Three-dimensional volume rendering planning, surgical treatment, and clinical outcomes for femoral and tibial detorsional osteotomies in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a computed tomographic (CT) methodology for planning the correction of femoral and tibial torsion and report the clinical outcomes after femoral (FDO) and tibial (TDO) detorsional osteotomy in dogs affected by torsion malalignment and patellar luxation (PL). STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective study. ANIMALS: Eighteen client-owned dogs. METHODS: Dogs underwent CT to measure femoral (FTA) and tibial torsion angle (TTA). Abnormal femoral external torsion was defined when FTA <20°, abnormal femoral internal torsion if FTA >35°; abnormal tibial external torsion was defined when TTA < -10°, and abnormal tibial internal torsion when TTA >2°. The cortical arch length (CAL) was measured with CT and used intraoperatively to determine the magnitude of correction. The medical records and radiographs were reviewed and used to report clinical and radiographic outcomes. Radiographs were reviewed to evaluate postoperative limb alignment, patellar position, and bone healing. RESULTS: Twenty-two detorsional osteotomies were performed. Mean preoperative FTA was 14° for medial-PL and 45.2° for lateral-PL. Mean preoperative TTA was 11° for medial-PL. Physiological patellar tracking was restored in 22/22 of cases. CAL measurement allowed for correction of abnormal torsion in 19/22 of cases. Seventeen out 18 dogs had full or acceptable functional outcome. The median radiographic follow-up was 3 months. Major complications occurred in 2/22 cases, which suffered an iatrogenic abnormal femoral internal torsion and a persistent hindlimb lameness. CONCLUSIONS: CAL can be measured with CT and used intraoperatively to guide the correction of abnormal torsion in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Abnormal femoral and tibial torsion are predisposing factors for PL. A higher complication rate is expected when FDO and TDO are performed in the same hindlimb.

Truncating the Pekeris problem.

The exact expression for the difference between the acoustic field in an attenuating Pekeris waveguide and the corresponding truncated waveguide is presented. The derivation replaces an earlier version [Evans, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 74, 193-194 (1983)] that yielded only an approximate estimate of the same difference. The theoretical simplification resulting from the finite truncation is stressed, in contrast to the infinite half-space.

Recommendations for rehabilitation after surgical treatment of cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs: A 2017 survey of veterinary practitioners.

OBJECTIVE: To report current recommendations made by veterinarians for rehabilitation after surgical treatment of cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) disease. STUDY DESIGN: Anonymized electronic survey. SAMPLE POPULATION: Veterinarians performing CrCL stabilization. METHODS: An electronic survey was created to collect information on general attitudes toward postoperative rehabilitation and recommendations regarding therapeutic modalities and bandaging. Quantitative data are reported by descriptive statistical analysis, percentage of responses, or mean (±SD). The recommendations for postoperative bandaging beyond 24 hours and for postoperative rehabilitation after extracapsular stabilization compared with after tibial osteotomy were tested by using Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel tests, with P < .05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The data analysis included 376 responses (13% response rate). Most (71%) respondents consistently recommended postoperative rehabilitation. Rehabilitation was more than twofold more likely to be recommended after extracapsular stabilization than after osteotomies (P = .0142). Most respondents did not recommend bandaging beyond 24 hours postoperatively (P = .00012). CONCLUSION: Most respondents recommended either formal or informal postoperative rehabilitation therapy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: If the survey respondents are representative of veterinarians performing CrCL surgery, the current attitude is supportive of postsurgical rehabilitation. Most respondents would welcome evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitation protocols.

