Thoracic Vertebral Canal Stenosis and Vertebral Instability in a Young Minuet Cat.

This report describes a unique case of thoracic vertebral canal stenosis and vertebral instability in a 1 yr old Minuet cat. The cat presented with a history of chronic progressive nonambulatory paraparesis. Myelography with neutral and stress positions revealed dynamic compression at T1-4. Computed tomography and MRI revealed multiple sites of vertebral endplate osteolysis, adjacent bone sclerosis, intervertebral disk space narrowing, and spondylotic bridging within the cervical and cranial thoracic vertebral bodies and pedicles, particularly at C6-T4. The cat underwent a right-sided T1-4 hemilaminectomy and C7-T4 vertebral stabilization using positively threaded profile pins and polymethylmethacrylate. The cat fully recovered without any complication. The case highlights the potential for young cats, especially those with a chondrodysplastic condition, to develop vertebral canal stenosis and vertebral instability. The surgical treatment described herein resulted in an excellent outcome.

Decompressive laminectomy with vertebral stabilization allows neurologic improvement of most Pekingese dogs with thoracolumbar vertebral instability.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the diagnostic findings, surgical techniques, and outcomes of thoracolumbar vertebral instability associated with or without articular process (AP) anomalies in Pekingese dogs. ANIMALS: 11 client-owned Pekingese dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical records (2007 to 2022) were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were Pekingese dogs with thoracolumbar vertebral instability that underwent decompressive laminectomy and vertebral stabilization. Dynamic myelographic study and/or intraoperative spinal manipulation were used to diagnose vertebral instability. Data on preoperative and postoperative neurologic status, diagnostic findings, surgical techniques, and outcomes were retrieved. RESULTS: The dogs presented with paraparesis (n = 9) or paraplegia (2). Five dogs had caudal AP anomalies. Dynamic myelographic study demonstrated single (n = 7) or multiple (4) dynamic compressions with poststress spinal cord height reduction (median, 12.5%; IQR, 6.8% to 21.2%). Of the 17 dynamic compression lesions, 5 lesions were at the disc spaces with caudal AP abnormalities. All dogs had vertebral instability confirmed by intraoperative spinal manipulation and underwent hemilaminectomy and unilateral vertebral stabilization. One dog had adjacent segment vertebral instability and underwent vertebral stabilization 3 months after the initial operation. All but 1 dog showed successful outcomes at the last follow-up (median, 16 months; IQR, 3 to 32 months). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Vertebral instability associated with or without AP abnormalities is a potential cause of thoracolumbar spinal cord injury in Pekingese dogs. Dynamic myelographic studies and/or intraoperative spinal manipulation demonstrated vertebral instability. Spinal cord decompression and vertebral stabilization are effective, resulting in neurologic improvements in most dogs.

Complete vaginectomy via a ventral approach with pelvic osteotomy in a cat.

A 6-year-old, intact female, domestic short-hair cat had a 3-month history of obstipation. On physical examination and diagnostic imaging, megacolon secondary to a large, intrapelvic vaginal mass was diagnosed. An ovariohysterectomy and a complete vaginectomy via a ventral midline celiotomy and bilateral pubic and ischial osteotomies were performed. This approach allowed excellent exposure of the entire genital tract necessary to excise the large vaginal mass. The mass was histologically diagnosed as a vaginal fibrous stromal polyp. Obstipation resolved 12 h after surgery. On radiographic recheck 11 d after surgery, the colon had returned to normal size. No major surgical complications were observed. This is the first case report of a complete vaginectomy via the ventral approach with a pelvic osteotomy in a cat. Furthermore, this report describes the different surgical techniques used in animals affected by a large vaginal mass and provides evidence that an aggressive surgical approach and en-bloc excision can be considered for the management of extensive intrapelvic vaginal masses in cats.

