Mass-to-splenic volume ratio and splenic weight as a percentage of body weight in dogs with malignant and benign splenic masses: 65 cases (2007-2008).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether mass-to-splenic volume ratio or splenic weight as a percentage of body weight was significantly different between dogs with benign versus malignant splenic masses. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 65 dogs that underwent splenectomy. PROCEDURES: Medical records of dogs examined between October 2007 and June 2008 because of a splenic mass were reviewed. Information obtained included dog age, breed, and weight; whether hemoperitoneum was present; splenic weight and dimensions (length, width, and height) at the time of splenectomy; dimensions (length, width, and height) of the splenic mass; and histologic diagnosis. Information on survival time was recorded when available. RESULTS: 30 (46%) dogs had hemangiosarcoma, 10 (15%) had other types of malignant masses, and 25 (39%) had benign masses. Dogs with benign splenic masses had a significantly higher mean mass-to-splenic volume ratio and higher mean splenic weight as a percentage of body weight than did dogs with hemangiosarcoma. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that mass-to-splenic volume ratio and splenic weight as a percentage of body weight may be useful in differentiating between hemangiosarcoma and benign lesions in dogs with splenic masses.

Diagnosis and treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism in a bobcat (Lynx rufus).

An 18-yr-old male bobcat (Lynx rufus) presented with chronic moderate weight loss and acute onset of anorexia and lethargy. Hypercalcemia and azotemia were present on the serum chemistry panel. Abdominal ultrasound revealed hyperechoic renal cortices, but no evidence of neoplasia. Ionized calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were mildly elevated, intact parathyroid hormone was severely elevated, and parathormone-related protein was undetected, suggesting primary hyperparathyroidism with possible renal dysfunction. Azotemia lessened in severity following diuresis, but hypercalcemia persisted; thus primary hyperparathyroidism was considered the most probable differential diagnosis. A second ultrasound including the cervical region revealed a solitary intraparenchymal left thyroid nodule. The nodule was surgically excised; histopathology confirmed a parathyroid adenoma. Although primary hyperparathyroidism was suspected, diagnosis was not achieved from serum chemistry values alone. This case emphasizes the importance of diagnostic imaging and histopathology in the investigation of persistently abnormal laboratory values.

Incidence of meniscal injury in cats with cranial cruciate ligament ruptures.

This retrospective study evaluated the incidence of meniscal injury in cats with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) ruptures. Medical records for cats diagnosed with CCL ruptures treated by a lateral fabellotibial suture (LFS) were reviewed for signalment, history, physical examination and surgical findings. Ninety-five cats (98 stifles) met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of meniscal injuries in feline CCL deficient stifles was 67%. Isolated medial meniscal injuries were found in 55 stifles (56%), isolated lateral meniscal injuries were found in 5 stifles (5%), and lateral and medial meniscal injuries were found in 6 stifles (6%). There was no correlation between the presence of a meniscal injury and age, breed, sex, weight, duration of lameness, presence of concurrent medial patellar luxation, degree of degenerative joint disease, or presenting side of lameness. Given the high rate of meniscal pathology in cats with CCL ruptures, exploratory surgery for meniscal assessment and concurrent stifle stabilization should be considered in feline patients.

Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia: a retrospective study of 31 cats and eight dogs.

The records of 31 cats and eight dogs undergoing surgical correction of peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) from 2000 through 2007 were reviewed. Weimaraners and long-haired cats of varying breeds, particularly Maine Coon cats, appear to be at higher risk of PPDH. Presenting complaints were most commonly related to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts in both dogs and cats, although respiratory signs were more prevalent in cats, and gastrointestinal signs were more common in dogs. The most common herniated organs were liver, gallbladder, and small intestine. Mortality associated with surgical repair of PPDH in cats and dogs was low in the first 2 weeks postoperatively, and prognosis for return to normal function was excellent. Peri-and postoperative complications were typically minor and self-limiting.

The use of rim excision as a treatment for canine acanthomatous ameloblastoma.

This study reviews rim excision as a treatment for canine acanthomatous ameloblastomas (CAA) in dogs with <3 mm of bone involvement. Removal of a canine tooth was involved in 47% of the cases; 33% cases involved the caudal dentition. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 5 years. No evidence of recurrence was seen. Client satisfaction with cosmesis and the animal's ability to masticate was judged to be good. With appropriate case selection, rim excision appears to be a viable option for CAA and results in improved dental occlusion, cosmesis, and no evidence of epulis recurrence.

Utilization of the scrotum as a full thickness skin graft in a dog.

A 1.5-year-old, intact, male dog was presented for degloving wounds to the distal pelvic limbs due to vehicular trauma. Treatment involved serial debridement of the wounds and use of the scrotal skin as a full thickness, meshed skin graft applied to the dorsal aspect of the left pes with a successful outcome.