Goniometric Assessment in French Bulldogs.

Goniometry is a low-cost, user-friendly and widely available technique used by different veterinary medicine professionals to estimate joint range of motion (ROM). Studies providing breed-specific reference ranges for goniometric measurements are scarce and there is a lack of information regarding joint angles in French Bulldogs. This prospective study set out to determine normal ROM for the carpus, elbow, shoulder, tarsus, stifle and hip joints in healthy, adult French Bulldogs using goniometry. We hypothesized ROM would be similar in this and other dog breeds. Twenty dogs met the inclusion criteria. Sample size was calculated using power analysis based on previous studies. Goniometric measurements were made by a single examiner. Limbs were measured in random order and three measurements made per joint. Dogs were not sedated. Joint angles measured in French Bulldogs in this study were similar to those reported in Labrador Retrievers (shoulder, carpal, and tarsal flexion), Rottweilers (shoulder, carpus, and hip flexion), and Dachshunds (hip, stifle, and tarsal flexion). Similar flexion angles and ROM were detected in right and left limb joints. Findings of this study suggest similar ROM in French Bulldogs and other dog breeds. Lack of radiographic assessment and the fact that goniometric measurements were made by a single examiner were the major limitations of this study.

Hormonal, Electrolytic, and Electrocardiographic Evaluations in Bitches With Eutocia and Dystocia.

The objective of the study was to assess clinical alterations, electrocardiographic, hematological, biochemical, hemogasometric, electrolytic, and hormone plasma concentrations in bitches with eutocia and dystocia. Overall, 28 bitches (dystocia, n = 22 and eutocia, n = 6) were assessed. The evaluations were performed at 2 time points, M1 (1 hour prepartum-eutocia group and cesarean or clinical intervention-dystocia group) and M2 (postpartum-eutocia or dystocia group and anesthetic recovery-dystocia group). The main clinical finding was the hypothermia (mean: 36.9°C dystocia vs. 36.8°C eutocia). Sinus arrhythmia and tachycardia were the electrocardiographic parameters predominant in eutocia and sinus rhythm in dystocia group. The P wave amplitude, heart rate, creatinine concentration, hematocrit, and hemoglobin were increased in M1 (P < .05), whereas the concentration of TCO2 was higher in M2. There was an increase in P4 concentration in dystocia and total T3 concentrations were increased in M1 in both groups. Total T4 was higher in dystocia during M1 and in dystocia during M2 in eutocia than in dystocia. We concluded that at 1 hour prepartum or pre-cesarean, there is an increase in heart rate in bitches with eutocia or dystocia, and this finding was correlated to thyroid hormone concentration. P4 concentrations remained high during dystocia, and hematological and biochemical changes returned to normal after parturition. The evaluation of these parameters in pregnancy can be used as tool to prevent dystocia and consequent fetal death.

Gait analysis in dogs with pelvic fractures treated conservatively using a pressure-sensing walkway.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate dogs with pelvic fractures and treated conservatively during locomotion on a pressure-sensing walkway. The hypothesis was that dogs may present changes in kinetic and temporospatial parameters because of the fractures, which may interfere with the symmetry index. Thirty dogs were selected and divided into two groups: Group 1-healthy group (n = 15) and Group 2-conservatively treated group (n = 15). The dogs were of similar body size. The body weight distribution percentages and symmetry indices of the peak vertical force, vertical impulse, stance time, swing time, percentage of stance time, and percentage of swing time of the hind limbs were evaluated. RESULTS: In Group 2, the time interval between fracture occurrence and patient evaluation was between 4 and 87 months (mean of 20 months). Four dogs had lower percentage of body weight distribution on one of the hind limbs while three dogs had greater weight distributed toward both hind limbs. Four of these dogs had alterations in the temporospatial and/or kinetic symmetry indices. CONCLUSIONS: Dogs with pelvic fractures treated conservatively may present changes in percentage of body weight distribution and symmetry indices of the kinetic and temporospatial parameters. The conservative treatment can cause persistent abnormal gait.

Topics in the routine assessment of newborn puppy viability.

Neonatal veterinarians still observe higher mortality rates among their patients than those observed among humans. Establishment of a neonatal assessment protocol is fundamental to the identification of the medical status of the neonate and the need for medical intervention. The neonatal Apgar score evaluation, which is commonly used in clinical practice, should be complemented by other methods of analysis. This study proposes, in addition to an Apgar score analysis, the evaluation of laboratory parameters and weight. We believe that knowledge of these reference values is essential for diagnosing at-risk neonates and for establishing suitable treatments.