Clinical outcomes after common calcanean tendon rupture repair in dogs with a loop-suture tenorrhaphy technique and autogenous leukoreduced platelet-rich plasma.

OBJECTIVE: To report outcomes of dogs with common calcanean tendon (CCT) ruptures treated with a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) enhanced nonabsorbable loop-suture technique. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs (n = 12). METHODS: Medical records (2015-2017) of dogs with CCT ruptures repaired with a loop-suture tenorrhaphy and autogenous leukoreduced PRP were reviewed for signalment, history, type of injury, treatment, and clinical follow-up. Outcomes were assessed by functional anatomic measurements and Canine Orthopedic Index (COI) scores transformed to percentages, with 100% representing no problems. RESULTS: Twelve tendons were treated. Two dogs had major complications that were successfully revised. Follow-up was available in 11 of 12 dogs, with a median time of 12 months (range, 4-36), including COI for 11 dogs and anatomic measurements for 6 dogs. Anatomic measurements did not differ between treated and normal contralateral limbs (midthigh muscle mass P > .99, cranial tibial muscle mass P = .37, CCT diameter P = .08, tibiotarsal joint angle P > .99). Owners scored function (COI) as 96.4% (range, 93.3%-97.8%) and quality of life as 94.6% (range, 92%-98.2%). CONCLUSION: Loop-suture tenorrhaphy with application of autogenous leukoreduced PRP at the repair site resulted in restoration of functional anatomic measurements, high COI, and client satisfaction. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Loop-suture tenorrhaphy with local application of autogenous leukoreduced PRP appears to offer an acceptable option to treat CCT injuries in dogs.

The Effect of Sliding Humeral Osteotomy (SHO) on Frontal Plane Thoracic Limb Alignment: An Ex Vivo Canine Cadaveric Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of sliding humeral osteotomy (SHO) on frontal plane thoracic limb alignment in standing and recumbent limb positions. STUDY DESIGN: Canine cadaveric study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Canine thoracic limbs (n=15 limb pairs). METHODS: Limbs acquired from healthy Labrador Retrievers euthanatized for reasons unrelated to this study were mounted in a limb press and aligned in a standing position followed by axial loading at 30% body weight. Frontal plane radiography was performed in standing and recumbent positions pre- and post-SHO. In the standing position, lateralization of the foot was measured pre- and post-SHO using a textured grid secured to the limb press base plate. Twelve thoracic limb alignment values (mean ± SD and 95% CI) were determined using the center of rotation of angulation (CORA) method were compared using linear mixed models to determine if significant differences existed between limb alignment values pre- or post-SHO, controlling for dog, limb, and limb position. RESULTS: Six of 12 standing or recumbent alignment values were significantly different pre- and post-SHO. SHO resulted in decreased mechanical lateral distal humeral angle and movement of the mechanical humeral radio-ulnar angle, radio-ulnar metacarpal angle, thoracic humeral angle, and elbow mechanical axis deviation toward coaxial limb alignment. In the standing position, the foot underwent significant lateralization post-SHO. CONCLUSION: SHO resulted in significant alteration in frontal plane thoracic limb alignment. Additional studies are necessary to determine if the changes reported using our ex vivo model occur following SHO in vivo.

Clinical outcomes associated with the initial use of the Canine Unicompartmental Elbow (CUE) Arthroplasty System(®).

We evaluated mid- to long-term outcomes with respect to function and complications in dogs undergoing canine unicompartmental elbow (CUE) arthroplasty for treatment of medial compartment disease of the elbow. This prospective multicenter case series is the first group of clinical cases to receive CUE arthroplasty. Cases (each elbow that underwent CUE performed by a participating surgeon) were enrolled into an electronic database and prospectively followed to determine and record all associated complications, as well as functional outcomes. There were 103 cases from 18 surgeons. Final follow-up time ranged from 6 to 47 mo with a mean and median of 10 mo. Canine unicompartmental elbow was associated with 1 catastrophic (1%), 11 major (10.7%), and 28 minor (27.2%) complications. Outcomes following CUE were reported as full function in 49 cases (47.6%), acceptable function in 45 cases (43.7%), and unacceptable function in 9 cases (8.7%). We conclude that CUE arthroplasty is an appropriate consideration for treatment of medial compartment disease of the elbow in dogs.

