Hind-limb paresis in a dog with paralumbar solitary T-cell lymphoma
Maria Ortega, Fernanda Castillo-Alcala

Abstract — A 2-year-old, neutered, male golden retriever was referred to the Ontario Veterinary College, with a 6-week history of hind limb weakness and back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar vertebral column, and histopathology and immunohistochemistry following euthanasia identified an uncommon solitary T-cell lymphoma in the paralumbar area.

Can Vet J 2010;51:480–484

Spinal cord injury I: A synopsis of the basic science
Aubrey A. Webb, Sybil Ngan, J. David Fowler

Abstract — Substantial knowledge has been gained in the pathological findings following naturally occurring spinal cord injury (SCI) in dogs and cats. The molecular mechanisms involved in failure of neural regeneration within the central nervous system, potential therapeutics including cellular transplantation therapy, neural plasticity, and prognostic indicators of recovery from SCI have been studied. This 2-part review summarizes 1) basic science perspectives regarding treating and curing spinal cord injury, 2) recent studies that shed light on prognosis and recovery from SCI, 3) current thinking regarding standards of care for dogs with SCI, 4) experimental approaches in the laboratory setting, and 5) current clinical trials being conducted in veterinary medicine. Part I presents timely information on the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury, challenges associated with promoting regeneration of neurons of the central nervous system, and experimental approaches aimed at developing treatments for spinal cord injury.
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Can Vet J 2010;51:485–492

Feline urate urolithiasis
Sherry L. Appel, Doreen M. Houston, Andrew E.P. Moore, J. Scott Weese

Abstract — This retrospective case control study describes associations between feline urate urolithiasis and breed, age, gender, and urine composition. Data from cases of feline uroliths submitted to the Canadian Veterinary Urolith Centre (CVUC) between February 2, 1998 and July 7, 2007 were reviewed. There were 10 083 feline uroliths examined, including 385 ammonium urate, 13 uric acid, and 21 mixed struvite/urate uroliths. The Egyptian Mau, Birman, and Siamese breeds were significantly predisposed to urate urolithiasis [odds ratio (OR) = 118, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 38.2 to 510, P < 0.001], (OR = 9.1, 95% CI = 2.0 to 32, P < 0.001) and (OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 2.5 to 5.9, P < 0.001), respectively. Urate urolithiasis was more frequent in younger cats (mean age 6.3 versus 7.1 y in cats with other uroliths, P < 0.0001) and in male cats (P = 0.024). The association between Egyptian Maus and urate urolithiasis was remarkable. The association in Siamese cats is consistent with prior reports, and the association with Birman cats requires further study.

Can Vet J 2010;51:493–496

Limb-sparing surgery using tantalum metal endoprosthesis in a dog with osteosarcoma of the distal radius
Tamara L. MacDonald, Teresa D. Schiller

Abstract — A 5-year-old, male neutered, mixed breed dog was presented for left forelimb lameness and swelling over the left distal radius. A primary bone tumor of the distal radius was diagnosed and limb-sparing surgery of the left forelimb was performed using a tantalum metal-DCP endoprosthesis. Post-operative histopathology confirmed osteosarcoma.

Can Vet J 2010;51:497–500

Intranasal naltrexone and atipamezole for reversal of white-tailed deer immobilized with carfentanil and medetomidine
Todd K. Shury, Nigel A. Caulkett, Murray R. Woodbury

Abstract — Carfentanil and medetomidine were used to immobilize 8 captive female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) using mean dosages [± standard deviation (s)] of 14.2 ± 1.11 µg/kg carfentanil and 17.8 ± 2.03 µg/kg of medetomidine. Deer were reversed by intranasally or intramuscularly administered naltrexone and atipamezole. Dosages of carfentanil and medetomidine proved reliable for immobilization of most, but not all deer, with a mean induction time of 13.3 ± 3.13 min. Effective and reliable immobilization will require higher dosages of carfentanil and possibly medetomidine than were used in this study. No significant differences in recovery times were observed for deer given reversal agents intranasally (9.45 ± 5.37 min) versus intramuscularly (7.60 ± 4.42 min). Naltrexone and atipamezole can be administered intranasally at 1.5 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg, respectively to safely and quickly reverse the effects of carfentanil and medetomidine in immobilized white-tailed deer. This route could potentially be useful for other reversal agents.

