The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Contralateral Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Medium-to-Large (≥15kg) Breed Dogs 8 Years of Age or Older.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of contralateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) in dogs 8 years of age or older, weighing more than or equal to 15 kg at the time of first-side CCLR and to assess associated risks. STUDY DESIGN: It is a cross-sectional retrospective study of 831 client-owned dogs METHODS: Medical records of dogs weighing more than or equal to 15 kgs that were more than or equal to 8 years of age at the time of first CCLR diagnosis were reviewed. Data collected included weight, sex, pre-operative tibial plateau angle, co-morbidities, time between diagnosis of first CCLR and diagnosis of contralateral CCLR. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratio. A median follow-up period of over 112.7 months (25th/75th quartiles 75.4/157.7 months) from first CCLR diagnosis was allotted. RESULTS: Eight-hundred thirty-one dogs were identified and included. About 19.1% (159/831 dogs, 95% confidence interval: 16.6-22.0%) of dogs that experience a first-side CCLR at 8 years of age or older will rupture the contralateral side, a median of 12.9 months (25th/75th quartiles 6.5/24.3 months) later. Age (p = 0.003) and breed, Golden Retrievers (p = 0.028) and Labrador Retrievers (p = 0.007), were factors significantly associated with contralateral CCLR. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The prevalence of contralateral CCLR in medium-to-large breed dogs more than or equal to 8 years of age old is less than previously reported and the risk decreases as they age. This important information will help guide owners when deciding to pursue surgical stifle stabilization following CCLR in older dogs.

Pharyngeal mucoceles in dogs: 14 cases.

This report describes the clinical features of a series of dogs with pharyngeal salivary mucoceles. A retrospective study of 14 dogs with pharyngeal mucocele was performed. Medical records from 1983 to 2003 were reviewed for information regarding signalment, clinical signs, diagnosis, surgical procedures, and short-term and long-term outcome. Miniature and toy poodles were common breeds in the study population, and 79% of the dogs were male. The most common presenting sign was dyspnea (50%). Diagnosis was by fine-needle aspirate, which revealed a mucoid substance in 93% of dogs. Histopathology of the excised salivary glands revealed lymphoplasmacytic inflammation in all dogs that had histopathology performed. Forty-three percent of the dogs had a cervical mucocele on the same side as the pharyngeal mucocele. Surgical therapy was performed in 13 dogs, which consisted of excision of the mandibular and sublingual salivary glands, excision of the mucocele, or marsupulization of the mucocele. Only two dogs had recurrence of the pharyngeal mucocele. In this study, pharyngeal mucoceles occurred in predominantly small dogs that frequently presented with respiratory signs. Surgical treatment was successful in most dogs.

Outcomes of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts occluded with ameroid constrictors in nine dogs and one cat.

OBJECTIVE: To report outcome after ameroid constrictor (AC) use for single intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IPSS). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Nine dogs and 1 cat. METHODS: Medical records (1999-2003) of dogs and cats with surgically confirmed IPSS were reviewed. Recorded data was: breed, sex, weight, age at surgery, clinical signs, serum biochemical and hematologic data, shunt anatomy, AC size, hospitalization, complications, and owner perception of their animal's response to surgery. Owners were contacted twice postoperatively (between 20 and 75 months) and asked to complete a simple questionnaire. RESULTS: With this technique, complication rate was low and postligation neurologic dysfunction was not observed. In the cat and 7 dogs, clinical signs attributed to IPPS resolved and animals were fed a non-prescription diet without medication. One dog died suddenly 18 months after surgery from causes unrelated to hepatic disease. One dog was euthanatized 23 months after surgery because of repeated, increasingly refractory episodes of hepatic encephalopathy. CONCLUSION: AC provides a safe and effective method for occlusion of some IPPS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: AC should be considered for occlusion of some IPPS in dogs and cats.