Résultats cliniques associés à l'utilisation initiale du système d'arthroplastieCanine Unicompartmental Elbow (CUE) Arthroplasty SystemMD. Nous avons évalué les résultats à long et à moyen terme relativement à la fonction et aux complications chez les chiens subissant une arthroplastie du coude unicompartimental canin (CUC) pour le traitement de la maladie compartimentale médiale du coude. Cette série prospective de cas multicentres représente le premier groupe de cas cliniques à recevoir une arthroplastie CUC. Les cas (chaque coude qui a subi une CUC réalisée par un chirurgien participant) étaient inscrits dans une base de données électroniques et suivis de manière prospective afin de déterminer et de consigner toutes les complications connexes ainsi que les résultats fonctionnels. Il y avait 103 cas provenant de 18 chirurgiens. Le temps de suivi final s'échelonnait de 6 à 47 mois avec une moyenne et une médiane de 10 mois. Le coude compartimental canin a été associé à 1 complication catastrophique (1 %), à 11 complications majeures (10,7 %) et à 28 complications mineures (27,2 %). Les résultats après l'arthroplastie CUC ont été signalés comme une fonction complète dans 49 cas (47,6 %), une fonction acceptable dans 45 cas (43,7 %) et une fonction inacceptable dans 9 cas (8,7 %). Nous avons conclu que l'arthroplastie CUC est une considération appropriée pour le traitement de la maladie compartimentale médiale du coude chez les chiens.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Hip toggle stabilization using the TightRope® system in 17 dogs: technique and long-term outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique for, and long-term clinical outcome of, a modified hip toggle stabilization using the TightRope® system for coxofemoral luxation repair. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Medical records (July 2008-July 2010) including radiographs (17 limbs) of dogs that had coxofemoral luxation repaired with the TightRope system were reviewed. Follow-up (≥12 months) was obtained by telephone interview of owners. Six dogs were available for re-evaluation, radiographs, and objective gait analysis. RESULTS: Follow-up (mean, 24 months; range, 12-43 months) by telephone interview was available for 17 dogs. Of these, 6 dogs were re-evaluated (mean, 7.5 months; median 12.5 months: range, 4-24 months) and had gait analysis. Mean duration of luxation before surgical intervention was 7.5 days (median, 7 days; range, 2-44 days). There was a single case of relaxation 27 months postoperatively. One dog died from non-surgical related circumstances. Objective gait analysis showed equal pelvic limb use in all 6 dogs available for re-evaluation. All owners of living dogs reported limb function as being good to excellent, and perceived that their dogs were pain free. Radiographs (mean, 7.5 months; median, 12.5 months; range, 4-24 months post surgery) of 6 dogs showed no progression of osteoarthritis in comparison to immediate postoperative radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: Hip toggle with the TightRope system as a prosthetic ligament of the head of the femur produces a favorable clinical outcome with high owner acceptance.

Theory and development of a unicompartmental resurfacing system for treatment of medial compartment disease of the canine elbow.

Medial compartment disease (MCompD) of the canine elbow can be defined as clinical signs attributable to articular cartilage loss of the medial coronoid process (MCP) of the ulna and medial aspect of the humeral condyle without significant lateral compartment pathology. Whereas outcomes associated with treatment of defined cohorts of dogs with MCompD have not been published, the impressions of many surgeons are that non-surgical management or surgical treatment of the MCP alone does not result in long term highly functional outcomes. Thus, alternative surgical options for treatment of MCompD have been developed including various osteotomies and total elbow replacement (TER) with "successful" outcomes reported in case series. Results and data on safety have been reported for relatively few of these procedures and when reported, major complication rates have been >10% and catastrophic complications have been reported. Accordingly, we sought to develop a surgical technique with the objective of obtaining higher levels of safety and efficacy in the treatment of dogs with MCompD. This report describes the rationale for, and development of, a unicompartmental resurfacing system for treatment of MCompD in the canine elbow.

