Extravesicular, two-layer, side-to-side ureteroneocystostomy combined with tension-relieving techniques for feline proximal ureteral obstruction: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical technique for extravesicular, two-layer, side-to-side ureteroneocystostomy combined with tension-relieving techniques (ETSUTT) for feline proximal ureteral obstruction and report clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Ten privately-owned cats with ureteral obstruction near the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ). METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for cats with ureteral obstruction close to the UPJ that underwent ETSUTT (2018-2021). The ETSUTT procedure consisted of a modified extravesicular technique (two-layer, side-to-side ureteroneocystostomy) and tension-relieving techniques (renal descensus, ureterocystopexy, and nephrocystopexy). RESULTS: All cats survived through discharge. In all cats, postoperative blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations were decreased, compared with preoperative concentrations. Perioperative complications included ureteral catheter dislodgement (3), transient pollakiuria (2), and dysuria (1), but no specific treatments were required. Urinary tract infection was observed postoperatively in three of the 10 cats. The median follow-up was 648 days (min-max: 86-1229 days). Seven of the 10 cats were alive without recurrent ureteral obstruction at the end of this retrospective study. CONCLUSION: The ETSUTT procedure was successfully performed without major complications in cats with ureteral obstruction occurring near the UPJ. Use of ETSUTT provided a fair-to-good, long-term prognosis in cats that were otherwise difficult to manage. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This novel procedure, ETSUTT, was feasible, safe, and could be a viable treatment option for feline proximal ureteral obstruction, including the UPJ, especially for obstructions caused by stricture.

Long-term outcomes of 54 dogs with tracheal collapse treated with a continuous extraluminal tracheal prosthesis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical placement of a continuous extraluminal tracheal prosthesis (CETP) and report the subsequent postoperative clinical outcomes in dogs with tracheal collapse. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Fifty-four dogs. METHODS: Medical records of dogs in which cervical and/or thoracic inlet tracheal collapse was diagnosed and treated by placement of a CETP between 2010 and 2017 were reviewed to evaluate postoperative complications, changes in respiratory function, and survival. Histological examinations of tracheal tissues performed in 2 dogs at 51 and 57 months after surgery were also reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty-three (98%) dogs survived to discharge. Postoperative complications included laryngeal paralysis (1 dog), disseminated intravascular coagulation (1 dog), and recurrent tracheal collapse (2 dogs). None of the dogs exhibited clinical evidence of tracheal necrosis. Preoperative dry, harsh cough resolved in 87% of the dogs after surgery. Goose honking cough was resolved in 25 of 26 (96%) dogs. Median follow-up time was 30 months (range, 16 days to 76 months). The survival rate at 36 months was 86% (CI: 75%-96%). On histological examination in 2 dogs, the tracheal tissue surrounding the prosthesis was well preserved and without evidence of chronic inflammation. CONCLUSION: Continuous extraluminal tracheal prosthesis placement in dogs with tracheal collapse resulted in low postoperative complication rates and good long-term outcomes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Continuous extraluminal tracheal prosthesis placement provides a viable alternative surgical option for managing dogs with tracheal collapse.

Characteristics and multipotency of equine dedifferentiated fat cells.

Dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells have been shown to be multipotent, similar to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In this study, we aimed to establish and characterize equine DFAT cells. Equine adipocytes were ceiling cultured, and then dedifferentiated into DFAT cells by the seventh day of culture. The number of DFAT cells was increased to over 10 million by the fourth passage. Flow cytometry of DFAT cells showed that the cells were strongly positive for CD44, CD90, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I; moderately positive for CD11a/18, CD105, and MHC class II; and negative for CD34 and CD45. Moreover, DFAT cells were positive for the expression of sex determining region Y-box 2 as a marker of multipotency. Finally, we found that DFAT cells could differentiate into osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages under specific nutrient conditions. Thus, DFAT cells could have clinical applications in tissue regeneration, similar to MSCs derived from adipose tissue.

Evaluation of cortical bone strength using a quantitative ultrasound measurement device in dogs.

