Congenital anomalies of the vertebrae in dogs

In this review article, a overview is given of the congenital pathologies of vertebrae in the dog. These pathologies are common in dogs and can be divided in two major groups: neural tube defects or spinal dysraphism, such as spina bifida with or without meningocoele and dermal sinus tract, and congenital anomalies of the vertebral column. The latter group can be subdivided in malformations originating in the embryonic period of development, such as butterfly vertebra, mediolateral wedged vertebra and transitional vertebra, or in the foetal period, such as block vertebra and dorsoventral wedged vertebra. Congenital vertebral anomalies can be incidental findings on radiographs or CT, but sometimes they can be the underlying cause of a clinical, mostly neurological problem. Due to pressure on the spinal cord, symptoms, such as pelvic limb ataxia, paresis, loss of spinal reflexes, incontinence and atrophy of the pelvic limbs may occur

A chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the coronoid process mimicking a fragmented coronoid process in a dog

A 6-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback was presented with a 1.5 year history of right forelimb lameness. Clinical, radiological and computed tomographic findings suggested the presence of fragmented medial coronoid process. A subtotal coronoidectomy was performed and, due to the atypical appearance of the medial coronoid process on imaging and at surgery, histopathology of the fragments was performed which revealed chondroblastic OS. Ten months after surgery, the dog was re-presented with the same clinical signs and the radiographic changes were suggestive of a recurrence of the OS. Palliative therapy was instigated at the owner's request. Thirty months after surgery of the neoplasm, the dog was presented with dyspnea. Thoracic radiographs showed lesions consistent with lung metastases. Euthanasia was requested by the owner, who declined post-mortem examination

Diagnosis of dental problems in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Dental problems are very common in pet rabbits. To establish a correct diagnosis of rabbit dental pathology, a general knowledge of normal dental anatomy and physiology is necessary. The specific anatomy and the most common pathologies of rabbit dentition are reviewed. Techniques for diagnosing dental abnormalities - such as clinical examination, radiography and computed tomography (CT) - are summarized. Finally two clinical cases of rabbits with dental pathologies are described