The effect of Cox-2 specific inhibition on direct fracture healing in the rabbit tibia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Cox-2 administration on direct (primary) fracture healing. METHODS: A transverse tibial osteotomy was created in adult male rabbits and rigidly fixed in compression using a 2.7-mm dynamic compression plate. Animals were randomized to receive either rofecoxib (12.5 mg orally per day) or placebo. Animals were killed at 4 weeks and fracture healing assessed by mechanical testing. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the control and Cox-2 treated animals in terms of mechanical strength at 4 weeks. There was a high complication rate of peri-implant fractures during the daily medication administration. CONCLUSION: The immediate administration of a Cox-2 specific inhibitor did not impair primary (direct) bone healing at the dose administered in this rabbit tibial osteotomy model.

Measurement of humeroradial and humeroulnar transarticular joint forces in the canine elbow joint after humeral wedge and humeral slide osteotomies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of humeral wedge and humeral slide osteotomies on force distribution between the articular surfaces of the humerus and the radius and ulna in normal canine thoracic limbs. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro mechanical testing. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cadaveric canine right thoracic limbs (n=12). METHODS: Transarticular elbow force maps were measured using a tactile array pressure sensor in elbow joints of axially aligned limbs under 200 N axial load before and after humeral wedge and humeral slide osteotomies. RESULTS: Loading induced 2 distinct areas of high forces that corresponded with the proximal articular surfaces of the radius and ulna. Mean force on the proximal articular surface of the ulna was reduced by 25% and 28% after 4 and 8 mm sliding osteotomies, respectively. Statistically significant differences were not observed for the wedge osteotomies. CONCLUSION: Humeral slide osteotomy significantly decreases force on the proximal articular surface of the ulna. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The proximal articular surface of the ulna contributes significantly to load transfer through the canine elbow joint. Abnormalities that significantly increase this force might contribute to canine elbow dysplasia, specifically fragmentation of the medial coronoid process and osteochondritis dissecans of the medial aspect of the humeral condyle. Under the conditions studied, the overall reduction in mean joint surface force across the proximal articular surface of the ulna after humeral slide osteotomy indicates that this technique merits further investigation for potential use in medial compartmental osteoarthritis of the canine elbow joint.

Mechanical comparison of 3.5 mm broad dynamic compression plate, broad limited-contact dynamic compression plate, and narrow locking compression plate systems using interfragmentary gap models.

OBJECTIVES: To compare (1) pullout properties between 3.5 mm cortical and locking screws, and (2) mechanical properties and gap displacements between the 3.5 mm broad limited-contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP), broad dynamic compression plate (DCP), and narrow locking compression plate (LCP), during axial loading of plate-stabilized diaphyseal fragments with an interfragmentary gap. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro mechanical testing of implanted polyurethane foam (PUF) hollow cylinders that simulated compact or osteopenic diaphyseal bone. SAMPLE POPULATION: (1) Five cortical and locking screws and (2) 4 PUF-plate constructs for each plate type; using high- and low-density (0.8 and 0.32 g/cm(3)) cylinders. METHODS: (1) Screws were completely extracted at 5 mm/min. (2) Plated constructs were axially compressed at 300 N/s for 10 cycles from 5 to 355 N to determine gap displacement during physiologic loading, followed by single cycle increasing load to failure. RESULTS: Pullout properties were not different between screw types. All plate constructs had yield loads over 3 times trotting loads. Gap closure occurred with LC-DCP and DCP constructs, but not LCP constructs. LCP construct properties were most similar to LC-DCP and DCP construct properties in the low-density model. CONCLUSION: All plate systems sustained physiologic limb loads. Only LCP constructs maintained some gap integrity, although LC-DCP and DCP screws were placed in neutral position. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The LCP system is more likely than LC-DCP and DCP systems, with neutrally positioned screws, to maintain a planned interfragmentary gap, although gap strains range from 0% to 15% across the 2 mm gap during a trot load.

