Table of Contents and Abstracts

The objective of this report was to describe arthroscopic findings in dogs with concurrent cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) and medial meniscal tears in which severe, focal articular cartilage pathology was identified on the medial femoral condyle (MFC). Medical records, radiographic findings, and arthroscopic images of dogs with cartilage lesions of the MFC and medial meniscal tears were reviewed retrospectively. Outerbridge scores were retrieved from operative reports and confirmed by the authors via review of arthroscopic images. Twelve dogs with 13 affected stifles were included in this study. All stifle joints had complete CCLRs, medial meniscal tears, and focal grade III to IV cartilage lesions of the MFC. Twelve stifles had a displaced vertical longitudinal tear (bucket handle tear) and 1 stifle had a displaced complex tear of the medial meniscus. The cartilage lesions appeared to be in direct contact with the displaced portion of the meniscal tear. It was concluded that medial bucket handle and complex meniscal tears may be associated with an increased risk of focal cartilage defects. An association between meniscal tears and severe cartilage lesions of the MFC would emphasize the importance of evaluating the stifle joint and debriding the torn meniscus during surgical repair of CCLR. Rapid diagnosis and management may limit the amount and severity of cartilage damage.

Key clinical message:
This case series demonstrated severe focal cartilage defects on the MFCs of 13 stifles with concurrent CCLR and medial meniscal tears.

Infectious coryza (IC) is an economically important, acute, and highly contagious respiratory disease of chickens caused by Avibacterium paragallinarum. A case of 27-week-old table egg layers was submitted to the Diagnostic Services Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary (Alberta). The chickens had a history of swollen faces, eyelids, combs, and wattles; lacrimation; and nasal discharge with increased mortality and an acute drop in egg production of up to 14%. Avibacterium paragallinarum was cultured from infraorbital sinuses and wattle samples. Whole-genome sequencing based multilocus sequence typing identified A. paragallinarum sequence type-8, and genomic analysis of HMTp210 gene predicted Page serovar C. In the same time frame, IC outbreaks were also recorded in 3 other flocks in Alberta and some flocks in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. In addition to IC, infectious bronchitis virus was identified. The disease was linked to the introduction of subclinically infected pullets from another province into this flock of naïve birds. This is the first reported case of IC in recent times in Alberta. Screening birds for infectious disease status should be a critical practice if a carrier state exists in long-lived birds.

Key clinical message:
This outbreak underscores the need for strict biosecurity. Avoid introducing new birds to closed flocks. If necessary, rule out infections with carrier states through appropriate screening.

Candida glabrata is a yeast that is a commensal of mucosal surfaces and can cause opportunistic infection in several species. Unlike other Candida species, it is commonly resistant to azoles. Candida pneumonia has been reported in humans, with unclear prevalence, but is very rare in dogs. This report describes an 11-year-old spayed female Dogo Argentino dog with megaesophagus that was managed with mechanical ventilation for aspiration pneumonia. The dog had been treated previously with omeprazole and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid for 2.5 wk. Airway cytology showed inflammation and numerous yeast organisms most consistent with Candida. Therapy with fluconazole was initiated, but the dog’s condition deteriorated and it was euthanized. Candida glabrata and polymicrobial infection were identified on airway culture and postmortem culture of lung tissue. Histologic examination of the lungs showed severe pneumonia with yeast organisms present within macrophages, consistent with infection.

Key clinical message:
Candida should be considered as a possible contributing agent in dogs with aspiration pneumonia, especially those treated with antimicrobials and gastroprotectants.

A 13-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was presented to the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine (Madison, Wisconsin, USA) because of severe, persistent fecal impaction following cholecystoduodenoplasty performed 4 days earlier. The impaction did not resolve with common medical management, prompting initiation of polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ES, GoLYTELY; Braintree Laboratories) via esophageal feeding tube. The cat showed rapid improvement, and PEG-ES was discontinued following resolution of the impaction. However, 23 days later, the cat was re-presented with chronic constipation. Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution was reintroduced via esophageal feeding tube as a long-term therapy and resulted in successful management of symptoms. This case demonstrates the efficacy of PEG-ES in managing both acute fecal impaction and chronic constipation in a cat.

Key clinical message:
Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution should be considered for cats with fecal impaction or chronic constipation, particularly in cases that are refractory to traditional therapies or cats that have an esophageal feeding tube placed. Its use may help avoid more invasive procedures while offering a safe and effective alternative for colonic evacuation.

