Case report: Echocardiographic and computed tomographic features of congenital bronchoesophageal artery hypertrophy and fistula in a dog.

Introduction: Studies on aberrant bronchoesophageal arteries are limited. Herein, we report a case of a multi-origin systemic-to-pulmonary shunt with suspected bronchoesophageal artery hypertrophy and fistula in a dog. Case report: A 4-year-old castrated male beagle weighing 11 kg underwent routine medical screening. Physical examination revealed a right-sided continuous murmur of grades 1-2. Thoracic radiography revealed a mild cardiomegaly. Echocardiography revealed a continuous turbulent shunt flow distal to the right pulmonary artery (RPA) branch from the right parasternal short axis pulmonary artery view. Computed tomography demonstrated systemic-to-pulmonary shunts originating from the descending aorta at the level of T7-8, the right 5th and 6th dorsal intercostal arteries, and the right brachiocephalic trunk, which formed anomalous networks around the trachea and esophagus that anastomosed into a large tortuous vessel at the level of T6-7 and entered the RPA. Surgical ligation of multiple shunting vessels was performed. Postoperative echocardiography and computed tomography showed decreased left ventricular volume overload and markedly decreased size of the varices. Additionally, most of the shunting vessels were without residual shunt flow. Conclusion: The present study provides information regarding imaging features and the successful surgical management of multiple systemic-to-pulmonary shunts originating from the descending aorta, right brachiocephalic trunk, and intercostal arteries and terminating at the RPA. Multimodal imaging features after surgical ligation have also been described.

Morphometric Evaluation of Thoracolumbar Spinal Canal and Cord by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Normal Small-Breed Dogs.

Thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is the most common cause of spinal injury in dogs. MRI has been considered the gold standard for neurologic diagnosis, but studies focusing on the thoracolumbar spinal canal and spinal cord using MRI in small-breed dogs are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to establish an MRI reference range for the spinal cord and canal measurements (height, width, cord-to-canal ratio of height, width, cross-sectional area (CSA)) of each intervertebral disc level from T11 to L5 (total of seven levels) on transverse T2-weighted images in normal small-breed dogs. We hypothesized that the spinal cord and spinal canal measurements might vary according to the body weight and age. The width and height of the spinal cord and canal increased as the body weight increased at all levels (p < 0.05). The cord-to-canal ratio of the width showed a negative correlation to the body weight at all levels. The cord-to-canal ratio of the height did not show any correlation to the body weight at all levels. All measurements (height, width, cord-to-canal ratio of height, width, CSA) did not show any statistical correlation between the groups subdivided by age. These measurements could serve as a morphometric baseline for thoracolumbar spinal diseases and clinical research in small-breed dogs.

Evaluation of a 3D-Printed Reduction Guide for Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis of Short Oblique Radial Diaphyseal Fracture in Dogs: A Cadaveric Study.

This study aims to evaluate the clinical application of three-dimensional (3D)-printed custom reduction guides (3DRG) for minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) of short oblique radial diaphyseal fractures. Canine forelimb specimens (n = 24) were prepared and a diaphyseal short oblique fracture was simulated in the distal radius and ulna. Bone fragments were stabilized with the MIPO technique using a 3DRG (Group A), open reduction (Group B), or closed reduction with circular external skeletal fixation (ESF) (Group C). The diaphyseal short oblique fractures were created in each radius at one-third of the radial length from the distal radial articular surface. Surgical stabilization of the fractures was performed in each group. Pre and postoperative radiographic images were obtained to measure frontal angulation (FA), sagittal angulation (SA), frontal joint reference line angulation (fJRLA), sagittal joint reference line angulation (sJRLA), translational malalignment and fracture gap width. Surgical time was also measured. In the homogeneity test, differences in SA, sJRLA, craniocaudal translation and fracture gap before and after surgery had no significant difference among the three groups. On the other hand, differences in FA, fJRLA, mediolateral translation and surgical time before and after surgery had significant differences among the three groups. In the post hoc test, only surgical time showed a significant difference between the three groups, and group A showed the shortest surgical time. The use of 3DRG for MIPO of short oblique radial diaphyseal fractures in dogs is reliable for the alignment and apposition of fractures and reduces surgical time.

