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A six-year-old, male, castrated European shorthair cat was presented due to a lifelong history of sneezing, nasal discharge, open-mouth breathing, stertor and vestibular problems. Clinical examination showed absence of airflow through the nostrils. Computed tomography of the head revealed an infiltrative soft tissue attenuating mass in the left nasal cavity, nasopharynx and the left frontal sinus. All of these locations could be successfully accessed through ventral rhinotomy and the mass was completely removed. Histological examination identified it as an inflammatory polyp. All respiratory and neurological symptoms disappeared, and two-and-a-half years after surgery, the cat was still without complaints.

A seven-month-old European shorthair cat was presented with dyspnoea and expiratory stridor due to a severe obstructive tracheal stenosis. Surgical resection of the stenotic area and anastomosis of the remaining parts of the trachea were performed. The anaesthetic management of a patient during tracheal resection is an anaesthetic challenge. Total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and a continuous rate infusion of fentanyl were chosen to maintain a surgical anaesthetic depth and to ensure pain control. Endotracheal extubation was necessary at a specific time during the surgical procedure. However, subsequent oral reintubation was complicated, due to patient positioning and the presence of laryngeal spasms. Reintubation was only successful by means of a modified retrograde intubation technique. Recovery was satisfactory and uneventful.

Een elf jaar oude cavalier-king-charles-spaniel werd aangeboden met een grote massa centraal op het schedeldak. Met behulp van computertomografie werd de intracraniale uitgebreidheid van het letsel vastgesteld. Bioptname en histologisch onderzoek leidden tot de diagnose van een graad-1 multilobulair osteochondrosarcoom. Vermits dit een biologisch matig agressieve tumor is die traag groeit, de nabijgelegen weefsels wegdrukt in plaats van te invaderen en deze laaggradige tumor slechts bij 30% van de patienten metastaseert, werd besloten tot chirurgische resectie. Een ruime partiele craniectomie werd uitgevoerd, waarna het defect in het schedelbot werd gereconstrueerd met een specifiek daartoe bestemde titanium mesh. Het huiddefect werd gesloten met een lokale huidflap. De marges werden histologisch beoordeeld en waren vrij van tumorcellen. Volledige chirurgische resectie van deze tumor kan resulteren in een lange overlevingstijd. De beschreven hond was ruim zeventien maanden na de operatie nog steeds in leven, zonder aanwijzingen voor een lokaal recidief of metastasering.

• Experimental determination of specific muscle tension in dogs based on in vivo muscle forces

Een tien jaar oude, vrouwelijke, Europese korthaar werd aangeboden met klachten van progressief verergerende dyspnee, ademen met open muil en inspiratoire en expiratoire stridor. Met behulp van tracheoscopie met bioptname kon de histopathologische diagnose van een intraluminaal tracheaal adenocarcinoma gesteld worden. Computertomografie (CT) toonde aan dat er geen metastasen waren, waarna tijdens dezelfde anesthesie werd overgegaan tot excisie van de tumor. Omwille van de moeilijke hanteerbaarheid van de patiënt was intraveneuze premedicatie niet mogelijk en gebeurde de inductie van de anesthesie aan de hand van een intramusculaire injectie met alfaxalone. De anesthesie werd verder onderhouden met twee verschillende protocollen: initieel werd gebruik gemaakt van een inhalatieanesthesie -protocol, waarbij isofluraan via een laryngeaal masker werd verdampt in 100% zuurstof via een cirkelsysteem, waarna er werd overgeschakeld naar totale intraveneuze anesthesie (TIVA) met alfaxalone tijdens de eigenlijke excisie van de tumor. Door het verwijderen van zeven trachearingen kon de tumor volledig verwijderd worden.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common diagnosed congenital disease in dogs that usually causes heart failure and death unless corrected at a young age. A 2.5-year-old female intact Coton de Tulear was referred and diagnosed with a left to right shunt PDA. Closure of the PDA was performed via a minimally invasive approach by means of an Amplatz canine duct occluder device. In this case report, we describe a successful anaesthetic protocol that included premedication using a combination of acepromazine and methadone, induction with propofol and midazolam and maintenance with isoflurane in oxygen, as well as a lidocaine constant rate constant rate infusion for intraoperative analgesic and cardiovascular support. This protocol provided excellent intraoperative cardiopulmonary stability and a smooth and rapid recovery.

Epiglottic retroversion (ER) is an uncommon and poorly understood disorder of the upper respiratory tract in small breed dogs. In this retrospective study, perioperative characteristics, surgical technique, outcome, and complications in nine dogs that underwent surgical treatment for ER and/or concurrent upper respiratory tract disorders, were evaluated. The most frequently reported clinical symptoms were chronic intermittent inspiratory stridor (89%), exercise intolerance (78%), and dyspnea (67%). Concurrent respiratory disorders were highly prevalent (78%). Five dogs initially underwent a temporary epiglottopexy and two a permanent epiglottopexy. In two dogs, both suffering from concurrent laryngeal paralysis, only a unilateral cricoarytenoid lateralization was performed. After initial clinical improvement, temporary and permanent epiglottopexy eventually failed in 4/6 dogs (67%) that were available for follow-up, necessitating partial epiglottectomy as revision surgery. This resulted in a successful long-term outcome in 5/6 of these dogs (83%). In the dogs with primary ER or in cases where the presence of secondary ER led to significant respiratory symptoms, partial epiglottectomy as a primary surgical technique appeared to be a more permanent treatment option than epiglottopexy. Both dogs with surgically corrected concurrent laryngeal paralysis without epiglottopexy or epiglottectomy showed clinical improvement. This might indicate that, in case of secondary ER, positive results can be achieved after management of the underlying respiratory disorder.

