Infrared thermography as a diagnostic tool to detect cranial cruciate ligament deficiency in dogs.

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease is the leading cause of canine lameness. Diagnosis is based on physical examination and diagnostic imaging findings. Limitations of diagnostic modalities, including patient temperament, cost, availability, and need for general anesthesia, preclude their use for many patients. Infrared thermography is an easy, non-invasive diagnostic screening technique with use in both human and veterinary musculoskeletal conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate the utility of infrared thermography to diagnose CCL disease in a large population of client-owned dogs and investigate for correlations between ability of thermography to diagnose CCL deficiency and recorded explanatory factors. A commercial grade thermal imaging camera was used to collect preoperative images of both stifles in 50 dogs with surgically confirmed CCL rupture in one stifle and a normal opposite stifle. The average maximum temperatures of the affected and unaffected stifles were collected from these images and used for statistical analysis. Infrared thermography was not successful in differentiating between CCL-deficient and unaffected stifles in this cohort. No significant differences in average maximal temperature were observed between stifles when comparing to explanatory factors or variables. Use of infrared thermography should not be relied upon to diagnose canine CCL disease.

La pathologie du ligament croisé crânien (CCL) est la principale cause de boiterie canine. Le diagnostic repose sur l'examen physique et les résultats de l'imagerie diagnostique. Les limites des modalités de diagnostic, y compris le tempérament du patient, le coût, la disponibilité et la nécessité d'une anesthésie générale, empêchent leur utilisation pour de nombreux patients. La thermographie infrarouge est une technique de dépistage diagnostique simple et non invasive, utilisable dans les conditions musculosquelettiques humaines et vétérinaires. L'objectif de cette étude était d'étudier l'utilité de la thermographie infrarouge pour diagnostiquer les problèmes de CCL dans une grande population de chiens appartenant à des clients et d'étudier les corrélations entre la capacité de la thermographie à diagnostiquer une déficience du CCL et les facteurs explicatifs enregistrés. Une caméra d'imagerie thermique de qualité commerciale a été utilisée pour collecter des images préopératoires des deux grassets chez 50 chiens avec une rupture du CCL confirmée chirurgicalement dans un grasset et un grasset opposé normal. Les températures maximales moyennes des grassets affectés et non affectés ont été recueillies à partir de ces images et utilisées pour l'analyse statistique. La thermographie infrarouge n'a pas réussi à différencier les grassets avec atteintes du CCL des grassets non affectés dans cette cohorte. Aucune différence significative dans la température maximale moyenne n'a été observée entre les grassets lors de la comparaison avec des facteurs ou variables explicatifs. L'utilisation de la thermographie infrarouge ne doit pas être utilisée pour diagnostiquer les pathologie du CCL canin.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Outcome and Prognostic Indicators for Hemangiopericytomas in Dogs: 167 Cases (2009-2016).

This retrospective study evaluated the postoperative outcome and clinical parameters associated with prognosis in 167 client-owned dogs with 167 hemangiopericytomas. Parameters that were reviewed for an association with long-term outcome included signalment, clinical history, results of staging tests, tumor and surgical variables, and administration of adjunctive therapy. History of previous surgery, type of surgery performed, status of surgical margins, tumor location, and whether adjunctive therapy was performed were associated with tumor recurrence. The distal forelimb was the most common location reported overall (46/167 [27.5%]). Dogs with tumors located at the tail/perineum had the fastest recurrence rate, with a median disease-free interval of ∼16 mo (505 days). Tumor grade alone was not associated with recurrence (P = .069), but when analyzing tumor grade and margin, low-grade tumors with dirty margins had a significantly shorter time to recurrence than low-grade tumors with either clean or narrow margins. Tumor location should be considered when assessing the treatment plan and follow-up recommendations for any hemangiopericytomas. Aggressive initial surgical treatment is recommended when possible to reduce the chance of local tumor recurrence.

The prognostic value of lymph node metastasis with grade 2 MCTs in dogs: 55 cases (2001-2010).

This study evaluates a series of dogs diagnosed with grade 2 cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs) with concurrent lymph node (LN) metastasis. All dogs had surgical excision of the primary tumor. The presence of metastasis was confirmed with either histopathology (n = 35) or cytology (n = 20). There was no significant difference in survival times (STs) between dogs with and without LN metastasis. Median survival time (MST) was not reached at 65.9 mo. LN palpation was a poor predictor of metastasis (sensitivity, .71; specificity, .54). Tumor location was the only prognostic factor for survival in this series of dogs. ST was greater for dogs that had removal of their metastatic LN. This study suggests that in dogs with grade 2 MCTs, outcome may not be affected by the presence of LN metastasis; however, removal of the metastatic LN may prolong survival.

