Retrospective evaluation of traumatic pneumomediastinum in dogs and cats (2005-2022): 52 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence, etiology, clinical signs, diagnostics, treatments, and outcome of noniatrogenic traumatic pneumomediastinum (TPM) in dogs and cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study of cases (2005-2022). SETTING: University veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Fifty-two patients (29 dogs, 23 cats). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Data collected from the medical records included signalment, physical examination findings, animal trauma triage (ATT) score, clinicopathological data, imaging data, surgical intervention, length of hospitalization, supportive care, complications, and outcome. Most dogs presented with tachycardia and tachypnea, while cats presented with hypothermia and tachypnea. Subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, and dyspnea were the most common clinical signs for both species. The median calculated ATT score was 3.5 in dogs and 4 in cats. The most common radiographic abnormalities other than pneumomediastinum were pneumothorax and lung contusions. The overall mortality rate was 18%, with a significantly higher survival rate in dogs (26/28 dogs [93%], 15/22 cats (68%); P = 0.03). Outcome was unknown in 1 dog and 1 cat. The only significant difference in treatment between survivors and nonsurvivors was the requirement in dogs for positive pressure ventilation. The median hospitalization period was 2 days for both species, with a shorter hospitalization in the nonsurvivors (0.6 vs 2 days, respectively; P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: TPM is an infrequent pathology in veterinary medicine and may be seen without an externally obvious injury. The most common causes for TPM in dogs were vehicular trauma and bite wounds, while high-rise syndrome was the most common cause in cats. Most of the cases have concurrent pneumothorax and require thoracocentesis; however, direct intervention to treat TPM is not usually required. The vast majority of cases did not undergo surgery to treat TPM. The prognosis for dogs with TPM was good but was guarded for cats.

Effect of Perineal Urethrostomy on the Length of the Urethra of the Cat: A Cadaveric Study.

Perineal urethrostomy in cats is indicated for urethral pathologies located distal to the bulbourethral glands. The description of the bulbourethral glands as the cranial landmark when performing a PU is based on the increased urethral diameter at this location, rather than on an anatomical limitation. This suggests that urethral pathologies cranial to the bulbourethral glands could potentially be treated with PU. At present, the extent to which the pelvic urethra can be mobilized is unknown. Characterization and quantification of the effect of PU on the pelvic urethra is required prior to attempting to define the location of the pelvic urethra, cranial to the bulbourethral glands, which can be exteriorized when performing a PU. Our aim was to characterize and quantify the effect of performing a PU on the location and length of the pelvic urethra. METHODS: Ten male feline cadavers were used, and four markers were placed on the pelvic urethra via a ventral approach to the peritoneal and pelvic cavities. Two orthogonal radiographic views were acquired prior and subsequent to performing a PU. The distance of each marker to a predefined landmark/origin and the distances of the markers relative to each other were measured on all radiographs. RESULTS: PU resulted in significant caudal translation of the markers relative to the predefined landmark on all radiographic views; however, PU did not result in a significant change in the distances between the markers. CONCLUSIONS: Performing a PU results in caudal translation and minimal stretching of the mobilized pelvic urethra.

Aetiology, clinical parameters and outcome in 113 dogs surgically treated for septic peritonitis (2004-2020).

BACKGROUND: Septic peritonitis (SP) is a common life-threatening condition. The aims of this study were to describe the aetiology, clinicopathological abnormalities, complications, treatment, outcome and prognosis of dogs with SP. METHODS: Records of 113 dogs diagnosed and surgically treated for SP between 2004 and 2020 were reviewed. RESULTS: Overall survival rate was 74.3%. Parameters at presentation that were significantly associated with mortality were lateral recumbency (p = 0.001) and elevated respiratory rate (p = 0.045). Hypotension during or after surgery (p < 0.001), liver injury (p < 0.001) and acute kidney injury (p < 0.001) were also more common in non-survivors. The source of contamination, number of surgeries or the location of perforation in cases of gastrointestinal tract perforation were not associated with mortality. Delta glucose (serum vs. abdominal) was available in 36 out of 113 dogs and the difference was more than 20 mg/dl in only 22 of out 36 (61.1%) cases. CONCLUSION: Liver and kidney injuries play a role in mortality, and early diagnosis and intervention are recommended to prevent multiple organ dysfunction and death. The reported high sensitivity of delta glucose is questionable in diagnosis of SP.