Correlation between synovial fluid cytokine concentrations and limb function in normal dogs and in dogs with lameness from spontaneous osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between synovial biomarker concentrations and severity of lameness and to assess the ability to differentiate normal from osteoarthritic joints with synovial biomarker concentrations. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Twelve hounds with no evidence of osteoarthritis (OA) and 27 client-owned dogs with unilateral lameness and joint pain in a single joint from naturally occurring OA. METHODS: Enrollment in the OA group required a history of lameness, radiographic evidence of OA on orthogonal joint radiographs, and ≥6% gait asymmetry between contralateral limbs. The concentrations of 14 synovial OA biomarkers in synovial samples obtained after gait analysis were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and compared between normal and OA joints. RESULTS: Concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, substance P, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, KC-like, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and MMP-3 were greater (P ≤ .05) in OA than in normal joints. The concentrations of bradykinin and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-4 were decreased in OA compared with normal joints. Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 was identified as the most accurate marker to distinguish OA from normal joints. No correlation was detected between any OA biomarker concentration, individually or in combination, and severity of gait asymmetry at the walk. CONCLUSION: Differences in proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers were detected between OA and normal joints, but no relationship was identified between biomarker concentrations and gait asymmetry in dogs with OA. CLINICAL IMPACT: This information will help guide future studies to elucidate how factors such as disease chronicity, severity, and etiology affect these relationships.

A Legendre-Galerkin spectral method for constructing atmospheric acoustic normal modes.

A Legendre-Galerkin spectral method is applied to the construction of atmospheric acoustic normal modes above level ground, represented by a complex impedance. A search in the complex plane for modal eigenvalues is replaced by a complex symmetric matrix eigenvalue problem. The Legendre-Galerkin spectral method projects the acoustic normal modes onto an orthogonal basis of Legendre polynomials. The matrix eigenvalue problem can be solved by readily available, public domain, software. Prior knowledge of the location of a set of nearby real eigenvalues is unnecessary since the complex symmetric matrix formulation embodies an approximation of all of the physical constraints of the problem. The normal modes are used to compute the acoustic field, due to a harmonic point source in the atmosphere, including a group of discrete modes radiating into the upper atmosphere, usually associated with the continuous spectrum. The validity of the acoustic field calculation is tested in a comparison with the fast field program and interpreted, with aid of the normal modes, in a downward-refracting atmosphere.

Influence of in-house rehabilitation on the postoperative outcome of dogs with intervertebral disk herniation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of in-house rehabilitation on the postoperative outcome of dogs with intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 248) under 20 kg of weight, with single site, thoracolumbar, Hansen Type I IVDH. PROCEDURES: Medical records of non-ambulatory dogs with IVDH treated via hemilaminectomy were reviewed. Dogs were classified in 2 groups depending on whether their postoperative management included an in-house rehabilitation program. Preoperative and sequential postoperative modified Frankel scores (MFSs) were recorded. Time to ambulation, time to normal conscious proprioception, final MFS, and complications were compared between the groups. RESULTS: More dogs returned to full neurologic function (final MFS of Grade 5) when in-house rehabilitation was included in the postoperative management (33% compared to 9%). Normal conscious proprioception and ambulation returned earlier in the control group (42 days and 14 days, respectively) compared to the group with rehabilitation (49 days and 28 days, respectively). The complication rate was higher in the control group (29%) compared with the group with rehabilitation (16%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In-house rehabilitation should be included in the postoperative management in dogs after surgical treatment of IVDH to improve neurologic function and reduce postoperative complications.

Risk factors and diagnostic accuracy of clinical findings for meniscal disease in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors for meniscal disease and diagnostic accuracy of physical examination in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficiency. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. ANIMALS: Stifles (n = 80) of dogs with CCL deficiency. METHODS: Each dog was evaluated preoperatively for factors that may increase the risk of, or aid in the diagnosis of meniscal disease including presence of pain on extension and flexion of the affected stifle, range of motion during flexion and extension, thigh circumference, positive cranial-drawer test, positive tibial compression test, tibial plateau angle, complete tear of the CCL, presence of a meniscal click, and gait analysis. Odds ratios were calculated for each of the factors and a multivariate approach was used to create an ROC curve. Subsequent sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve was used to determine the diagnostic value of clinical tests. RESULTS: Dogs with pain upon flexion of the stifle were 4.3 times more likely to have medial meniscal disease than those without flexion pain and dogs with a complete CCL tear were 9.6 times more likely to have medial meniscal disease than those with partial tears. A meniscal click increased the likelihood of medial meniscal disease by a factor of 11.3. The diagnostic accuracy using a meniscal click and pain upon stifle flexion was 76%. CONCLUSION: Combining the presence of a meniscal click and pain during flexion of the stifle provide a more accurate diagnosis of medial meniscal disease in dogs with CCL disease over individual examination variables.