This study was performed to evaluate cortical bone strength in dogs using a quantitative ultrasound measurement device. In this study, 16 clinically healthy dogs with no lameness underwent measurement of the ultrasound propagation velocity of cortical bone (namely, speed of sound [SOS]) at the radius and tibia. Additionally, computed tomography examination with a calibration phantom was performed in 10 dogs. We calculated the bone mineral density (BMD) and Young's modulus from the computed tomography data using bone strength evaluation software. SOS, BMD, and Young's modulus were statistically compared between the radius and tibia. In addition, we examined the correlation between SOS and BMD and between SOS and Young's modulus. We also examined the correlation between SOS and age in the 13 dogs whose age was known. BMD and Young's modulus were not significantly different between the radius and tibia, but SOS was significantly different (P<0.05). Moreover, SOS and BMD showed a positive correlation in both radius and tibia. Similarly, SOS and Young's modulus showed a positive correlation. In addition, SOS and age showed a strong positive correlation (radius: r=0.77, P<0.05, tibia: r=0.83, P<0.05). Our finding that SOS of the radius and tibia cortical bone was correlated with BMD and Young's modulus indicates that quantitative ultrasound can be useful for evaluating cortical bone strength in dogs.

Common bile duct perforation due to choledocholithiasis in a cat with gallbladder agenesis.

Case summary: An 8-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was presented for further investigation of anorexia, vomiting and lethargy. Abdominal ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced CT revealed choledocholithiasis with suspected bacterial peritonitis and non-visualisation of the gallbladder. During surgery, the common bile duct was noted to be perforated, and a cholelith was found in the abdominal cavity. No gallbladder was confirmed during surgery. Three months postoperatively, the cat underwent CT cholangiography and absence of the gallbladder with a vestigial duplicated gallbladder was diagnosed. Relevance and novel information: Gallbladder agenesis is extremely rare in cats, with only one previous report, but several dogs have been diagnosed based on CT cholangiography and laparoscopy. This report describes gallbladder agenesis concurrent with choledocholithiasis in an adult cat and represents the first report of CT cholangiography in a cat with gallbladder agenesis.

Microminipig, a Non-rodent Experimental Animal Optimized for Life Science Research: Novel Atherosclerosis Model Induced by High Fat and Cholesterol Diet.

Atherosclerotic lesions were observed in male and ovariectomized female Microminipig (MMP) fed a high fat and cholesterol diet with sodium cholate (HFCD/SC) for 3 months. HFCD/SC induced hypercholesterolemia accompanied by an increase in serum total cholesterol (T-Cho), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and cholesterol ester (CE). Unlike the mouse or rabbit, a dominant LDL-C fraction in the intact MMP, similar to that in humans, was observed by serum lipoprotein analysis. HFCD/SC increased body weight gain. At the end of the experiment, computed tomography scans of conscious animals showed that HFCD/SC had decreased liver attenuation values (Hounsfield unit) and increased subcutaneous and abdominal fat, suggesting the induction of fatty liver and obesity. HFCD/SC induced atherosclerotic lesions in systemic arteries, including the external and internal iliac arteries, abdominal aorta, coronary artery, and cerebral arterial circle. Atherosclerosis and pathological findings induced by HFCD/SC in MMP were similar to those in humans. The MMP is a potentially suitable tool for investigating human atherosclerosis.

Microminipig, a non-rodent experimental animal optimized for life science research:novel atherosclerosis model induced by high fat and cholesterol diet.

Atherosclerotic lesions were observed in male and ovariectomized female Microminipig (MMP) fed a high fat and cholesterol diet with sodium cholate (HFCD/SC) for 3 months. HFCD/SC induced hypercholesterolemia accompanied by an increase in serum total cholesterol (T-Cho), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and cholesterol ester (CE). Unlike the mouse or rabbit, a dominant LDL-C fraction in the intact MMP, similar to that in humans, was observed by serum lipoprotein analysis. HFCD/SC increased body weight gain. At the end of the experiment, computed tomography scans of conscious animals showed that HFCD/SC had decreased liver attenuation values (Hounsfield unit) and increased subcutaneous and abdominal fat, suggesting the induction of fatty liver and obesity. HFCD/SC induced atherosclerotic lesions in systemic arteries, including the external and internal iliac arteries, abdominal aorta, coronary artery, and cerebral arterial circle. Atherosclerosis and pathological findings induced by HFCD/SC in MMP were similar to those in humans. The MMP is a potentially suitable tool for investigating human atherosclerosis.