Angular limb deformities are developmental bone-shape anomalies that typically occur due to abnormal physeal growth before skeletal maturity and result in musculoskeletal malalignment leading to abnormal limb appearance and mechanical dysfunction. The conformational and mechanical changes resulting from a bone deformity often require surgical correction. Surgical correction of a bone deformity after skeletal maturity is typically an invasive, open procedure requiring a corrective osteotomy followed by stabilization of the bone using implants. Early intervention in the skeletally immature animal can halt or reverse progression of the limb deformity and eliminate the need for a future invasive corrective osteotomy. Temporary hemiepiphysiodesis is a minimally invasive procedure used to modify the physeal growth pattern of an appendicular bone leading to reestablishment of normal bone conformation and mechanical function. This case report describes the use in a dog of a novel transphyseal bridge consisting of 2 bone screws and orthopedic wire for a hemiepiphysiodesis to correct a distal femoral valgus deformity that was resulting in lateral patellar luxation.

Key clinical message:
The use of a novel, custom, transphyseal bridge is described. This technique provides customizable implant sizing, accurate implant placement, and effective temporary physeal compression when hemiepiphysiodesis is implemented for interventional correction of a developing angular limb deformity.

A 10-year-old spayed female golden retriever was referred with clinical signs of spinal cord disease. The dog had a 2-month history of progressive ambulatory tetraparesis, ataxia, and proprioceptive deficits that were confirmed on clinical examination. Magnetic resonance images revealed a compressive intradural-extramedullary mass at C4 to C5. A cervical hemilaminectomy with marginal excision was completed. Initial histopathological assessment suggested metastatic carcinoma, but further immunohistochemical analysis and lack of a primary tumor on CT imaging led to a revised diagnosis of a grade II metaplastic meningioma. The dog experienced rapid tumor regrowth (confirmed on CT imaging 54 d after surgery) and neurological deterioration. Despite palliative-intent radiation therapy (5 Gy weekly for 4 wk), the dog was euthanized 159 d after MRI diagnosis. Necropsy confirmed a persistent grade II meningioma with increased mitotic activity post-irradiation. We present the first report of a canine grade II spinal meningioma treated with a palliative-intent radiation protocol. The tumor’s rapid regrowth and limited response suggest that higher doses of radiation or stereotactic radiation protocols may warrant consideration for grades II or III spinal meningiomas. In addition, there may be potential need for early initiation of adjuvant therapy in these high-grade meningiomas.

Key clinical message:
Metastatic carcinoma in the spinal cord is rare; therefore, metaplastic meningioma should be considered as a differential diagnosis given its atypical architecture on histopathology.

A 3.5-year-old castrated male toy poodle dog weighing 4.9 kg was evaluated for an esophageal fishhook foreign body previously diagnosed by the referring veterinarians. Repeat radiographs at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) confirmed a single fishhook located in the middorsal thorax, spanning the 3rd to 6th intercostal spaces with an esophageal location prioritized. Concurrent pleural effusion, later identified as frank blood, made endoscopic retrieval unsafe due to possible great vessel involvement, necessitating surgical intervention.

We decided to carry out a lateral thoracotomy with assisted esophageal endoscopy to aid fishhook extraction. We discovered that the “bend” portion of the fishhook — the curved section between the barb and the shank — penetrated the esophagus and was lodged in the lumen of the descending aorta. Although the fishhook was successfully extracted manually, it caused severe hemorrhage, requiring multiple blood transfusions during surgery. Aortic hemostasis was achieved using hemoclips and the esophageal defect repaired under endoscopic assistance.

After surgery, a large quantity of blood was suctioned from the chest, raising concerns for potential hemoclip displacement and progressive aortic hemorrhage. Despite the administration of tranexamic acid and a plasma transfusion, stabilization efforts failed. Humane euthanasia was ultimately elected but the dog died before euthanasia could be undertaken. Postmortem examination confirmed the dislodgement of the hemoclips from the aorta led to exsanguination and the dog’s death.

Key clinical message:
This case demonstrates that relying solely on smooth hemoclips to control hemorrhage in the descending thoracic aorta of a dog may be insufficient. Successful management of esophageal-aortic fishhook injuries depends upon the sequence and direction of hook extraction, with normograde removal recommended to minimize aortic wall injury and better facilitate primary sutured repair.

Background
Sedation scales are commonly used to assess sedation levels in dogs, but no threshold scores exist to guide decisions on the need for additional sedatives.

Objective
The objectives were to determine sedation score thresholds for obtaining orthopedic radiographs without restraint, evaluate inter-rater reliability, and compare video and real-time scoring.

Animals and procedure
Dogs (N = 64) sedated for obtaining various orthopedic radiographs were scored using a validated sedation scale, both in real time (1 rater) and via video assessment (3 raters). Sedation threshold scores were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves and the Youden index based on a rater opinion (yes or no) of whether radiographs could be completed without restraint. Two thresholds were calculated: 1 for all radiograph types and 1 specifically for stifle radiographs. Discrimination between adequately and inadequately sedated dogs was evaluated via the area under the curve (AUC). Inter-rater reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient, and agreement between scoring methods was analyzed using the Bland-Altman approach.

