Description and validation of a magnetic resonance imaging-guided stereotactic brain biopsy device in the dog.

A stereotactic brain biopsy system that is magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-guided has not been validated in dogs. Our purpose was to determine the mean needle placement error in the caudate nucleus, thalamus, and midbrain of a canine cadaver brain using the modified Brainsight stereotactic system. Relocatable reference markers (fiducial markers) were attached to the cadaver head using a dental bite block.

Spinal neoplasms in small animals.

Tumors arising from or involving the spinal cord are important considerations in animals presented for pain and limb dysfunction. Clinical signs of spinal cord dysfunction, however, are not pathognomic for neoplastic disease in most instances. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) often accurately identifies the location and extent of abnormalities.

Gamma-irradiated Calvarium Allograft Cranioplasty in a cat following brain tumor removal.

A 14-year-old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for a 3-month history of head pressing and circling. Neurological examination suggested a supratentorial problem, predominantly on the left side. An extradural mass extending from the rostral frontal lobes caudally to the level of the caudal aspect of the corpus callosum was found with magnetic resonance imaging.

Confirmed 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid toxicosis in a dog.

A 2-year-old, intact male Weimaraner was evaluated for episodic extensor rigidity and a stiff gait of 24 hours' duration. Percussion of the proximal appendicular muscles with a reflex hammer resulted in formation of dimples consistent with myotonia. Electromyography identified myotonic potentials.

In vitro biomechanical evaluations of screw-bar-polymethylmethacrylate and pin-polymethylmethacrylate internal fixation implants used to stabilize the vertebral motion unit of the fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae in vertebral column specimens from dogs.

Objective: To determine the change in stiffness as evaluated by the dorsal bending moment of cervical vertebral specimens obtained from canine cadavers after internally stabilizing the vertebral motion unit (VMU) of C4 and C5 with a traditional pin-polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fixation implant or a novel screw-bar-PMMA fixation implant.

Sample Population: 12 vertebral column specimens (C3 through C6) obtained from canine cadavers.

Procedures: A dorsal bending moment was applied to the vertebral specimens before and after fixation of the VMU of C4 and C5 by use of a traditional pin-PMMA implant or a novel screw-bar-PMMA implant.

Biomechanical evaluation of cervical intervertebral plug stabilization in an ovine model.

Objective: (1) To determine the biomechanical stability of cervical spinal segment C5-C6 after ventral slot (VS) decompression and distraction-stabilization by a modified polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) intervertebral plug technique (IVP) in an ovine model. (2) To determine if the distraction of the disk space is maintained after VS-IVP, and the frequency of bony intervertebral union.

Study Design: Experimental in vivo study in an ovine model with an in vitro control study.

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of neurologic disease in dogs: a retrospective study.

Background: Diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities in dogs can be challenging antemortem. Historically, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis has been used for routine diagnostic evaluation of animals with suspected neurologic disease; however, with increasing availability of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, the need for concurrent CSF analysis may be questioned.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess and compare the diagnostic information contributed from MR imaging and CSF analysis in a population of dogs presenting with neurologic disease.

Fecal incontinence and spinal cord abnormalities in seven dogs.

Seven dogs with fecal incontinence and abnormal gaits were evaluated. Fecal incontinence was characterized as defecation of normal stools without posturing. Duration of clinical signs prior to evaluation ranged from 5 months to 3 years.

Radiographic diagnosis--paraspinal abscess in a dog.

A two-year-old intact male Brittany Spaniel was admitted for evaluation of progressive spinal pain. Previous treatment had been initiated for suspected lumbosacral intervertebral disk disease, however there was poor response to therapy. On presentation the dog was laterally recumbent and neurological examination revealed hyperesthesia over the lumbar vertebral segments.

Outcomes and complications associated with ventral screws, pins, and polymethyl methacrylate for atlantoaxial instability in 12 dogs.

Clinical outcomes and complications of a technique used for atlantoaxial stabilization were evaluated in a group of 12 dogs. At surgery, the atlantoaxial joint was realigned and rigidly fixated using cortical bone screws, K-wire, and polymethyl methacrylate. Results in nine dogs were graded as excellent.

Intramedullary spinal cord damage associated with intervertebral disk material in a dog.

Intervertebral disk extrusions into the spinal cord are rarely reported in veterinary medicine, and only necropsy findings are described in previous reports. It is hypothesized that a disk lesion results in forceful injection of disk material into the spinal cord. In the 3-year-old Miniature Doberman Pinscher of our report, acute clinical signs and results of magnetic resonance imaging were consistent with this disease and helped determine the extent and character of the lesions.

Surgical treatment of an intramedullary spinal cord hamartoma in a dog.

A 9-year-old spayed female Golden Retriever was examined because of progressive hind limb lameness. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic and lumbar portions of the vertebral column revealed a focal, contrast-enhancing, intramedullary spinal cord mass. The history, signalment, and magnetic resonance findings were suggestive of spinal cord neoplasia.