Tibial anatomy in normal small breed dogs including anisometry of various extracapsular stabilizing suture attachment sites.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate proximal tibial anatomy and its influence on anisometry of extracapsular stabilizing sutures in small dog breeds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mediolateral radiographs of the femora, stifles, and tibiae of 12 small breed dogs were acquired with the stifles positioned at various angles. Measurements taken included tibial plateau angle (TPA), diaphyseal: proximal tibial angle (DPA), patellar tendon angle (PTA), Z-angle, relative tibial tuberosity width (rTTW), and the distance between six combinations of two femoral and three tibial extra-capsular stabilizing suture (ECS) attachment sites. Theoretical strain through stifle range-of-motion was recorded. RESULTS: The TPA (32° ± 5.8°), DPA (10.2° ± 7.3°), PTA (103.7° ± 6.2°), and Z-angle (70.4° ± 9.0°) were positively correlated with one another (R >0.7), but none were correlated with rTTW (0.93 ± 0.10). The F2-T1 combination of ECS attachment sites had lowest strain for nine stifles. The shortest attachment site separation was at a stifle flexion of 50° for nine stifles. Proximal tibial anatomy measurements could not predict optimal attachment site combination, optimal stifle angle for suture placement, or ECS strain. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: There is individual variation in the optimal attachment site combination and stifle angle for suture placement, which may influence consistency of outcomes with ECS.

Management of feline distal tibial fractures using a hybrid external skeletal fixator.

OBJECTIVE: To document the results of management of feline distal tibial fractures with circular-linear hybrid external skeletal fixators. METHODS: Retrospective examination of case records and radiographs of cats with distal tibial fractures managed with hybrid external skeletal fixators. Signalment, pre-operative fracture conformation, post-operative fracture reduction, implant complications, time to tibial and fibular fracture healing and time to hybrid external skeletal fixators removal were analysed. RESULTS: Case records of eight cats were reviewed and included three closed fractures and five type 1 open fractures. Post-operative fracture reduction was considered appropriate in all cases. Healing of five tibial fractures was complete and hybrid external skeletal fixators were removed within a mean of 13 weeks. Healing of the fibular fracture was complete within a mean of 12 · 1 weeks. Three tibial fractures demonstrated non-union and were revised after a mean duration of 24 weeks. All three non-union fractures were open on presentation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Feline distal tibial fractures may be managed with hybrid external skeletal fixators, however, non-union still occurs. In this study type I open feline distal tibial fractures appeared more likely to develop non-union.

Propagation of a partial incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle in an American cocker spaniel.

A hypoattenuating lesion in the left humeral condyle of an American cocker spaniel consistent with partial incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle was observed on computed tomography. Left forelimb lameness developed over the following three weeks at which time repeat computed tomography examination confirmed propagation of the lesion. Lameness resolved following placement of a transcondylar positional screw, suggesting that lameness was secondary to condylar instability. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of propagation of an intracondylar lesion in a dog.

Preliminary results of five feline total hip replacements.

Five feline total hip replacements (including one case of staged bilateral total hip replacement) for management of proximal femoral physeal fractures are reported. The surgical procedure was a modified version of that widely used in dogs. Craniodorsal luxation was the only major complication encountered. Subjectively outcomes appeared to be good in all cases.

Delayed spinal cord injury following microchip placement in a dog.

A three-year-old female, entire Yorkshire Terrier dog was examined because it had progressive non-weight-bearing left forelimb lameness and tetraparesis of two weeks duration. Clinical signs were first observed following mating. Examination confirmed non-weight-bearing left forelimb lameness and tetraparesis. Left forelimb muscle atrophy was also noticed. Survey radiography revealed a metallic foreign body consistent with a microchip in close proximity to the left articular facets between the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae. Computed tomography identified the exact location of the foreign body encroaching on the left dorsolateral vertebral canal, and osteolysis of the lamina of the sixth cervical vertebra. Surgical removal of the foreign body was performed via a dorsal approach to the caudal cervical vertebral column. Two weeks following surgery the dog showed return of left forelimb function and resolving tetraparesis. Microchip implantation had been performed three years previously.

Police training in domestic crises: a suburban approach.

This paper discusses an intervention method that was presented to develop joint police-mental health programs with seven suburban police departments. A seminar on family crisis intervention was instituted. The program method and goals are described and the result of numerous new requests by police for mental health consultation are discussed. Results suggest that a training approach different from urban programs is needed and wanted by suburban police. The initiative for developing such programs clearly falls on the shoulders of community mental health practitioners.