Exposure and postoperative stability of three medial surgical approaches to the canine elbow.

Articular cartilage exposure and immediate postoperative stability provided by three medial surgical approaches in canine cadaver elbows were compared. The approaches evaluated were a desmotomy of the medial collateral ligament (DMCL) that included a tenotomy of the pronator teres muscle, a longitudinal myotomy of the flexor carpi radialis (MFCR), and an osteotomy of the medial epicondyle (OME). Nondestructive biomechanical testing was performed before the surgical approach and repeated after surgery. The stiffness at 13 degrees valgus deviation of the elbow and energy absorption up to 13 degrees valgus deviation of the elbow were determined from the preoperative and postoperative torque-rotation curves. The perimeters of the ulnar and humeral articular cartilage that were visualized through the approach were scored with a dental pick. Latex casts were made of articular surfaces of the elbow. The humeral and ulnar articular exposures were determined by computerized planimetric analysis of latex cast photocopies. The humeral cartilage exposure of the OME approach was significantly greater than either the MFCR or DMCL approaches. The DMCL approach provided a significantly greater humeral cartilage exposure than the MFCR approach. All three approaches provided statistically similar percentages of ulnar cartilage exposure. The stiffness and energy absorption of the OME and MFCR approaches were similar and significantly greater than the DMCL approach. The OME approach provided the best combination of exposure and immediate postoperative stability.

Bone marrow hypoplasia in a feminized dog with an interstitial cell tumor.

Bone marrow hypoplasia and feminization developed in a 10-year-old male German Shepherd Dog with interstitial cell tumor. Clinical abnormalities included pyrexia, pale mucous membranes, signs of abdominal pain, large left testis, atrophied right testis, and feminization. Abnormal laboratory findings included pancytopenia, bacteremia, bacteriuria, and pyuria. Results of cytologic examination of a bone marrow aspirate were consistent with aplastic anemia. Serum estradiol concentration was high, and serum testosterone concentration was low, compared with normal values for male dogs. The left testicular mass was identified as an interstitial cell tumor. Other causes of the aplastic anemia or feminization were not found.

Rectovaginal fistula with atresia ani in three kittens.

Rectovaginal fistula with atresia ani was diagnosed in 3 kittens. Physical abnormalities included abdominal distension, bulging of the perineum, and lack of an anal opening. Vaginography was helpful in determining the type of malformation present in 2 cases. In each kitten attempts were made to surgically correct the anatomic malformations. Various post-operative complications such as fecal incontinence, would dehiscence, constipation, and excessive scar tissue formation occurred and are discussed.

Vertebral lymphosarcoma in a cat.

Lymphosarcoma of the cauda equina in a domestic shorthair cat invaded the body of L7 and cranial portion of the sacrum. Clinical signs consisted of acute ambulatory paraparesis, tail paralysis, and dyschezia. Radiographically, there was evidence of bone lysis. Surgical exploration yielded a diagnosis, but did not induce improvement in the cat, which was subsequently euthanatized. Neurologic signs were similar to those associated with sacral nerve root avulsion injuries in cats.