Evaluation of a Novel Dorsal-Cemented Technique for Atlantoaxial Stabilisation in 12 Dogs.

Dorsal atlantoaxial stabilisation (DAAS) has mostly been described to treat atlantoaxial instability using low stiffness constructs in dogs. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and surgical outcome of a rigid cemented DAAS technique using bone corridors that have not previously been reported. The medical records of 12 consecutive dogs treated with DAAS were retrospectively reviewed.

Postencephalitic epilepsy in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin: Clinical features, risk factors, and long-term outcome.

Background: Although the presence of seizures in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) has been associated with shorter survival times, data regarding the prevalence and risk factors for postencephalitic epilepsy (PEE) is lacking.

Objectives: To describe the clinical features, prevalence, risk factors, and long-term outcome of PEE in dogs with MUO.

Animals: Sixty-one dogs with presumptive diagnosis of MUO based on the clinicopathological and diagnostic imaging findings.

Computed Tomography and Biomechanical Comparison between Trans-Articular Screw Fixation and 2 Polymethylmethacrylate Cemented Constructs for Ventral Atlantoaxial Stabilization.

Objectives:  Canine ventral atlantoaxial stabilization methods have been constantly evolving over the past few decades. Yet, proper experimental data comparing the feasibility and biomechanical properties of currently available surgical options are lacking. The aims of this study were (1) to describe and compare the safety profiles and biomechanical properties of three ventral atlantoaxial stabilization methods; and (2) to test whether recently reported optimal implant definitions constitute reasonable guidelines.

Computed Tomographic Analysis of Ventral Atlantoaxial Optimal Safe Implantation Corridors in 27 Dogs.

 Ventral atlantoaxial stabilization techniques are challenging surgical procedures in dogs. Available surgical guidelines are based upon subjective anatomical landmarks, and limited radiographic and computed tomographic data. The aims of this study were (1) to provide detailed anatomical descriptions of atlantoaxial optimal safe implantation corridors to generate objective recommendations for optimal implant placements and (2) to compare anatomical data obtained in non-affected Toy breed dogs, affected Toy breed dogs suffering from atlantoaxial instability and non-affected Beagle dogs.

Canine atlantoaxial optimal safe implantation corridors - description and validation of a novel 3D presurgical planning method using OsiriX™.

Background: Canine ventral atlantoaxial (AA) stabilization is most commonly performed in very small dogs and is technically challenging due to extremely narrow bone corridors. Multiple implantation sites have been suggested but detailed anatomical studies investigating these sites are lacking and therefore current surgical guidelines are based upon approximate anatomical landmarks. In order to study AA optimal safe implantation corridors (OSICs), we developed a method based on computed tomography (CT) and semi-automated three-dimensional (3D) mathematical modelling using OsiriX™ and Microsoft®Excel software.

Spontaneous thoracolumbar hematomyelia secondary to hemophilia B in a cat.

Case Summary: A 10-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat presented for evaluation of acute onset of paraplegia with loss of nociception and thoracolumbar spine hyperesthesia and no history of trauma. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was markedly prolonged, and specific coagulation factor testing revealed a factor IX level of 4% of normal activity, confirming the presence of mild hemophilia B. Prior abnormal bleeding had occurred at the time of castration as a kitten, as well as with laceration to a toe.