Stuart Carmichael

• University of Glasgow

Pain is a key feature of osteoarthritis. The generation of pain in osteoarthritis is complex and remains a constant threat that can never be completely eliminated throughout the course of the disease. The individual patient's ability to tolerate pain, especially chronic pain, is significant and often leads to an underestimation of the toll this is...

Aims: To compare short and long-term outcomes after tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) and lateral fabello-tibial suture (LFTS) techniques for the management of cranial cruciate ligament disease in small dogs with high tibial plateau angles (TPA). Methods: In this retrospective study, the medical records of two veterinary specialist pract...

Musculoskeletal problems are no less common in street dogs than in those living primarily indoors. It can be challenging to diagnose and manage such problems when there are only limited opportunities for investigating initial findings. Skills in history taking and physical examination are paramount. Common examples are given.

Background: Overweight and obesity have been adversely associated with longevity in dogs but there is scarce knowledge on the relation between body composition and lifespan. We aimed to investigate the effects of body composition, and within-dog changes over time, on survival in adult Labradors using a prospective cohort study design. The dogs had...

A panel of veterinary and academic experts reviewed current available evidence on age at death for Labrador and reached a consensus that their average/typical lifespan was 12 years of age (Adams and others, 2016). A prospective cohort study that described the longevity of 39 pedigree adult neutered Labradors, showed that 89.7% lived to meet/exceed...

Background: The aim of this study was to describe the longevity and causes of mortality in 39 (12 males, 27 females) pedigree adult neutered Labrador retrievers with a median age of 6.5 years at the start of the study and kept under similar housing and management conditions. Body condition score was maintained between two and four on a 5-point sca...

To report the computed tomographic (CT) documentation of humeral intracondylar fissure (HIF) developing after complete ossification of the humeral condyle (HC). Clinical report. Male 3 year old working (English) Cocker Spaniel. Sequential CT screening (659-day interval between analyses). A sagittal hypodense fissure typical of incomplete ossificati...

Forty-five cases of canine Achilles mechanism disruption were reviewed, mostly involving medium-sized dogs, among which dobermanns, labradors and border collies were most commonly represented. Most cases were acute in onset (66.7 per cent), and were usually closed injuries (75.6 per cent). In the majority of cases, the damage involved all tendons (...

To describe the novel use of circular external skeletal fixation (CESF) for repair of bilateral fractures of the caudal aspect of the mandibles. Clinical report. A 5-month-old female Newfoundland. A 2-ring CESF was used to immobilize the mandible relative to the maxillae. Anatomic dental occlusion and reduction of the right hemimandible were achiev...

This paper describes the effect of weight loss on lameness in obese dogs with osteoarthritis (OA). Fourteen obese client-owned dogs with clinical and radiographic signs of OA participated in an open prospective clinical trial. After a screening visit and a visit for collection of baseline data, the dogs were fed a restricted-calorie diet over a stu...

Pancarpal and partial carpal arthrodesis were performed in 22 carpi (20 cats) using various surgical methods. Short and long-term outcomes were assessed using a retrospective review of the case notes and via owner questionnaires. Carpal arthrodesis was associated with complications that did not affect the functional outcome, and in most cases, did...

To investigate the effect of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) on the proximal tibial soft tissue envelope with and without use of protective gauze sponges, and to determine whether the action of an oscillating saw blade on the gauze sponges would result in retention of particulate cotton debris. Cadaveric study. Medium to large breed dog ca...

Introduction: This study documents a retrospective review of the case histories of 20 cats with various carpal disorders that were treated by PCA or ParCA. We describe the clinical findings of the injuries, the surgical technique of CA and long-term outcome of CA for this population of cats. Materials and Methods: Pancarpal and partial carpal arth...

Two Domestic Shorthaired cats were admitted after sustaining a traumatic lateral elbow luxation. Non-surgical management with reduction and external coaptation was unsuccessful at maintaining reduction. At surgery, the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) was intact but grossly elongated in one case, and ruptured in the other. Trans-condylar, trans-ra...

Computed tomography (CT) imaging is an important component in the pre-operative assessment of pelvic fractures in humans. The value of CT images in the management of small animal pelvic fractures is presently undetermined. The objective of this study was to investigate the benefits of CT images on the management of pelvic fractures. A prospective s...

Trochlear notch sclerosis (TNS) as assessed by radiography has been shown to be increased in elbow dysplasia (ED) associated medial coronoid process disease (MCD). The aims of this study were to investigate whether two defined radiographic tests evaluating TNS would increase the sensitivity of detecting osteoarthritis secondary to MCD, and to asses...