Results
The threshold sedation scores were ≥ 16/21 (AUC = 0.71) for all radiographs and ≥ 12/21 (AUC = 0.77) for stifle radiographs, both indicating moderate ability to distinguish between adequately and inadequately sedated dogs. The inter-rater reliability of combined scores was very good (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.81) for all raters, and the mean bias between video and real-time scoring was -0.08.

Conclusion and clinical relevance
The determined threshold scores can assist clinicians in determining whether additional sedation is necessary. The sedation scale demonstrated high reliability and accuracy, particularly when scored via video.

Objective
The primary objective was to determine effectiveness of bovine coronavirus (BCoV) vaccination of neonatal calves in the face of natural respiratory infection in a commercial herd.

Animals
At a privately owned ranch in north-central Alberta with a history of bovine respiratory disease (BRD), beef calves of mixed sex and breed were randomized into a clinical vaccine trial.

Procedure
At birth, 447 calves were enrolled into the vaccine (VAC) group and administered an intranasal dose of BCoV vaccine, and 439 calves were enrolled as controls (CON). Most VAC calves (n = 389) also received an intramuscular dose of BCoV vaccine at an average of 49 d (SD: 7 d). Treatment for BRD and total mortality were recorded until pasture turnout. Weaning weights were collected at the end of the grazing season. A partial budget comparison included costs of vaccination and treatment, as well as potential revenues using weaning weights and regional sale summaries.

Results
Calves in the CON group were more likely than VAC calves to be treated before turnout vaccination (OR: 1.50; P = 0.048) and calves born in the 2nd cycle were more likely than 3rd-cycle calves to be treated for BRD (OR: 2.90; P = 0.01). The odds of mortality for CON calves born in the 2nd cycle were higher (OR: 4.8; P = 0.001) than for VAC calves. Weaning weights were higher for VAC calves (P = 0.04) and, despite increased costs due to vaccination, revenue for VAC calves was an average of $10.50/head higher.

Conclusion
Vaccination of neonatal calves with BCoV vaccine reduced the frequency of BRD treatment and total mortality and improved weaning weights and revenue potential in this herd.

Clinical relevance
Vaccination with commercial BCoV vaccines could be an important tool to control neonatal BRD, particularly in herds with a history of disease not responsive to other BRD vaccines.

Background
Acute lead toxicosis is a leading toxic etiology in western Canadian cattle herds. Automotive batteries are commonly accepted as the main source of lead for grazing cattle.

Objective
The objective was to characterize cases of acute lead poisoning in cattle in western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) based on submissions to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory from 2014 to 2024.

Procedure
This study was a diagnostic records review.

Results
From January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2024, 352 cattle were poisoned from 233 herds. Cases occurred annually (median: 33 cases, 13 herds). Most submissions occurred in June (n = 110); however, cases were documented monthly (median: 18 cases, 21 herds). Cases and herds affected were most frequent in Saskatchewan (51 and 49%, respectively), followed by Alberta > Manitoba > British Columbia. Diagnosis was made most often on a postmortem basis, particularly with fresh liver (n = 213; range: 1.7 to 1663 mg/kg wet weight). There were 128 cases diagnosed antemortem using whole blood (range: 0.33 to 6.5 mg/L). Most herds affected were beef breeds (98%). Poisoning was most frequently diagnosed in calves (n = 174).

Conclusion and clinical relevance
Acute lead poisoning continues to be a regular occurrence in western Canada. Pre-weaned calves during the months of May through July were at the greatest risk of lead poisoning in this study population.

Background
Organizations across private and not-for-profit sectors are increasingly seeking and mobilizing tools to increase accessibility of veterinary care. There is limited understanding of the barriers faced by Canadian organizations, especially from the perspectives of providers themselves.

Objective
This research sought to illustrate barriers to delivering accessible veterinary care faced by Canadian veterinary providers, using qualitative data from focus groups and interviews.

Participants and procedure
A total of 18 individuals participated in 3 focus groups and 4 interviews. Transcripts were qualitatively analyzed, using NVivo 14 software (Lumivero), by 2 independent coders employing a combination of emergent and a priori coding.

Results
Three codes and 17 subcodes, including structural (e.g., restrictive organizational policies, lack of funding), regulatory (e.g., additional requirements or approvals), and relational (e.g., challenges with continuity of care) barriers, were identified by participants.

Conclusion and clinical relevance
Barriers experienced by participants were interrelated and paralleled those reported by American animal welfare organizations and Canadian human healthcare and social service sectors. Mitigation of these barriers requires multilevel and coordinated changes and could be addressed through resource sharing and collaboration with human healthcare and social service sectors. Understanding structural/regulatory barriers from service providers’ perspectives offers a foundation for dialogue and action to mitigate these barriers.