Background
No available literature supports the claim that the patellar and withdrawal (flexor) reflexes are the only reliable segmental reflexes in dogs.
Objective
Measure intra‐ and interobserver ...agreement of 8 segmental reflexes in dogs without clinical evidence of orthopedic or neurologic disease.
Animals
One‐hundred and one client‐ or staff‐owned dogs between 1 and 10 years of age with no clinical evidence of orthopedic disease, myelopathy, or neuromuscular disease.
Methods
Descriptive study. The intraobserver proportion of agreement (%) of responses to selected segmental reflexes in right versus left limbs by 3 observers was calculated and reported. The interobserver agreement of 2 observers of responses to selected reflexes was estimated by calculating proportions of agreement, kappa values, and 95% confidence intervals. A segmental reflex with an acceptable agreement was defined as that with a proportion of agreement ≥90% and a Kappa value ≥0.61 in both limbs.
Results
The intraobserver proportion of agreement for all 3 observers was high (≥95%) for the extensor carpi radialis, withdrawal, patellar, and cranial tibial reflexes. Between observers 1 and 3 and observers 2 and 3, the interobserver proportion of agreement was high (≥ 92%) for the extensor carpi radialis (κ 0.66, not determined ND), withdrawal (both limbs, κ ND), patellar (κ ND), and cranial tibial reflexes (κ ND).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance
The extensor carpi radialis, withdrawal, patellar, and cranial tibial reflexes had a higher proportion of agreement and kappa values between 2 observers.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Background
Non‐suppurative encephalitides in a variety of species, including humans and dogs, have been linked to infection by astroviruses and bornaviruses.
Hypothesis/Objectives
To determine ...whether or not ribonucleic acid of astroviruses or bornaviruses was present in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of dogs with clinically diagnosed meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology (MUE).
Animals
Twenty‐five client‐owned dogs evaluated by CSF analysis at a single university referral hospital.
Methods
Prospective case‐control study. Cerebrospinal fluid was collected from clinically diagnosed MUE and control cases and evaluated by reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for the presence of astrovirus and bornavirus.
Results
Neither astrovirus nor bornavirus nucleic acids were identified in CSF collected from 20 clinically diagnosed MUE and 5 control cases.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance
The negative results of this investigation suggest that astrovirus and bornavirus are not commonly detectable in CSF of dogs with MUE.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Background
Magnetic resonance imaging is the method of choice for diagnosing spinal cord neoplasia, but the accuracy of designating the relationship of a neoplasm to the meninges and agreement among ...observers is unknown.
Objectives
To determine agreement among observers and accuracy of diagnosis compared with histology when diagnosing lesion location based on relationship to the meninges.
Animals
Magnetic resonance images from 53 dogs with intradural extramedullary and intramedullary spinal neoplasms and 17 dogs with degenerative myelopathy.
Methods
Six observers were supplied with 2 sets of 35 images at different time points and asked to designate lesion location. Agreement in each set was analyzed using kappa (κ) statistics. We tabulated total correct allocations and calculated sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios for location designation from images compared with known histologic location for lesions confined to 1 location only.
Results
Agreement in the first set of images was moderate (κ = 0.51; 95% confidence interval CI, 0.43‐0.58) and in the second, substantial (κ = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.66‐0.79). In the accuracy study, 180 (75%) of the 240 diagnostic calls were correct. Sensitivity and specificity were moderate to high for all compartments, except poor sensitivity was found for intradural extramedullary lesions. Positive likelihood ratios were high for intradural extramedullary lesions and degenerative myelopathy.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance
Overall accuracy in diagnosis was reasonable, and positive diagnostic calls for intradural extramedullary lesions and negative calls for intramedullary lesions are likely to be helpful. Observers exhibited considerable disagreement in designation of lesions relationship to the meninges.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Objective
To characterize the clinical features, neurological examination findings, diagnostic imaging results, histopathological findings, and outcome following transsphenoidal hypophysectomy (TSH) ...in dogs with nonfunctional sellar masses (NFSM).
Study design
Multi‐institutional retrospective study.
Methods
Medical records of dogs that underwent TSH for a NFSM were reviewed for clinical signs, physical and neurological examination findings, diagnostic imaging results, endocrine testing, surgery reports, and outcome. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was rereviewed, and tumors were classified using the previously described system according to pituitary tumor extension and vascular involvement. Owners of dogs that survived to discharge were contacted.