Comparison of patellofemoral contact pressure after semi-cylindrical recession trochleoplasty and trochlear block recession in feline cadavers.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the changes in the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) contact mechanisms of the normal state, trochlear hypoplasia model and after performing trochleoplasty on the hypoplasia model in feline cadavers. Methods: Twenty normal pelvic limbs were acquired from the 10 feline cadavers. First, the PFJ contact mechanisms were measured in normal state, then trochlear hypoplasia models were created using customized trochlear ridge cutting guides. After measuring PFJ contact mechanisms in the trochlear hypoplasia models, they were divided into two groups and performed semi-cylindrical recession trochleoplasty (SCRT) and trochlear block recession (TBR) were performed, respectively. After that, the PFJ contact mechanisms were measured and the values of the 4 groups (normal state, trochlear hypoplasia, SCRT, TBR) were compared. Results: The trochlear hypoplasia group showed increased contact pressure and decreased contact areas compared to the normal state group. In the groups that underwent tracheoplasty (SCRT and TBR), PFJ contact mechanisms were recovered similarly to that of the normal state group. The PFJ of the SCRP group was measured similar to that of the normal group than that of the TBR group. Discussion: Tracheoplasty can be useful in restoring PFJ contact mechanisms and SCRT can be considered as a good alternative to the conventional methods of trochleoplasty.

Ex Vivo Biomechanical Assessment of Various Repair Techniques in a Rabbit Calcaneal Tendon Avulsion Model: Application of Polycaprolactone Plate.

This study was aimed at evaluating the biomechanical properties and gapping characteristics of tendon repair methods using a combination of a three-loop pulley (3LP) pattern, a titanium plate, and a polycaprolactone (PCL) plate in a rabbit gastrocnemius tendon (GT) model (n = 50). GTs were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 10/group). Transected GTs were repaired with a 3LP pattern alone or in conjunction with an epitendinous suture (ES), a 5-hole 1 mm PCL plate, a 5-hole 2 mm PCL plate, or a 5-hole 1.5 mm titanium plate. The yield, peak, and failure force, as well as the occurrence and force of 1-mm and 3-mm gapping were examined. The mean yield, peak, and failure force of the 3LP + titanium plate group were higher than that of other groups. The biomechanical properties of a 3LP + a 2 mm PCL plate were similar to 3LP + ES constructs in this model. In all specimens in all groups, 1 mm gap formation was observed. The frequency of 3 mm gap formation was 70% and 90% in the 3LP + 2 mm PCL plate group and the 3LP + 1.5 mm titanium plate group, respectively. Additional studies evaluating PCL plates to determine the effect on the healing and blood supply of tendon are needed.

Accuracy of a 3-dimensionally printed custom endoscopy port for minimally invasive ventral slot decompression in dogs: A cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of a 3-dimensionally (3D)-printed custom endoscopy port (3DEP) for minimally invasive cervical ventral slot decompression. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric study. ANIMALS: Fifteen cadavers of dogs weighing between 3.1 and 34.4 kg. METHODS: Minimally invasive cervical ventral slots were created using a 3DEP and an endoscopic system at the C3-C4 intervertebral disc space in each dog by 1 experienced and 1 inexperienced surgeon. Postoperative computed tomography was performed to compare the planned and postoperative screw trajectories (angle, entry point, exit point, and length of the screw entering the spinal canal) and quantify slot formation dimensions. RESULTS: Thirty screws were inserted in 30 vertebral bodies. Mean screw angle deviation was less than 2.5°, entry and exit point deviation was less than 1.6 mm, and length of the screw entering the spinal canal was less than 0.6 mm. No differences were identified between the experienced and inexperienced surgeons. Ventral slot length ratio was 30.15 ± 1.86 for the experienced surgeon and 29.38 ± 1.61 for the inexperienced surgeon (p = .372). The mean ventral slot width ratio was 45.60 ± 1.80 for the experienced surgeon and 47.20 ± 1.54 for the inexperienced surgeon (p = .261). CONCLUSION: Screw positioning and creation of ventral slots were accurately performed using the 3DEP by both inexperienced and experienced surgeons. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of a 3DEP for minimally invasive cervical ventral slot decompression may be an alternative to the conventional ventral slot in dogs. Additional studies are needed to evaluate efficacy and safety.

