Effect of Bipolar Radiofrequency Energy on Canine Stifle Joint Fluid Temperature.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bipolar radiofrequency (RF) energy on canine stifle joint fluid temperature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A standard stifle arthroscopy was performed on 15 canine large breed cadaveric stifle joints. A bipolar RF (VAPR III, 2.3-mm side effect electrode; Depuy Mitek, Raynham, Massachusetts, United States) unit was activated in the joint (1) with or without direct tissue contact, (2) with or without additional 18-gauge needle outflow and (3) for 15 and 30 seconds. The joint fluid temperature was monitored with two fibre optic intra-articular sensors. RESULTS: The stifle joint fluid temperature was significantly higher when there was no contact between the tissue and RF probe (mean: 58.6°C with 95% confidence interval [CI]: 53.3-64.0°C) compared with when tissue was contacted (mean: 29.0°C with 95% CI: 26.3-31.6°C). An 18-gauge egress needle had minimal effect on reducing joint fluid temperature. The temperature was higher during the 30-second application of RF energy than the 15-second group. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Bipolar RF energy without firm tissue contact rapidly and significantly increased joint fluid temperature beyond the level reported to damage chondrocytes (above 45°C). Caution is required in the use of bipolar RF energy in the canine stifle joint.

Computed tomographic assessment of a new nonsurgical sinus trephination technique using a medical bone marrow drill.

The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of trephination of the frontal sinus and injection of antifungal cream using a medical bone marrow drill in dogs. Results were compared with frontal sinus trephination using a standard surgical technique. Bilateral trephination of the frontal sinuses was carried out in the heads of 11 cadavers using a medical bone marrow drill and a surgical bone chuck. The time taken to carry out the procedure using both techniques was compared. Before and after injection of antifungal cream into the frontal sinuses, computed-tomography (CT) scanning was done to assess for iatrogenic trauma and to determine the degree to which the sinuses were filled with each technique and evaluate the diffusion of the cream into the nasal cavity of each dog. The mean volume of the sinuses was 8.8 mL (3.1 to 14.3 mL). Trephination, flushing, and injecting of antifungal cream were significantly faster using the medical technique. There was no significant difference in the mean filling of the frontal sinuses between the medical (82.7%) and the surgical (82.4%) technique (P-value = 0.3). Filling of the nasal cavity was classified as very good in 6/11 cases, with evidence of trauma caused by the surgical trephination technique in 1 head. Findings suggest that use of the medical bone marrow drill is highly feasible for frontal sinus trephination. Injection of antifungal cream into the frontal sinuses using the bone marrow needle resulted in good diffusion into the ipsilateral nasal cavity and could be used to treat aspergillosis when debridement or sinusoscopy is not deemed necessary.

L'objectif de cette étude est d'évaluer l'utilisation d'une perceuse de moelle osseuse pour la trépanation du sinus frontal et l'injection de crème antifungique chez le chien. Les résultats sont comparés à la trépanation du sinus par une technique chirurgicale classique. Les sinus frontaux de 11 têtes de cadavres de chiens ont été trépanés, en utilisant une perceuse pour moelle osseuse ou un trépan chirurgical. La durée de la procédure avec chaque technique est comparée. Les sinus frontaux sont examinés par tomodensitométrie avant et après injection de crème antifungique, afin de noter de potentielles lésions iatrogéniques, d'évaluer le degré de remplissage du sinus frontal pour chaque technique, et d'apprécier la diffusion de la crème dans les cavité nasales pour chaque chien. Le volume moyen des sinus était de 8,8 ml (3,1 à 14,3 ml). La trépanation, le flush et l'injection de crème antifungique étaient significativement plus rapide avec la perceuse médicale. Il n'y avait pas de différence significative entre le remplissage moyen des sinus par la technique médicale (82,7 %) ou chirurgicale (82,4 %) (P = 0,3). Le remplissage des cavités nasales était qualifié de très bon dans 6 cas sur 11. Une lésion iatrogénique fut constatée dans un cas, avec la technique chirurgicale. Ces résultats semblent montrer qu'une perceuse médicale pour moelle osseuse est facilement utilisable pour trépaner le sinus frontal chez le chien. L'injection de crème dans le sinus frontal par le trocart de la perceuse pour moelle osseuse permet un bon remplissage de la cavité nasale ipsilatérale, et pourrait donc être utilisée dans le cadre du traitement de l'aspergillose canine, dans les cas où un débridement du sinus n'est pas nécessaire.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Immune modulation by dendritic-cell-based cancer vaccines.

The interplay between host immunity and tumour cells has opened the possibility of targeting tumour cells by modulation of the human immune system. Cancer immunotherapy involves the treatment of a tumour by utilizing the recombinant human immune system components to target the pro-tumour microenvironment or by revitalizing the immune system with the ability to kill tumour cells by priming the immune cells with tumour antigens. In this review, current immunotherapy approaches to cancer with special focus on dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccines are discussed. Some of the DC-based vaccines under clinical trials for various cancer types are highlighted. Establishing tumour immunity involves a plethora of immune components and pathways; hence, combining chemotherapy, radiation therapy and various arms of immunotherapy, after analysing the benefits of individual therapeutic agents, might be beneficial to the patient.

Regression of a vaginal leiomyoma after ovariohysterectomy in a dog: a case report.

An 11 yr old female mixed-breed Siberian husky was presented with a history of sanguineous vaginal discharge, swelling of the perineal area, decreased appetite, and lethargy. A single, large vaginal leiomyoma and multiple mammary tumors were diagnosed. Mastectomy and ovariohysterectomy were performed. The vaginal leiomyoma regressed completely after ovariohysterectomy. This is the first reported case of spontaneous regression of a vaginal leiomyoma after ovariohysterectomy in a dog.