Serum cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen across the canine life span: An investigation in intact and neutered male and female dogs.

In this study, we conducted study to explore the association between serum cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx), a marker of bone resorption, and age, body weight, and blood biochemical parameters as well as the neutered and intact status in male and female dogs. We targeted 145 healthy dogs (aged 0.33-18.33 years); 70 were males (38 intact, 32 castrated), and 75 were females (31 intact, 44 ovariohysterectomized). We found that the NTx levels were significantly higher in dogs aged ≤2 years than in older dogs. NTx concentration tended to decrease with age in dogs aged ≤2 years, but not significantly, and remained constant in dogs aged >2 years. Accordingly, we investigated sex/sterilization status in two age cohorts (juvenile-to-young-adult, ≤2 years of age; adult-to-geriatric, >2 years of age). In the adult-to-geriatric cohort, NTx concentration was highest in intact males, followed by neutered males, neutered females, and intact females. The intact vs. neutered difference was significant in males, but not in females. Our results suggested that estradiol deficiency may not affect bone metabolism in female dogs, but androgen deficiency may affect bone metabolism in male dogs. Furthermore, age did not affect bone metabolism after 2 years. NTx concentrations were significantly higher in the juvenile-to-young-adult cohort than in the adult-to-geriatric cohort and tended to decrease with age, similar to young humans. This study unveils novel sex differences in canine serum NTx concentrations and suggests the effect of neutering on bone metabolism, showing that serum NTx concentrations change with age.

Relationship between serum estradiol, cathepsin K, and N-telopeptide of type I collagen in female dogs.

Ovariohysterectomized (OHE) female dogs do not develop the osteopenia and osteoporosis associated with decreasing estrogen in post-menopausal women, possibly due to post-OHE bone mineral density retention through a mechanism that remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate this mechanism by investigating estradiol (E2) and bone markers. Samples were collected from 56 OHE and 43 intact bitches (0.33 to 17.58 years old) and analyzed for serum E2, osteoclast-secreted cysteine protease cathepsin K (CTK), and N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx) by ELISA. OHE and intact bitches showed no significant difference in serum E2 or NTx, and there was no correlation between serum E2 and NTx and age and time since OHE. Intact bitches showed a very low correlation between E2 and NTx, but OHE bitches showed no correlation, and serum CTK was generally undetectable in both groups. Our findings suggest the influence of gonadal hormones on bone metabolism does not work effectively in dogs; this is consistent with a shorter duration of exposure to E2 in bitches (through the 4-to-8-month anestrus phase) than women.

Gene and protein expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein associated with oncogenesis in canine tumors.

To investigate the expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) associated with oncogenesis, samples of serum and tumor tissue were obtained from 25 dogs with tumors. The serum levels of COMP in dogs with tumors were significantly higher than in 38 normal controls and correlated with the concentrations of tumor tissue extracts. Positive bands to COMP antibody were detected on immunoblots of tumor extracts. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization demonstrated positive signals of COMP and its mRNA in the cytoplasm of tumor cells from mammary gland tumors, but not in the normal mammary gland. Positive immunohistochemistry results were also obtained for COMP in mast cell tumor and melanoma cells. Oncogenesis might augment production of COMP and the serum level of COMP in dogs.

Analysis of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in synovial fluid, serum and urine from 51 racehorses with carpal bone fracture.

