[Sacral osteochondrosis dissecans in a Bernese Mountain Dog: diagnosis and treatment]

A 18-month-old female Bernese Mountain Dog with chronic pain at jumping, extension of the right hind leg and paresis of the tail was referred to the Neurological Service of the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Zurich. Upon radiological examination a mineralised fragment at the dorsal aspect of the endplate of S1 was detected. The diagnosis of Osteochondrosis dissecans was confirmed by linear and computed tomography as well as histologic examination of the fragment, which was surgically removed. Preoperative imaging allowed a minimal surgical approach using a unilateral, modified dorsal laminectomy. Outcome was evaluated by neurological reevaluation and a CT scan performed 6 months after surgery.

Healing of dorsal pancarpal arthrodesis in the dog

The purpose of this study was to assess radiographically the healing process in dogs which had undergone dorsal pancarpal arthrodesis with autologous cancellous bone grafting. The medical records of 17 dogs that had undergone dorsal pancarpal arthrodesis with complication-free dynamic compression plate fixation were reviewed. Postoperative healing was evaluated radiographically. It started five weeks after surgery and progressed for six to 12 weeks in all dogs. After this time period no further progression of healing was observed. Between weeks 6 and 8, bony fusion progressed significantly more rapidly in the intercarpal joint than in the radiocarpal joint. The following criteria had no influence on healing time: gender, age, bodyweight, and immediate versus delayed surgery after trauma. The major difficulties noted with respect to the interpretation of postoperative radiographs were irregular bony bridging, mainly caused by inadequate palmar curettage, and oblique projection of articular surfaces resulting in superimposition of joint spaces and solid bone.