Results
The majority of dogs presented for mentation change (12/15). The mean pituitary to brain ratio (P/B ratio) was 1.05 (0.6–1.4). Eight dogs had a tumor imaging classification of 5B. Eleven dogs were diagnosed with a nonfunctional pituitary adenoma (NFPA). Perioperative mortality was 33% (5/15). The median survival for all dogs was 232 days (0–1658). When dogs that did not survive to discharge were excluded, the median survival time was 708 days. Seven of 10 dogs that survived the perioperative period received adjunctive therapy. Owner assessment of outcome was excellent (6/7) to good (1/7).
Conclusion
The common presenting complaint for dogs with large NFSM causing mass effect was mentation changes. Dogs with NFPA that survived to discharge and received adjunctive therapy had good to excellent outcomes.
Clinical significance
Transsphenoidal debulking with adjunctive therapy can be considered for the treatment of NFSM causing clinical signs of mass effect in dogs. Successful long‐term outcomes are possible.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Background
Limited recent data exists regarding discospondylitis in dogs.
Hypothesis/Objectives
(i) Describe the signalment, clinical and imaging findings, etiologic agents, treatment, and outcome of ...dogs with discospondylitis, (ii) determine diagnostic agreement between radiographs, CT, and MRI with regard to the presence of discospondylitis and its location, and (iii) determine risk factors for relapse and progressive neurological deterioration.
Animals
Three hundred eighty‐six dogs.
Methods
Multi‐institutional retrospective study. Data extracted from medical records were: signalment, clinical and examination findings, diagnostic results, treatments, complications, and outcome. Potential risk factors were recorded. Breed distribution was compared to a control group. Agreement between imaging modalities was assessed via Cohen's kappa statistic. Other analyses were performed on categorical data, using cross tabulations with chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests.
Results
Male dogs were overrepresented (236/386 dogs). L7‐S1 (97/386 dogs) was the most common site. Staphylococcus species (23/38 positive blood cultures) were prevalent. There was a fair agreement (κ = 0.22) between radiographs and CT, but a poor agreement (κ = 0.05) between radiographs and MRI with regard to evidence of discospondylitis. There was good agreement between imaging modalities regarding location of disease. Trauma was associated with an increased risk of relapse (P = .01, OR: 9.0, 95% CI: 2.2‐37.0). Prior steroid therapy was associated with an increased risk of progressive neurological dysfunction (P = .04, OR: 4.7, 95% CI: 1.2‐18.6).
Conclusions and Clinical Importance
Radiograph and MRI results could be discrepant in dogs with discospondylitis. Prior trauma and corticosteroids could be associated with relapse and progressive neurological dysfunction, respectively.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Telangiectatic osteosarcoma is a rare variant of osteosarcoma histologically and clinically similar to hemangiosarcoma (HSA). This case series describes the imaging and cytologic features of four ...histologically confirmed telangiectatic osteosarcomas, including the use of cytochemical stains. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was applied to Wright–Giemsa‐stained cytology slides, and Factor VIII immunohistochemistry was evaluated. Cytologic characteristics included atypical mesenchymal cells with evidence of acute and chronic hemorrhage. Telangiectatic osteosarcoma cases had positive ALP cytochemical staining, while control HSA cases were negative. Factor VIII immunohistochemistry was negative in telangiectatic osteosarcoma and positive in HSA. Cytologic diagnosis of telangiectatic osteosarcoma with positive ALP cytochemical staining can help differentiate this neoplasm from HSA.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
7.
Ballistic trauma to the axial skeleton in 13 animals Linder, Jessica; Daniel, Jonathon; Vadurro, Francesca ...
Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2000),
May/June 2023, Volume:
33, Issue:
3
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Objective
To describe the clinical presentation and outcome of small animals that sustained ballistic trauma to the axial skeleton.
Design
Retrospective, multicenter observational study.
Setting
Two ...university teaching hospitals.
Animals
Twelve client‐owned dogs and 1 client‐owned cat sustaining ballistic trauma to the axial skeleton.
Interventions
None.
Measurements and Main Results
Thirteen animals sustaining ballistic trauma to the axial skeleton with complete medical records were included in this study. Twelve of 13 animals survived to discharge; 1 animal was euthanized shortly after presentation. Two animals had ophthalmic abnormalities, 9 animals had neurologic lesions, and 2 animals had no significant ophthalmic or neurologic deficits. Neurolocalization of injury included peripheral vestibular (n = 1), multifocal brain (n = 1), brainstem (n = 1), C1–C5 (n = 1), C6–T2 (n = 1), T3–L3 (n = 3), and L4–S3 (n = 1). Seven dogs underwent surgical intervention: 5 neurosurgical, 1 enucleation, and 1 laparotomy. Median hospitalization time was 6 days with a range from 1 to 31 days.
