Pneumorrhachis in a rottweiler.

An 8·5-year-old, female, neutered, Rottweiler was presented for investigation of progressive ataxia of one week duration. Proprioception was absent in the left pelvic limb and reduced on the right, thoracolumbar hyperalgesia was evident and pelvic limb segmental spinal reflexes were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a spherical region of signal void compressing the spinal cord between the fifth and sixth thoracic vertebrae and several non-compressive degenerate intervertebral discs. Computed tomography (CT) of the region confirmed the findings and identified the lesion as gas. A dorsolateral hemilaminectomy was performed to decompress the spinal cord and achieved complete resolution of the clinical signs on examination after 3 months. This is the first known reported case of spontaneous pneumorrhachis in a veterinary patient.

Effect of surgical technique on radiographic fusion of the anconeus in the treatment of ununited anconeal process.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine if internal fixation of the anconeus combined with a proximal ulnar osteotomy was more likely to result in fusion of the anconeus to the ulna compared with a proximal ulnar osteotomy alone. METHODS: A total of 12 orthopaedic referral clinics reviewed their clinical databases for cases of ununited anconeal process. Demographic and clinical parameters were collected along with radiographic follow-up at a minimum of four weeks. Cases treated with proximal ulnar osteotomy alone were compared with those treated with proximal ulnar osteotomy + internal fixation. Both groups were compared for background and disease variables. We tested for an association between treatment method and whether radiographic anconeal union had occurred. RESULTS: A total of 47 elbows (44 dogs) were identified. Of these, 28 cases (average age 7.6 months) were treated with proximal ulnar osteotomy (of which eight were stabilised with an intramedullary pin) alone. Nineteen cases (average age 7.1 months) were treated with proximal ulnar osteotomy + internal fixation. The two groups were not significantly different in age (P=0.638, Mann-Whitney U test). Fourteen of 28 cases with proximal ulnar osteotomy alone displayed anconeal union at follow-up compared with 16 of 19 cases of proximal ulnar osteotomy + internal fixation, and this difference was statistically significant (P=0.029, Fisher's exact test). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These data suggest that use of a lag screw to stabilise and compress the ununited anconeal process in addition to proximal ulnar osteotomy produces a better radiographic outcome. It is argued that radiographic union of the anconeus is likely to be associated with better long-term clinical outcome but further studies are required to confirm this.

Arthroscopic management of a lateral glenohumeral ligament rupture in two dogs.

Tears to the lateral glenohumeral ligament appear to be uncommon in dogs. Two Labrador Retrievers were arthroscopically diagnosed with lateral glenohumeral ligament tears of the shoulder. Both cases failed to respond to conservative management. Surgical stabilisation of the lateral aspect of the shoulder joint was achieved using an arthroscopically placed suture using a hanging limb technique. Lameness resolved in both cases.

Stabilisation of medial shoulder instability by imbrication of the subscapularis muscle tendon of insertion.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of subscapularis muscle tendon of insertion imbrication as a treatment for medial shoulder instability. METHODS: Medial shoulder instability was diagnosed in five dogs. Initial management with medical or arthroscopic treatment failed to fully resolve lameness in four of the cases. Each case was treated by subscapularis muscle tendon of insertion imbrication. An anatomical model of medial shoulder instability was used to assess the effect of subscapularis muscle tendon of insertion imbrication on the angle of abduction of the shoulder. RESULTS: In clinical study, subscapularis muscle tendon of insertion imbrication was performed in five cases. Lameness resolved fully in three cases and partially in two cases. In cadaver study, transection of either the subscapularis muscle tendon of insertion or the subscapularis muscle tendon of insertion and medial glenohumeral ligament significantly increased the angle of abduction. Imbrication of the subscapularis muscle tendon of insertion significantly reduced the angle of abduction. No significant differences were noted between the angle of abduction of normal shoulder and the shoulder with medial shoulder instability treated by subscapularis muscle tendon of insertion imbrication. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Subscapularis muscle tendon of insertion imbrication is a moderately effective procedure for the management of medial shoulder instability unresponsive to medical and/or arthroscopic management. The angle of abduction of the shoulder was returned to normal in model of medial shoulder instability, following subscapularis muscle tendon of insertion. Subscapularis muscle tendon of insertion imbrication provides a relatively simple method of treating medial shoulder instability in dogs.