Vaginectomie complète par voie ventrale avec ostéotomie pelvienne chez une chatte. Une chatte domestique à poils courts, intacte, âgée de 6 ans, présentait des antécédents d'obstipation depuis 3 mois. À l'examen physique et à l'imagerie diagnostique, un mégacôlon secondaire à une grosse masse vaginale intra-pelvienne a été diagnostiqué. Une ovario-hystérectomie et une vaginectomie complète via une céliotomie médiane ventrale et des ostéotomies pubiennes et ischiatiques bilatérales ont été réalisées. Cette approche a permis une excellente exposition de l'ensemble du tractus génital nécessaire pour exciser la grosse masse vaginale. La masse a été histologiquement diagnostiquée comme étant un polype stromal fibreux vaginal. L'obstipation a été résolue 12 h après la chirurgie. Lors d'une nouvelle vérification radiographique 11 jours après la chirurgie, le côlon avait retrouvé sa taille normale. Aucune complication chirurgicale majeure n'a été observée. Il s'agit du premier rapport de cas d'une vaginectomie complète par voie ventrale avec ostéotomie pelvienne chez une chatte. En outre, ce rapport décrit les différentes techniques chirurgicales utilisées chez les animaux atteints d'un gros polype vaginal et fournit des preuves qu'une approche chirurgicale agressive et une excision en bloc peuvent être envisagées pour la prise en charge des masses vaginales intra-pelviennes étendues chez les chats.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Long-Term Outcome After Surgical Resection of a Spinal Choroid Plexus Tumor in a Dog.

A 6 yr old castrated male Clumber spaniel was referred for evaluation of acute paraplegia. MRI of the thoracolumbar spine demonstrated an intradural-extramedullary mass lesion at the level of T12 and extradural spinal cord compression at L1-L2. A hemilaminectomy was performed to achieve gross total resection of the mass lesion and removal of extruded disc material. A diagnosis of spinal choroid plexus tumor (CPT) and intervertebral disc extrusion was made. At 4 mo postoperatively, MRI demonstrated a mass lesion at the right lateral aperture of the fourth ventricle. Spinal drop metastasis from a primary intracranial CPT was suspected. The dog was ambulating independently and neurologically normal at that time. At 17 mo postoperatively, a third MRI was performed owing to decreased postural reactions in both hind limbs and vision loss in the right eye, and it demonstrated an increase in size of the intracranial mass lesion. These two additional MRI studies of the entire central nervous system showed no other metastatic lesions nor any evidence of local recurrence. At 25 mo postoperatively, the dog died at home. This is the first case report of surgical intervention and antemortem histopathological diagnosis of a spinal CPT in a dog.

Clinical outcomes of 119 miniature- and toy-breed dogs with 140 distal radial and ulnar fractures repaired with free-form multiplanar type II external skeletal fixation.

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical outcomes of miniature- and toy-breed dogs with primary and previously treated distal radial and ulnar fractures (RUF) treated with a free-form multiplanar type II external skeletal fixation (ESF). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: One hundred nineteen dogs with 140 distal RUF. METHODS: Medical records (2003-2017) were reviewed for dogs weighing up to 7 kg that had been treated for distal RUF with a free-form multiplanar type II ESF. Data collected included signalment, fracture location and configuration, fracture reduction, intraoperative realignment, time to bone union and implant removal, duration of destabilization and postoperative splint, complications, and outcomes. Follow-up consisted of clinical and radiographic evaluation or telephone interview. RESULTS: All fractures healed, with a median time of 60 days, and entire ESF was removed, with a median time of 89 days. Major complications occurred in four fractures: premature pin loosening, elbow subluxation, osteomyelitis, and delayed union. Minor complications occurred in 52 fractures (61 events). All dogs had a successful return to normal limb function at final follow-up (median, seven months; range, 2-97). CONCLUSION: All primary and previously treated distal RUF in miniature- and toy-breed dogs healed and allowed return to normal function after fixation with a free-form multiplanar type II ESF. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The free-form multiplanar type II ESF provides an alternative for minimally invasive fixation of distal RUF in miniature- and toy-breed dogs that facilitates fracture reduction, intraoperative realignment, adequate initial fixation stability, destabilization, and implant removal.

Fractures of the Second Cervical Vertebra in 66 Dogs and 3 Cats: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: In human medicine, fractures of the second cervical vertebra have been studied elaborately and categorized in detail. This is not the case in veterinary medicine where clinical decisions are often based on old studies focusing on the cervical spine in general. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features, fracture types, therapeutic options and outcome of dogs and cats with a fractured axis. STUDY DESIGN: The present study was a multi-institutional retrospective case series. RESULTS: Crossbreeds and Labrador Retrievers were the most represented dog breeds. Median age was 2 years. Motor vehicle accident was the most common inciting cause, followed by frontal collision. The most common neurological deficits ranged from cervical pain with or without mild ataxia (22/68) to tetraparesis (28/68) and tetraplegia (11/68). Concerning treatment, 37 of 69 patients underwent surgical fracture stabilization, 27/69 received conservative therapy and 5/69 were immediately euthanatized. Of all treated cases, 52/58 showed ambulatory recovery (23/25 of the conservatively treated and 29/33 of the surgically treated cases), whereby in 40/52 cases full recovery without persisting signs was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: Fractures of the axis commonly occur in young dogs. In many cases, neurological deficits are relatively mild. Generally, animals with a fractured axis have a very good prognosis for functional recovery. The risk of perioperative mortality is considerably lower than previously reported.

