Quantifying refractive error in companion dogs with and without nuclear sclerosis: 229 eyes from 118 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between nuclear sclerosis (NS) and refractive error in companion dogs. ANIMALS STUDIED: One hundred and eighteen companion dogs. PROCEDURES: Dogs were examined and found to be free of significant ocular abnormalities aside from NS. NS was graded from 0 (absent) to 3 (severe) using a scale developed by the investigators. Manual refraction was performed. The effect of NS grade on refractive error was measured using a linear mixed effects analysis adjusted for age. The proportion of eyes with >1.5 D myopia in each NS grade was evaluated using a chi-square test. Visual impairment score (VIS) was obtained for a subset of dogs and compared against age, refractive error, and NS grade. RESULTS: Age was strongly correlated with NS grade (p < .0001). Age-adjusted analysis of NS grade relative to refraction showed a mild but not statistically significant increase in myopia with increasing NS grade, with eyes with grade 3 NS averaging 0.58-0.88 D greater myopia than eyes without NS. However, the myopia of >1.5 D was documented in 4/58 (6.9%) eyes with grade 0 NS, 12/91 (13.2%) eyes with grade 1 NS, 13/57 (22.8%) eyes with grade 2 NS, and 7/23 (30.4%) eyes with grade 3 NS. Risk of myopia >1.5 D was significantly associated with increasing NS grade (p = .02). VIS was associated weakly with refractive error, moderately with age, and significantly with NS grade. CONCLUSIONS: NS is associated with visual deficits in some dogs but is only weakly associated with myopia. More work is needed to characterize vision in aging dogs.

Findings consistent with equine proximal suspensory desmitis can be reliably detected using computed tomography and differ between affected horses and controls.

The objective of this retrospective, observational, controlled study was to evaluate bone and soft tissue window CT images of the proximoplantar metatarsus III region in twenty horses with pain localized to the proximal suspensory ligament (PSL) and 20 horses with findings nonrelated to tarsal pain. All horses underwent CT and radiographic examination. Images were reviewed by three independent observers who graded the severity and localization of findings. Bone-related categories as well as soft tissue-related categories were evaluated. For the comparison of imaging findings in horses with and without proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD), mixed linear regression was performed. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess intraobserver agreement, and kappa statistics were employed to evaluate interobserver agreement. CT examination identified significantly more abnormalities in the diseased group. The scores for osseous exostosis (p = .015) and PSL enlargement (p = .004) were notably higher in PSD horses compared to controls. Intraobserver agreement was overall high (ICC .82-1.0), and interobserver agreement was substantial for the detection of mineralization (kappa = .61) and moderate for sclerosis (kappa = .43), exostosis (kappa = .43), and PSL enlargement (kappa = .48/.51). Measurements in the soft tissue window were significantly smaller than those in the bone window. Findings concurrent with PSD including osseous proliferation and sclerosis as well as soft tissue enlargement, mineralization, and avulsion can be reliably detected using CT. Findings from the current study supported the use of CT for evaluating horses with suspected PSD where high-field MRI is not available.

Humeral intracondylar fissures and intracondylar sclerosis are common CT findings in the limb contralateral to a humeral condylar fracture in French bulldogs and spaniel breeds.

French bulldogs (FBD) are reported to be at an increased risk of developing humeral condylar fractures (HCF). Spaniel breeds have been reported to be at increased risk of HCF due to a high prevalence of humeral intracondylar fissures (HIF), which can predispose to fracture. The aims of this retrospective, single center, observational study were twofold. First, to compare the signalment, fracture configuration, and etiology of populations of FBD and spaniel breeds presenting with HCF at a single hospital. Second, to evaluate the computed tomographic (CT) findings of the contralateral elbow joints of FBD and spaniel breeds presenting with HCF for concomitant pathology. FBDs were overrepresented for HCF, most commonly presenting when skeletally immature, with a median age of 3.7 months. Fractures of the lateral condyle were the most common configuration for both breed groups. Sclerosis at the fracture site was identified in 62% of FBD and 95% of spaniels undergoing CT scans. Humeral intracondylar fissures and intracondylar sclerosis were commonly observed in the contralateral elbows of FBD (44% and 50%, respectively) and spaniel breeds (58% and 95%, respectively). Medial coronoid pathology, elbow incongruency, and periarticular osteophytes were not identified in the contralateral elbows of FBD but were identified in 29%, 4%, and 20% of spaniels, respectively. The high prevalence of HIF in the FBD group may be a predisposing factor for HCF in this breed.

