Anatomic variations in skull morphology have been previously described for brachycephalic dogs; however there is little published information on interbreed variations in tympanic bulla morphology. This retrospective observational study aimed to (1) provide detailed descriptions of the computed tomographic (CT) morphology of tympanic bullae in a sample of dogs representing four brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldog, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels) versus two mesaticephalic breeds (Labrador retrievers and Jack Russell Terriers); and (2) test associations between tympanic bulla morphology and presence of middle ear effusion. Archived head CT scans for the above dog breeds were retrieved and a single observer measured tympanic bulla shape (width:height ratio), wall thickness, position relative to the temporomandibular joint, and relative volume (volume:body weight ratio). A total of 127 dogs were sampled. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels had significantly flatter tympanic bullae (greater width:height ratios) versus Pugs, English Bulldogs, Labrador retrievers, and Jack Russell terriers. French Bulldogs and Pugs had significantly more overlap between tympanic bullae and temporomandibular joints versus other breeds. All brachycephalic breeds had significantly lower tympanic bulla volume:weight ratios versus Labrador retrievers. Soft tissue attenuating material (middle ear effusion) was present in the middle ear of 48/100 (48%) of brachycephalic breeds, but no significant association was found between tympanic bulla CT measurements and presence of this material. Findings indicated that there are significant interbreed variations in tympanic bulla morphology, however no significant relationship between tympanic bulla morphology and presence of middle ear effusion could be identified.

Objective This study provides information on clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and associated risk factors of spontaneous septic elbow arthritis in the dog. Methods Medical records between March 2007 and June 2015 were searched for cases of spontaneous septic elbow arthritis with a diagnosis based on clinical signs, arthrocentesis, cytological and microbiological analysis of elbow joint synovial fluid, radiography and outcome following treatment. Results Twenty-one cases of septic arthritis were identified. Pre-existing osteoarthritis was present in 14/15 elbows for which diagnostic imaging was available. Although all cases had increased neutrophil count on synovial fluid cytology, culture was only positive in 12/21. Despite initial improvement in lameness scores (pre-treatment 9/10 [range: 1–10] versus post-treatment 3/10 [range: 1–5]), 11/12 had residual long-term lameness. Recurrence of infection was noted in 3/12 elbows for which long-term (>8 weeks) follow-up was available. There was an acute mortality rate of 2/21 associated with severe systemic sepsis. Clinical Significance Septic arthritis, even in the absence of pyrexia, should be considered as a major differential diagnosis in middle aged, large breed dogs, with pre-existing elbow arthritis, that suffer an acute onset lameness, with elbow joint effusion and discomfort. Antibiotic therapy alone was effective for treatment with high initial response rates. Chronic lameness post-treatment was common, and a high rate of recurrence was seen with 3/12 dogs suffering more than one episode.

To report the mortality rate within a cohort of dogs undergoing cholecystectomy and investigate the impact of intra-operative hypotension on mortality. Materials and MethOds: Clinical records at five UK referral centres were reviewed for dogs undergoing cholecystectomy. Data collected included presenting signs, pre-operative blood test results, intra-operative data including frequency and duration of hypotension and the incidence and type of post-operative complications. results: Data from 119 dogs were included. Sixteen dogs (13%) died before discharge and by 28 days after surgery the total mortality was 19 dogs (17%). Hypotension lasting over 10 minutes during general anaesthesia occurred in 65 dogs (54.6%), with a mean ± sd duration of 36.1 ± 30.0 minutes. Intra-operative hypotension or the number of hypotensive episodes did not appear to be associated with in-hospital or 28-day mortality. American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade (of fitness for surgery) was significantly associated with both in-hospital and 28-day mortality on univariable analysis, as were post-operative hypoproteinaemia, ileus and pancreatitis. However on multivariable analysis, only ileus and pancreatitis were found to significantly impact mortality.

Objective: To report outcomes of dogs treated for lung lobe torsion (LLT) and to determine prognostic factors for survival.Study design: Retrospective multicenter study from four veterinary teaching hospitals.Animals: Dogs (n = 80) with LLT. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for clinical and histopathological findings. Long-term outcome was assessed with an owner questionnaire. Lung lobe torsion was classified as idiopathic or secondary on the basis of the etiology. Results: The most represented breeds were pugs (47.5%) and sighthounds (16.2%). The cause of the LLT was considered primary in 77%, secondary in 21%, and unknown in 2% of dogs. Postoperative complications were recorded in 14% of dogs. Overall, 95% of dogs survived to discharge, and median followup was 1095 days (range, 7-3809). Owners assessed outcomes and quality of life as excellent in 93% and 89% of dogs, respectively. Primary LLT was associated with a longer survival (median not reached in the study) compared with secondary LLT (921 days; range, 7-2073; P = .001). Conclusion:Overall long-term survival after lung lobectomy for LLT was excellent. Primary LLT was associated with longer survival compared with secondary LLT. Long-term owner evaluation of clinical outcome for dogs undergoing lung lobectomy for LLT was considered excellent. Clinical impact: Dogs with primary LLT undergoing lung lobectomy have a longer survival time compared with dogs with secondary LLT and have an excellent postoperative outcome.

A 4 mo old German shepherd dog was presented following an acute onset lameness and swelling of the thoracic limb. Clinical signs, surgical findings, and culture results were consistent with a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. Initial management consisted of extensive surgical debridement, wound lavage, and bandaging. Surgical closure was achieved with an axillary fold flap and distant direct single-pedicle thoracoabdominal flap. Three mo later, following deterioration of the lameness that was associated with carpal valgus, carpal subluxation, and tendinopathy of the distal radial insertion of the biceps brachii tendon, a closing wedge pancarpal arthrodesis and tenotomy of the biceps brachii tendon was performed. We hypothesize that extensive soft tissue trauma and subsequent fibrosis and tendon contracture following soft tissue reconstruction contributed to the complications seen. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of carpal valgus deformity and biceps brachii tendinopathy following a distant direct skin flap and axillary skin fold flap.