Toy Breed Dogs Research Articles

Computed Tomographic Analysis of Ventral Atlantoaxial Optimal Safe Implantation Corridors in 27 Dogs.

Objectives Ventral atlantoaxial stabilization techniques are challenging surgical procedures in dogs. Available surgical guidelines are based upon subjective anatomical landmarks, and limited radiographic and computed tomographic data. The aims of this study were (1) to provide detailed anatomical descriptions of atlantoaxial optimal safe implantation corridors to generate objective recommendations for optimal implant placements and (2) to compare anatomical data obtained in non-affected Toy breed dogs, affected Toy breed dogs suffering from atlantoaxial instability and non-affected Beagle dogs. Methods Anatomical data were collected from a prospectively recruited population of 27 dogs using a previously validated method of optimal safe implantation corridor analysis using computed tomographic images. Results Optimal implant positions and three-dimensional numerical data were generated successfully in all cases. Anatomical landmarks could be used to generate objective definitions of optimal insertion points which were applicable across all three groups. Overall the geometrical distribution of all implant sites was similar in all three groups with a few exceptions. Clinical Significance This study provides extensive anatomical data available to facilitate surgical planning of implant placement for atlantoaxial stabilization. Our data suggest that non-affected Toy breed dogs and non-affected Beagle dogs constitute reasonable research models to study atlantoaxial stabilization constructs.

Erratum to: Augmentation of diaphyseal fractures of the radius and ulna in toy breed dogs using a free autogenous omental graft and bone plating by W. I. Baltzer et al. (Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2015; 28: 131–139)

Erratum to: Augmentation of diaphyseal fractures of the radius and ulna in toy breed dogs using a free autogenous omental graft and bone plating by W. I. Baltzer et al. (Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2015; 28: 131–139)

Feasibility of Stifle Medial Meniscal Release in Toy Breed Dogs with and without a Joint Distractor.

To investigate the feasibility of medial meniscal release (MMR) during stifle arthroscopy in toy breed dogs with and without a joint distractor. Experimental cadaveric study. Stifles (n = 40) from 20 canine cadavers (1.8-5.1 kg). Paired stifles were randomly assigned to the joint distractor group and the control group (n = 20 each). All stifles underwent arthroscopic transection of the cranial cruciate ligament followed by a release of the caudomedial meniscotibial ligament. After the procedures, all stifles were disarticulated. The degree of released meniscus was recorded subjectively by 5% increments. A MMR success was defined as a complete transection. The areas of femoral and tibial articular cartilage damage were calculated using india ink staining and digital imaging. The results were compared between groups and odds ratios were calculated. All stifle arthroscopies were successful. The success rate of MMR was significantly higher (P = .013) with a joint distractor than without a joint distractor. MMR was 7.4 times more likely to succeed with a joint distractor than without a joint distractor. The distal femoral articular cartilage was significantly more damaged (P = .011) in the stifles without a joint distractor than in the stifles with a distractor. No difference was found between the 2 groups for damage to the tibial cartilage (P = .058). Stifle arthroscopic MMR is feasible in toy breed dogs. Using a joint distractor is recommended for arthroscopic treatment based on our results because it significantly reduced the rate of incomplete release as well as iatrogenic cartilage damage.

Repair of flail chest using interfragmentary wiring and stability augmentation with basket-weave fashion sutures in a toy breed dog: a case report

Repair of flail chest using interfragmentary wiring and stability augmentation with basket-weave fashion sutures in a toy breed dog: a case report

Fragmentation of the Medial Coronoid Process in Toy and Small Breed Dogs: 13 Elbows (2000-2012).

Fragmentation of the medial coronoid process (FCP) is an uncommon cause of thoracic limb lameness in toy and small breed dogs. Arthroscopic findings and treatment remains poorly described. The objective of this study was to describe the arthroscopic findings and short-term outcome following arthroscopic treatment in toy and small breed dogs with FCP. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Arthroscopic findings were available from 13 elbows (12 dogs). Outcome data ≥4 wk postoperatively were available for nine elbows. Owner satisfaction scores were available for 10 elbows. Common preoperative findings included lameness, elbow pain, and imaging abnormalities consistent with FCP. Displaced FCP was the most common FCP lesion identified. Cartilage lesions at the medial coronoid process were identified in 92.3% of elbows (n = 12), with a median Outerbridge score of 4 (range 1-5). Concurrent cartilage lesions of the medial humeral condyle were identified in 76.9% of elbows (n = 10). Seven of nine elbows had full or acceptable function postoperatively. Median owner outcome satisfaction was 91% (range 10-100). FCP should be considered a cause of thoracic limb lameness in toy and small breed dogs. Arthroscopy can be safely and effectively used to diagnose and treat FCP in these breeds.