Serial injections of 4% polyacrylamide hydrogel have no detrimental effects in equine joints following clinical, histologic, and synovial biomarker evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: Polyacrylamide hydrogel (4% PAHG) is an inert viscoelastic supplement used to manage osteoarthritis in horses. Even with a prolonged clinical effect, horses may be administered multiple doses during their performance career. The effect of the serial 4% PAHG treatments is not known. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the clinical, histologic, and synovial fluid biomarker effects following serial administration of 4% PAHG in normal equine fetlock joints. ANIMALS: 8 healthy horses. METHODS: In a blinded, controlled in vivo study, horses received serial intra-articular injections of 4% PAHG (Noltrex Vet; Nucleus ProVets LLC) and contralateral 0.9% saline control on days 0, 45, 90, and 135. Treatment and control joints were randomly assigned. Synovial fluid was collected before administration of 4% PAHG or 0.9% saline on day 0 and at study completion for cellular and biomarker evaluation. Serial physical and lameness examinations were performed throughout the study. On day 240, gross examination and harvest of cartilage and synovial membrane for histology were completed. RESULTS: There were no histologic changes in articular cartilage or synovial fluid biomarkers. The 4% PAHG was seen on the surface of the synovium in 5 of 8 treated joints 105 days after the last treatment. There are minimal effects following serial injections of 4% PAHG on normal joints in horses following administration at 0, 45, 90, and 135 days, with final evaluation on day 240. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Serial administration of intra-articular 4% PAHG in horses may provide long-term joint lubrication with no detrimental effects.

Randomized, controlled clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of pulsed signal therapy in dogs with osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of pulsed signal therapy (PST) in reducing pain and increasing function in dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) using a randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trial. ANIMALS: Adult dogs (n = 60) with moderate-to-severe clinical signs of OA. METHODS: Dogs were randomized by age into 2 groups: dogs ≥ 9 years and dogs < 9-years old. The control group received 1 hour of rest in hospital for 9 consecutive days and dogs in the treatment group received PST for 1 hour on 9 consecutive days. Goniometry and gait analysis were performed, and the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) questionnaire was given to the owners to fill out without supervision. Outcome measures were repeated at the end of treatment (Day 11) and 6 weeks after beginning treatment (Day 42). RESULTS: The PST group performed significantly better than the control group as measured by the CBPI Severity and Interference scores (P < .01). Extension (P = .04) and peak vertical force (PVF) (P = .03) were not statistically significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: The group receiving PST performed better than the treatment group according to owner assessment.

Mechanical testing of orthopedic suture material used for extra-articular stabilization of canine cruciate ligament-deficient stifles.

OBJECTIVE: To determine (1) if braided, polyblend orthopedic suture materials are mechanically superior to monofilament nylon leader and (2) have mechanical properties similar to biomechanical properties of the canine cruciate ligament. SAMPLE POPULATION: Different suture material types. METHODS: Mechanical testing was performed on 5 different orthopedic suture materials: 80# test Mason monofilament nylon leader (MNL), FiberTape (FT), FiberWire (FW), Xgen OrthoFiber (XOF), and LigaFiba (LF) using a servohydraulic materials-testing machine. Materials were loaded to failure while collecting data for tensile strength, load at 3 mm and 5 mm of elongation and stiffness. Cyclic elongation of each suture material was tested under physiologic loading between 70 and 150 N for 1000 cycles using 3 mm of elongation to describe excessive elongation. Load at 3 mm of elongation and performance during cyclic testing were compared to previously published physiologic loads in the dog stifle. RESULTS: Ultimate tensile strength was greatest with LF, followed by XOF that was stronger than FT and FW, and the weakest was MNL. LF was the stiffest of all tested materials at 3 mm of elongation. Cyclic elongation was greatest for the MNL elongating 3.75 mm after 1000 cycles. All polyblend braided materials continued to elongate throughout the 1000 cycles under physiologic loads. CONCLUSIONS: Polyblend suture materials are stronger and elongate less than MNL in pure tension. The mechanical performance of all sutures tested is questionable when compared with the mechanical demands of the normal stifle in a mid-sized dog.

