interna (p = .001), and brainstem changes (p = .001) were more common in EBBs. The apparent difference in intraoperative complication rate between EBBs (9/81, 11.1%) and OBs (12/225, 5.3%) did not reach statistical significance (p = .078). Perioperative complications occurred in 85/306 (27.8%) of TECA-LBOs with no difference in perioperative complication rate between EBBs (19/81, 23.5%) and OBs (66/225, 29.3%) (p = .586). CONCLUSION: Extreme brachycephalic breeds are more likely to present for TECA-LBO acutely, with neurological signs and more advanced diagnostic imaging abnormalities. Intra- and perioperative complication rates did not differ between EBBs and OBs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Despite being subjectively more technically challenging, TECA-LBO did not result in more surgical complications in EBBs. Reported data are useful for effectively informing clients of the specific risks of TECA-LBO surgery.

Rostral nasopharyngeal CT measurements in Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are smaller than those measured in Dachshunds.

Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are often afflicted with obstructive upper respiratory tract disease. Previous computed tomographic (CT) studies have described the dimensions and abnormalities of different parts of the upper respiratory tract in brachycephalic dogs. However, Chihuahuas and Pomeranians were not included. The objective of this study was to determine the transverse-sectional (TSA) dimensions of the nasopharynx, cricoid, and trachea of Chihuahuas and Pomeranians, and investigate whether or not Chihuahuas and Pomeranians had smaller airway dimensions than another non-brachycephalic breed (Dachshund). A retrospective, descriptive, single-center cross-sectional cohort study was performed. CT studies of 88 dogs were included (42 Chihuahuas, 29 Dachshunds, and 17 Pomeranians). The TSA of the rostral, mid, and caudal aspect of the nasopharynx, the cricoid and trachea at the level of C4 were determined. For all these locations, TSA/weight, nasopharynx/cricoid, nasopharynx/trachea, and cricoid/trachea ratios were determined. The rostral nasopharynx was the smallest part of the upper airways in Chihuahuas and Pomeranians. Chihuahuas had significantly smaller rostral nasopharynx TSA/weight ratios compared to Dachshunds (P < 0.0001). The rostral nasopharynx TSA/cricoid ratio and the rostral nasoharynx/trachea ratio for Chihuahuas were significantly smaller than both that of Pomeranians (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.00027) and Dachshunds (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.00084). Pomeranians had significantly smaller cricoid TSA/weight ratios compared to Chihuahuas (P = 0.0014) and Dachshunds (P = 0.00028). This study demonstrated that the nasopharynx is narrow in Chihuahuas and Pomeranians, with the smallest dimensions located at the rostral part of the nasopharynx.

An ADAMTS3 missense variant is associated with Norwich Terrier upper airway syndrome.

In flat-faced dog breeds, air resistance caused by skull conformation is believed to be a major determinant of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). The clinical presentation of BOAS is heterogeneous, suggesting determinants independent of skull conformation contribute to airway disease. Norwich Terriers, a mesocephalic breed, are predisposed to Upper Airway Syndrome (UAS), a disease whose pathological features overlap with BOAS. Our health screening clinic examined and scored the airways of 401 Norwich terriers by laryngoscopy. Genome-wide association analyses of UAS-related pathologies revealed a genetic association on canine chromosome 13 (rs9043975, p = 7.79x10-16). Whole genome resequencing was used to identify causal variant(s) within a 414 kb critical interval. This approach highlighted an error in the CanFam3.1 dog assembly, which when resolved, led to the discovery of a c.2786G>A missense variant in exon 20 of the positional candidate gene, ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 3 (ADAMTS3). In addition to segregating with UAS amongst Norwich Terriers, the ADAMTS3 c.2786G>A risk allele frequency was enriched among the BOAS-susceptible French and (English) Bulldogs. Previous studies indicate that ADAMTS3 loss of function results in lymphoedema. Our results suggest a new paradigm in the understanding of canine upper airway disease aetiology: airway oedema caused by disruption of ADAMTS3 predisposes dogs to respiratory obstruction. These findings will enhance breeding practices and could refine the prognostics of surgical interventions that are often used to treat airway obstruction.

