A 10-week old male Hovawart presented with acute renal failure. Based on clinical symptoms, blood analysis results and serology, a diagnosis of leptospirosis was made. Besides being acotemic, the puppy was initially also severely hypercalcemic. The dog was treated successfully, but developed widespread cutaneous and visceral calcifications. Severe pyloric calcification resulted in functional pyloric obstruction, which was successfully treated by pyloromyotomy. All skin lesions were cured with topical therapy within a few weeks. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of generalized intestinal and cutaneous calcification associated with acute renal failure due to Leptospirosis.

Objectives: To evaluate and compare long-term functional outcome after partial carpal arthrodesis and pancarpal arthrodesis in dogs using kinetic gait analysis.Methods: Fourteen dogs with 19 partial carpal or pancarpal arthrodeses were retrospectively examined and underwent force-plate gait analysis. Mean times since surgery were 29.4 and 24.4 months for pancarpal and partial carpal arthrodesis respectively. Vertical and braking-propulsive ground reaction force profiles were compared between treatment groups, and to those of normal dogs (control group) using Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance.Results:With the exception of time to vertical peak that occurred earlier in dogs with pancarpal than in dogs with partial carpal arthrodesis (p <0.01), there was no difference between the two treatment groups. Several parameters differed significantly between operated and healthy dogs (p <0.01): vertical impulses were significantly lower in both treatment groups, braking forces and impulses were also reduced after both techniques. Propulsive forces and impulses were only reduced in dogs with pancarpal arthrodesis. When comparing gait parameters of sound limbs of unilateral operated dogs to those of control dogs, braking forces and impulses (p <0.01; p <0.05) were significantly higher in the sound legs of unilateral operated dogs.Clinical Significance: Long-term outcome after partial carpal and pancarpal arthrodesis is good and comparable to each other. Propulsive action may be altered more in dogs with pancarpal arthrodesis.

OBJECTIVES:To retrospectively evaluate stabilisation of long-bone fractures in cats and small dogs using the Unilock system. METHODS:Medical histories and radiographs of consecutive patients with long-bone fractures stabilised with the Unilock system were reviewed. Cases with follow-up radiographs taken at least four weeks postoperatively were included. Signalment of the patient, fracture localisation and type, primary fracture repair or revision surgery, single or double plating, and complications for each patient were noted. Additionally, implant size, number of screws, number of cortices engaged with screws, and number of empty holes across the fracture were evaluated in fractures where a single plate had been applied. RESULTS:Eighteen humeral, 18 radial, 20 femoral, and 10 tibial fractures were treated. The Unilock system was used for primary repair in 44 fractures and for revision surgery in 22 fractures. Two plates were applied in 17 fractures, and a single plate was applied in 49 fractures. Follow-up radiographs were taken four to 109 weeks postoperatively. Complications were seen in 12 animals and 13 fractures (19.7%). Fixation failure occurred in seven fractures (10.6%). Cases with a single plate that suffered fixation failure had thinner screws in relation to bone diameter than cases with double plates, and more screws in a main fragment than those without fixation failure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:The Unilock system is a suitable implant for fracture fixation of long bones in cats and small dogs.

This study describes the appearance of 'joint mice' in the sheath of the deep digital flexor muscle tendon (DDFT) due to osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in the talocrural joint of 12 dogs. Surgical excision of all free fragments in the DDFT sheath was performed in five dogs, and their clinical progression was documented. The excision of free fragments from the DDFT sheath, but not arthro-tomy, proved clinically beneficial despite the presence of degenerative joint disease. The anatomical communication between the talocrural joint and the DDFT sheath and its dimensions are further illustrated with the use of contrast media and dissection of cadaver limbs.

Using univariate analysis, the correlation between signalment, history, outcome and radiographic diagnosis made on whole-body radiographs was investigated in 100 consecutive feline trauma patients of an urban clinic. The radiographic findings included: 53 thoracic injuries, 39 abdominal injuries, 34 pelvic injuries, 28 soft tissue injuries, 26 spinal injuries, and 19 cases with signs of hypovolemia. Only four radiographs were considered normal. Surgical intervention was carried out in 51 cases. Of the 100 cases, 73 survived, 23 were euthanatized, and four died. A significant positive correlation with euthanasia was found when compared to patient age (p=0.0059), abdominal trauma (P=0.0500), spinal fractures (P=0.0468), and soft tissue injuries (P=0.0175). A significant negative correlation with survival was found when compared to patient age (P=0.0358), abdominal trauma (P=0.0439), intraperitoneal free air (P=0.0041), and soft tissue injury (P=0.0288). The results of this study indicate that whole-body radiographs are useful in detecting injury in the thorax, abdomen, spine, pelvis and soft tissues, and are valuable in the diagnostic work-up of feline trauma patients.