Lumbosacral endplate contour defect is frequently observed concurrent with other lumbosacral abnormalities on spinal CT of French Bulldogs.

Lumbosacral osteochondrosis has been previously described in large breed dogs with variable clinical signs. Its CT features are a contour defect at the dorsal aspect of either vertebral endplate, commonly with an adjacent fragment. Descriptions of this condition have not been previously published in an increasingly popular breed, French Bulldogs. Aims of this retrospective, descriptive, single center study were to evaluate CT lumbosacral abnormalities and the frequency of lumbosacral endplate contour defect in a large sample of French Bulldogs. The presence and location of lumbosacral endplate contour defect and the presence of a concurrent osseous fragment were recorded. Other abnormal CT findings such as L7-S1 disc herniation, cauda equina nerve roots compression or thickening, disc mineralization, endplate sclerosis, spondylosis deformans, S1 articular processes hypertrophy, transitional vertebrae, hemivertebrae, spina bifida, and block vertebrae were recorded. Lumbosacral CT abnormalities were present in 91.8% of dogs (168/183). The most common abnormality was an L7-S1 dorsal disc herniation (77.4%, 130/168). Among dogs with lumbosacral abnormalities, the frequency of a lumbosacral endplate contour defect was 47% (79/168). It mostly involved L7 (78.5%, 62/79) at its dorsolateral aspect (61.3%, 38/62). A mineralized fragment was identified in 62% of the defects (49/79). Endplate contour defects were most frequently seen with a concurrent disc herniation (93.7%, 74/79) causing nerve root compression in 63.3% (50/79) and with sclerosis (65.8%, 52/79). There was no definitive evidence of a relationship with clinical presentation in this sample of French Bulldogs; therefore, this finding should be interpreted with caution. The etiology remains unclear.

Radiographic changes of the proximal third metatarsal bone do not predict presence or severity of proximal suspensory desmopathy in a predominately Quarter Horse population.

BACKGROUND: Comparison of radiography to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help objectively assess the value and limitations of radiographs in orthopaedic disease processes. The tarsus and proximal suspensory origin of the metatarsus are commonly imaged regions for lameness. The knowledge gained by comparison between imaging modalities will aid in improving accuracy of radiographic interpretation. OBJECTIVE: To compare the radiographic and MRI findings of the proximal third metatarsal bone (MTIII) and proximal suspensory ligament using MRI as the gold standard. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. METHODS: Single hindlimbs of 35 horses with radiographic and high-field (3Tesla (3T)) MRI studies were blindly evaluated by two board-certified veterinary radiologists and a radiology resident. Severity and location of the following parameters were assessed: radiographic MTIII sclerosis and lucent regions, MRI endosteal metatarsal sclerosis and bone marrow lesions, plantar cortical proliferation and resorption, and proximal suspensory desmopathy (PSD). RESULTS: Radiographic osseous changes of MTIII were identified in 54% of limbs, whereas 40% limbs had osseous changes on MRI: 43% of limbs had PSD on MRI. No significant association was found between the presence of radiographic changes in MTIII and PSD on MRI (P = .7). A statistically significant association and positive correlation was found between the severity of radiographic changes and MTIII plantar cortical proliferation and resorption on MRI (P = .01). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study with no histopathology. Ability to correlate findings with lameness was limited by the lack of standardised time intervals between onset of lameness, diagnostic analgesia and advanced imaging. CONCLUSION: Radiographic bony changes of proximal MTIII do not reliably predict presence or severity of PSD but are associated with osseous changes at the proximal MTIII. The presence of radiographic changes should warrant additional diagnostics in the region prior to making conclusions about the presence or absence of PSD.

