S. P. Clarke

Prevalence of radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease in a hospital population of cats.

The prevalence of radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease (including appendicular osteoarthritis) among a hospital population of 218 cats was 33·9 per cent (74 cats), and the prevalence of signs of appendicular joint osteoarthritis was 16·5 per cent (36 cats). Half of the cases of appendicular joint osteoarthritis had no apparent radiographic or historical cause, and clinical signs of lameness were recorded in only six of them, all of which had an apparent radiographic cause. The 74 cats with radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease were on average significantly older than the 144 cats in which there were no radiographic signs of the disease.

Retrospective evaluation of the long-term outcome of non-surgical management of 74 dogs with clinical hip dysplasia

The long-term outcome for dogs treated non-surgically for clinical signs of canine hip dysplasia were evaluated retrospectively; 74 dogs were evaluated by a postal questionnaire sent to their owners, and 24 of these were also evaluated by a veterinary clinical examination. A total of 11 outcome variables were evaluated. Depending on the variable assessed, between 31 (41·9 per cent) and 49 (66·2 per cent) of the dogs remained clinically affected according to their owners assessment, and between 17 (70·8 per cent) and 23 (95·8 per cent) of the 24 dogs had abnormalities attributed to hip osteoarthritis according to the veterinary assessment. Orthopaedic abnormalities other than hip dysplasia affected 17 of the 24 dogs. Long-term medications had been prescribed for the treatment of clinical signs associated with hip dysplasia in 41 of the 74 dogs.

Postoperative Complications after Surgical Management of Incomplete Ossification of the Humeral Condyle in Dogs

Objective: To describe incidence and type of postoperative complications in the surgical management of incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC) and identify any risk factors associated with development of these complications. Study Design: Case series. Methods: Clinical records of dogs (n=57) that had prophylactic transcondylar screw insertion for treatment of IOHC (79 elbows) at 6 UK referral centers were reviewed. Signalment, presentation, surgical management, postoperative care, and complications were recorded. Postoperative complications were divided into seroma, surgical site infections (SSI) and implant complications. Results: Spaniel breeds and entire males were overrepresented. The overall complication rate was 59.5%. Seroma (n=25) and SSI (24) were the most commonly encountered complications. Implant failure occurred in 2 dogs. Labrador retrievers were at greater risk of developing a postoperative complication than other breeds (P=.03). Increasing bodyweight was a significant risk factor for development of a SSI (P=.03). Placement of the transcondylar screw in lag fashion rather than as a positional screw reduced the incidence of postoperative SSI (P=.007). Conclusions: Surgical management of IOHC is associated with a high rate of postoperative complications. Placement of the transcondylar screw in lag fashion may limit postoperative complications and warrants further consideration.OBJECTIVE To describe incidence and type of postoperative complications in the surgical management of incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC) and identify any risk factors associated with development of these complications. STUDY DESIGN Case series. METHODS Clinical records of dogs (n=57) that had prophylactic transcondylar screw insertion for treatment of IOHC (79 elbows) at 6 UK referral centers were reviewed. Signalment, presentation, surgical management, postoperative care, and complications were recorded. Postoperative complications were divided into seroma, surgical site infections (SSI) and implant complications. RESULTS Spaniel breeds and entire males were overrepresented. The overall complication rate was 59.5%. Seroma (n=25) and SSI (24) were the most commonly encountered complications. Implant failure occurred in 2 dogs. Labrador retrievers were at greater risk of developing a postoperative complication than other breeds (P=.03). Increasing bodyweight was a significant risk factor for development of a SSI (P=.03). Placement of the transcondylar screw in lag fashion rather than as a positional screw reduced the incidence of postoperative SSI (P=.007). CONCLUSIONS Surgical management of IOHC is associated with a high rate of postoperative complications. Placement of the transcondylar screw in lag fashion may limit postoperative complications and warrants further consideration.