Congenital malformations of the lumbosacral vertebral column are common in neurologically normal French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs, with breed-specific differences.

Congenital vertebral malformations are common findings on diagnostic imaging of the vertebral column in "screw-tailed" brachycephalic dogs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and anatomical characteristics of lumbosacral congenital vertebral malformations in French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs presenting for problems unrelated to spinal disease, as well as possible associations with the degree of tail malformation, lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation, or spondylosis deformans. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, CT scans of vertebrae L6 to S3 and of the coccygeal vertebrae were reviewed for type of congenital vertebral malformations (hemivertebrae, block vertebrae, lumbosacral transitional vertebrae, and spina bifida), lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation, lumbosacral spondylosis deformans, and degree of tail malformation. In 76 (51.0%) of the 149 included dogs (53 French Bulldogs, 37 English Bulldogs, and 59 Pugs) at least one type of congenital vertebral malformations was found, with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae being the most common (34.2%). There was a significantly higher prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (54.2%) and lower prevalence of hemivertebrae (1.7%) in Pugs compared to English (13.5% and 24.3%, respectively) and French Bulldogs (26.4% and 32.0%, respectively). Tail malformation was significantly more severe in dogs with evidence of hemivertebrae. Congenital vertebral malformations are a common finding in the lumbosacral vertebral column of French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs. These anatomical variances need to be considered when interpreting diagnostic studies and when planning for neurosurgical and neurodiagnostic procedures. Furthermore, this study suggests a possible association between the degree of tail malformation and lumbosacral hemivertebrae.

Evaluation of the influence of kyphosis and scoliosis on intervertebral disc extrusion in French bulldogs.

BACKGROUND: Although thoracic vertebral malformations with kyphosis and scoliosis are often considered incidental findings on diagnostic imaging studies of screw-tailed brachycephalic breeds, they have been suggested to interfere with spinal biomechanics and intervertebral disc degeneration. It is however unknown if an abnormal spinal curvature also predisposes dogs to develop clinically relevant intervertebral disc herniations. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the occurrence of thoracic vertebral malformations, kyphosis or scoliosis would be associated with a higher prevalence of cervical or thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion in French bulldogs. RESULTS: French bulldogs that underwent computed tomography for reasons unrelated to spinal disease (n = 101), and French bulldogs with thoracolumbar (n = 47) or cervical intervertebral disc extrusion (n = 30) that underwent magnetic resonance imaging were included. There was a significant association between the presence of kyphosis and the occurrence of intervertebral disc extrusion, particularly in the thoracolumbar region. Dogs with kyphosis were at nearly a two times increased odds of being affected by intervertebral disc extrusion than those without kyphosis [(OR = 1.98 (95% CI: 1.04-3.78)]. There was also an association between the presence of scoliosis and the anatomical distribution of intervertebral disc extrusions, with dogs with scoliosis more likely to have more caudal lumbar intervertebral disc extrusions. Presence of scoliosis was not associated with an increased odds of being affected by intervertebral disc extrusion. CONCLUSIONS: Although thoracic vertebral malformations with kyphosis only rarely cause spinal cord dysfunction in itself, French bulldogs with kyphosis appear to be at higher risk to develop thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion.