Comparison of dorsal and medial arthroscopic approach to canine coxofemoral joint: a cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic exploration of ventromedial part of canine coxofemoral joint is limited in conventional dorsal approach. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the efficacy of a medial arthroscopic approach to the coxofemoral joint of dogs by analyzing the joint visible area and performing a safety analysis. METHODS: Arthroscopic approaches to the coxofemoral joint were made in five cadavers using a traditional (dorsal) and novel (medial) approach. Three observers scored the visible area of images and videos of the acetabulum and femur. A safety analysis was performed via dissection of the medial hind limb. The distance between neurovascular structures and arthroscopic portals was measured. RESULTS: The acetabulum was more visible in the dorsal than in the medial approach, with mean visualization scores of 16 ± 0.00 and 11.83 ± 1.26, respectively. The medioventral side of the femur was significantly more visible in the medial than in the dorsal approach, with mean visualization scores of 3.9 ± 0.99 and 6.93 ± 0.58, respectively. Safety analysis confirmed the medial portal site was safe, provided that the surgeon has comprehensive knowledge of the joint. The minimum distance from the arthroscopic medial portals to the nearest neurovascular structures was 2.5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: A medial arthroscopic approach to the canine coxofemoral joint has potential clinical application. Dorsal and medial approaches differ significantly and have distinct purposes. The medial approach is useful to access the ventromedial joint, making it an eligible diagnostic method for an arthroscopic evaluation of this area.

Case report: Reconstruction of a complex maxillofacial gunshot defect using a titanium patient-specific implant in a dog.

This report describes the surgical reconstruction of large maxillofacial defect caused by a short-range gunshot injury in a dog using titanium patient-specific implant (PSI). A 3-year-old male Wolf Shepherd was admitted for a large right facial defect with right nasal cavity exposure caused by a gunshot injury. Radiographic examination revealed severe loss of the right maxillary, nasal, and incisive bones, multiple fractures of both left and right palatine bones, and a comminuted fracture of the right mandible. Initial surgical procedure included computed tomography (CT) imaging for three-dimensional (3D) implant design. Open wound management was maintained for 18 days until the fresh granulation tissue fully covered the wound bed. The implant was designed in a "hand grasping shape" to cover the defect, align multiple fractured palatine bones, and make a snap fit function. Multiple holes, including cortical screw holes, were added to the final design. The implant was printed on a titanium alloy. Surgical application of titanium PSI was performed 19 days after the primary surgery. A free sublingual mucosal graft was used to reconstruct the mucosal layer of the right nasal cavity. The mucosa was then covered with collagen membrane to strengthen the structure of the nasal cavity. Blunt dissection of the hard palate mucoperiosteum above the palatine process and palatine bones, soft tissue above the maxilla was performed, and the 3D printed titanium implant was fastened in a preplanned position. The facial soft tissue defect was reconstructed, and the titanium PSI was covered using an angularis oris cutaneous flap. Partial flap necrosis occurred in the rostral aspect, and the wound was managed to heal by a second intension. Flap dehiscence at the junction of the flap and hard palate mucoperiosteum occurred with exposure of the implant 2 days postoperatively. Multiple attempts to close the defect failed, and the owner wanted to stop treatment. Healthy granulated tissue was observed proximal to the implant. The defect no longer increased in size and did not show any noticeable complications related to the defect at 60 days after titanium PSI application, and the dog was discharged. Six months post-operatively, the dog remained active with great appetite, gained weight, and showed acceptable facial symmetry without enlargement of the implant exposure or any implant-related problems.

Case report: Application of three-dimensional technologies for surgical treatment of portosystemic shunt with segmental caudal vena cava aplasia in two dogs.

This case report describes the application of three-dimensional (3D) technologies for the surgical treatment of portosystemic shunt (PSS) with segmental caudal vena cava (CVC) aplasia. Two client-owned dogs were diagnosed with PSS along with segmental CVC aplasia using computed tomography. Through 3D volume and surface rendering, the vascular anatomic anomaly of each patient was identified in detail. A patient-specific 3D vascular model was used for preoperative planning. According to the plan established based on the 3D rendered image and printed model, shunt occlusion was performed using cellophane banding in the first case. An ameroid constrictor was used in the second case. Both patients showed good recovery without any clinical symptoms or complications. The use of 3D technologies in small animals has many advantages, and its use in vascular surgery, as in these cases, is also a therapeutic option worth considering.

