Unilateral medial patellar luxation was diagnosed in 10, and bilateral medial patellar luxation in six, large and giant-breed dogs (22 stifles). Lameness occurred in five dogs after trauma or surgery, and 11 dogs had no known predisposing history. The mean age at presentation was 25 months, and the mean time from initial onset of clinical signs to diagnosis was 13 weeks. All traumatic or iatrogenic luxations (five dogs) were unilateral. Luxations presumed to be congenital were unilateral in five dogs and bilateral in six. The grades of medial patellar luxation were I (1 stifle), II (11 stifles), III (9 stifles), and IV (1 stifle). Preoperative function was good (1 dog), fair (9 dogs), and poor (6 dogs). Surgical correction was performed in dogs with grades II, III, and IV luxations (21 stifles). Complications included one wound dehiscence and trochlear wedge migration, one pin loosening, and one persistent lameness caused by lymphoplasmacytic synovitis. Long-term follow-up was available in 13 dogs (18 stifles). Function was judged by owners to be excellent in seven dogs, good in five dogs, and poor in one dog. Surgical treatment of grades II and III luxations yielded good (8 stifles) and excellent (9 stifles) results, while one grade IV luxation had a poor long-term outcome.

The clinical findings in 18 dogs with gracilis (n = 17) or semitendinosus (n = 1) myopathy are described. Each dog had a similar hind-limb gait abnormality characterized by a shortened stride with a rapid, elastic medial rotation of the paw, internal rotation of the hock and external rotation of the calcaneus [corrected] and internal rotation of the stifle during the mid-to-late swing phase of the stride. Medical management prior to or in lieu of surgery was attempted (n = 8) with no apparent response. Fifteen dogs had one or multiple surgical procedures. Although transection, partial excision, or complete resection of the affected muscle resulted in resolution of lameness following surgery, lameness recurred six weeks to five months (mean, 2.5 months; median, two months) following surgery. Adjunctive medical treatment did not prevent recurrence. Variable replacement of the affected muscle with fibrous connective tissue (predominantly along the caudolateral border of the muscle) was evident grossly, and replacement of myofibers with fibrous connective tissue was confirmed histologically. A definitive etiology could not be established.

Urinary diversion by implantation of the ureters into an isolated segment of jejunum was evaluated in eight clinically normal male dogs. Total cystectomy and subtotal intracapsular prostatectomy were performed, and the intestinal loop was sutured to the prostatic remnant. General health, renal function, acid-base balance, urinary tract infection, and urinary continence were monitored during observation periods of 4 to 30 weeks. All dogs survived the observation period and seven were in excellent general health at the time of euthanasia. Six of the 16 ureterointestinal anastomoses were complicated by complete ureteral obstruction. Absorption of urea from the intestinal loop was speculated as the reason for significant increases in serum urea nitrogen concentrations in all of the dogs. Serum creatinine concentrations generally remained within the normal range, but were significantly increased from preoperative baseline values by week 30. There was dilation of 12 renal pelves and ureters in seven dogs. Urine bacterial cultures were positive in six dogs, but histologic evidence of pyelonephritis was present in only five kidneys. Ejaculation was not affected by the procedure, but epididymitis was present in five dogs. The dogs could urinate consciously and did not dribble urine continuously; however, they urinated hourly. While the procedure was well tolerated by the dogs, the frequency of urination makes this technique unacceptable for most household pets.

The nasal cavities of 14 dogs and three cats were explored surgically using a ventral rhinotomy. The exposure achieved through this approach was considered to be equal to a dorsal rhinotomy. One animal died during the immediate postoperative period from perforation of a gastric ulcer. The other animals recovered well and had no significant complications. The long-term survival of the animals was consistent with previous reports for their diseases. Ventral rhinotomy is no more difficult than dorsal rhinotomy, has less patient morbidity and fewer postoperative complications, and is more cosmetically acceptable.

SummaryIn 12 dogs with hip dysplasia, 20 triple pelvic osteotomies (eight bilateral and four unilateral) were performed. Screw loosening, occurring in six of 12 dogs (seven of 20 osteotomies), was the most common complication after surgery. Implants loosened from the cranial ilium in six hemipelvises (30%) and from both fragments in one hemipelvis, two to six weeks (mean — three) after the operation. Medial acetabular displace-ment caused pelvic narrowing (6 to 9%, mean = 8%) in three of four dogs. Medial ischial displacement decreased pelvic diameter (11 to 21%, mean = 17%) in four of seven osteotomies. All of the dogs with implant failure were treated conservatively with cage rest and in two cases Ehmer slings were used. Although none were lame, gait abnormalities were evident in three of seven dogs on follow-up examinations four to 12 months (mean = six) later.Screw loosening, occurring in seven of 20 hemipelvises, was the most common postoperative complication associated with triple pelvic osteotomy. Fixation failures were managed conservatively. Despite decreased pelvic diameter in four of seven animals, none were lame or showed signs of pelvic obstruction at follow-up examinations four to 12 months later.