Dog bite wounds in cats: a retrospective study of 72 cases.

OBJECTIVES: Bite wounds are a common cause of trauma in cats; nevertheless, large-scale studies of this trauma in cats are lacking. The aims of the present study were to characterise the clinical and clinicopathological findings in these cats, to assess the association of these variables and therapeutic measures with survival, and to assess the association between the animal trauma triage (ATT) score and severity of injuries score (SS) at presentation with survival. METHODS: The medical records of cats presented to a veterinary teaching hospital and two large referral clinics were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The study included 72 cats diagnosed with canine bite wounds (with the dog attacks having been witnessed). Seventy-one percent of cats suffered multiple injuries, and there was a significant association between the number of injured body areas and survival, and between severity of injury and survival (P = 0.02 and P = 0.012, respectively). The median ATT scores and SSs for non-survivors were significantly higher compared with survivors (P <0.0001). There was a strong and significant correlation between ATT scores and SSs (r = 0.704, P <0.0001). Total protein and albumin were significantly lower and alanine aminotransferase significantly higher in non-survivors compared with survivors (P ⩽0.032). Fifty percent of cats were treated conservatively, 32% by local surgical debridement and 18% of cats required an exploratory procedure. Cats undergoing more aggressive treatments were significantly less likely to survive (P = 0.029). Fifty-seven cats (79%) survived to discharge. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Cats sustaining canine bite wounds have a good overall prognosis for survival to discharge. High ATT score, high SS, multiple body area injuries, penetrating injuries, radiographic evidence of vertebral body fractures and body wall abnormalities, as well as hypoproteinaemia and elevated alanine aminotransferase, are negative predictors of survival.

Balloon expandable aortic stent-graft for the treatment of aortic aneurysm and rupture in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the successful placement of an aortic stent graft in a dog suffering from aortic aneurysm and rupture. CASE SUMMARY: A 4-year-old neutered female mixed breed dog weighing 25 kg was presented with a chief complaint of acute onset of weakness and respiratory distress. On presentation, the dog was lateral and unresponsive, hypothermic, tachycardic, and tachypneic. Pleural effusion was identified in the right hemi-thorax on thoracic-focused sonographic scan for trauma. Thoracic radiographs showed a fluid/soft tissue opacity in the cranial mediastinum and pleural effusion on the right side. Thoracocentesis yielded noncoagulating blood. Hematology revealed normal PCV and total plasma protein that decreased within 24 hours to 20% and 50 g/L (20%/5.0 g/dL), respectively. The dog was treated with IV fluids, tranexamic acid, and fresh frozen plasma. An aortic aneurysm with irregular mineralization of the right ventrolateral aortic wall was identified on computed tomography examination, which also demonstrated a peri-aortic hematoma. A decision was made to attempt treatment with a stent graft. Under general anesthesia, a marker catheter was inserted into the esophagus. A 10-Fr sheath was inserted into the right femoral artery, and an angiography catheter was advanced over a wire. After angiography, a stent graft (12-mm × 50-mm) was placed over the guide wire and deployed under fluoroscopic guidance. The dog recovered uneventfully, with no evidence of recurrent bleeding, and was discharged 2 days after the procedure with antimicrobials, anthelmintic, and antithrombotic treatment. At 90-day follow-up, the dog was doing well, and stent position was radiographically confirmed. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This report describes successful management of aortic aneurysm and dissection, an uncommon and challenging pathology in the veterinary practice with few available treatment options. Stent graft placement is a minimally invasive procedure in which a covered stent is placed over the lesion to prevent rupture.

Treatment of a Congenital Imperforate Vestibulovaginal Junction and Secondary Hydrocolpos With Endoscopic Laser Ablation in Two Dogs.

