Primary repair of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated full thickness gastrointestinal ulcers in 11 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcomes of dogs that underwent primary repair of gastroduodenal perforations associated with the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). A secondary objective was to identify clinicopathological findings that predisposed dogs to postoperative death. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Eleven dogs with complete gastric or duodenal perforation related to administration of an NSAID that underwent primary surgical repair. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for dogs that presented with peritonitis due to a complete gastroduodenal perforation while receiving NSAIDs between November, 2011 and January, 2021. Data collected included patient characteristics, clinical signs, clinicopathological results, surgical details, and postoperative management and outcome. RESULTS: All dogs were large breeds (mean weight 42 kg; range 22-75 kg), with a mean age of 7.35 years. Nine dogs from a total of 11 (82 %) received a concurrent corticosteroid and NSAID, or a higher dose/frequency/length of NSAID administration than recommended by the manufacturer. All gastroduodenal perforations were found in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Eight of 11 (73%) dogs survived to discharge. The median postoperative duration of follow up was 444 days (range 2-1460 days). No association was detected between ulcer size or location and mortality. CONCLUSION: Most dogs who underwent primary repair of complete gastroduodenal ulcers survived. Gastroduodenal perforations were generally due to the administration of higher or longer doses of NSAIDs, or concurrent administration of another NSAID or corticosteroid. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Primary closure may be associated with a high success rate in dogs with full thickness gastroduodenal ulcers.

Effects of Perching Surfaces and Foot Bandaging on Central Metatarsal Foot Pad Weight Loading of the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus).

Pododermatitis is prevalent in falcons and is characterized by inflammation and infection of the plantar aspect of the feet, particularly at the central metatarsal pad. Suboptimal perch design and increased weight loading on the plantar skin have been proposed as major risk factors for the development of pododermatitis. Prevention and treatment are challenging, but weight load reduction on the affected area of the foot is an accepted goal of initial treatment. To date, to our knowledge no studies have compared the performance of different bandage-perch surface combinations on weight redistribution away from the central metatarsal pad. An ex vivo factorial experiment was designed using the feet from a peregrine falcon cadaver to quantify weight load reduction on the central metatarsal pad with different combinations of perch surfaces (wood, neoprene, artificial turf) and bandages (none, interdigital, silicone shoe). Feet were attached to a digital force gauge mounted on a manual test stand for compression testing. Weight loading at the central metatarsal pad was measured using a small force sensor. Perch-surface combinations in randomized order were tested at 250 g, 500 g, and 1 kg with 9 replicates per foot. At 250 g, all combinations reduced measured metatarsal pad forces, but otherwise performed similarly. As compression forces increased, differences emerged with the shoe combinations performing better overall, followed by a group including the neoprene and artificial turf-interdigital bandage combinations, and a third group including the interdigital/wood and no bandage-artificial turf. All combinations performed better than control (no bandage on wood). This study may assist veterinarians in selecting appropriate perching surface/bandage combinations when treating falcons with pododermatitis.

Anatomical characterization of the brachial plexus in dog cadavers and comparison of three blind techniques for blockade.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the ventral spinal nerve rami contribution to the formation of the brachial plexus (BP), and to compare ease of performing and nerve staining between three blind techniques for BP blockade in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, blind study. ANIMALS: A total of 18 dog cadavers weighing 28.2 ± 9.7 kg (mean ± standard deviation). METHODS: Dogs were randomly assigned to two of three BP treatments: traditional approach (TA), perpendicular approach (PA), and axillary approach (AA). Dye (0.2 mL kg-1) was injected in the left BP using a spinal needle; another BP treatment was used in the right BP. Landmarks (L) included: L1, midpoint between point of the shoulder and sixth cervical (C6) transverse process; L2, scapulohumeral joint; and L3, first rib. For TA, the needle was introduced craniocaudally through L1, medial to the limb and cranial to L3. For PA, the needle was directed perpendicular and caudal to L2, aligned with L1, until cranial to L3. For AA, the needle was directed ventrodorsally, parallel and cranial to L3 until at L1. All BPs were scored for dyeing quality [0 (poor) to 5 (excellent)]. The left BP was dissected for nerve origins. Durbin test was used to compare scores (p < 0.05). RESULTS: In all dogs, the musculocutaneous nerve originated from C7 and C8; the radial nerve from C8, the first thoracic vertebra (T1) (16/18 dogs) and C7 (2/18); and the median and ulnar nerves from C8, T1 (17/18) and C7 (1/18). Respective raw scores and adjusted scores for the incomplete block design were not significantly different (p = 0.72; ranks TA 16.5, PA 19.0, AA 18.5). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The musculocutaneous, median, ulnar and radial nerves originate from C7, C8 and T1. Regardless of the technique, knowledge of anatomy and precise landmarks are relevant for correct dye dispersion.