A Huge Intra-Abdominal Mass Associated with Long-Term Surgical Gauze Retention in a Toy Breed Dog

A 1.83 kg, 9-year-old, spayed female Yorkshire Terrier was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Konkuk University for evaluation of an intra-abdominal mass with a week history of vomiting and diarrhea. On physical examination, survey radiography, abdominal ultrasonography, and computed tomography, a huge firm mass was identified in the mid-caudal abdomen. Surgical exploration of the abdominal cavity was performed to remove the mass. The encapsulated mass adhered to the mesentery, tail of the spleen, small intestine, omentum, and right lobe of the pancreas was removed using blunt dissection with dry gauze and cotton swabs. Macroscopic and histopathological examination revealed that the mass was foreign-body granuloma consistent with gauze fiber. Plain abdominal radiography demonstrated no remarkable findings 8 months post-operatively. There was no evidence of vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, difficulty breathing, and cyanosis on exertion 13 months post-operatively.

Conventional bone plate fixation of distal radius and ulna fractures in toy breed dogs.

To describe the outcome of bone plate fixation of distal radius and ulna fractures in toy breed dogs treated with conventional bone plates. Records of 15 toy breed dogs with distal radius and ulna fractures were retrospectively reviewed for signalment, method of fixation, complications and clinical and radiographic assessments. A telephone-based owner questionnaire was conducted to determine long-term function and client satisfaction. Age ranged from 4 months to 6 years. Body weight ranged from 1 to 4 kg. Dynamic compression plates were used in 13 dogs and veterinary cuttable plates were used in 2 dogs as the means of fixation. Full radiographic and clinical follow-up data were available for 10 dogs and follow-up was performed between 6 and 8 weeks postoperatively. At that time, all fractures had healed and return to function was considered excellent in all 10 dogs. Five dogs did not return for hospital evaluation because they were judged by their owners to be free of lameness. In two cases, owners could not be contacted by telephone, but the referring veterinarians reported the dogs to be asymptomatic. No major complications occurred. Conventional bone plates are suitable choices for stabilisation of distal radius and ulna fractures in toy breed dogs and are not necessarily correlated with high rates of complication.

Magnetic resonance imaging-based measures of atlas position: Relationship to canine atlantooccipital overlapping, syringomyelia and clinical signs

Canine atlantooccipital overlapping (AOO) is characterized by a decreased distance between the dorsal arch of the atlas and the supraoccipital bone. Current diagnostic criteria for this condition are subjective and clinician-dependent; objective criteria are needed to allow a reliable and reproducible diagnosis in clinical and research settings and assess clinical significance. We propose four standardized MRI-based measurements to objectively assess the proximity of the atlas to the foramen magnum. Inclusion criteria for dogs in this study were bodyweight <15 kg, age >5 months, and availability of a complete MRI study performed with the craniocervical junction in extension. Exclusion criteria were space-occupying lesions and poor image quality (i.e. unclear bony margins). Measurements also included blinded determinations of skull type, presence of craniocervical junction anomalies and presence and severity of syringomyelia. Clinical status at the time of imaging was noted.Measurements were obtained in 271 dogs; these were reproducible and reliable. Findings varied by skull type: dolichocephalic dogs had smaller foramen magnum, whereas brachycephalic dogs had more cranially and dorsally positioned atlas bodies in comparison to the other skull types. Measurements also increased with increases in bodyweight. This study demonstrated a close association between AOO, syringomyelia and clinical signs. Toy and small breed dogs (including Cavalier King Charles spaniels) showed higher than previously reported prevalence of AOO; its occurrence was also associated with lower bodyweights within the study population of <15 kg toy/small breed dogs.

Kite Shield-Shaped Wedge Recession for Treatment of Medial Patellar Luxation in Seven Small-Breed Dogs.