Background Currently, [18F] altanserin is the most frequently used PET-radioligand for serotonin2A (5-HT2A) receptor imaging in the human brain but has never been validated in dogs. In vivo imaging of this receptor in the canine brain could improve diagnosis and therapy of several behavioural disorders in dogs. Furthermore, since dogs are considered as a valuable animal model for human psychiatric disorders, the ability to image this receptor in dogs could help to increase our understanding of the pathophysiology of these diseases. Therefore, five healthy laboratory beagles underwent a 90-min dynamic PET scan with arterial blood sampling after [18F] altanserin bolus injection. Compartmental modelling using metabolite corrected arterial input functions was compared with reference tissue modelling with the cerebellum as reference region. Results The distribution of [18F] altanserin in the canine brain corresponded well to the distribution of 5-HT2A receptors in human and rodent studies. The kinetics could be best described by a 2-Tissue compartment (2-TC) model. All reference tissue models were highly correlated with the 2-TC model, indicating compartmental modelling can be replaced by reference tissue models to avoid arterial blood sampling. Conclusions This study demonstrates that [18F] altanserin PET is a reliable tool to visualize and quantify the 5-HT2A receptor in the canine brain.

Objective To report the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam to bolster full-thickness mesh skin grafts in dogs. Study Design Retrospective case series. Animals Client-owned dogs (n = 8). Material and Methods Full-thickness mesh skin graft was directly covered with PVA foam. NPWT was maintained for 5 days (in 1 or 2 cycles). Grafts were evaluated on days 2, 5, 10, 15, and 30 for graft appearance and graft take, granulation tissue formation, and complications. Results Firm attachment of the graft to the recipient bed was accomplished in 7 dogs with granulation tissue quickly filling the mesh holes, and graft take considered excellent. One dog had bandage complications after cessation of the NPWT, causing partial graft loss. The PVA foam did not adhere to the graft or damage the surrounding skin. Conclusion The application of NPWT with a PVA foam after full-thickness mesh skin grafting in dogs provides an effective method for securing skin grafts, with good graft acceptance. PVA foam can be used as a primary dressing for skin grafts, obviating the need for other interposing materials to protect the graft and the surrounding skin.

BackgroundCurrently, [18F] altanserin is the most frequently used PET-radioligand for serotonin2A(5-HT2A) receptor imaging in the human brain but has never been validated in dogs. In vivo imaging of this receptor in the canine brain could improve diagnosis and therapy of several behavioural disorders in dogs. Furthermore, since dogs are considered as a valuable animal model for human psychiatric disorders, the ability to image this receptor in dogs could help to increase our understanding of the pathophysiology of these diseases. Therefore, five healthy laboratory beagles underwent a 90-min dynamic PET scan with arterial blood sampling after [18F] altanserin bolus injection. Compartmental modelling using metabolite corrected arterial input functions was compared with reference tissue modelling with the cerebellum as reference region.ResultsThe distribution of [18F] altanserin in the canine brain corresponded well to the distribution of 5-HT2Areceptors in human and rodent studies. The kinetics could be best described by a 2-Tissue compartment (2-TC) model. All reference tissue models were highly correlated with the 2-TC model, indicating compartmental modelling can be replaced by reference tissue models to avoid arterial blood sampling.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that [18F] altanserin PET is a reliable tool to visualize and quantify the 5-HT2Areceptor in the canine brain.

Numerous studies have shown that the serotonin(1A) (5-HT1A) receptor is implicated in the pathophysiology and treatment of several psychiatric and neurological disorders. Furthermore, functional imaging studies in a variety of species have demonstrated that 4-(2'-Methoxyphenyl)-1-[2'-(N-2 ''-pyridinyl)-p-[F-18]fluorobenzamidoethylpiperazine ([F-18]MPPF) is a valid and useful PET tracer to visualize the 5HT(1A) receptor. However, to our knowledge, [F-18] MPPF has never been demonstrated in the canine brain. The ability to image the 5HT(1A) receptor with PET in dogs could improve diagnosis and therapy in both canine and human behavioural and neuropsychiatric disorders. To examine the potential use of [F-18]MPPF in dogs, five healthy adult laboratory beagles underwent a 60-minutes dynamic PET scan with [F-18]MPPF while arterial blood samples were taken. For each region of interest, total distribution volume (V-T) and corresponding binding potential (BPND) were calculated using the 1-tissue compartment model (1-TC), 2-Tissue compartment model (2-TC) and Logan plot. The preferred model was chosen based on the goodness-of-fit, calculated with the Akaike information criterium (AIC). Subsequently, the BPND values of the preferred compartment model were compared with the estimated BPND values using three reference tissue models (RTMs): the 2-step simplified reference tissue model (SRTM2), the 2-parameter multilinear reference tissue model (MRTM2) and the Logan reference tissue model. According to the lower AIC values of the 2-TC model compared to the 1-TC in all ROIs, the 2-TC model showed a better fit. Calculating BPND using reference tissue modelling demonstrated high correlation with the BPND obtained by metabolite corrected plasma input 2-TC. This first-indog study indicates the results of a bolus injection with [F-18] MPPF in dogs are consistent with the observations presented in the literature for other animal species and humans. Furthermore, for future experiments, compartmental modelling using invasive blood sampling could be replaced by RTMs, using the cerebellum as reference region.