Rigorous numerics for the Pekeris problem.

The acoustic field in an attenuating Pekeris waveguide is the limit of the field in a waveguide that is truncated at progressively larger depths. The rate of convergence is determined based on rigorous numerics using a contraction mapping in a properly formulated norm, based on Rayleigh's theorem. Given a predetermined error, the contraction mapping formulation allows the determination of the truncation depth that is needed to obtain an approximation of the field in the waveguide with the required error. Only approximations in the truncated waveguide are used to make the error determination and not the limit.

Ex vivo biomechanical evaluation of the canine cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifle with varying angles of stifle joint flexion and axial loads after tibial tuberosity advancement.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) on cranial tibial thrust (CrTT), retropatellar force (RPF), patellar tendon load (PTL), and patellar tendon angle determined by the tibial plateau angle (PTA(TPA) ) method or common tangent (PTA(CT) ) method in the canine cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)-deficient stifle joint. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo cadaver study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cadaveric canine hind limbs (n=30). METHODS: Stifle joints were subjected to 3 differing loading conditions using a constrained limb press model (Group 1: 30% body weight axial load at stifle and talocrural joint angles of 135 ± 5° and 145 ± 5°, respectively; Group 2: 30% body weight axial load at stifle and talocrural angles of 145 ± 5° and 135 ± 5°, respectively; and Group 3: 50% body weight axial load at stifle and talocrural joint angles of 135 ± 5° and 145 ± 5°, respectively). The CrCL was transected in situ under load; sensors allowed direct measurement of CrTT, RPF, and PTL. Lateral radiographic projections were used to assess PTA(TPA) and PTA(CT) . Descriptive statistics were used to report CrTT (by design this force returned to 0-point values, defined as the neutral point of advancement [NPA]). At the NPA, RPF was compared with baseline using a 2-tailed sign test. PTL within groups were compared using a paired t-test; pair-wise comparisons of PTA(TPA) and PTA(CT) were performed using a paired t-test. Comparisons between loading conditions were made with a 1-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. Equivalence tests were used to test mean PTA(TPA) and PTA(CT) for equivalence to 90°. Significance was set at a P-value of .05. RESULTS: CrTT returned to baseline values, and RPF and PTL at NPA were reduced below baseline values in all specimens in a near linear fashion with TTA. At the NPA, PTA(TPA) >PTA(CT) in 2 of the 3 loading conditions, but insufficient evidence to suggest they differed in the third. Mean PTA(TPA) and PTA(CT) varied between loading conditions. The threshold for each of the groups evaluated, at which the PTA could be significantly different from 90°, was larger for PTA(TPA) than PTA(CT) in all groups, as greater variation was observed with PTA(TPA) versus PTA(CT) . CONCLUSION: This study further supports the claim that reduction of CrTT occurs after TTA in the CrCL-deficient stifle joint through an alteration of PTA. Additionally, RPF and PTL also decrease after TTA. The PTA(CT) may be a more precise method of determining PTA.

