Bilateral carpal valgus deformity in hand-reared cheetah cubs (Acinonyx jubatus).

Four hand-reared cheetah cubs (Acinonyx jubatus) exhibited progressively severe bilateral valgus deformity of the carpi (CV) during the weaning period. Radiographs of the thoracic limbs suggested normal bone ossification, and serum chemistry was unremarkable. All affected cubs developed CV shortly after the onset of gastroenteritis, which was treated medically, and included use of a prescription diet. A sudden decrease in growth rate was associated with gastrointestinal disease. Before gastroenteritis and CV, affected cubs had higher growth rates than unaffected cubs, despite similar mean daily energy intake. Return to normal thoracic limb conformation was consequent to dietary manipulation (including a reduction in energy intake and vitamin and mineral supplementation), as well as decreased growth rates and recovery from gastroenteritis. The cause of the CV is likely to have been multi-factorial with potentially complex physiological interactions involved.

Stenotic nasopharyngeal dysgenesis in the dachshund: seven cases (2002-2004).

Medical records of seven dachshunds with congenital nasopharyngeal stenosis from abnormally thickened palatopharyngeal muscles were reviewed. The intrapharyngeal ostium in all cases consisted of only a narrow slit. Dogs were presented with various clinical signs--the most common being dyspnea, expiratory cheek puff, salivation, pharyngeal dysphagia, oral dysphagia (to a lesser extent), and macroglossia. Diagnostic procedures included direct pharyngeal inspection, pharyngeal and thoracic radiography, fluoroscopy, lingual ultrasonography, biopsies in two dogs, and a postmortem examination in one dog. Diagnoses were readily made with radiographs and visual examinations. Macroglossia was confirmed with transcutaneous ultrasonography or a transmandibular finger test.