Preliminary evaluation of a novel method for computed tomography quantification of lumbosacral articular process displacement in dogs with and without degenerative lumbosacral stenosis.

Objective: This study aimed to describe the diagnostic discrimination and reliability of a novel technique for quantifying lumbosacral articular process displacement (LSAPD) on dorsal plane computed tomography (DPCT) imaging in dogs with and without degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS). Study design: DPCT surveys of the lumbosacral vertebral column were performed with dogs positioned in extension and flexion. LSAPD is defined as the distance between the cranial aspects of the L7 and S1 articular processes. The LSAPD ratio is identified by dividing the LSAPD by the length of the L7 articular process. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for intra- and inter-observer reliability were calculated, and logistic regressions were used to test for the association of LSAPD and LSAPD ratio with odds of DLSS. Significance was set at 0.05. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated to determine diagnostic discrimination and optimal cutoff for LSAPD and LSAPD ratio in the diagnosis of DLSS. Results: Intra- and inter-observer reliabilities were excellent for most measurements. In the current cohort, excluding covariates, the area under the curve (AUC) (95%CI) for LSAPD and LSAPD ratio measured in a flexed position were both 0.89 (0.82-0.96), suggesting potentially excellent discrimination for using this measurement as a marker for diagnosing DLSS, pending further studies. The cutoffs for flexed LSAPD and LSAPD ratio that maximizes Youden's index were ≥ 1.2 mm and ≥ 9%, respectively. When age and weight were subsequently included as covariates in a multivariable analysis, a significant relationship between LSAPD or LSAPD ratio and odds of diagnosis of DLSS was not demonstrated, suggesting the need for a larger sample size. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that measurements of LSAPD and LSAPD ratio on DPCT are feasible and reliable, although their diagnostic discrimination in DLSS should be evaluated further in future prospective studies.

The use of a kaolin-based hemostatic dressing to attenuate bleeding in dogs: A series of 4 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of a synthetic hemostatic dressing, QuikClot Combat Gauze (QCG), in dogs with bleeding wounds. CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Two dogs presented with bleeding traumatic wounds, and QCG was used to achieve hemostasis during stabilization of these dogs. In the other 2 dogs, QCG was used to help attenuate bleeding associated with a surgical procedure. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: While hemostatic dressings have been widely studied and used in human medicine, there is minimal information on the use and efficacy of these hemostatic dressings in veterinary medicine. This case series describes the use of QCG in dogs with hemorrhaging wounds. QCG could be a valuable resource in veterinary emergency and critical care settings.

Case Report: Microchip Implantation Within the Cervical Spine, a Neurologic Evaluation, and Surgical Correction.

A 5 mo old male Japanese chin was examined 1 mo following the sudden onset of pelvic limb weakness and ataxia immediately after microchip placement. Neurological examination revealed an ambulatory paraparesis, which was worse on the right side, with additional weakness noted in the right thoracic limb. Lesion localization was C6-T2 spinal cord segments, worse on the right. Radiographic imaging of the cervical spine revealed a microchip at the location of the C7-T1 intervertebral space. Computed tomography revealed a microchip within the spinal canal causing spinal cord compression at the level of the C7-T1 intervertebral disc space. Surgical removal of the microchip was performed, and the patient recovered well. A 6 wk follow-up neurologic examination showed persistent mild ataxia in the pelvic limbs. This case supports previously reported cases of permanent spinal cord damage caused by microchip placement. Surgical removal of the microchip resulted in the improvement of neurologic signs. Although extraction of the microchip did not resolve all neurologic deficits, surgery prevented further migration and possible damage to the spinal cord.

Identification of Potentially Preventable Traumatic Injury Among Military Working Dogs Deployed During the Global War on Terror.

BACKGROUND: Prevention of deployment-related injury is critical for readiness of US military working dogs (MWDs). This study evaluated deployment-related injuries to determine if they were potentially preventable and identify possible abatement strategies. METHODS: Data were collected on 195 MWD injury events that occurred between 11 September 2001 and 31 December 2018. Injuries were reviewed by a panel of veterinarians and categorized into groups based on panel consensus. The panel also established which interventions could have been effective for mitigating injuries. Multipurpose canine (MPC) and conventional MWD injury event characteristics were compared to identify meaningful differences. RESULTS: Of the 195 injuries, 101 (52%) were classified as preventable or potentially preventable. Most (72%) of the potentially preventable injuries occurred in conventional MWDs, with penetrating injuries (64%) being the most common type of trauma. For the preventable/potentially preventable injuries, the most common preventative intervention identified was handler training (53%) followed by protective equipment (46%). There were differences between MPCs and conventional MWDs for injury prevention category, type of trauma, mechanism of injury, and preventative intervention (all p < .001). CONCLUSION: The application of a preventable review process to MWD populations may be beneficial in identifying potentially preventable injuries and preventative intervention strategies.

Biomechanical analysis of suture anchors and suture materials in the canine femur.

OBJECTIVE: Biomechanical analysis of acute load to failure (ALF) of 3 veterinary and 1 human suture anchor and cyclic load to failure with two suture material/suture anchor constructs in canine femoral condyles. STUDY DESIGN: Biomechanical in vitro study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cadaveric femora from 20-30 kg dogs. METHODS: Three veterinary and 1 human suture anchor were placed in the cranial and caudal aspects of the femoral condyle and subjected to 0 degrees ALF. Anchors were loaded with 5 USP Fiberwire or 27 kg test nylon leader line (NLL) and subjected to 90 degrees cyclic testing for 10,000 cycles followed by ALF at 90 degrees. RESULTS: No significant difference in ALF for any anchor type was detected in the cranial aspect of the femoral condyle; however all veterinary anchors had higher ALF in the caudal aspect of the femoral condyle. In cyclic testing, the constructs in descending order (most cycles to least) were: (1) FlexiTwist/NLL, (2) Securos/Fiberwire, Securos/NLL, (3) IMEX/Fiberwire, IMEX/NLL, and (4) FlexiTwist/Fiberwire, Fastin/Fiberwire. Fiberwire was significantly stronger than NLL in post-cycling ALF testing. CONCLUSIONS: Veterinary anchors had higher ALF in the caudal versus cranial aspect of the femoral condyle. Except for the FlexiTwist in which NLL performed better, Fiberwire and NLL both had similar cyclic performance with each veterinary anchor type. The veterinary anchors exceeded the human anchor in ALF and cycles to failure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The tested veterinary suture anchors with Fiberwire or NLL may be used in the femoral condyle, preferably in the caudal aspect, and should withstand estimated loading conditions in appropriately confined postoperative canine patients.

Surgical management of a thyroglossal duct cyst in a cat.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 14-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was evaluated because of a large fluid-filled mass on the ventral aspect of the neck that failed to resolve after repeated draining. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Radiography and computed tomography revealed a fluid-filled mass 13 cm in diameter extending from the level of the first cervical vertebra to the manubrium. No evidence of metastasis was seen. Cytologic examination of the fluid revealed it to be a transudate with a T4 concentration considered to be normal. Incisional biopsy of the cyst wall was performed and led to a diagnosis of thyroglossal duct cyst. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The cyst was excised, and no recurrence was observed 15 months after surgery. Aside from temporary seroma formation, no complications developed after the surgery. A distinct tract through the hyoid apparatus to the base of the tongue, as has been described in humans, was not identified. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Thyroglossal duct cyst should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats with masses on the ventral aspect of the neck. Complete excision appeared to be curative in the cat of this report.