Stefano Scotti

Thoracic kyphosis associated with hemivertebra.

Objective To radiographically assess the influence of thoracic hemivertebra on kyphosis and neurologic status in 45 dogs. Study Design Case series. Animals French Bulldogs without neurologic signs (n = 41) and 4 dogs with compressive spinal cord disease associated with hemivertebra. Methods Thoracic spinal radiographs were divided into 3 groups: 1 = dogs with no hemivertebra, 2 = dogs with hemivertebra but no associated neurologic signs, and 3 = dogs with hemivertebra associated with clinical signs. Vertebral canal height, vertebral column angle, and the step between 2 adjacent vertebrae were measured in each group. Results Vertebral canal height was not significantly different in the 3 groups; however, mean vertebral column angle was significantly (P < .001) different between groups 1 (178°) and 2 (169°), and group 3 (133°). Median cranial step was significantly different between groups (P < .001): 0 mm (group 1), 0.3 mm (group 2), 3 mm (group 3). Conclusions Vertebral canal height does not differ between normal dogs and dogs with thoracic hemivertebra. There is an important association between neurologic signs and kyphosis and subluxation. Clinical Relevance Vertebral realignment without vertebral canal opening could lead to spinal cord decompression in dogs affected by thoracic hemivertebra.OBJECTIVE To radiographically assess the influence of thoracic hemivertebra on kyphosis and neurologic status in 45 dogs. STUDY DESIGN Case series. ANIMALS French Bulldogs without neurologic signs (n = 41) and 4 dogs with compressive spinal cord disease associated with hemivertebra. METHODS Thoracic spinal radiographs were divided into 3 groups: 1 = dogs with no hemivertebra, 2 = dogs with hemivertebra but no associated neurologic signs, and 3 = dogs with hemivertebra associated with clinical signs. Vertebral canal height, vertebral column angle, and the step between 2 adjacent vertebrae were measured in each group. RESULTS Vertebral canal height was not significantly different in the 3 groups; however, mean vertebral column angle was significantly (P < .001) different between groups 1 (178°) and 2 (169°), and group 3 (133°). Median cranial step was significantly different between groups (P < .001): 0 mm (group 1), 0.3 mm (group 2), 3 mm (group 3). CONCLUSIONS Vertebral canal height does not differ between normal dogs and dogs with thoracic hemivertebra. There is an important association between neurologic signs and kyphosis and subluxation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Vertebral realignment without vertebral canal opening could lead to spinal cord decompression in dogs affected by thoracic hemivertebra.

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.

Thoracic Kyphosis Associated with Hemivertebra: Thoracic Kyphosis Associated with Hemivertebra

Objective To radiographically assess the influence of thoracic hemivertebra on kyphosis and neurologic status in 45 dogs. Study Design Case series. Animals French Bulldogs without neurologic signs (n = 41) and 4 dogs with compressive spinal cord disease associated with hemivertebra. Methods Thoracic spinal radiographs were divided into 3 groups: 1 = dogs with no hemivertebra, 2 = dogs with hemivertebra but no associated neurologic signs, and 3 = dogs with hemivertebra associated with clinical signs. Vertebral canal height, vertebral column angle, and the step between 2 adjacent vertebrae were measured in each group. Results Vertebral canal height was not significantly different in the 3 groups; however, mean vertebral column angle was significantly (P < .001) different between groups 1 (178°) and 2 (169°), and group 3 (133°). Median cranial step was significantly different between groups (P < .001): 0 mm (group 1), 0.3 mm (group 2), 3 mm (group 3). Conclusions Vertebral canal height does not differ between normal dogs and dogs with thoracic hemivertebra. There is an important association between neurologic signs and kyphosis and subluxation. Clinical Relevance Vertebral realignment without vertebral canal opening could lead to spinal cord decompression in dogs affected by thoracic hemivertebra.OBJECTIVE To radiographically assess the influence of thoracic hemivertebra on kyphosis and neurologic status in 45 dogs. STUDY DESIGN Case series. ANIMALS French Bulldogs without neurologic signs (n = 41) and 4 dogs with compressive spinal cord disease associated with hemivertebra. METHODS Thoracic spinal radiographs were divided into 3 groups: 1 = dogs with no hemivertebra, 2 = dogs with hemivertebra but no associated neurologic signs, and 3 = dogs with hemivertebra associated with clinical signs. Vertebral canal height, vertebral column angle, and the step between 2 adjacent vertebrae were measured in each group. RESULTS Vertebral canal height was not significantly different in the 3 groups; however, mean vertebral column angle was significantly (P < .001) different between groups 1 (178°) and 2 (169°), and group 3 (133°). Median cranial step was significantly different between groups (P < .001): 0 mm (group 1), 0.3 mm (group 2), 3 mm (group 3). CONCLUSIONS Vertebral canal height does not differ between normal dogs and dogs with thoracic hemivertebra. There is an important association between neurologic signs and kyphosis and subluxation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Vertebral realignment without vertebral canal opening could lead to spinal cord decompression in dogs affected by thoracic hemivertebra.