Jean-Pierre Genevois

Prevalence of hip dysplasia according to official radiographic screening, among 31 breeds of dogs in France - A retrospective study

In order to determine the prevalence of hip dysplasia (HD) from radiographs that were submitted for authorative grading, and its changes over the time in 31 breeds of dogs in France, a 14 year-retrospective study was conducted. Significant differences were observed between breeds, with HD prevalence ranging from 59.7% (Cane Corso) to 3.9% (Siberian Husky). When comparing the 1993-1999 with the 2000-2006 period in 15 breeds, a significant decrease in HD prevalence was detected in Berger Picard, Bernese Mountain dog, Briard, Gordon Setter, White Swiss Sheepdog and Rottweiler. Modifications observed in the other breeds were not statistically significant.

Transiliac Approach for Exposure of Lumbosacral Intervertebral Disk and Foramen: Technique Description

OBJECTIVE To describe and evaluate a transiliac approach to the L7-S1 disk and intervertebral foramen in dogs. STUDY DESIGN Cadaver study. ANIMALS Fresh canine cadavers (n=10). METHODS A craniolateral approach was made to each iliac wing of 10 fresh canine mixed breed cadavers. An 18 mm hole was drilled in a standardized position through the iliac wing. The musculature connected to the cranial aspects of the sacral wing was dissected and retracted cranially through this iliac window. Endoscopic exploration of the area was performed. RESULTS The foramen and intervertebral disk were clearly observed in all specimens without iatrogenic injury of the L7 nerve branch. Access to the foramen was possible in 16 of 20 specimens without excision of the sacral wing; however, it was always partially excised to observe the intervertebral disk which lies more caudally and ventrally. CONCLUSION Transiliac approach to the lumbosacral joint allows direct exposure of the intervertebral disk and foramen through an iliac window. Endoscopic exploration provided good observation of the intervertebral disk and/or foramen. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Transiliac approach could be used for lateral corpectomy and foraminotomy in dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis caused by ventral or ventrolateral disk protrusion, foramen stenosis, or OCD of the L7-S1 joint. Clinical study will be necessary to evaluate the efficacy of this approach.

Endoscope‐Assisted Thoracolumbar Lateral Corpectomy

OBJECTIVE To report an endoscope-assisted lateral approach to expose the intervertebral foramen and disk and perform lateral corpectomy of thoracolumbar disks in dogs. STUDY DESIGN Cadaver study. ANIMALS Fresh canine cadavers (n=6). METHODS A thoracic (T10-T11) and a lumbar (L3-L4) lateral approach were made on 6 fresh canine mixed breed cadavers. Through a limited skin incision, musculature was dissected and retracted using a neurosurgical self-retaining retractor and lateral corpectomy performed. The approach and bone removal, both performed under endoscopic control, were assessed. RESULTS The foramen and intervertebral disk were clearly observed in all specimens without any iatrogenic injury of the ventral and dorsal nerve branches. Access to the foramen was possible in all specimens; in the thoracic area the head of the rib was always partially excised to observe the intervertebral disk medially. Lateral corpectomy was easily performed in all cadavers and spinal cord observation was good. Extension to foraminotomy or mini hemilaminectomy could easily be performed through the same limited approach. CONCLUSION Endoscopic exploration provided a good viewing of the intervertebral disk and/or foramen. An endoscope-assisted thoracolumbar lateral corpectomy could effectively be performed through a limited approach to the thoracolumbar disks and allowed good ventral spinal cord assessment.

Canine hip dysplasia radiographic screening. Prevalence of rotation of the pelvis along its length axis in 7,012 conventional hip extended radiographs

The prevalence of rotation of the pelvis along its length axis was noted, as was the number of rotations towards the right or left hand side of the dog, on 7,012 conventional hip extended radiographs, which were sent for official screening. 29.8% of the radiographs showed a rotation the pelvis. The rotation was statistically more frequent towards the left hand side of the dog. The number of rejected radiographs for too important pelvis rotation was only 5.2%. The consequences of the pelvis rotation on the Norberg-Olsson angle, on the dorsal femoral head coverage, and in the aspect of cranial acetabular edge have to be taken into account when scoring the dog for hip dysplasia.

Risk of simultaneous phenotypic expression of hip and elbow dysplasia in dogs: a study of 1,411 radiographic examinations sent for official scoring.

In order to look for phenotypic correlation between hip (HD) and elbow (ED) dysplasia, we used radiographic scoring obtained from 1,411 dogs of different breeds, which were evaluated for authoritative grading of both conditions. In this population, we found that the risk ratio for an animal to be simultaneously affected by HD and ED is 1.67. For a dog with ED, the risk ratio to be affected by HD increases as the ED grade increases. Similarly, for a dog affected by HD, the risk ratio to be affected by ED increases as the HD grade increases. In a dog affected by HD or ED, the clinician should look for the second condition in the same animal. Due to the low, yet positive correlation, selection against one trait will not affect the other trait sufficiently. Therefore selection has to be conducted at reduction of HD as well as reduction of ED.

