Showing papers in "Journal of Small Animal Practice in 1988"
TL;DR: The predisposition to cruciate disease in these young dogs of the larger breeds is difficult to explain but may be related to inadequate exercise during puppyhood.
Abstract: A study of 11 1 cases of cranial cruciate ligament disease, seen over a three year period has been made. Fifty-five of these dogs were under four years of age (average age 21.4 months) and most were of the larger breeds, particularly the rottweiler (25 per cent). The onset of clinical signs was sudden in 53 per cent and gradual in 47 per cent of these cases; bilateral disease was present in 31 per cent. The severity of the lameness was variable. The pathogenesis of the disease appears to involve a gradual stretching, partial rupture and eventually a complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. The term cruciate disease has been used to cover this spectrum of ligament pathology and the clinical signs can appear at any stage during this ligament degeneration. Slight anterior drawer .movement can often be detected during the earlier stages of stretching and partial rupture but this can only be appreciated under general anaesthesia. Osteoarthritis is initiated during the early stages and may be well established by the time the cruciate completely tears. The predisposition to cruciate disease in these young dogs of the larger breeds is difficult to explain but may be related to inadequate exercise during puppyhood.
148 citations
TL;DR: Forty-three dogs affected by canine leishmaniasis with skin lesions have been studied clinically and histopathologically and the possible pathogenesis and the differential diagnosis of each form is discussed.
Abstract: Forty-three dogs affected by canine leishmaniasis (CL) with skin lesions have been studied clinically and histopathologically. Identification of leishmaniads in tissues was achieved using indirect immunoperoxidase staining. According to both macroscopic and microscopic lesions, four different dermatological patterns have been observed. Twenty-six dogs showed alopecia and desquamation as the main skin lesions. Histologically a diffuse non-suppurative dermatitis, with numerous leishmaniads inside macrophages was present. Ten animals showed skin ulcerations on limbs, especially over articulations. Histologically, the number of leishmaniads was very reduced. Five animals presented a generalised nodular disease. Each nodule corresponded with a focal accumulation of macrophages, multinucleated giant cells and lymphocytes, with a high number of parasites. Finally, two dogs presented generalised skin pustules. The possible pathogenesis and the differential diagnosis of each form is discussed.
95 citations
TL;DR: The clinical and radiological features of atlanto-axial subluxation in the dog are described with reference to a series of 30 cases referred to the Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Bristol between 1977 and 1986.
Abstract: The clinical and radiological features of atlanto-axial subluxation in the dog are described with reference to a series of 30 cases. Two methods of treatment were evaluated. In 13 dogs, a dorsal approach was used and the atlas and axis stabilised with a wire suture. Four cases had respiratory arrests during surgery; one of these and seven others made full recoveries after wiring. In 10 dogs treated by lag screw fixation of the ventral articular facets there were no complications during surgery and nine of these recovered within two months.
Atlanto-axial subluxation was diagnosed in 30 dogs referred to the Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Bristol between 1977 and 1986. The condition was encountered in six small breeds of dog and was seen most frequently in the Yorkshire
58 citations
TL;DR: The carpus was the most frequently affected joint and the larger breeds, particularly the males, were over-represented andAntibiotic therapy for several weeks was generally successful providing an early diagnosis was made, and steroid responsive synovial inflammation persisted in the absence of viable bacterial organisms.
Abstract: Bacterial infections of joints produce an inflammatory arthropathy. Most cases appear to be due to the haematogenous localisation of bacteria in a joint and trauma may predispose a joint to infection. Two clinical syndromes are identified; the classic acute onset case and a more chronic local grade infection syndrome. Affected joints are usually thickened and show pain on manipulation. The synovial fluid has increased numbers of white cells, most of which are polymorphonuclear leucocytes. Peripheral blood analysis may be normal and only a few dogs show systemic illness. Radiography in the early stage, will only show soft tissue changes; periosteal new bone and bony destruction are seen in longer standing cases. The carpus was the most frequently affected joint and the larger breeds, particularly the males, were over-represented. Various organisms were isolated but haemolytic Streptococcus and Staphylococcus intermedius were the most common. Culture of the synovial membrane was more sensitive than the synovial fluid. Antibiotic therapy for several weeks was generally successful providing an early diagnosis was made. In a few cases, steroid responsive synovial inflammation persisted in the absence of viable bacterial organisms.
