Comparison of interobserver agreement between the evaluation of bicipital and the patellar tendon reflex in healthy dogs.

The reliability of reflex-assessment is currently debatable, with current literature regarding the patellar tendon reflex (PTR) as highly reliable, while the biceps tendon reflex (BTR) is regarded to be of low reliability in the dog. Such statements are, however, based on subjective observations rather than on an empirical study. The goals of this study were three-fold: (1) the quantification of the interobserver agreement (IA) on the evaluation of the canine bicipital (BTR) and patellar tendon (PTR) reflex in healthy dogs, (2) to compare the IA of the BTR and PTR evaluation and (3) the identification of intrinsic (sex, age, fur length, weight) and extrinsic (observer´s expertise, body side) risk factors on the IA of both reflexes.

Levetiracetam monotherapy for treatment of structural epilepsy in dogs: 19 cases (2010-2015).

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam monotherapy in dogs with structural epilepsy. Retrospective case series. Nineteen client-owned dogs with structural epilepsy.

Spontaneous resorption of a herniated cervical disc in a dog detected by magnetic resonance imaging.

This report describes, for the first time in small animal literature, the spontaneous resorption of herniated Hansen type I intervertebral disc material in the cervical spine of a chondrodystrophic dog over a 4-month period, documented by magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical signs (cervical hyperpathia) responded to conservative treatment during the same period.

A case of acute acquired obstructive hydrocephalus in a cat with suspected ischaemic cerebellar infarct.

Case Summary: A case of acquired acute obstructive hydrocephalus that developed as a complication of an ischaemic infarct in the vascular territory of the rostral cerebellar artery is described in an adult domestic shorthair cat. The clinical findings, diagnostic investigations, treatment and prognosis are reported. MRI findings are described in detail.

Risk factors for cluster seizures in canine idiopathic epilepsy.

Cluster seizures (CS), two or more seizures within a 24-hour period, are reported in 38-77% of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE). Negative outcomes associated with CS include a reduced likelihood of achieving seizure freedom, decreased survival time and increased likelihood of euthanasia. Previous studies have found factors including breed, sex and neuter status are associated with CS in dogs with IE; however, only one UK study in a multi-breed study of CS in IE patients exists to the author's knowledge, and thus further data is required to confirm these results.

Clinical risk factors associated with anti-epileptic drug responsiveness in canine epilepsy.

The nature and occurrence of remission, and conversely, pharmacoresistance following epilepsy treatment is still not fully understood in human or veterinary medicine. As such, predicting which patients will have good or poor treatment outcomes is imprecise, impeding patient management. In the present study, we use a naturally occurring animal model of pharmacoresistant epilepsy to investigate clinical risk factors associated with treatment outcome.

Novel approach to temporal lobectomy for removal of a cavernous hemangioma in a dog.

Objective: To report temporal lobe surgery for a cavernous hemangioma in a dog and outcome.

Study Design: Clinical report.

Animals: Dog (n = 1).

How long and low can you go? Effect of conformation on the risk of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion in domestic dogs.

Intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) is a common neurological disorder in certain dog breeds, resulting in spinal cord compression and injury that can cause pain and neurological deficits. Most disc extrusions are reported in chondrodystrophic breeds (e.g.

Public perception of epilepsy in dogs is more favorable than in humans.

Objectives: With the use of YouTube™, this study provides results on both the demographics and public perception for a sample of videos of canine epilepsy.

Methods: A random sample of 150 videos was collected, the uploader description was recorded, and viewers' comments were coded according to their emotional and informational content.

Results: More comments were found to be sympathetic than derogatory, and there were more information-providing than information-seeking comments.

Imaging diagnosis-malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor presenting as an intra-axial brain mass in a young dog.

A 3-year-old Labrador retriever was presented with acute onset seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an intra-axial mass affecting the right temporal lobe of the brain. Surgical resection and histopathological findings were most consistent with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.

Surgical treatment of an intracranial epidermoid cyst in a dog.

Objective: To report challenges and complications associated with surgical intracranial epidermoid cyst removal from the fourth ventricle of a dog.

Study Design: Clinical report.

Animal: Labrador retriever (7 years old) with focal seizures.

Neuromuscular disorders in the cat: clinical approach to weakness.

Practical Relevance: Weakness is a relatively common clinical presentation in feline medicine and can be caused by primary neuromuscular disease or by diseases of other body systems affecting the neuromuscular system secondarily. Successful work-up relies on a thorough clinical and neurological examination, and logical problem solving, based on an understanding of the underlying neuroanatomical and pathophysiological mechanisms.

Clinical Challenges: Feline neuromuscular diseases can be a diagnostic challenge.

Behavioral changes in dogs associated with the development of idiopathic epilepsy.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to demonstrate behavioral changes with the development of epilepsy in dogs, a species proposed as a naturally occurring animal model for human epilepsy.

Methods: Owners of dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy (n=80) completed a modified, previously-validated behavioral and seizure questionnaire. Principal axis factor analysis identified behavioral factors, the scores for which were compared before and after the development of epilepsy.

Treatment of hydrocephalus with ventriculoperitoneal shunting in twelve dogs.

Objective: To report use of ventriculoperitoneal shunt in dogs for management of hydrocephalus for which no cause could be identified.

Study Design: Case series.

Animals: Dogs with hydrocephalus (n=12).

Surgical management of an incidentally diagnosed true pleuroperitoneal hernia in a cat.

Diaphragmatic defects in cats are common and most frequently occur as a result of trauma. Congenital diaphragmatic defects include peritoneopericardial hernias, hiatal hernias and, infrequently, true diaphragmatic, or pleuroperitoneal, hernias. Only three reports of feline pleuroperitoneal hernias could be found in the veterinary literature.