Femoral capital physeal fractures in dogs: 34 cases (1979-1989).

Complications associated with femoral capital physeal (CP) fractures in 34 dogs were evaluated. Fractures were surgically repaired, using divergent K-wires or lag screws; radiographic follow-up was available for 21 CP fractures. In all cases, radiographic abnormalities such as degenerative joint disease and resorption of the femoral neck and/or head were seen. Changes were more severe when fracture occurred at an early age. For 4 of 21 dogs (20%), femoral head and neck excision was performed because of complications associated with CP fracture repair. Prognosis for femoral CP fractures is guarded, although affected dogs should be able to function as pets.

Blastomycosis in cats: five cases (1979-1986).

Medical records of 5 cats with blastomycosis examined at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1979 to 1986 were reviewed. Clinical signs of blastomycosis varies depending on the organ(s) affected, but respiratory tract disease was most common, followed by CNS signs and ocular problems. A definitive diagnosis was made by identification of characteristic fungal organisms in biopsy or necropsy specimens. Two cats treated with amphotericin B did not respond to treatment and died or were euthanatized. The lungs, brain, eyes, and lymph nodes commonly were affected, but one cat had only cutaneous and regional lymph node involvement. The respiratory tract appeared to be a common primary site of infection, with dissemination to other organ systems. The typical host response was a pyogranulomatous cellular infiltrate with numerous fungal organisms evident.

Radiotherapy of metastatic seminoma in the dog. Case reports.

Four dogs with metastatic seminoma were treated with cesium 137 teleradiotherapy. Minimum total tumor dose ranged from 17 to 40 gray (Gy) and was usually given through bilateral opposing sublumbar ports in eight to ten fractions, with three fractions given weekly. The tumor regressed in all four dogs. The first dog (case 1) was free of tumor and died of non-tumor related causes at 57 months. The second dog (case 2) was free of tumor but was euthanatized at 37 months for a limb fracture. The third dog (case 3) was euthanatized for undertermined pulmonary disease 43 months after radiotherapy. The fourth dog (case 4) was euthanatized 6 months following radiotherapy because of transitional cell carcinoma and renal failure. No evidence of seminoma was found at necropsy. Radiotherapy was shown to be effective treatment for seminoma with regional metastasis.