The mobility of the brachycephalic canine nostril in relation to the degree of nostril stenosis.

Previous studies have shown that the most reliable external conformational risk factor of whether a brachycephalic dog will develop Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is the status of nostril stenosis, assessed as a static observation using the brachycephalic nostril grading scheme. The nostrils however are a dynamic structure, opening further when the dog is exercising, sniffing or panting. The hypothesis of this study was that brachycephalic dogs with open or mildly stenotic nostrils are more likely to have nostril mobility whilst dogs with moderately or severely stenotic nostrils are more likely to have immobile nostrils. A retrospective study of dogs presented for BOAS assessment at two UK referral centres between 2012 and 2020 was performed. Data extracted included nares stenosis status and nares mobility. A mesocephalic pilot control group was recruited from a third referral centre. Statistical analysis was performed with χ2, Cochran-Armitage, spearman's rho and linear-by-linear tests as appropriate. Of the 974 brachycephalic dogs included in the study: 124 had open nostrils (68.5% mobile); 212 mildly stenotic nostrils (58.5% mobile); 379 moderately stenotic nostrils (35% mobile) and 259 severely stenotic nostrils (19.3% mobile). The nostril stenotic status was significantly associated with nostril wing mobility (χ2 =135.55; P<0.0001). When considering open and mildly stenotic (considered acceptable) nostrils versus moderate and severely stenotic nostrils, mobility was 62% versus 25.5% (χ2= 135.88; P = <0.0001). All 27 mesocephalic dogs had nostril mobility. Brachycephalic dogs with moderate and severely stenotic nares have reduced nasal mobility compared to brachycephalic dogs with mildly stenotic and open nares. Data is further evidence that dogs with moderately and severely stenotic nares should not be bred.

The epidemiology of upper respiratory tract disorders in a population of insured Swedish dogs (2011-2014), and its association to brachycephaly.

Upper respiratory tract (URT) disorders are common in dogs but neither general nor breed-related epidemiological data are widely reported. This study´s aims were to describe the epidemiology of URT disorders in a Swedish population of dogs and to investigate whether brachycephalic breeds were overrepresented among high-risk breeds. A cohort of dogs insured by Agria Djurförsäkring in Sweden (2011-2014) was used to calculate overall and breed-specific incidence rate (IR), age at first URT diagnosis and relative risk (RR) for URT disorders. For breeds with high RR for URT disorders, co-morbidities throughout the dog's insurance period and age at death were investigated. The cohort included approximately 450,000 dogs. URT disorders had an overall IR of 50.56 (95% CI; 49.14-52.01) per 10,000 dog years at risk. Among 327 breeds, the English bulldog, Japanese chin, Pomeranian, Norwich terrier and pug had highest RR of URT disorders. Eight of 13 breeds with high RR for URT disorders were brachycephalic. The median age at first URT diagnosis was 6.00 years (interquartile range 2.59-9.78). French bulldogs with URT diagnoses had a significantly shorter life span (median = 3.61 years) than other breeds with URT diagnosis (median = 7.81 years). Dogs with high risk for URT disorders had more co-morbidities than average.

Outcome of caudal superficial epigastric axial pattern flaps in dogs and cats: 70 cases (2007-2020).

