Outcome of Repair of Distal Radial and Ulnar Fractures in Dogs Weighing 4 kg or Less Using a 1.5-mm Locking Adaption Plate or 2.0-mm Limited Contact Dynamic Compression Plate.

Objectives Retrospective evaluation of repairing distal radial and ulnar fractures in small breed dogs with the Synthes 1.5-mm locking Adaption plate system and compare results in a similar group of patients repaired with the Synthes 2.0-mm limited contact-dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP). Methods Electronic medical records from one specialty referral centre were reviewed from March 21, 2010, to October 9, 2015, for patients weighing less than or equal to 4 kg that had a distal one-third radial and ulnar fracture repaired with a Synthes 1.5-mm locking adaption plate or Synthes 2.0-mm LC-DCP. Further inclusion criteria included application of the plate to the cranial surface of the radius via open reduction and internal fixation. Results Six 1.5-mm Adaption plates and 7 2.0-mm LC-DCPs were used to repair 13 distal radial and ulnar fractures in 12 dogs. There were three major complications in the 1.5-mm adaption plate group (one plate fracture, one screw pull-out and one fracture through a distal screw hole) and one major complication in the 2.0-mm LC-DCP group due to a re-fracture. All patients without a complication had good or excellent functional outcome. Clinical Significance The authors recommend that the 1.5-mm Adaption plate be used only when a 2.0-mm LC-DCP would not allow for a minimum of two screws in the distal segment and at the discretion of the surgeon.

Biomechanical comparison of 3.0 mm headless compression screw and 3.5 mm cortical bone screw in a canine humeral condylar fracture model.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the biomechanical properties of simulated humeral condylar fractures reduced with one of two screw fixation methods: 3.0 mm headless compression screw (HCS) or 3.5 mm cortical bone screw (CBS) placed in lag fashion. METHODS: Bilateral humeri were collected from nine canine cadavers. Standardized osteotomies were stabilized with 3.0 mm HCS in one limb and 3.5 mm CBS in the contralateral limb. Condylar fragments were loaded to walk, trot, and failure loads while measuring construct properties and condylar fragment motion. RESULTS: The 3.5 mm CBS-stabilized constructs were 36% stiffer than 3.0 mm HCS-stabilized constructs, but differences were not apparent in quality of fracture reduction nor in yield loads, which exceeded expected physiological loads during rehabilitation. Small residual fragment displacements were not different between CBS and HCS screws. Small fragment rotation was not significantly different between screws, but was weakly correlated with moment arm length (R² = 0.25). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A CBS screw placed in lag fashion provides stiffer fixation than an HCS screw, although both screws provide similar anatomical reduction and yield strength to condylar fracture fixation in adult canine humeri.

Erythrocyte and Biochemical Abnormalities as Diagnostic Markers in Dogs With Hemangiosarcoma Related Hemoabdomen.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate: 1) acanthocytosis and presence of acanthocytes in peritoneal fluid as a diagnostic marker for hemangiosarcoma (HSA) in dogs with non-traumatic hemoabdomen; and 2) the association between other erythrocyte, biochemical, and hematologic abnormalities as a mean of differentiating HSA from other disease. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective double-blinded cohort study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 40) with non-traumatic hemoabdomen. METHODS: Dogs diagnosed with hemoabdomen (January 2012 to May 2013) had cytologic evaluation of abdominal effusion and peripheral blood smears. Peripheral blood CBC, PT, and aPTT, as well as blood and effusion acanthocytes, keratocytes, schistocytes, lactate, glucose, PCV, and TP results were compared using the paired t-test or Fisher's exact test. Based on histologic confirmation of HSA, dogs were divided into 2 groups (HSA, non-HSA) and variables compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in erythrocyte morphology in abdominal effusion or peripheral blood between dogs with HSA or non-HSA related hemoabdomen. Platelet concentration and peripheral blood PCV were significantly lower in the HSA group. CONCLUSIONS: A reliable preoperative biochemical or cytologic test to differentiate between HSA and non-HSA related hemoabdomen was not identified.

Fracture pattern and fixation type related to loss of reduction in bicondylar tibial plateau fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures can be treated with locked plating applied from the lateral side with or without additional application of a medial plate (dual plating). Recent studies demonstrate that these injuries can be sub-grouped based upon their morphology by computed tomography (CT). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between fracture pattern, method of fixation and loss of reduction in bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Preoperative CT scans and postoperative plain films were evaluated on a consecutive series of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. Fracture patterns were classified by CT. Angular alignment was measured immediately postoperatively and again at clinical and radiographic union to assess loss of reduction. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients were studied. Sixty-six (47%) had a single large medial fragment with the articular surface intact, 19 (14%) had a medial articular fracture line with a mainly sagittal component and 55 (39%) had a coronal fracture through the medial articular surface. A total of 129 patients had been treated with lateral locked plating alone whilst 11 patients (all with a coronal fracture of the medial condyle) underwent dual plating. There was little loss of reduction (median subsidence 0.5°) when lateral locked plating was employed alone in patients with a single medial fracture fragment or with a sagittal medial fracture line. When lateral locked plating was used in the presence of a medial coronal fracture line, there was a significantly higher rate of subsidence (median 2.0°) compared to those with no medial fracture line (p=0.002). Patients with coronal fracture lines treated with dual plating had significantly less loss of reduction that those treated with lateral locked plating (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with bicondylar tibial plateau fractures do well when treated with lateral locked plating. However, those with a medial coronal fracture line tend to have a higher rate of subsidence and loss of reduction when lateral locked plating is employed alone. These fractures may be better treated with dual plating if the soft tissues allow. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III (retrospective comparative study).