Accuracy of a patient-specific 3D-printed drill guide for placement of bicortical screws in atlantoaxial ventral stabilization in dogs.

Atlantoaxial instability (AAI) in dogs refers to abnormal motion at the C1-C2 articulation due to congenital or developmental anomalies. Surgical treatment options for AAI include dorsal and ventral stabilization techniques. Ventral stabilization techniques commonly utilize transarticular and vertebral body screws or pins. However, accurate screw insertion into the vertebrae of C1 and C2 is difficult because of the narrow safety corridors. This study included 10 mixed dogs, 1 Pomeranian, and 1 Shih-Tzu cadaver. All dogs weighed <10 kg. Each specimen was scanned using computed tomography (CT) from the head to the 7th cervical vertebrae. This study used 12 bone models and 6 patient-specific drill guides. Bone models were made using CT images and drill guides were created through a CAD (computer-aided design) program. A total of six cortical screws were used for each specimen. Two screws were placed at each of the C1, C2 cranial, and C2 caudal positions. Postoperative CT images of the cervical region were obtained. The degree of cortex breaching and angle and bicortical status of each screw was evaluated. The number of screws that did not penetrate the vertebral canal was higher in the guided group (33/36, 92%) than in the control group (20/36, 56%) (P = 0.003). The screw angles were more similar to the reference angle compared to the control group. The number of bicortically applied screws in the control group was 28/36 (78%) compared to 34/36 (94%) in the guided group. Differences between the preoperative plan and the length of the applied screw at the C1 and C2 caudal positions were determined by comparing the screw lengths in the guide group. The study results demonstrated that the use of a patient-specific 3D-printed drill guide for AAI ventral stabilization can improve the accuracy of the surgery. The use of rehearsal using bone models and a drilling guide may improve screw insertion accuracy.

Minimally invasive mini-hemilaminectomy-corpectomy in cadaveric dogs: evaluation of the accuracy and safety of a three-dimensionally printed patient-specific surgical guide.

BACKGROUND: As the frequency of spine surgery increases in the veterinary field, many studies have been conducted on minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). Although many studies have been conducted on the thoracolumbar spine about MISS in animals, several problems and limitations have emerged regarding this method. Therefore, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) printed patient-specific surgical guide (3DPSSG) using 3D printing technology to overcome these problems. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy and safety of the 3DPSSG in minimally invasive mini-hemilaminectomy-corpectomy (MI-MHC). MI-MHC using 3DPSSG and an endoscopic system was performed at L1-L2 in 15 cadaveric dogs. The procedure of fixing the surgical guide to the vertebral body through screws and the surgical procedure using the guide were performed by two surgeons with different experiences. Postoperative computed tomography was used to measure planned and postoperative screw trajectories (angle, protruding from the far cortex) and to create 3D rendering images of vertebrae to evaluate the direction of bone window formation, corpectomy slot length, depth, and height ratio. RESULTS: The two groups which performed by two surgeons with different experiences did not differ in terms of screw angle deviation and length of the screw protruded from the far cortex. The corpectomy slot-length ratio was not different between the two groups; however, the slot-depth and height ratios were different. CONCLUSIONS: No differences were detected in screw trajectory and corpectomy slot-length ratio between the two groups. The 3DPSSG for MI-MHC is classified as accurate and safe; therefore, it can be an alternative to the conventional technique in dogs.

Evaluation of a customized 3D-printed saw guide for tibial plateau leveling osteotomy: An ex vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) performed with a customized 3D-printed guide and jig is more accurate than the traditional technique using a jig alone. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cadaveric canine pelvic limbs (n = 10) and 20 synthetic bone models. METHODS: Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy using a jig with (n = 10) and without (n = 10) a customized 3D-printed guide were performed in bone models, and TPLO using a jig with (n = 5) and without (n = 5) a customized 3D-printed guide were performed in cadaveric limbs. Angulation of the osteotomy, angulation of the proximal jig pin, angular/torsional deformity and medial cortex damage were measured from photographs of the specimens and compared. RESULTS: In the bone models, there were differences with and without the 3D guide for mean osteotomy inclination (-0.06° vs. -1.74°, P < .001), osteotomy torsion (5268 vs. 10 469 visible osteotomy pixels, P < .001), and medial cortical damage (2970 vs. 18 562 pixels, P < .001). In the cadaveric study, osteotomy inclination (-1.1° vs. 1.01°, P < .01), induced angular deformity (0.17° vs. -3.01°, P < .001) and angulation of the proximal jig pin (-0.27° vs. 0.80°, P < .001) differed between groups. CONCLUSION: The 3D-printed guide during TPLO resulted in slightly more accurate osteotomies and proximal jig pin placement, and reduced medial cortex damage. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A customized 3D-printed guide may improve intraoperative accuracy for TPLO, although the clinical significance of the small benefits is unknown.

