Giant Breed Dogs Research Articles

Cinesioterapia para recuperação da osteocondrite dissecante em ombro de cadela da raça Bernese

Osteochondritis dissecans is characterized by the detachment of a cartilaginous flap as a result of Osteochondrosis, resulting in a slowdown in ossification and thickening of the cartilage. The majority of affected animals are large or giant breed dogs, demonstrating clinical signs at an approximate age of between 4 and 8 months of age, with late manifestations possible. The main symptom is lameness, which intensifies, in most cases, after exercise. This work reports the case of a 7-month-old Bernese dog, with a history of lameness of the left thoracic limb, mainly after exercise.

Assessment of right ventricular function in healthy Great Danes and in Great Danes with dilated cardiomyopathy

IntroductionRight ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a significant negative prognostic indicator in human dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Many RV indices are weight-dependent, and there is a lack of reference values for the right heart in giant breed dogs (over 50 kg), including Great Danes (GDs). This study aimed to compare indices of RV function in echocardiographically normal GDs, those with preclinical DCM (PC-DCM), and those with DCM and congestive heart failure (DCM-CHF). AnimalsA total of 116 client-owned adult GDs: 74 normal, 31 with PC-DCM, and 11 with DCM-CHF. MethodsA retrospective, single-center cohort study assessed RV function using free-wall RV longitudinal strain (RVLS), strain rate, fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging-derived systolic myocardial velocity of the lateral tricuspid annulus (TDI S’). Relationships between DCM status and RV function indices were analyzed. ResultsRV function, measured by TAPSE (P=0.001), FAC (P<0.001), and TDI S’ (P<0.001), decreased in dogs with PC-DCM and DCM-CHF compared to healthy dogs, with FAC being lower in DCM-CHF compared to PC-DCM (P=0.048). RVLS impairment was more significant in the DCM-CHF group than in the PC-DCM group (P=0.048). RVLS had the highest area under the curve (0.899) for differentiating between normal and DCM-CHF dogs. ConclusionAs DCM progresses, echocardiographic variables of RV function, including TAPSE, FAC, TDI S’, RVLS, and strain rate, worsen, indicating impaired RV systolic function in GDs affected by DCM.

Genetic variation near GRB10 associated with bone growth and osteosarcoma risk in canine and human populations

BackgroundCanine and human osteosarcoma are similar in clinical presentation and tumor genomics. Giant breed dogs experience elevated osteosarcoma incidence, and taller stature remains a consistent risk factor for human osteosarcoma. Whether evolutionarily conserved genes contribute to both human and canine osteosarcoma predisposition merits evaluation. MethodsA multi-center sample of childhood osteosarcoma patients and controls underwent genome-wide genotyping and imputation. Ancestry-adjusted SNP associations were calculated within each dataset using logistic regression, then meta-analyzed across the three datasets, totaling 1091 patients and 3026 controls. Ten regions previously associated with canine osteosarcoma risk were mapped to the human genome, spanning ∼6 Mb. We prioritized association testing of 5985 human SNPs mapping to candidate osteosarcoma risk regions detected in Irish wolfhounds, the largest dog breed studied. Secondary analyses explored 6289 additional human SNPs mapping to candidate osteosarcoma risk regions identified in Rottweilers and greyhounds. ResultsFourteen SNPs were associated with human osteosarcoma risk after adjustment for multiple comparisons, all within a 42 kb region of human Chromosome 7p12.1. The lead variant was rs17454681 (OR=1.25, 95 %CI: 1.12–1.39; P=4.1×10−5), and independent risk variants were not observed in conditional analyses. While the associated region spanned 2.1 Mb and contained eight genes in Irish wolfhounds, associations were localized to a 50-fold smaller region of the human genome and strongly implicate GRB10 (growth factor receptor-bound protein 10) in canine and human osteosarcoma predisposition. PheWAS analysis in UK Biobank data identified noteworthy associations of the rs17454681 risk allele with varied measures of height and pubertal timing. ConclusionsOur comparative oncology analysis identified a novel human osteosarcoma risk allele near GRB10, a growth inhibitor that suppresses activated receptor tyrosine kinases including IGF1R, PDGFRB, and EGFR. Epidemiologists may benefit from leveraging cross-species comparisons to identify haplotypes in highly susceptible but genetically homogenous populations of domesticated animals, then fine-mapping these associations in diverse human populations.

