Table of Contents and Abstracts

Background
Excessive tibial torsion contributes to medial patellar luxation (MPL) in dogs. Total proximal tibial osteotomy in juveniles is intended to correct this deformity while preserving the integrity of the growth plates.

Objective
To evaluate outcomes of juvenile dogs with MPL after total proximal tibial osteotomy.

Animals and procedure
Four stifles from 3 juvenile dogs were analyzed. Retrospective cases were evaluated, focusing on stifle extensor mechanism (SEM) alignment, femoral and tibial measurements, patellar stability, and surgical complications.

Results
The mean external tibial torsion was 31.87° ± 10.53°. Postoperatively, SEM alignment was achieved in all cases, and tibial alignment between 0° and 5° was maintained during radiographic follow-up. No complications occurred and weight-bearing returned early, with optimal outcomes by Day 30. Patellar reluxation was not observed. Long-term follow-up revealed sustained SEM and tibial alignment after physeal line closure.

Conclusion and clinical relevance
Total proximal tibial osteotomy shows promise for the management of MPL associated with excessive tibial torsion in juvenile dogs. This technique may offer a reliable surgical alternative to traditional methods, promoting early recovery and long-term tibial realignment in young dogs with MPL.

A 2-year-old neutered male terrier-mix dog was presented to a multispecialty hospital because of acute onset of lethargy and a single episode of vomiting. The dog was unstable on admission and had a moderate hemoperitoneum as determined by point-of-care ultrasonography. Additional diagnostic tests revealed a cranial mediastinal mass and scant pleural effusion. After the dog was stabilized, a computed tomographic scan confirmed a cranial mediastinal mass with bicavitary effusion as well as bicavitary lymphadenopathy. Cytologic examination of thoracic fluid was most consistent with intermediate- to large-cell lymphoma. The dog was treated with a single glucocorticoid injection, a single administration of L-asparaginase, and oral glucocorticoid therapy that was tapered to discontinuation. The dog was presented deceased on arrival at 38 d after the initial presentation to the specialty hospital. This case report describes an uncommon differential diagnosis to consider in cases of hemoperitoneum.

Key clinical message:
Hemoperitoneum may occur secondary to non-intra-abdominal disease, such as mediastinal lymphoma, and a complete systemic workup should be completed.

An 8-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was presented for exploration of a renal mass. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a thick, anechoic, and irregular band partially encapsulating the left kidney with a thick echoic capsule and numerous thick echoic striations. Cytologic examination revealed moderate serosanguineous and chronic inflammatory effusion without atypical cells or causative agents. Swelling around several digits of both forelimbs and a small eyelid nodule appeared several days later. Radiographs of both forelimbs revealed aggressive osteolytic lesions of the distal phalanges of several weight-bearing digits. Thoracic radiographs were unremarkable. Despite the aggressive digital lesions, the owners decided to pursue the laparoscopy on the same day. The content of the cyst-like mass around the left kidney was aspirated, and the thick and firm wall was fenestrated. The ventral aspect of the wall was resected as much as possible. Histopathologic analysis revealed an ill-defined renal cell carcinoma with marked necrosis and suspected vascular embolization, as well as a solid carcinoma with respect to the eyelid lesion. Cytologic analysis of the digital lesions revealed malignant carcinomatous infiltration, presumed to be metastatic due to the multiple locations of the lesions.

Key clinical message:
Multifocal digital metastases may have a primary neoplastic origin other than pulmonary in cats. In the presence of multiple and aggressive digital lesions in a cat with no lung mass, the search for a primary tumor other than pulmonary must be carried out.

A 6-year-old castrated male American pit bull mix dog was presented with acute vomiting, lethargy, and abdominal distention. Abdominal radiographs revealed a mass effect in the right cranial abdomen, with regional loss of serosal detail. Abdominal ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography identified a non-enhancing, malpositioned papillary process of the caudate liver lobe with associated venous thrombosis and surrounding peritoneal effusion. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed a 360° torsion of the papillary process of the caudate liver lobe, necessitating lobectomy. Histopathologic assessment demonstrated hepatic infarction with no evidence of neoplasia, and postoperative recovery was uneventful. Liver lobe torsion is a rare, life-threatening condition in dogs, often presenting with nonspecific gastrointestinal signs. Definitive diagnosis relies on advanced imaging, with contrast-enhanced computed tomography particularly valuable for identifying patterns characteristic of organ torsion. This case highlights the importance of considering liver lobe torsion as a differential diagnosis in dogs with acute abdominal signs and supports the role of timely surgical intervention in achieving favorable outcomes.