A comparison of the effect of propofol and alfaxalone on laryngeal motion in nonbrachycephalic and brachycephalic dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of propofol and alfaxalone on laryngeal motion under a light plane of anaesthesia in nonbrachycephalic and brachycephalic dogs anaesthetized for nonemergency procedures. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical trial. ANIMALS: A total of 48 client-owned dogs (24 nonbrachycephalic and 24 brachycephalic). METHODS: A standardized premedication of methadone (0.2 mg kg-1) and acepromazine (0.01 mg kg-1) was administered intramuscularly. Dogs were randomly assigned to be induced with increments of propofol (1-4 mg kg-1) or alfaxalone (0.5-2 mg kg-1). Laryngeal assessment was performed under a light plane of anaesthesia by a surgeon (GTH) who was unaware of the induction protocol. Laryngeal movement was assessed as either being present when abduction of the laryngeal cartilages upon inspiration was identified, or absent when abduction was not recognized. Simultaneously, a 60-second video was recorded. The same surgeon (GTH) and an additional surgeon (NK) re-evaluated the videos 1 month later. Categorical comparisons were studied using Chi square and Fisher's exact test where appropriate. Pairwise evaluation of agreement between scorers was undertaken with the kappa statistic (κ). RESULTS: There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) identified between the presence or absence of laryngeal motion between dogs administered propofol or alfaxalone, as well as when analysing nonbrachycephalic and brachycephalic dogs separately. The majority of dogs (>75%) maintained some degree of laryngeal motion with both protocols. Agreement between assessors was excellent (κ = 0.822). CONCLUSIONS: Alfaxalone maintained laryngeal motion similarly to propofol in nonbrachycephalic and brachycephalic dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both agents would appear appropriate for allowing assessment of laryngeal motion in nonbrachycephalic and brachycephalic dogs. The assessment technique of subjective evaluation of laryngeal motion via peroral laryngoscopy under a light plane of anaesthesia produced consistent results amongst assessors, regardless of the induction agent used.

Caudal articular process dysplasia of thoracic vertebrae in neurologically normal French bulldogs, English bulldogs, and Pugs: Prevalence and characteristics.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and anatomical characteristics of thoracic caudal articular process dysplasia in French bulldogs, English bulldogs and Pugs presenting for problems unrelated to spinal disease. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, computed tomography scans of the thoracic vertebral column of these three breeds were reviewed for the presence and location of caudal articular process hypoplasia and aplasia, and compared between breeds. A total of 271 dogs met the inclusion criteria: 108 French bulldogs, 63 English bulldogs, and 100 Pugs. A total of 70.4% of French bulldogs, 84.1% of English bulldogs, and 97.0% of Pugs showed evidence of caudal articular process dysplasia. Compared to French and English bulldogs, Pugs showed a significantly higher prevalence of caudal articular process aplasia, but also a lower prevalence of caudal articular process hypoplasia, a higher number of affected vertebrae per dog and demonstrated a generalized and bilateral spatial pattern more frequently. Furthermore, Pugs showed a significantly different anatomical distribution of caudal articular process dysplasia along the vertebral column, with a high prevalence of caudal articular process aplasia between T10 and T13. This area was almost completely spared in French and English bulldogs. As previously suggested, caudal articular process dysplasia is a common finding in neurologically normal Pugs but this also seems to apply to French and English bulldogs. The predisposition of clinically relevant caudal articular process dysplasia in Pugs is possibly not only caused by the higher prevalence of caudal articular process dysplasia, but also by breed specific anatomical characteristics.

Computed tomographic morphometry of tympanic bulla shape and position in brachycephalic and mesaticephalic dog breeds.

Anatomic variations in skull morphology have been previously described for brachycephalic dogs; however there is little published information on interbreed variations in tympanic bulla morphology. This retrospective observational study aimed to (1) provide detailed descriptions of the computed tomographic (CT) morphology of tympanic bullae in a sample of dogs representing four brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldog, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels) versus two mesaticephalic breeds (Labrador retrievers and Jack Russell Terriers); and (2) test associations between tympanic bulla morphology and presence of middle ear effusion. Archived head CT scans for the above dog breeds were retrieved and a single observer measured tympanic bulla shape (width:height ratio), wall thickness, position relative to the temporomandibular joint, and relative volume (volume:body weight ratio). A total of 127 dogs were sampled. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels had significantly flatter tympanic bullae (greater width:height ratios) versus Pugs, English Bulldogs, Labrador retrievers, and Jack Russell terriers. French Bulldogs and Pugs had significantly more overlap between tympanic bullae and temporomandibular joints versus other breeds. All brachycephalic breeds had significantly lower tympanic bulla volume:weight ratios versus Labrador retrievers. Soft tissue attenuating material (middle ear effusion) was present in the middle ear of 48/100 (48%) of brachycephalic breeds, but no significant association was found between tympanic bulla CT measurements and presence of this material. Findings indicated that there are significant interbreed variations in tympanic bulla morphology, however no significant relationship between tympanic bulla morphology and presence of middle ear effusion could be identified.