The magnitude of muscular activation of four canine forelimb muscles in dogs performing two agility-specific tasks.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to measure the muscular activation in four forelimb muscles while dogs performed agility tasks (i.e., jumping and A-frame) and to provide insight into potential relationships between level of muscular activation and risk of injury. Muscle activation in eight healthy, client-owned agility dogs was measured using ultrasound-guided fine-wire electromyography of four specific forelimb muscles: Biceps Brachii, Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, and Triceps Brachii - Long Head, while dogs performed a two jump sequence and while dogs ascended and descended an A-frame obstacle at two different competition heights. RESULTS: The peak muscle activations during these agility tasks were between 1.7 and 10.6 fold greater than walking. Jumping required higher levels of muscle activation compared to ascending and descending an A-frame, for all muscles of interest. There was no significant difference in muscle activation between the two A-frame heights. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to walking, all of the muscles were activated at high levels during the agility tasks and our findings indicate that jumping is an especially demanding activity for dogs in agility. This information is broadly relevant to understanding the pathophysiology of forelimb injuries related to canine athletic activity.

Influence of orthopedic reinforced gloves versus double standard gloves on contamination events during small animal orthopedic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of orthopedic reinforced gloves on contamination events during small animal orthopedic surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial SAMPLE POPULATION: Two hundred and thirty-seven pairs of orthopedic gloves (474 gloves) and 203 pairs of double standard gloves (812 gloves) worn during 193 orthopedic procedures. METHODS: Primary and assistant surgeons were randomized to wear either orthopedic reinforced gloves or double gloves. Gloves were leak tested to identify perforations at the end of procedures. Perforations detected intraoperatively or postoperatively were recorded. A contamination event was defined as at least one perforation on either hand for orthopedic reinforced gloves, or a perforation of both the inner and outer glove on the same hand for double gloves. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics between the 2 intervention groups were similar. There was no difference in contamination events between the double-gloved and orthopedic gloved groups (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.49-1.87, P = .89). The same percentage of contamination events (8% glove pairs used) occurred in the double gloved group (17 contamination events) and in the orthopedic gloved group (19 contamination events). The odds of a contamination event increased by 1.02 (95% CI 1.01-1.03, P < .001) with each additional minute of surgery. CONCLUSION: Orthopedic reinforced gloves and double standard gloving were equally effective at preventing contamination events in small animal orthopedic procedures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgeons reluctant to double glove due to perceptions of decreased dexterity and discomfort may safely opt for wearing orthopedic gloves, which may improve their compliance.

Cuttable plate fixation for small breed dogs with radius and ulna fractures: Retrospective study of 31 dogs.

This retrospective study evaluated complication rates for radius and ulna fractures in small breed dogs in which 1.5 mm to 2.7 mm cuttable bone plates were used for internal fixation. The medical records of all cases from 2004 to 2011 that were presented to our clinic were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were: dogs with body weight < 9 kg, fracture of the radius and ulna with open reduction, and internal fixation utilizing a cuttable bone plate. Thirty-four fractures in 31 dogs met the inclusion criteria. Of 25 dogs that were available for follow-up, all achieved union, minor complications occurred in 9, and major complications occurred in 8. External coaptation was responsible for complications in 8 cases and the need for coaptation needs to be investigated. Excluding minor complications, 32% of patients required at least 1 additional surgery or additional hospitalization. All but 2 of the dogs returned to full function. The 1.5 mm straight plate was successfully used in all dogs with a body weight of 0.9 to 2.6 kg.