Lateral canthal reconstruction for the treatment of macroblepharon/diamond eye conformation in dogs.

To introduce a novel surgical technique for treatment of macroblepharon and diamond eye conformation in dogs. Lateral canthal reconstruction was used in dogs with prominent eyelid malformations resulting in ocular surface disease. Lateral canthus was resected and new lateral canthus was created using a two-layer closure. This technique was performed either alone or in combination with additional procedure(s). Additionally, this technique was used to resect lateral canthal dermoid. One hundred and fifty-three eyes of 85 dogs were included in the study. Procedure was done for macroblepharon and/or lateral canthal entropion (149 eyes of 81 dogs) or for lateral canthal dermoid (four eyes of four dogs). Procedure was done either alone (n = 68 eyes) or in combination with additional procedure (n = 85 eyes). Favorable cosmetic outcome and client satisfaction was achieved in all dogs. Good to excellent functional outcome was recorded in all but 6 eyes of 4 dogs, which required additional surgery. Most common complications included slight undercorrection or overcorrection. Lateral canthal reconstruction is a simple yet effective surgical procedure for macroblepharon and/or lateral canthal entropion. If done early, it prevents development of secondary eyelid malformation ("pagoda defect") in giant breed dogs. If done after severe eyelid malformation has developed, combining this technique with concurrent pagoda resection is recommended to achieve ideal eyelid conformation. None.

Preliminary report on the ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement in a giant breed dog

Preliminary report on the ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement in a giant breed dog

Use of a jumbo plate in dogs greater than 50 kg following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy does not prevent increase in tibial plateau angle through convalescence.

To investigate the use of a locking 3.5/4.0-mm jumbo tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) plate in maintaining the postoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA) in giant-breed dogs weighing > 50 kg and to report the associated complications. Canine patients weighing > 50 kg that underwent TPLO stabilized with a locking 3.5/4.0-mm jumbo TPLO plate between January 2017 and May 2022. Retrospective case series retrieving postoperative outcomes from the medical records. Healing scores and TPAs were calculated using postoperative and recheck radiographs. Owner-perceived outcomes were obtained via questionnaire. 24 stifles in 22 dogs were included. Postoperative complications were recorded in 11 of 24 cases (45.8%) inclusive of 1 minor, 1 catastrophic, and 9 major complications. A statistically significant increase in TPA over the convalescent period was found. Grade 4 healing was present in 18 of 24 (75%) stifles, while the remainder were scored as grade 3. The use of a locking 3.5/4.0-mm jumbo TPLO plate did not prevent a statistically significant increase in TPA through convalescence. This procedure displayed an unacceptably high complication rate when compared with contemporary literature of TPLO. Despite a high complication rate in this patient population, most complications were successfully managed with medical and/or surgical treatment, and high mean and median healing scores were achieved at the radiographic recheck. Additionally, owner-perceived long-term outcomes were excellent.

Use of a custom‐made acetabular cage to treat aseptic loosening following cemented total hip replacement in a giant breed dog

AbstractA 7‐year‐old, female, spayed Dogo Argentino was presented with right hindlimb lameness 9 months following right total hip replacement. Investigations identified loosening of the acetabular cup and significant loss of bone stock, including defects of the dorsal acetabular rim and caudal pillar. A custom‐made acetabular cage inspired from the human acetabular reinforcement ring was implanted and fixed into the ilium and the acetabular rim with screws. Improvement in right hindlimb function was delayed by the occurrence of a right cranial cruciate ligament rupture; however, radiography 6 months following the surgery demonstrated osseointegration despite loosening of a single screw. Three years postoperatively, the dog showed no resentment on manipulation of the right hip and the owners reported a return to normal activity including off‐lead running. Aseptic cup loosening associated with acetabular medial wall and caudal pillar defect were ameliorated using a custom‐made acetabular cage in a giant breed dog.