Assessment of computed tomography derived cricoid cartilage and tracheal dimensions to evaluate degree of cricoid narrowing in brachycephalic dogs.

The aims of this observational, analytical, retrospective study were to (i) obtain computed tomographic (CT) cricoid dimensions (height, width, and transverse-sectional area), (ii) compare the cricoid dimensions between brachycephalic and mesaticephalic breeds, and (iii) compare cricoid cartilage dimensions between dogs without and affected with brachycephalic airway syndrome. The study is important to help to further evaluate and understand the anatomical components of brachycephalic airway syndrome. Measurements were performed in 147 brachycephalic and 59 mesaticephalic dogs. The cricoid cartilage was found to be significantly more oval in Pugs and French Bulldogs compared to mesaticephalic breeds. The cricoid cartilage transverse-sectional area was smallest for the Pug and, after adjusting for weight, significantly smaller for Pugs (P < 0.001), Boston Terriers (P = 0.001), and French Bulldogs (P < 0.001) compared to Jack Russell Terriers. The tracheal transverse-sectional area at C4 of English Bulldogs was significantly smaller than for Jack Russell Terriers (P = 0.005) and Labradors (P < 0.001). The cricoid cartilage transverse-sectional area:weight ratio was significantly lower in brachycephalic breeds compared to mesaticephalic breeds (P < 0.001). The cricoid cartilage:trachea at C4 transverse-sectional area for brachycephalic dogs was significantly larger than for mesaticephalic dogs (<0.001), demonstrating that the trachea was the narrowest part of the airway. No significant differences were found for cricoid dimensions between dogs affected with and without brachycephalic airway syndrome. However, large individual variation was found among the brachycephalic breeds and further studies investigating the relationship between cricoid cartilage size, laryngeal collapse, concurrent tracheal hypoplasia, and/or severity of brachycephalic airway syndrome are warranted.

Combined Rostrolateral Rhinotomy for Removal of Rostral Nasal Septum Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Long-Term Outcome in 10 Dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report a surgical technique for combined rostrolateral rhinotomy (vestibulotomy) and long-term outcome for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the rostral nasal septum in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Medium sized, mixed breed dogs (n = 10), aged 7-12.5 years, with SCC of the rostral nasal septum that did not invade the superficial nasal planum. METHODS: Disease extent was assessed with computed tomography and tumor resection achieved solely with central nasal planum elevation and lateral rhinotomy. Owners were interviewed 60-2,555 days (median, 548 days) postoperatively to determine outcome and survival time. RESULTS: Vestibulotomy facilitated full-thickness resection of the nasal septum and tumor mass in 10 dogs and nasal floor resection in 4 dogs. There were no major intraoperative complications and all dogs had an excellent cosmetic outcome. Tumor removal was complete in 8 dogs and incomplete in 2 dogs. There was no recurrence in 6 dogs. Of the 4 dogs with recurrence, 3 had required nasal floor resection at initial surgery. CONCLUSIONS: A combined rostrolateral rhinotomy technique may be used to achieve complete resection of SCC limited to the nasal septum with acceptable cosmetic results. This technique may not be suitable for tumors extending into the nasal floor.

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC, RADIOGRAPHIC, AND ENDOSCOPIC TRACHEAL DIMENSIONS IN ENGLISH BULLDOGS WITH GRADE 1 CLINICAL SIGNS OF BRACHYCEPHALIC AIRWAY SYNDROME.