Fixation à l'aide d'une plaque taillable chez les chiens de petites races pour les fractures de radius et de cubitus : étude rétrospective de 31 chiens. Cette étude rétrospective a évalué les taux de complication pour les fractures de radius et de cubitus chez les chiens de petites races pour lesquels des plaques vissées taillables de 1,5 mm à 2,7 mm ont été utilisées pour la fixation interne. Les dossiers médicaux de tous les cas de 2004 à 2011 présentés à notre clinique ont été examinés. Les critères d'inclusion étaient les suivants : chiens avec un poids corporel de < 9 kg, la fracture de radius et de cubitus avec une réduction ouverte et une fixation interne utilisant une plaque vissée taillable. Trente-quatre fractures de 31 chiens ont satisfait aux critères d'inclusion. Parmi les 25 chiens qui étaient disponibles pour le suivi, on a observé une union réussie, des complications mineures se sont produites dans neuf cas et des complications majeures ont eu lieu dans huit cas. La coaptation externe a été responsable des complications dans huit cas et le besoin de coaptation doit être étudié. En excluant les complications mineures, 32 % des patients ont requis au moins une chirurgie additionnelle ou une hospitalisation additionnelle. Tous les chiens sauf deux sont retournés à une fonction complète. La plaque de 1,5 mm a été utilisée avec succès chez tous les chiens ayant un poids corporel de 0,9 à 2,6 kg.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Canine atlantoaxial optimal safe implantation corridors - description and validation of a novel 3D presurgical planning method using OsiriX™.

BACKGROUND: Canine ventral atlantoaxial (AA) stabilization is most commonly performed in very small dogs and is technically challenging due to extremely narrow bone corridors. Multiple implantation sites have been suggested but detailed anatomical studies investigating these sites are lacking and therefore current surgical guidelines are based upon approximate anatomical landmarks. In order to study AA optimal safe implantation corridors (OSICs), we developed a method based on computed tomography (CT) and semi-automated three-dimensional (3D) mathematical modelling using OsiriX™ and Microsoft®Excel software. The objectives of this study were 1- to provide a detailed description of the bone corridor analysis method and 2- to assess the reproducibility of the method. CT images of the craniocervical junction were prospectively obtained in 27 dogs and our method of OSIC analysis was applied in all dogs. For each dog, 13 optimal implant sites were simulated via geometrical simplification of the bone corridors. Each implant 3D position was then defined with respect to anatomical axes using 2 projected angles (ProjA). The safety margins around each implant were also estimated with angles (SafA) measured in 4 orthogonal directions. A sample of 12 simulated implants was randomly selected and each mathematically calculated angle was compared to direct measurements obtained within OsiriX™ from 2 observers repeated twice. The landmarks simulating anatomical axes were also positioned 4 times to determine their effect on ProjA reproducibility. RESULTS: OsiriX could be used successfully to simulate optimal implant positions in all cases. There was excellent agreement between the calculated and measured values for both ProjA (ρc = 0.9986) and SafA (ρc = 0.9996). Absolute differences between calculated and measured values were respectively [ProjA = 0.44 ± 0.53°; SafA = 0.27 ± 0.25°] and [ProjA = 0.26 ± 0.21°; SafA = 0.18 ± 0.18°] for each observer. The 95 % tolerance interval comparing ProjA obtained with 4 different sets of anatomical axis landmarks was [-1.62°, 1.61°] which was considered appropriate for clinical use. CONCLUSIONS: A new method for determination of optimal implant placement is provided. Semi-automated calculation of optimal implant 3D positions could be further developed to facilitate preoperative planning and to generate large descriptive anatomical datasets.