Background The aims of this study were to determine if extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EHPSS) postoperative closure could be predicted based on preoperative blood analyses and to determine the accuracy of blood variables to evaluate persistence of portosystemic shunting postoperatively (multiple acquired portosystemic shunts (MAPSS) or persistent EHPSS). Methods Retrospectively, 62 dogs treated surgically for congenital EHPSS that underwent postoperative trans-splenic portal scintigraphy or CT angiography three to six months postoperatively were included. Results None of the studied preoperative blood variables could unambiguously predict surgical outcome. Elevated postoperative fasting venous ammonia (FA) concentration always indicated surgical failure (persistent shunting or MAPSS), but normal FA did not provide any information on the postoperative shunting status. Paired serum bile acids (SBA) were not reliable enough to confirm or exclude postoperative shunting. In the presence of low normal postoperative FA levels, elevated preprandial SBA was more likely in dogs with persistent shunting (sensitivity of 0.79, specificity of 0.83), whereas postprandial SBA below reference limit was more often observed in case of surgical success (sensitivity of 0.93, specificity of 0.67). Conclusion Blood variables, and more specifically the combination of FA and SBA, are not a valuable alternative to advanced medical imaging to reliably assess the surgical outcome after EHPSS surgery.

Objectives Comparison of PennHIP and a novel method to diagnose hip laxity, called the Vezzoni modified Badertscher distension device technique. Methods In a total of 10 dogs, it was first assessed whether the distraction index (DI) from the PennHIP evaluation center could be reproduced by two individual observers. In the next two steps, the DI measurements made by the individual observers and the PennHIP evaluation center were compared with the laxity index (LI) measured on the Vezzoni modified Badertscher distension device view. Finally, the interobserver agreement of the DI, LI and Norberg angle was assessed and compared with classification criteria. Results The results were similar for the first three comparisons: there was no evidence for bias, the relation between DI and LI was linear and the variability was small. A comparison of the interobserver agreement showed that the measurement variability for the NA was substantial, while the reproducibility for the DI and LI was equal. Clinical Significance While the standard ventrodorsal hip extended radiograph is most commonly used for diagnosis and screening of canine hip dysplasia, it lacks sensitivity to diagnose laxity. To improve the identification of hip joint laxity, distraction-based radiographic techniques are helpful. The Vezzoni modified Badertscher distension device technique allows for a reliable in-house evaluation of canine hip joint laxity.

Hypericin (Hyp) is a necrosis-avid compound that can be efficiently labelled with radioiodine for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Before 131 I-Hyp can be considered as a clinically useful drug in a combination therapy for canine cancer patients, evaluation of its toxicity is necessary. The aim of this study was to investigate the biodistribution and tolerance of a single dose administration of 131 I-Hyp. Three healthy dogs were included. 131 I-Hyp at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg and an activity of 185 MBq was intravenously injected. The effects on physical, haematological and biochemical parameters were characterized and the biodistribution and elimination pattern, the effective half-life and dose rate were assessed. Drug-related adverse events were limited to mild gastrointestinal signs, resolving within 48 hours. No significant differences were found in blood haematology and serum biochemistry before and after treatment. Following administration, highest percentage of injected dose (%ID ± SD) was found in the liver (5.5 ± 0.33), the lungs (4.17 ± 0.14) and the heart (3.11 ± 0.78). After 24 hours, highest %ID was found in colon (4.25 ± 1.45) and liver (3.45 ± 0.60). Clearance from all organs was effective within 7 days. Effective half-life was established at 80 hours, and the dose rate fell below

Objective To (1) describe a modified technique for tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture and (2) report short term outcome and complications. Study Design Prospective clinical study. Animals Dogs with unilateral CCL rupture (n = 50). Methods TTA was performed with a novel implant to achieve advancement of the tibial crest. The technical protocol, specific implants and instrumentation, and the short term outcome are described. Results Various breeds (mean ± SD weight, 31.9 ± 13.3 kg) were included. Mean age at treatment was 64 ± 30.6 months. Minor complications occurred in 30% and major complications in 4% of the cases. Forty-eight (96%) dogs had a good to excellent outcome 3 months after surgery. Conclusion The modified technique is a viable alternative to other osteotomy techniques.

Plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine and buprenorphine after oral transmucosal (OTM) and intramuscular (i.m.) administration of their combination in healthy adult cats were compared. According to a crossover protocol (1-month washout), a combination of dexmedetomidine (40 μg/kg) and buprenorphine (20 μg/kg) was given OTM (buccal cavity) or i.m. (quadriceps muscle) in six female neutered cats. Plasma samples were collected through a jugular catheter during a 24-h period. Plasma dexmedetomidine and buprenorphine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma concentration-time data were fitted to compartmental models. For dexmedetomidine and buprenorphine, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and the maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax ) were significantly lower following OTM than following i.m. administration. For buprenorphine, time to reach Cmax was also significantly longer after OTM administration than after i.m. injection. Data suggested that dexmedetomidine (40 μg/kg) combined with buprenorphine (20 μg/kg) is not as well absorbed from the buccal mucosa site as from the intramuscular injection site.

Although the prevalence of canine hip dysplasia (HD) has been the subject of a number of published studies, estimates vary widely. This study evaluated several possible causes for these differences. Sixty Belgian, Dutch and German veterinarians were asked to submit all hip radiographs obtained for screening purposes (irrespective of HD status) over a 2-year period, resulting in a database of 583 dogs. Each set of radiographs was accompanied by information on the reason for screening (breeding soundness examination, clinical complaint, assistance dogs, or other reasons), and dog breed, date of birth and age. Dog positioning exerted an effect at multiple levels. The agreement among different observers regarding correct or incorrect positioning was limited and incorrect positioning itself reduced the inter-observer agreement for radiographic hip conformation. Dysplastic dogs were more commonly positioned incorrectly than non-dysplastic dogs. The clinical complaint population had a high prevalence of dysplastic dogs (>70%) compared with the breeding population (11%) and the assistance dogs (6%). There was a significantly lower prevalence of HD among cases referred by veterinarians who frequently submitted hip-extended radiographs for evaluation (P = 0.002) compared to those who refer less frequently. However, this was likely to be selection bias, as radiographs that were from dogs suspected to be dysplastic were not submitted by frequent senders. The prevalence of dysplastic dogs varied widely between breeds (16.7–71.4%). Dogs diagnosed with dysplasia were significantly older than dogs considered healthy (P = 0.001) and dogs classified as borderline dysplastic (P = 0.035). Inter-observer agreement for hip conformation was moderately low, resulting in >7% variation in prevalence estimates for dysplasia.