OBJECTIVES: To describe the outcome and complications associated with the use of caudal superficial epigastric axial pattern flaps in dogs and cats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multicentre retrospective review and descriptive study of clinical records of dogs and cats having undergone caudal superficial epigastric axial pattern flaps between 2007 and 2020. Data retrieved included signalment, aetiology of surgical defect, tumour type, presence/absence of clean surgical margins, presence/absence of post-operative wound infection, use of peri- and post-operative antibiotics, duration of anaesthesia, duration of surgery, presence and duration of hypothermia, presence and duration of hypotension, presence/absence of post-operative surgical drain and length of caudal superficial epigastric axial pattern flap. The incidence of complications and outcomes were documented. RESULTS: Seventy cases met the inclusion criteria; 51 dogs and 19 cats. In dogs, 67% of cases developed complications (59% minor, 8% major) and 33% had uneventful wound healing. In cats, 53% of cases developed complications, (47% minor, 5% major) and 47% had uneventful wound healing. In dogs, the percentage of cases experiencing dehiscence, necrosis, seroma, oedema and post-operative infection was 31%, 29%, 26%, 26% and 16% respectively. In cats, this was 26%, 16%, 11%, 0% and 5% respectively. A good overall outcome was seen in 77% of dogs and 79% of cats. A poor overall outcome was seen in 4% of dogs and 0% of cats. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Caudal superficial epigastric axial pattern flaps are traditionally thought more robust than other flaps, yet complication rates remain high, despite a high overall success rate.

Superficial temporal axial pattern flap for facial reconstruction of skin defects in dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVES: Report the use, complications and outcome of the superficial temporal axial pattern flap (STA) when used for closure of skin defects localised to the maxillofacial region in dogs and cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multi-centre retrospective cohort study. Medical records of dogs and cats treated with a STA flap for closure of skin defects were reviewed. Information regarding signalment, reason for axial pattern flap use, flap size, flap healing, postoperative complications including need for surgical revision and overall outcome were collected. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included: nine dogs and 10 cats. Indications for the STA flap included closure of defects following excision of tumours (18/19, 94.7%) and fungal granuloma resection (1/19, 5.2%). 100% flap survival occurred in 17 of 19 flaps (89.4%). Postoperative complications occurred in eight of 19 flaps (42.1%). A major complication of full thickness partial necrosis of the flap occurred in one of 19 cases (5.2%), where the flap length exceeded recommended guidelines. Minor complications related to the flap were seen in four of 19 cases (21%). This included partial thickness flap necrosis, flap oedema and wound discharge. Complications related to the location of surgery (5/19, 26.3%) included mild ectropion, mild exposure of the eye, reduced ability to blink and subcutaneous emphysema. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The STA flap is a good option for closure of a skin defect localised to the maxillofacial region. STA flaps were associated with a high percentage of survival and a low incidence of major complications.

Novel application of internal obturator and semitendinosus muscle flaps for rectal wall repair or reinforcement.

Internal obturator and/or semitendinosus muscle flaps were used to reinforce primary appositional rectal wall repair in three dogs and one cat in this case series. All three dogs incurred rectal wall compromise during surgical excision of anal sac tumours. The cat sustained bite wounds to the perianal region resulting in abscessation and a rectal tear. Our results indicate that application of an internal obturator and/or semitendinosus muscle flap can reduce the risk of rectal wall dehiscence after primary repair, and consequently the risk of pararectal abscess or rectocutaneous fistula formation.

Is the caudal auricular axial pattern flap robust? A multi-centre cohort study of 16 dogs and 12 cats (2005 to 2016).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and type of healing complications arising after the use of the caudal auricular axial pattern flap to close defects on the head in dogs and cats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multi-centre retrospective cohort study. Centres were recruited by the Association for Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgery Research Cooperative. Medical records of 11 centres were reviewed, and data from all dogs and cats treated with a caudal auricular axial pattern flap were retrieved. The following data were recorded: signalment, reason for reconstruction, flap dimensions, anatomic landmarks used, histological diagnosis, flap healing and whether revision surgery was required. RESULTS: Twenty-eight cases were included: 16 dogs and 12 cats. Flap length: width ratio was approximately 3:1 and flap length extended to the scapular spine in most cases. Optimal wound healing occurred in five of 16 (31%) dogs and six of 12 (50%) cats. Wound dehiscence without flap necrosis occurred in one of 16 (6%) dogs and one of 12 (8%) cats. Wound dehiscence with flap necrosis occurred in 10 of 16 (63%) dogs and five of 12 (42%) cats. Revision surgery was performed in eight of 16 (50%) dogs and three of 12 (25%) cats. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The caudal auricular axial pattern flap can provide full thickness skin coverage for large defects on the head in dogs and cats. Partial flap necrosis is a common complication, and revision surgery may be required in order to achieve final wound closure.