Case Report: Imaging Features of Gallbladder Sessile Polyp Confirmed by Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography and Dynamic Computed Tomography in a Dog With Asymptomatic Chronic Cholecystitis.

A 6-year-old dog was presented for health screening. It never suffered from any disease. Ultrasonography confirmed mass-like thickening with irregular margins protruding toward the gallbladder (GB) lumen. On contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and dynamic computed tomography (CT), contrast enhancement of the corresponding structures was confirmed in arterial phase. After cholecystectomy, cauliflower-like sessile polyps were identified. Histopathological examination revealed chronic lymphoplasmacytic cholecystitis. Bile culture revealed Escherichia coli growth. Our novel findings suggest that chronic cholecystitis should be considered as a differential diagnosis if contrast-enhanced sessile polyps of the GB are found on CEUS and dynamic CT.

Evaluation of a screw insertion landmark for a minimally invasive repair technique in induced bilateral sacroiliac luxation in feline cadavers.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe an alternative landmark for screw insertion into the body of the ilium with bilateral sacroiliac luxation in cats. METHODS: Seven cat cadavers with artificially induced bilateral sacroiliac luxation were used. The screw insertion point was determined using the caudal iliac crest and cranial acetabular rim. These two points make the first guideline; a second guideline ran perpendicular to the caudal iliac crest point. The screw insertion point was halfway along the second guideline across the ilium body. Surgery was performed in a minimally invasive manner using fluoroscopy. RESULTS: Postoperative radiographs and CT were performed. In the postoperative evaluation, the sacroiliac joint reduction percentage was almost 90% and there was no significant difference in pelvic canal diameter ratio before and after surgery. Screw depth/sacral width was >60% in all cadavers. On CT, the angle between the screw and sacrum wing was within the normal range of 96.24° to the left and 98.65° to the right, except in one case. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In previous studies, surgical repair was based on having an intact contralateral ilium. However, this method is not applicable to patients with bilateral sacroiliac luxation and is mostly performed using open reduction methods. The screw insertion point suggested in this study offers a potential alternative repair technique for patients with bilateral sacroiliac luxation.

Ethanol Extract of Maclura tricuspidata Fruit Protects SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage via Inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB Signaling.

Free radical generation and oxidative stress push forward an immense influence on the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Maclura tricuspidata fruit (MT) contains many biologically active substances, including compounds with antioxidant properties. The current study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of MT fruit on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with MT, and cell damage was induced by H2O2. First, the chemical composition and free radical scavenging properties of MT were analyzed. MT attenuated oxidative stress-induced damage in cells based on the assessment of cell viability. The H2O2-induced toxicity caused by ROS production and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was ameliorated by MT pretreatment. MT also promoted an increase in the expression of genes encoding the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). MT pretreatment was associated with an increase in the expression of neuronal genes downregulated by H2O2. Mechanistically, MT dramatically suppressed H2O2-induced Bcl-2 downregulation, Bax upregulation, apoptotic factor caspase-3 activation, Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (JNK, ERK, and p38), and Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, thereby preventing H2O2-induced neurotoxicity. These results indicate that MT has protective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in SH-SY5Y cells and can be used to prevent and protect against neurodegeneration.

Oxidative Stress Is a Key Modulator in the Development of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, and scientific studies consistently report that NAFLD development can be accelerated by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can induce the progression of NAFLD to NASH by stimulating Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, and hepatocytes. Therefore, studies are underway to identify the role of antioxidants in the treatment of NAFLD. In this review, we have summarized the origins of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, the relationship between ROS and NAFLD, and have discussed the use of antioxidants as therapeutic agents for NAFLD.