Anaesthetic and analgesic effects of three different injectable anaesthetic combinations for prepubertal gonadectomy (PPG) in cats were studied. One anaesthetic protocol was compared with a similar one for gonadectomy at traditional age (TAG). Kittens were randomly assigned to PPG or TAG. For PPG, three different protocols were compared: (1) intramuscular (IM) administration of 60 μg/kg dexmedetomidine plus 20 μg/kg buprenorphine followed by an IM injection of the anaesthetic agent (20 mg/kg ketamine) (DB-IM protocol); (2) oral transmucosal (OTM) administration of 80 μg/kg dexmedetomidine plus 20 μg/kg buprenorphine followed by an IM injection of 20 mg/kg ketamine combined with 20 µg/kg dexmedetomidine (DB-OTM protocol); (3) IM injection of a 40 μg/kg medetomidine–20 μg/kg buprenorphine–20 mg/kg ketamine combination (MBK-IM protocol). For TAG, a DB-IM protocol was used, but with different doses for dexmedetomidine (40 μg/kg) and ketamine (5 mg/kg). All cats (PPG and TAG) received a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory before surgery. Anaesthetic and analgesic effects were assessed pre- and postoperatively (until 6 h). Cumulative logit, linear and logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis. Compared with the DB-OTM protocol, the DB-IM and MBK-IM protocols provided better anaesthesia with fewer adverse effects in PPG cats. Postoperative pain was not significantly different between anaesthetic protocols. PPG and TAG cats anaesthetised with the two DB-IM protocols differed significantly only for sedation and pain scores, but sedation and pain scores were generally low. Although there were no anaesthesia-related mortalities in the present study and all anaesthetic protocols for PPG in cats provided a surgical plane of anaesthesia and analgesia up to 6 h postoperatively, our findings were in favour of the intramuscular (DB-IM and MBK-IM) protocols.

In this case series, the occurrence and successful treatment of anaphylaxis after the intravenous administration of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid are described in two dogs under general anesthesia. Within five to ten minutes after the administration of the antibiotic, a severe hypotension occurred in both dogs, accompanied by labial and periorbital swelling and erythema. Therapy consisted of counteracting the cardiovascular effects of anaphylaxis and preventing further release of inflammatory mediators. Both dogs recovered uneventfully from the drugrelated anaphylaxis.

A 7-month-old male castrated European shorthair cat was presented because of a recurrent cleft of the soft palate. Surgical correction had already been performed twice by a local veterinary practitioner. For the third correction, a pharyngeal overlapping flap was used but again, dehiscence occurred. Finally, the angularis oris axial pattern buccal flap technique, as described in dogs, was applied. The flap covered the defect without any tension, and good vascularization was appreciated during the whole procedure. Because of severe swelling of the intraoral tissues at the end of the procedure, dexamethasone was administered intravenously. Almost instantly after the injection, the cat went into cardiorespiratory arrest, and died shortly after.

In deze casuïstiek wordt een jonge rottweiler beschreven met bilaterale osteochondritis dissecans van de talus. Het signalement, de anamnese en klinische symptomen kwamen overeen met wat voor deze aandoening typisch is. Eerder atypisch waren de aangetaste laterale taluskammen. Wegens de grootte van de fragmenten was de prognose gereserveerd. De resultaten waren een jaar na de chirurgische behandeling daarentegen verrassend gunstig. Zowel de linker als de rechter laterale taluskam bleek beenderig opgevuld.

Trachearuptuur is een zeldzame aandoening bij katten die meestal iatrogeen ontstaat. In dezecasuïstiek wordt een cervicale trachearuptuur bij een volwassen, mannelijke Britse korthaar meteen recente voorgeschiedenis van endotracheale intubatie beschreven. De kat werd aangeboden metextreem subcutaan emfyseem, een matige tot uitgesproken pneumothorax, een pneumomediastinumen een pneumoretroperitoneum. Hij vertoonde geen symptomen van dyspnee of hypoxie. Dedefi nitieve diagnose werd gesteld met tracheoscopie. De trachearuptuur werd chirurgischgecorrigeerd en de operatie verliep probleemloos. De kat herstelde snel na de operatie. Vier dagenpostoperatief werd de kat ontslagen uit de kliniek. Bij de controle, vijf weken later, verkeerde dekat in een uitstekende lichamelijke toestand en dit was ook vier maanden later nog steeds het geval.

A six-year-old, male neutered, European domestic shorthair cat was presented at the emergency service of the Ghent University Small Animal Clinic with severe respiratory distress, subcutaneous emphysema and suspicion of an oesophageal foreign body reported by the referring veterinarian. After a radiographic study, a clinical examination suggested the presence of pneumothorax. Emergency thoracocentesis and thoracotomy were performed. Monitoring consisted of electrocardiography, capnography, pulse oximetry and non-invasive blood pressure. Sudden damping, followed by disappearance of the capnography curve was recorded during anaesthesia despite the use of intermittent positive pressure ventilation. A tracheal foreign body was found and removed. No macroscopic lesion in the trachea was found. After thoracic drain placement, the cat recovered uneventfully. A rapid, multidisciplinary approach is required when severe tension pneumothorax is present and standard anaesthetic monitoring tools are useful in detecting and solving early complications.

Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in eight dogs with congenital portosystemic shunt (PSS) and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) was compared with rCBF in eight healthy control dogs using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with a 99mtechnetium-hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO) tracer. SPECT scans were abnormal in all PSS dogs. Compared to the control group, rCBF in PSS dogs was significantly decreased in the temporal lobes and increased in the subcortical (thalamic and striatal) area. Brain perfusion imaging alterations observed in the dogs with PSS and HE are similar to those in human patients with HE. These findings suggest that dogs with HE and PSS have altered perfusion of mainly the subcortical and the temporal regions of the brain.

Een mannelijke, gecastreerde Europese korthaar van 10 jaar werd aangeboden met huidklachten. Schilfering, alopecie en jeukgedrag waren aanwezig. Het dermatopathologisch onderzoek toonde een interface dermatitis met een gering aantal apoptotische keratinocyten, een murale lymfocytaire folliculitis en de afwezigheid van sebumklieren. Deze huidveranderingen kunnen voorkomen als een paraneoplastisch syndroom veroorzaakt door een thymoma. Radiografie van de borstholte bevestigde de aanwezigheid van een massa in het craniale mediastinum. Via een sternale thoracotomie werden een grote tumor en twee kleine gezwellen verwijderd. Histopathologisch onderzoek van de massa’s toonde aan dat het wel degelijk ging om lymfocytrijk thymoma. De kat vertoonde een snelle en sterke verbetering van de huidletsels. Twee maanden postoperatief was er een heropflakkering van de exfoliatieve dermatitis die in regressie werd gebracht met een dexamethasonekuur. Tijdens de laatste follow-up, 6 maanden postoperatief, vertoonde de kat nog slechts geringe schilfering en was hij volledig jeukvrij zonder medicatie.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is one of the most common congenital vascular abnormalities in the dog. In veterinary medicine, surgical ligation (SL) and transarterial occlusion (TO) are two possible treatments that require general anesthesia. Two 4-month-old dogs were anesthetized for the correction of PDA, one by SL and the other by TO. Two different anesthetic and analgesic protocols were used, and were chosen to avoid potential complications. This case report describes two possible anesthetic approaches for PDA corrective surgery (SL and TO).

Objectives: To assess the influence of two sedation protocols on the degree of lameness in dogs. Methods: Fifty lame dogs were allocated to one of two sedation protocols. Group ACPM (acepromazine + methadone; n=25) was sedated with acepromazine and methadone. Group MED (medetomidine antagonised with atipamezole; n=25) was sedated with medetomidine and reversed with atipamezole. Each dog was evaluated for lameness before and after sedation using videotapes. Four experienced clinicians allocated global lameness scores before and after sedation to each dog using a numerical rating scale. Results: In 80% of the dogs in group ACPM and in 72% in group MED lameness was not affected by the sedation. In 12% of the dogs in group ACPM and 20% of the dogs in group MED the observers noticed an increase of lameness of 1 or 2 degrees on a scale of 0 to 10. In 8% of the dogs in both groups lameness decreased with 1 degree. Clinical Relevance: A possible diagnostic test for investigation of obscure lameness is intra-articular anaesthesia. Sedation is necessary to allow intra-articular injection. This study provided evidence that the effect of sedation with the proposed protocols on the degree of lameness is negligible.

Objective : To evaluate the cardiovascular effects of a preload of hydroxyethylstarch 6% (HES), preceding an epidural administration of ropivacaine 0.75% in isoflurane anaesthetized dogs. Animals : Six female, neutered Beagle dogs (mean 13.3 +/- SD 1.0 kg; 3.6 +/- 0.1 years). Study design : Randomized experimental cross-over study (washout of 1 month). Methods : Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen/air. All dogs were anaesthetized twice to receive either treatment HESR (continuous rate infusion [CRI] of 7 mL kg(-1) HES started 30 minutes [T-30] prior to epidural administration of ropivacaine 0.75% 1.65 mg kg(-1) at T0) or treatment R (no HES preload and similar dose and timing of epidural ropivacaine administration). Baseline measurements were obtained at T-5. Heart rate (HR), mean (MAP), diastolic (DAP) and systolic (SAP) invasive arterial pressures, cardiac output (Lithium dilution and pulse contour analysis) and derived parameters were recorded every 5 minutes for 60 minutes. Statistical analysis was performed on five dogs, due to the death of one dog. Results : Clinically relevant decreases in MAP (

Objective—To determine intraobserver, interobserver, and intermethod agreement for results of myelography, computed tomography-myelography (CTM), and low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in dogs with disk-associated wobbler syndrome (DAWS). Design—Prospective cross-sectional study. Animals—22 dogs with DAWS. Procedures—All dogs underwent myelography, CTM, and low-field MRI. Each imaging study was interpreted twice by 4 observers who were blinded to signalment and clinical information of the patients. The following variables were assessed by all 3 techniques: number, site, and direction of spinal cord compressions; narrowed intervertebral disk spaces; vertebral body abnormalities; spondylosis deformans; and abnormal articular facets. Intervertebral foraminal stenosis was assessed on CTM and MRI images. Intraobserver, interobserver, and intermethod agreement were calculated by κ and weighted κ statistics. Results—There was very good to good intraobserver agreement for most variables assessed by myelography and only moderate intraobserver agreement for most variables assessed by CTM and low-field MRI. There was moderate to fair interobserver and intermethod agreement for most variables assessed by the 3 diagnostic techniques. There was very good or good intraobserver, interobserver, or intermethod agreement for the site and direction of the worst spinal cord compression as assessed by all the imaging modalities; abnormal articular facets and intervertebral foraminal stenosis were the least reliably assessed variables, with poor interobserver agreement regardless of imaging modality used. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—There was considerable variation in image interpretation among observers and between use of various imaging modalities; these imaging techniques should be considered complementary in assessment of dogs with DAWS.

