Brachycephalic airway syndrome.

Brachycephalic airway syndrome is a common finding in brachycephalic breeds. A combination of primary and secondary changes can progress to life-threatening laryngeal collapse. Early recognition of primary anatomic abnormalities that include stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, and hypoplastic trachea would allow the clinician to make early recommendations for medical and surgical management, which can improve the quality of life in affected animals.

Respiratory arrest following ingestion of wild mushrooms in 3 dogs (2006-2011).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical course, treatment, and outcome of 3 dogs with respiratory arrest following mushroom ingestion. CASE SERIES SUMMARY: Three dogs were presented for mushroom toxicosis that developed respiratory arrest. Two of the dogs were treated with diazepam just prior to the development of respiratory arrest; 1 dog received no medications prior to respiratory arrest. Of the 3 dogs, 1 was euthanized and the remaining 2 recovered fully with assisted and mechanical ventilation. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This is the first documentation of respiratory arrest associated with mushroom toxicosis in dogs.

Evaluation of trends in marijuana toxicosis in dogs living in a state with legalized medical marijuana: 125 dogs (2005-2010).

OBJECTIVE: To report a correlation between the increased number of medical marijuana licenses and marijuana toxicosis in dogs in a state with legalized marijuana for medical use. DESIGN: Retrospective case series from January 1, 2005 to October 1, 2010. SETTING: Private specialty referral hospital and a university teaching hospital. ANIMALS: A total of 125 client-owned dogs presenting for known or suspected marijuana toxicosis with or without a urine drug screening test (UDST). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: During the study period, 125 dogs were evaluated including 76 dogs with known marijuana exposure or a positive UDST (group 1), 6 dogs with known marijuana ingestion and a negative UDST (group 2), and 43 dogs with known marijuana ingestion that were not tested (group 3). The incidence of marijuana toxicosis presenting to both hospitals increased 4-fold, while the number of people registered for medical marijuana in the state increased 146-fold in the last 5 years. A significant positive correlation was detected between the increase in known/suspected marijuana toxicosis in dogs (groups 1-3) and the increased number of medical marijuana licenses (correlation R coefficient = 0.959, P = 0.002). Two dogs that ingested butter made with medical grade marijuana in baked products died. CONCLUSIONS: A significant correlation was found between the number of medical marijuana licenses and marijuana toxicosis cases seen in 2 veterinary hospitals in Colorado. Ingestion of baked goods made with medical grade tetrahydrocannabinol butter resulted in 2 deaths. UDST may be unreliable for the detection of marijuana toxicosis in dogs.

Ascending tonic-clonic seizure syndrome in a dog following inadvertent intrathecal use of ionic contrast agent.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the successful management of ascending tonic-clonic seizure syndrome in a dog after inadvertent intrathecal administration of ionic contrast material. CASE SUMMARY: A 7-year-old, 5.9 kg, male castrated Miniature Pinscher inadvertently received intrathecal ionic contrast material during a myelogram to investigate cervical pain. Ascending tonic-clonic muscle spasms quickly progressed to generalized seizure activity that was resistant to anticonvulsant medications. The dog developed complete respiratory arrest, which necessitated mechanical ventilatory support for 26 hours. Pneumonia developed and was treated successfully. After resolution of seizure activity and resumption of voluntary respiration, the dog remained tetraparetic for 16 days and was not able to walk on his own for 20 days post contrast injection. Despite a prolonged recovery, the patient survived and recovered normal neurologic function. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: Intrathecal administration of ionic contrast material resulting in ascending tonic-clonic seizure syndrome is rarely reported in the human and veterinary literature. No previous veterinary report has described successful treatment after prolonged respiratory arrest. In previous veterinary reports, patients recovered complete neurologic function within hours to days in contrast to this report in which the patient was tetraparetic for 16 days. This report demonstrates complete recovery from intrathecal ionic contrast administration is possible despite a high dose of contrast and a prolonged recovery.

Validation of a technique to assess radial torsion in the presence of procurvatum and valgus deformity using computed tomography: a cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE: To validate a technique to assess radial torsion with and without procurvatum and valgus deformity using computed tomography (CT). STUDY DESIGN: Anatomic study. ANIMALS: Radii (n=3) from normal dogs. METHODS: Three cadaveric radii were scanned using CT (3 mm slices). Transverse image sections were assessed at the distal and proximal physeal scar parallel to the joint surface in both sagittal and dorsal planes. Anatomic landmarks of the radius were identified and torsion was measured. A hinged Ilizarov circular external skeletal fixator was constructed to create known procurvatum, valgus, and torsional deformities. RESULTS: Between observers results were highly correlated for calculation of torsion (r=0.972, r(2)=0.9448, P<.00001). Mean baseline torsion of the radius in the construct was 4.88 degrees . At 20 degrees procurvatum and valgus, mean calculated torsion was 5.07 degrees (confidence interval [CI]=4.6-5.6 degrees ). At 20 degrees procurvatum and valgus with 22.5 degrees -induced torsion, mean measured torsion was 25.4 degrees (expected=27.38 degrees ; CI=22.7-28.1 degrees ). At 40 degrees procurvatum and valgus and 45 degrees -induced torsion, mean measured torsion was 51.1 degrees (expected=49.88 degrees ; CI=-49.2 to 53.0 degrees ). CONCLUSION: Assessment of radial torsion by CT is reproducible and accurate in the presence of procurvatum and valgus antebrachial angular limb deformities in the dog. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Despite complex presurgical planning, current measurements only allow for measurement of valgus and procurvatum deformities in the sagittal and dorsal planes, this method allows for more precise measurements of radial torsion in the transverse plane.