INTRODUCTION/CONTEXTE: La comparaison de la radiographie avec l'imagerie par résonance magnétique (IRM) peut assister dans l'évaluation objective de la valeur et des limites des radiographies pour les processus pathologiques orthopédiques. OBJECTIFS: Comparer les trouvailles radiographiques et d'IRM du métatarsien principal proximal (MTIII) et de la portion proximale du ligament suspenseur du boulet, en utilisant l'IRM comme référence. TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Étude de observationnelle rétrospective. MÉTHODES: Les images radiographiques et d'IRM à haut champ (3 Tesla (3T)) d'un seul membre postérieur chez 35 chevaux ont été évalués à l'aveugle par deux radiologistes vétérinaires diplômés et un résident en radiologie. La sévérité et localisation des paramètres suivants ont été documentés : sclérose et régions lytiques radiographiques du MTIII, sclérose métatarsienne de l'endostéum à l'IRM et lésions de la moelle osseuse, prolifération et résorption plantaire corticale et desmopathie du ligament suspenseur du boulet (DLSB). RÉSULTATS: Des changements radiographiques osseux du MTIII ont été identifiés sur 54 % des membres contre 40% des membres ayant des changements osseux à l'IRM. 43% des membres avaient une DLSB à l'IRM. Aucune association significative n'a pu être identifiée entre la présence de changements radiographiques du MTIII et DLSB à l'IRM (P = 0.7). Une association statistiquement significative et une corrélation positive a été identifiée entre la sévérité des changements radiographiques et la résorption/prolifération plantaires corticales du MTIII à l'IRM (P = 0.01). LIMITES PRINCIPALES: Étude rétrospective sans histopathologie. La possibilité de corréler les données de l'examen de boiterie a été limitée par le manque d'intervalle de temps standardisés entre l'apparition de la boiterie, l'analgésie diagnostique et l'imagerie avancée. CONCLUSIONS: Ces trouvailles démontrent que les changements osseux radiographiques du MTIII proximal ne peuvent prédirent de façon fiable la présence ni la sévérité de DLSB, mais ils sont par contre associés aux changements osseux du MTIII proximal à l'IRM. La présence de changements radiographiques justifie l'utilisation de méthodes diagnostiques additionnelles du MTIII proximal avant de conclure sur la présence ou l'absence de DLSB.

Radiographic evidence of metaphyseal sclerosis secondary to canine distemper virus: 4 cases in juvenile dogs.

BACKGROUND: Metaphyseal sclerosis secondary to canine distemper virus has been described histopathologically, but its radiographic appearance has not been described. OBJECTIVES: Describe the radiographic appearance of metaphyseal sclerosis secondary to canine distemper virus in juvenile dogs as distinct from metaphyseal osteopathy (formerly called hypertrophic osteodystrophy). ANIMALS: Four dogs (2 intact females and 2 intact males) between 2.5 and 4 months of age presented to 2 different veterinary teaching hospitals. METHODS: Retrospective case series in which definitive diagnosis of canine distemper virus based on antemortem positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result or necropsy was required. RESULTS: All 4 dogs were presented for evaluation of neurologic abnormalities, respiratory signs, and lethargy; 2 dogs had gastrointestinal signs and ocular abnormalities. Radiographs on all patients featured multifocal, symmetric, metaphyseal sclerosis, with no evidence of lysis or changes to the adjacent growth plate. The metaphyseal sclerosis was most apparent at the proximal humeral diaphyses and other included long bones. Diagnosis of distemper was confirmed by necropsy (2 of 4 dogs) or positive RT-PCR results (2 of 4 dogs). Three dogs were euthanized because of progressive illness, and 1 dog was lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Identification of metaphyseal sclerosis on radiographs during diagnostic evaluation of young dogs should lead to a clinical suspicion of canine distemper virus infection. Sclerosis identified secondary to canine distemper virus is distinct from the necrosis and inflammation of metaphyseal osteopathy.

A case of feline temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis and dentate gyrus malformation.

A two-months-old, male, mixed breed cat presented with epileptic seizures. The cat was diagnosed with drug-resistant epilepsy, and died at 3-years of age. No gross lesion was found at necropsy. Histopathologically, the dentate gyrus granule cell layer of the hippocampus was irregularly arranged. Granule cells were dispersed and ectopic cells were sporadically observed in the molecular layer. The granule cells had an enlarged cytoplasm and swollen nucleus. Immunohistochemistry for NeuN and GFAP confirmed severe neuronal loss and mild gliosis in CA1. Binucleation and ischemic change were observed in the remaining pyramidal cells. This report describes a case of feline temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis associated with dentate gyrus malformation.

Computed Tomographic Features of Non-Lame French Bulldog Elbows.