Hemilaminectomy, Diverticular Marsupialization, and Vertebral Stabilization for Thoracolumbar Spinal Arachnoid Diverticula in Five Dogs.

Medical records (2004-2016) of five dogs with a thoracolumbar spinal arachnoid diverticula (SAD) that was diagnosed with stress myelography in four dogs and magnetic resonance imaging in three, and who had hemilaminectomy, diverticular marsupialization, and vertebral stabilization, were reviewed. Data on previous treatment, pre- and postoperative neurologic status, diagnostic findings, surgical techniques, and outcomes was retrieved. Follow-up clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed immediately; ∼1, 2, and 6 mo postoperatively; and at annual follow-up examinations. The stress myelography demonstrated spinal cord dynamic compression in three of four dogs and change in size or shape of the SAD in all four. Two dogs who had SAD recurrences 4 and 13 mo after previous surgical dural fenestration, and one dog with no previous SAD treatment demonstrated long-term neurological improvement after vertebral stabilization (49, 77, and 126 mo). In two other dogs, recurrence of clinical signs was observed at the follow-up (8 and 12 mo). This case series suggested that repetitive spinal cord injury from the dynamic lesion appears to be one potential cause of thoracolumbar SADs. In cases with dynamic lesions confirmed by stress myelography, vertebral stabilization with conventional techniques is indicated to prevent SAD recurrence.

Primary colonic hemangiosarcoma in a dog.

A 13-year-old spayed female miniature dachshund dog was presented with a history of hematochezia, melena, and weight loss. A colonic mass detected by exploratory celiotomy was resected and diagnosed as hemangiosarcoma (HSA). Liver lobectomy for hepatic HSA was performed 894 days after surgery. Adjuvant chemotherapy was declined. This is the first documentation of a canine colonic HSA.

Hémangiosarcome primaire du côlon chez un chien. Une chienne Dachsund miniature stérilisée âgée de 13 ans a été présentée avec une anamnèse d'hématochézie, de méléna et de perte de poids. Une masse du côlon détectée par céliotomie exploratoire a été réséquée et diagnostiquée comme un hémangiosarcome (HSA). La lobectomie pour le HSA hépatique a été réalisée 894 jours après la chirurgie. La chimiothérapie adjuvante a été refusée. Il s'agit de la première documentation d'un HSA canin du côlon.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Clinical Outcomes and Complications after Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Utilizing Conventional Plates in 65 Distal Radial and Ulnar Fractures of Miniature- and Toy-Breed Dogs.

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to evaluate clinical outcomes and complications of distal radial and ulnar fractures in miniature- and toy-breed dogs treated with conventional bone plate fixation. METHODS: Medical records (2001-2010) of miniature- and toy-breed dogs with distal radial and ulnar fractures repaired with open reduction and internal fixation utilizing conventional plates were reviewed. The inclusion criteria were body weight of <7 kg, fracture located in the distal antebrachium (distal-to-total radial length ratio < 0.4) and follow-up radiographs available. RESULTS: All 65 fractures healed without developing non-union, and had a successful return to normal function (median follow-up: 73 months; range: 2-149 months). Minor complication in seven fractures and major complication in four fractures were identified. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Open reduction and conventional plate fixation of distal radial and ulnar fractures in miniature- and toy-breed dogs are effective means of fixation that result in normal functional outcome without developing non-union.

Use of skin stretchers for single-stage bilateral mastectomies in a dog and a cat.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the application of skin stretchers for closure of single-stage bilateral mastectomies in a dog and a cat. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical case report. ANIMALS: A 12-year-old intact female Miniature Dachshund and a 13-year-old spayed female domestic short-hair cat. METHODS: Skin stretchers were applied to the site of the skin adjacent to mammary glands for 2-4 days before surgery. Cable tension was adjusted every 6-8 hours to elongate the skin and to achieve primary closure of single-stage bilateral mastectomy without tension. RESULTS: Wound closure after single-stage bilateral mastectomy was achieved without tension or major complication in both animals. CONCLUSION: Use of skin stretchers allows primary closure of single-stage bilateral mastectomy in dogs and cats.