Ex vivo evaluation of the effect of tibial plateau osteotomy on the proximal tibial soft tissue envelope with and without the use of protective gauze sponges.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) on the proximal tibial soft tissue envelope with and without use of protective gauze sponges, and to determine whether the action of an oscillating saw blade on the gauze sponges would result in retention of particulate cotton debris. STUDY DESIGN Cadaveric study. ANIMALS Medium to large breed dog cadavers (n=10; 20 pelvic limbs). METHODS TPLO was performed using the currently recommended technique involving dissection of the proximal tibial soft tissue envelope and its protection using cotton gauze sponges. In paired limbs, the procedure was repeated but no attempt was made to retract and protect the proximal tibial soft tissue envelope. Damage to the soft tissue envelope and presence of gross particulate cotton debris were investigated by direct observation and photographic analysis. Presence of microscopic cotton debris was investigated using light microscopic analysis of wound lavage fluid. RESULTS No soft-tissue trauma was found in gauze sponge-protected specimens. When protective gauze sponges were not used, full-thickness (sagittal plane) lacerations to the caudoproximal tibial muscle group occurred in all specimens with a mean craniocaudal width of 9.5 mm (range 2-12 mm). The cranial tibial muscle was traumatized in only 1 specimen without protective gauze sponges. Trauma to the popliteal vessels was not identified in any specimen. No gross cotton debris was identified, but microscopic cotton fibers (diameter, 7-35 microm) were identified in lavage fluid from all gauze sponge-protected specimens. CONCLUSIONS Use of protective gauze sponges is effective in protecting the proximal tibial soft tissue envelope from an oscillating TPLO saw blade, but results in retention of microscopic cotton particulate debris within the operative site. Significant soft tissue trauma is seen only in the caudoproximal tibial muscle group if protective gauze sponges are not used. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Retraction and protection of the caudoproximal tibial soft tissue envelope is recommended during TPLO; however, to prevent retention of microscopic particulate cotton debris, alternatives to cotton gauze sponges should be considered as protective devices.

Precision of a novel computed tomographic method for quantification of femoral varus in dogs and an assessment of the effect of femoral malpositioning.

OBJECTIVE To assess the precision of a novel protocol for determination of femoral varus angle (FVA) using computed tomography (CT) in dogs, and to quantify the effect of femoral rotational and sagittal plane malpositioning on measured FVA. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SAMPLE POPULATION Femora (n = 66) from dogs that had pelvic limb CT examination for patellar instability (26) or other reasons (10). METHODS Three observers measured FVA of each of 66 femora on three separate occasions. Standardized orientation of a volume rendered image was achieved by superimposition of the caudal and distal aspects of the femoral condyles on a lateral projection, definition of a sagittal plane axis, and finally rotation through 90° to yield a cranial projection. Intra- and inter-observer variability were estimated using the intra-class correlation coefficient. The effect of variation in rotational and sagittal plane orientation on measured FVA was subsequently quantified using 6 femora with FVAs between -0.4° and 19°. RESULTS Intra-class correlation coefficients for the 3 observers, indicating intra-observer variation, were 0.982, 0.937, and 0.974. The intra-class correlation coefficient of the means of the results from each observer, indicating inter-observer variation, was 0.976. Consistent linear variations in measured FVA occurred as a result of rotational malpositioning in all 6 tested femora, and as a result of sagittal plane malpositioning in femora with FVAs ≥ 7.9°. CONCLUSIONS The reported protocol for the measurement of FVA in dogs is repeatable and reproducible. Small variations in femoral orientation, as might be expected with conventional radiography, lead to clinically significant alterations in measured FVA.

In vitro performance testing of two arcuate oscillating saw blades designed for use during tibial plateau leveling osteotomy

OBJECTIVE To test the cutting performance of 2 commercially available oscillating saws designed for use during tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and to evaluate the influence of saline irrigation on cutting performance. STUDY DESIGN In vitro experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION Composite polyurethane test blocks (n=40); 24 m TPLO saw blades. METHODS Controlled force cutting tests were performed using custom-made laminated bone substitute blocks to model the canine proximal tibia. Half of the trials were irrigated with 0.9% saline solution. Outcome measures were test block temperature (measured 1.5 m from the cutting zone), cutting rate, and cutting surface wear. Durability was measured by recording change in performance over multiple consecutive trials. RESULTS The Synthes blade cut the test blocks with ∼64% less heat generation and at a 63% faster cutting rate compared with the Slocum blade. Although wear of the Synthes blade was ∼50% greater after 19 uses, this did not negatively impact cutting performance. Saline irrigation produced no significant effect on peak cutting temperature but significantly reduced cutting rate for both saws. CONCLUSIONS Our results favor the Synthes blade in terms of cutting performance and the Slocum blade in terms of wear resistance.