OBJECTIVE: French Bulldogs are predisposed to humeral condylar fractures. Computed tomography (CT) in English Springer Spaniel elbows has allowed identification of humeral intracondylar fissures (HIF), which can cause lameness and predispose to condylar fractures. This study aimed to evaluate CT characteristics of non-lame French Bulldog elbows, to determine the presence of underlying elbow disease. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation of CT images from elbows of non-lame French Bulldogs from scans obtained for soft tissue or neurological evaluation was performed. Images were evaluated for the presence of HIF and other elbow abnormalities: condylar and supracondylar remodelling, humeral condylar sclerosis, elbow incongruency, medial coronoid process disease and elbow osteoarthritis. Descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS: Computed tomographic scans from 37 dogs (74 elbows) were reviewed. No HIF were identified, although 28/74 elbows had an intracondylar sclerotic band. Medial coronoid process disease was noted in 16/74 elbows, and small osteophytes were present in 21/74 elbows, suggesting a degree of subclinical elbow disease. Widening of the caudolateral aspect of the radial incisure was identified (37/74) as a breed normal. Elbow incongruency was otherwise rare. CONCLUSION: Non-lame French Bulldogs showed a low prevalence of occult elbow disease but a proportion had radial incisure widening. Although humeral intracondylar sclerosis was present in over a third of dogs, no HIF were identified and therefore no clear cause for their increased risk of humeral condylar fracture was identified.

Hippocampal size did not differ between epileptic and non-epileptic dogs using volumetric and subjective methods.

Hippocampal changes in epilepsy may manifest as hippocampal atrophy/sclerosis. A recent human study suggests that the demonstration of hippocampal volume loss is more reliable using quantitative evaluation methods. The aim of the present study was to obtain volumetric data in both epileptic and healthy dogs, to compare hippocampal volumes in both groups, and to compare subjective and volumetric assessment. Volumetric measurements of the hippocampi, lateral ventricles and hemispheria were performed in 31 epileptic and 15 control dogs. There was a positive association between the body weight and the hemispheric volume, as well as between the hemispheric volume and the ipsilateral hippocampal volume. There was no significant correlation between age and the volume of any measured brain structures. There was no statistically significant difference between the hippocampal volumes of the control group and the epileptic group. A statistically significant difference between the two groups for hippocampus/hemispherium ratio or hippocampal asymmetric ratio was not identified. An extrapolated hippocampal volume based on body weight was not possible in this study population.

Multicentric B-cell lymphoma with presumed paraneoplastic generalized cutaneous sclerosis in a dog.

BACKGROUND: Reports of dermal sclerosis in dogs include scleroderma or morphea of unknown cause, cicatricial alopecia and congenital/hereditary fibrosis. CLINICAL SUMMARY: A 12-year-old, male castrated chihuahua-mix dog was evaluated for skin lesions of unknown duration. The dog had severe alopecia, skin thickening and marked peripheral lymphadenopathy. Lymph node cytological investigation, immunohistochemical investigation and clonality testing demonstrated an intermediate to large B-cell lymphoma. The thickened skin had severe collagen deposition, effacing adnexal structures. The dog's lymphoma was treated but the skin lesions remained unchanged. The dog was euthanized. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of multicentric B-cell lymphoma in a dog with concurrent diffuse cutaneous sclerosis, similar to a human paraneoplastic reaction.

[Suspected hippocampal sclerosis in an european shorthair cat diagnosed with polycythemia vera]. / Verdacht auf Hippocampussklerose bei einer Europäisch-Kurzhaar-Katze mit der Diagnose Polycythaemia vera.

A 7-year-old male castrated cat was presented because of an acute onset of lethargy and vestibular ataxia. The cat was diagnosed with polycythemia vera. Later the patient developed additional clinical signs including orofacial twitching, aggressivity, hypersalivation, circling and a head tilt. A magnetic resonance imaging was performed and revealed hippocampal alterations compatible with hippocampal sclerosis. The presented case report describes the clinical signs and hematologic findings in a cat with polycythemia vera and the response of treatment. Another part is the discussion about the hypothesis that the hippocampal alterations were due to a cerebral hypoperfusion caused by the polycythemic condition.

Hippocampal necrosis and sclerosis in cats: A retrospective study of 35 cases.

Hippocampal necrosis and hippocampal sclerosis in cats is a neuropathological entity which is a major concern in feline epilepsy. The aim of our study was to identify associated pathologic brain lesions possibly serving as aetiological triggers in this condition. Therefore, the formalin-fixed and paraffin waxembedded brain tissue of 35 cats diagnosed with hippocampal necrosis or sclerosis was examined retrospectively. In 26 cats inflammatory infiltrates could be found in the hippocampus or adjacent brain regions. Fifteen out of these animals demonstrated mild to moderate infiltrations by lymphocytes and complement deposition in the hippocampus similar to human limbic encephalitis, seven showed unspecific, predominantly non-suppurative inflammation, and two demonstrated suppurative inflammation of the hippocampus or adjacent brain regions. Additionally, one cat was diagnosed with central nervous manifestation of feline infectious peritonitis virus and another one with cerebral Toxoplasma gondii infection. Intracranial neoplasia was present in five cases altogether. Three of them comprised meningioma which was present additionally to lesions resembling limbic encephalitis in two cases, and a dentate gyrus alteration in one case. The other two tumour-associated cases comprised oligodendroglioma. Structural alterations of the dentate gyrus together with hippocampal sclerosis were encountered in three cases in total. Besides the case associated with a meningioma, one case demonstrated lesions resembling limbic encephalitis. A vascular infarct in the temporal lobe was encountered in one cat. In four cases no lesions other than hippocampal necrosis or sclerosis were found. The involvement of feline immunodeficiency virus infections, which may be able to produce hippocampal lesions, was not encountered in the cats examined.

