A Comparison of Angular Values of the Pelvic Limb with Normal and Medial Patellar Luxation Stifles in Chihuahua Dogs Using Radiography and Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVE: This article aimed to determine and compare the angular values of the pelvic limb in normal and medial patellar luxation (MPL) stifles in Chihuahuas using radiography and computed tomographic (CT) scan, to identify the relationship between pelvic limb angles and severity of MPL. In addition, radiographic and CT images were compared to determine the more suitable method of limb deformity assessment. METHODS: Sixty hindlimbs of Chihuahuas were divided into normal and grade 1, 2, 3 and 4 MPL groups. The pelvic limb angles in frontal and sagittal planes were evaluated on radiography and CT scan. Femoral and tibial torsion angles (FTA and TTA) were evaluated only by CT scan. All angles were compared among normal and MPL stifles and between radiography and CT scan. RESULTS: Based on the CT scan, the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), anatomical caudal proximal femoral angle (aCdPFA), and TTA were related to the severity of MPL. The mLDFA and TTA were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in grade 4 MPL, while the aCdPFA was significantly decreased in grade 2, 3 and 4 MPL groups. There were significant differences of many angles between radiography and CT scan. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The angles related to MPL in Chihuahuas are aLDFA, mLDFA, aCdPFA and TTA. Radiography had some limitations for evaluating pelvic limb angles. The caudocranial radiograph is recommended for the assessment of the distal femoral angles, while the craniocaudal radiograph is for the tibial angles.

Perineal hernia repair using an autologous tunica vaginalis communis in nine intact male dogs.

Perineal hernia in dogs is very problematic and mostly requires surgical reconstruction of the weak pelvic diaphragm. Tissue or synthetic grafts have been used for the correction after failure of the conventional herniorrhaphy. Aim of this clinical trial was to assess the possible use of the autologous tunica vaginalis communis as a free graft for perineal hernia repair in intact male dogs. Seven unilateral and 2 bilateral perineal hernias in nine intact male dogs free from testicular and scrotal neoplasms were included in this study. The median surgical time for unilateral herniorrhaphy was 75 min. The median follow-up time was 13 months. The success of the autografting, based on no recurrence and comfort of the animals during urination and defecation, was found in ten of 11 hernias; giving a success rate of 90.91%. One hernia (9.09%) recurred 10 days after surgery. Histopathological examination of the apposing area between the graft and the adjacent tissue, taken during the repair of the recurred case at day 20, revealed neovascularization and connective tissue ingrowth. In conclusion, the tunica vaginalis autograft can be used for perineal herniorrhaphy in intact male dogs.

Canine amniotic membrane transplantation for corneal reconstruction after the excision of dermoids in dogs.

Transplantation of canine amniotic membrane (AM) in conjunction with a third eyelid flap was performed after the removal of large dermoids by keratectomy and conjunctivectomy on 7 eyes of 7 dogs. Corneal epithelialization was completed within 2 weeks after the transplantation. Five eyes attained normal transparency of the cornea within 5 weeks. Slight pigmentation of the bulbar conjunctiva at the limbus was observed in 1 dog that had pre-existing pigmentary keratitis. Neovascularization and scarring of the cornea and impaired vision were not found in any dogs at 8 weeks after the transplantation. In conclusion, transplantation of canine AM can promote corneal healing after the excision of large dermoids in dogs.