Iatrogenic pectus excavatum in a giant breed dog following median sternotomy

AbstractA giant breed dog was presented to a university teaching hospital for restlessness and what its owners perceived to be vomiting. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to a pulmonary mass and underwent median sternotomy for lung lobectomy. Post‐operatively, the patient developed iatrogenic pectus excavatum, which likely contributed to morbidity and prolonged hospitalisation. A Hoyer lift was employed to assist patient mobility and limit external sternal compression from prolonged recumbency. This case highlights the potential for iatrogenic pectus excavatum, which may affect recovery in giant breed dogs post‐median sternotomy.

PROBLEMY ŻYWIENIOWE PSÓW RAS DUŻYCH I OLBRZYMICH. CZĘŚĆ II. PSY DOROSŁE

The subject of dog nutrition is gaining popularity due to the growing awareness of the caregivers. Although there are foods dedicated to dogs of different breeds available on the market, caregivers relatively rarely wonder what they really differ from each other and what significance it has for animals. Many dogs are fed the same food for extended periods of time. The product designated as a complete/maintenance food is, according to legal regulations, balanced in such a way that it can be the only source of food for the animal, without leading to nutrient deficiencies. A dog’s digestive tract has not changed for hundreds of years, but the physiology of dog nutrition depends on the size of the breed. Dogs of small, medium, large and giant breeds, despite the fact that they belong to one species, have different nutritional needs. These differences must be taken into account in order to meet the needs as best as possible. The smaller the dog, the greater the digestive volume, and vice versa. The diet of large and giant breed dogs should be enriched with functional additives supporting the work of the joints. This need results from the fact that representatives of large and giant breeds, due to their size and large body weight, are particularly exposed to excessive strain on the elbows and hips.

Magnetic resonance imaging and neurologic characterization of combined osseous- and disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy in dogs.

Although both disc- or osseous-associated forms of cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) are observed in the same dogs, this combined form has not been thoroughly evaluated. To describe imaging characteristics of dogs with concurrent disc- and osseous CSM and investigate an association between findings on neurological examination and imaging. Sixty dogs with disc and osseous-associated CSM from 232 CSM-affected dogs. Retrospective study. Dogs diagnosed via high-field MRI with a combination of intervertebral disc (IVD) protrusion and osseous proliferation of articular processes, dorsal lamina, or both were identified. Large and giant breed dogs were grouped according to whether combined compressions were at the same site or different sites. Statistical methods were used to investigate the association and relationship between variables. Thirty-five out of 60 (58%) were large breeds and 22/60 (37%) were giant breeds. Mean and median age was 6.6 and 7 years respectively (range, 0.75-11 years). Forty of the 60 dogs (67%) had concurrent osseous and disc-associated spinal cord compression in the same location. This was considered the main compression site in 32/40 (80%) dogs. Dogs with osseous- and disc-associated compressions at the same site were more likely to have a higher neurologic grade (P = .04). A substantial percentage of dogs with CSM present with concomitant IVD protrusion and osseous proliferations, most at the same site. Characterizing this combined form is important in the management of dogs with CSM because it could affect treatment choices.