Can Vet J 2010;51:501–505

Silicone elastomer sling for rectal prolapse in cats
Katia Barão Corgozinho, Cristiane Belchior, Heloisa Justen Moreira de Souza, Ana Maria Ferreira, Carolina Resende, Brandão Damico, Simone Cunha

Abstract — This study reports 2 cases of recurrent rectal prolapse secondary to anal abnormality in cats. In both cases the anus was wide, leading to a rectal mucosal prolapse during defecation. A silicone elastomer sling was introduced around the anus, and the rectal prolapse was definitively resolved.

Can Vet J 2010;51:506–510

Gastrointestinal obstruction caused by a radiolucent foreign body in a green iguana (Iguana Iguana)
Markus Büker, Ulrike Foldenauer, Stefka Simova-Curd, Sandra Martig, Jean-Michel Hatt

Abstract — This report describes an intestinal obstruction in a green iguana (Iguana iguana). The patient was presented with vomiting and subtle signs of abdominal pain. Radiographs and ultrasound imaging did not reveal any abnormalities. A coeliotomy was performed and a 30-cm piece of absorbent cotton was removed surgically from the large intestine.

Can Vet J 2010;51:511–514

Peracute selenium toxicosis followed by sudden death in growing and finishing pigs
Heiko Nathues, Inge Boehne, Thomas grosse Beilage, Ingo Gerhauser, Marion Hewicker-Trautwein, Petra Wolf, Josef Kamphues, Elisabeth grosse Beilage

Abstract — Fattening pigs (n = 751) showed progressive apathy, paralysis, and sudden death after accidental ingestion of excessive concentrations of selenium in mineral feed. Selenium concentrations of 1.09 to 1.32 mg/L in the serum confirmed the diagnosis. Within 3 d all pigs had died spontaneously or were euthanized due to the grave prognosis and on welfare grounds.

Can Vet J 2010;51:515–518

Comparative imaging of spinal extradural lymphoma in a Bordeaux dog
Stefanie Veraa, Reinie Dijkman, Björn P. Meij, George Voorhout

Abstract — A lumbar extradural lymphoma compressing the spinal cord was identified on contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images in a 4-year-old Bordeaux dog presented with posterior paresis. A significant paravertebral extension was only clearly defined on contrast MRI images; therefore, MRI was more useful than CT in imaging of spinal extradural lymphoma in this dog.

Can Vet J 2010;51:519–521

Primary epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma as a cause of diarrhea in a horse
Macarena G. Sanz, Debra C. Sellon, Kathleen A. Potter

Abstract — A 25-year-old Appaloosa gelding was evaluated for chronic weight loss and diarrhea. A clinical diagnosis of protein loosing enteropathy was made and the gelding was euthanized. Histology revealed neoplastic lymphocytes infiltrating the mucosa of the small and large intestine. Immunohistochemistry was positive for CD3, consistent with epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma.

Can Vet J 2010;51:522–524

The effect of storage temperature on the accuracy of a cow-side test for ketosis
Jennifer Hubbard, Stephen LeBlanc, Todd Duffield, Randal Bagg, Jocelyn Dubuc

Abstract — The objective of this study was to assess the effect of storage conditions on the accuracy of a milk test strip for ketosis. Storage at 21°C for up to 18 wk had little effect on accuracy for diagnosis and classification of subclinical ketosis.

Can Vet J 2010;51:525–526

A case of splenic torsion with progressive anemia and thrombocytopenia
Lisa M. Schnier

Abstract — A 4-year-old male, castrated Saint Bernard was evaluated for acute onset of lethargy and collapse. Moderately severe anemia and splenomegaly were noted. Immune mediated hemolytic anemia was initially suspected. Abdominal ultrasound demonstrated an absence of splenic blood flow. Splenic torsion was confirmed on exploratory laparotomy and a splenectomy was performed.

Can Vet J 2010;51:527–529