Morphological Studies on the Peripheral Circulation of the Ovary in One-Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Histological examination of the peripheral circulation of the ovary of 18 females of the one-humped camel revealed a series of blood vessels with special structures. Throttle or occlusive artery was recorded in the ovarian zona vasculosa and in the cortex, and it showed an intimal cushion-like thickening made up of intimal bolsters that formed of smooth muscle fibres and glomus cells. The smooth muscle cells of the tunica media and the tunica adventitia of throttle artery pursued a circumferential pattern. Anastomosis arteriovenosa included simple bridge-like anastomotic vessels between arteria and venae, and glomus vessels of typical structure were demonstrated. Glomus organs were recorded in the ovary and were comprised of the tortuous glomus vessels and the related afferent and efferent vessels. Glomus cell complexes also were commonly occur at the cortex ovarii that possessed an extremely convoluted course with a hyperplastic wall and a narrow lumen. Atypical glomus vessels were demonstrated within the ovarian zona vasculosa, and the wall of these vessels was relatively thick and consisted of double tunica media with an intimal bolster. Some vessels contained an intimal bolster device of exclusively glomus cell structure (glomus bolster) with a tunica elastic interna demarcated it from the glomus cell media. Some venae represented several layers of longitudinally arranged smooth muscle fibres in the tunica media. Other venae showed wall with variable thickness. Venae with double muscular tunica media were recorded in the medulla. Some venae showed double internal elastic lamina. Also, venae with thick adventitia contained dispersed smooth muscle fibres were determined. Spirally oriented arteriole and venule were demonstrated within the cortex and medulla ovarii. Gestation sclerosis was demonstrated in ovarian zona vasculosa of pregnant females.

Bilateral Dentate Gyrus Structural Alterations in a Cat Associated With Hippocampal Sclerosis and Intraventricular Meningioma.

A 13-year-old cat had a history of seizures for 3 years that resembled temporal lobe epilepsy. Histologic examination of the brain revealed bilateral hippocampal alterations, including hypergyration and broadening of the dentate gyrus associated with hippocampal sclerosis and an intraventricular meningioma near the hippocampal region. The findings in the dentate gyrus were interpreted as a congenital malformation; however, it could not be ruled out that the alterations were induced by the seizures. Similar changes of the dentate gyrus have not been previously described in cats.

A case of feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia associated with phycomycetes.

Feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia (FGESF) is a recently described inflammatory condition of domestic cats with unknown aetiology. A proportion of cases of FGESF are associated with bacteria, but antibiotic treatment is ineffective. It has been hypothesized that genetically predisposed cats may develop FGESF in response to the introduction of bacteria or other antigens into the intestinal wall. A 9- month-old male Persian cat presented with a history of marked acute haematemesis. A mass (10 cm diameter) was detected within the pylorus and proximal duodenum and this was not surgically accessible. On necropsy examination the duodenal wall was seen to be markedly thickened with extensive mucosal ulceration. Microscopically, there were haphazardly oriented trabecular bands of dense eosinophilic collagen, separated by wide, clear areas containing variable numbers of fibroblasts, eosinophils, mast cells, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells. Numerous pleomorphic, non-parallel walled, sparsely septate hyphae, characteristic of phycomycetes, were present within the collagen matrix. Colonies of gram-positive and gram-negative rods were also present within the lesion. This is the first description of FGESF with intralesional fungi.

Hippocampal neuropathology of domoic acid-induced epilepsy in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus).