Canine appendicular osteosarcoma: Amputation and chemotherapy in cancer treatment

Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone neoplasm with a high incidence in adult and giant breed dogs, with the appendicular skeleton being the most affected compared to the axial one. The symptoms usually present are claudication, swelling and may or may not be associated with episodes of fractures. The diagnosis consists of imaging exams, and in many cases, confirmation is only possible through bone biopsy. Due to aggressiveness the prognosis is unfavorable, and the best treatment for this case is limb amputation, with the intention of removing the primary tumor. The dog, in this report, was diagnosed by bone biopsy, whose histopathological result was osteoblastic osteosarcoma. The tumor originated in the distal femur of the left pelvic limb and the patient was referred for amputation, the surgical technique used was coxofemoral disarticulation. As an adjuvant treatment, chemotherapy with carboplatin was instituted. There were fivw sessions in an interval of 21 in 21 days, without reaction or alterations in the complementary exams. Pulmonary macro metastases were not identified in the radiographic examination, and a disease-free interval was observed, guaranteeing quality of life for the patient, despite being a very aggressive tumor.

Comparison of 2 anesthetic protocols and surgical timing during cesarean section on neonatal vitality and umbilical cord blood parameters

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the mode of anesthesia, the time form the induction to the extraction of a puppy and the immediate postnatal vitality and umbilical cord blood gases parameters in cesarean section derived-puppies. Two different anesthetic protocols were used: inhalation using isoflurane (ISO) and combined—inhalation and epidural (EPI) with propofol being the induction agent.ResultsSignificant differences were found in ISO group in pH values, pCO2 levels and Apgar scores between puppies at different extraction times (< 30 vs. ≥ 30 min). In ISO group puppies extracted later were more acidic (7.16 vs. 7.22), had higher levels of pCO2 (69 vs. 57 mmHg) and lower Apgar scores at birth (1.2 vs. 2.5). On the contrary, in EPI group no differences were observed between the delivery time, umbilical blood gas parameters and puppies’ vitality. Furthermore, the dams from the EPI group required lower concentrations of isoflurane (MAC 1.11 ± 0.19 vs.1.37 ± 0.16, p < 0.001).ConclusionsMultiple pregnancies frequent in dogs lead to significant differences in extraction times between the first and the last puppy during cesarean section. Obtained results showed that the mode of anesthesia and the surgical time would influence the neonatal outcome during cesarean section in dogs. The higher concentration of isoflurane with the longer time of exposure had a negative effect on the initial newborn vitality as well as the umbilical cord blood gas parameters. Therefore, when performing CS in giant dog breeds or expecting many puppies in the litter, it is worth considering epidural component that allow for lower concentrations of inhalant agents, which may contribute to a better clinical condition of newborns.

Elementos finitos de uma nova prótese de disco intervertebral desenvolvida para a coluna cervical canina

ABSTRACT: Cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) is a disease that affects mostly large- and giant-breed dogs. It is characterized by abnormalities of the cervical spine that may cause damage to the spinal cord and nerve roots. Cervical disc arthroplasty has been proposed as a treatment option in veterinary medicine. The current study evaluated the main stresses in a novel canine vertebral disc prosthesis and vertebral bodies using finite element analysis. Two experimental groups were created based on the material used for the prosthesis: stainless steel group (SSG) and titanium alloy group (TAG). Vertebral and prosthetic average equivalents von-Mises stress (VMS) and minimum principal stress (MiPS) were assessed while compressive, tensile, and lateral bending shear loads were applied. The stainless steel group had greater VMS distribution on all the evaluated parameters while the titanium alloy group had greater MiPS. Stresses were more concentrated on the lateral and ventral surfaces of the vertebral bodies than on their endplates. The average prosthetic stresses were more concentrated on the bone/implant contact surface than on the prosthesis/screw interface. Maximum stresses were concentrated in the screws’ cranial surface. The novel prosthesis allows even distribution along the vertebral body. Comparing prosthesis materials, titanium alloy was marginally superior regarding average stresses in all directions and should be less likely to suffer subsidence.

A retrospective histopathological survey on canine lymphomas subtypes of Porto District.