Key clinical message:
Liver lobe torsion, though rare, should be considered in dogs presented with acute gastrointestinal signs and abdominal effusion. Prompt diagnosis using advanced imaging and timely surgical intervention can lead to an excellent prognosis.

Two dogs from the same household were referred to the emergency service of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse for evaluation of acute onset of flaccid tetraparesis. At the time of presentation, the dogs were recumbent. Neurological examination revealed lower motor neuron deficits in all 4 limbs. Treatment consisted of supportive care. The 2 dogs recovered completely within 1 mo. Epidemiology, history, clinical signs, and clinical progression were suggestive of botulism. As Clostridium botulinum C/D was identified in the feces of both dogs using PCR, botulism was the most likely diagnosis. The source of contamination could not be determined; however, a sheep carcass in the dogs’ environment was suspected. This case report details clinical signs, neurological examination findings, diagnostic test results, treatment, and outcome of 2 dogs with PCR-confirmed C. botulinum C/D infection. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first documented case of botulism C/D confirmed with PCR in dogs.

Key clinical message:
Testing with PCR should be incorporated into the diagnostic workups of dogs suspected of having botulism.

Listeriosis is caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic, intracellular rod bacterium that can infect a wide variety of species. Listeriosis occurs in a diverse range of domestic and wild animals but is most commonly a disease of ruminants. Clinical signs include meningoencephalitis, typhlocolitis, septic arthritis, and abortions. Listeriosis in horses has been reported in several countries but is an uncommon diagnosis. This report describes clinical, bacteriological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings in 6 foals with neonatal septicemia from which L. monocytogenes was isolated.

Key clinical message:
Listeriosis is considered rare in neonatal foals but should be considered in neonatal foals exhibiting septicemia and neurological signs. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology and blood culture testing are crucial in establishing the diagnosis, though L. monocytogenes is difficult to isolate. Cases in foals have a high risk of non-survival.

An 8-year-old neutered male mixed-breed dog weighing 29.7 kg was presented because of peracute restlessness. Abdominal radiographs revealed mild gastric gas dilation. Thoracic radiographs demonstrated a mild caudodorsal mediastinal mass effect with moderate cranial mediastinal widening and mild accompanying pleural effusion. Pleural fluid cytology was consistent with hemorrhage (packed cell volume: 58%). Computed tomography revealed findings consistent with active pancreatitis and a noninvasive, pre-contrast hyperattenuating, non-enhancing caudodorsal mediastinal mass suggestive of an acute hematoma of unknown etiology. The dog was discharged for supportive care of pancreatitis and the mediastinal lesion was monitored. One month later, the dog was presented for a follow-up computed tomographic reevaluation. A persistent caudodorsal mediastinal mass with findings suggestive of an acute or chronic hematoma was appreciable. A newly noted nodular lesion in close association with the presumed hematoma became evident. In addition, new multifocal pulmonary nodules were visualized. Both findings were concerning for a caudodorsal mediastinal neoplasia with ongoing hemorrhage and pulmonary metastasis. The owners elected for supportive care without further diagnostic tests. The dog was presented again 3 wk later because of restlessness and a newly observed, rapidly growing subcutaneous mass that ultimately led to the decision for humane euthanasia. Histopathology of the caudodorsal mediastinal mass was consistent with hemangiosarcoma. This is a unique case report of a primary caudodorsal mediastinal hemangiosarcoma in which the initial diagnostic imaging only revealed a secondary hematoma, and the primary neoplastic lesion eventually became evident on a recheck imaging study.

Key clinical message:
Primary hemangiosarcoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis for a caudal mediastinal hematoma. Furthermore, given the progression of findings in this case, follow-up imaging is recommended in cases in which a cause of a mediastinal hemorrhage or hematoma is not identified with initial imaging.

Background
The frequency and sizes of animal health events, including outbreaks of infectious and zoonotic diseases, are rising globally, driven by factors such as intensified animal production, expanded transportation networks, and increased human-animal interactions. Weaknesses in disease surveillance systems further exacerbate the spread of diseases, underscoring the need for robust early warning systems (EWS) to enable timely interventions and prevent large-scale outbreaks. The Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System (CAHSS) plays an important role in Canada’s national animal health infrastructure, functioning as a collaborative “network of networks” to strengthen and enhance surveillance, making it a key component of Canada’s animal health EWS.

Objective
This study aimed to i) identify key components of a robust EWS; and ii) evaluate CAHSS’s strengths, limitations, opportunities, and threats in fulfilling this role.

