A retrospective study of vertebral fracture and luxation in dogs presented to University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2015 to 2017

To date, there is data paucity on canine vertebral fracture and luxation (VFL) in the local setting. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the geographical location and stray dog population would influence VFL cases in the University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UVH, UPM). This study aimed to describe the incidence and characteristics of VFL in dogs presented to UVH, UPM. Medical records, including radiographic images of 74 dogs between 2015 to 2017, were reviewed. VFL dominated the spinal cord disease in dogs at 49% (n = 36/74), exceeding intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and acute noncompressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (ANNPE). Half of VFL cases were contributed by intact male, small breed dogs aged more than one-year-old, with 52% (n = 11/19) of cases caused by vehicular accidents. Almost two-thirds (n = 21/36) of dogs with VFL were outdoor or stray dogs, and the Th3-L3 region was the most susceptible (52%, n = 19/36) for VFL. More than 70% (n = 25/36) of the patients had unstable fractures, highly associated with severity. In conclusion, the occurrence of VFL in UVH, UPM is three times higher than reported in western countries and most likely contributed by a large number of outdoor and stray dogs

Diagnosis and medical management of oesophageal penetration in an abused dog

An adult male local breed dog was referred with the signs of haematemesis, haemoptysis and swelling at the ventral neck region. History revealed removal of a wooden stick from the oral cavity a day before presentation. Physical examination revealed a sublingual hematoma. Complete blood count revealed marked neutrophilic leucocytosis with left shift and low thrombocyte count. Serum biochemistry profile showed marked hyperglobulinaemia, elevated alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. Radiographic examination revealed presence of a round soft tissue or fluid opacity structure just ventral to the larynx and multiple small rounded air opacities coalescing to linear gas opacities in bilateral fascial planes of the neck. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed multiple small rounded air densities coalescing to form linear gas–attenuating density in the periphery of oesophagus, indicating cervical soft tissues emphysema. The dog was managed medically and regained appetite four days after hospitalisation. The dog was discharged after five days of hospitalization. No recurrence of clinical signs was reported