Objective—To determine the accuracy of pressure plate kinetic asymmetry indices (ASIs) for diagnosis of unilateral hind limb lameness in dogs and their correlation with visual gait assessment (VGA) scores. Animals—9 healthy dogs and 16 dogs with previously diagnosed unilateral rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament and concurrent unilateral hind limb lameness. Procedures—Dogs were walked over a pressure plate to determine paw contact area (PCA), peak vertical pressure (PVP), peak vertical force (PVF), and vertical impulse (VI) of both hind limbs. An ASI was calculated for each gait variable. Simultaneously, gait was assessed visually and scored by use of a numeric rating scale (0 to 10). The ASI of each variable was tested for its usefulness in discrimination between lame and nonlame dogs and for correlation with VGA scores. Results—Sensitivity and specificity of ASIs to discriminate between lame and nonlame dogs were excellent for PVF, VI, and PCA; these values were substantially lower for ASI of PVP. Cutoff values to discriminate between lame and nonlame dogs were determined by use of ASIs for PVF, VI, and PCA; however, this could not be done for ASI of PVP. Correlations between ASIs of PVF, VI, and PCA and VGA scores were higher than correlation between the ASIs of PVP and VGA scores. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that ASIs of PVF and VI determined via analysis of pressure plate measurements were reliable indicators of clinical lameness in dogs, but the ASI of PVP was not. The ASI of PCA is an interesting new variable for assessment of limb loading symmetry.

Objective: To evaluate a distractable titanium cage for the treatment of disk-associated wobbler syndrome (DAWS). Study Design: Prospective study. Animals: Dogs (n=7) with DAWS. Methods: After total discectomy of C5–C6 and C6–C7, the median part of the vertebral body of C6 was removed with preservation of the lateral walls and dorsal cortex. The removed cancellous bone was collected. The implant was placed in the bony defect of C6. After placement, the titanium cage was distracted and affixed by 4 screws. Finally, the implant was filled and covered with cancellous bone. Dogs had follow-up examinations at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Six months after surgery, cervical radiographs and computed tomography (CT) were performed. Results: Although no intraoperative complications occurred, correct placement of the cage was technically challenging. Revision surgery was necessary in 2 dogs because of implant loosening and aggravation of vertebral tilting. All dogs improved after discharge from the hospital. In 1 dog, recurrence of clinical signs caused by articular facet proliferation at an adjacent intervertebral disk space occurred. Radiographs at 6 months demonstrated cage subsidence in 4 dogs. In all dogs, CT was suggestive for fusion of the bone graft with the vertebral body. Conclusions: Although results are promising, technical adaptations will be necessary to make this specific surgical technique, designed for humans, suitable for routine use in dogs.

Objective To compare the cardiovascular effects of four epidural treatments in isoflurane anaesthetised dogs. Study design Prospective, randomized. experimental study. Animals Six female, neutered Beagle dogs (13.3 +/- 1.0 kg), aged 3.6 +/- 0.1 years. Methods Anaesthesia was induced with propofol (8.3 +/- 1.1 mg kg(-1)) and maintained with isoflurane in a mixture of oxygen and air [inspiratory fraction of oxygen (FiO(2)) = 40%], using intermittent positive pressure ventilation. Using a cross-over model, NaCl 0.9% (P); methadone 1% 0.1 mg kg(-1) (M); ropivacaine 0.75% 1.65 mg kg(-1) (R) or methadone 1% 0.1 mg kg(-1) + ropivacaine 0.75% 1.65 mg kg(-1) (RM) in equal volumes (0.23 mL kg(-1)) using NaCl 0.9%, was administered epidurally at the level of the lumbosacral space. Treatment P was administered to five dogs only. Cardiovascular and respiratory variables, blood gases, and oesophageal temperature were recorded at T-15 and for 60 minutes after epidural injection (T0). Results Mean overall heart rate (HR in beats minute(-1)) was significantly lower after treatment M (119 +/- 16) (p = 0.0019), R (110 +/- 18) (p < 0.0001) and RM (109 +/- 13) (p < 0.0001), compared to treatment P (135 +/- 21). Additionally, a significant difference in HR between treatments RM and M was found (p = 0.04). After both ropivacaine treatments, systemic arterial pressures (sAP) were significantly lower compared to other treatments. No significant overall differences between treatments were present for central venous pressure, cardiac output, stroke volume, systemic vascular resistance, oxygen delivery and arterial oxygen content (CaO2). Heart rate and sAP significantly increased after treatment P and M compared to baseline (T-15). With all treatments significant reductions from baseline were observed in oesophageal temperature, packed cell volume and CaO2. A transient unilateral Horner's syndrome occurred in one dog after treatment R. Conclusions and clinical relevance Clinically important low sAPs were observed after the ropivacaine epidural treatments in isoflurane anaesthetised dogs. Systemic arterial pressures were clinically acceptable when using epidural methadone.

A three-year-old neutered male whippet was presented with intermittent, exercise-induced paraparesis. Femoral pulses were bilaterally absent. Neurologic examination was suggestive of a thoracolumbar myelopathy. Blood pressure measurements revealed hypotension in both pelvic limbs, hypertension in the right thoracic limb and it was immeasurable in the left thoracic limb. Echocardiography was within reference limits. A clear vascular pulsation was palpable on the right ventral abdominal wall. Computed tomographic angiography revealed a dissection of the aortic wall between the left subclavian artery and the brachiocephalic trunk with subsequent thrombus formation. A shunt between the right internal thoracic, cranial and caudal epigastric arteries to preserve blood flow to the pelvic limbs was visualized. Necropsy was declined by the owner. This is the first case report describing the formation of a unilateral vascular shunt following a thoracic aortic occlusion, which presented as exercise-induced paraparesis.

