Preoperative variables affecting long-term outcome of triple pelvic osteotomy for treatment of naturally developing hip dysplasia in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether preoperative radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease (DJD), hip joint laxity, or age at surgery is associated with long-standing DJD or hip function in dogs with hip dysplasia (HD) that had a triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO). DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 34 dogs with HD. PROCEDURE: Dogs that had TPO performed during an 8-year period were chosen for long-term follow-up evaluation that included physical examinations, pelvic radiographs, and owner questionnaires. Data on radiographic evidence of DJD, Norberg angle, and percentage of femoral head coverage were retrieved from preoperative records and determined from follow-up radiographs. RESULTS: Approximately 40% of dogs had progression of DJD. Eighty-seven percent of dogs received excellent or good physical examination scores, and 76% received excellent or good at-home activity scores. Preoperative and long-standing DJD were not associated. The risk of DJD was increased with increased age at surgery, narrower preoperative Norberg angle, and lower percentage of femoral head coverage, but these variables were not associated with clinical hip function. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: TPO for treatment of HD in dogs may slow, rather than stop, radiographic progression of DJD; however, clinical outcome is acceptable for most dogs. Preoperative evidence of DJD may not be a limiting criterion in selecting dogs as suitable TPO candidates. Dogs with extensive hip joint laxity before surgery may be predisposed to developing DJD; thus, the risk-to-benefit ratio for TPO versus salvage procedures should be considered. Younger dogs may develop less severe DJD after TPO; surgery should be considered at the first sign of hip joint laxity and pain.

Prevalence and risk factors for odontoclastic resorptive lesions in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of, and risk factors for, odontoclastic resorptive lesions in cats seen in a private veterinary practice population. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 145 cats more than 1 year of age that underwent anesthesia for various procedures. PROCEDURE: Cats were evaluated under anesthesia for odontoclastic resorptive lesions. Lesions were graded, using a published classification system. Clients completed a standardized survey on signalment, indoor-outdoor status, medications, diet during the past year, number of daily feedings, treat feeding, source of water, and oral hygiene practices. RESULTS: 48% of cats had resorptive lesions. Lesions were most commonly mandibular, and premolars were more often affected. Compared with cats without oral lesions, cats with oral lesions were more likely to be older, female, taking medications, drinking city (vs well) water, and playing less often with toys. In addition, cats without oral lesions were more likely to have owners who cleaned their teeth daily or twice a week and to be fed diets with higher magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium contents. Frequency of teeth cleaning was inversely related to the development of odontoclastic resorptive lesions. Variables significantly associated with oral lesions were age and magnesium content of diet. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Older cats should be examined closely for odontoclastic resorptive lesions. Clients should be advised on methods and frequency of teeth cleaning in cats to prevent lesions. Dietary nutrients may play a role in the development of odontoclastic resorptive lesions in cats.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of intertrochanteric osteotomy in dogs: a retrospective study of 18 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether intertrochanteric osteotomy (ITO) can prevent the progression of degenerative joint disease (DJD) in dysplastic hip joints. STUDY DESIGN: The results of ITO were assessed retrospectively by using owner questionnaires, physical examination, and radiographic evaluation. ANIMALS: Eighteen client-owned dogs (29 coxofemoral joints were evaluated). METHODS: Lameness was scored according to a grading system. A scoring system was also developed to assess radiographically evident osteoarthritis on a ventrodorsal projection of the coxofemoral joints in extension. RESULTS: Twenty-nine ITO were performed in 18 dogs with varying degrees of hip dysplasia. The dogs were lame on 19 of 29 rear limbs on physical examination before surgery. In 22 of the 29 hip joints, palpation caused signs of pain. The median age at the first and second surgical procedure was 14.5 months and 18 months, respectively. Follow-up evaluation was performed on average at 9.77 (FU I), 22.52 (FU II), and 47.50 months (FU III) after surgery. Based on the owners' evaluation, there was a tendency toward improvement after surgery. The results of the physical examination at the preoperative examination and at the three follow-up examinations did not differ significantly. The follow-up radiographic scores showed significantly worse DJD than the preoperative scores. CONCLUSIONS: ITO does not prevent progression of DJD in the dysplastic hip. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of the long-term effects of ITO is essential for surgeons trying to achieve improvement in dogs with hip dysplasia.

