A questionnaire-based investigation of the swimming puppy syndrome: 115 dogs.

Swimming Puppy Syndrome (SPS) is a benign reversible condition of unknown etiology in multiple dog breeds. Affected dogs show laterally abducted limbs and are unable to stand and walk on their own. The current knowledge of this condition derives from few case reports or small case series. Therefore, the aim of this study was to collect data on the clinical course from a large cohort of dogs with SPS with an online questionnaire supported by video footage. Potential risk factors were compared between 110 litters with SPS and 103 unaffected litters. SPS was reported in 115 dogs from 48 different breeds comprising a wide range of small, middle, and large breeds. Litters with SPS were significantly smaller than unaffected litters. Cesarean sections were reported more frequently in affected litters, but the overall rate of reported birth complications did not differ significantly from unaffected litters. Most puppies were able to stand and walk at a median age of 4.5 weeks (up to 12 weeks) and clinical signs resolved at a median age of six weeks (up to 12 weeks). Puppies from large breeds showed faster recovery than puppies from medium and small breeds. Occasionally, residual deficits were reported and only three dogs failed to recover. A clustering of SPS occurred in closely related litters in four kennels of four different dog breeds (Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Golden Retriever, Miniature Bull Terrier, Norwich Terrier). The study shows the benign clinical course of SPS in a large cohort of puppies from multiple dog breeds. Potential risk factors including reports on birth complications, size and muscle mass compared to littermates and diet of the dam during pregnany were evaluated and no influence on the occurrence of SPS was identified.

Low Dose Betahistine in Combination With Selegiline Increases Cochlear Blood Flow in Guinea Pigs.

OBJECTIVE: Betahistine is frequently used in the pharmacotherapy for Menière's Disease (MD). Little is known about its mode of action and prescribed dosages vary. While betahistine had an increasing effect on cochlear microcirculation in earlier studies, low dose betahistine of 0.01 mg/kg bw or less was not able to effect this. Selegiline inhibits monoaminooxidase B and therefore potentially the breakdown of betahistine. The goal of this study was to examine whether the addition of selegiline to low dose betahistine leads to increased cochlear blood flow. METHODS: Twelve Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs were anesthetized, the cochlea was exposed and a window opened to the stria vascularis. Blood plasma was visualized by injecting fluoresceinisothiocyanate-dextrane and vessel diameter and erythrocyte velocity were evaluated over 20 minutes. One group received low dose betahistine (0.01 mg/kg bw) and selegiline (1 mg/kg bw) i.v. while the other group received only selegiline (1 mg/kg bw) and saline (0.9% NaCl) as placebo i.v. RESULTS: Cochlear microcirculation increased significantly (P < .001) in guinea pigs treated with low dose betahistine combined with selegiline by up to 58.3 ± 38.7% above baseline over a period of up to 11 minutes. In one guinea pig, the increase was 104.6%. Treatment with Selegiline alone did not affect microcirculation significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Low dose betahistine increased cochlear microcirculation significantly when combined with selegiline. This should be investigated in further studies regarding dose-effect relation in comparison to betahistine alone. Side effects, in particular regarding circulation, should be considered carefully in view of the clinical applicability of a combination therapy in patients with MD.

Evaluation of chondrocyte death in canine osteochondral explants exposed to a 0.5% solution of bupivacaine.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate chondrocyte death in canine articular cartilage exposed in vitro to bupivacaine with and without methylparaben and to compare viability for cartilage with intact or mechanically debrided surfaces. SAMPLE POPULATION: Both glenohumeral joints from 10 adult canine cadavers. PROCEDURES: 10 osteochondral cores were harvested from each of the 20 humeral heads; synovium and 1 core from each joint were examined to verify joint health, and the other 9 cores were exposed to canine chondrocyte culture medium (CCCM), a 0.5% solution of bupivacaine, or 0.5% solution of bupivacaine with methylparaben for 5, 15, or 30 minutes. RESULTS: For the superficial zone of surface-intact chondrocytes, bupivacaine with methylparaben caused a significantly higher percentage of chondrocyte death at 5 minutes (47.7%) than did bupivacaine (23.6%) or CCCM (25.4%). Bupivacaine (53.8%) and bupivacaine with methylparaben (62.5%) caused a significantly higher percentage of chondrocyte death at 30 minutes than did CCCM (20.0%). For the superficial zone of chondrocytes with debrided surfaces, bupivacaine with methylparaben caused a significantly higher percentage of chondrocyte death at 30 minutes (59%) than it did at 5 minutes (37.7%). Bupivacaine with methylparaben caused a significantly higher percentage of chondrocyte death at 30 minutes (59.0%) than did CCCM (28.9%). For middle and deep zones of chondrocytes, treatment solution and surface debridement had minimal effects on percentage of chondrocyte death. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bupivacaine and bupivacaine with methylparaben were cytotoxic to canine articular chondrocytes in vitro. Intra-articular administration of bupivacaine is not recommended for clinical use until additional studies are conducted.

