Cobalt radiation with or without low-dose cisplatin for treatment of canine naso-sinus carcinomas.

The objective of this study was to determine if low-dose cisplatin could be added safely to radiation therapy for the treatment of naso-sinus carcinomas in dogs. Thirty-one dogs were evaluated; 18 of these dogs received cobalt radiation in combination with low-dose cisplatin while 13 dogs received radiation alone. No difference was observed for acute or late radiation effects. Cisplatin was administered at a dosage of 7.5 mg/m2 20 min prior to every other radiation treatment. An initial dose of 10 mg/m2 was intended but toxicity (primarily azotemia) was unacceptable. Cisplatin was administered as prescribed in 12 of 18 dogs. Cisplatin was discontinued in 2 dogs because of azotemia. In the other 4 dogs cisplatin was not administered as prescribed because the dogs were withdrawn from treatment due to disease progression or radiation effects. There was no long-term renal disease in patients who developed azotemia. The overall median survival was 433 days with 4 (12.9%) dogs still alive at the completion of the study.

Surgical reduction and stabilization for repair of femoral capital physeal fractures in cats: 13 cases (1998-2002).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate anatomic reduction and surgical stabilization of femoral capital physeal fractures in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 13 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records of cats with unilateral or bilateral femoral capital physeal fractures evaluated from 1998 to 2002 were reviewed. Age and weight of cats at the time of surgery; breed; sex; concurrent injuries; severity of lameness before and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after surgery; the amount of fracture reduction achieved and number of Kirschner wires (K-wires) used; degree of degenerative joint disease of the hip joint and lysis of the femoral neck and head observed after surgery; whether K-wires were removed after surgery; and complications after surgery were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirteen cats with 16 capital physeal fractures were identified. There was significant improvement in the severity of clinical lameness in all cats from weeks 1 through 4 after surgery. There was no correlation between the scores of the individuals who evaluated radiographs for fracture reduction and placement of K-wires. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that surgical stabilization and repair of femoral capital physeal fractures facilitate a short recovery period and a good prognosis for return to normal function in cats.

Results of single-session bilateral triple pelvic osteotomy with an eight-hole iliac bone plate in dogs: 95 cases (1996-1999).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate feasibility of single-session bilateral triple pelvic osteotomy with 8-hole iliac bone plates in dogs with bilateral hip dysplasia. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 95 dogs with bilateral hip dysplasia. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed, and information was obtained on signalment; body weight; angles of subluxation and reduction prior to surgery; durations of surgery and hospitalization; postoperative mobility; severity of lameness, radiographic grade of hip dysplasia, Norberg angle, and femoral head coverage before and after surgery; time required for radiographic evidence of iliac healing; change in pelvic diameter; implant integrity; and complications. RESULTS: Mean age at the time of surgery was 10.8 months, and mean weight was 35.2 kg (77.4 lb). Prior to surgery, mean angles of subluxation were 2.2 degrees on the right and 2.6 degrees on the left; mean angles of reduction were 25.9 degrees on the right and 27.3 degrees on the left. Mean surgical time was 95 minutes. All but 1 dog were able to walk on their own by the fourth day after surgery. Mean hospitalization time was 7.5 days. Clinical signs of lameness and radiographic grade of hip dysplasia were significantly improved during follow-up examinations. Mean time for radiographic iliac healing was 8 weeks. None of the plates and only 7 of the 1,520 (0.5%) screws loosened after surgery. Nineteen dogs had complications, but all complications were minor. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that single-session bilateral triple pelvic osteotomy with 8-hole iliac bone plates is effective for treatment of dogs with bilateral hip dysplasia.