DIAGNOSIS AND SURGICAL TREATMENT OF A COMPLEX ANGULAR HIND LIMB DEFORMITY IN A SERVAL (FELIS SERVAL).

A 2-yr-old neutered male pet serval (Felis serval) was presented for progressive hind limb lameness that started at 6 mo of age. Previous therapy included only nutritional supplementation. Direct and video gait analysis confirmed bilateral hind limb lameness, more severe on the right. Physical examination and radiography revealed a multifocal complex bilateral angular deformity with a significant rotational component. A right tibial corrective osteotomy was followed by internal rotation and stabilization with a 2.7-mm eight-hole locking compression plate and locking screws. Other deformities were not corrected. Clinical improvement was noted immediately and has been maintained over the 16-mo follow-up.

Intra-articular pharmacokinetics of a gentamicin impregnated collagen sponge in the canine stifle: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate local and systemic pharmacokinetics of gentamicin after intra-articular implantation of a gentamicin impregnated collagen sponge (GICS) in the inflamed canine joint. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive repeated measures experimental study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 9). METHODS: Stifle joint inflammation was caused by urate injection. Twenty-four hours later a GICS (gentamicin dose, 6 mg/kg) was arthroscopically implanted. Synovial fluid and plasma gentamicin concentrations were measured for 14 days after implantation, and pharmacokinetic parameters modeled using statistical moment analyses. RESULTS: Intra-articular gentamicin concentrations fell to sub-MIC for Staphylococcus sp. (4 µg/mL) by 22.4 hours (95% CI: 18.6-26.2) after sponge implantation. Cmax synovial was 2397 µg/mL (95%CI: 1161-3634 µg/mL) at 1.2 hours (95%CI: 0.5-1.8 hours). Plasma gentamicin concentrations achieved levels of Cmax plasma = 8.0 µg/mL (95%CI: 6.1-10.0 µg/mL) at 1.5 hours (95%CI: 0.8-2.1) after GICS placement and fell below target trough of 2.0 µg/mL by 5.6 hours (95%CI: 4.7-6.5 hours) after GICS placement. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-articular gentamicin concentration after GICS placement at an IV-equivalent dose reached high levels and declined rapidly. The maximum plasma levels attained were ∼1/3 of the recommended sub-toxic target for people after parenteral gentamicin administration.

Investigation of incidence and risk factors for surgical glove perforation in small animal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To identify incidence and risk factors for surgical glove perforation in small animal surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Surgical gloves (n = 2132) worn in 363 surgical procedures. METHODS: All gloves worn by operative personnel were assessed for perforation at end-procedure using a water leak test. Putative risk factors were recorded by a surgical team member. Associations between risk factors and perforation were assessed using multivariable multi-level random-effects logistic regression models to control for hierarchical data structure. RESULTS: At least 1 glove perforation occurred in 26.2% of procedures. Identified risk factors for glove perforation included increased surgical duration (surgery >1 hour OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.12-2.86), performing orthopedic procedures (OR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.23-2.88), any procedure using powered instruments (OR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.21-3.09) or surgical wire (OR = 3.02; 95% CI = 1.50-6.05), use of polyisoprene as a glove material (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.05-2.39), and operative role as primary surgeon (OR = 2.01; 95% CI = 1.35-2.98). The ability of the wearer to detect perforations intraoperatively was poor, with a sensitivity of 30.8%. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high incidence of unrecognized glove perforations in small animal surgery.

Imaging diagnosis--temporomandibular joint dysplasia in a Basset Hound.

A 5-month-old intact male Basset Hound presented for evaluation of pain and crepitation during manipulation of the temporomandibular joint, worse on the right side. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the head was performed. The CT images demonstrated the osseous features of temporomandibular joint dysplasia and facilitated a 3D reconstruction, which allowed better visualization of the dysplastic features. The patient responded to conservative management with a tape muzzle with no recurrence reported by the owner 6 months after presentation.