58 citations
TL;DR: The prevalence of Chlamydia psittaci infection in household, feral and farm cats in Britain was investigated and appeared to be endemic in two out of three feral cat colonies on the basis of serological evidence and occasional isolations.
Abstract: The prevalence of Chlamydia psittaci infection in household, feral and farm cats in Britain was investigated. Chlamydia were isolated from 30 per cent of conjunctival swabs collected from 753 household cats with conjunctivitis. The prevalence of active chlamydial infection was highest in cats in the age group five weeks to nine months. Males were more frequently infected than females. Cats with chlamydial conjunctivitis usually had antibody titres greater than 1024 as assessed by indirect immunofluorescence. Chlamydia appeared to be endemic in two out of three feral cat colonies on the basis of serological evidence and occasional isolations. Cats on 10 of 22 sheep farms (45 per cent) had serological evidence of chlamydial infection, and this was confirmed on two farms by isolation of the organism from conjunctival and, or, rectal swabs. This is the first survey of infection with Chlamydia psittaci in cat populations in Britain.
58 citations
TL;DR: Recovery from anaesthesia was remarkably smooth in all cases and there was no significant difference in recovery times between the cats in which halothane was the principal maintenance agent and cats which received propofol alone.
Abstract: Propofol was administered to 49 cats to induce anaesthesia. The mean dose required was 6.8 mg/kg and this was not affected by prior administration of acepromazine maleate. In 27 cases, propofol was also used as the principal maintenance agent (mean dose rate 0.51 mg/kg/minute). Inductions were very smooth and problem free. Intubation was easily achieved in 15 cats with the aid of local desensitisation by lignocaine spray or neuromuscular relaxation by suxamethonium. Heart rate did not vary significantly during induction or maintenance of anaesthesia but respiratory rates did fall significantly. Recovery from anaesthesia was remarkably smooth in all cases and there was no significant difference in recovery times between the cats in which halothane was the principal maintenance agent and cats which received propofol alone. Side effects were seen during recovery in eight cats and included retching, sneezing and pawing of the face.
53 citations
TL;DR: All 36 dogs included in the long term follow up walked or were pain free in an average time of two to two-and-a-half weeks.
Abstract: Lateral spinal decompression was performed in 39 dogs. Twenty-seven (67-5 per cent) showed significant neurological improvement within 72 hours of surgery. All 36 dogs included in the long term follow up walked or were pain free in an average time of two to two-and-a-half weeks.
52 citations
TL;DR: Fasting hyperammo-naemia was the only consistent abnormal biochemical finding in nine cases of congenital portosystemic shunt in the cat and it is compared and contrasted with that in the dog.
Abstract: The clinical features, diagnosis, management and outcome of nine cases of congenital portosystemic shunt in the cat are reported. Neurological signs associated with hepatic encephalopathy and ptyalism were the main clinical signs. Six cases were presented as kittens less than six months of age and the remaining three cases were presented as adults, although in one of these signs were first noted at eight to 12 weeks of age. Fasting hyperammo-naemia was the only consistent abnormal biochemical finding. Medical management was instituted in all cases and surgical partial ligation was later performed in four with recanalisation of the ligated vessel occurring in three cases. The condition in the cat is compared and contrasted with that in the dog.
48 citations
TL;DR: The operative procedure and results of a new form of hemilaminectomy are described for both acute and chronic thoracolumbar disc disease and the recovery rate compares favourably to that obtained by traditional surgery.
Abstract: The operative procedure and results of a new form of hemilaminectomy are described for both acute and chronic thoracolumbar disc disease. The recovery rate compares favourably to that obtained by traditional surgery.
46 citations
TL;DR: Sixty-five dogs were examined and treated for stick penetration wounds of the pharynx and the need for vigorous management of the fresh injury in order to preclude the development of chronic complications is emphasised.