Two dogs were evaluated for clinical signs including dysuria, stranguria, and/or dyschezia. Physical examination findings were consistent with a caudal abdominal and intra-pelvic mass. Imaging with abdominal ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a tubular fluid-filled structure. In 1 dog computed tomography identified the fluid-filled structure to be the vagina and hydrocolpos was suspected. Endoscopic evaluation of the urogenital tracts identified imperforate vaginas in both dogs, and endoscopic-guided laser ablation was used to create a vaginal opening into the vestibule. Initial response to treatment was positive in both dogs, although 1 dog developed a recurrence of hydrocolpos 1-month after treatment. Endoscopic laser ablation provided a minimally invasive option for opening an imperforate vagina and no procedural complications occurred. Further evaluation is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of this procedure.

Cranial translation of the elevated prepuce in dogs before and after two modifications: A cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify cranial translation of the prepuce after elevating it from the ventral body wall and to compare it to the cranial translation achieved after each of two modifications expected to increase cranial translation. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Ten male dogs. METHODS: All procedures were performed with dogs in dorsal recumbency. A urinary catheter with an attached millimeter scale was secured in the urethra and the penis was sutured to the ventral body wall to eliminate relative movement between the penis and prepuce. Three preplaced sutures between the prepuce and linea alba, at increasing distances from the prepuce, were used to translate the prepuce cranially. The prepuce was tested after elevating it from the ventral body wall, and after sequentially releasing the skin caudal to the prepuce (modification 1) and the attachment of the lamina interna to the penis (modification 2). The preplaced sutures were tightened and loosened sequentially from caudal to cranial, and the location of the dorsal aspect of the preputial opening on the millimeter scale was noted prior to, and after tightening each of the sutures. RESULTS: Maximum mean (range) cranial translation of the prepuce after elevating the prepuce, and after modifications 1 and 2, was 15 mm (5-26 mm), 25 mm (15-30 mm), and 37 mm (24-50 mm), respectively. CONCLUSION: Modifications described increased cranial translation of the prepuce. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Modifications described in this study may provide alternate strategies for the treatment of dogs with severe paraphimosis.

The influence of estrogen deficiency on the structural and mechanical properties of rat cortical bone.

BACKGROUND: Post-menopausal osteoporosis is a common health problem worldwide, most commonly caused by estrogen deficiency. Most of the information regarding the skeletal effects of this disease relates to trabecular bone, while cortical bone is less studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of estrogen deficiency on the structure and mechanical properties of cortical bone. METHODS: Eight ovariectomized (OVH) and eight intact (control) Sprague Dawley rats were used.Structural features of femoral cortical bone were studied by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron-based microcomputer-tomography and their mechanical properties determined by nano-indentation. RESULTS: Cortical bone of both study groups contains two distinct regions: organized circumferential lamellae and disordered bone with highly mineralized cartilaginous islands. Lacunar volume was lower in the OVH group both in the lamellar and disorganized regions (182 ± 75 µm3 vs 232 ± 106 µm3, P < 0.001 and 195 ± 86 µm3 vs. 247 ± 106 µm3, P < 0.001, respectively). Lacunar density was also lower in both bone regions of the OVH group (40 ± 18 ×103 lacunae/mm3 vs. 47 ± 9×103 lacunae/mm3 in the lamellar region, P = 0.003 and 63 ± 18×103lacunae/mm3 vs. 75 ± 13×103 lacunae/mm3 in the disorganized region, P < 0.001). Vascular canal volume was lower in the disorganized region of the bone in the OVH group compared to the same region in the control group (P < 0.001). Indentation moduli were not different between the study groups in both bone regions. DISCUSSION: Changes to cortical bone associated with estrogen deficiency in rats require high-resolution methods for detection. Caution is required in the application of these results to humans due to major structural differences between human and rat bone.