Treatment of canine aural haematoma by UK veterinarians.

OBJECTIVES: To survey the current treatment techniques of aural haematomas in dogs and investigate veterinary opinion regarding treatment success. METHODS: Totally 2386 emails were sent to veterinary surgeons and practices inviting them to complete an online survey. Questions investigated treatment selection for initial and repeat presentations of aural haematoma in dogs and their opinion of treatment success to prevent recurrence and for good cosmesis. RESULTS: Totally 312 email addresses were invalid, 259 questionnaires were completed (12·5% response rate) and 251 were included in analysis. On initial presentation, treatments included needle drainage with local deposition of corticosteroids (43%), surgery (29%) and needle drainage without corticosteroids (16%). Surgical procedures included linear incision with sutures alone (35%) or sutures plus stents (24%) and an S-shaped incision with sutures (23%). The most common reason to select a particular treatment was previous success (76%). Recurrent haematoma was treated more commonly with surgery (67%) than that of the initial presentation. Cosmetic results with medical management were excellent and with surgical treatment were good. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study describes the relative popularity and perceived success of treatments used for aural haematoma in the dog. Surgery is considered more likely to definitively treat the condition with good cosmetic results.

Whole-Body Barometric Plethysmography Characterizes Upper Airway Obstruction in 3 Brachycephalic Breeds of Dogs.

BACKGROUND: A novel test using whole-body barometric plethysmography (WBBP) was developed recently to diagnose brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in unsedated French bulldogs. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The hypotheses of this study were: (1) respiratory characteristics are different between healthy nonbrachycephalic dogs and brachycephalic dogs; and among pugs, French bulldogs, and bulldogs; and (2) obesity and stenotic nares are risk factors for BOAS. The main objective was to establish a diagnostic test for BOAS in these 3 breeds. ANIMALS: A total of 266 brachycephalic dogs (100 pugs, 100 French bulldogs, and 66 bulldogs) and 28 nonbrachycephalic dogs. METHODS: Prospective study. Exercise tolerance tests with respiratory functional grading, and WBBP were performed on all dogs. Data from WBBP were associated with functional grades to train quadratic discriminant analysis tools to assign dogs to BOAS+ and BOAS- groups. A BOAS index (0-100%) was calculated for each dog. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate classification ability. RESULTS: Minute volume was decreased significantly in asymptomatic pugs (P = .009), French bulldogs (P = .026), and bulldogs (P < .0001) when compared to nonbrachycephalic controls. Respiratory characteristics were different among breeds and affected dogs had a significant increase in trace variation. The BOAS index predicted BOAS status for each breed with 94-97% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88.9-100%) accuracy (area under the ROC curve). Both obesity (P = .04) and stenotic nares (P = .004) were significantly associated with BOAS. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The WBBP can be used as a clinical tool to diagnose BOAS noninvasively and objectively.

Parotidectomy for the treatment of parotid sialocoele in 14 dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the presentation, diagnosis, cause, complications and outcome in 14 dogs that presented with a parotid sialocoele and that were treated by complete parotidectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multi-institutional retrospective study. RESULTS: Each dog presented with a non-painful, fluctuant, soft tissue mass over the lateral aspect of the face in the region of the parotid salivary gland. Diagnosis was made by sialoradiography (3/14), CT (3/14), ultrasound (11/14) and MRI (2/14). The cause of the sialocoele could be determined in 8 of 14 patients and included: foreign body (2/14), sialolithiasis (1/14), neoplasia (3/14), salivary gland lipomatosis (1/14) and trauma (1/14). Treatment incurred one anaesthetic complication (regurgitation) and seven postoperative surgical complications [self-limiting seroma formation (2/14), haemorrhage (1/14), wound dehiscence (1/14), abscessation 7 months postoperatively (1/14) and facial nerve paralysis (2/14)]. Sialocoele did not recur in any dog during a median follow-up time of 14 months. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Parotidectomy has been considered a technically challenging procedure but can have a good success rate with long-term resolution of the clinical symptoms. Intra- and postoperative complications are reasonably common.