Two cases of surgically treated feline patellar fractures

A transverse patellar fracture in a six-month-old cat was successfully treated by figure-of-eight dorsal wiring of the patella. A longitudinal patellar fracture with luxation of a large medial fragment in a 2.5-year-old cat was treated by lateral marginal patellectomy with a positive outcome. While adding material to the few veterinary reports in that species, in this brief communication, the authors discuss the aetiology, diagnosis, and the treatment of the presented cases with regards to findings in previously published feline cases.

Hip dysplasia in dogs: correlation between clinical lameness score, radiographic findings and walkway gait analysis

Hip dysplasia is a frequent degenerative disease, leading to hip osteoarthritis and functional disabilities. Its diagnosis requires a combination of orthopaedic and radiographic findings. Despite the close relationship between X-Ray and hip dysplasia diagnosis, previous studies showed that the clinical examination was not correlated with radiographic hip dysplasia assessment. Moreover, objective gait analysis data obtained from kinetic and kinematic devices seemed to be not significantly correlated with radiographic lesions. Pressure walkway systems have never been used to qualify and quantify this affection. The aim of this study was to provide objective gait analysis and to look for correlation between lameness score, Fédération Cynophilique Internationale (FCI) grading and gait data.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of bandages on restricting carpus range of motion in healthy dogs at a walk using electrogoniometry

To limit range of motion (ROM) of the carpal joint of dogs after injuries, bandages such as modified Robert Jones or Robert Jones with splint are applied. Strapping, process of applying adhesive tape to limit joint motion, is routinely used on humans but not on dogs (Kauranen et al. 1997). Studies investigating the efficacy of bandage procedures on motor performance of carpal joint are lacking in veterinary medicine. Electrogoniometry has been used in human medicine alternative to manual goniometry. Few studies have been designed to evaluate the validation of electrogoniometry in dogs (Colin et al. 2007), and no accurate standardised protocol for an electrogoniometer (EG) fixation on the carpus of dogs has been assessed.

Sensitivity and specificity to determine lameness in dogs with a pressure walkway system

A 4.3 m electronic walkway system (Lequang et al. 2007) was used to calculate spatio-temporal and pressure parameters in 115 lame adult dogs wih one or several limbs being affected: 32 from forelimb lameness (shoulder 10, elbow 15 and extremities 7), and 74 from hindlimb lameness (hip 36, knee35and extremities 3) and9 fromboth. Sensitivity and specificity were first calculated without taking care of the disease. Sensitivity measures the proportion of actual positives that are correctly identified [sen 1⁄4 TP/(TP þ FN) TP 1⁄4 true positive, FN 1⁄4 false negative]. Specificity measures the proportion of negatives that are correctly identified [spe 1⁄4 TN/(FP þ TN) TN 1⁄4 true negative, FP 1⁄4 false negative]. Because of many different cases of lameness, and based on orthopaedic examination, they were classified according to the localisation of lameness: six cases of unilateral elbow dysplasia (ED), 16 cases of unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLr) and 35 cases of unilateral or bilateral hip dysplasia (HD). Orthopaedic conditions were confirmed by explorative surgery or X-ray.

Evolution of Radiographic Parameters of Canine Passive Hip Laxity at 4, 6 and 12 months: A Study of 306 Dogs

OBJECTIVES  This article evaluates the variation in the distraction index (DI) and Norberg angle measurement with the femur in a neutral position and the hips distracted (distraction Norberg angle [DNA]) between 4, 6 and 12 months of age. METHODS  Radiographic data from dogs (n = 306) line-bred for favourable characteristics, including hip conformation, were reviewed. Dogs underwent stress radiographs, using a Vezzoni distractor, at 4, 6 and 12 months of age. The DI and DNA were calculated, and their evolution was studied for the total population and the sub-category of hips with a DI > 0.7. RESULTS  For the total population, the DI showed a significant increase from 4 to 6 months and a significant decrease at 12 months. For the hips with a DI > 0.7 at 4 months, DI at 6 and 12 months showed a significant decrease (0.14 and 0.26, respectively, on average). For the total population, the DNA followed the same pattern as the DI, and the values are significantly associated (p < 0.001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE  The DI varies significantly from 4 to 12 months in dogs, and the time of radiographic evaluation of hip laxity may strongly influence the value of the DI. The DNA is strongly related to the DI, and its use as a more convenient indicator of hip laxity in dogs should be further investigated.