Caudal cervical arthrodesis using a distractable fusion cage in a dog.

This case report describes a cervical fusion cage, surgical technique and the long-term outcome of caudal cervical arthrodesis used to stabilise dynamic spinal cord compression at the sixth and seventh cervical intervertebral disc space (C6, C7) in a dog. A seven-year-old, 41 kg, entire male Dobermann Pinscher was admitted for progressive ataxia of two weeks duration. Neurological examination revealed ambulatory tetraparesis. Computed tomographic myelogram scans in neutral and traction positions of the neck were performed and were used to determine presence of a dynamic component. A C6-C7 surgical distraction and stabilisation using a distractable intervertebral fusion cage was performed. There was not any deterioration of neurological status was observed on postoperative neurological evaluation. Within eight weeks after surgery, gait and postural abilities had returned to normal. Computed tomography evaluation indicated a complete bridging callus within and outside the cage at 15 weeks after surgery. There were not any complications or recurrences of initial neurological deficits observed during the 40 month follow-up period. Based on the follow-up period data, a C6-C7 dynamic spinal cord compression with disc protrusion was successfully treated by a distractable cervical fusion cage.

Fibrotic myopathy of the iliopsoas muscle in a dog.

Fibrosis of the iliopsoas muscle can result in pelvic limb lameness in dogs. In this case report we describe fibrosis after an initial injury of the iliopsoas muscle in a dog. A seven-year-old hunting dog developed an acute onset of lameness and pain of the left pelvic limb after an intense period of exercise. Two months later, the dog was referred for evaluation of a non-weight-bearing left pelvic limb lameness. Orthopaedic examination revealed pain on hyperextension and internal rotation of the left coxofemoral joint. Neurological examination revealed a decreased patellar reflex in the left pelvic limb. Computed tomographic images showed non-uniform, contrast enhancement of the left iliopsoas muscle. The animal was treated with an iliopsoas tenomyectomy. Histopathological examination of the affected iliopsoas muscle revealed endomysial and perimysial mature fibrous replacement tissue. Sixteen weeks after surgery, the dog had returned to pre-injury levels of exercise.

Treatment with rhBMP-2 of extreme radial bone atrophy secondary to fracture management in an Italian Greyhound.

rhBMP-2 solution on a collagen sponge was placed along the diaphysis of an atrophicradius, which had a history of recurring fractures. Two months after rhBMP-2 treatment, new mineralized bone was present, which significantly increased the diameter of the radius and allowed the removal of the external skeletal fixator (ESF). Due to carpo-metacarpal joint compromise, a pancarpal arthrodesis was performed seven months later. At follow-up evaluation two years later the dog was only very mildly lame.