Summary Objective: To assess functional outcome in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) disease after tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) using force plate gait analysis, and to evaluate parameters potentially influencing outcome. Study design: Prospective clinical study. Animals: Consecutive clinical patients (n=37) with CrCL-deficient stifles (n=40). Methods: The stifle joints were examined arthroscopically prior to TTA. Meniscal release was not performed if the medial meniscus was intact. Open medial arthrotomy and partial meniscectomy were performed in the presence of meniscal tears. Vertical ground reaction forces were measured preoperatively and at follow-up examinations four to 16 months postoperatively (mean: 5.9 months). The ground reaction forces of a group of 65 healthy dogs were used for the comparison. The potential effects of clinical parameters on functional outcome were evaluated statistically. Results: Complete CrCL rupture was identified in 28 joints, and partial CrCL rupture in 12 joints. The medial meniscus was damaged in 21 stifles. Vertical ground reaction forces were significantly higher at follow-up (P<0.01), but remained significantly lower than those of control dogs (P<0.01). Complications were identified in 25% of joints, and the dogs with complications had significantly lower peak vertical forces at follow-up than the dogs without complications (P=0.04). Other clinical parameters did not influence outcome. Conclusions: Tibial tuberosity advancement significantly improved limb function in dogs with CrCL disease, but did not result in complete return to function. Complications adversely affected functional outcome. Clinical significance: A return to a function of approximately 90% of normal can be expected in dogs with CrCL disease undergoing TTA.

SummaryThe clinical and radiological features, surgical treatment, and outcome of two cats with traumatically induced dislocation of the lumbosacral joint are described in this report. The dislocation of the lumbosacral joint was concurrent with dorsal luxation of the articular facets in both cases. Open reduction, followed by stabilization with a dorsal suture sling, resulted in a good clinical outcome.

Summary Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of force plate gait analysis at the walk and trot in dogs with low-grade hindlimb lameness. Material and methods: Nineteen healthy dogs and 41 dogs with low-grade unilateral hindlimb lameness due to stifle or hip joint problems were walked and trotted over a force plate. Peak vertical forces (PVF) were recorded, and a symmetry index (SI) was calculated from the PVF of the hindlimbs. ‘Cut-off’ values were determined from the SI of the normal dogs. These cut-off values were used to discriminate lame dogs from normal ones. Sensitivity and specificity were evaluated for measurements at walk and trot, and the Cohen’s Kappa coefficient (k) was used to determine the agreement between clinical lameness and force plate measurements, and between force plate results at walk and trot. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve were plotted for both gaits to evaluate accuracy. Results: The sensitivity of the measurements at walk was 0.63, and specifity was 0.95. The sensitivity of the measurements at trot was 0.90, and specificity was 1.0. Moderate agreement was found between force plate measurements at walk and trot, and between clinical gait assessment and force plate measurements at walk. Good agreement was found between clinical gait assessment and measurements at trot. ROC analyses revealed the trot (94.7% [91.7%; 97.7%]) to be the more accurate test than the walk (85.0% [80.1%; 89.9%]). Conclusion: The trotting gait was more sensitive and accurate than the walking gait for the differentiation of dogs with a low-grade hindlimb lameness from normal ones using force plate gait analysis.

A two-year-old, castrated male Main Coon cat was referred because of chronic, recurrent pollakiuria, haematuria, and acute vomiting. On clinical examination, a smooth, soft-tissue mass, suspected to be the urinary bladder, was palpable outside of the abdominal wall in the inguinal area. On radiographs, the urinary bladder was found to be extra-abdominal, and herniated through an enlarged right inguinal canal at exploratory coeliotomy. The left inguinal canal was also enlarged. The urinary bladder was repositioned and fixed to the caudal abdominal wall by incisional cystopexy and both enlarged inguinal canals were partially closed with an interrupted suture pattern.