The effect of the interosseous ligament and selected antebrachiocarpal ligaments on rotation of the radius during extension of the carpus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the interosseous ligament and selected antebrachiocarpal ligaments on the internal rotation of the radius relative to the ulna, during carpal extension. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Twenty-four cadaveric canine forelimbs. METHODS: Twenty-four forelimbs were disarticulated at the elbow joint and the antebrachia were prepared for testing. The forelimbs were divided to 6 groups, defined by the order in which ligaments were transected. All specimens were tested intact and after transecting each of the ligaments with the order defined by the group. Rotation of the radius relative to the ulna, caused by extension of the carpus, was measured using a sensor connected to the radius. RESULTS: The mean(±sd) maximum internal rotation of the radius (5.94° ± (1.23°)) with all the ligaments intact was significantly greater (p < 0.012) than the mean(±sd) maximum internal rotation of the radius (3.13° (± 1.13°)) after transecting the interosseus ligament. Transecting the interosseous ligament subsequent to one of the other ligaments caused a decrease in internal radial rotation (p = 0.629), while, transecting the short radial collateral ligament caused an increase in radial rotation (p = 0.629). Transecting the palmar radiocarpal and ulnocarpal ligaments had no effect on radial rotation. CONCLUSION: The interosseous ligament was stretched with internal rotation of the radius due to carpal extension. Carpal flexion resulted in external rotation of the radius. This effect was lost when the interosseus ligament was transected. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Rotation of the radius is associated with carpal extension, and is likely an intrinsic part of forelimb biomechanics.

Evaluation of cross-linked gelatin as a bulking agent for the management of urinary sphincter mechanism incompetence in female dogs.

BACKGROUND: Bulking agent implantation is a minimally invasive intervention for the management of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI). HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the novel bulking agent VetFoam for the management of urinary incontinence in female dogs diagnosed with USMI. ANIMALS: Fifteen client-owned female dogs. METHODS: Prospective study. Female dogs diagnosed with USMI, refractory, or unamenable to medical treatment were included. VetFoam was injected under endoscopic guidance into the urethral submucosa. Continence score was evaluated before and after the procedure and monthly thereafter. RESULTS: Twenty-two injection procedures were performed in 15 dogs (5 dogs underwent >1 procedure). Median age of all dogs at the time of the procedure was 111 months (range, 18-180). Median continence score significantly increased after, compared with before bulking agent injection (1.5; range, 1.0-3.5 versus 4.0; range, 1.5-5 respectively; P < .001; effect size, 2.6). Continence was achieved in 13/15 (87%) dogs after the first procedure and in 7/7 (100%) repeated procedures. Overall, 20/22 (91%) procedures resulted in high (≥4) continence scores at time of first follow-up. Mean duration of continence was 11.1 months (SD, 10.7) after the first injection. One dog (7%) developed self-limiting stranguria, pollakiuria, and tenesmus while no other apparent adverse effects were recognized in the other dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: VetFoam is an apparently safe, effective novel bulking agent, which can be used as an alternative for the management of USMI.

Use of bilateral superficial gluteal muscle flaps for the repair of ventral perineal hernia in dogs: A cadaveric study and short case series.

OBJECTIVE: To describe bilateral mobilization of the superficial gluteal muscle (SGM) to treat ventral perineal hernias in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric study and short case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Male dog cadavers (n = 10) weighing between 5 and 42 kg and three dogs treated for ventral perineal hernia. METHODS: Cadavers were positioned in right and left lateral recumbency to free the origin and insertion of the ipsilateral SGM except for muscle fibers originating on the first tail vertebra and sacrotuberous ligament. The dogs were placed in ventral recumbency to approach the perineum and rotate the muscle flaps. The insertions of the SGM were sutured together ventral to the anal sphincter muscle. The dorsal border of the overlapping tendons was sutured to the anal sphincter muscle, and the ventral border was sutured to the ischiourethralis muscle. The amount of overlap between bilateral flaps was measured. The SGM flaps were used to revise recurrent perineal hernias in three dogs. RESULTS: Superficial gluteal muscle flaps were created without damage to the blood supply in all dogs. The overlap between the bilateral flaps ventral to the anal sphincter measured 0 to 2.4 cm. No recurrence was detected at follow-up (6-12 months) in the three dogs treated with these flaps. CONCLUSION: Superficial gluteal muscle flaps were mobilized without damage to the blood supply and crossed the midline ventral to the anal sphincter. Flaps were used successfully to repair ventral perineal hernias in three dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Bilateral SGM flaps can be considered to repair ventral perineal hernias.