Tracheal hypoplasia is commonly seen in English Bulldogs affected with brachycephalic airway syndrome. Previously published diagnostic criteria for tracheal hypoplasia in this breed have been a radiographic tracheal diameter:tracheal inlet ratio (TD:TI) < 0.12 or a tracheal diameter:third rib diameter ratio (TD:3R) < 2.0. Computed tomography has become increasingly used for airway evaluation, however published information is lacking regarding CT tracheal dimensions in English Bulldogs. Objectives of this prospective cross-sectional study were to describe radiographic and CT tracheal dimensions in a sample of clinically normal English Bulldogs and compare these values with tracheoscopy scores. Computed tomography (n = 40), radiography (n = 38), and tracheoscopy (n = 40) studies were performed during a single general anesthesia session for each included dog. Tracheal measurements were recorded at three locations: cervical, thoracic inlet, and thorax. Tracheal diameters were narrowest at the thoracic inlet with all techniques. Computed tomographic measurements averaged 19% greater than radiographic measurements. All included dogs had radiographic tracheal measurements greater than the previously published criteria for tracheal hypoplasia. Mean CT TD:TI was 0.26 (± 0.03, 0.20-0.33), and mean CT TT:3R was 2.27 (± 0.24, 1.71-2.74). Radiographic TD:TI and CT TD:TI were significantly correlated (P = 0.00); however radiographic TT:3R and CT TT:3R were not significantly correlated (P = 0.25). Tracheoscopy identified hypoplastic changes in all dogs and tracheoscopy scores were not correlated with CT or radiography diameter measurements. In conclusion, findings indicated that some CT and radiographic tracheal diameter measurements were comparable in English Bulldogs however diameters for both imaging techniques were not comparable with tracheoscopy scores.

Cosmetic reconstruction of a nasal plane and rostral nasal skin defect using a modified nasal rotation flap in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To report reconstruction of a defect of the nasal plane and the rostral dorsum of the nose in a dog using a nasal rotation flap with Burow's triangles. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMALS: Mixed-breed dog (1.5 years, 8.6 kg). METHODS: A nasal defect caused by chronic granulomatous inflammation and involving the lateral nasal plane and adjacent rostral nasal dorsum in a dog was reconstructed and closed using a unilateral nasal rotation flap incorporating dorsal nasal plane tissue, with excision of Burow's triangles. RESULTS: The modified unilateral nasal rotation flap was effective in closing a defect of the rostral nasal dorsum. Incorporation of dorsal nasal plane tissue in the flap allowed for a cosmetic reconstruction of the lateral nasal plane defect (wing of nostril). CONCLUSIONS: Skin defects on the rostral dorsum of the nose and defects of the nasal plane in dogs can be closed and/or reconstructed using nasal rotation flaps incorporating nasal plane tissue.

Rigid normograde rhinoscopy-assisted traction-avulsion removal of small middle ear polyps from the auditory tube in five cats.

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: This study aims to describe a novel minimally invasive technique for the removal of small middle ear polyps from the auditory tube openings in cats. Five cats with clinical signs of otitis externa and/or otitis media, and/or upper respiratory tract inflammation were included. All cats underwent pharyngolaryngoscopy under anaesthesia, CT scan of the head, neck and thoracic cavity, video-otoscopic examination, retrograde nasopharyngoscopy and normograde rhinoscopy. The five cats described in this study were all found to have significant respiratory tract inflammation (rhinitis, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis, otitis media) with small polypous protrusions from the auditory tube openings. A normograde rhinoscopy-assisted traction-avulsion (RATA) removal of these small polyps was performed in all cases without complications. The rostral nasopharynx was visualised by a unilaterally normograde advanced rigid endoscope passing the choana, and polyps were removed using a grasping forceps introduced in the contralateral nostril. Telephone follow-up revealed clear improvement in all cases. One of the cases was re-evaluated with a CT scan and endoscopy 4 weeks after treatment. The CT scan showed a significant improvement with no abnormalities in both external ear canals and air opacity in both tympanic bullae. Video-endoscopic examination revealed intact tympanic membranes with mild chronic abnormalities and patent auditory tube openings upon normograde rhinoscopy. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: Rigid normograde RATA is a novel, minimally invasive and effective technique for the removal of small middle ear polyps from auditory tube openings in cats with otitis media.