Lymphomas are dogs' most common hematopoietic neoplasms and represent a heterogeneous group, as occurs in humans. Considering the role of dogs as models of human lymphomas and the geographical correlation of the cases of canine and human lymphoma, it is important to continuously assess the epidemiological distribution of lymphoma subtypes in dogs. This study aimed to provide a survey of canine lymphoma subtypes diagnosed from 2005 to 2016 in the academic veterinary pathology laboratory of the University of Porto. A total of 75 canine lymphomas diagnosed by histopathology in the Porto district were included. All cases were immunophenotyped by CD3 and PAX5, classified according to the current classification WHO and coded with Vet-ICD-O-canine-1. Mixed breed dogs were most common (28%), followed by Cocker Spaniels (12%), Boxers (9%), and Labrador Retrievers (6%). The mean age was 9.2 years (SD = 3.3) (10.7 years for small, 8.9 years for medium and large, and 5.7 years for giant breed dogs, p < 0.05). Regarding sex, there was no difference in frequencies or mean age. B-cell lymphomas were more common (57.4%) than T-cell lymphomas (37.3%), and 5.3% were classified as non-B/non-T-cell lymphomas. Of the cases, 49% had a multicentric distribution, followed by splenic (22%), cutaneous (12%), alimentary (12%), and extranodal (3%) forms. The most common B-cell subtypes were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (16.3%) and large immunoblastic lymphoma (14%), while T-zone lymphoma (21.4%) and intestinal lymphoma (18%) were the most common T-cell lymphoma subtypes. Our study shows that the Porto district follows the international trend of higher prevalence of B-cell lymphomas in dogs, especially of the DLBCL subtype.

NT‐proBNP as a diagnostic marker of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs

In dogs of service breeds, cardiopathology is one of the most common diseases of non‐infectious etiology. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is frequently reported among other heart conditions in large and giant breed dogs. As a result of our previous work, it has been established that DCM of varying severity is recorded in no less than 25% of service dogs. The diagnosis at the later stages of development is not difficult ‐ an enlarged cardiac silhouette on the roentgenogram, enlarged cavities of the heart chambers with echocardiography, ventricular extrasystoles on the electrocardiogram, and a drop in blood pressure during tonometry. Treatment at the late stages of DCM is ineffective and prolongs the dog's lifespan by an average of 3 months. It is advisable to start treatment when the dog is in the early stages of DCM development. However, it is not so easy to identify the disease at the initial stage using visual diagnostics. Therefore, additional methods for diagnosing heart function are required, among which serological analysis for brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) can be distinguished. The study aimed to determine the sensitivity of NT‐proBNP in large and giant breed dogs suspected of having DCM disease. Study inclusion criterion: dogs used in security and search work; large or giant breeds; age 2‐8 years; vaccination against rabies, leptospirosis, plague of carnivores, adenovirus infection, parvovirus enteritis, viral hepatitis; absence of diseases of infectious, invasive, and non‐infectious etiology for the last 3 months. In the experiment, 24 dogs were used, which were divided into three groups: group 1 ‐ dogs with significant dilatation of the heart cavities, rhythm disturbances, and a drop in blood pressure (n = 8); Group 2 ‐ dogs with moderate dilatation of the heart cavities, ECG changes, a moderate decrease in blood pressure (n = 8); Group 3 ‐ animals that had no abnormalities during ultrasound diagnostics in the state of the heart (n = 8). An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay determined the NT‐proBNP activity. Thus, in dogs of group 1, the NT‐proBNP activity was increased to 4381.7 ± 281.1 pmol / l, which is 20.5 times higher (p &lt;0.05) than in healthy dogs. Severe DCM was confirmed in these dogs. In group 2 animals, the NT‐proBNP level exceeded the values of healthy animals and amounted to 831.7 ± 94.5 pmol / l, which is 3.9 times higher than the normal values. Despite the absence of changes detected during visual diagnostics of the heart, in 2 of 8 dogs of group 3, NT‐proBNP increased to 467.8 ± 15.4 pmol / L. It was increased 2.1 times, which suggested a violation of cardiac activity in these animals. Repeated diagnostics of these 2 dogs 9‐15 months after the start of the study revealed changes characteristic of DCM ‐ changes in the electrical activity of the heart, dilatation of the heart chambers, changes in blood pressure. Based on the experiment results, it was concluded that serological analysis for NT‐proBNP level is a sensitive test that can be included in the list of DCM differential diagnoses.