Comparison of surgical duration of canine ovariectomy and ovariohysterectomy in a veterinary teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate ovariectomy and ovariohysterectomy via midline coeliotomy when being employed by supervised final year veterinary students for the purpose of routine canine neutering. METHODS: One hundred and eight female dogs of various breeds, presented to a veterinary teaching hospital for neutering, were randomly allocated to one of two surgery groups, ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy. The specified procedure was performed by a supervised final year veterinary student. If the duration of surgery exceeded 2 hours or if major surgical or anaesthetic complications occurred, the supervising surgeon intervened to complete the procedure. RESULTS: Data analysed included age, weight, time from first incision to start of closure, duration of closure, total surgical time and length of incision. Fifty-four dogs underwent each procedure. There was no significant difference between the two surgery groups for any of the measured variables. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Ovariectomy is not associated with shorter surgical times or smaller abdominal incisions than ovariohysterectomy when employed by inexperienced surgeons. As no major complications novel to ovariectomy occurred in this cohort of dogs, this study adds support to the existing literature indicating that ovariectomy is an acceptable alternative to ovariohysterectomy for canine neutering.

The use of magnetic resonance imaging in the management of pharyngeal penetration injuries in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the correlation between the magnetic resonance imaging findings and subsequent surgical findings for a series of dogs presenting with suspected pharyngeal stick injuries to the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, between 1995 and 2004. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging findings were reviewed for patients undergoing a scan of the pharyngeal or cervical area for suspected foreign bodies during the years 1995 to 2004. RESULTS: Case signalment, history and clinical signs were similar to those reported in previous studies. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated foreign material in six of seven cases where this was present. There was good correlation between diagnosis of a foreign body at magnetic resonance imaging and subsequent surgical identification. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Compared with other imaging modalities, magnetic resonance imaging is very helpful for this type of injury, especially in chronic cases where radiographic evidence of a foreign body is unlikely. It is a valuable aid in the diagnosis of pharyngeal penetration injury and in surgical planning.

Ultrasonographic diagnosis of unusual portal vascular abnormalities in two cats.

Two cases of ascites secondary to portal vascular abnormalities associated with portal hypertension are described. In the first case a five-month-old cat was presented with recurrent ascites and investigations showed that the underlying cause was a hepatic arteriovenous fistula. Ultrasonography showed direct communication of the coeliac artery and right branch of the portal vein. There was also hepatofugal flow in the main portal vein consistent with portal hypertension. The ultrasonographic features were similar to those seen in dogs with hepatic arteriovenous fistulae. In the second case, ascites, portal hypertension and an intraluminal mass in the main portal vein was diagnosed in a 16-year-old cat that had been presented with hyperthyroidism and hepatomegaly. Acquired portosystemic collaterals involving the left renal vein were present. Additional diagnostic investigations were not permitted. Ultrasonography was useful in both cases to document portal hypertension and the underlying cause.

Role of carboplatin in multi-modality treatment of canine tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma--a case series of five dogs.

Canine tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma is an aggressive disease with a poor prognosis. A retrospective study was undertaken of all dogs that were presented between January 1999 and January 2004 to the Animal Health Trust for the treatment of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma. Five cases were identified, and their median survival time was 211 days (95 per cent confidence interval 80 to 352) with two of the five dogs remaining alive at the end of the study, 826 and 1628 days from diagnosis with no clinical signs of disease. The protocol was well tolerated with only one of the five dogs showing toxicity associated with carboplatin and all dogs that started radiotherapy completing it. Compared with results of previous studies, these cases suggest that surgical cytoreduction followed by coarse fractionated radiotherapy together with carboplatin may be a useful way to treat this tumour. Carboplatin alone caused partial remission in the two cases where it was used as neo-adjunctive therapy.