We investigated the relationship between cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels in synovial fluid (SF), serum and urine and the development of osteochondral damage and osteophyte (OP) formation following intraarticular fractures of the carpus in racehorses in order to assess the clinical usefulness of COMP as a diagnostic biomarker of developmental osteoarthritis (OA). Two monoclonal antibodies (mAb clones 2A11 and 3C8) raised against equine COMP were shown to be capable of detecting the molecule in serum and urine as well as SF. Fifty-one samples were obtained from 26 OP-positive (OP(+)) and 25 OP-negative (OP(-)) racehorses with carpal bone fracture, in whom OP was ascertained arthroscopically and radiographically. The COMP measurements obtained using the two mAbs were highly correlated with each other in SF, serum, or urine. Horses with OP(+) showed a significantly higher [urinary COMP (microg)]/[urinary creatinine (mg)] ratio (4.94 +/- 5.10 and 1.46 +/- 1.19, using mAbs 2A11 and 3C8, respectively) than OP(-) horses (2.80 +/- 1.72 and 0.93 +/- 0.49, respectively). The relationship between serum and urine COMP levels and the period from injury to surgery were extrapolated using a polynomial expression. Measurement of COMP, especially in urine, has potential as a predictive marker of advanced OA following carpal bone fractures in racehorses.

Computed tomographic evaluation of growth-related changes in the hip joints of young dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in canine hip joint characteristics during growth via computed tomography (CT) and compare CT features of hip joints with and without laxity in young dogs placed in 2 imaging positions. ANIMALS: 21 dogs (42 hip joints). PROCEDURES: From 2 to 12 months after birth, CT examinations of the acetabulum of each hip joint in simulated normal standing and simulated weight-bearing positions were performed monthly for all dogs. Acetabular angle, dorsal acetabular rim angle (DARA), and femoral head diameter (FHd) were analyzed as skeletal variables; the lateral center edge angle (LCEA), dorsolateral subluxation (DLS) score, and center distance (CD) index were analyzed as joint laxity variables. At 12 months, all dogs underwent the Ortolani test to as-sess hip joint laxity. RESULTS: Hip joint laxity was detected in 5 dogs (10 joints) at 12 months of age; from 2 months, the acetabular angle and FHd increased and DARA decreased significantly until 5 months and the LCEA and DLS score increased significantly until 6 months. In nonlax hip joints in both positions, the CD index decreased significantly until 4 months of age and be-came stable thereafter. In lax hip joints, the CD index increased from 4 through 12 months; between 8 and 12 months, these changes were significantly greater in the weight-bearing position than in the standing position. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that CT-detected abnormalities in the DARA and CD index during body weight loading might be useful indicators of hip dysplasia in 2- to 6-month-old dogs.

Effects of treatment with polysulfated glycosaminoglycan on serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and C-reactive protein concentrations, serum matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activities, and lameness in dogs with osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) treatment on serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) concentration, matrix metal-loproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 (MMP-9) activities, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, and lameness scores in dogs with osteoarthritis. ANIMALS: 16 dogs with osteoarthritis and 5 clinically normal dogs. PROCEDURES: Dogs with osteoarthritis had a history of chronic lameness, and osteophytes were observed on radiographic evaluation of the affected joint. Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan was administered IM twice a week for a total of 8 treatments to all dogs with osteoarthritis and to clinically normal control dogs. RESULTS: Lameness scores after PSGAG treatment in osteoarthritic dogs improved in 12 of the 16 dogs. Serum COMP concentrations in osteoarthritic dogs were significantly higher than in control dogs before treatment. Lameness scores in osteoarthritic dogs decreased significantly after treatment, compared with before treatment. Lameness scores of 9 dogs with hind limb lameness improved significantly after treatment; these dogs had corresponding decreases in serum COMP concentrations. After treatment, serum COMP concentrations and lameness scores of 7 dogs with forelimb lameness remained high and were significantly higher than those of dogs with hind limb lameness. Serum MMP-9 activities of dogs with forelimb lameness were significantly higher than in dogs with hind limb lameness after treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: IM administration of PSGAG inhibited COMP degradation in dogs with osteoarthritis. Results indicate that decreases in serum COMP concentrations might be related to improvement in lameness after PSGAG treatment.