Clinical findings and prognostic factors for dogs undergoing cholecystectomy for gall bladder mucocele.

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical findings and explore prognostic factors for dogs that had cholecystectomy for gall bladder mucocele. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 43) with gall bladder mucoceles. RESULTS: Diagnosis of gall bladder mucoceles was confirmed by histopathology and 74% were diagnosed based on preoperative abdominal ultrasonography. Intraoperative evidence of gall bladder rupture was noted in 10 dogs (23%), and 16 (37%) had evidence of previous leakage in the abdominal cavity. One dog had positive bacterial growth from the gall bladder content. The most common histopathologic findings in liver biopsies obtained at surgery were cholangiohepatitis, biliary hyperplasia, or cholestasis. Univariate analysis showed evidence of postoperative hypotension (P = .05) to be significantly negatively associated with survival. Significant difference in mean postoperative serum lactate (P = .034) and postoperative packed cell volume (P = .063) between dogs that survived and died was also noted. CONCLUSIONS: Elevations in postoperative serum lactate concentrations and immediate postoperative hypotension in dogs undergoing cholecystectomy for gall bladder mucoceles are associated with poor clinical outcome.

Effects of unfocused extracorporeal shock wave therapy on healing of wounds of the distal portion of the forelimb in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on healing of wounds in the distal portion of the forelimb in horses. ANIMALS: 6 horses. PROCEDURES: Five 6.25-cm2 superficial wounds were created over both third metacarpi of 6 horses. Forelimbs were randomly assigned to treatment (ESWT and bandage) or control (bandage only) groups. In treated limbs, each wound was treated with 625 shock wave pulses from an unfocused electrohydraulic shock wave generator. In control limbs, each wound received sham treatment. Wound appearance was recorded weekly as inflamed or healthy and scored for the amount of protruding granulation tissue. Standardized digital photographs were used to determine the area of neoepithelialization and absolute wound area. Biopsy was performed on 1 wound on each limb every week for 6 weeks to evaluate epithelialization, fibroplasia, neovascularization, and inflammation. Immunohistochemical staining for A smooth muscle actin was used to label myofibroblasts. RESULTS: Control wounds were 1.9 times as likely to appear inflamed, compared with treated wounds. Control wounds had significantly higher scores for exuberant granulation tissue. Treatment did not affect wound size or area of neoepithelialization. No significant difference was found for any of the histologic or immunohistochemical variables between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Treatment with ESWT did not accelerate healing of equine distal limb wounds, but treated wounds had less exuberant granulation tissue and appeared healthier than controls. Therefore, ESWT may be useful to prevent exuberant granulation tissue formation and chronic inflammation of such wounds, but further studies are necessary before recommending ESWT for clinical application.

Comparison of 3 blind brachial plexus block techniques during maintenance of anesthesia and postoperative pain scores in dogs undergoing surgical procedures of the thoracic limb.

The degree of analgesia provided by blind techniques for brachial plexus blocks (BPBs) has not been compared in clinical cases undergoing surgery of the thoracic limb. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anesthetic conditions and postoperative analgesia resulting from 3 different BPB local anesthetic techniques in canine patients undergoing such surgery. Twenty-four client-owned dogs received a standardized premedication/induction protocol (hydromorphone and acepromazine/propofol), maintained with isoflurane in oxygen using mechanical ventilation, in a prospective, randomized, blinded clinical trial. Before surgery, dogs received 1 of 3 anatomical BPB techniques: traditional, perpendicular, or axillary, with 0.2 mL/kg body weight (BW) of bupivacaine 0.5%. Cardiorespiratory variables and isoflurane end-tidal concentrations were recorded throughout anesthesia. Scores for anesthetic maintenance (0-best to 4-responsive), recovery quality (0-not responsive to 3-responsive), and Glasgow pain scale were recorded for up to 24 h postoperatively. All dogs recovered uneventfully from anesthesia and no differences in the measured variables or scores were noted among groups, during and after anesthesia. When thoracic limb amputations in each of the 3 groups (n = 9; 4 in traditional, 3 in perpendicular, 2 in axillary) were compared to the other surgical procedures (n = 15); however, scores for anesthetic maintenance were higher [0 (0 to 1) versus 0 (0 to 0); median (interquartile range)], recovery [1 (0 to 2) versus 0 (0 to 0)], and pain [2.4 (2.4 to 3.0) versus 1.6 (1.4 to 2.2)] in the first 3 h post-extubation. Surgery times were also longer with amputations [115 min (100 to 138 min) versus 50 min (41 to 90 min)]. The 3 BPB techniques provided similar anesthesia and postoperative pain scores. Despite higher pain scores in thoracic limb amputations than in less invasive surgeries, the BPB appeared to provide significant comfort.

