Morphometric parameters of peripheral nerves in calves correlated with conduction velocity.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve injuries are the most frequent neurologic disorder in cattle. So far, no physiologic values have been established for the motor nerve conduction velocity (mNCV) in this precocial species. OBJECTIVES: The electrophysiologic and morphometric reference values of peripheral nerves in calves were determined. It was hypothesized that these parameters would correlate to the high degree of maturity in the first days of life in this species compared to other species. ANIMALS: Twenty-six healthy calves were used in this study. METHODS: The mNCV of the radial and the sciatic/common peroneal nerve was measured in all 26 calves. Nerve biopsies from a group of 6 calves were taken to correlate the obtained electrophysiologic data with morphological parameters. RESULTS: The mean mNCV of the radial nerve was 48.3 ± 10.6 m/s, whereas the mean mNCV of the sciatic/peroneal nerve was with 83.8 ± 5.9 m/s significantly faster (P < .0001). The average fiber diameter was 8.40 ± 2.80 µm (range, 1.98-17.90 µm) and the average g-ratio was 0.61 ± 0.04 SD. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The established reference values for mNCV in calves correlate well with the evaluated morphometric parameters. Attributable to their comparably fast mNCV and high fiber diameters, juvenile calves appear to be much more mature individuals than other mammals. Electrophysiologic characterization of peripheral nerve injury now is feasible in this species.

[Musculotendinopathy of the gastrocnemius muscle in a Labrador Retriever. A case report]. / Muskulotendinopathie des Musculus gastrocnemius bei einem Labrador Retriever. Ein Fallbericht.

Musculotendinopathy at the origin of the gastrocnemius muscle is a rare disease mostly described in herding dogs. The etiology is based on repeated myotendinous strain of the muscle in athletic dogs. Clinically, the patient displays chronic pelvic limb lameness and pain at the lateral fabella during palpation of this area. There is no instability of the stifle present. Radiographic findings (osteophyte formation at the origin of the muscle and the lateral fabella) support the potential diagnosis. Magnetic resonance tomography shows edematous changes and enhancement after intravenous application of contrast agent in the area of the origin of the lateral gastrocnemius head. With conservative treatment (i. e. leash confinement, NSAID application and physiotherapy) the prognosis is good. This case report describes clinical findings, diagnostic imaging, therapy and long-term outcome of an athletic Labrador Retriever presented with this disease.

Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of sacroiliac luxations in cats using 2.4 mm cannulated screws - a cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe fluoroscopically assisted percutaneous placement of 2.4 mm cannulated screws for fixation of artificially induced sacroiliac luxations in cats, and to evaluate the success of this technique in restoration of normal pelvic anatomy. METHODS: Fluoroscopically assisted closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of sacro-iliac luxations using 2.4 mm cannulated screws was performed in cadavers of 12 cats. Pre- and postoperative radiographs and postoperative computed tomographic scans were used to evaluate screw placement, screw purchase within the sacral body, reduction of the sacroiliac joint, pelvic canal diameter ratio, and hemipelvic canal width ratio. RESULTS: Mean total surgical time was 6 minutes and 10 seconds ± 53 seconds and mean total time of fluoroscopic screening for each procedure was 44 seconds ± 6 seconds. Mean percent of reduction was 98.33% and mean screw purchase within the sacral body was 73%. Eleven out of 12 screws were placed in a satisfactory location in the sacral body. Pelvic canal diameter ratio and hemipelvic canal width ratio indicated successful restoration of the pelvic anatomy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our results confirm that fluoroscopically assisted percutaneous placement of 2.4 mm cannulated screws is a feasible technique for fixation of sacroiliac luxations in cats. Mechanical properties of this fixation technique need to be evaluated before the use in clinical patients.

[Pancarpal arthrodesis using a "CastLess Plate" in dogs and cats]. / Pankarpale Arthrodese unter Verwendung einer "CastLess Plate" bei Hunden und Katzen.

OBJECTIVE: Description of clinical experience with a new implant for dorsal plating in pancarpal arthrodesis. MATERIAL UND METHODS: Retrospective analysis (June 2008 - May 2009) of clinical records from a heterogenous group of dogs and cats which where treated by pancarpal arthrodesis using a PCA-plate ("CastLess-plate", Orthomed®, UK). RESULTS: In 15 dogs and three cats, a total of 20 pancarpal arthrodesis (complete fusion of carpal joints) using a PCA-plate were performed. External coaptation by cast was not used in the postoperative period. In two out of 17 arthrodesis in 15 dogs serious postoperative complications (plate deformation, wound infection) occurred which required a revision surgery. Fistula formation (8-16 weeks post surgery) was seen in six arthrodesis. They all resolved after medical therapy. In cats, all three arthrodesis showed postoperative complications (bone resorption under the plate n=1, paw swelling n=2). Long-term evaluation by telephone interview with the owners (17 owners, 6-21 months after surgery, one case lost in follow-up) revealed good or very good results for 17 of 19 arthrodesis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pancarpal arthrodesis in dogs can be performed successfully using the "CastLess Plate" without additional external coaptation. Due to the size of the available implants complications have to be expected in cats.

Prostatic cavitary lesions containing urine in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the proportion of urine-containing prostatic cavitary lesions ("urinary cysts") in dogs and to describe their clinical management. METHODS: The study included dogs with clinically relevant prostatic-retention cyst/abscess (n=87) treated initially by percutaneous ultrasound-guided drainage of the prostatic cavity. Based on a prostatic fluid:serum creatinine ratio, the study population was divided into two groups: group 1 (n=16) with and group 2 (n=71) without evidence of urine within the lesion. Medical records of both the groups were reviewed. RESULTS: Cavitary lesions containing urine were observed in 16 of the 87 dogs (18·4%; group 1). In 10 (62·5%) of the group 1 dogs, abdominal surgery was recommended, because of recurrent filling during follow-up. In group 2, abdominal surgery was recommended in only 11 of 71 cases (15·5%). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In dogs, 18·4% (95% confidence interval, 10·9 to 28·1%) of the prostatic cavitary lesions contain urine. Measurement of creatinine within the prostatic cavity fluid is a helpful tool in diagnosing a presurgical intra-prostatic urethral fistulation, and these dogs tend to require a more aggressive surgical therapy than percutaneous drainage alone.