California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) are abundant human-sized carnivores with large gyrencephalic brains. They develop epilepsy after experiencing status epilepticus when naturally exposed to domoic acid. We tested whether sea lions previously exposed to DA (chronic DA sea lions) display hippocampal neuropathology similar to that of human patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Hippocampi were obtained from control and chronic DA sea lions. Stereology was used to estimate numbers of Nissl-stained neurons per hippocampus in the granule cell layer, hilus, and pyramidal cell layer of CA3, CA2, and CA1 subfields. Adjacent sections were processed for somatostatin immunoreactivity or Timm-stained, and the extent of mossy fiber sprouting was measured stereologically. Chronic DA sea lions displayed hippocampal neuron loss in patterns and extents similar but not identical to those reported previously for human patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Similar to human patients, hippocampal sclerosis in sea lions was unilateral in 79% of cases, mossy fiber sprouting was a common neuropathological abnormality, and somatostatin-immunoreactive axons were exuberant in the dentate gyrus despite loss of immunopositive hilar neurons. Thus, hippocampal neuropathology of chronic DA sea lions is similar to that of human patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

Phenotypic and genetic evaluation of elbow dysplasia in Dutch Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Bernese Mountain dogs.

Canine elbow dysplasia encompasses four developmental diseases: ununited anconeal process, osteochondrosis of the medial part of the humeral condyle, fragmented medial coronoid process (FCP), and incongruity of the elbow joint. Four radiographic views per joint were used to evaluate 2693 Labrador Retrievers (LRs), 1213 Golden Retrievers (GRs), and 974 Bernese Mountain Dogs (BMDs) for the presence of elbow dysplasia between 2002 and 2009 in the Netherlands. The views were also graded for signs of osteoarthritis and sclerosis. FCP was diagnosed most frequently in LRs, GRs and BMDs, with an incidence of 6%, 5%, and 15%, and a heritability of 0.17, 0.24, and 0.06, respectively. Heritabilities were estimated using a sire model and all available ancestors. Sclerosis at the base of the medial coronoid process was the radiographic sign most strongly correlated with FCP (r=0.95, 0.92, and 0.95 in LRs, GRs and BMDs, respectively). The sex of the dog was significantly correlated with the presence of osteoarthritis in LRs, but not in GRs and BMDs. Male LRs were 1.7-fold more frequently, but not more severely, affected by osteoarthritis than female dogs. Age at radiographic examination was significantly associated with osteoarthritis in all three breeds. The heritability estimates in Retrievers were high enough to warrant including FCP findings in the breeding policy, but until the biomechanical and genetic background of elbow dysplasia are better understood, correct phenotyping with a sensitive technique is essential.

Dorsal spinous process impingement syndrome ('kissing spine') in a cat: imaging appearance and surgical management.

Spinal pain is an important clinical presentation in feline patients, but the underlying causes can often be difficult to elucidate. Dorsal spinous process impingement syndrome ('kissing spine' or in human patients 'Baastrup syndrome') is a significant cause of spinal pain in equine and human patients and radiographically is characterised by a close approximation of adjacent spinous processes with reactive bone sclerosis affecting these spinous processes. In this report we describe the first reported case of dorsal spinous process impingement syndrome in a cat causing spinal pain, and successful surgical management of the syndrome. The affected cat presented at 5 years of age for evaluation of a 7-month history of progressive thoracolumbar pain. Radiographs revealed close approximation of the dorsal spinous processes of the seventh, eighth and ninth thoracic vertebrae (T7, T8 and T9), with associated reactive bone sclerosis. Surgical resection of the T8 dorsal spinous process resulted in complete resolution of the clinical signs with no evidence of recurrence 9 months after surgery.

Use of tamoxifen in a German shepherd dog with sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis.

A German shepherd dog was diagnosed with sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis after an episode of peritonitis caused by a free intra-abdominal foreign body (stick). The foreign body had initially been treated by surgical removal and abdominal lavage. Postoperatively, peritoneal effusion persisted despite the use of methylprednisolone for 1 month and a second surgical exploration and abdominal lavage. After a third surgery at our institution (to breakdown abdominal adhesions) followed by open abdominal drainage, treatment with tamoxifen orally was initiated and within 2 weeks the dog's condition improved dramatically. Two months later, no fluid was present in the abdomen. The only apparent adverse reaction to tamoxifen therapy was swelling of the vulva. In humans, sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis is a known life-threatening complication following peritoneal dialysis. In veterinary medicine, most animals with sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis die because of chronic weight loss, peritoneal effusion and progression of concurrent disease. This dog's condition was unresponsive to methylprednisolone alone but was successfully treated with aggressive surgery including enterolysis and open abdominal lavage and the addition of tamoxifen.