Gastric dilatation volvulus: a treatment guide

Gastric dilatation volvulus is a relatively common emergency presentation in small animal veterinary practice. Typically, deep-chested large and giant breed dogs are affected, but the condition has been reported in other breeds of dog, such as the Dachshund. Dogs presenting with gastric dilatation volvulus will typically exhibit signs of lethargy, retching and unproductive vomiting, distension of the cranial abdomen, ptyalism and respiratory compromise. In some cases, patients will present in severe hypovolamemic shock. Prompt recognition, stabilisation and surgical correction of the gastric dilatation volvulus are required for successful treatment of the condition. This article discusses the approach to investigation, stabilisation, surgical correction and postoperative management of gastric dilatation volvulus.

A multicenter retrospective comparison of trauma in toy breeds versus giant breeds: A Veterinary Committee on Trauma registry study.

To retrospectively evaluate and stratify the differences in signalment, mechanisms, and severity of injury between toy and giant breed dogs. Retrospective, observational cohort study. Multicenter, university veterinary teaching hospital, and private referral hospitals contributing to Veterinary Committee on Trauma (VetCOT) patient registry. Two thousand seven hundred and five (2589 toy and 116 giant breed) dogs presented for trauma with complete data entries recruited into the Veterinary Committee on Trauma registry from September 1, 2013 through December 31, 2017. None. Injury etiology in toy breeds was predominantly blunt trauma (1532/2587 [59.2%]), commonly falling from a height or motor vehicle accident, whereas in giant breeds penetrating trauma was more common (71/116 [61.2%]). Eighty-seven percent (2231/2558) of toy breeds and 94.7% (108/114) giant breeds survived to discharge. When stratified by severity of injury (animal trauma triage [ATT]≥5), mortality increased. Severely injured toy breeds had a 45.6% (200/438) survival rate, and severely injured giant breeds had a 62.5% (5/8) survival rate. Patient size did not impact survival in a logistic regression model; however, ATT score (odd ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.52-0.58; P<0.001), modified Glasgow Coma Scale (mGCS; odds ratio, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.11-1.32; P<0.001), and base excess (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.09-1.22; P<0.001) were predictive of nonsurvival. Surgical intervention was required in 743 of 2587 (29%) toy breeds and 65 of 116 (56%) giant breeds. Surgery was associated with an increased survival rate (odds ratio, 4.43; 95% CI, 2.45-8.83; P<0.0001). Evaluation of a large, multicenter dataset showed that ATT score along with base excess, plasma lactate, and mGCS were predictors of mortality independent of patient size. Severely injured dogs, as defined by an ATT score ≥5, were less likely to survive, and toy breed dogs had a higher mortality rate than giant breeds in the subcategory.

Primary orthostatic tremor and orthostatic tremor-plus in dogs: 60 cases (2003-2020).