Squamous cell carcinoma causing dorsal atlantoaxial spinal cord compression in a dog.

A 12-year-old Chihuahua dog was presented for cervical pain and progressive tetraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed spinal cord compression due to a mass in the dorsal atlantoaxial region. Surgical treatment was performed. The mass was histopathologically diagnosed as a squamous cell carcinoma. The dog recovered to normal neurologic status after surgery.

Carcinome squameux causant une compression de la moelle épinière altantoaxiale dorsale chez un chien. Un Chihuahua âgé de 12 ans a été présenté pour de la douleur cervicale et une tétraparésie progressive. Une imagerie par résonance magnétique a révélé une compression de la moelle épinière en raison d'une masse dans la région atlantoaxiale dorsale. Le traitement chirurgical a été réalisé. La masse a été diagnostiquée à l'histopathologie comme étant un carcinome squameux. Le chien a retrouvé une condition neurologique normale après l'opération.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Enhancement of Runx2 expression is potentially linked to ß-catenin accumulation in canine intervertebral disc degeneration.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) greatly affects the quality of life. The nucleus pulposus (NP) of chondrodystrophic dog breeds (CDBs) is similar to the human NP because the cells disappear with age and are replaced by fibrochondrocyte-like cells. Because IVDD develops as early as within the first year of life, we used canines as a model to investigate the in vitro mechanisms underlying IVDD. The mechanism underlying age-related IVDD, however, is poorly understood. Several research groups have suggested that Wnt/ß-catenin signaling plays an important role in IVDD. However, the role of Wnt/ß-catenin signals in IVD cells is not yet well understood. Here, we demonstrate that Wnt/ß-catenin signaling could enhance Runx2 expression in IVDD and lead to IVD calcification. Nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue was obtained from Beagle dogs after evaluation of the degeneration based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Histological analysis showed that lack of Safranin-O staining, calcified area, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 13-positive cells increased with progression of the degeneration. Furthermore, the levels of ß-catenin- and Runx2-positive cells also increased. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the MRI signal intensity and mRNA expression levels of ß-catenin and Runx2 are correlated in NP tissues. Moreover, supplementation of LiCl induced ß-catenin accumulation and Runx2 expression. In contrast, FH535 inhibited LiCl-induced upregulation. These results suggest that Runx2 transcript and protein expression, potentially in combination with ß-catenin accumulation, are enhanced in degenerated and calcified intervertebral discs of CDBs.

A comparison of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion in French Bulldogs and Dachshunds and association with congenital vertebral anomalies.

OBJECTIVES: To compare data for French Bulldogs and Dachshunds that had hemilaminectomy for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (T-L IVDE) by 1 surgeon and to evaluate the association between IVDE and congenital vertebral anomalies. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: French Bulldogs (n = 47) and 671 Dachshunds. METHODS: Age, gender, vertebral anomaly, kyphosis/kyphoscoliosis, IVDE site, non-recovery and progressive hemorrhagic myelomalacia development from grade 5 (paraplegia without deep nociception) were compared between the 2 breeds. RESULTS: French Bulldogs were significantly younger (P = .00001), more likely to be male (P = .023), and more likely to have a congenital vertebral anomaly and kyphosis/kyphoscoliosis (P < .00001) than Dachshunds. The frequencies of French Bulldogs with IVDE within typical sites (T11-L3) were significantly lower (P = .0005) and within caudal sites (L3-L7) significantly higher (P = .0001) compared with Dachshunds. None of the French Bulldogs had IVDE within the kyphotic/kyphoscoliotic segment. The frequency of lumbar IVDE (L1-L5) in French Bulldogs with kyphosis/kyphoscoliosis was significantly higher (P = .003) compared with French Bulldogs without kyphosis/kyphoscoliosis. In grade 5 dogs, the risk of developing progressive hemorrhagic myelomalacia in French Bulldogs was significantly higher (P = .03) than in Dachshunds. CONCLUSION: The distribution of IVDE site in French Bulldogs within the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine was different from Dachshunds. IVDE sites were not located at the sites of vertebral anomaly. French Bulldogs appeared to have T-L IVDE at younger ages, with higher male predisposition and higher risk of developing progressive hemorrhagic myelomalacia from grade 5 compared with Dachshunds.