Effect of exercise on serum concentration of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in Thoroughbreds.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) concentrations in response to exercise in horses. ANIMALS: 15 horses in experiment 1 and 27 horses in experiment 2. PROCEDURES: In experiment 1, 15 Thoroughbreds free of orthopedic disease underwent a standardized exercise protocol. Running velocity and heart rate (HR) were recorded, and blood samples were collected immediately before (baseline) and 1, 5, and 24 hours after a single episode of exercise. In experiment 2, 27 horses underwent 9 stages of a training program in which each stage consisted of 4 to 8 consecutive daily workouts followed by a rest day. Blood samples were collected immediately before the first and final daily workouts in each stage. Serum COMP concentrations were measured via inhibition ELISA with a monoclonal antibody (14G4) against equine COMP. RESULTS: In experiment 1, mean serum COMP concentration was significantly higher than baseline 1 and 5 hours after exercise and returned to baseline concentrations 24 hours after exercise. Mean serum baseline COMP concentration increased as the velocity of running at maximum HR and at an HR of 200 beats/min increased, being significantly higher during the third and fourth exercise tests than during the first. In experiment 2, mean baseline COMP concentration at the final workout of each stage was significantly higher than that at the first workout, beginning with stage 3. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Serum COMP concentrations changed significantly in response to exercise. Exercise may enhance movement of COMP into the circulation as well as change the basal turnover rate of COMP.

The effects of growth and disease in serum keratan sulfate concentration in dogs.

The purpose of this study is to investigate keratan sulfate (KS) concentration in the serum of puppies and the effects of age, body weight, breed and diseases. Serum samples from six neonatal dogs (4 Beagles, 2 Labrador Retrievers), and from 127 adult dogs with various diseases were collected at a Teaching Animal Hospital. Canine serum KS concentration was measured by inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Samples from puppies were evaluated for growth-related changes, and samples from patients were evaluated for age, body weight, breed and disease-related changes. Serum KS concentration was high in puppies from birth to 4 months of age. KS values started to decrease from 4 months to 9 months of age, and then gradually reached to the plateau. Though in the small sample, mean KS concentration in a Labrador Retriever was higher than in Beagles during the first 10 months. The values of serum KS showed body weight-related increase within retrievers among teaching hospital population and there was significant increase in body weight-related change. Cartilage metabolism is high in canine immature joint and that activity continues for 5 months, and that higher in Labrador Retrievers rather than in Beagles. There was no effect from other factors, including age, body weight, breed and disease in all patients. Serum KS concentration of Retrievers is higher than Beagles, and that value increased with gain of body weight. We suggest that Retriever have higher cartilage metabolism with growth or ageing.

Effects of olprinone on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in dogs.

We investigated the effect of olprinone on canine myocardial pump function and myocardial damage after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Three dogs of the experimental group were given olprinone (Olprinone group) and another 3 dogs were served as control (Intact group). All animals were occluded left anterior descending artery for 60 min, followed by 6 hr of reperfusion. In the experiment, hemodynamics, infarct area, creatine kinase and troponin-I were measured. Olprinone infusion induced significantly high cardiac output value and significantly low values in left ventricular end diastolic pressure and systemic vascular resistance index after reperfusion. Also, olprinone tend to attenuate the infarct area, creatine kinase and troponin-I.

Interpreting gelatinase activity in tumor tissue and serum as a prognostic marker of naturally developing canine tumors.