To document the trochlear depth (TD) and clinical outcome after kite shield-shaped wedge (K-wedge) recession trochleoplasty in toy-breed dogs with medial patellar luxation (MPL). Case series. Seven toy-breed dogs (<5 kg) with uni- or bilateral grades II-IV MPL (10 stifles). A K-wedge recession trochleoplasty was performed in all dogs in combination with other surgical procedures as treatment for MPL. The TD, the ratio of the proximal TD to patella thickness, and the presence of osteophytes were determined from computed tomography images taken pre-, and 1 and 12 months postoperative. Lameness scores and MPL grade were also recorded. The TD and the ratio of proximal TD to patella thickness increased significantly immediately postoperative and remained increased at 1 and 12 months postoperative. The osteophyte score was significantly higher at 12 months postoperative than preoperative. All dogs had a reduction in MPL grade and improvement in lameness postoperative. K-wedge recession trochleoplasty was successful in treating MPL in a series of toy-breed dogs and offers an alternate to other trochlear recession techniques.

Topical allogeneic platelet-rich plasma treatment for a massive cutaneous lesion induced by disseminated intravascular coagulation in a toy breed dog.

A 2-year-old intact female miniature Pinscher weighing 1.7 kg with a body condition score of 2/5 was presented for acute vomiting, lethargy for 2 days, and large petechial skin lesions on the hip region including the tail. Acute pancreatitis was diagnosed by clinical signs, strong positive cPLI test, laboratory test and ultrasound appearance. While the clinical signs associated with acute pancreatitis had improved in 3–5 days, lesion of petechial appeared on the left hip region 7 days after the presentation, with a fast progression into a necrotic tissue along the left side hip. Allogenic platelet rich plasma (PRP) with Weibrich and Kleis method was administered to promote skin healing and regeneration. Gradual and complete improvement in the dog’s wound lesions was noted approximately 1 month after applying allogeneic topical PRP. In this case report, allogeneic PRP was applied to a large regional cutaneous defect caused by coagulopathy induced by acute pancreatitis. Topical application of PRP in this case was unique in that allogeneic PRP was used instead of autologous PRP for the first time in cutaneous soft-tissue wound management in the veterinary medical field.

Locking compression plate stabilization of 20 distal radial and ulnar fractures in toy and miniature breed dogs.

To evaluate retrospectively the effectiveness of the Locking Compression Plate® (LCP), in the form of either a straight or notched head T-plate, for the treatment of fractures of the distal radius and ulna in a series of 20 toy and miniature breed dogs. The medical records of toy and miniature breed dogs (<6 kg), greater than six months of age, with fractures of the distal radius and ulna from two veterinary hospitals were reviewed. The inclusion criteria included: fractures of the distal 1/3 of the radius and ulna and repair with open reduction and internal fixation utilizing an LCP (straight or notched head T-plate). Twenty fractures (20 dogs) satisfied the inclusion criteria; eight straight and 12 notched head T-plates were used, either 2.0 mm (n = 13) or 2.4 mm (n = 7). Hybrid fixation was performed in all dogs in one or both fragments. Mean time to radiographic union was 6.9 ± 2.5 weeks (range: 4-12 weeks) in 18/20 dogs with radiographic follow-up. One complication was observed: infection that resolved with antibiotic medication and implant removal. No other major complications occurred by the time of last follow-up. In all cases (mean follow-up: 15 ± 7 months), the reported limb function as evaluated by the referring veterinarian or owner was excellent. The LCP, used as a hybrid construct for the treatment of distal radial and ulnar fractures was shown to yield excellent clinical results with both uncomplicated healing and excellent functional outcomes in this series of toy and miniature breed dogs.

Augmentation of diaphyseal fractures of the radius and ulna in toy breed dogs using a free autogenous omental graft and bone plating.

Evaluation of the short-term outcome, duration of bone healing, and complications following bone plate fixation in dogs weighing ≤6 kg, with and without the use of a free autogenous greater omental graft (OG). A retrospective clinical study reviewed the medical records of 25 dogs of body weight <6 kg with mid to distal diaphyseal fractures of the radius and ulna (29 fractures) treated with open reduction bone plate fixation. Thirteen out of 29 fractures were implanted with an additional 2-3 cm³ OG lateral, cranial, and medial to the fracture site, adjacent to the bone plate. Median time to radiographic healing in OG fractures (n = 11) was 70 days (range 28-98) compared to 106 days (range: 56-144) in non-OG grafted fractures (n = 14). The OG dogs had no major complications; minor complications included oedema, erythema, and mild osteopenia. Six of the eight non-OG dogs for which follow-up could be obtained developed osteopenia necessitating implant removal, four of which re-fractured the radius one to five months after implant removal, with one dog re-fracturing the limb a second time and resulting in amputation. Telephone follow-up of owners of OG dogs (n = 11) three to 15 months (median 10) post-surgery did not identify any signs of lameness or other complications. Owners of the non-OG dogs (n = 8) reported that there were not any signs of lameness six to 48 months (median 36) post-surgery. Free autogenous omental grafting of diaphyseal fractures of the radius and ulna was associated with radial and ulnar healing with minimal complications in dogs weighing less than 6 kg.