Abstract: Sixty-five dogs were examined and treated for stick penetration wounds of the pharynx. Dysphagia, pain, pyrexia and local cellulitis were common presenting signs amongst recently injured dogs. Injuries involving the oesophagus resulted in subcutaneous emphysema and dyspnoea associated with pneumomediastinum. Longstanding wounds presented with discharging sinuses of the head, neck or cranial thoracic region.
Wooden foreign bodies were recovered from 37 dogs (57 per cent) with subsequent resolution of their clinical signs. No foreign body was retrieved from a further 18 dogs (28 per cent) but their clinical signs resolved after appropriate wound management. Four dogs (6 per cent) died shortly after the injury from major oesophageal tears which allowed mediastinal contamination. Six dogs (9 per cent) had no foreign body recovered at surgery and the discharging sinuses persisthed.
The need for vigorous management of the fresh injury in order to preclude the development of chronic complications is emphasised.
46 citations
TL;DR: Drug therapy with tetracycline hydrochloride 22 mg/kg, three times daily, and imidocarb dipropionate by subcutaneous injection was accompanied by clinical improvement and the depression of gametocyte parasitaemia.
Abstract: Hepatozoon canis gametocytes were identified in the circulating neutrophils of six dogs from different parts of southern Israel. Clinical signs included fever, anaemia, anorexia, weakness of the hind legs and numerous brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) on the skin surface. Parasitaemia varied from 6 per cent to 43 per cent of the circulating neutrophils. Two of these six cases also showed Ehrlichia morulae in the cytoplasm of leucocytes. Drug therapy with tetracycline hydrochloride 22 mg/kg, three times daily, and imidocarb dipropionate, 6 mg/kg, by subcutaneous injection, repeated after 14 days, was accompanied by clinical improvement and the depression of gametocyte parasitaemia.
TL;DR: Analysis of signalment data of dogs in this series and the literature revealed no differences between dogs with disease confined to the peritoneal cavity and dogs with extraperitoneal metastases.
Abstract: A retrospective study was undertaken to characterise the biological behaviour of splenic haemangiosarcoma (HSA) in dogs. Metastatic pattern data for 25 dogs with splenic HSA that were presented for clinical signs relating to splenic lesions (eg, abdominal mass and, or, haemoperitoneum) and had undergone necropsy were analysed. Six of 25 dogs with splenic HSA that were presented for abdominal mass/haemoperitoneum had right atrial HSA. Fifteen of 19 (79 per cent dogs) with splenic HSA associated with abdominal mass/hemoperitoneum without right atrial involvement had disease confined to the peritoneal cavity. The most common metastatic sites in these dogs were liver, omentum and mesentery. Extraperitoneal metastases were seen in four of 19 (21 per cent) dogs without right atrial involvement. Analysis of signalment data of dogs in this series and the literature revealed no differences between dogs with disease confined to the peritoneal cavity and dogs with extraperitoneal metastases. The subjectivity of primary site designation, importance of ante mortem identification of individuals with concurrent right atrial involvement, and need for more aggressive therapy directed at intraperitoneal metastases are discussed.
TL;DR: The veterinary clinician must be familiar with the anatomy, function, and mechanics of cruciate ligament injury as well as the principles of both extra-articular and intra-artsicular techniques to select the reparative technique that might best serve an individual case.
Abstract: Injury to the cruciate ligaments, especially the cranial cruciate ligament, is one of the most common clinical problems presented to the small animal veterinarian. While there have been many procedures described for the treatment of cruciate ligament rupture no unanimity exists as to which procedure is the best. Therefore, in order to select the reparative technique that might best serve an individual case, the veterinary clinician must be familiar with the anatomy, function, and mechanics of cruciate ligament injury as well as the principles of both extra-articular and intra-articular techniques. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge of the cruciate ligaments.
“Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament is the most common injury in the stifle joint of the dog.”
Paatsama 1952
TL;DR: Nasopharyngeal stenosis secondary to chronic upper respiratory tract infection is described in four cats and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all chronicupper respiratory disease in cats.
