We propose a radiographic index to measure humeroulnar incongruity on mediolateral digital radiographic projections. This index (SI) supports the presence of humeroulnar incongruity in Labrador Retrievers with MCD. Further evaluation of its reproducibility and clinical importance are warranted. Although there is a moderate correlation between humeroulnar incongruity and radioulnar incongruency, causation has not been established.

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Vertebral column pathologies requiring surgical intervention have been described in pet ferrets, however little information is available on the normal vertebral formula and congenital variants in this species. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe vertebral formulas and prevalence of congenital vertebral anomalies in a sample of pet ferrets. Radiographs of 172 pet ferrets (96 males and 76 females) were included in this retrospective study. In 143 ferrets (83.14%), five different formulas of the vertebral column were recorded with normal morphology of vertebrae (rib attachment included) but with a variable number of thoracic (Th), lumbar (L), and sacral (S) vertebrae. The number of cervical (C) vertebrae was constant in all examined animals. Observed vertebral formulas were C7/Th14/L6/S3 (51.74%), C7/Th14/L6/S4 (22.10%), C7/Th14/L7/S3 (6.98%), C7/Th15/L6/S3 (1.74%), and C7/Th15/L6/S4 (0.58%). Formula C7/Th14/L6/S4 was significantly more common in males than in females (P < 0.05). Congenital spinal abnormalities were found in 29 ferrets (16.86%), mostly localized in the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral regions. The cervical region was affected in only one case. Transitional vertebrae represented the most common congenital abnormalities (26 ferrets) in the thoracolumbar (13 ferrets) and lumbosacral regions (10 ferrets) or simultaneously in both regions (three ferrets). Other vertebral anomalies included block (two ferrets) and wedge vertebra (one ferret). Spina bifida was not detected. Findings from the current study indicated that vertebral formulas may vary in ferrets and congenital abnormalities are common. This should be taken into consideration for surgical planning.

Soontornvipart K., P. Kohout, P. Proks: Septic Arthritis in Dogs: A Retrospective Study of 20 Cases (2000Cases ( -2002. Acta Vet. Brno 2003, 72: 405-413. Septic arthritis might be difficult to diagnose due to nonspecific clinical signs and radiological findings in early stage of the disease. An early diagnosis is important for achieving favorable prognosis. Diagnosis of septic arthritis was confirmed by physical and orthopedic examinations, evaluation of radiographs and synovial fluid analysis including leukocyte and neutrophil counts, cytological examination and bacterial culture. Sensitivity and specificity of these diagnostic methods were retrospectively evaluated from clinical records of 18 dogs with 20 septic joints treated in the Department of Surgery and Orthopaedics in Small Animal Clinic at University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno from January 2000 till the end of 2002.Our patients affected by septic arthritis belonged to medium to large breed dogs. Infection of 13 septic joints in 11 patients was spread by hematogenous route, whereas the other 7 joints (in 7 patients) were infected during surgical procedure or after joint injury. Recurrence of hematogenous joint infection was found in 2 patients. In all the patients, exercise intolerance and painful reaction in affected joint were detected. Cultures of synovial fluid samples were positive in only 8 cases. Staphylococcus intermedius, Streptococcus spp., Enterococcus Group 3, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, coagulase-negative staphylococcus and Bacillus spp. were isolated. Radiographic findings included joint effusion, osteoarticular destruction and new bone proliferation and these were not specific for septic arthritis.We found that diagnostic methods used in this study showed high sensitivity but low specificity. Complex diagnostic approach including physical, orthopaedic and radiographic examinations, and synovial fluid evaluation should be performed to achieve correct diagnosis and effective treatment.