Evaluation of S-adenosyl l-methionine in a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial for treatment of presumptive osteoarthritis in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of S-adenosyl l-methionine (SAMe) in the treatment of clinically inferred canine osteoarthritis (OA). STUDY DESIGN: Six weeks, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=33) with clinical signs, history, and orthopedic exams consistent with OA. METHODS: Dogs were block randomized by body condition score (<6/9, or ≥6/9) into either the placebo or SAMe group. Outcome was assessed using pressure platform gait analysis, examination score, goniometry, and the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) at the time of study entrance and at 3 and 6 weeks after entry. Groups were compared using parametric and nonparametric paired tests as appropriate, and numbers needed to treat (NNT) were calculated for the CBPI and peak vertical force (PVF). RESULTS: Both groups (n=15 placebo, n=18 SAMe) had a reduction in mean PVF (P=.02) and vertical impulse (VI; P=.06) from the 1st to 3rd visit. There was no significant difference between the placebo group and SAMe group for PVF, VI, or either part of the CBPI (Severity or Impact). The NNT at 6 weeks for the Severity score was 3, Impact score was 25, and PVF was 45. CONCLUSIONS: These data do not support the use of SAMe as an effective stand alone treatment for reducing clinical signs of OA, as measured by PVF, VI, goniometry, CBPI (both Severity and Impact), and examination score within 6 weeks of treatment.

Executive Summary: Diagnosis and Evaluation of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this summary is to provide a synopsis of evidence-based and consensus-derived guidance for clinicians to improve individual diagnostic decision-making for hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and decrease diagnostic practice variability. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Approved panelists developed key questions regarding the diagnosis of HP using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome) format. MEDLINE (via PubMed) and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for relevant literature, which was supplemented by manual searches. References were screened for inclusion and vetted evaluation tools were used to assess the quality of included studies, to extract data, and to grade the level of evidence supporting each recommendation or statement. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. Graded recommendations and ungraded consensus-based statements were drafted and voted on using a modified Delphi technique to achieve consensus. RESULTS: The systematic review of the literature based on 14 PICO questions resulted in 14 key action statements: 12 evidence-based, graded recommendations, and 2 ungraded consensus-based statements. All evidence was of very low quality. INTERPRETATION: Diagnosis of HP should employ a patient-centered approach and include a multidisciplinary assessment that incorporates the environmental and occupational exposure history and CT pattern to establish diagnostic confidence prior to considering BAL and/or lung biopsy. Additional research is needed on the performance characteristics and generalizability of exposure assessment tools and traditional and new diagnostic tests in modifying clinical decision-making for HP, particularly among those with a provisional diagnosis.

Diagnosis and Evaluation of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this analysis is to provide evidence-based and consensus-derived guidance for clinicians to improve individual diagnostic decision-making for hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and decrease diagnostic practice variability. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Approved panelists developed key questions regarding the diagnosis of HP using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) format. MEDLINE (via PubMed) and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for relevant literature, which was supplemented by manual searches. References were screened for inclusion, and vetted evaluation tools were used to assess the quality of included studies, to extract data, and to grade the level of evidence supporting each recommendation or statement. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. Graded recommendations and ungraded consensus-based statements were drafted and voted on using a modified Delphi technique to achieve consensus. A diagnostic algorithm is provided, using supporting data from the recommendations where possible, along with expert consensus to help physicians gauge the probability of HP. RESULTS: The systematic review of the literature based on 14 PICO questions resulted in 14 key action statements: 12 evidence-based, graded recommendations and 2 ungraded consensus-based statements. All evidence was of very low quality. INTERPRETATION: Diagnosis of HP should employ a patient-centered approach and include a multidisciplinary assessment that incorporates the environmental and occupational exposure history and CT pattern to establish diagnostic confidence prior to considering BAL and/or lung biopsy. Criteria are presented to facilitate diagnosis of HP. Additional research is needed on the performance characteristics and generalizability of exposure assessment tools and traditional and new diagnostic tests in modifying clinical decision-making for HP, particularly among those with a provisional diagnosis.