The present study assessed the effect of separate reduction of each energy-delivering nutrient – protein, fat and carbohydrate – on glucose tolerance and insulin response in a strict carnivore: the domestic cat (Felis catus). Three isoenergetic, home-made diets with the following energetic distribution, low protein (LP): protein 28 % of metabolisable energy; fat 43 %; nitrogen-free extract 29 %; low fat: 47, 27 and 25 %; low carbohydrate (LC): 45, 48 and 7 %, were tested in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Nine healthy normal-weight cats were randomly assigned to each of the diets in a random order at intervals of 3 weeks. At the end of each testing period, intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed. Plasma glucose concentrations and area under the glucose curve showed no differences. Area under the insulin curve was lower when cats were fed the LP diet, and the second insulin peak tended to be delayed when the LC diet was fed. In contrast to other studies, in which energy sources were elevated instead of being reduced, the present trial contradicts the often suggested negative impact of carbohydrates on insulin sensitivity in carnivores, and shows that reducing the dietary carbohydrate content below common amounts for commercial foods evokes an insulin-resistant state, which can be explained by the cats' strict carnivorous nature. It even points to a negative effect of protein on insulin sensitivity, a finding that corresponds with the highly gluconeogenic nature of amino acids in strict carnivores.

Objective To investigate the cardiovascular effects of epidural romifidine in isoflurane-anaesthetized dogs. Study design Prospective, randomized, blinded experiment. Animals A total of six healthy adult female Beagles aged 1.25 ± 0.08 years and weighing 12.46 ± 1.48 (10.25–14.50) kg. Methods Anaesthesia was induced with propofol (6–9 mg kg −1 ) and maintained with 1.8–1.9% end-tidal isoflurane in oxygen. End-tidal CO 2 was kept between 35 and 45 mmHg (4.7–6.0 kPa) using intermittent positive pressure ventilation. Heart rate (HR), arterial blood pressure and cardiac output (CO) were monitored. Cardiac output was determined using a LiDCO monitor and the derived parameters were calculated. After baseline measurements, either 10 μg kg −1 romifidine or saline (total volume 1 mL 4.5 kg −1 ) was injected into the lumbosacral epidural space. Data were recorded for 1 hour after epidural injection. A minimum of 1 week elapsed between treatments. Results After epidural injection, the overall means (± standard deviation, SD) of HR (95 ± 20 bpm), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) (81 ± 19 mmHg), CO (1.63 ± 0.66 L minute −1 ), cardiac index (CI) (2.97 ± 1.1 L minute −1 m −2 ) and stroke volume index (SI) (1.38 ± 0.21 mL beat −1 kg −1 ) were significantly lower in the romifidine treatment compared with the overall means in the saline treatment [HR (129 ± 24 bpm), MAP (89 ± 17 mmHg), CO (3.35 ± 0.86 L minute −1 ), CI (6.17 ± 1.4 L minute −1 m −2 ) and SI (2.21 ± 0.21 mL beat −1 kg −1 )]. The overall mean of systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) (7202 ± 2656 dynes seconds cm −5 m −2 ) after epidural romifidine injection was significantly higher than the overall mean of SVRI (3315 ± 1167 dynes seconds cm −5 m −2 ) after epidural saline injection. Conclusion Epidural romifidine in isoflurane-anaesthetized dogs caused significant cardiovascular effects similar to those reportedly produced by systemic romifidine administration. Clinical relevance Similar cardiovascular monitoring is required after epidural and systemically administered romifidine. Further studies are required to evaluate the analgesic effects of epidural romifidine.

Two dogs were presented with hemifacial spasm. Computed tomography images of both the dogs revealed an intracranial mass. In the first dog, a lesion at the level of the medulla oblongata was thought to cause primary irritation of the facial nucleus, with consequently permanent contraction of the ipsilateral facial muscles. In the second dog, a mass seemingly arising from the middle cranial fossa presumably isolated the facial motor neurons from upper motor neuron control, which resulted in hemifacial spasm as a result of loss of inhibitory interneuronal activity.

Background: Chronic kidney failure is frequently seen in middle-aged and elderly cats. 51Chromium-ethylene diaminic tetraacetic acid (51Cr-EDTA) clearance and single blood sample (SBS) method are used in several species to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Hypothesis: The hypothesis of this study was that 51Cr-EDTA clearance could be determined using an SBS method in normal and hyperthyroid cats. Animals: Forty-six cats were included in this study, with an average age of 9.5 years. Of these cats, 27 had hyperthyroidism; 19 were healthy. Methods: After IV injection of 51Cr-EDTA (average dose: 4.25 MBq), 7 blood samples were obtained between 5 and 240 minutes. Reference clearance was calculated in mL/min and mL/min/kg body weight, using a 2-compartment model. Optimal time for clearance measurement with SBS was then determined by systematically comparing each individual plasma concentration to the reference multisample clearance. Results: The average reference plasma clearance of 51Cr-EDTA for all cats was 14.9 mL/min (3.7 mL/min/kg). The clearance in hyperthyroid cats averaged 16.4 mL/min (4.3 mL/min/kg) and in normal cats averaged 10.3 mL/min (2.4 mL/min/kg). The optimal time for the SBS was 48 minutes after injection of tracer 51Cr-EDTA (R2= 0.9414), giving the following converting equation: clearance = (0.0066 × DV48 minutes) – 0.9277 (in mL/min). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: In this study, the single sample 51Cr-EDTA clearance method was used to estimate the global GFR in cats. The method identified differences in clearance between normal and hyperthyroid cats. The optimal time for an SBS was 48 minutes.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is an emerging technique to evaluate tissue perfusion. Promising results have been obtained in the evaluation of renal perfusion in health and disease, both in human and veterinary medicine. Renal scintigraphy using Tc-99m-Mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG(3)) is another non-invasive technique that can be used to evaluate renal perfusion. However, no data are available on the ability of CEUS or Tc-99m-MAG(3) scintigraphy to detect small changes in renal perfusion in cats. Therefore, both techniques were applied in a normal feline population to evaluate detection possibilities of perfusion changes by angiotensin II (AT II). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound using a bolus injection of commercially available contrast agent and renal scintigraphy using Tc-99m-MAG(3) were performed in 11 healthy cats after infusion of 0,9% NaCl (control) and AT II. Angiotensin II induced changes were noticed on several CEUS parameters. Mean peak enhancement, wash-in perfusion index and wash-out rate for the entire kidney decreased significantly after AT II infusion. Moreover, a tendency towards a lower wash-in area-under-the curve was present. Renal scintigraphy could not detect perfusion changes induced by AT II. This study shows that CEUS is able to detect changes in feline renal perfusion induced by AT II infusion.