Identification of novel genetic risk loci in Maltese dogs with necrotizing meningoencephalitis and evidence of a shared genetic risk across toy dog breeds.

Necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) affects toy and small breed dogs causing progressive, often fatal, inflammation and necrosis in the brain. Genetic risk loci for NME previously were identified in pug dogs, particularly associated with the dog leukocyte antigen (DLA) class II complex on chromosome 12, but have not been investigated in other susceptible breeds. We sought to evaluate Maltese and Chihuahua dogs, in addition to pug dogs, to identify novel or shared genetic risk factors for NME development. Genome-wide association testing of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Maltese dogs with NME identified 2 regions of genome-wide significance on chromosomes 4 (chr4:74522353T>A, p = 8.1×10−7) and 15 (chr15:53338796A>G, p = 1.5×10−7). Haplotype analysis and fine-mapping suggests that ILR7 and FBXW7, respectively, both important for regulation of immune system function, could be the underlying associated genes. Further evaluation of these regions and the previously identified DLA II locus across all three breeds, revealed an enrichment of nominal significant SNPs associated with chromosome 15 in pug dogs and DLA II in Maltese and Chihuahua dogs. Meta-analysis confirmed effect sizes the same direction in all three breeds for both the chromosome 15 and DLA II loci (p = 8.6×10–11 and p = 2.5×10−7, respectively). This suggests a shared genetic background exists between all breeds and confers susceptibility to NME, but effect sizes might be different among breeds. In conclusion, we identified the first genetic risk factors for NME development in the Maltese, chromosome 4 and chromosome 15, and provide evidence for a shared genetic risk between breeds associated with chromosome 15 and DLA II. Last, DLA II and IL7R both have been implicated in human inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system such as multiple sclerosis, suggesting that similar pharmacotherapeutic targets across species should be investigated.

Complicações após a implantação de stent intraluminal de nitinol em cães com colapso da traqueia – relato de três casos

Tracheal collapse affects predominantly small and toy-breed dogs and is characterized by a progressive degenerative disease of the cartilage rings and laxity of the trachealis dorsalis muscle. Affected animals may present dry cough, honking, dyspnea, exercise intolerance, cyanosis, syncope episodes and respiratory insufficiency. There is no cure for this disease; the medical treatment is palliative and has shown 71% of success rate. Nitinol intraluminal tracheal stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that has yielded good results and a success rate up to 85% in dogs unresponsive to pharmacological therapy. Although it is not complication-free, the procedure is considered safe. This article reports some of the possible complications in patients who underwent the surgical procedure for implantation of a nitinol intraluminal stent.

Dorsal stabilization of atlantoaxial subluxation using non-absorbable sutures in toy breed dogs

To describe a novel dorsal technique for stabilization of atlantoaxial subluxation in toy breed dogs using 3-metric nylon suture. Retrospective study. Fifteen toy breed dogs with a body weight of 2 kg or less with atlantoaxial subluxation. The atlantoaxial joint of each dog was surgically stabilized through a dorsal approach by placing a double strand of non-absorbable, 3-metric, nylon suture material between the dorsal muscles of the atlanto-occipital and the atlantoaxial joint muscles. Pre- and postoperative neurological status, diagnostic imaging, and complications were reviewed. Clinical follow-up examination was performed at six months. For long-term assessment, a telephone follow-up was performed. No intra-operative complications were observed. Functional improvement occurred in 12 dogs. One dog did not improve and four dogs required revision surgery. In two of those four cases, suture material breakage was proven and it was suspected in the other two. Two cases underwent a second dorsal approach with the same suture material and two cases underwent a ventral approach (transarticular fixation and multiple implants embedded with polymethylmethacrylate). Dorsal stabilization using 3-metric nylon may be adequate as a safe, effective, and simple alternative technique for atlantoaxial stabilization in toy breed dogs of ≤1.5 kg of weight, in which the use of ventral screws and pins is challenging.

