Canine Intrapelvic Hemangiosarcoma in 12 Dogs (2000–2019): a Retrospective Case Series

ABSTRACT Intrapelvic hemangiosarcoma (IP HSA) is an uncommon primary location of canine HSA, and its presentation appears to be different than that of other intra-abdominal HSA locations. The objectives of this study were to report on the clinical presentation, diagnostic options, and clinical outcomes of dogs with IP HSA. Medical records from two veterinary teaching hospitals between 2000 and 2019 were reviewed for dogs diagnosed with IP HSA. Inclusion criteria consisted of a cytologic or histopathologic diagnosis of HSA from a mass arising from the muscles of the pelvic canal. Exclusion criteria included masses arising from organs within the pelvic canal, including the urethra, prostate, and urinary bladder. Twelve dogs were ultimately included in the study. Clinical presentation of IP HSA was varied, with clinical signs including hindlimb lameness, urethral obstruction, and evidence of hemoperitoneum. The median progression free survival was 92 days (range: 1–1057 days). The overall survival time was 165 days (range: 1–1170 days). IP HSA is an underreported location of canine HSA with similar biologic behavior and outcome compared with visceral HSA. It serves as an important differential in patients presenting with new-onset lameness and urethral obstruction.

Compensatory Changes in Ground Reaction Forces in Small and Large Breed Dogs with Unilateral Hindlimb Lameness in Comparison to Healthy Dogs

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether small- to medium-sized dogs with a naturally occurring unilateral hindlimb lameness show the same compensatory changes in ground reaction forces as large-breed dogs and how the changes are displayed compared with healthy small- to medium-sized dogs. Study Design Small- to medium-sized dogs (n = 15) and large-breed dogs (n = 16) with unilateral rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament were examined. The kinetic parameters peak vertical force and vertical impulse of the two groups were compared with each other and compared with healthy Beagles (n = 15) and with healthy Labrador Retrievers (n = 17), respectively. Results The healthy Beagle group showed a significantly higher weight loading on the forelimbs compared with the healthy Labrador group. The affected groups in comparison with the corresponding healthy groups showed a higher load on the non-affected body half and a significant lower weight bearing on the affected limb. Comparing the two affected groups, no significant difference could be found. Conclusion Despite a substantially different initial situation regarding weight distribution of the examined small- to medium-sized dogs and large dogs, a unilateral hindlimb lameness leads to the same compensatory changes (cranial and lateral shift of the body mass centre).

Therapeutic farriery of the hind feet for horses with hindlimb orthopaedic injuries

Low heels and negative plantar angles in the hind feet are the most common hind foot conformational abnormality. A causal relationship has been demonstrated between these conditions and hindlimb lameness. It is important these abnormalities are recognised during thorough orthopaedic examinations, so they can be quantified with radiography and appropriately treated with therapeutic farriery to restore optimal hoof conformation, balance and function. This is an essential part of a holistic approach to treating horses with hindlimb lameness. Farriery intervention for these abnormalities involves returning the plantar half of the foot to a load-sharing plane between the frog and heels, restoring phalangeal alignment and providing increased ground surface plantar to the centre of rotation of the distal interphalangeal joint.

Transient radial paralysis occurring in a Belgian White Blue bull undergoing general anaesthesia for claw amputation

A four-year-old, 973 kg Belgian White Blue bull was presented for further evaluation of a persistent right hindlimb lameness. The physical and radiographic examinations revealed osteitis of the medial second phalanx of the right hindlimb. A claw amputation was performed under general anaesthesia. The bull was premedicated with 0.17 mg/kg xylazine intramuscularly and general anaesthesia was induced with 2 mg/kg ketamine administered intravenously. During the recovery phase, the bull could not bear any weight on his left thoracic limb. Further examinations revealed left radial nerve paralysis. Treatment consists of a bolus of dexamethasone (0.05 mg/kg) intravenously in order to decrease the inflammation; fluid therapy in an attempt to improve muscle perfusion and to replace the fluid losses and cold showers to decrease the rise in temperature. After 90 minutes from the end of general anaesthesia, the radial paralysis resolved spontaneously without any major consequences.

Equine hindlimb hoof biomechanics: an evaluation of the effect of routine hoof trimming on force and pressure distribution at midstance

Proper hoof function is vital for equine health and performance. Many musculoskeletal injuries in horses originate from the foot. Most studies performed to date have focused on the forehoof while the hindhoof (HH) has received less attention. Our goal was to examine the influence of routine hoof trimming on HH medio-lateral hoof balance. The objective of this study was to examine force (F), contact pressure (CP), and contact area (CA) at the medial and lateral aspects of the HH to evaluate the impact of routine hoof trimming on HH biomechanics. Clinically sound Arabian horses (n=9) were walked across a calibrated pressure plate before and after routine hoof trimming and the F, CP, and CA at the medial and lateral aspects of the HH were recorded at midstance pre- and post-trimming. The differences between these regions were investigated using a paired T-test. P-values <0.05 were considered significant. Among measured variables, force increased by 25% (P=0.007) and contact pressure increased by 13% (P=0.032) at the medial aspect of the HH after routine hoof trimming. Analysing data from hindlimb hoof-surface interaction in sound horses will allow for a better understanding of imbalances that may lead to pathologies and hindlimb lameness in horses.

Combined Surgical, Radiation, and Medical Therapies for Osteochondrodysplasia in a Scottish Fold Cat

ABSTRACT Osteochondrodysplasia affects both homozygous and heterozygous Scottish Fold cats, and various treatments have been attempted to control chronic pain and improve mobility in these animals. However, to date, there is no single effective treatment that can be used to treat all cats with Scottish Fold osteochondrodysplasia (SFOCD). A 4 yr old castrated Scottish Fold cat presented with plantar exostoses in the right hindlimb, the largest of which was caudal to the tarsometatarsal joint and had stretched the overlying skin, causing ulceration and bleeding. There was right hindlimb lameness. The cat was diagnosed with SFOCD, and the skin lesions were treated by excision of the exostoses, removal of the damaged skin, and wound closure. All extremities were treated with radiotherapy and subcutaneous pentosan polysulfate for chronic pain. The cat’s gait improved after surgery, and increased activity was noted after radiotherapy. There were no signs of excessive bone proliferation or adverse effects at 80 wk postoperatively. In conclusion, a combination of surgical, radiation, and medical therapies could be an effective treatment strategy for SFOCD with skin ulceration.