Perioperative urinary heat shock protein 72 as an early marker of acute kidney injury in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: Acute kidney injury (AKI) may be a complication in dogs undergoing surgery. Urinary heat shock protein 72 (uHSP72) is a sensitive biomarker of canine AKI. To assess the occurrence of perioperative AKI, based on uHSP72 compared with serum creatinine (sCr), and whether its occurrence is associated with the American Society of Anesthesiology physical status (ASA status). STUDY DESIGN: Clinical prospective study. ANIMALS: A total of 80 client-owned and shelter dogs. METHODS: Dogs scheduled for elective or emergency surgery were assigned ASA status (ASA I-IV). Preoperative and 24 hour postoperative serum and urine samples were collected. sCr, uHSP72 and urinary creatinine (uCr) were measured. RESULTS: Postoperative uHSP72/uCr concentration [median (range)] of all dogs undergoing surgery [2.40 (0.14-252) ng mg-1] was significantly increased compared with preoperative uHSP72/uCr [1.30 (0.11-142) ng mg-1] concentration (p < 0.001). Conversely, postoperative sCr concentration of all dogs [0.88 (0.3-1.6) mg dL-1] significantly decreased compared with preoperative sCr concentration [0.8 (0.2-5.0) mg dL-1; p = 0.001]. Median uHSP72/uCr concentration differed both preoperatively (p = 0.007) and postoperatively (p = 0.019) among the ASA status groups. Increased uHSP/uCr was measured in 20 dogs preoperatively and 33 dogs postoperatively, whereas only five dogs fulfilled the criteria of AKI based on sCr. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of increased uHSP72/uCr perioperatively suggests that the proportion of dogs with AKI is considerably higher than perceived. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dogs undergoing surgery should be closely monitored for AKI before and after anesthesia, using currently available markers (e.g., sCr) and more sensitive markers.

Acute mesenteric ischemia-like syndrome associated with suspected Spirocerca lupi aberrant migration in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe acute mesenteric infarction due to suspected Spirocerca lupi aberrant migration in 5 dogs. CASE SERIES SUMMARY: All dogs were large breed, none of which exhibited typical clinical signs associated with spirocercosis. All dogs were eventually diagnosed with septic peritonitis. On exploratory laparotomy, thickening of the jejunal arteries, surrounding mesojejunum, and segmental necrosis were identified. Similar thickening and hematoma formation were found in other regions of the mesentery. In 4 of the cases, the necrotic segment was located in the distal jejunum. Histology revealed thrombotic mesenteric vessels with intralesional S. lupi nematode larvae. Resection and anastomosis of the necrosed section was performed and all but 1 dog survived and were discharged within 1-6 days. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: Spirocerca lupi is a potential cause of mesenteric infarction in endemic areas when no other obvious etiology is identified.

The structure, composition and mechanical properties of the skeleton of the naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber).

The naked mole-rat (NMR) is a small rodent with a remarkable array of properties, such as unique physiology, extremely long life-span and unusual social life. However, very little is known regarding its skeleton. The aim of this study was to describe the structure, composition and mechanical properties in an ontogenetic series of naked mole-rat bones. Since common small rodents like mice and rats have an unusual structure of cortical bone, which includes a central region of non-lamellar (disordered) bone, mineralized cartilaginous islands and total lack of remodeling, this study could also determine if these are features of all small rodents. Sixty-one NMRs were included in the study and were divided into the following four age groups: 0-0.5 years old (n = 17), 0.5-3 years old (n = 25), 3-10 years old (n = 13), and >10 years (n = 6). Femora, vertebrae and mandibulae were examined using micro-CT, light microscopy, polarized light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis was used to determine their dry ash content and their derived elastic modulus and hardness were determined using micro-indentation. Our findings show that NMR bones are similar in composition and mechanical properties to those of other small rodents. However, in contrast to other small rodents, the cortical bone of NMRs is entirely circumferential-lamellar and lacks mineralized cartilage islands. Furthermore, despite their long life-span, their bones did not show evidence of remodeling at any of the age groups, thus proving that lack of cortical remodeling in small rodents is not caused by their short life-span, but characteristic of this order of mammals.