Su Sıcaklığının Yüzdürülen Küçük Cüsseli Köpeklerdeki Fizyolojik Etkileri

Su Sıcaklığının Yüzdürülen Küçük Cüsseli Köpeklerdeki Fizyolojik Etkileri

CT scan based determination of optimal bone corridor for atlantoaxial ventral screw fixation in miniature breed dogs

To describe the most reliable insertion angle, corridor length and width to place a ventral transarticular atlantoaxial screw in miniature breed dogs. Retrospective CT imaging study. Cervical CT scans of toy breed dogs (n = 21). Dogs were divided into 2 groups--group 1: no atlantoaxial abnormalities; group 2: atlantoaxial instability. Insertion angle in medial to lateral and ventral to dorsal direction was measured in group 1. Corridor length and width were measured in groups 1 and 2. Corridor width was measured at 3 points of the corridor. Each variable was measured 3 times and the mean used for statistical analysis. Mean ± SD optimal transarticular atlantoaxial insertion angle was determined to be 40 ± 1° in medial to lateral direction from the midline and 20 ± 1° in ventral to dorsal direction from the floor of the neural canal of C2. Mean corridor length was 7 mm (range, 4.5-8.0 mm). Significant correlation was found between corridor length, body weight, and age. Mean bone corridor width ranged from 3 to 5 mm. Statistically significant differences were found between individuals, gender and measured side. Optimal placement of a transarticular screw for atlantoaxial joint stabilization is very demanding because the screw path corridor is very narrow.

Morphometric Assessment of Periodontal Tissues in Relation to Periodontal Disease in Dogs

Dimensions of periodontal tissues are thought to predispose to the development of periodontal disease in man and dogs. Several studies have suggested that thin gingiva correlates with an increased incidence of periodontal disease. In this study, we hypothesized that the dimensions of periodontal tissues will vary in different breeds of dogs and could possibly correlate with the incidence of periodontal disease. Forty-two jaws of dogs aged up to 5-years were examined post-mortem and gingival and alveolar bone thickness were measured using methods of transgingival probing and digital calipers, respectively. Dogs were divided into three groups based on their body weight. Group I (< 5.0 kg; n=21), group II (5 to 10 kg; n=11), and group III (10 to 15 kg; n=10). Thickness of gingiva ranged from 0.30-mm to 3.2-mm and was relatively thinner in group I than in group II and III based on the means of ratios comparison. Alveolar bone thickness ranged from 0.27-mm to 4.1-mm and was relatively thinner in group I compared with groups II and III. Our study showed significantly thinner gingiva and alveolar bone in toy breed dogs compared with small and medium-sized breed dogs. Both gingival and alveolar bone dimensions may be predictors for severity of periodontal disease and influence clinical outcome in certain periodontal surgical procedures.

Palatal erosion and oronasal fistulation following covered nasopharyngeal stent placement in two dogs

Treatment options for dogs with nasopharyngeal stenosis include fluoroscopic placement of metallic stents. Reported complications include entrapment of hair and food, obstruction and persistent nasal discharge. Two toy breed dogs were examined for persistent nasal discharge and halitosis at 4 and 20 months after placement of permanent metallic stents for acquired nasopharyngeal stenosis. Full thickness defects were found in the palate of both dogs, with extensive communication between the mouth and the nasal passages. Portions of the metal stent were observed within the lesion in both patients. Additional treatment was declined by the owner of one dog; the stent was removed through the fistula in the other dog. Palatal erosion with secondary oronasal fistulation is a potential complication of nasopharyngeal stent placement in dogs.

An indirect reduction technique for ventral stabilization of atlantoaxial instability in miniature breed dogs

To describe an indirect reduction method for ventral fixation of atlantoaxial instability. Retrospective study. Miniature dogs (n = 5) with atlanto-axial instability. For surgery, the anaesthetized dogs were positioned in dorsal recumbency. A standard ventral midline cranial cervical approach was used. The median part of the cervical (C) vertebral bodies of C1, C2 and C3 were exposed. After excision of the atlantoaxial joint capsule, a fenestration was performed at the C2-C3 intervertebral disc with a narrow slot in the ventral cranial endplate of C3. A midline incision of the atlanto-occipital membrane at the intercondyloid incisure was made to provide access to the spinal canal. Longitudinal distraction and realignment of C1-C2 were obtained by placing the tips of a Gelpi retractor in the two openings created. Overdistraction allowed removal of articular cartilage between C1-C2. Closing of the C1-C2 articular gap was finally achieved by applying lateral distraction with a second Gelpi retractor placed between the paired longus colli muscles. Fixation could then be performed without further stabilization. No intraoperative complications were observed. Recovery was uneventful. The described technique offered good surgical visibility and permitted safe reduction of atlantoaxial subluxation. By reducing manipulation and instrumentation necessary for reduction of atlantoaxial instability, the described technique may be advantageous in toy-breed dogs.