Computed tomographic measurements with and without myelography to characterise thoracolumbar extruded disc herniation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine association between computed tomography measurements of spinal cord compression and postoperative outcome. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of dogs presenting with intervertebral disease. Data were collected with a minimum of 2 years follow-up period. Computed tomography morphometric indices, particularly the ratio of spinal cord or herniated disc to vertebral canal dimensions, were obtained from survey and myelogram computed tomographic images. The pattern of disc disease was scored as single or continuous (multiple herniated discs), and was compared to postoperative outcome. RESULTS: Fifty-two dogs were included. There was no significant correlation between the degree of spinal cord compression and postoperative outcome. However, postoperative outcome differed significantly between dogs with single or continuous patterns of disc disease (P=0·001). Of those with single patterns, 75% had a postoperative outcome score greater than 75% while 75% of continuous pattern cases had scores lower than 83%. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Simple observation of the pattern of disc disease as revealed by computed tomography could be used as a prognostic indicator. The outcome tends to be better for single patterns of disc disease, whereas the outcome was poor for most cases with continuous patterns.

Description of the type of chemical restraint used by French veterinarians to perform hip dysplasia screening radiographs. A retrospective study based on 3302 radiographs.

The objective of this study was to investigate the type of chemical restraint used by French practitioners to perform official hip screening radiographs, to determine the proportion of dogs under general anesthesia versus dogs under sedation, and to search for a difference in hip dysplasia (HD) prevalence between the two groups. From September 2005 to August 2008, 3302 conventional ventrodorsal hip extended radiographs sent for official scoring to the same panellist were selected because information related to the type of chemical restraint had been provided. There were 2825 dogs under general anesthesia and 477 were sedated. Chemical restraint used by French veterinarians to perform HD screening radiographs is mainly based on general intra-venous anesthesia with an alpha2 agonist associated with ketamine. A single injection of alpha2 agonist is also mostly used for dogs which are radiographed while under sedation. A very low (1.7%) difference in HD prevalence was noted between the anesthetized and the sedated group. Except for acepromazine, which has been demonstrated to provide insufficient muscle relaxation to show evidence of hip laxity, the protocols seem acceptable as regards the Federation Cynologique Internationale requirements for HD screening.

Composition of meal influences changes in postprandial incremental glucose and insulin in healthy dogs.

Postprandial hyperglycemia and insulin secretion depend on many factors, such as food composition, carbohydrate type and processing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of foods differing in composition in nonobese clinically normal dogs. These dogs were offered in a single meal one of the four foods. Blood samples were collected before feeding and during the 180 min after the meal. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were determined. The integrated areas under the postprandial glucose and insulin response curves were calculated. Times to response peaks, maximum plasma insulin elevation, area under the insulin response curve and the insulinemic index differed between dog foods. Crude fiber content had no significant effect. The time to glucose peak was higher and the time to insulin peak lower with the food highest in protein and ether extract content. The time to glucose peak was correlated to protein, fat and nitrogen-free extract content of foods, whereas the time to insulin peak and the area under the insulin curve were correlated to protein and nitrogen-free extract.