Contribution of Palmar Radiocarpal and Ulnocarpal Ligaments to the Stability of the Canine Antebrachiocarpal Joint.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of the palmar radiocarpal ligament and the palmar ulnocarpal ligament to canine antebrachiocarpal joint stability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The right carpus of four dog cadavers, free of musculoskeletal pathology, was stripped of muscle. Each specimen was placed into a custom-made joint testing machine and tested at 15° extension, and 0° and 15° flexion. A single motion tracking sensor was fixed to the metacarpal bones. All specimens were tested with all ligaments intact and after transection of the palmar radiocarpal and ulnocarpal ligaments. A range of weights between 0.2 and 2.0 kg was used to test the carpi in three directions (axial, medial/lateral and cranial/caudal) and two moments (pronation/supination and valgus/varus). RESULTS: No differences were found between the translations and rotations of the manus relative to the radius and ulna with the ligaments intact and the ligaments transected at any of the carpal angles tested, except at 15° of flexion. Increasing the angle of flexion resulted in a significant increase in cranial and caudal translation of the manus relative to the radius and ulna both in the intact and transected specimens. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Antebrachiocarpal joint position plays a more important role in craniocaudal antebrachiocarpal joint stability than the palmar radiocarpal and ulnocarpal ligaments.

Influence of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and tibial tuberosity advancement on passive laxity of the cranial cruciate deficient stifle in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and tibial tuberosity transposition (TTA) on craniocaudal stability of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficient stifle at 3 joint angles. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo biomechanical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Eight stifles from 4 dogs. METHODS: One of the hind limbs was randomly assigned to undergo TPLO or TTA, with the contralateral limb assigned to the alternate procedure. Each specimen was tested with the stifle at 150°, 135°, and 120° of flexion. Cranial translation of the tibia relative to the femur was measured under cranial loads ranging from 0.2 to 2.0 kg with a single motion tracking sensor (Nest of Birds) fixed to the tibia. Each stifle was tested before and after transection of the CCL and after performing the assigned procedure. RESULTS: Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and TTA caused a decrease in the cranial translation of the tibia relative to the femur, especially at greater angles of flexion. Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy caused a greater decrease in tibial cranial translation and was associated with a degree of translation that did not differ from joints with intact CCL, regardless of the degree of stifle flexion. CONCLUSION: Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and TTA caused an angle dependent decrease in craniocaudal translation of the tibia in the CCL deficient stifle. Only TPLO restored translations similar to those of the intact joint at all angles tested. CLINICAL IMPACT: Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and TTA provide passive stability to the stifle. Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy seems more effective than TTA at restoring craniocaudal stability of the stifle.

Changes in D-dimer concentration after soft tissue and orthopedic surgery in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: D-dimer is a specific marker of active coagulation and fibrinolysis. The objective of this study is to determine the influence of surgery on D-dimer concentration as well as to examine the relation between the magnitude of change and invasiveness of the surgical procedures. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Forty-five client-owned dogs undergoing elective neutering (n = 15), elective orthopedic (n = 15), or posttraumatic orthopedic (n = 15) surgical procedures. METHODS: Dogs undergoing elective neutering, elective orthopedic, and posttraumatic orthopedic surgical procedures were enrolled. D-dimer concentration, measured immediately prior to, immediately after, and 24 hours after surgery (T0, T1, and T24, respectively), was compared within and among study groups. RESULTS: D-dimer concentration was >250 ng/mL in 8 (18%) dogs at T0, in 9 (20%) at T1, and in 5 (11%) at T24. At T1 and T24, only 2 dogs had a D-dimer concentration >500 ng/mL, and it was <750 ng/mL in all dogs. There was no difference in the proportion of increased D-dimer concentration (>250 ng/mL) among the time points (P = 0.29). Median D-dimer concentration did not vary between time points within the groups, except in the neutering group (P = 0.029), in which T1 concentration tended to increase compared with T0 values (161 ng/dL, range 71-727 vs 122 ng/mL, range, 43-353, respectively; P = .065). CONCLUSION: The surgical procedures tested in this study are unlikely to cause a direct increase in D-dimer concentration. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Any increase in D-dimer concentration after elective neutering, elective orthopedic, and posttraumatic orthopedic surgical procedures should be regarded as clinically important and trigger investigations to detect a hemostatic derangement.