Obesity is an increasingly important health problem for both man and dog. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant cause of pain and disability in both species. A link between obesity and OA has been established in man, though the exact mechanism of the relationship remains to be fully elucidated - current research supports both biomechanical and bioch...

A review of 20 consecutive cases of intercondylar humeral fracture in dogs referred to Glasgow University Veterinary School (GUVS) was made. The majority of fractures followed apparently minimal trauma to adult animals. All cases were managed by open reduction and internal fixation. Some aspects of the authors preferred surgical technique are discu...

Four cases of radial carpal bone luxation in dogs seen at Glasgow University Veterinary School in a period of six years are described. Three were border collie types. Two of these were working sheepdogs and the third was an agility triallist. The fourth was a rough collie. All were adult, two were male and two were female. Three cases were of short...

Nine dogs with single condylar fractures of the distal femur are described. In eight of the nine animals the medial condyle had fractured. Trauma is important in the production of this fracture as seven of the nine affected animals had a clinical history of having been suspended by the affected leg and struggling to free it. Clinically, pain and co...

ABSTRACTA severely comminuted fracture of the distal tibia, in a rabbit, was successfully treated by the application of Kirschner-Ehmer external fixator. The principles used in applying the apparatus are outlined, indicating its suitability of use in a variety of situations.

To assess the ability of an operator to differentiate intact from transected canine and feline elbow joint collateral ligaments (CL) using a reported manipulative test (Campbell's test) and to determine the potential for elbow joint luxation in canine and feline elbows with intact, transected, and surgically stabilized CL. In vitro biomechanical st...

The long-term outcome for dogs treated non-surgically for clinical signs of canine hip dysplasia were evaluated retrospectively; 74 dogs were evaluated by a postal questionnaire sent to their owners, and 24 of these were also evaluated by a veterinary clinical examination. A total of 11 outcome variables were evaluated. Depending on the variable as...

Avulsion of the insertion of the triceps tendon, which had a pre-existing tendinopathy, is described in a cat. The tendon was re-attached to the olecranon and the repair was immobilised using a type la trans-articular external skeletal fixator. The treatment was successful, however, mild and intermittent lameness persisted. Although it is an uncomm...

This study describes the contour and volume of reconstructed mandibles using recombinant human osteogenic protein 1. The investigation was conducted on six adult sheep, where a unilateral 35 mm parasymphyseal osteoperiosteal continuity defect of the mandible was created. Recombinant human osteogenic protein 1 and type-I collagen (as carrier) were a...

To assess the accuracy of reconstructed computed tomography for imaging canine elbow joint spaces. Computed tomography scans of eight cadaveric elbows were obtained and reconstructed computed tomography images were formatted in the dorsal and sagittal planes. Humeroradial and humeroulnar joint space measurements were obtained from these images. Int...

Stabilisation of distal diaphyseal/metaphyseal fractures or osteotomies of the tibia and the radius is challenging due to the small fragment size, with innovative implants and external skeletal fixation systems described for their management. Hybrid external skeletal fixation is a novel external fixation system for use in small animals. This case s...

The prevalence of radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease (including appendicular osteoarthritis) among a hospital population of 218 cats was 33.9 per cent (74 cats), and the prevalence of signs of appendicular joint osteoarthritis was 16.5 per cent (36 cats). Half of the cases of appendicular joint osteoarthritis had no apparent radiograp...

A retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate elbow joint congruency in dogs suffering fragmented coronoid process (FCP). Based on clinical, radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) examinations, elbows were divided into control and FCP groups. Standardised CT reconstructions were formatted in the frontal and sagittal planes. Humeroradial and...

To characterise the presenting signs and pathological changes of canine bacterial infective arthritis in 31 dogs, and to document the response to different treatment regimens. Risk factors that may predispose joints to bacterial infective arthritis and influence the success of treatment were also investigated. A retrospective review of cases of bac...

The trotting gait of 10 sound, adult labrador retrievers was analysed using kinematic gait analysis on a purpose-built treadmill using video-based motion analysis software. The maximal angular displacement, minimal angular displacement, average angular displacement, and the maximal positive and negative angular velocities of the right elbow and rig...

We describe a new minimally invasive vascularised bone segment (VBS) for experimental reconstruction of the mandible. The study was validated and the feasibility was tested on fresh sheep cadavers. The integrity of the arterial blood supply was confirmed using inferior dental artery static arteriography. A pilot investigation was conducted on two a...

To determine clinical signs, laboratory findings, relationship to vaccination, and response to treatment for type I immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) in dogs. Retrospective study. 39 dogs Clinical records and radiographic reports from 3 university referral hospitals were reviewed. Clinical signs, laboratory and investigative findings, relationsh...