BackgroundOrthostatic tremor (OT) is a rare movement disorder characterized by high‐frequency (>12 Hz) involuntary, rhythmic, sinusoidal movements affecting predominantly the limbs while standing.ObjectiveTo describe the signalment, presenting complaints, phenotype, diagnostic findings, treatment, and outcome of a large sample of dogs with OT.AnimalsSixty dogs diagnosed with OT based on conscious electromyography.MethodsMulticenter retrospective case series study. Dogs were included if they had a conscious electromyography consistent with muscle discharge frequency >12 Hz while standing.ResultsFifty‐three cases were diagnosed with primary OT (POT). Giant breed dogs represented most cases (83%; 44/53). Most dogs (79%; 42/53) were younger than 2 years of age at onset of signs, except for Retrievers which were all older than 3.5 years of age. The most common presenting complaints were pelvic limb tremors while standing (85%; 45/53) and difficulty when rising or sitting down (45%; 24/53). Improvement of clinical signs occurred in most dogs (85%; 45/53) treated medically with phenobarbital, primidone, gabapentin, pregabalin or clonazepam, but it was mostly partial rather than complete. Orthostatic tremor‐plus was seen in 7 dogs that had concurrent neurological diseases.Conclusions and Clinical ImportancePrimary OT is a progressive disease of young, purebred, giant/large‐breed dogs, which appears to begin later in life in Retrievers. Primary OT apparently responds partially to medications. Orthostatic tremor‐plus exists in dogs and can be concomitant or associated with other neurological diseases.

Repurposing medical devices as "button" esophagostomy tubes for extended nutritional support.

BackgroundEsophagostomy tubes (E‐tubes) are widely utilized for extended nutritional support in dogs and cats. Problems associated with their use include the unwieldy excess (10‐20 cm) of external tubing, constant need for neck wraps and necessity for skin sutures, suture tract infection, and tube loss if sutures fail.ObjectivesTo evaluate 2 different, low profile (LP) “button” products intended for use in people as enteral (jejunostomy [J] and gastrojejunostomy [G‐J]) feeding tubes for suitability as LP E‐tubes in dogs and cats.AnimalsA young giant breed dog that required extended (>6 months) nutritional and fluid support during recovery from severe neurological illness with protracted adipsia, anorexia, and dysphagia.MethodsProspective evaluation of 2 commercially available LP feeding devices after placement of a standard E‐tube. An LP J‐tube and an LP G‐J tube were assessed in consecutive 4‐week trials, for tube retention, patient comfort, stoma health, and functionality.ResultsBoth products performed extremely and equally well as LP E‐tubes in this clinical patient, enhancing patient freedom and comfort by eliminating external tubing, skin sutures, and bandaging. The dual port G‐J tube allows medication delivery (eg, sucralfate) to the entire esophagus, but for safety alone (ie, to avoid aspiration), the single port J‐tube appears the best device for client‐owned patients.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe LP enteral feeding tubes from the human medical field can be successfully used as LP E‐tubes in dogs and cats, offering superior patient comfort, with no obvious detriment to the patient and main drawback of higher cost.

Association of neurologic signs with high-field MRI findings in 100 dogs with osseous-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy.

Although osseous-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (OA-CSM) findings have been well described using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there are no large-scale published studies on the associations between dog size, age, high-field MRI and neurologic findings. Using a retrospective, observational study design, we aimed to investigate an association between neurologic and high-field MRI characteristics in OA-CSM. Records were reviewed for dogs diagnosed with OA-CSM using high-field MRI. One-hundred dogs were included: 73/100 (73%) were giant breeds, 27/100 (27%) large breeds. Mean and median ages were, respectively, 3.1 and 2 years (0.3-9.75 years), with 2.6 and 2 years for giant-breed; and 4.4 and 4 years for large-breed dogs. The majority of dogs were male (75%) with chronic presentation (89%), more than one site of spinal cord compression (78%) and foraminal stenosis (91%). Dogs with multiples sites of spinal cord compression were more likely to have severe spinal cord compression (p<0.001), severe foraminal stenosis (p<0.001) and ligamentum flavum/soft tissue proliferation (p=0.03) than those with a single compressive site. There was a weak correlation between neurologic grade and severity of spinal cord compression (r=0.27; p=0.007), number of affected sites (r=0.24; p=0.0183) and spinal cord T2W hyperintensity (r=0.24; p=0.0152). Intervertebral disc degeneration was seen in 80% of dogs. Age did not appear to have a prominent role in the manifestation of OA-CSM. This study showed that OA-CSM affects a sizeable proportion of young large-breed, in addition to giant-breed dogs.