Spirocerca lupi induced oesophageal neoplasia: Predictors of surgical outcome.

Canine spirocercosis is caused by the nematode Spirocerca lupi. Migration results in oesophageal fibro-inflammatory nodules that may undergo neoplastic transformation. No studies have assessed pre- or post-surgical prognostic indicators in dogs that undergo intervention for S. lupi induced oesophageal neoplasia. This observational, multi-center study aimed to assess the outcome of dogs with Spirocerca induced sarcoma undergoing endoscopic-guided ablation (n = 12) or surgery (n = 18), and identify prognostic indicators. Parameters evaluated included: age, weight, gender, presenting complaints, duration of clinical signs, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, neoplasia size, placement of percutaneous endoscopically-placed gastrostomy tube, histopathological mitotic indices, days to discharge and chemotherapy administration. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed no difference in survival between ablation and surgery {(median: 73.5 days (range: 0-1511) vs. 108 days (range: 0-1550), respectively (p = 0.982)}. Reduced survival was documented in patients presenting with weight loss (P = 0.027), hypochromasia (MCHC <33 g/dL, P = 0.023) or leucocytosis (>15 × 109/L, P = 0.017) with a hazard ratio of 2.51 (CI95% = 1.071-6.018, P = 0.034), 2.71 (CI95% = 1.10-6.65, P = 0.03) and 4.39 (CI95%: 1.21-15.97, P = 0.025) respectively. In the dogs surviving more than 21 days, Ht <36% and leucocytosis >15.0 × 109/L at presentation were associated with reduced survival (p = 0.016, p = 0.021 respectively) and hazard ratio of 3.29 (CI95% = 1.18-9.2, P = 0.023) and 3.81 (CI95% = 1.15-12.55, P = 0.028) respectively. Intra-intervention-group survival analysis identified increased survival time in dogs receiving chemotherapy, but only within the surgical group (P = 0.02).The hospitalisation time of dogs undergoing ablation (median: 0 days, range: 0-4) was significantly shorter than dogs undergoing surgery (9 days, 1-21) (P < 0.001). In this study, no clear benefit was identified for surgery, thus when ablation is technically possible it should be considered advantageous, as hospitalisation time is significantly shorter. Weight loss, hypochromasia and leucocytosis were identified as long-term prognostic indicators at presentation.

Does Secondary Renal Osteopathy Exist in Companion Animals?

Secondary renal hyperparathyroidism is an inevitable consequence of chronic kidney disease. In human patients, the disease is associated with decreased bone quality and increased fracture risk. Recent evidence suggests that bone quality is also decreased in companion animals, more pronouncedly in cats compared with dogs, likely because of a longer disease course. The clinical significance of these findings is yet to be determined. However, clinicians should keep in mind that animals with chronic kidney disease have decreased bone quality and increased fracture risk.

Structural orientation dependent sub-lamellar bone mechanics.

The lamellar unit is a critical component in defining the overall mechanical properties of bone. In this paper, micro-beams of bone with dimensions comparable to the lamellar unit were fabricated using focused ion beam (FIB) microscopy and mechanically tested in bending to failure using atomic force microscopy (AFM). A variation in the mechanical properties, including elastic modulus, strength and work to fracture of the micro-beams was observed and related to the collagen fibril orientation inferred from back-scattered scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. Established mechanical models were further applied to describe the relationship between collagen fibril orientation and mechanical behaviour of the lamellar unit. Our results highlight the ability to measure mechanical properties of discrete bone volumes directly and correlate with structural orientation of collagen fibrils.