In vitro mechanical comparison of 2.0 and 2.4 limited-contact dynamic compression plates and 2.0 dynamic compression plates of different thicknesses.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the bending structural stiffness and bending strength of thick and thin 2.4 mm limited contact dynamic compression plates (2.4 LC-DCP), 2.0 mm LC-DCP (2.0 LC-DCP), and 2.0 dynamic compression plates (2.0 DCP). STUDY DESIGN: In vitro mechanical study. METHODS: Two thicknesses of 2.4 LC-DCP, 2.0 LC-DCP, and 2.0 DCP stainless-steel plates were tested in 4-point bending. Data were collected during bending until implants plastically deformed. Bending structural stiffness and bending strength were determined from load displacement curves. Mechanical properties were compared between plates and the effects of plate type, size, and thickness on stiffness and strength were assessed using ANOVA. RESULTS: The thick 2.4 LC-DCP implant was the stiffest and strongest; the thin 2.0 DCP implant was most compliant and weakest. Larger sized plates, thicker plates, and limited contact design of plates enhanced stiffness and strength. For the plates studied, plate size had a larger effect than plate type or thickness on stiffness and strength. CONCLUSION: Increasing the size (width) and thickness of plates increases both the bending structural stiffness and strength. For the plates studied, LC-DCP implants were stiffer and stronger than DCP implants. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Plate bending structural stiffness and strength can be most effectively enhanced by using a larger sized plate, but gains can also be achieved by using a thicker plate and/or an LC-DCP instead of a DCP implant when possible.

Achilles tendon rehabilitation.

The operative management of acute Achilles tendon rupture marks the beginning of a comprehensive rehabilitation program. The goals of the rehabilitation program start with the reduction of pain and swelling and the recovery of ankle motion and power. They conclude with the restoration of coordinated activity and safe return to athletic activity. The rehabilitation protocol is directed by the injury and the quality of the repair, along with the patient's age, medical and social history, and athletic inclination. The protocol is dynamic and responsive to changing clinical findings.

Toxic pneumonitis caused by inhalation of hydrocarbon waterproofing spray in two dogs.

CASE DESCRIPTION: 2 dogs were evaluated because of vomiting and lethargy (a Toy Poodle; dog 1) and acute respiratory distress, vomiting, and anorexia (a Chihuahua; dog 2). Dog 1 had been exposed to a commercial hydrocarbon waterproofing spray 24 hours before the development of clinical signs, and dog 2 was examined 18 hours after exposure to a waterproofing spray containing heptane, a highly flammable liquid hydrocarbon. CLINICAL FINDINGS: In both dogs, major gastrointestinal tract abnormalities were ruled out but respiratory status worsened. Thoracic radiography revealed a diffuse interstitial pulmonary pattern, and hypoxemia was detected. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Hospitalization for monitoring and care was required for both dogs. The dogs recovered with supportive care, which included administration of oxygen, fluids, and bronchodilators. Additionally, dog 1 received glucocorticoids via inhalation and supplemental enteral nutrition, whereas dog 2 was treated with an antimicrobial. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The dogs of this report developed hydrocarbon pneumonitis following exposure to waterproofing sprays. Such sprays contain potentially toxic hydrocarbons. The severity of the adverse effects associated with exposure may have been amplified because the dogs were physically small and were exposed to a relatively large amount of aerosolized spray within small areas. Development of chemical pneumonitis in pet animals is best prevented by application of waterproofing sprays in well-ventilated or outdoor areas from which pets have been excluded. With prolonged hospitalization and considerable monitoring and care, affected dogs can recover from these exposures.

Alternating carboplatin and doxorubicin as adjunctive chemotherapy to amputation or limb-sparing surgery in the treatment of appendicular osteosarcoma in dogs.

Thirty-two dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma treated by amputation or limb sparing had adjuvant chemotherapy of alternating doses of carboplatin (300 mg/m2 IV) and doxorubicin (30 mg/m2 IV) every 21 days for a total of 3 cycles. Efficacy, toxicity, and previously identified prognostic factors for osteosarcoma were evaluated. The median progression free survival was 227 days (range 180-274), and the median overall survival was 320 days (range 153-487). The 1-year survival rate was 48%, and the 2-year survival rate was 18%. Age, sex, surgical procedure, and alkaline phosphatase activity above the reference ranges were not prognostic for survival. There was minimal toxicity associated with the chemotherapy. This protocol could be useful for the adjuvant treatment of appendicular osteosarcoma of dogs.