Direct and indirect markers of cartilage metabolism in synovial fluid obtained from dogs with hip dysplasia and correlation with clinical and radiographic variables.

OBJECTIVE: To compare activities of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and contents of sulfated glycosaminoglycan (S-GAG) in joint fluid obtained from dogs with hip dysplasia (HD) and clinically normal dogs, evaluate correlations among these markers in joint fluid obtained from dogs with HD, and evaluate correlations between each marker and clinical and radiographic variables. Animals-26 dogs with HD (clinical group) and 43 clinically normal Beagles (control group). PROCEDURE: Joint fluid was aseptically collected from the hip joints of all dogs. For each dog in the clinical group, age, duration of lameness, radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) score, and Norberg angle in each affected joint were recorded. Activities of IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and MMP-3 and S-GAG contents were measured. Values were compared between groups by use of Mann-Whitney U tests, and the Spearman rank correlation test was used to evaluate correlations among markers and between each marker and clinical or radiographic variables. RESULTS: Values of all markers were significantly higher for the clinical group, compared with values for the control group. There was a moderate positive correlation between lameness duration and IL-6 activity and a strong negative correlation between the Norberg angle and IL-1beta activity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of our results indicated that there was a significant increase in markers of OA in dogs with HD. Activities of IL-1beta and IL-6 in joint fluid of dogs with HD may be influenced by the severity of laxity in the hip joint and lameness duration, respectively.

In vitro force mapping of normal canine humeroradial and humeroulnar joints.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the distribution of force between the articular surfaces of the humerus and radius and between the humerus and ulna in normal canine forelimbs. SAMPLE POPULATION: 12 cadaveric canine right forelimbs. PROCEDURE: Transarticular force maps were created by placing a tactile array pressure sensor into the elbow joint cavity and loading cadaveric forelimbs in a materials testing system. Mean joint forces were determined at loads of 50, 100, 150, and 200 N. RESULTS: All tests produced 2 distinct areas of high load that corresponded with the proximal articular surfaces of the radius and ulna. Mean forces for the radial proximal articular surface were slightly but significantly greater than for the ulna, averaging 51% to 52% of total force for all applied loads. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The proximal articular surface of the ulna contributes substantially to load transfer through the canine elbow joint. Abnormalities, which increase this load, might contribute to canine elbow joint dysplasia, specifically fragmentation of the medial coronoid process and osteochondritis dissecans of the medial aspect of the humeral condyle. In the treatment of these conditions, the normal force distribution within the canine elbow joint should be taken into consideration.

Effect of a ventral slot procedure and of smooth or positive-profile threaded pins with polymethylmethacrylate fixation on intervertebral biomechanics at treated and adjacent canine cervical vertebral motion units.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biomechanics of cervical vertebral motion units (VMUs) before and after a ventral slot procedure and after subsequent pin-poly-methylmethacrylate (pin-PMMA) fixation and to assess the use of smooth and positive-profile threaded (PPT) pins in pin-PMMA fixation and intravertebral pin placement. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cervical portions (C3 through C6 vertebrae) of 14 cadaveric canine vertebral columns. PROCEDURE: Flexion and extension bending moments were applied to specimens before and after creation of a ventral slot across the C4-C5 intervertebral space and after subsequent smooth or PPT pin-PMMA fixation at that site. Data for the C3-C4, C4-C5, and C5-C6 VMUs were compared among treatments and between pin types, and pin protrusion was compared between pin types. RESULTS: Compared with values in intact specimens, ventral slot treatment increased neutral zone range of motion (NZ-ROM) by 98% at the treated VMUs and appeared to decrease overall ROM at adjacent VMUs; pin-PMMA fixation decreased NZ-ROM by 92% at the treated VMUs and increased overall NZ-ROM by 19% to 24% at adjacentVMUs. Specimens fixed with PPT pins were 82% (flexion) and 80% (extension) stiffer than smooth-pin-fixed specimens. Overall, 41% of pins protruded into foramina; PPT pins were more likely to protrude into transverse foramina. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that fixation of a cervical VMU alters the biomechanics of adjacent VMUs and may contribute to intervertebral degeneration of adjacent intervertebral disks. Use of threaded pins may lower the incidence of pin loosening and implant failure but enhances the likelihood of transverse foramina penetration.