Le degré d'analgésie fournie par les blocs à l'aveugle du plexus brachial (BPBs) n'a pas été comparé lors de cas cliniques soumis à une chirurgie du membre thoracique. La présente étude visait à évaluer les conditions anesthésiques et l'analgésie post-opératoire résultant de trois techniques différentes d'anesthésie locale par BPB chez des patients canins soumis à une chirurgie. Vingt-quatre chiens appartenant à des propriétaires ont reçu une prémédication/induction standardisée (hydromorphone et acépromazine/propofol), avec maintien à l'isoflurane dans de l'oxygène en utilisant une ventilation mécanique, dans une étude clinique prospective, randomisée, et à l'aveugle. Avant la chirurgie, les chiens ont reçu un BPB par une des trois techniques anatomiques : traditionnelle, perpendiculaire, ou axillaire, avec 0,2 mL/kg de poids corporel de bupivacaïne 0,5 %. Les variables cardiorespiratoires et les concentrations d'isoflurane en fin d'expiration furent enregistrées tout au long de l'anesthésie. Les pointages pour le maintien de l'anesthésie (0-meilleur à 4-réactif), la qualité du rétablissement (0-non réactif à 3-réactif), et l'échelle de la douleur de Glasgow ont été notés jusqu'à 24 h post-opération. Tous les chiens ont récupéré sans problème de l'anesthésie et aucune différence mesurable dans les variables mesurées ou les pointages ne fut notée parmi les groupes, durant ou après l'anesthésie. Toutefois, lorsque les amputations du membre thoracique dans chacun des trois groupes (n = 9; 4 dans la traditionnelle, 3 dans la perpendiculaire, 2 dans l'axillaire) furent comparées aux autres procédures chirurgicales (n = 15), les pointages pour le maintien de l'anesthésie étaient plus élevés [0 (0 à 1) versus 0 (0 à 0); médiane (écart interquartile)], rétablissement [1 (0 à 2) versus 0 (0 à 0)], et douleur [2,4 (2,4 à 3,0) versus 1,6 (1,4 à 2,2)] dans les 3 h suivant l'extubation. La durée des chirurgies étaient également plus longues lors des amputations [115 min (100 à 138 min) versus 50 min (41 à 90 min)]. Les trois techniques de BPB produisaient des pointages similaires d'anesthésie et de douleur postopératoire. Malgré des pointages de douleur plus élevés lors d'amputations du membre thoracique que lors de chirurgies moins invasives, les BPB semblent fournir un confort significatif.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Multiple myeloma with central nervous system involvement in a cat.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 1.5-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was admitted for hind limb locomotor difficulties and signs of pain along the lumbar portion of the vertebral column. At the time of referral, the cat was paraparetic with deficits in the spinal reflexes of the hind limbs. Neuroanatomic localization was at the L6-S2 spinal cord segments, corresponding approximately to the region of the L4-L6 vertebral bodies. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Radiography revealed a mixed osteolytic-proliferative lesion within the body of L5 involving the cranial end plate, as well as punctate radiolucencies in the distal portion of the femur. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intramedullary spinal cord lesion along with extensive meningeal and nerve root lesions in the area of the L4-L6 vertebral bodies. Cytologic analysis of a bone marrow aspirate from the right trochanteric fossa revealed a substantial plasma cell infiltrate. Analysis of CSF revealed a high protein concentration and morphologically abnormal plasma cells. Urine, but not serum, protein electrophoresis revealed a sharp gamma-globulin peak consistent with a monoclonal band of Bence-Jones proteins. The diagnosis was multiple myeloma. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The cat was treated with melphalan and prednisolone. A rapid clinical response was reported, and by week 3 after diagnosis, the cat's locomotion and behavior had normalized. However, by month 4, multifocal neurologic deficits were evident. The cat was euthanized at 9 months because of tetraparesis and substantial weight loss. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To our knowledge, this is the first report of myeloma in a cat that had electrophoretically detectable light chain proteinuria but lacked a detectable serum monoclonal gammopathy.

