The presence, morphology and clinical significance of vertebral body malformations in an Australian population of French Bulldogs and Pugs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence, morphology and clinical significance of congenital vertebral malformations (CVM) in two breeds of brachycephalic dogs presenting to a referral veterinary hospital. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine French Bulldogs and Pugs were prospectively evaluated and placed in one of two groups based on whether or not they presented for neurological signs referable to spinal cord disease. A computed tomography (CT) of their entire spine was obtained and the presence and classification of CVM along with the degree of spinal kyphosis recorded for all dogs. Statistical analysis was performed to identify clinical associations between these factors (P < 0.05). RESULTS: CVM were prevalent across both breeds with the French Bulldog having more malformations than the Pug (Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric analysis of variance, P < 0.0001). Breed associated vertebral malformation subtypes included butterfly subtype in French Bulldogs (Chi-square, P = 0.0002), and transitional subtype in Pugs (odds ratio, 22.7; P = 0.000). A new subtype, dorsal wedge, was observed in 12 cases. The presence, number and subtype of vertebral malformation were not reliable for predicting the development of neurological signs across both breeds (Chi-square, P > 0.05). However, spinal kyphosis >35° calculated via Cobb angle was associated with Pugs that had neurological deficits (Chi-square, P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Congenital vertebral malformations largely appear to be incidental findings in this population of French Bulldogs but are of more significance in the Pug breed when spinal kyphosis is >35°. French Bulldogs that have spinal cord disease and CVM are more likely to have pathology distant to CVM with intervertebral disc herniation most common.

Suspect 'baggage canine heartworm' case: canine heartworm disease in a dog from Sydney, New South Wales.

Locally acquired canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in the temperate southern climate zones of Australia is currently rare. We report a case of locally acquired canine heartworm from Sydney, New South Wales in a 12-year-old Fox Terrier × Jack Russell female that presented with coughing and breathing difficulties. Absence of heartworm prevention and no travel outside Sydney was noted. Blood sample was D. immitis positive using antigen test, but negative on Modified Knott's testing. PCR confirmed the presence of D. immitis DNA in circulating blood. Echocardiographic examination revealed multiple parallel echogenic lines separated by a hypoechoic region ('tram-tracks') in the right pulmonary artery. The patient was treated and clinical condition gradually improved over the following 12 months. Antigen test remained positive for D. immitis at ~7 months and became negative at ~15 months after the start of the treatment. The most plausible scenario is importation of infected mosquito(s) in the luggage arriving from Queensland, Australia, common holiday destination for many Sydney-siders. We consider this a case of 'baggage canine heartworm'. Canine heartworm in dogs who did not travel should be considered in the differential diagnosis and D. immitis antigen test coupled with Modified Knott's test or PCR must be considered.

Neural tube defects in four Shetland sheepdog puppies: clinical characterisation and computed tomography investigation.

BACKGROUND: Here, we report on the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in four related Shetland sheepdog puppies. NTDs present as a range of congenital malformations affecting the spine, skull and associated structures. Despite the severity of these malformations and their relatively high prevalence in humans, the aetiology is not well understood. It is even less well characterised in veterinary medicine. CASE REPORT: Affected puppies were investigated using computed tomography (CT) and then necropsy. CT identified a range of brain and spine abnormalities in the affected animals, including caudal anencephaly, encephalocele, spina bifida and malformed vertebrae. Other observed abnormalities in these puppies, including cranioschisis, atresia ani and hydrocephalus, may be secondary to, or associated with, the primary NTDs identified. CONCLUSION: This case report describes multiple related cases of NTDs in an Australian cohort of dogs. This study also highlights the potential of advanced imaging techniques in identifying congenital anomalies in stillborn and neonatal puppies. Further research is required to investigate the aetiology of NTDs in this group of affected Shetland sheepdogs.

Incidence, cause, outcome and possible risk factors associated with facial nerve paralysis in dogs in a Sydney population (2001-2016): a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the incidence and causes of facial nerve paralysis (FNP) in dogs in the Sydney region. Its outcome and possible risk factors are investigated to prognosticate and aid design of diagnostic and treatment plans. DESIGN: Retrospective case study. METHODS: Client-owned dogs presented to the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Sydney (UVTHS), between 2001 and 2016 with FNP were included (n = 122). The incidence of each cause of FNP was investigated. A reference population of noncases seen at the UVTHS during the same time period was used to study the association between idiopathic facial nerve paralysis (IFNP) and gender, age and breed. RESULTS: IFNP (29.5%) was the most common diagnosis. Male dogs (odds ratio [OR], 2.3) had increased odds of IFNP compared with female dogs. Age was a significant risk factor for both the occurrence of FNP and IFNP. There was higher occurrence of IFNP among middle-aged dogs (5-13 years) and reduced risk in juvenile dogs (less than 2 years). Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were over-represented for FNP (OR, 6.9) and IFNP (OR, 17.5). For IFNP, 6 of 16 dogs with known follow-up showed definitive resolution within 3 years of diagnosis. Concurrent vestibular signs were common in dogs with middle/inner ear abnormality and intracranial disease; and were also seen in 50% of dogs with IFNP. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate statistical predilections in age, gender and breed for IFNP. Guarded prognosis for recovery should be given to dogs diagnosed with IFNP and supportive management instigated.

Using magnetic resonance imaging to diagnose nondisplaced fractures of the second phalanx in horses.

Two horses presented with a history of severe lameness that was localised to the area around the second phalanx (P2) of one forelimb. Radiographs of the second phalanx of both horses were unremarkable, apart from some smooth periosteal new bone production on the dorsum of P2. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a non-displaced fracture of P2 in both horses. One horse was euthanased because of a poor prognosis for racing, but the second horse was treated conservatively and salvaged for breeding. Magnetic resonance imaging is a newer imaging modality in horses and may be useful in diagnosing cases of obscure lameness.

The natural history of kyphosis in postmenopausal women.

A cross-sectional study of vertebral morphometry in 449 unscreened postmenopausal women, from the ages of 40 to 80, is reported. The wedge angles of thoracic vertebrae T4-12 were found to increase exponentially as a function of age, up to 70 years. In addition to age, the wedging phenomenon was found to be accentuated by increased bone turnover due to low calcium intake, reduced physical activity, each successive delivery, and breast feeding. Most of these variables were not correlated with isolated vertebral wedge angles, but rather with the sum of them (Sigma, sigma), assumed to assess the impact of those variables on thoracic kyphosis. In a subset of women, sigma was found to be inversely correlated with low spinal mineral density at L2-4. T-11 and T-12 were the vertebrae most frequently deformed (wedge angle exceeding mean +/- 3 SD in a group of 50 young healthy women, 25-45 years old). The distribution of deformed vertebrae was found to be significantly different from those qualified as "fractured" according to Kleerekoper et al.'s (1984) and Melton et al.'s (1989) criteria. The overall information afforded by past and present data indicates that in postmenopausal women, vertebral deformation may occur with the help of mechanical solicitations plus high bone remodeling rates, as well as by structural collapse (fracture). The information obtained does not allow one to quantify the relative contribution of each set of factors to the wedging phenomenon.