Comparison of arthroscopic and radiographic abnormalities in the hip joints of juvenile dogs with hip dysplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare radiographic and arthroscopic abnormalities in juvenile dogs with clinically apparent hip dysplasia. DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: 52 dogs (70 hip joints) with clinical signs of hip dysplasia scheduled to undergo triple pelvic osteotomy. PROCEDURE: A ventrodorsal radiographic projection of the pelvis was evaluated by a radiologist unaware of clinical and arthroscopic findings, and radiographic osteoarthritic abnormalities were judged and scored as absent (0), mild (1), moderate (2), or severe (3). Arthroscopy was performed by a surgeon unaware of clinical and radiographic findings, and arthroscopic abnormalities were graded from 0 (normal) to 5 (exposed, eburnated subchondral bone). RESULTS: In 30 of the 70 (43%) hip joints, no radiographic osteoarthritic abnormalities were seen. Severe, full-thickness articular cartilage lesions (grade 4) of the femoral head or acetabulum were seen arthroscopically in 14 (20%) joints. Lesions > or = grade 2 were seen in 60 (86%) joints. Partial tearing of the ligament of the femoral head was present in 57 (81%) joints, and complete rupture was seen in 5 (7%). Radiographic abnormalities were seen in 13 of the 14 (93%; 95% confidence interval, 66% to 99.8%) joints with grade 4 arthroscopic abnormalities but in only 23 of the 46 (50%; 95% confidence interval, 35% to 65%) joints with grade 2 or 3 arthroscopic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that radiography is not a sensitive method for identifying moderate cartilage lesions in juvenile dogs with hip dysplasia. If moderate cartilage lesions are an important prognostic indicator for the success of triple pelvic osteotomy, then methods other than radiography should be used to detect these lesions.

Effect of humeral osteotomy on joint surface contact in canine elbow joints.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of sliding and wedge osteotomies of the humerus on the joint surface contact areas in anatomically normal elbow joints of dogs. SAMPLE POPULATION: Left thoracic limbs from 5 skeletally mature mixed-breed canine cadavers. PROCEDURE: Joint casting was performed by placement of colored polymethylmethacrylate in the elbow joint cavity followed by loading in a materials testing system at physiologic angle and load. Joint casting was performed in unaltered specimens, after 10 degrees medial opening wedge osteotomy, and after lateral sliding osteotomy of the proximal portion of the humerus. Computer-aided analysis of photographs of proximal radial and ulnar articular surfaces after each casting procedure was performed. RESULTS: The lateral sliding humeral osteotomy and 10 degrees medial opening wedge osteotomy significantly altered joint surface contact regions of the canine elbow joint. Osteotomies resulted in a reduction in the size of the radial, ulnar, and combined radioulnar contact areas. Both osteotomies also resulted in craniolateral migration of the radial contact area and craniomedial recession of the ulnar contact area. Although the reduction in ulnar contact area with these treatments is consistent with our hypotheses, the reduction in radial contact area was not anticipated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Humeral osteotomies alter joint surface contact areas of the canine elbow joint in vitro. Humeral osteotomies may decrease contact areas on the diseased region of the joint in dogs with elbow dysplasia; however, the overall decrease in joint surface contact area suggests that these procedures may induce focal increases in pressure that may cause iatrogenic cartilage damage when applied in vivo.