Procedure
A rapid scoping review of peer-reviewed and gray literature was conducted using electronic databases and government resources. The review assessed factors within the Food and Agriculture Organization’s draft Strategic Framework for Early Warning Systems in Animal Health, including i) surveillance, ii) risk monitoring, iii) communication, and iv) decision support. A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis was undertaken to evaluate the role of CAHSS within Canada’s EWS for animal health threats and inform key recommendations.

Results, conclusion, and clinical relevance
The review underscores CAHSS’s role in fostering trust among stakeholders, promoting valuable information-sharing, and highlights opportunities to enhance early warning by clarifying roles and responsibilities across partners and integrating additional technologies to improve data accessibility and analytical capabilities. By identifying CAHSS’s strengths and areas for growth, this review aims to inform future efforts to strengthen Canada’s capacity to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emerging animal health threats.

Objective and procedure
Anonymous surveys were completed by swine veterinarians in Ontario and western Canada to obtain insights to enhance development of training and recruitment programs to attract swine veterinarians to practice. The surveys probed what swine veterinarians do, attractants to swine medicine, swine-related experience, university education, and preparedness for swine practice.

Results
Most respondents (30/44) had started or completed a degree in agriculture or animal science/husbandry before veterinary school and most (40/51) had obtained swine experience before graduation. Seventy percent (31/44) of respondents spent > 90% of their professional time working with pigs and 70% (31/44) were working at full capacity. Frequent factors attracting veterinarians to swine medicine were mentorship, enjoyment of the job, and desire to work in population/food-animal medicine. Preparedness for swine practice was variable upon graduation, with 19/51 respondents feeling confident but requiring expert advice or resources, 8/51 feeling they lacked clinical training, and 12/51 understanding only basic principles. Preparedness was correlated (rho = 0.3; P = 0.035) with number of educational opportunities completed during veterinary school.

Conclusion and clinical relevance
Swine-medicine training programs targeting the commercial swine industry should include a variety of clinical and experiential learning opportunities, ideally facilitated by private-sector partnerships.

Objective
This study compared complication rates and owner satisfaction following enucleation versus evisceration with intraocular prosthesis (EIOP) in dogs. The aim was to increase knowledge of both procedures in the literature.

Animals and procedure
We conducted a medical review of records for 138 dogs presented to the ophthalmology service of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal (Quebec) that underwent either enucleation from 2015 to 2022 or EIOP from 2008 to 2022. A survey of owner satisfaction conducted by email or telephone was done at the time of data collection, 4.1 ± 2.1 y (mean ± SD) post-enucleation and 11.8 ± 4.2 y post-EIOP.

Results
There was a difference in the complication rate between the 2 procedures, with EIOP much more prone to complications than enucleation (54.1 versus 15.3%; P < 0.001). No variable tested had a significant effect on the complication rate (age, size, sex, comorbidities, or brachycephalic syndrome). Further, the average duration of administration of topical medication after EIOP in this study (0.49 y) was much longer than intervals mentioned in the literature. The owner survey revealed similar levels of satisfaction regarding the postoperative outcomes of both procedures.

Conclusion and clinical relevance
Both procedures are viable options, but it is important to clearly communicate to the owner the complication risks and implications for providing extended postoperative care after EIOP. We concluded that EIOP can be a controversial procedure. Further, enucleation can produce a very satisfactory cosmetic result with a much-reduced postoperative burden.

The Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System (CAHSS) is a collaborative network that gathers and uses surveillance data to monitor animal health, reduce disease impacts, and inform national priorities.

Beef cattle practitioners, industry professionals, and veterinary epidemiologists collaborated to establish the primary animal health and welfare surveillance priorities for the beef sector over the next 5 y.

A 4-step process with meetings, surveys, and a modified DISCONTOOLS rubric was used to set surveillance goals and to prioritize diseases and other issues for the Canadian beef industry.

In order of decreasing importance, 18 beef surveillance priorities were identified: i) antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) stewardship; ii) AMR for bovine diseases; iii) feed availability and cost; iv) regulatory changes affecting trade; v) bovine respiratory disease (BRD); vi) nutrition, including trace minerals and water; vii) Mycoplasma bovis/dispar; viii) mortality rates (crude, case specific); ix) feedlot cattle purchasing practices affecting disease rates; x) histophilosis; xi) lameness; xii) neonatal diarrhea; xiii) chronic disease and timely culling/euthanasia; xiv) colostral immunity and management; xv) pain control practices; xvi) pregnancy rates; xvii) growth performance rates; and xviii) cattle handling practices.

Beef network priorities were shared with the CAHSS beef network, along with a comprehensive list of ongoing initiatives and identified data gaps to guide surveillance, research, and stakeholder communications, including those with bovine practitioners.