Radiographic evaluation of perching-joint angles in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis), and barred owls (Strix varia).

Information on perching-joint angles in birds is limited. Joint immobilization in a physiologic perching angle has the potential to result more often in complete restoration of limb function. We evaluated perching-joint angles in 10 healthy cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), 10 Hispaniolan Amazons (Amazona ventralis), and 9 barred owls (Strix varia) and determined intra- and interobserver variability for goniometric measurements in 2 different radiographic projections. Intra- and interobserver variation was less than 7% for all stifle and intertarsal joint measurements but frequently exceeded 10% for the hip-joint measurements. Hip, stifle, and intertarsal perching angles differed significantly among cockatiels, Hispaniolan Amazon parrots, and barred owls. The accuracy of measurements performed on straight lateral radiographic projections with superimposed limbs was not consistently superior to measurements on oblique projections with a slightly rotated pelvis. Stifle and intertarsal joint angles can be measured on radiographs by different observers with acceptable variability, but intra- and interobserver variability for hip-joint-angle measurements is higher.

Effects of treadmill inclination on electromyographic activity and hind limb kinematics in healthy hounds at a walk.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of treadmill incline on muscle activity and joint range of motion (ROM) in hind limbs of dogs. ANIMALS: 8 purpose-bred healthy adult hounds. PROCEDURES: Activities of the hamstring (semimembranosus, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris muscles), gluteal (superficial, middle, and deep gluteal muscles), and quadriceps (femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and vastus medialis muscles) muscle groups and hip and stifle joint ROM were measured with surface electrogoniometric and myographic sensors in hounds walking on a treadmill at 0.54 m/s at inclines of 5%, 0%, and -5% in random order. Mean electromyographic activities and mean ROMs at each inclination were compared for swing and stance phases. RESULTS: Treadmill inclination did not affect duration of the stance and swing phases or the whole stride. When treadmill inclination was increased from -5% to 5%, hip joint ROM increased and the degree of stifle joint extension decreased significantly. In the beginning of the stance phase, activity of the hamstring muscle group was significantly increased when walking at a 5% incline versus a 5% decline. In the end of the stance phase, that activity was significantly increased when walking at a 5% incline versus at a 5% decline or on a flat surface. Activity of the gluteal and quadriceps muscle groups was not affected when treadmill inclination changed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Treadmill inclination affected joint kinematics only slightly. Walking on a treadmill at a 5% incline had more potential to strengthen the hamstring muscle group than walking on a treadmill with a flat or declined surface.

Quantitative ultrasonography for assessment of bone mineral density in the canine radius and tibia.

Quantitative ultrasound allows noninvasive assessment of cortical bone density. Potential applications include monitoring of fracture healing, rehabilitation, and skeletal diseases. The objectives of this study were to determine the three most accessible portals to obtain speed of sound measurements of the radius and tibia with an Omnisense multisite quantitative ultrasound device and to determine probe-dependent intra- and interoperator variability for speed of sound measurements of the radius and tibia in six healthy hounds. The radius was most accessible at the cranial proximal metaphysis, the cranial middiaphysis, and medial distal metaphysis. Speed of sound measurements were possible at these sites on the radius with acceptable intra- and interoperator variation (1.6-4.6%). Measurements differed significantly when performed with different probes at the cranial proximal radial metaphysis. The tibia was most accessible at the cranial proximal metaphysis, the medial middiaphysis, and medial distal metaphysis. The medial middiaphyseal and mediodistal tibial sites allowed measurements with lowest intra- and interoperator variation (< 3.5%). A smaller probe allowed tibial measurements with lowest interoperator variation. Measurements did not differ significantly at each tibial site when different probes were used. Measurements did not differ significantly between observers when measuring with the same probe at each specific site on radius and tibia. A medium-size probe allowed for most time-efficient measurements and the least number of failed measurements on the radius and tibia. Speed of sound can be consistently measured by different observers on the radius and tibia in healthy hounds.