Serum cortisol concentration and force plate analysis in the assessment of pain associated with sodium urate-induced acute synovitis in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between serum cortisol concentration and pain severity as measured by force platform gait analysis in dogs with experimentally induced synovitis of the stifle joint. ANIMALS: 10 healthy hound-type dogs. PROCEDURES: Dogs underwent 2 study phases. In the first phase, serum cortisol concentration, systolic arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and gait data were obtained at 0 (first sample), 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 hours. In the second phase, the same data were gathered immediately before (0 hours) and 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 hours after induction of acute urate synovitis in the left stifle joint. Data were statistically evaluated to compare changes in variable values over time and to determine the accuracy of serum cortisol measurements for diagnosis of acute orthopedic pain. RESULTS: Following induction of synovitis, ground reaction forces were significantly decreased relative to preinduction values at 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 hours and serum cortisol concentration was significantly increased at 2.5 hours. A cortisol concentration of >or= 1.6 microg/dL indicated pain with a 91% sensitivity and 35% specificity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this model, cortisol concentration may be useful for diagnosing pain in dogs. Although, with a cutoff of >or= 1.6 microg/dL, pain would be detected in most dogs with pain, some pain-free dogs would also be identified as having pain. Conversely, dogs with a serum cortisol of < 1.6 microg/dL would be unlikely to have pain. Validation of this diagnostic test in a large, heterogeneous group of clinical patients is necessary.

Severity of patellar luxation and frequency of concomitant cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs: 162 cases (2004-2007).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate severity of medial patellar luxation (MPL) and frequency of concomitant cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 162 dogs (266 stifle joints). PROCEDURES: Medical records of 162 small-breed dogs with MPL were reviewed. Signalment, body weight, luxation grade, bilateral or unilateral MPL, CCLR, and difference in luxation grades between stifle joints were evaluated. Association between severity of MPL and CCLR was investigated. RESULTS: 58 dogs had unilateral MPL, and 104 dogs had bilateral MPL. Dogs ranged from 8.4 months to 16.7 years of age (mean, 5.7 years), and mean body weight was 5.45 kg (12 lb). Forty-one percent of all dogs had concomitant CCLR. Mean age for dogs with MPL alone was 3.0 years, which differed significantly from mean age of dogs with MPL and concomitant CCLR (7.8 years). Dogs with grade IV MPL were significantly more likely to have concomitant CCLR than were dogs with any other grade of MPL. In dogs with bilateral MPL and unilateral CCLR, there was a significantly higher grade of luxation in the stifle joint with CCLR. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Small-breed dogs with MPL and concomitant CCLR were older than were dogs with only MPL. Dogs with grade IV MPL were more likely to have CCLR than were dogs with other grades of MPL. Most dogs with concomitant CCLR had a higher MPL grade in the affected stifle joint than in the intact joint. These findings should be beneficial in client education and clinical diagnosis.

Correlation of activity data in normal dogs to distance traveled.

The objective of this study was to explore the mathematical relationships between independent variables (patient morphometrics and treadmill speed) and dependent variables (accelerometer or pedometer output) when evaluating data from accelerometers and pedometers in dogs. Twenty dogs took part in 3 randomized activities, consisting of exercise on a treadmill at 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 m/s for a total distance of 1 km at each speed. Dogs simultaneously wore both an accelerometer and a pedometer. Statistical analysis used multiple regression models to discover the relationships between independent and dependent variables. A formula was developed to predict the distance traveled by a dog based on its morphometrics and activity monitor output. Shoulder height had stronger correlations to accelerometer and pedometer outputs than other morphometric variables. As shoulder height increased, all accelerometer and pedometer outputs decreased. As treadmill speed increased, both accelerometer and pedometer step counts decreased, while accelerometer activity counts increased. According to a formula derived to predict the total distance traveled using patient shoulder height and accelerometer or pedometer output, pedometer steps were the most accurate predictor of distance traveled. Accelerometer steps were less accurate when using the same model. Accelerometer activity counts did not reveal a meaningful predictive formula. The results of this study indicate that patient morphometrics and treadmill speed (as a measure of intensity) influenced accelerometer and pedometer data. The pedometer data more precisely and accurately estimated the distance traveled based on step counts and patient shoulder height. In normal dogs, accelerometer and pedometer steps may reasonably estimate distance traveled.

