Effects of restrictive and non-restrictive harnesses on shoulder extension in dogs at walk and trot.

The study aimed to compare the effect of restrictive and non-restrictive harnesses on shoulder extension of dogs at walk and trot. This was a prospective study of nine dogs. Dogs were walked and trotted on a treadmill at a comfortable walking and trotting speed, first with no harness, then with each harness type, with and without added weights. Dogs were filmed and the angle of shoulder extension was measured using non-reflective markers and a video analysis software. Significant decrease in shoulder extension was found with both types of harnesses in comparison with no harness, except for the restrictive harness with weights. Shoulder extension was 2.6° and 4.4° less in dogs wearing a non-restrictive harness than in dogs wearing a restrictive harness, at walk and trot, respectively. The addition of weights did not consistently add more restriction to shoulder extension. The results of this study indicate that harnesses do limit shoulder extension, but perhaps not in the way originally anticipated, as results show extension is significantly reduced under the non-restrictive harnesses compared with the restrictive harnesses, with and without weights.

Surgical treatment of mineralized and nonmineralized supraspinatus tendinopathy in twenty-four dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report and compare the clinical diagnosis, surgical treatment, histopathologic changes, and outcomes of dogs with mineralized and nonmineralized supraspinatus tendinopathy (ST). STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=24) with ST. METHODS: Medical records (1995-2006) of dogs with ST that had surgical treatment were reviewed. Results of clinical examination, diagnostic imaging, surgery, histopathology of resected tendon tissue, and outcome were compared between dogs with mineralized and nonmineralized ST. RESULTS: There were 15 dogs with mineralized ST and 9 with nonmineralized ST. Chronic, unilateral, intermittent or waxing-waning lameness, and pain elicited on palpation of the cranial aspect of the shoulder were the most consistent findings. On ultrasonographic or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 35 shoulders, enlargement of the supraspinatus tendon (54%), increased fluid content (63%), and medial displacement of the biceps tendon (60%) were observed. Eleven of 12 dogs with bilateral abnormalities only had unilateral lameness. Surgery was performed in 30 shoulders. Resected tendon specimens had myxomatous degeneration and/or cartilaginous metaplasia in 11 of 13 dogs in the mineralized group and all 9 dogs in the nonmineralized group. Functional outcome after surgery was poor in 3 dogs and good-to-excellent in 16. CONCLUSIONS: Mineralized and nonmineralized ST have many similarities. Although lameness is usually unilateral, the supraspinatus tendon may be affected bilaterally. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasonography and MRI are good imaging techniques for detection of ST especially the nonmineralized form. Surgical treatment results in good recovery of limb function. Nonmineralized ST is a recently described disorder in dogs and evaluation of more cases is necessary to determine outcome after surgical or medical treatment.

Management of humeral and femoral fractures in dogs and cats with linear- circular hybrid external skeletal fixators.

Linear-circular hybrid fixators were used to stabilize humeral and femoral fractures in 21 dogs and five cats. Twenty-two of 24 fractures with sufficient follow-up radiographic evaluation obtained union. Time to radiographic union ranged from 25 to 280 days (mean +/- standard deviation [SD] 110+/-69 days; median 98 days). Eleven animals developed minor and two dogs developed major pin and/or wire tract inflammation. Functional outcome was rated as excellent (n=16), good (n=5), and fair (n=3) at the time of final long-term assessment (range 4.5 to 60.0 months; mean +/- SD 28.4+/-15.4 months; median 28.5 months). Follow-up information was unavailable for two animals. Hybrid fixators were useful constructs for stabilization of humeral and femoral fractures, particularly fractures with short, juxta-articular fracture segments.

Arthropathy caused by a lead bullet in a dog.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 3-year-old spayed female Labrador Retriever was evaluated for progressive lameness of the left forelimb 21 months after being shot in the elbow with a lead bullet. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination findings were consistent with moderate osteoarthritis of the left elbow joint. Orthogonal radiographic views of the elbow revealed multiple metallic fragments in and around the joint space as well as signs of osteoarthritis. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The elbow joint was evaluated arthroscopically. A lead-based bullet fragment was seen in the lateral synovial compartment and removed in multiple pieces. Excess fibrin and synovium were removed, and microfractures were created in exposed subchondral bone to stimulate neovascularization and fibrocartilage formation. In a follow-up telephone conversation 4 months after surgery, the owner reported a marked improvement in the lameness. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Removal of lead intra-articular foreign bodies may be indicated even if the material is not believed to mechanically interfere with joint motion.

Comparison between meloxicam and transdermally administered fentanyl for treatment of postoperative pain in dogs undergoing osteotomy of the tibia and fibula and placement of a uniplanar external distraction device.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of meloxicam administered perioperatively with transdermal administration of fentanyl via a patch placed preoperatively in dogs undergoing orthopedic surgery. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 16 dogs. PROCEDURE: Unilateral or bilateral osteotomy of the tibia and fibula was surgically performed, and a uniplanar external distraction device was placed in each limb. Postoperative pain and lameness were assessed 24, 48, and 72 hours after administration of the first of 3 doses of meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg [0.09 mg/lb], IV, given preoperatively, followed by 0.1 mg/kg [0.045 mg/lb], IV, after 24 hours, and 0.1 mg/kg, PO, after 48 hours) or preoperative placement of a transdermal fentanyl patch (50 microg/h) left in place for 72 hours. RESULTS: No significant differences in total pain scores were detected between groups. Mean +/- SD lameness scores assessed at 24 and 72 hours were lower in dogs in the meloxicam group than dogs in the fentanyl group. Lameness scores decreased with time in a similar manner in both treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Perioperative administration of meloxicam or preoperative placement of a transdermal fentanyl patch provided effective and similar postoperative analgesia in dogs undergoing orthopedic surgery. However, because of its anti-inflammatory effects, treatment with meloxicam reduced the degree of lameness and resulted in rapid functional recovery of the limb.

Utilización de la Clorhexidina en la prevención oral de pacientes de la tercera edad / Usage of chlorhexidine for oral prophylaxis in elderly patients

El adecuado conocimiento y utilización de la clorhexidina como un potente agente antimicrobiano en la prevención de las enfermedades orales en el paciente de la tercera edad ha sido el objetivo de esta publicación. Tras una introducción de las características generales de la clorhexidina, este trabajo se centra fundamentalmente en las indicaciones preventivas en el paciente geriátrico, especialmente en el control de placa y prevención de caries, así como en las formas y pautas de aplicación. Para ello se ha realizado una revisión, mediante búsqueda Medline en el periodo 1986-2000. En los protocolos de aplicación en el paciente anciano las pautas no difieren en gran medida de las utilizadas en adultos, si bien es importante tener en cuenta sus condiciones físicas y psíquicas (AU)