A surgical technique for implantation of the vibrant soundbridge middle ear implant in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report a surgical implantation of the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) middle ear implant in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Pilot study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=3). METHODS: A lateral approach to the tympanic bulla was used to insert the floating mass transducer of the VSB into the tympanic bulla. Using microscopic guidance the transducer was moved to and inserted into the round window niche by manipulation through the acoustic bony meatus, after reflection of the tympanic membrane. VSB position was confirmed by computed tomography (CT) imaging. RESULTS: No intraoperative complications occurred and CT images confirmed correct placement of the VSB. CONCLUSIONS: A VSB can be safely implanted in the middle of dogs.

Prognostic indicators of short-term outcome in dogs undergoing surgery for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to assess the impact of epidemiological variables, severity of presurgical respiratory signs, diagnostic findings from pharyngeal and laryngeal examination using a new grading scheme and CT scan images, on postsurgical outcome in dogs undergoing surgery for brachycephalic obstruction airway syndrome (BOAS). METHODS: An owner-based questionnaire was used to grade dogs based on their respiratory signs before surgery and at least six weeks after surgery. Epidemiological data and results from presurgical pharyngeal and laryngeal examination and CT scan findings for 75 dogs undergoing airway surgery were collected from the medical records. RESULTS: 70.7 per cent of dogs showed an improvement in respiratory signs following rhinoplasty and palatoplasty. This improvement was associated with the severity of inspiratory efforts and the Poncet score on presentation, but not with any other clinical sign or anatomical abnormality found during BOAS assessment, nor by the degree of craniofacial shortening as determined by CT-scan. Presurgical snoring was positively associated with the degree of narrowing of pharyngeal dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: Dogs presenting with clinical signs of BOAS benefit from rhinoplasty and palatoplasty alone. The degree of narrowing of pharyngeal dimensions appears to be associated with severity of snoring while soft palate length alone was not.

Retrospective analysis of incidence, clinical features, potential risk factors, and prognostic indicators for aspiration pneumonia in three brachycephalic dog breeds.

OBJECTIVE To investigate incidence, clinical features, potential risk factors, and prognostic indicators for aspiration pneumonia in Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Bulldogs. DESIGN Retrospective, observational study. ANIMALS 41 brachycephalic dogs with aspiration pneumonia. PROCEDURES Medical records of a veterinary referral hospital were retrospectively searched to identify Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Bulldogs treated for aspiration pneumonia between 2006 and 2015. Signalment, clinical data, and outcomes were recorded. Variables of interest were analyzed for statistical associations with outcome. Incidence of aspiration pneumonia for the population of interest was compared with that for all other dog breeds and for the general hospital population of dogs during the study. RESULTS 41 of 2,141 (1.91%) dogs of the selected brachycephalic breeds and 396 of 80,137 (0.49%) dogs overall had a diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia. Relative risk of the disease in the population of interest was 3.77 times that for all other breeds. Median age at disease onset was greater for Pugs (83 months) than for French Bulldogs (8 months) and Bulldogs (6 months). History of gastrointestinal signs was the most commonly observed preidentified risk factor (27/41 [66%]) in these breeds. Neurologic disease was significantly more common in Pugs than in French Bulldogs and Bulldogs. On univariate analysis, increased age, male sex, obtundation, hypoalbuminemia, azotemia, and high liver enzyme activities were associated with nonsurvival; on logistic regression, increased age was associated with nonsurvival. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Age at onset and presence of other risk factors for aspiration pneumonia may vary among brachycephalic dog breeds. Prospective studies are needed to determine common risk factors and prognostic indicators for aspiration pneumonia in the larger population of brachycephalic dogs.

Evaluation of radiography as a screening method for detection and characterisation of congenital vertebral malformations in dogs.

