Small Animal Clinic Research Articles

A comparison of five strategies for selecting control groups: a canine osteochondritis dissecans example

A case-control study of risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs was conducted between January 1980 and December 1987 at the Small Animal Clinic of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for age, gender and breed using five different hospital based control groups. The first (1980), midpoint (1984), last year (1987), and two combined years groups (1980–1987) were selected as controls. The individual year groups and one combined years group used the first visit for each dog as the index visit. The other combined years group used a randomly selected visit for each dog. Few differences in results were seen between control groups for age and gender. For the less common breeds of dog, the individual year control groups resulted in more variation in the odds ratios and less precision. Issues affecting the selection of hospital based control groups in companion animal epidemiology are discussed.

Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in 18 dogs

ABSTRACTEighteen dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis were presented to the University of Queensland Small Animal Clinic (UQSAC) over a three‐year period. Presenting clinical signs included lumbosacral pain (89 per cent), hindlimb paresis and proprioceptive deficits (56 per cent), lameness (49 per cent), flaccid tails (22 per cent), and urinary dysfunction (16 per cent). All 18 dogs were treated by decompressive laminectomy. Two dogs were also treated by a pin fixation‐fusion technique. The major compressive lesion was a type II disc protrusion (72 per cent). Seventeen dogs (94 per cent) showed improvement postoperatively with minimal complications. Confirmation of diagnosis is difficult in that many aged dogs without clinical signs show radiographic signs compatible with stenosis.

Brodifacoum poisoning in a dog

A case of brodifacoum poisoning is described in a six-year-old male Kelpie cross working dog. The clinical features were severe exercise intolerance, haemorrhage from the oral and nasal cavities, dyspnoea and pale mucous membranes. Diagnosis was confirmed by demonstrating an abnormally long whole blood clotting time. The dog was treated successfully by administering 1 litre of whole blood intravenously, intramuscular vitamin K1 and a three week course of oral vitamin K3. Experience at the Massey University Small Animal Clinic and Hospital has indicated that poisoning of dogs with the newer long acting anticoagulant rodenticides is becoming more common.

Infraspinatus muscle contracture in a working dog

A five-year-old Border Collie bitch was presented to Massey University Small Animal Clinic, for examination of a right forelimb lameness of three months duration. The distal forelimb was deviated laterally, there was limited mobility of the shoulder joint, and the animal showed gait abnormalities. Marked atrophy of the infraspinatus, supraspinatus and deltoideus muscles were present. Contracture of the infraspinatus muscle caused the lameness, and tenotomy of the infraspinatus tendon resulted in restoration of a normal gait. Although the exact aetiology is unknown, several possibilities are discussed.

Occupational Exposure of Veterinarians to Waste Anesthetic Gases

Abstract An evaluation of anesthetic waste gas exposures was conducted in small private practice animal clinics throughout the Salt Lake Valley. The two most frequently used anesthetic gases, methoxyflurane and halothane, were chosen to be studied. Exposures during 38 surgeries were studied in a total of 10 facilities involving 13 veterinarians. Veterinarian breathing zones were sampled on a real-time basis with a Wilks Miran infrared analyzer. Several back-to-back surgeries were also monitored to determine the potential for gas build-up in the operating rooms. The monitoring results indicated that veterinarians have a significant exposure to anesthetic gases. Time-weighted averages over the anesthetic administration period ranged from 0.07 to 2.99 ppm for methoxyflurane and from 0.08 to 9.19 ppm for halothane. A low pressure leak test was performed on each piece of anesthesia equipment. Of the 20 machines checked, 55 percent did not meet the NIOSH recommendations concerning maximum leakage of 100 ml/min ...

Polyneuropathy and Hormone Profiles in a Chow Puppy with Hypoplasia of the Islets of Langerhans