Cyclosporine treatment of anal furunculosis in 26 dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of cyclosporine on anal furunculosis lesions in 26 dogs. METHODS: Lesions were graded as mild in 11 dogs, moderate in eight and severe in seven. Each dog was treated with approximately 4 mg/kg cyclosporine orally every 12 hours until the lesions resolved or showed no further improvement. Residual lesions were resected surgically. RESULTS: Eighteen dogs (69 per cent) experienced complete resolution, seven (27 per cent) improved but had residual lesions and one (4 per cent) showed no improvement. The mean duration of treatment until resolution or no further improvement was 8.8 weeks (range four to 24 weeks). Nine dogs (35 per cent) experienced recurrence. Six were from the group that had shown complete resolution and three were from the group that had surgery. Fifteen dogs (58 per cent) developed side effects to cyclosporine, although none required treatment to be discontinued. Mean duration of follow-up was 6.8 months (range one to 20 months). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cyclosporine was effective at resolving or reducing anal furunculosis lesions in 25 of 26 dogs (96 per cent). However, residual or recurrent lesions remain a potential problem, and surgical resection or long-term cyclosporine treatment may be necessary in some dogs.

Parotid duct dilation in two dogs.

Two cases of parotid duct dilation are described; the clinical signs on initial examination were a tubular swelling over the lateral aspect of the face with an associated intraoral submucosal distension. Surgical exploration confirmed that the distended structure was the dilated parotid duct and intraoral marsupialisation resulted in no recurrence postsurgery.

Canine and feline pyothorax: a retrospective study of 50 cases in the UK and Ireland.

Fifty cases (36 dogs and 14 cats) with a confirmed diagnosis of pyothorax were evaluated from five referral institutions in the UK and Ireland. Aetiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of all cases were examined. The underlying cause of pyothorax was determined in 18 per cent of cases. Positive bacteriological cultures of the pleural fluid were obtained in 68.7 per cent of the animals. Treatment modalities included surgery and medical management, involving thoracostomy tube placement, thoracic aspiration, thoracic lavage and antimicrobial therapy. A successful outcome was achieved in 86 per cent of patients.

Biological variability in serum and urinary indices of bone formation and resorption in dogs.

Serum and urinary assays of bone markers provide a noninvasive alternative to bone biopsy in the study of bone metabolism in humans. Many of the commercial assays that were originally developed for use in humans have been shown to cross-react in dogs, and it should therefore be possible to use these assays to study bone remodeling in dogs. The interpretation of bone marker data in humans is hampered by extensive inter- and intra-subject variability. The specific aim of this study was therefore to determine the extent of biological variability in bone markers in dogs. Serum and urine samples were collected every 4 hours over a 24-hour period (short-term study), and every week over a 12-week period (long-term study). Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and urinary deoxypyridinoline (Dpd) and N-terminal telopeptide of collagen (NTx) were measured with commercial enzyme immunoassays. Serum osteocalcin (OC) and carboxyterminal crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) were measured with commercial radioimmunoassays. In the short-term study, statistically significant diurnal rhythms were identified for OC, BALP, ICTP, and Dpd. No clear rhythm was evident for NTx. There was no evidence of statistically significant long-term variability in marker excretion over the 12 weeks. Our findings confirm the utility of these assays in dogs. However, as in humans, care must be taken to ensure that specimens are collected at a consistent time of day. Moreover, given the inherent variability in marker excretion in individual animals, the most appropriate use for these assays is as a screening tool for cohort studies, rather than as a diagnostic or prognostic tool in the individual animal.