Transarticular elastic external skeletal fixator correction of a stifle rotational deformity and patellar luxation in a dog

OBJECTIVE

To report the preoperative evaluation, treatment with transarticular elastic external skeletal fixation (ESF), and outcome of a dog with bilateral medial patellar luxation (MPL) and stifle rotational deformity.

ANIMAL

One nonambulatory, 2.5-month-old, 7.5-kg mixed-breed intact female dog.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report METHODS: Complex pelvic limb deformities were assessed with physical examination and computed tomography (CT) and characterized as bilateral grade 4 MPL and 90° internal rotation of the tibia in relation to the femur. Three-dimensional imaging and bone models were used to quantify the deformity and rehearse surgical correction. Transarticular elastic chains between ESF pins in the femur and tibia were used to gradually correct stifle rotational malalignment on each pelvic limb. Soft tissue releases, imbrication, and a transphyseal staple were used to correct the patellar luxation (PL) and femoral varus. The dog was reevaluated for 1 year postoperatively.

RESULTS

Short- and long-term management included intensive physical rehabilitation to increase pelvic limb strength and function. Surgical treatment resulted in resolution of the PL and neutral stifle alignment. The dog was able to ambulate with persistent decreased range of motion of the stifle.

CONCLUSION

Transarticular elastic chains and femoral physeal stapling improved the function of a dog with severe bone deformities and PL in a growing dog.

Surgical Management of Ear Diseases in Rabbits

Otitis externa and media are frequently diagnosed disorders in rabbits and are particularly common in lop-eared breeds because of the specific anatomy of the ear canal. Medical management for otitis externa and media often provides only a temporary improvement in clinical signs. Surgery by means of partial or total ear canal ablation (PECA or TECA) combined with lateral bulla osteotomy (LBO) represents a feasible approach that is well tolerated and provides a good clinical outcome. Short-term complications associated with PECA/TECA-LBO include facial nerve paralysis and vestibular disease.

Novel Organo-Substituted Cyclophosphazenes via Reaction of a Monohydro Cyclophosphazene and Acetyl Chloride

A new olefin-substituted tetrachlorocyclotri-lambda(5)-phosphazene (NPCl(2))(2)NP(i)Pr{C[OC(O)Me]=CH(2)} (4) and an unique bicyclo-lambda(5)-triphosphazene [(NPCl(2))(2)NP(i)Pr](2)C(OH)Me (5) have been prepared from the reaction of MeC(O)Cl and (NPCl(2))(2)NP(i)PrH in the presence of Et(3)N. Exclusive formation of 4 could be achieved by using an excess of both Et(3)N and MeC(O)Cl. The phosphazene rings in 5 are bridged by one carbon atom. The presence of this C(OH)Me bridge induces an asymmetric environment which renders the isopropyl ligands no longer equivalent under NMR conditions. Crystals of 4 are monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, with a = 13.158(1) Å, b = 9.555(1) Å, c = 14.859(1) Å, beta = 115.502(6) degrees, V = 1686.1(3) Å(3), and Z = 4. Crystals of 5 are monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, with a = 13.255(2) Å, b = 12.050(2) Å, c = 16.280(2) Å, beta = 98.91(1) degrees, V = 2568.8(7) Å(3), and Z = 4.