This report describes the temporary fixation of a traumatic shoulder luxation in a large-breed dog using a 3.5-mm Locking Round-Hole Reconstruction Plate (LRHRP) to provide stable internal splinting, allowing healing of the injured ligaments, joint capsule, glenohumeral ligaments, tendons, and muscles for restoration of joint stability. The use of a temporary plate with a locking system should be considered as an option in the treatment of canine shoulder joint luxations with severe tissue damage.

SummaryThis study evaluates clinical application of the ComPact UniLock™ systema for ventral stabilization of the cervical spine. Patient material included 13 consecutive cases, 12 dogs and one cat, with cervical spinal instabilities secondary to disc-associated wobbler syndrome (six dogs), traumatic, iatrogenic, and disc-associated cervical spinal instability of small dogs (four cases), cervical spinal fractures (one dog and one cat), and congenital atlantoaxial instability (one dog). The 2.0 system was used in smaller patients and the 2.4 system was applied in large dogs. Implant failure was observed on follow-up radiographs in one dog with a healed C2 fracture and screw pullout occurred in one dog with caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy, necessitating revision surgery. Implants remained stable throughout the follow-up period in the other cases. ‘Good’ or ‘ excellent’ clinical outcome was achieved in 12 patients, including the dog with revision surgery. One dog had to be euthanatized due to postoperative deterioration of neurological status and development of pneumonia. The ComPact UniLock system was found to be a suitable implant for treating cervical instabilities of different origin in both small and large patients with lesions from C1/C2 to C6/C7. Some problems were encountered in the dogs with disc-associated Wobbler syndrome, such as lack or slow rate of vertebral fusion and partial collapse of the distracted intervertebral space on follow-up radiographs. A lack of adequate fusion was most likely related to grafting techniques used.

This study describes the titanium ComPact UniLock 2.0/2.4 locking plate system (Stratec Medical, Oberdorf, Switzerland) and reports its application in nine selected clinical cases. The system was found useful for a variety of indications. Three categories of clinical applications are illustrated. They include (a) long bone fractures, (b) cervical spinal fractures and instabilities and (c) joint instabilities and luxations. A brief introduction to the system has already been published

SummaryDorsal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal instabilities are considered to be uncommon in dogs and only a few cases have been reported in cats. Treatment usually consists at partial arthrodesis. Internal splinting of the affected joints represents an alternative surgical method, with the goal of preserving joint function. In the present study, 13 animals (10 cats and 3 dogs) with dorsal, dorsomedial or dorsolateral intertarsal or tarsometatarsal instabilities, treated with an internal fixator (ComPact UniLock 2.0/2.4™ System) in bridging function, were reviewed. The joint cartilage was left intact. Follow-up time ranged from one month to one year postoperatively. The clinical outcome was considered good or excellent in 12 of the animals and moderate in one cat. The implants were removed from three patients. Follow-up radiographs were available for 10 cases. Joint space narrowing, or joint fusion, occurred in three cases. A broken screw each in one cat and one dog did not affect the stability of the joints involved. The technique described is simple and less invasive than partial arthrodesis and results suggest it as being a valuable alternative to partial arthrodesis. Early implant removal might possibly prevent cartilage damage and joint fusion due to prolonged immobilization.

SummaryA complete palmar antebrachiocarpal luxation due to rupture of the medial collateral ligament was diagnosed in a cat. Complete antebrachiocarpal luxation in dogs is generally associated with the disruption of multiple carpal ligaments. A comparative anatomical study of cadavers of five cats and five dogs revealed that, unlike in dogs, the medial collateral ligament in cats consists of only one branch, which extends from its dorsoproximal attachment on the radius obliquely to its palmarodistal attachment on the radial carpal bone. The oblique course of the ligament likely opposes palmar dislocation of the radial carpal bone rather than medial opening of the radiocarpal joint.In this present reported case, adequate joint stability was achieved by replacing the medial collateral ligament using two 1.5-mm cortical screws and a3.5 (metric gauge) polypropylene figure-8 suture sling. Minimal signs of osteoarthrosis developed three months after surgery, but functional outcome at six months was very satisfactory.