Spontaneous diabetes mellitus in dogs occurs in 0.125% to 0.5% of patients presented to veterinary hospitals, usually in obese females aged 4 to 14 years with a peak incidence at 8 to 9 year^.^.^' Spontaneous diabetes mellitus in dogs under one year of age is less commonly seen, comprising fewer than 1.5% of all canine Diabetes in young dogs is usually associated with degeneration or atrophy of both the endocrine and exocrine pancreas. 1,3,19,26,27 Congenital absence or hypoplasia of only the endocrine pancreas has been reported in dogs and in pe~ple.~~J~J*-~~ In diabetic keeshond dogs aplasia of beta cells in the islets of Langerhans with persistence of the solitary beta cell population is evident at birth. This report describes the clinical, biochemical, and pathologic findings in a chow puppy with spontaneous juvenile diabetes mellitus. A 4-month-old, 5 kg, female chow was presented to the Auburn University Small Animal Clinic for polydipsia, polyuria, and rear limb ataxia. Diabetes mellitus had been diagnosed 10 days previously based on glycosuria, ketonuria, and fasting hyperglycemia (406 mg/dl), which was relieved by treatment with NPH insulin (1 0 to 12 units once a day, subcutaneous). Clinical and neurologic examination revealed bilateral cataracts, a moderate degree of generalized appendicular muscle atrophy, pelvic limb paresis, and depressed pelvic limb postural reactions. Spinal reflexes were intact. There was no evidence of physical injury which could have caused the pelvic limb paresis. Electrophysiologic studies performed on muscles and nerves on the right side of the body revealed reduced insertion potentials of thoracic and pelvic limb appendicular muscles. Nerve conduction velocity was depressed in the ulnar nerve (44 m/sec) and was low normal in the sciatic-tibia1 nerves (6 1.5 m/sec). The complete blood count, serum protein, electrolytes, hepatic enzymes, amylase, and blood urea nitrogen were normal for the age of the dog. The blood glucose was elevated (257 mg/dl) 6 hours after eating and insulin treatment (10

Prevalence of Brucella abortus and Brucella canis antibodies in dogs in Nigeria

ABSTRACTSerum samples collected from dogs brought for routine physical examination, vaccination and other complaints at the Small Animal Clinic of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria were tested for Brucella abortus and Brucella canis antibodies. Ninety‐five (38‐2 per cent) of 249 dogs studied were positive for B. abortus agglutinins by the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) but none was sero‐positive by the standard agglutination test (SAT). The antibody prevalence for B. canis by the SAT was 28‐6 per cent for 224 dogs tested. Exotic breeds of dogs had a prevalence of 34‐9 per cent for B. canis agglutinins while 28‐1 per cent of local dogs were sero‐positive. Twenty‐two per cent of dogs older than 2 years were sero‐positive compared to a prevalence of 33‐3 per cent found amongst dogs younger than 1 year. A similar B. canis infection rate was observed amongst male (29‐6 per cent) and female (26‐7 per cent) dogs.

Antimicrobial prophylaxis in canine surgery

ABSTRACTIn 1961, Burke showed that antibiotics affect primary wound infections favourably only if they are administered before or shortly after bacterial contamination. The effect is optimal if there is already an effective tissue concentration at the time of contamination. During surgery the animal's resistance is strongly reduced, and consequently an infection may be caused by an inoculum present in a rather low concentration, at least lower than in normal circumstances. This reduced resistance lasts until only a few hours after operation. Prophylactic use of antibiotics therefore needs to be continued only for a short time after the final stage of the operation. A great number of clinical trials in human surgery have shown that short term peri‐operative prophylactic use of antibiotics causes a reduction in the incidence of post‐operative septic complications, in certain categories of operations and in selected groups of patients.Until properly designed, prospective, randomized and controlled clinical trials have been done in small animal clinics, it seems sensible to apply the abundant results from research with experimental animals and from clinical trials in human medicine to small animal surgery.Prophylactic use of antibiotics is indicated if the infection risks or dangers of possible complications are greater than the disadvantages of regular use of antibiotics.The risk factors in the development of wound infections and the choice of antibiotics are discussed.

Educational function and organization of the small animal clinic and hospital

Journal of Small Animal PracticeVolume 25, Issue 6 p. 346-350 Educational function and organization of the small animal clinic and hospital D. MATTHEEUWS, D. MATTHEEUWS Faculteit van de Diergeneeskunde, Rijksuniversiteit Gent, Casinoplein 24, 9000 Gent, BelgiumSearch for more papers by this author D. MATTHEEUWS, D. MATTHEEUWS Faculteit van de Diergeneeskunde, Rijksuniversiteit Gent, Casinoplein 24, 9000 Gent, BelgiumSearch for more papers by this author First published: June 1984 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.1984.tb03402.xAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Volume25, Issue6June 1984Pages 346-350 RelatedInformation

Inheritable defects in dogs: 3.

In PracticeVolume 5, Issue 6 p. 202-206 Small Animal Clinic Inheritable defects in dogs: 3 Mike Stockman, Mike StockmanSearch for more papers by this author Mike Stockman, Mike StockmanSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 November 1983 https://doi.org/10.1136/inpract.5.6.202AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Volume5, Issue6November 1983Pages 202-206 RelatedInformation

Clinical findings in dogs and cats with lead poisoning.