Patellofemoral contact mechanics after transposition of tibial tuberosity in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Tibial tuberosity transposition (TTT) causes caudalization of the patellar ligament insertion in canine medial patellar luxation, which can lead to increases in patellofemoral contact pressure. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to confirm the effect of patellofemoral contact mechanics after craniolateral and caudolateral transposition of tibial tuberosity in normal canine hindlimbs. METHODS: Craniolateral and caudolateral transposition of tibial tuberosity was performed in 5 specimens, respectively. The pressure was measured in the specimen before TTT, and then in the same specimen after TTT. In this process, data was obtained in 10 specimens. The measurement results were output as visualization data through the manufacturer's software and numerical data through spreadsheet. Based on these 2 data and the anatomical structure of the patellofemoral joint (PFJ) surface, whole measurement area was analysed by dividing into medial, lateral and central area. RESULTS: In craniolateralization of tibial tuberosity, total, medial, central contact pressure was decreased and lateral contact pressure was not statistically changed lateral contact pressure than normal PFJ. In caudolateralization of tibial tuberosity, total, lateral contact pressure was increased and medial contact pressure was not statistically changed than normal PFJ. Although not statistically significant changed, central contact pressure in caudolateralization of tibial tuberosity was increased in all 5 specimens. CONCLUSIONS: These results imply that traditional TTT, prone to caudal shift of patellar tendon, can increase retropatellar pressure may lead to various complications and diseases of the stifle joint.

Arthroscopic detection of medial meniscal injury with the use of a joint distractor in small-breed dogs.

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of a joint distractor in arthroscopy in small-breed dogs. Sixty stifle joints, which were collected from thirty cadavers, were used in this study. To simulate different injuries, no medial meniscal tear, a full-thickness vertical longitudinal tear, a partial-thickness vertical longitudinal tear, full- and partial-thickness vertical longitudinal tears, or a peripheral detachment were created on the caudal horn of the medial meniscus of each stifle joint along with rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. Each stifle joint then underwent arthroscopy with and without a joint distractor. The sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and correct classification rate (CCR) for the diagnosis of each type of medial meniscus pathology were calculated. For arthroscopy with and without a joint distractor, the Sn was 85% and 60%, the Sp was 96% and 92%, the PPV was 85% and 65%, the NPV was 96% and 90%, and the CCR was 94% and 86%, respectively. Arthroscopy is an effective diagnostic method for the assessment of medial meniscal pathologies in small-breed dogs, especially when performed with the aid of a joint distractor.

Evaluation of a Veress needle for the fluid egress system of stifle arthroscopy in toy dog breeds.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a Veress needle as a fluid egress system for stifle arthroscopy in toy dog breeds. METHODS: Cadaveric canine stifle joints (n = 32) were prepared to induce an artificial intra-articular haemorrhagic effect, followed by stifle arthroscopy. The stifles were randomly assigned to one of three groups, and a fluid egress portal was established using a Veress needle (VN), a standard egress cannula (SE), or an intravenous catheter stylet (CS). Time to establish the egress portal, arthroscopic visibility, and egress portal performance were evaluated during the arthroscopy. After the arthroscopic examinations, iatrogenic cartilage lesions were identified and analysed using the percentage area of cartilage damage (%ACD). RESULTS: The overall arthroscopic visibility and egress portal performance were not significantly different among the groups. The egress portal establishment was faster for the VN (33 sec) and the CS (34 sec) groups than for the SE (43 sec) group (p = 0.001). On gross joint examination, no iatrogenic laceration was found in the VN group, whereas four out of 10 of the SE and two out of 10 of the CS specimens had linear cartilage excoriation on the stifle joints. The %ACD score of the VN group was lower than those of the SE group (p = 0.009) and the CS group (p = 0.001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Veress needle method used in this study was useful to establish a fluid egress system and limit iatrogenic cartilage excoriations. This technique could become the method of choice for stifle arthroscopy, especially in smaller dogs.

Total hip replacement in two dogs with unsuccessful femoral head ostectomy.

An English setter (case 1) and a Tibetan mastiff (case 2) presented with intermittent weight-bearing lameness on the right hind limb when trotting. The dogs had a history of femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHNO). Orthopedic examination revealed pain and crepitus on the right hip joint. The dogs underwent total hip replacement (THR). At the 2-year (case 1) and 1-year (case 2) follow-up, both dogs had resumed normal activity without lameness. The muscle mass and range of motion were significantly improved in the affected hind limb. In conclusion, FHNO with poor functional outcomes can be successfully ameliorated with THR.