Development of a functional scoring system in dogs with acute spinal cord injuries.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and compare the reliability of 2 methods of scoring pelvic limb gait in dogs recovering from thoracolumbar spinal cord injuries and to use this scoring system to determine the rate and level of functional recovery of dogs with acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniations. ANIMALS: 46 dogs with spinal cord injuries resulting from intervertebral disk herniations. PROCEDURE: Dogs' gaits were videotaped at different time intervals after injury. In phase 1 of the study, the stages of recovery of pelvic limb function were identified, and a numeric scoring system was devised to reflect that recovery. In phase 2, pelvic limb gait was scored by different observers, using a numeric and a visual analog scale. Intra- and interobserver coefficients of variability of both methods were compared. In phase 3, pelvic limb function was scored, using the numeric scale at various intervals after acute thoracolumbar disk herniations. RESULTS: The numeric scale was significantly more reliable than the visual analog scale when both intra- and interobserver coefficients of variability were evaluated. Dogs that were paraplegic with no deep pain sensation recovered at different rates during the first 3 months, whereas dogs that were paraplegic with deep pain sensation typically recovered within 1 month of injury. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic limb gait of dogs recovering from thoracolumbar spinal cord injuries can be reliably quantified, using a numeric scale. This scale will facilitate the performance of clinical trials aimed at improving the outcome of acute spinal cord injuries.

Secondary hypoparathyroidism attributed to hypomagnesemia in a dog with protein-losing enteropathy.

Severe hypomagnesemia (0.8 mg/dl; reference range, 1.6 to 2.3 mg/dl), hypocalcemia, and protein-losing enteropathy were identified in a 5-year-old castrated male 3-kg (6.6 lb) Shih Tzu examined because of anorexia, lethargy, paresis, and abdominal distention. Histologic examination of intestinal biopsy specimens revealed lymphangiectasia and lymphocytic, plasmacytic, neutrophilic infiltrates. Initial treatment included administration of magnesium (0.80 mEq/kg [0.36 mEq/lb]) of body weight in a balanced electrolyte solution. This treatment resulted in normalization of the serum magnesium concentration (1.7 mg/dl); resolution of the lethargy, paresis, and tachycardia; and an increase in the serum parathyroid hormone and ionized calcium concentrations. Findings were consistent with secondary hypoparathyroidism attributable to hypomagnesemia. Magnesium concentration should be monitored in all dogs with gastrointestinal tract disease, especially those with protein-losing enteropathy, anorexia, and weakness.

Radiographic evaluation of elbow joints before and after surgery in dogs with possible fragmented medial coronoid process.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of 5 radiographic projections of the elbow joint for identification of fragmented coronoid process (FCP) and associated secondary degenerative changes in dogs. DESIGN: Longitudinal clinical study. ANIMALS: 19 dogs suspected of having FCP (7 dogs, 1 elbow joint; 12 dogs, both elbow joints). PROCEDURE: 5 radiographic projections were obtained before and after surgery for all elbow joints on which exploratory arthrotomy was performed because of suspected FCP. Radiographs obtained before surgery were compared with radiographs obtained after surgery and radiographs taken of the excised fragments. Each projection was evalated for its utility in definitively identifying FCP and 7 specific degenerative changes. Interevaluator agreement, use of each radiographic projection for definitively identifying a feature, and ability of the 4 evaluators to definitively identify a feature were analyzed. RESULTS: The craniolateral-caudomedial oblique (Cr15L-CdMO) projection had a significantly higher sensitivity for definitively identifying FCP, compared with the other 4 projections. Interevaluator and kappa agreement for the 5 projections did not differ significantly among the 7 degenerative changes evaluated. The radiographic projection with the highest sensitivity and specificity for detection of a particular degenerative change varied by feature. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Of the 5 radiographic projections evaluated, the Cr15L-CdMO projection provided the highest sensitivity and was the best projection to use for definitively identifying FCP. The craniocaudal, Cr15L-CdMO, and mediolateral projections most reliably allowed for identification of secondary degenerative changes.