Biomechanical Properties of the 1.5 mm Locking Compression Plate: Comparison with the 1.5 and 2.0 mm Straight Plates in Compression and Torsion.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose was to compare the biomechanical properties of a 1.5 mm locking compression plate (1.5 LCP) to the 1.5 mm straight plate (1.5 P), 1.5 mm straight plate stacked (1.5 PSt) and 2.0 mm straight plate (2.0 P) in compression and torsion. We hypothesized that biomechanical properties of the 1.5 LCP would be equivalent to properties of the 1.5 P and would represent an alternative for the treatment of radial fractures in miniature breed dogs in which those plates would be used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 1 mm fracture gap model was created with a bone surrogate stabilized with a six-hole plate. Sixteen constructs were built for each of the four plate configurations. Eight constructs from each group were tested in compression to failure and eight constructs were tested in torsion to failure. RESULTS: In compression testing, the 1.5 LCP was stiffer than the 1.5 P, and had similar stiffness than the 1.5 PSt and the 2.0 P. The load at yield of the 1.5 LCP was slightly lower than the 1.5 P. In torsion, the 1.5 LCP and 1.5 P had similar stiffness, but 1.5 LCP was slightly stronger than 1.5 P. The 1.5 PSt and 2.0 P were overall superior to the 1.5 LCP but only marginally so for the 1.5 PSt. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The 1.5 LCP can be considered biomechanically equivalent to the 1.5 P under the present experimental conditions. The use of the 1.5 LCP can be considered as an option for radial fracture repair in dogs in which a 1.5 P would have otherwise been used. The use of a locking plate to improve overall success rate, in these fractures, remains to be confirmed clinically.

Computed Tomography and Biomechanical Comparison between Trans-Articular Screw Fixation and 2 Polymethylmethacrylate Cemented Constructs for Ventral Atlantoaxial Stabilization.

OBJECTIVES: Canine ventral atlantoaxial stabilization methods have been constantly evolving over the past few decades. Yet, proper experimental data comparing the feasibility and biomechanical properties of currently available surgical options are lacking. The aims of this study were (1) to describe and compare the safety profiles and biomechanical properties of three ventral atlantoaxial stabilization methods; and (2) to test whether recently reported optimal implant definitions constitute reasonable guidelines. METHODS: Three types of atlantoaxial stabilization including trans-articular screw fixation (TSF) and two cemented constructs (MI5 and MI6) were performed in 21 Beagle cadavers. Post-surgical computed tomography (CT) images of the constructs and biomechanical data were then generated and statistically analysed. RESULTS: The CT data revealed that TSF achieved significantly better apposition than cemented constructs. Out of 91 screws positioned, 4.4% were graded as dangerous and 86.8% as optimal. Optimal positioning was most challenging to obtain for mono-cortical screws. Analysis of biomechanical data suggested that all three techniques could likely achieve similar rates of atlantoaxial fusion when submitted to physiological loads but also that cemented constructs were less prone to failure compared with TSF. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides evidence that all three techniques are technically feasible and biomechanically viable but also that the evaluated surgical guidelines could be improved.