Conclusions
Overall prognosis and outcome are variable and dependent on specific injury location and degree of injury.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
An 11-year-old male neutered Yorkshire Terrier was presented with a cervical mass that developed a draining tract. Aside from the dysphagia reported by the owner, his neurologic exam was normal. ...Three years prior, the patient was diagnosed with an atlantoaxial subluxation that was ventrally stabilized with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and self-tapping titanium screws. There were no postoperative complications until presenting with the cervical mass and dysphagia. Computerized tomography (CT) of the cervical spine confirmed caudal migration of the PMMA and screws with an abscess surrounding the implant. A surgical explant of the PMMA and screws was performed without complication. The atlantoaxial joint remained normally aligned on postoperative radiographs. Cultures of the implant grew Streptococcus bovis. He was treated with cephalexin (22 mg/kg PO BID) for 30 days. At the time of his one-month recheck, he was swallowing normally with no neurologic deficits. He remains normal at the time of this report (17 months later). This case reports a successful explant of a chronic atlantoaxial implant infection.
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DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Objective The objective of this study was to determine if surface electromyography (sEMG) demonstrates differences in muscle activation between normal and dogs recovering from spinal cord injury due ...to intervertebral disk extrusion. Animals Two groups of client-owned small-breed chondrodysplastic-type dogs were tested. Group 1 consisted of seven ambulatory paraparetic dogs that had undergone a hemilaminectomy procedure in the T3-L3 region for intervertebral disk extrusion 1 month prior. Group 2 was made up of seven normal dogs that had no history of intervertebral disk disease or spinal surgery. Procedures Each subject walked 10 feet on a nonslip surface for at least five gait cycles for the sEMG to capture muscle activation of the vastus lateralis and gluteus medius, bilaterally. Muscle activation was quantified as the total myoelectric output area under the curve, averaged across all gait cycles. Results Muscle activation was significantly greater in the post-operative hemilaminectomy group ( p = 0.012). There was a significant difference in muscle activation between each hindlimb in the post-operative hemilaminectomy group, but not in the normal group. The muscle activation was significantly lower on the side that underwent surgery compared to the opposite limb ( p = 0.0034). Conclusion and clinical importance Post-operative hemilaminectomy dogs have greater hindlimb muscle activation compared to normal dogs, which likely represents a lack of descending inhibition secondary to upper motor neuron syndrome. The side of surgery is correlated with decreased muscle activation. Surface EMG can be used to evaluate muscle activity in dogs recovering from spinal decompression surgery.
The use of cannabidiol (CBD) in childhood refractory seizures has become a common therapeutic approach for specific seizure disorders in human medicine. Similarly, there is an interest in using CBD, ...cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) or cannabinoid-rich hemp products in the treatment of idiopathic epilepsy in dogs. We aimed to examine a small cohort in a pilot investigation using a CBD and CBDA-rich hemp product for the treatment of refractory epileptic seizures in dogs. Fourteen dogs were examined in a 24-week randomized cross-over study being provided placebo or CBD/CBDA-rich hemp extract treatment at 2 mg/kg orally every 12 h for each 12-week arm of the study. Serum chemistry, complete blood counts, serum anti-seizure medication (ASM) concentrations and epileptic seizure frequency were followed over both arms of the cross-over trial. Results demonstrated that besides a mild increase in alkaline phosphatase, there were no alterations observed on routine bloodwork at 2, 6, and 12 weeks during either arm of the study. Epileptic seizure frequency decreased across the population from a mean of 8.0 ± 4.8 during placebo treatment to 5.0 ± 3.6 with CBD/CBDA-rich hemp extract (
P
= 0.02). In addition, epileptic seizure event days over the 12 weeks of CBD/CBDA-rich hemp treatment were 4.1 ± 3.4, which was significantly different than during the 12 weeks of placebo treatment (5.8 ± 3.1;
P
=0.02). The number of dogs with a 50% reduction in epileptic activity while on treatment were 6/14, whereas 0/14 had reductions of 50% or greater while on the placebo (
P
= 0.02). No differences were observed in serum zonisamide, phenobarbital or bromide concentrations while on the treatment across groups. Adverse events were minimal, but included somnolence (3/14) and transient increases in ataxia (4/14) during CBD/CBDA-rich hemp extract treatment; this was not significantly different from placebo. This further indicates that providing CBD/CBDA-rich hemp extract during refractory epilepsy (only partially responsive to ASM), in conjunction with other ASM appears safe. Based on this information, the use of 2 mg/kg every 12 h of a CBD/CBDA-rich hemp extract can have benefits in reducing the incidence of epileptic seizures, when used concurrently with other ASMs.
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