Demography and disorders of German Shepherd Dogs under primary veterinarycare in the UK

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) has been widely used for a variety of working roles. However, concerns for the health and welfare of the GSD have been widely aired and there is evidence that breed numbers are now in decline in the UK. Accurate demographic and disorder data could assist with breeding and clinical prioritisation. The VetCompassTM Programme collects clinical data on dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. This study included all VetCompassTM dogs under veterinary care during 2013. Demographic, mortality and clinical diagnosis data on GSDs were extracted and reported

Clinical outcomes of double pelvic osteotomies in eight dogs with hip dysplasia aged 10–28 months

Objective: To report the short-term outcome of double pelvic osteotomy (DPO) in dogs with canine hip dysplasia ≥10 months of age. Study design: Case series. Animals or sample population: Eleven hips in eight dogs aged between 10 to 28 months. Methods: Dogs clinically affected by hip dysplasia with a hip reduction angle <40°, subluxation angle <25°, dorsal acetabular rim angle between 7.5–25°, and minimal osteoarthritic changes were considered as candidates for DPO. The clinical outcome was subjectively assessed using a lameness score and pain scale upon hip extension. Norberg angle, percentage of the area of the femoral head coverage, percentage of linear femoral head coverage, pelvic width dimensions were measured on pre and postoperative radiographs. Results: At the 8-week follow-up examination, all the dogs had no lameness with no pain upon hip extension. Median Norberg angle increased by 21.8% (p <.01), median percentage of the area of the femoral head coverage increased by 66.7% (p <.01) and percentage of linear femoral head coverage increased by 162.5% (p <.01) 1 year after DPO. No changes to pelvic canal width after DPO were detected. Conclusion: Double pelvic osteotomy improved joint congruity and clinical signs in dogs affected by hip dysplasia without osteoarthritis that were ≥10 months of age. Clinical significance (or impact): Double pelvic osteotomy may be a treatment option for dogs with hip dysplasia ≥10 months of age. A large study assessing long-term outcomes is indicated

Evaluation of the dorsal acetabular coverage obtained by a modified triple pelvic osteotomy (2.5 pelvic osteotomy): An ex vivo study on a cadaveric canine codel

Objectives: To evaluate the acetabular ventroversion obtained with a modified triple pelvic osteotomy (2.5 PO) compared with that resulting from standard double pelvic osteotomy (DPO).Study design: Ex vivo study.Animals: Seven pelves obtained from skeletally mature dogs with a total body weight ranging from 26-41 kg were used.Methods: Unilateral DPO technique and dorsal ischial mono-cortical osteotomy were performed on every right hemipelvis. Angular ventral rotation was measured by determining the relative orientation of two Kirschner wires placed in the ilial wing and in the dorsal acetabular rim.Results: The mean angle of ventroversion was 9.5 +/- 5.2 degrees for the DPO group (range 2.1-18.1) and 10.9 +/- 4.8 degrees for the 2.5 PO group (range 4.1-19.5). The mean difference between the 2.5 PO and DPO was 1.5 +/- 0.6 degrees (range 0.5-2.1). Conclusions: The 2.5 PO technique increased acetabular ventroversion versus DPO