The use of veterinary cuttable plates for carpal and tarsal arthrodesis in small dogs and cats.

The objective of the study was to evaluate, retrospectively, carpal and tarsal arthrodesis in small dogs and cats by using veterinary cuttable plates in 6 animals and comparing those with arthrodesis stabilized with other implants in 9 animals. Veterinary cuttable plates were used for 1 pancarpal, 2 partial tarsal, and 3 pantarsal arthrodeses. Other implants were used to stabilize 1 pancarpal, 6 partial tarsal, and 2 pantarsal arthrodeses. In the veterinary cuttable plates group, complications included 2 cases with pressure sores and 1 case with screw loosening. One animal was lost to follow-up and 4 of the remaining 5 were always weight-bearing. In the other group, there were 2 cases with pressure sores, 1 case with dermatitis, and 2 cases with pin migration. Six out of 9 animals were always weight-bearing. The use of veterinary cuttable plates appears to be a suitable option with a good clinical outcome.

Ex vivo torsional properties of a 2.5 mm veterinary interlocking nail system in canine femurs. Comparison with a 2.4 mm limited contact bone plate.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the torsional properties of the Targon® Vet Nail System (TVS) in small canine femurs and to compare these properties to those of the 2.4 mm LC-DCP® plates. METHODS: Thirty-six cadaveric femurs were allocated to three groups (n = 12). In all bones, points just distal to the lesser trochanter and just proximal to the fabellae were marked and a midshaft transverse osteotomy was performed. Group 1: bones were fixed with the 2.5 mm TVS with the bolts applied at the pre-identified marks. Group 2: A TVS system with 25% shorter inter-bolt distance was used. Group 3: A 7-hole 2.4 mm LC-DCP® plates were applied. All constructs were tested non-destructively for 10 cycles, followed by an acute torsion to failure. RESULTS: Torque at yield was 0.806 ± 0.183 and 0.805 ± 0.093 Nm for groups 1 and 2 and 1.737 ± 0.461 Nm for group 3. Stiffness was 0.05 ± 0.01, 0.05 ± 0.007, and 0.14 ± 0.015 Nm/° for groups 1 to 3 respectively. Maximal angular displacement under cyclic loading was 16.6° ± 2.5°, 15.6° ± 2.1°, and 7.8° ± 1.06° respectively. There was no significant difference for any of the parameters between groups 1 and 2. Both torque at yield and stiffness were significantly greater between group 3 and groups 1 and 2. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The TVS had approximately half the torsional strength and approximately 1/3 of the stiffness of the 2.4 mm bone plate. Slippage of the locking mechanism was probably the cause of the early failure. The system should be considered as a low-strength and low-stiffness system when compared to bone plates.

Computed Tomographic Analysis of Ventral Atlantoaxial Optimal Safe Implantation Corridors in 27 Dogs.

Objectives Ventral atlantoaxial stabilization techniques are challenging surgical procedures in dogs. Available surgical guidelines are based upon subjective anatomical landmarks, and limited radiographic and computed tomographic data. The aims of this study were (1) to provide detailed anatomical descriptions of atlantoaxial optimal safe implantation corridors to generate objective recommendations for optimal implant placements and (2) to compare anatomical data obtained in non-affected Toy breed dogs, affected Toy breed dogs suffering from atlantoaxial instability and non-affected Beagle dogs. Methods Anatomical data were collected from a prospectively recruited population of 27 dogs using a previously validated method of optimal safe implantation corridor analysis using computed tomographic images. Results Optimal implant positions and three-dimensional numerical data were generated successfully in all cases. Anatomical landmarks could be used to generate objective definitions of optimal insertion points which were applicable across all three groups. Overall the geometrical distribution of all implant sites was similar in all three groups with a few exceptions. Clinical Significance This study provides extensive anatomical data available to facilitate surgical planning of implant placement for atlantoaxial stabilization. Our data suggest that non-affected Toy breed dogs and non-affected Beagle dogs constitute reasonable research models to study atlantoaxial stabilization constructs.