Variations in gene and protein expression in canine chondrodystrophic nucleus pulposus cells following long-term three-dimensional culture.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration greatly affects quality of life. The nucleus pulposus (NP) of chondrodystrophic dog breeds (CDBs) is similar to the human NP, because the cells disappear with age and are replaced by fibrochondrocyte-like cells. However, because IVD develops as early as within the first year of life, we used canines as a model to investigate in vitro the mechanisms underlying IVD degeneration. Specifically, we evaluated the potential of a three-dimensional (3D) culture of healthy NP as an in vitro model system to investigate the mechanisms of IVD degeneration. Agarose hydrogels were populated with healthy NP cells from beagles after performing magnetic resonance imaging, and mRNA expression profiles and pericellular extracellular matrix (ECM) protein distribution were determined. After 25 days of 3D culture, there was a tendency for redifferentiation into the native NP phenotype, and mRNA levels of Col2A1, COMP, and CK18 were not significantly different from those of freshly isolated cells. Our findings suggest that long-term 3D culture promoted chondrodystrophic NP redifferentiation through reconstruction of the pericellular microenvironment. Further, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced expression of TNF-α, MMP3, MMP13, VEGF, and PGES mRNA in the 3D cultures, creating a molecular milieu that mimics that of degenerated NP. These results suggest that this in vitro model represents a reliable and cost-effective tool for evaluating new therapies for disc degeneration.

Modified ventral stabilization using positively threaded profile pins and polymethylmethacrylate for atlantoaxial instability in 49 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe diagnostic findings, complications, and long-term outcome of dogs with atlantoaxial instability (AAI) that had modified ventral stabilization with positively threaded profile pins and polymethylmethacrylate by 1 surgeon and to evaluate the potential prognostic indicators. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 49) with AAI. METHODS: Medical records (2000-2010) of dogs with AAI that had modified ventral stabilization were reviewed. Data on pre- and postoperative neurologic status, diagnostic findings, and outcomes were retrieved. Age, neurologic grade, duration of clinical abnormalities, dens abnormalities, and MRI findings were evaluated as the potential predictors for recovery. Age and cancellous bone grafting were evaluated as the potential predictors of postoperative pin breakage. RESULTS: Two dogs died during the perioperative period. In 47 dogs with follow up (median: 29 months; range, 4-110 months), 46 dogs (94%) improved neurologically after surgery, but 1 dog did not become ambulatory. There were no long term complications that resulted in serious neurologic deterioration or that required additional surgery. Partial pin breakage (1-5 pins) occurred in 16 dogs at 1-27.5 months (median, 5 months) without neurologic deterioration. Only the nonambulatory preoperative grade was significantly (P = .002) associated with non/incomplete recovery compared with ambulatory dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate stabilization of the vertebrae and improved neurologic status were achieved in most dogs with AAI using a modified ventral stabilization technique with positively threaded profile pins and polymethylmethacrylate.

Long-term neurologic outcome of hemilaminectomy and disk fenestration for treatment of dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation: 831 cases (2000-2007).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH) that successfully recovered following hemilaminectomy and fenestration, the time to ambulation (TTA) in affected dogs after surgery, and the frequency of urinary and fecal incontinence in recovered dogs and to document long-term complications. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 831 dogs with thoracolumbar IVDH treated by hemilaminectomy and concomitant disk fenestration by the same surgeon. PROCEDURES: For all dogs, neurologic deficits before surgery had been assessed with a modified grading system. Dogs were reexamined after surgery over a period of 3 to 6 months, and follow-up evaluation was performed at > 12 months. The proportion of dogs that neurologically improved after surgery, TTA, and incidence of fecal or urinary incontinence in recovered dogs were compared among dogs with various grades of neurologic dysfunction before surgery. RESULTS: Of 831 dogs, 122 had unsuccessful outcomes and 709 had successful outcomes. Of 620 dogs with intact deep nociception before surgery, 606 (97.7%) were ambulatory after surgery. Despite maintaining the ability to walk, 7 dogs were judged to have an unsuccessful outcome because the severity of ataxia did not improve. Of 211 paraplegic dogs with loss of deep nociception, 110 (52.1%) dogs became ambulatory after surgery. Long-term complications included incontinence, permanent neurologic deterioration, and self-mutilation. Dogs with paraplegia before surgery had a higher frequency of urinary or fecal incontinence, compared with dogs that were ambulatory. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prognosis for dogs with thoracolumbar IVDH that retain deep nociception in at least 1 of the pelvic limbs or tail before surgery was good.