Two-dimensional link-segment model of the forelimb of dogs at a walk.

OBJECTIVE: To calculate normative joint angle, intersegmental forces, moment of force, and mechanical power at elbow, antebrachiocarpal, and metacarpophalangeal joints of dogs at a walk. ANIMALS: 6 clinically normal mixed-breed dogs. PROCEDURE: Kinetic data were collected via a force platform, and kinematic data were collected from forelimbs by use of 3-dimensional videography. Length, location of the center of mass, total mass, and mass moment of inertia about the center of mass were determined for each of 4 segments of the forelimb. Kinematic data and inertial properties were combined with vertical and craniocaudal ground reaction forces to calculate sagittal plane forces and moments across joints of interest throughout stance phase. Mechanical power was calculated as the product of net joint moment and the angular velocity. Joint angles were calculated directly from kinematic data. RESULTS: All joint intersegmental forces were similar to ground reaction forces, with a decrease in magnitude the more proximal the location of each joint. Flexor moments were observed at metacarpophalangeal and antebrachiocarpal joints, and extensor moments were observed at elbow and shoulder joints, which provided a net extensor support moment for the forelimb. Typical profiles of work existed for each joint. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For clinically normal dogs of a similar size at a walk, inverse dynamic calculation of intersegmental forces, moments of force, and mechanical power for forelimb joints yielded values of consistent patterns and magnitudes. These values may be used for comparison in evaluations of gait in other studies and in treatment of dogs with forelimb musculoskeletal disease.

Computed tomographic osteoabsorptiometry of the elbow joint in clinically normal dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate subchondral bone density patterns in elbow joints of clinically normal dogs by use of computed tomographic (CT) osteoabsorptiometry. SAMPLE POPULATION: 20 cadaver forelimbs from 10 clinically normal dogs. PROCEDURE: Each elbow joint was imaged in parasagittal and transverse planes of 1.5-mm thickness. Slice data were converted to dipotassium phosphate equivalent density (PPED) values. Sagittal, parasagittal, and transverse medial coronoid process topographic maps were constructed. Defined zones were created for each of the 3 CT planes, and confluence and peak PPED values were determined. RESULTS: The lowest PPED value was 340 mg/ml (articular and subchondral confluence), and the highest was 1780 mg/ml (peak subchondral density). Detectable effects of joint laterality were not found in the confluence or peak PPED measurements or in the peak-to-confluence PPED ratio for all 3 CT planes. Significant differences were found among zones in all 3 planes for confluence and peak PPED measurements and between sagittal and transverse planes for peak-to-confluence PPED ratios. Subjectively, the pattern of density distribution among dogs was fairly consistent for the sagittal and parasagittal slices. Three specific patterns of density distribution were apparent on the transverse topographic maps of the medial coronoid process that corresponded to conformational differences. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of CT osteoabsorptiometry provides a repeatable technique that can be used to noninvasively examine bone density and the effects of stress acting on joints in vivo. Variability in density values for any of the CT planes was not identified among clinically normal dogs.

In vitro biomechanical study of rotational stabilizers of the canine elbow joint.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a model for measuring rotary stability of the canine elbow joint and to evaluate the relative contribution of the anconeal process (AN), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and medial collateral ligament (MCL). SAMPLE POPULATION: 18 forelimbs from 12 canine cadavers. PROCEDURE: Forelimbs were allocated to 3 experimental groups (6 forelimbs/group). Each intact forelimb was placed in extension at an angle of 135 degrees and cycled 50 times from -16 degrees (pronation) to +28 degrees (supination) in a continuous manner at 2.0 Hz. Cycling was repeated following sectioning of the structure of interest (group 1, AN; group 2, LCL; and group 3, MCL). Torque at -12 degrees (pronation) and +18 degrees (supination) was measured for each intact and experimentally sectioned limb. A Student t test was performed to compare torque values obtained from intact verses experimentally sectioned limbs and for comparison with established criteria for differentiation of primary (> or = 33%), secondary (10 to 33%), and tertiary rotational stabilizers (< 10%). RESULTS: In pronation, the AN was the only primary stabilizer (65%). For supination, the LCL was a primary stabilizer (48%), AN was a secondary stabilizer (24%), and MCL was a tertiary stabilizer (7%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: With the elbow joint in extension at an angle of 135 degrees, the AN is a primary rotational stabilizer in pronation, and the LCL is a primary stabilizer in supination. Disruption of the AN or LCL may affect rotary range of motion or compromise stability of the elbow joint in dogs.