Descriptive histomorphometric ingrowth analysis of the Zurich cementless canine total hip acetabular component.

OBJECTIVES: To (1) determine bone contact with the outer surface and ingrowth into the perforated outer shell of the Kyon acetabular component at 2, 6, and 12 months after total hip replacement (THR) and (2) determine correlation between radiographic lucency surrounding the cup-bone interface and bone contact and ingrowth. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Large breed dogs (n=11) with and without hip dysplasia. METHODS: Force platform gait analysis was performed preoperatively and 2, 6, and 12 months after THR. Curvilinear length of lucency (CLL) was measured on pelvic radiographs. Tissue contact with the outer cup and ingrowth into the cup were determined histomorphometrically at 2, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: Peak vertical force and vertical impulse of the treated and control hind limb were not significantly different at any time. Median bone contact with the outer cup surface was 77%, 48%, and 76% at 2, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Median bone ingrowth into the cup perforations was 50%, 20%, and 44% at 2, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Median bone ingrowth to the inner cup surface was minimal at any time. CLL did not correlate with bone ingrowth. CONCLUSIONS: Bone ingrowth into cup perforations occurred in each dog and was already present 2 months after THR, but most of the inner cup space remained vacant. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Radiographic lucency surrounding the cup-bone interface does not allow assessment of bone contact with the outer surface or bone ingrowth into the Kyon cup in dogs without clinical problems.

Repair of a coracoid luxation and a tibiotarsal fracture in a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).

A 4.5-kg, adult bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was presented after being found unable to fly. Crepitus was palpated in the left shoulder; however, the wing position was normal. Radiographs revealed caudoventral luxation of the left coracoid, affecting its distal articulation with the clavicle and its proximal articulation with the sternum. The luxation affecting the coracoid-sternum articulation was repaired by using a 4-hole, 1.5-mm T-plate and a 6-hole, 2.0-mm dynamic compression plate (DCP) placed side by side. The luxation affecting the coracoid and the clavicle was repaired by 2 cerclage wires in a simple interrupted pattern. Before a scheduled release, the bird sustained a closed, complete mid diaphyseal transverse fracture of the right tibiotarsus, which most likely occurred during recapture from the flight cage. The fracture was surgically repaired with 2 circumferential cerclage wires, an intramedullary Kirschner wire and one 10-hole, 2.7-mm DCP. The bird was successfully released, 105 days after the first surgery, near the location where it was found.

Evaluation of the use of subcutaneous implantable vascular access ports in feline blood donors.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the ease and effects of collecting blood from cats by use of subcutaneous totally implantable vascular access ports (VAPs) with collection via conventional jugular phlebotomy. DESIGN: Prospective randomized experimental study. ANIMALS: 8 healthy cats. PROCEDURES: Cats in the port group (n = 4) underwent monthly blood donation by use of VAPs and manual restraint, and cats in the nonport group (4) underwent monthly blood donation by use of conventional jugular phlebotomy and sedation, for 6 months. RESULTS: Postsurgical VAP-related complications developed in 3 cats and included port erosion (n = 1), disconnection of the port from the catheter (1), and seroma formation (1). Blood was successfully collected 24 of 24 and 20 of 20 times in the nonport and port groups, respectively. Results of bacterial culture of blood were negative in 22 of 24 and 15 of 20 nonport and port collections, respectively. No differences in RBC morphology were observed between groups. Mean blood collection and total donation times were significantly longer for the nonport group. Collection time was more variable in the nonport group, and cats were less tolerant of handling during venipuncture, compared with cats in the port group. Blood collection required a mean of 2.4 persons for the nonport group and 2.1 persons for the port group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Positive results for blood collections via VAPs were increased donor acceptance, decreased number of personnel required, and decreased collection time. Drawbacks included contamination of blood products and port-related complications.

Complications associated with conjoined intramedullary pin placement for femorotibial joint luxation in a Solomon Island eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus solomonensis).

Femorotibial joint-luxation repair with conjoined intramedullary pins has been successfully used in pediatric psittacine birds. However, there are no reports of complications associated with its use in adults. In this report, we describe the clinical presentation, surgical reduction, and postoperative complications associated with stifle-luxation repair in an adult female Solomon Island eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus solomonensis). The normal perching angle for the eclectus stifle was determined before surgery. Osteomyelitis was treated systemically and locally. Midfemoral amputation was performed as a salvage procedure, without an apparent reduction in the quality of the bird's life.