Abstract: Nasopharyngeal stenosis secondary to chronic upper respiratory tract infection is described in four cats. The stenosis is caused by a thin but tough inflammatory membrane which develops across the proximal nasopharynx, partly or completely occluding it. Diagnosis is aided by use of a dental mirror for caudal rhinoscopy, together with test passage of a fine catheter through the ventral nasal meatus. All four cases were treated successfully by surgical resection of the membrane through an incision in the soft palate. Nasopharyngeal stenosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all chronic upper respiratory disease in cats.
TL;DR: A distinct type of ulcerative keratitis, apparently specific to the cat, and of unknown aetiology, has been noted by many authors and a note made of further investigations needed to establish the aETiology of this corneal disorder.
Abstract: A distinct type of ulcerative keratitis, apparently specific to the cat, and of unknown aetiology, has been noted by many authors. This condition is described and a review of the literature is provided. Clinical signs presented are analysed, together with breed, sex and age incidence, and a record of 100 cases noted over a 12 year period is provided. Earlier observations of possible causation are discussed and a note made of further investigations needed to establish the aetiology of this corneal disorder.
TL;DR: ‘Simultaneous’ urethral pressure profilometry using microtip pressure transducer catheters was evaluated as an aid to the diagnosis of urethrals sphincter mechanism incompetence by means of comparisons between 50 continent and 50 incontinent anaesthetised bitches and has considerable potential as a diagnostic aid.
Abstract: ‘Simultaneous’ urethral pressure profilometry using microtip pressure transducer catheters was evaluated as an aid to the diagnosis of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence by means of comparisons between 50 continent and 50 incontinent anaesthetised bitches. Highly significant differences were detected and the technique was found to have considerable potential as a diagnostic aid.
TL;DR: Cabergoline, a new prolactin inhibitor, was evaluated clinically in 143 bitches with pseudopregnancy and, or, false lactation, 14 cases of lactation after ovariohysterectomy for the removal of dead fetuses, 12 cases of persisting lactation following early weaning, and five cases of eclampsia.
Abstract: Cabergoline, a new prolactin inhibitor, was evaluated clinically in 143 bitches with pseudopregnancy and, or, false lactation, 14 cases of lactation after ovariohysterectomy for the removal of dead fetuses, 12 cases of persisting lactation after early weaning, and five cases of eclampsia. The drug was administered as a once-daily oral treatment (on food) in 139 cases or as subcutaneous injections at 48 hour intervals (maximum four injections) at a dose of 5, 2–5 or 1–5 μg/kg bodyweight in 35 cases. Improvement was evident within three to four days, and in 80 per cent of the cases clinical signs (abnormal behaviour, mammary gland swelling. milk secretion) had been significantly reduced or had disappeared within seven days. Treatment was successful in 95 per cent of the cases. Emesis was the only objectionable clinical side effect, being seen in 3 per cent of orally treated animals and necessitated withdrawal of one dog from the study. Vomiting occurred after the first (65-7 per cent) and second (22-9 per cent) injection only.
TL;DR: Cats with the rheumatoid and periosteal proliferative types do not recover but some manage to cope with the lameness and Cats with idiopathic polyarthritis can make a complete recovery although cases associated with myeloproliferative disease have a hopeless prognosis.
Abstract: Non-infective polyarthritis in the cat is classified into erosive (feline rheumatoid arthritis and feline periosteal proliferative polyarthritis) and non-erosive (feline systemic lupus erythematosus, feline idiopathic polyarthritis) forms. Criteria are used to identify each group. Clinically, all forms are similar. Affected cats are stiff, unwilling to move and may resent any form of handling. Joints are usually swollen and painful on manipulation. Some cases are pyrexic and inappetent. Radiography demonstrates destructive changes within joints in the erosive forms and also the periosteal new bone, characteristic of the periosteal proliferative form. Soft tissue thickening is also demonstrated. Tests for the autoantibodies rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibody are important in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Treatment is with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents (prednisolone, cytotoxic drugs). Cats with the rheumatoid and periosteal proliferative types do not recover but some manage to cope with the lameness. Cats with idiopathic polyarthritis can make a complete recovery although cases associated with myeloproliferative disease have a hopeless prognosis.