Effects of a whole-body spandex garment on rectal temperature and oxygen consumption in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a full-body spandex garment would alter rectal temperatures of healthy dogs at rest in cool and warm environments. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 10 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES: Each dog was evaluated at a low (20 degrees to 25 degrees C [68 degrees to 77 degrees F]) or high (30 degrees to 35 degrees C [86 degrees to 95 degrees F]) ambient temperature while wearing or not wearing a commercially available whole-body spandex garment designed for dogs. Oxygen consumption was measured by placing dogs in a flow-through indirect calorimeter for 90 to 120 minutes. Rectal temperature was measured before dogs were placed in the calorimeter and after they were removed. RESULTS: Rectal temperature increased significantly more at the higher ambient temperature than at the lower temperature and when dogs were not wearing the garment than when they were wearing it. The specific rate of oxygen consumption was significantly higher at the lower ambient temperature than at the higher temperature. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that wearing a snug spandex body garment does not increase the possibility that dogs will overheat while in moderate ambient temperatures. Instead, wearing such a garment may enable dogs to better maintain body temperature during moderate heat loading. These results suggest that such garments might be used for purposes such as wound or suture protection without causing dogs to overheat.

Unusual urethral calculi in two male dogs.

The clinical presentation and advanced size of the two calculi described in this report are both atypical and noteworthy. Both dogs were presented initially with signs of hematuria, stranguria, and perineal discomfort. Each calculus was visible on survey abdominal radiographs and was present in the region of the ischial arch. Both dogs underwent a perineal urethrotomy to retrieve the calculus. Resolution of clinical signs was obtained in one case, which was referred within 2 months of the onset of clinical signs. The second dog was medically managed for approximately 2.5 years before referral. Surgical intervention failed to restore urinary continence in this second dog. Early detection of similar cases may be important in optimizing clinical outcome following appropriate treatment.

Effect of positioning, scan plane, and arthrography on visibility of periarticular canine shoulder soft tissue structures on magnetic resonance images.

This study was performed to determine the effect of shoulder extension and flexion, imaging plane, and intraarticular paramagnetic contrast medium administration on the visibility of soft tissue structures surrounding the canine shoulder joint using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Eight dogs without shoulder disease were imaged using a 1.5 T MR scanner. In all dogs, T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo sequences in sagittal, transverse, and dorsal planes, and a sagittal short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequence were acquired with the shoulder joint in extension. In five dogs, postintravenous contrast medium T1-weighted images were obtained and in five dogs, MR arthrography was performed in flexion and extension. Each specific soft tissue structure was assigned a visual assessment score of 0-3 and descriptive statistics were calculated. The biceps brachii, supraspinatus, and teres minor muscles and tendons, and the biceps tendon sheath were best seen in the sagittal and transverse planes. The infraspinatus was well-visualized in all planes, the subscapularis was best seen in the transverse and dorsal planes, and the capsuloligmentous complexes were best seen in the transverse and dorsal planes. Limb extension improved conspicuousness of the medial capsuloligamentous stuctures. Arthrography resulted in greater conspicuousness of the biceps brachii tendon, biceps tendon sheath, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, subscapularis, medial joint capsule, medial glenohumeral ligament, and the lateral joint capsule-glenohumeral ligament complex. The major periarticular anatomic structures of the normal canine shoulder were consistently identified using the protocols described in this investigation, but arthrography with the joint in extension resulted in the best visualization of all structures.