Objective—To determine clinical signs, laboratory findings, relationship to vaccination, and response to treatment for type I immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) in dogs. Design—Retrospective study. Animals—39 dogs. Procedure—Clinical records and radiographic reports from 3 university referral hospitals were reviewed. Clinical signs, laboratory an...

The healing of 62 cases of radial and tibial fractures treated with low-stiffness Kirschner-Ehmer external skeletal fixation frames (frame types 1a, 1a plus intramedullary pin [1aIMP], 1b and 2b) was evaluated. The mean time to clinical union was 65 days. All cases treated with 1b, 2b or 1aIMP frames healed. Four of 25 cases treated with 1a frames...

Carpal bone agenesis and bifurcation of the distal radial physis were diagnosed in a domestic short haired cat. Until skeletal maturity, the animal was treated conservatively, and the condition was then treated by antebrachiometacarpal arthrodesis using dorsal stacked 1.5-mm veterinary cuttable plates and a supplementary cross pin. Following the op...

Mandibular fractures in 17 dogs and in eight cats were managed using external skeletal fixation (ESF) with acrylic or epoxy resin connecting bars. In order to maintain dental occlusion during fracture repair pharyngostomy or tracheostomy was performed in 12 dogs and in six cats to permit inhalational anaesthesia during surgery. All of the fractures...

A novel technique for the repair of a chronically lacerated patellar ligament in a pet greyhound is described. The injury had been sustained traumatically, and a previous surgical repair had proved unsuccessful. On further surgical investigation, identification of the ruptured ligament ends was not possible. A double fascia lata graft was employed...

Ten dogs were presented with fractures of the proximal tibial epiphysis and tuberosity. All dogs had a cranioproximal-caudodistal angulation of the tibial plateau. Six dogs had marked caudal displacement of the proximal tibial epiphysis, five of which had also sustained fractures of the proximal fibula. The estimated mean angle of inclination of th...

This case report describes a traumatic fracture of the lesser tuberosity of the humerus in a one-year-old dog. Conservative management failed to allow healing, and pronounced medial instability of the shoulder and partial rupture of the biceps brachii tendon developed. Tenodesis of the biceps brachii tendon and repair of the fractured lesser tubero...

Radiographs of 74 dogs (84 stifles) presented with a cranial cruciate ligament rupture and surgically treated using a lateral extracapsular wire (LEW) were reviewed. A strand of orthopaedic wire was surgically placed caudally around the lateral fabella and through a predrilled hole in the tibial crest. At six week follow-up, the LEW was broken at l...

While the use of external skeletal fixation was once associated with substantial postoperative morbidity, clinical and experimental studies have led to technological advances and modifications in application techniques that have greatly improved the results obtained with this treatment modality. The past decade saw numerous advances in external ske...

We conducted a longitudinal, retrospective investigation of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial isolates obtained from canine and feline clinical cases in veterinary community practice in UK (1989-1997). Individual-drug resistance was examined using isolates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. as Gram-negative and Gram-positive indicator...

Five cats with fracture of the talar neck were treated using external skeletal fixation (ESF). In four of the cases, ESF was the only fixation technique used and this was applied in a closed manner coupled with traction. In the remaining cat, ESF was used in combination with a lag screw. All the fractures eventually healed, demonstrating that ESF p...

Between 1977 and 1992, 15 adult dogs were presented to the Universities of Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool and London with fractures of the radial carpal bone which had occurred without a known episode of violent trauma. Eleven of the dogs were boxers and the other breeds affected were a Pharaoh hound, rottweiler, springer spaniel and a greyhound. The...

A longitudinal, retrospective investigation was made of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial isolates obtained from clinical cases in a small animal hospital between 1989 and 1997. Isolates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus species were used as Gram-negative and Gram-positive indicator organisms, respectively, and the annual prevalence of ant...

Thirteen pancarpal arthrodeses were performed in eleven dogs at the University of Glasgow Veterinary School. All of the animals were presented as referral patients. Two of the eleven dogs had the procedure carried out in both carpi. The arthrodeses were carried out using a 2.7/3.5 mm hybrid dynamic compression platea. The animals were between 1 yea...

Assessments of direct smears of synovial fluid by four clinicians were compared with the results obtained with a Coulter counter. Estimates of total white cell counts by the clinicians were inaccurate and generally higher than the Coulter counter results. The method had a low sensitivity and specificity for the identification of degenerative joint...

The case histories of 8 dogs with spinal pain and neurologic deficits associated with vertebral plasma cell tumor are reviewed. Four dogs had solitary plasmacytoma, 3 had multiple myeloma, and 1 dog had 2 vertebral lesions with no evidence of disseminated disease. Four dogs were treated: 2 with multiple myeloma received chemotherapy only and surviv...