Compensatory humeral overgrowth associated with antebrachial shortening in six dogs

ers 1987) growth plates has been shown to result in compensatory overgrowth of the adjacent long bone. This short communication describes the radiographic identification and relevance of compensatory humeral overgrowth in six dogs with antebrachial shortening treated by bone lengthening. Case records and radiographs were retrieved for six dogs which were presented with antebrachial growth deformities to Glasgow University Veterinary School between 1997 and 2002. Dogs were included if they had a marked unilateral antebrachial shortening (> 10 mm or >10 per cent reduction in antebrachial length). The signalment, radiographic diagnosis and treatment of each case are summarised in Table 1. The lengths of the long bones in both normal and affected legs were estimated from radiographs (Figs 1, 2, Table 2). The dogs were all presented when they were between three and six months of age (mean 4-3 months); all were presented with a relatively shortened radius (mean shortening 24-5 mm [ 18-2 per cent]) compared with the contralateral limb. Five dogs had rotational or angular deformities. Antebrachial limb-lengthening procedures were performed on all the dogs. The mean length deficit of the affected radius at the end of distraction and consolidation was 9-2 mm (5.9 per cent). The humeral length was measured at presentation in three dogs, in which a mean increase in humeral length of 5.0 mm (3.8 per cent) of the affected limb was identified relative to the contralateral limb. This overgrowth was not sufficient to

Avulsion of the triceps tendon insertion in a cat

Avulsion of the insertion of the triceps tendon, which had a pre-existing tendinopathy, is described in a cat. The tendon was re-attached to the olecranon and the repair was immobilised using a type la trans-articular external skeletal fixator. The treatment was successful, however, mild and intermittent lameness persisted. Although it is an uncommon condition in small animals, the diagnosis should be based on careful clinical and radiographic examination.

Highly comminuted, articular fractures of the distal antebrachium managed by pancarpal arthrodesis in 8 dogs

OBJECTIVE To describe the surgical management by pancarpal arthrodesis for highly comminuted articular fractures of the distal antebrachium in 8 dogs. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective clinical case series. ANIMALS Eight dogs. METHODS Medical records (2001-2014) of dogs with antebrachial fractures were reviewed and dogs with highly comminuted distal antebrachial fractures were identified. The nature of the injury, surgical management by pancarpal arthrodesis, outcome, and complications were recorded. RESULTS Nine fractures occurred in 8 dogs. Seven dogs were ex-racing greyhounds (8 fractures) and of these, 6/7 dogs had fractures of the right thoracic limb. Compared with the hospital population of dogs with antebrachial fractures, greyhounds were over-represented for the antebrachial injury (odds ratio 117, 95% confidence interval 13-1022). Five dogs sustained injury during exertional exercise or with relatively minor trauma. Submitted bone samples (n = 4) showed no evidence of underlying neoplasia. Mean followup was 15.5 months with 11 complications recorded in 7/8 dogs, including 1 catastrophic, 5 major, and 5 minor complications. Pancarpal arthrodesis allowed a full functional outcome in 3 dogs and an acceptable outcome in 3. CONCLUSION Comminuted articular fractures of the distal radius and ulna are complex injuries and have a similar presentation to pathologic fractures. Surgical management by pancarpal arthrodesis is associated with a high risk of complication and a guarded prognosis for a full functional outcome.

Patellar ligament rupture in the dog: repair methods and patient outcomes in 43 cases

The medical records of dogs receiving surgery for unilateral patellar ligament rupture between 1999 and 2012 at 12 multidisciplinary referral centres were reviewed. Forty-three cases were identified; 26 were traumatic in origin; almost one-third were iatrogenic, of which over three-quarters occurred as a complication following surgical stabilisation of patellar luxation. Treatment involved primary reapposition of the ligament (36 cases). The repair was protected by circumpatellar and/or transpatellar loop(s) of orthopaedic wire, nylon, polypropylene or polydioxanone suture (34 cases). Wire loops were more likely to require surgical removal compared with loops of other materials (P=0.0014). The stifle joint was immobilised postoperatively by the applications of a transarticular external skeletal fixator (taESF) in 17 cases and by external coaptation (EC) in 8 cases; in 18 cases, no postoperative joint immobilisation was provided. Complications specific to the method of immobilisation occurred in seven of the cases with taESF and six of the cases with EC. Revision surgery to address failure of repair was required in five cases. Outcome was classified as acceptable or good in over three-quarters of the cases (31/40) and poor in less than a quarter (9/40). These data highlight patellar ligament rupture as a complication of surgical stabilisation of patellar luxation.