A novel radiographic method to facilitate measurement of the tibial plateau angle in dogs. A prospective clinical study.

The tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) is commonly performed for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament deficiency in dogs. In order to be performed as described, this procedure relies on consistent measurement of the tibial plateau angle (TPA) on radiographs. This prospective study compared two radiographic methods for subsequent TPA measurement with respect to measured angle and ease of determining landmarks for measurement as determined by four observers. One method was the accepted standard radiographic protocol outlined in the TPLO training seminars. The other method involved a novel split image radiographic protocol not yet described in the literature. Participants' subjective scores as to ease of identifying landmarks and determining TPA on radiographs for each method were evaluated. Inter-observer TPA measurement variability was also assessed for each method. The novel radiographic method was judged to be significantly better in terms of ease of measuring TPA. Inter-observer measurement variability was considered appropriate for recommending use of this novel method for radiographing patients for TPA measurements.

Complications associated with permanent pacemaker implantation in the dog.

Serious complications developed in 11 dogs treated for bradycardia with surgical implantation of a permanent pacemaker. Complications resulted from underlying heart disease, cardiac dysrhythmias, drugs and anesthetic agents, surgery, pulse generator and pacemaker lead malfunction, and infection. As a result of these complications, 8 dogs died from 1 day to 35 months after surgery. Their mean survival time was 17 months. Three dogs are alive and doing well. Evaluation of clinical and electrocardiographic abnormalities were necessary for the successful management of complications in some of these patients. It was concluded that complications should be expected in dogs that are treated wih cardiac pacemakers and that many of these problems can be anticipated and successfully treated.

Effect of acetazolamide in blood acid-base and electrolyte values in dogs.

The effects of acetazolamide administration on arterial blood acid-base equilibrium and electrolyte concentrations were evaluated in 13 clinical patients and in a 4-week experiment in 6 conditioned mixed-breed dogs. Findings included persistent acidemia characterized by hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, elevated partial pressure of oxygen, and mild depletion of potassium. Changes in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide were variable, and there was no change in plasma sodium concentration or osmolality. Measured disturbances were apparent within 12 hours of the commencement of acetazolamide administration, peaked at between 1.5 and 5.0 days, and thereafter stabilized. Abnormalities were restored to normal within 1.5 days following termination of drug administration.

Revised surgical procedure for the derivation of gnotobiotic dogs.

A revised surgical procedure for derivation of gnotobiotic pups was described. Pregnant bitches (n = 11) were sedated and anesthetized (epidural anesthesia). Fetal pups were removed from the uterine horns and then transferred to the isolation units where they were removed from the sacs and stimulated. The method compares favorably with the previously used hysterectomy procedure.

Dose dependency of the post-insult protective effect of pentobarbital in the canine experimental stroke model.

In a canine stroke model, dose dependent protection by postocclusion pentobarbital was suggested from 10--40 mg/kg. In 28 dogs investigated (10 from a previous study) a distinct, significant reduction in right cerebral hemisphere infarction occurred in animals given 15--20 mg/kg pentobarbital intramuscularly 1 hour postocclusion. Increased dosages did not alter statistically the infarct size and 2 dogs at the 50 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg levels died of barbiturate-induced respiratory failure.