A study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of two surgical techniques for the treatment of caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy (CCSM): ventral decompression (slot) and vertebral distraction and stabilisation with a screw and washer (screw/washer). Twenty-eight dobermanns managed surgically for disc-associated CCSM during a four-year period were...

This paper describes 17 cats that developed an idiopathic necrosis of the femoral neck. In four cats the lesions were bilateral when they were first examined and five cats developed lesions in the other limb within five months. They were all male cats, two years old or younger, and 15 had been neutered. The initial sign was a vague lameness which t...

An eight-month-old female German shepherd dog had pathological fractures affecting the distal radius and ulna and ribs. Radiographically, there were bilaterally symmetrical osteolytic lesions affecting the metaphyses of multiple long bones, ribs and skull and the dog had splenomegaly. Histologically, the spleen, thymus and bones were infiltrated wi...

Thirteen feline humeral fractures were stabilized using external skeletal fixation alone or in combination with supplementary devices. Eleven of the 13 fractures healed. Pins placed in the distal humerus should be angled to avoid the supracondylar foramen and radial nerve. An intramedullary pin in combination with external skeletal fixation is indi...

A caudolateral radial head luxation and concurrent distal humeroulnar subluxation were diagnosed in the left forelimb of a five-month-old Shih Tzu. The problems were treated successfully by proximal ulna osteotomy, reduction of the radial head luxation and placement of a transarticular external skeletal fixator (TESF). Three weeks postoperatively t...

A nine-week-old labrador was presented with a deformed left forelimb causing obvious lameness. Radiographs suggested that the dog had suffered a fracture involving the radius and ulna which had healed resulting in a synostosis. There was a concurrent radial physeal injury. The dog was treated initially by osteotomy of the radius and ulna stabilised...

This paper reports the results of fixation of 35 femoral fractures in cats using an external skeletal fixator alone or in combination with supplementary devices. All the fractures healed. The average time to fixator removal was eight weeks and two days. The external skeletal fixator offers a method of repairing many types of femoral fractures in ca...

A two-month survey of small animal orthopaedic conditions was conducted by members of British Veterinary Orthopaedic association. Clinicians from 42 clinics participated from a variety of practice including referral, primary care and teaching institutions. A total of 1627 cases were recorded. The case load was dominated by dogs with evidence that i...

The external fixator is an increasingly popular means of fracture fixation in small animals. Pins inserted into the affected bone are clamped to a rigid metal rod adjacent to the limb, thus neutralising forces through the bone. This system of fixation is versatile and inexpensive, and is well suited to treatment of a variety of small animal and exo...

A family of bull mastiff pups in which 16 animals developed certain neurological signs is described. It is probable that the disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Clinical and pathological examination of six animals revealed ataxia, behavioural abnormalities and a visual defect associated with symmetrical lesions in the cerebellar...

A reduction in local glucose utilization occurs in the superficial layer of the superior colliculus of rats following exposure to 0.5% 2,5-hexanedione in drinking water for 3 weeks. Axonal pathology, with increased neurofilaments and swelling, is seen at about 5 weeks in the distal portions of the optic pathways to the superior colliculus. These le...

A two-year-old rough collie bitch with a five-week history of excess salivation, coughing and dysphagia was examined. The dog had bilateral sensory loss over the whole trigeminal field while motor function of the fifth cranial nerve was preserved. No other neurological abnormalities were detected. The dog was observed over 18 months during which th...

Five cases of bacterial discospondylitis in dogs are described. The clinical features included spinal pain, stiffness, lameness and in some cases a neurological deficit. Radiography proved the best aid to diagnosis and demonstrated bony destruction adjacent to an irregular disc space with sclerosis of the centra. Surgical curettage of the infected...

Seven cases with tumours localised in the brachial plexus are described. The main clinical features were a progressive lameness in one forelimb with marked muscle atrophy and very obvious but non-localizable pain. A palpable lump in the axilla was present in less than half the cases. Ancillary aids contributed little in the diagnosis except for ele...

The nature of the infertility in 19 bitches was investigated: 10 animals were considered to be normal on the basis of their sexual behaviour, vaginal cytology and plasma oestrogen and progesterone concentrations. Successful conception and whelping occurred for 6 of the 10 bitches. The previous apparent infertility was probably attributable to defec...

Griffiths I.R., Duncan I.D., McCulloch M. & Carmichael S. (1980) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology 6, 421–432 Further studies of the central nervous system in canine giant axonal neuropathy The CNS of three further cases of canine giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) were examined. The axonal swellings were present in the distal portions of the spin...