L'objectif de la présente étude était d'explorer les relations mathématiques entre des variables indépendantes (données morphométriques du patient et vitesse du tapis d'exercice) et des variables dépendantes (accéléromètre ou données du podomètre) lors de l'évaluation des données provenant d'accéléromètres et de podomètres chez des chiens. Vingt chiens ont pris part à trois activités randomisées, consistant en des exercices sur un tapis roulant à 1,0, 1,5, et 2,0 m/s pour une distance totale de 1 km à chaque vitesse. Les chiens portaient simultanément un accéléromètre et un podomètre. Les analyses statistiques utilisèrent des modèles de régression multiple afin de découvrir les relations entre les variables indépendantes et dépendantes. Une formule fut développée afin de prédire la distance parcourue par un chien sur la base de sa morphométrie et les données des moniteurs d'activité. La hauteur à l'épaule avait la plus forte corrélation aux données de l'accéléromètre et du podomètre comparativement aux autres variables morphométriques. À mesure que la hauteur à l'épaule augmentait, toutes les données de l'accéléromètre et du podomètre diminuaient. Avec l'augmentation de la vitesse du tapis d'exercice, il y eu une diminution du nombre de pas mesuré par l'accéléromètre et le podomètre, alors qu'il y avait une augmentation du compte d'activité de l'accéléromètre. Selon la formule dérivée pour prédire la distance totale parcourue en utilisant la hauteur à l'épaule du patient et les données de l'accéléromètre ou du podomètre, le nombre de pas du podomètre était le prédicteur le plus précis de la distance parcourue. Le nombre de pas avec l'accéléromètre était moins précis en utilisant le même modèle. Le dénombrement des activités par l'accéléromètre n'ont pas permis de déterminer une formule prédictive significative. Les résultats de cette étude indiquent que les données morphométriques des patients et la vitesse du tapis d'exercice (comme mesure d'intensité) influencent les résultats de l'accéléromètre et du podomètre. Les données du podomètre ont estimé avec plus de justesse et de précision la distance parcourue en se basant sur le nombre de pas et la hauteur à l'épaule du patient. Chez les chiens normaux, le nombre de pas mesuré par un accéléromètre et un podomètre peut raisonnablement estimer la distance parcourue.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Intestinal cytokine mRNA expression in canine inflammatory bowel disease: a meta-analysis with critical appraisal.

Data implicating mucosal cytokines in the pathogenesis of canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are limited. The aims of the present study were to report new findings of intestinal cytokine expression in dogs with IBD and to compare these data with previous studies through meta-analysis. Cytokine mRNA abundance in intestinal biopsies collected prospectively was evaluated by using a semiquantitative RT-PCR technique. For meta-analysis, an electronic database search revealed 3 clinical trials, all of which were nonrandomized (type III) case series. Prospective analysis showed that the intestines of healthy dogs and those with IBD express numerous cytokines and that a proinflammatory expression profile is not a feature of small or large-intestinal IBD. The meta-analysis data included 158 dogs characterized as healthy (n = 45), diarrheic nonIBD dogs (n = 6), nonresponders (n = 2), small-intestinal IBD (n = 41), colonic IBD (n = 25), and chronic enteropathy (n = 39). German shepherd dogs were overrepresented in 3 of the 4 studies. Healthy dogs showed mRNA expression for most cytokines including IL2, IL4, IL5, IL10, IL12, IFNgamma, TNFalpha, and TGFbeta. Only IL12 mRNA expression was increased consistently in small-intestinal IBD, whereas IBD colitis lacked consistent patterns of expression. In summary, dogs with IBD fail to express a predominant Th1- or Th2 cytokine bias in inflamed mucosa. Heterogeneity of results among these studies might be explained by numerous factors including the method of mRNA quantification, stage of disease, and demographic differences in study populations.