TL;DR: Cases of primary angle closure glaucoma in the Welsh springer spaniel, a breed not previously reported to be affected, are reported, which should make elimination of the trait through breeding control more straightforward.
Abstract: This paper reports 28 cases of primary angle closure glaucoma in the Welsh springer spaniel, a breed not previously reported to be affected by this condition. Females are affected more frequently than males (2–4:1). The age of onset ranges from 10 weeks to 10 years; however, the distribution is skewed towards the younger dog. The mode of inheritance appears to be dominant, which should make elimination of the trait through breeding control more straightforward. Gonioscopy on clinically affected and clinically normal dogs revealed three angle types; open (normal), partially open and partially closed (equivocal) and closed (affected). The equivocal cases may represent the heterozygous state and the closed the homozygous; alternatively the gene(s) may show variable expression.
TL;DR: On present evidence amputation appears to be the most effective form of treatment in the dog, because of the heterogenicity of the tumour and suitable biopsy techniques.
Abstract: A series of eight cases of synovial sarcoma in the dog is presented together with a literature review of previously reported cases. It is an uncommon tumour occuring mainly around joints and affects more males than females. It occurs most frequently in medium to large dogs of middle age. Clinical signs may develop over a long period of time and the tumour is locally invasive with an unpredictable capacity to metatasise. Radiographically it appears as a soft tissue mass which invades bone. Histological diagnosis may be difficult because of the heterogenicity of the tumour and suitable biopsy techniques are discussed. On present evidence amputation appears to be the most effective form of treatment in the dog.
TL;DR: Primary ocular sarcomas were diagnosed following enucleation or necropsy in 13 cats over an eight year period and the cancer was quite aggressive, with extension into adjacent tissues and/or distant metastases commonly encountered.
Abstract: Primary ocular sarcomas were diagnosed following enucleation (12) or necropsy (one) in 13 cats over an eight year period. Twelve of the 13 cats were males; ages of affected animals were seven to 15 years, with a mean of 12. Five of the cats had a history of previous trauma and six others had a history of chronic uveitis. Morphologically the neoplasm was comprised of undifferentiated spindle cells and appeared to arise in the anterior uvea. The cancer was quite aggressive, with extension into adjacent tissues and/or distant metastases commonly encountered. Seven of 12 cats experienced confirmed tumour related deaths within months following enucleation and one was humanely destroyed at the time of original presentation.
TL;DR: Treatment was given with dihydrotachysterol, a synthetic sterol that is metabolised to a pharmacologically active analogue of 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol by the liver and resolved the rachitic skeletal lesions completely in six weeks, as assessed radiographically.
Abstract: Rickets diagnosed in a 12-week-old female St Bernard was attributed to an inborn error in vitamin D metabolism. Radiographically the physes were enlarged radially and axially, and metaphyseal bone adjacent to the physes was widened and cup-shaped. Serum biochemical abnormalities were hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia, and hyperparathyroidism. Treatment was given with dihydrotachysterol, a synthetic sterol that is metabolised to a pharmacologically active analogue of 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol by the liver. This resolved the rachitic skeletal lesions completely in six weeks, as assessed radiographically, and maintained the serum calcium at the lower end of the normal range.
TL;DR: Computer tomography and histological assessment revealed massive endosteal lamellar bone formation, and bone resorption was still apparent, though only atypical mononuclear osteoclasts were seen.
Abstract: Osteopetrosis was found in two adult cats, radiographically characterised by a ‘marble bone’ appearance of the axial skeleton and of the subchondral bone of all joints, and endosteal thickening of the cortex of long bones. Computer tomography and histological assessment revealed massive endosteal lamellar bone formation. Bone resorption was still apparent, though only atypical mononuclear osteoclasts were seen. Histological findings support the assumption that the disorder was acquired. Severe anaemia was found in one cat. In the other, no clinical abnormalities were present. The condition appears to be different from feline leukaemia virus-induced medullary osteosclerosis described by Hoover and Kociba (1974).
TL;DR: Chronic hepatitis in the dog encompasses a diverse group of liver diseases characterised by a mixed inflammatory infiltrate within the hepatic parenchyma but with multiple causes, often unknown.