The formation and progression of osteoarthrosis in the unaffected contralateral stifle joints of 14 dogs with a unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture were monitored radiographically in terms of a global score and the scores for 10 parameters specific for the stifle joint. The dogs were examined initially and six and 12 months later by three observers, and the variability between the observers' scores was also assessed. The score for osteophytes at the tibial attachment site of the ligament was the most reliable parameter, and that for the increase in femoropatellar joint space was the least reliable. In the contralateral stifle joints there were significant increases after six and 12 months in osteophyte formation caudal to the tibial plateau, and in subchondral sclerosis of the tibial plateau and of the long digital extensor muscle groove. These three parameters progressed more regularly during the disease process than the other parameters. The global osteoarthrosis score of the contralateral stifle joint was an important risk factor for sustaining a rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in that joint during the next six months.

By limiting sequencing to those sequences transcribed as mRNA, whole exome sequencing is a cost-efficient technique often used in disease-association studies. We developed two target enrichment designs based on the recently released annotation of the canine genome: the exome-plus design and the exome-CDS design. The exome-plus design combines the exons of the CanFam 3.1 Ensembl annotation, more recently discovered protein-coding exons and a variety of non-coding RNA regions (microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and antisense transcripts), leading to a total size of ≈152 Mb. The exome-CDS was designed as a subset of the exome-plus by omitting all 3’ and 5’ untranslated regions. This reduced the size of the exome-CDS to ≈71 Mb. To test the capturing performance, four exome-plus captures were sequenced on a NextSeq 500 with each capture containing four pre-capture pooled, barcoded samples. At an average sequencing depth of 68.3x, 80% of the regions and well over 90% of the targeted base pairs were completely covered at least 5 times with high reproducibility. Based on the performance of the exome-plus, we estimated the performance of the exome-CDS. Overall, these designs provide flexible solutions for a variety of research questions and are likely to be reliable tools in disease studies.

A two-month-old German shepherd dog was presented with anorexia, lethargy and left hind limb lameness associated with swelling of the thigh. Clinical findings combined with cytology led to the presumptive diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis (NF). Extensive debridement was performed and silver-foam-based negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was applied. During the first 48 hours, a negative pressure of -75 mmHg was used. Evaluation of the wound demonstrated no progression of necrosis and a moderate amount of granulation tissue formation. A new dressing was placed and a second 48-hour cycle of NPWT was initiated at -125 mmHg. At removal, a healthy wound bed was observed and surgical closure was performed. The prompt implementation of NPWT following surgical debridement led to accelerated wound healing without progression of necrosis in this case of canine NF. Negative pressure wound therapy could become an integral part of the management strategy of canine NF, improving the prognosis of this life-threatening disease.

Objective To investigate the sedative, anaesthetic and cardiorespiratory effects of intramuscular (IM) administration of alfaxalone alone or in combination with dexmedetomidine in cats. Study design Blinded, randomized crossover study with a washout period of 15 days. Animals Seven adult cats, weighing 3.5 ± 0.7 kg. Methods Cats were assigned randomly to each of three treatments: A5 (alfaxalone 5 mg kg-1), D20A5 (dexmedetomidine 20 μg kg-1 and alfaxalone 5 mg kg-1) and D40A5 (dexmedetomidine 40 μg kg-1 and alfaxalone 5 mg kg-1). Drugs were administered IM into the epaxial muscles. Sedation or anaesthesia scores were evaluated by a modified numerical rating scale. Times to extubation, head-lift, sternal recumbency and standing were recorded. Heart and respiratory rates, systolic arterial pressure, arterial oxygen saturation of haemoglobin, end-tidal carbon dioxide tension and rectal temperature were measured at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 and 150 minutes after drug administration. Adverse events were recorded. Data were analysed by one-way anova with Tukey’s post-hoc test for parametric values and, for non-normally distributed parameters, a Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U-test for two independent samples (p Results Sedation scores were significantly different among the treatments. Cats in A5 were deeply sedated, whereas cats administered dexmedetomidine were anaesthetized. The onset of action and the duration of anaesthesia were related to the dose of dexmedetomidine. Cardiorespiratory parameters remained stable in the A5 group. Lower heart rates, higher systolic blood pressures and occasional low pulse oximetry readings were observed in the dexmedetomidine groups. A limited number of adverse events (hyperkinesia, emesis) occurred during recovery. Conclusions and clinical relevance Alfaxalone administered IM induced sedation in cats. The addition of dexmedetomidine to alfaxalone induced general anaesthesia with a mild decrease in the heart rate and arterial oxygen saturation of haemoglobin.