To evaluate the clinical usefulness of tissue and serum gelatinase activity as a prognostic marker of canine tumors, tissue samples from 60 tumors and corresponding serum samples from the same animals were collected at the time of biopsy and surgery. On the basis of histopathology and clinical aggressiveness of metastasis and recurrence (MR), the cases were divided into 6 categories: non-inflammatory (Inf(-)) and inflammatory (Inf(+)) benign, and the Inf(-) MR(-), Inf(-) MR(+), Inf(+) MR(-), and Inf(+) MR(+) malignant. Gelatinase activity was determined semi-quantitatively using gelatin zymogram with a gelatinase standard from cultured canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. No significant difference in gelatinase activities in tissue extracts was evident between the benign and malignant tumors. Inf(+) benign tumors, as well as Inf(-) MR(+), Inf(+) MR(-) and Inf(+) MR(+) malignant tumors, showed significantly higher tissue gelatinase activity than Inf(-) benign. The tissue activity in Inf(-) MR(-) malignant was significantly lower than in Inf(+) MR(-) and Inf(+) MR(+) malignant. The serum activity was significantly higher in the malignant cases than in the control and the benign. Inf(-) MR(+), Inf(+) MR(-) and Inf(+) MR(+) malignant tumors induced significantly higher gelatinase activity in serum than Inf(-) benign tumors. Gelatinase activity in serum was positively correlated with that in tumor extracts. Increased gelatinase in tumor tissue and serum may be correlated with inflammation as well as tumor aggressiveness, and thus should be used in combination with histopathology for predicting tumor metastasis or recurrence.

Molecular cloning of canine nm23 cDNAs and their expression in normal and tumor tissues.

Two canine nm-23 cDNAs, designated as nm23-C1 and -C2, were isolated and characterized. Both have a putative open reading frame consisting of 459-bp encoding 152 amino acids and are highly similar to human, mouse and rat homologues. To understand the potential role of nm23-C1 and -C2 in the development of mammary gland tumors (MGT), we analyzed the mRNA expression in 14 MGT samples by RT-PCR. The samples were divided into categories according to their histopathology (benign/malignant) and metastasis. No significant difference in the mRNA expression levels of either nm23-C1 or -C2 were observed between the benign and malignant groups or the metastatic and non-metastatic groups. These results suggest that nm23-C1 and -C2 are not related to the establishment of malignancy and metastatic lesions in canine MGT cases.

A preliminary study of osteochondral regeneration using a scaffold-free three-dimensional construct of porcine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major joint disease in humans and many other animals. Consequently, medical countermeasures for OA have been investigated diligently. This study was designed to examine the regeneration of articular cartilage and subchondral bone using three-dimensional (3D) constructs of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs). METHODS: AT-MSCs were isolated and expanded until required for genetical and immunological analysis and construct creation. A construct consisting of about 760 spheroids that each contained 5.0 × 10(4) autologous AT-MSCs was implanted into an osteochondral defect (diameter: 4 mm; depth: 6 mm) created in the femoral trochlear groove of two adult microminipigs. After implantation, the defects were monitored by computed tomography every month for 6 months in animal no. 1 and 12 months in animal no. 2. RESULTS: AT-MSCs were confirmed to express the premature genes and to be positive for CD90 and CD105 and negative for CD34 and CD45. Under specific nutrient conditions, the AT-MSCs differentiated into osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages, as evidenced by the expressions of related marker genes and the production of appropriate matrix molecules. A radiopaque area emerged from the boundary between the bone and the implant and increased more steadily upward and inward for the implants in both animal no. 1 and animal no. 2. The histopathology of the implants after 6 months revealed active endochondral ossification underneath the plump fibrocartilage in animal no. 1. The histopathology after 12 months in animal no. 2 showed not only that the diminishing fibrocartilage was as thick as the surrounding normal cartilage but also that massive subchondral bone was present. CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest that implantation of a scaffold-free 3D construct of AT-MSCs into an osteochondral defect may induce regeneration of the original structure of the cartilage and subchondral bone over the course of 1 year, although more experimental cases are needed.

Laxity of canine hip joint in two positions with computed tomography.

Computed tomographic (CT) examination of 20 canine hip joints was carried out in two positions, normal-standing and weight-bearing. In normal (dorsal acetabular rim angle: DARA < 15 degrees ) or slightly abnormal (DARA, 15 degrees to 20 degrees ) hip joints, the values of parameters to laxity were evaluated as more severe in the weight-bearing position. Comparisons of results using various indicators, including the center distance (CD) index, dorsolateral subluxation score, and lateral center edge angle, revealed that the CD index may be a useful marker of functional laxity in the canine hip joint under CT scanning. Further, CT scanning in the weight-bearing position was more sensitive than in the normal-standing position for the detection of laxity in hips with normal or only slightly abnormal DARA.