Abstract: Chronic hepatitis in the dog encompasses a diverse group of liver diseases characterised by a mixed inflammatory infiltrate within the hepatic parenchyma but with multiple causes. The aetiology is often unknown. Potential causes include hepatic copper accumulation, drugs, infections, and, speculatively, immune-mediated disease. Diagnosis is made based on liver biopsy. Treatment is predominantly supportive, while corticosteroids may be indicated in selected cases with idiopathic chronic hepatitis.
TL;DR: Pasteurella sp.
Abstract: Pasteurella sp. were isolated from tonsillar swabs obtained from 100 dogs and 100 cats; isolation rates were 92 per cent and 99 per cent respectively. Isolates were identified according to recent taxonomic data. P. multocida subsp. multocida and subsp. septica were common in cats but not in dogs. P. canis was common in both dogs and cats. Compared with strains from dogs, those from cats were more pathogenic for mice. Many of the species isolated are considered potential human pathogens.
TL;DR: Prostaglandin F2α used at the low dose is sufficient for medical treatment of certain cases of pyometra and seems to be most effective in bitches without obvious hormonal imbalance.
Abstract: Ten bitches with pyometra were treated with prostaglandin F2α at a dose of 20 μg/kg bodyweight three times daily on consecutive days. Diagnosis was based on clinical signs and radiographic findings. Venous blood samples were collected for haematology and measurement of plasma progesterone levels. The response to treatment was monitored by repeated ultrasonic examinations. The treatment was continued for up to eight days. Seven out of 10 bitches responded well to treatment. The remaining three bitches underwent ovariohysterectomy and a cystic hyperplasia of the endometrium was diagnosed histologically. The results indicated that prostaglandin F2α used at the low dose is sufficient for medical treatment of certain cases of pyometra. The treatment seems to be most effective in bitches without obvious hormonal imbalance. The aetiology of pyometra is discussed.
TL;DR: A case of urethrorectal fistula associated with atresia ani in a seven-week-old male kitten with the main clinical sign was tenesmus is described.
Abstract: A case of urethrorectal fistula associated with atresia ani in a seven-week-old male kitten is described. The main clinical sign was tenesmus. The diagnosis was confirmed by positive contrast radiography and post mortem examination.
TL;DR: A new surgical method for stabilising the hip joint is described, called prearticular stabilisation, to avoid reluxation by limiting the range of rotatory movement of the femoral head by the use of heavy double mattress sutures tied between the tendons of insertion of the psoas minor and the gluteus medius muscles.
Abstract: Handling traumatic hip dislocation is a routine procedure in emergency clinics. Many cases are successfully managed with closed reduction and supportive bandage. However, when surgery is needed the techniques commonly in use are hampered with the lack of visualisation and may result in excessive joint trauma. This paper describes a new surgical method for stabilising the hip joint. The technique is called prearticular stabilisation. The principle is to avoid reluxation by limiting the range of rotatory movement of the femoral head by the use of heavy double mattress sutures tied between the tendons of insertion of the psoas minor and the gluteus medius muscles. The results of the first 11 cases are reported and long term as well as short term results are encouraging.
TL;DR: Several congenital, inherited and acquired conditions of the eyelid occur in the dog, and their presence may result in disease of the conjunctiva or cornea caused by irritation or exposure.
Abstract: Several congenital, inherited and acquired conditions of the eyelid occur in the dog, and their presence may result in disease of the conjunctiva or cornea caused by irritation or exposure. Treatment involves either the permanent relief of irritation or the construction of a palpebral fissure in which there is adequate apposition between eyelid and globe.
TL;DR: In four dogs with forelimb lameness a bony exostosis had developed near the caudal edge of the superficial digital flexor muscle on the medial epicondyle of the humerus, and surgical resection of the exostoses resolved the lameness.
Abstract: In four dogs with forelimb lameness a bony exostosis had developed near the caudal edge of the superficial digital flexor muscle on the medial epicondyle of the humerus. The aetiology possibly involves a traumatic enthesopathy. Surgical resection of the exostoses resolved the lameness.