Congenital vertebral malformations (CVM) are common in brachycephalic 'screw-tailed' dogs; they can be associated with neurological deficits and a genetic predisposition has been suggested. The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiography as a screening method for congenital thoracic vertebral malformations in brachycephalic 'screw-tailed' dogs by comparing it with CT. Forty-nine dogs that had both radiographic and CT evaluations of the thoracic vertebral column were included. Three observers retrospectively reviewed the images independently to detect CVMs. When identified, they were classified according to a previously published radiographic classification scheme. A CT consensus was then reached. All observers identified significantly more affected vertebrae when evaluating orthogonal radiographic views compared with lateral views alone; and more affected vertebrae with the CT consensus compared with orthogonal radiographic views. Given the high number of CVMs per dog, the number of dogs classified as being CVM free was not significantly different between CT and radiography. Significantly more midline closure defects were also identified with CT compared with radiography. Malformations classified as symmetrical or ventral hypoplasias on radiography were frequently classified as ventral and medial aplasias on CT images. Our results support that CT is better than radiography for the classification of CVMs and this will be important when further evidence of which are the most clinically relevant CVMs is identified. These findings are of particular importance for designing screening schemes of CVMs that could help selective breeding programmes based on phenotype and future studies.

Reclassification of small intestinal and cecal smooth muscle tumors in 72 dogs: clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: To reclassify canine small intestinal and cecal leiomyoma (LM) and leiomyosarcoma (LMS) into smooth muscle and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) using histologic and immunohistochemical (IH) analysis and to report clinical findings and survival data. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of cases. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=47) with small intestinal (40 LMS; 7 LM) and 25 dogs with cecal tumors (23 LMS; 2 LM). METHODS: Clinical and survival data were reviewed. Tissue sections were reevaluated for light-microscopic malignancy criteria and examined for expression of SMA, desmin, vimentin, S-100, and CD117 (KIT) by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Reclassification resulted in 2 LM, 9 LMS, 19 GIST, and 17 GIST-like tumors in the small intestine and 23 GIST and 2 GIST-like tumors in the cecum. GIST-like tumors were morphologic and IH identical to GIST but lacked KIT expression. No significant difference in survival was observed for tumor type, location, histologic, or IH characteristics; however, dogs with cecal tumors were significantly older in age, presented more commonly with intestinal perforation and peritonitis, and less commonly with weight loss. Cecal tumors had more histologic malignancy criteria than small intestinal tumors. After excision, 1 and 2 year recurrence-free periods were 80.1% and 67.2% for small intestinal and 83.3% and 61.9% for cecal tumors. CONCLUSION: Prognosis for intestinal tumors with histologic smooth muscle appearance is good after excision and not related to tumor type, location, histologic, or IH characteristics. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinical importance could not be demonstrated for reclassification, but may be for future treatment, of intestinal smooth muscle or stromal tumors.

Middle ear polyps: results of traction avulsion after a lateral approach to the ear canal in 62 cats (2004-2014).

Objectives The objective of this study was to report the surgical outcome and complication rate of deep traction avulsion (TA) of feline aural inflammatory polyps after a lateral approach (LA) to the ear canal. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of data retrieved from an electronic database of 62 cats treated with TA after an LA (TALA) for removal of ear canal polyps. Long-term outcome was assessed via a telephone questionnaire survey with the owners. Results Domestic shorthair cats (48%) and Maine Coons (37%) were over-represented. The most common presenting clinical signs were otorrhoea, ear scratching and head shaking. Video-otoscopic examination confirmed a polypous mass in the ear canal in all patients. All 62 cats underwent TALA, with a mean surgical time of 33 mins for experienced surgeons (n = 4) and 48 mins (n = 12) for less experienced surgeons. The recurrence rate of polyp regrowth for experienced surgeons was 14.3% vs 35% for the less experienced surgeons. Postoperative complications included Horner's syndrome (11.5%) and facial nerve paralysis (3%). Otitis interna was not observed. Conclusions and relevance A lateral approach to the ear canal in combination with deep TA of an aural inflammatory polyp is an effective first-line technique that results in a low recurrence and complication rate.