Intestinal pseudodiverticulosis in a cat.

A two-year-old domestic shorthair presented for estrous behavior four months after ovariohysterectomy. On exploratory laparotomy, ovarian remnant tissue and multiple intestinal diverticula were found. Histopathology identified the diverticula as pseudodiverticula.

Polymorphism of alpha-1 antitrypsin in dogs.

1. A genetically determined polymorphism of alpha-1 antitrypsin is demonstrated in dog serum by isoelectric focusing in a pH range of 3.5-5.0, followed by direct immunoblotting using a specific antiserum. 2. Alpha 1 antitrypsin focuses as two major bands at isoelectric points of 4.60 and 4.64 or 4.67 and 4.7 in presumed homozygous animals. Heterozygotes show both sets of bands. 3. The results of seven crosses with 33 offspring are best explained by two codominant alleles, PiM and PiS at a single locus designated as Pi for proteinase inhibitor. 4. The concentration of alpha-1 antitrypsin in serum of healthy dogs was 2.65 +/- 0.42 mg/ml and 2.19 +/- 0.38 mg/ml in females and males respectively. 5. The higher concentration in female dogs suggests that estrogens may influence the serum level of alpha-1 antitrypsin.

Pneumothorax.

This article reviews the classification, etiopathogenesis, and treatment for the various forms of pneumothorax. Traumatic and nontraumatic pneumothoraces are discussed. New theories on the etiology and treatment of primary spontaneous and secondary pneumothorax are mentioned.

Bullous emphysema and recurrent pneumothorax in the dog.

Six cases of recurrent pneumothorax requiring surgical intervention in the dog were reviewed. Radiography was not useful in identifying the source of air leakage. A median sternotomy approach was useful for identifying and removing involved lung tissue. All 6 dogs had microscopic evidence of bullous emphysema. Bronchiolitis, thickened pleura, and bronchiolar smooth muscle hypertrophy also were noticed. Underlying mild obstructive lung disease alone or in combination with a defect in pulmonary collagen probably predisposed these dogs to bullous emphysema and recurrent pneumothorax. Of the 6 dogs, 3 survived for at least 2 years after surgery.

Hypertrophic osteopathy associated with a bronchial foreign body and lobar pneumonia in a dog.

Hypertrophic osteopathy was diagnosed in a dog with a bronchial foreign body and lobar pneumonia. Hypertrophic osteopathy is generally associated with primary or secondary neoplasms of the lungs and rarely associated with nonneoplastic thoracic lesions. The foreign body and affected lung lobe were removed by pneumonectomy, resulting in recovery of the dog and resolution of the hypertrophic osteopathy lesions.

Infiltrative lipoma in three dogs.

Infiltrative lipoma was diagnosed in 3 dogs. The invasive clinical and benign microscopic characteristics of the lipomas were considered in relation to other adipose tissue tumors. Treatment consisted of wide excision or surgical debulking when tumor margins were indistinct. In spite of the aggressive appearance of the lipoma, its benign nature dictated a conservative course of surgical therapy. Accurate and early diagnosis was needed to ensure adequate excision. The tumor recurred if excision was incomplete.

Neuropathy associated with diabetes mellitus in the cat.

Distal polyneuropathy was associated with diabetes mellitus in 7 cats. Clinical signs relative to the neuropathy included a plantigrade stance, depressed patellar reflexes, hindlimb weakness, and poor postural reactions. Electromyography demonstrated reduced conduction velocity in the sciatic and ulnar nerves in 3 cats. A total of 5 cats had abatement of clinical signs following insulin therapy and blood glucose regulation or after resolution of the diabetes mellitus.