Recurrent thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion after hemilaminectomy and concomitant prophylactic fenestration in 662 chondrodystrophic dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and location of recurrent thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (T-L IVDE) after hemilaminectomy with prophylactic fenestration (PF) and to document PF-related complications. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Chondrodystrophic dogs (n = 793). METHODS: In 662 successfully recovered dogs (>1 year follow-up), the prevalence of dogs with recurrent T-L IVDE that required a 2nd surgery and dogs with clinical signs that improved without surgery was evaluated. Prevalence of second disc extrusions (SDEs) within T11-L4 intervertebral discs was compared between PF discs and non-PF discs. RESULTS: T-L SDEs were intraoperatively confirmed in 15 dogs (2.3%), 2-61 months after initial surgery and 66 dogs (10.0%) had signs of T-L IVDE recurrence that improved without surgery (mean follow-up, 44.7 months). No dog had further extrusion at the initial T-L site. SDE occurred at a PF disc (n = 1), adjacent to PF discs (8), or at distant discs (6). Prevalence of SDE in non-PF discs was 26.2 times higher than PF discs (95% CI: 3.4, 203.4; P < .001). Major PF-related complications included iatrogenic introduction of the disc material into the spinal canal (n = 1), and vertebral subluxation/instability (3) at 1-88 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: SDE is more likely to occur at non-PF discs than PF discs when PF is performed at spaces predisposed to disc extrusion. PF is a safe and effective treatment to prevent SDE in chondrodystrophic dogs.

Unilateral hydronephrosis and partial ureteral obstruction by entrapment in a granuloma in a spayed dog.

A 6-year-old, spayed female dog had hydronephrosis and incomplete ureteral occlusion on the left side. An end-to-side ureteral anastomosis was performed. The incomplete ureteral occlusion was determined to be related to an ovarian pedicle granuloma formation and was presumably related to a reaction to the suture material used for ovariohysterectomy (OVH) performed 5 years prior to presentation. Azotemia and hydronephrosis were dramatically improved after surgery, and renal function has been well maintained for 3 years. To the authors' knowledge, a chronic partial ureteral occlusion associated with an ovarian pedicle granuloma from an OVH has not been reported.

Conditioning of karyoplasts for producing somatic nuclear transferred gonadal germ cells in domestic chickens.

The objective of this study was to establish a protocol for generating karyoplasts that can be used to produce somatic nuclear transferred gonadal germ cells (snt-GGCs) in domestic chickens. Karyoplasts were produced by centrifuging cultured fibroblasts from 10-day-old chick embryos at 10,000 x g in the presence of 1.0 microg/ml cytochalasin B. The number of karyoplasts was significantly (P<0.05) higher and the diameters of the karyoplasts were significantly (P<0.05) smaller when fibroblasts were centrifuged for 60 min than for 10 or 30 min. It was possible to generate snt-GGCs by electrofusion of GGCs with karyoplasts produced from cryopreserved or serum-starved fibroblasts. These results indicate that karyoplasts generated from 10-day-old chick embryos can be used to produce snt-GGCs even after cryopreservation and serum starvation of the fibroblasts.

Epidural idiopathic sterile pyogranulomatous inflammation causing spinal cord compressive injury in five Miniature Dachshunds.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical findings, and outcome of dogs with idiopathic sterile pyogranulomatous inflammation (ISP) of epidural fat causing spinal cord compression. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=5). METHODS: Dogs with epidural ISP (2002-2006) were identified retrospectively. Inclusion criteria were neurologic examination, myelography, and definitive diagnosis of ISP confirmed by surgery and histopathologic examination of epidural spinal cord compressive tissue. RESULTS: The most common clinical sign was paraparesis/paraplegia. No abnormalities were detected by laboratory testing or survey spine radiographs. On myelography, extradural spinal cord compressions were focal (dogs 1, 3, and 5) or multifocal (dogs 2 and 4). Surgical decompression of the spinal cord was completed by hemilaminectomy. Epidural fat collected surgically had pyogranulomatous inflammation of unknown cause and was histologically similar to subcutaneous ISP. All dogs had good long-term neurologic outcome (10-45 months follow-up). Some dogs had episodes of ISP at other sites before or after surgical treatment of epidural ISP, suggesting there may be a systemic form of ISP. CONCLUSION: Epidural ISP may cause a spinal cord compressive lesion in Miniature Dachshunds, which can be treated by surgical decompression of the spinal cord with or without administration of adjunctive steroids. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Epidural ISP should be considered as a possible cause of thoracolumbar myelopathy for Miniature Dachshunds.