Evaluation of the influence of kyphosis and scoliosis on intervertebral disc extrusion in French bulldogs

Although thoracic vertebral malformations with kyphosis and scoliosis are often considered incidental findings on diagnostic imaging studies of screw-tailed brachycephalic breeds, they have been suggested to interfere with spinal biomechanics and intervertebral disc degeneration. It is however unknown if an abnormal spinal curvature also predisposes dogs to develop clinically relevant intervertebral disc herniations. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the occurrence of thoracic vertebral malformations, kyphosis or scoliosis would be associated with a higher prevalence of cervical or thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion in French bulldogs

Partial splenectomy in a young German Shepherd bitch

A 1.5-year-old German Shepherd bitch was presented for depression, and abdominal pain after being hit in the abdomen. After emergency management, a haemoperitoneum was diagnosed. The dog's condition degraded rapidly and a coeliotomy was performed and a partial rupture at the tip of the spleen was evidenced. Partial splenectomy was performed. The bitch recovered well from the intervention. In cases of haemoperitoneum, medical management includes initial stabilization of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems by restoring adequate circulating volume and initiating oxygen therapy, diagnosis of the cause, and identification and cessation of current haemorrhage. In some situations, surgical management is necessary. In cases of traumatic rupture of the spleen, at least 30% of the organ should be conserved to allows adequate physiological function. Partial splenectomy is therefore an interesting alternative to total splenectomy, especially since the surgical technique is relatively simple. It also allows splenocontraction, responsible for an increase in circulating blood volume. This surgical technique may be considered in cases of trauma but should be avoided when there is suspicion of underlying neoplasia. © 2018 Editions du Point Veterinaire. All rights reserved

Prevalence of canine hip dysplasia in 17 breeds in France, a retrospective study of the 1993–2019 radiographic screening period

International audienc

Incidence of Abnormalities of the Second and Third Cervical Vertebral Junction in Dogs with Atlantoaxial Instability: A Multicentre Study.

Objective To evaluate the occurrence and frequency of abnormalities at the second and third cervical vertebral junction (C2/3) in dogs with and without atlantoaxial instability (AAI). Study Design Retrospective multi-institutional case-controlled case series. Animals One hundred and seventeen dogs with AAI and 117 dogs without AAI. Methods Radiographs, together with computer tomographic images or magnetic resonance images or both, of the cranial cervical spine of dogs were reviewed for the presence or absence of intervertebral disc-related anomalies, osseous fusion of the vertebrae, spondylosis, or any other anomaly of the C2/3. Results The incidence of anomalies affecting the C2/3 in dogs with AAI was 38.46% (n = 45) and in the control group it was 11.97% (n = 14). The majority of the observed anomalies involved the intervertebral disc. In conjunction with AAI, intervertebral disc-related anomalies were noted in 33.34%, spondylosis in 2.56%, osseous fusion in 1.71% and a hypoplasia of the spinous process in 0.85% of the cases. Summarized under the term intervertebral disc-related anomalies, a morphological alteration of the intervertebral disc was noted in 10 cases with AAI, characterized by a spherical outer shape and a minimally reduced size and a dorsal positioning in the intervertebral space. Conclusion There is a significantly higher incidence of anomalies affecting the C2/3 in association with AAI. In conjunction with AAI, intervertebral disc-related anomalies are the most frequent pathological finding affecting the C2/3

Fractures of the Second Cervical Vertebra in 66 Dogs and 3 Cats: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND:  In human medicine, fractures of the second cervical vertebra have been studied elaborately and categorized in detail. This is not the case in veterinary medicine where clinical decisions are often based on old studies focusing on the cervical spine in general. OBJECTIVES:  The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features, fracture types, therapeutic options and outcome of dogs and cats with a fractured axis. STUDY DESIGN:  The present study was a multi-institutional retrospective case series. RESULTS:  Crossbreeds and Labrador Retrievers were the most represented dog breeds. Median age was 2 years. Motor vehicle accident was the most common inciting cause, followed by frontal collision. The most common neurological deficits ranged from cervical pain with or without mild ataxia (22/68) to tetraparesis (28/68) and tetraplegia (11/68). Concerning treatment, 37 of 69 patients underwent surgical fracture stabilization, 27/69 received conservative therapy and 5/69 were immediately euthanatized. Of all treated cases, 52/58 showed ambulatory recovery (23/25 of the conservatively treated and 29/33 of the surgically treated cases), whereby in 40/52 cases full recovery without persisting signs was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: Fractures of the axis commonly occur in young dogs. In many cases, neurological deficits are relatively mild. Generally, animals with a fractured axis have a very good prognosis for functional recovery. The risk of perioperative mortality is considerably lower than previously reported