A novel case of canine disseminated aspergillosis following mating.

An intact bitch with a history of mating was presented with severe lameness and a vulvar discharge. A mixed lytic, proliferative tibial lesion and open pyometra were diagnosed. Bone biopsy and uterine culture revealed disseminated aspergillosis. This is the first report of Aspergillus pyometra with dissemination following mating in the dog.

Radiographic evaluation of the anconeal process in skeletally immature dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a secondary center of ossification (SCO) of the anconeal process is present in skeletally immature dogs that do not develop an ununited anconeal process (UAP). STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Dogs 77-154 days of age with conditions other than developmental disease of the elbow (n=78 dogs; total elbows=100). METHODS: Mediolateral radiographic projections of the elbow were reviewed for presence or absence of a SCO of the anconeal process. RESULTS: A SCO was radiographically evident in 16% of elbows from breeds that have been reported to be affected by UAP. The appearance of the SCO was different to an UAP fragment. None of the elbows with SCO of the anconeal process developed UAP. A SCO was not present in any small breed dogs. CONCLUSIONS: A SCO of the anconeal process is uncommon in medium and large breed dogs and the presence of a SCO does not indicate that UAP will develop. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Because radiographic diagnosis of a SCO of the anconeal process and UAP lesions have distinct appearances, an earlier diagnosis of UAP is possible.

Diagnosis and treatment of dynamic closed-mouth jaw locking in a dog.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 5-year-old neutered male English Bulldog was evaluated for intermittent closed-mouth jaw locking of approximately 1 week's duration. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Initial physical examination revealed a nonpainful inability to open the jaw with and without manual assistance; however, manipulation of the jaw after the dog was sedated for diagnostic imaging restored jaw function. Anesthesia was subsequently induced, and computed tomography was performed with the jaw open and closed; contrast agent-enhanced images of the closed jaw were also obtained. No abnormalities of the temporomandibular joints or retrobulbar space were detected. Fluoroscopic examination of movement of the temporomandibular joints revealed a dynamic interference of the rostrodorsal aspect of the coronoid process of the left mandibular ramus with the medial surface of the frontal process of the left zygomatic bone or the left orbital ligament. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Partial excision of the coronoid process of the left mandibular ramus was performed. The dog recovered without complication and was able to open and close its jaw and eat within 6 hours after surgery. No additional episodes of jaw locking were detected during the 6 months after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To the authors' knowledge, closed-mouth jaw locking in animals attributable to dynamic interference of the rostrodorsal aspect of the coronoid process of a mandibular ramus with the medial surface of the frontal process of a zygomatic bone or an orbital ligament has not been described. Surgical excision of the coronoid process of the mandibular ramus appeared to provide a successful outcome in the dog of this report.

Comparison of TPLO tibial tuberosity fractures with and without an in situ rotational pin.

OBJECTIVE: Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is a common cause of pelvic limb lameness in dogs. The tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) is a well-described surgical procedure that treats CCL ruptures. The objective of this study was to compare the risk of tibial tuberosity fractures from TPLO procedures using a TPLO reduction pin in situ versus patients with a TPLO reduction pin removed at the time of surgery. Our hypothesis is that patients with a TPLO reduction pin left in situ will have a decreased incidence of tibial tuberosity fractures. RESULTS: A total of 400 dogs that fitted the criteria of 200 consecutive TPLO surgeries performed with each group were included in the study. The Student's t-test revealed a statistically significant difference in fractures observed in group 1 (in situ pin) and group 2 (no pin). In univariate logistic regression analysis, only the covariate for the presence of the reduction pin was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the likelihood of tibial tuberosity fracture. In the multivariate model, the presence of the reduction pin was associated with an approximate 92% reduction in the likelihood of tibial tuberosity fracture.