Over an 11-year period, 68 cases of lead poisoning were diagnosed in dogs and three in cats, accounting for 58.6% and 21.4% of the accidental poisonings in dogs and cats, respectively, presented at the Small Animal Clinic, University of Queensland. Of the dogs, 94% showed alimentary tract involvement and 67.6% central nervous system signs. Blood lead concentrations above 0.3 ppm were considered to indicate toxicity when associated with alimentary tract or central nervous system abnormalities. The percutaneous absorption of lead in dogs is proposed as a factor for intoxication.

Chronic lameness in dogs.

In PracticeVolume 5, Issue 4 p. 124-133 Small Animal Clinic Chronic lameness in dogs James Campbell, James CampbellSearch for more papers by this authorColin Stead, Colin SteadSearch for more papers by this author James Campbell, James CampbellSearch for more papers by this authorColin Stead, Colin SteadSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 July 1983 https://doi.org/10.1136/inpract.5.4.124Citations: 1AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume5, Issue4July 1983Pages 124-133 RelatedInformation

Relationship of toxoplasma infections to other diseases in dogs

Toxoplasma infection as detected by the immunofluorescent antibody (IFA) test was found in 13.2% of 448 dogs examined at the Purdue University Small Animal Clinic. Only titers of 1/64 and above were considered positive, but lesser titers were encountered more frequently. The highest titer observed was 1/1024 in 2 dogs one of which had idiopathic epilepsy and the other had dirofilariasis as well as hip dysplasia. The incidence of positive sera from male and female dogs were 11.7 and 14.5%, respectively. The highest frequency of infection occurred in young dogs up to 4 years of age and the lowest was in older animals. The presence of the high toxoplasmosis IFA titers in the sera of dogs seems to be associated with other disease conditions. Stress such as joint dislocations, fractures, helminth parasitism, and concomitant bacterial and viral infections, etc., was observed in 62.7% of the positive cases. Presence of tumors and renal disease conditions were associated with 28.8 and 5.2%, respectively, of the positive sera.

Restraint, anaesthesia and treatment of children's pets.

In PracticeVolume 5, Issue 3 p. 85-95 Small Animal Clinic Restraint, anaesthesia and treatment of children's pets Paul Flecknell, Paul FlecknellSearch for more papers by this author Paul Flecknell, Paul FlecknellSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 May 1983 https://doi.org/10.1136/inpract.5.3.85Citations: 1AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume5, Issue3May 1983Pages 85-95 RelatedInformation

Inhertable defects in dogs: 2

In PracticeVolume 5, Issue 3 p. 103-106 Small Animal Clinic Inhertable defects in dogs: 2 Mike Stockman, Mike StockmanSearch for more papers by this author Mike Stockman, Mike StockmanSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 May 1983 https://doi.org/10.1136/inpract.5.3.103AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume5, Issue3May 1983Pages 103-106 RelatedInformation

Inherited coagulation disorders in the dog.

In PracticeVolume 5, Issue 2 p. 54-58 Small Animal Clinic Inherited coagulation disorders in the dog Jean Dodds, Jean DoddsSearch for more papers by this author Jean Dodds, Jean DoddsSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 March 1983 https://doi.org/10.1136/inpract.5.2.54Citations: 4AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume5, Issue2March 1983Pages 54-58 RelatedInformation

Globoid cell leucodystrophy in a Basset hound

ABSTRACTA purebred four‐year‐old male Basset hound was presented to the Auburn University Small Animal Clinic in a paraparetic condition. Ante‐mortem examination and testing did not provide a definitive diagnosis. A diagnosis of globoid cell leucodystrophy was made pathologically.

Ocular disease in the cat.

In PracticeVolume 5, Issue 2 p. 64-70 Small Animal Clinic Ocular disease in the cat Peter Bedford, Peter BedfordSearch for more papers by this author Peter Bedford, Peter BedfordSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 March 1983 https://doi.org/10.1136/inpract.5.2.64AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Volume5, Issue2March 1983Pages 64-70 RelatedInformation

An outbreak of canine tracheobronchitis (kennel cough) in Zaria

ABSTRACTThe clinical and epidemiological features of the first recorded outbreak of canine tracheobronchititis (kennel cough) in Zaria are described. During the outbreak which occurred between October and December 1980, 21 per cent of dogs presented to the Small Animal Clinic were diagnosed clinically as suffering from kennel cough, compared with 0.2 per cent in the preceding year. Bordetella bronchiseptica was among the several microorganisms isolated from affected dogs.

Spinal disease in the dog.

In PracticeVolume 4, Issue 2 p. 44-52 Small Animal Clinic Spinal disease in the dog Ian Griffiths, Ian GriffithsSearch for more papers by this author Ian Griffiths, Ian GriffithsSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 March 1982 https://doi.org/10.1136/inpract.4.2.44Citations: 12AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume4, Issue2March 1982Pages 44-52 RelatedInformation