Patient factors influencing the concentration of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) for adipose-derived stromal cell (ASC) therapy in dogs.

The objective of this study was to determine whether patient factors influence the concentration of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) in fat for adipose-derived stromal cell (ASC) therapy in dogs. A total of 1265 dogs underwent adipose collection surgeries by veterinarians for processing by the Vet-Stem laboratory and data on cell counts and patient factors were collected. Body condition score (BCS) and breed size did not significantly affect the viable cells per gram (VCPG) of adipose tissue that represents the viable SVF. Age significantly affected the VCPG, with dogs in age quartile 1 having a significantly higher VCPG than those in quartile 2 (P = 0.003) and quartile 4 (P = 0.002). Adipose tissue collected at the falciform location had significantly fewer VCPG than tissue collected at the thoracic wall and inguinal locations (P < 0.001). When the interaction of gender and location was evaluated, there were significantly fewer VCPG in tissue collected at the falciform location than at the thoracic wall and inguinal locations in female spayed dogs (P < 0.001) and male neutered dogs (P < 0.001), but not in female intact dogs (P = 0.743) or male intact dogs (P = 0.208). It was concluded that specific patient factors should be taken into consideration in order to obtain the maximal yield of VCPG from an adipose collection procedure.

L'objectif de la présente étude était de déterminer si des facteurs liés au patient influencent la concentration de la fraction stromale vasculaire (SVF) dans le gras pour le traitement à l'aide de cellules stromales dérivées du tissu adipeux (ASC) chez les chiens. Un total de 1265 chiens ont été soumis à une chirurgie effectuée par des vétérinaires et visant à prélever du tissu adipeux pour traitement par le laboratoire Vet-Stem et des données ont été amassées sur les dénombrements cellulaires et les patients. Le pointage de l'état de chair (BCS) et la taille de la race n'avaient pas d'effets significatifs sur le nombre de cellules viables par gramme (VCPG) de tissu adipeux que représente le SVF viable. L'âge affectait de manière significative le VCPG, les chiens dans le quartile 1 ayant un VCPG significativement plus élevé que ceux dans le quartile 2 (P = 0,003) et le quartile 4 (P = 0,002). Le tissu adipeux prélevé à la localisation falciforme avait significativement moins de VCPG que le tissu prélevé sur la paroi thoracique ou au niveau inguinal (P < 0,001). Lorsque l'interaction du sexe et de la localisation fut évaluée, il y avait significativement moins de VCPG dans le tissu prélevé à la localisation falciforme qu'au niveau de la paroi thoracique et inguinal chez les chiennes stérilisées (P < 0,001) et les chiens castrés (P < 0,001), mais pas chez les femelles entières (P = 0,743) ou les mâles intacts (P = 0,208). Il a été conclu que des facteurs spécifiques au patient devraient être pris en considération afin d'obtenir la récolte maximale de VCPG lors d'une procédure de collecte de tissu adipeux.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Evaluation of the prevalence of urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs: 566 cases (2003-2008).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs and categorize affected dogs by age at time of ovariohysterectomy, number of litters prior to ovariohysterectomy, body weight, treatment of affected dogs, and severity of incontinence and to determine associations among these variables. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 566 ovariohysterectomized dogs. PROCEDURES: An attempt was made to contact owners of 912 dogs ovariohysterectomized between January 2003 and January 2008 to discuss presence or absence of urinary incontinence. The actual number of responders was 566. Those owners with incontinent pets received a questionnaire further assessing degree of incontinence, diagnostic testing, treatment, and history. RESULTS: The prevalence of acquired urinary incontinence was determined to be 5.12% (29/566 dogs) on the basis of results of phone surveys and questionnaires. There was no significant difference in the age at time of ovariohysterectomy between incontinent and continent groups. A significant association was found between body weight and incontinence, with incontinence rates higher among larger (≥ 15 kg [33.1 lb]) dogs. Larger dogs were approximately 7 times as likely (OR, 7.2 [95% confidence interval, 2.5 to 21.1]) to develop acquired urinary incontinence, compared with small dogs (< 15 kg). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although acquired urinary incontinence in female dogs is known to be associated with ovariohysterectomy, the prevalence in this study was low.

Surgical and postoperative complications associated with tibial tuberosity advancement for cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs: 458 cases (2007-2009).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical and postoperative complications encountered with tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) performed in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifle joints. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 458 dogs (TTA performed on 501 stifle joints). PROCEDURES: During the 2-year period, 624 TTA procedures had been performed in dogs for correction of cranial cruciate ligament deficiency. Five hundred one stifle joints in 458 dogs fit the criteria for inclusion; 43 dogs had had TTAs performed on both stifle joints. Historical data and complications reported were analyzed. RESULTS: Following 501 TTA surgeries, there were 95 instances of complications reported. In 7 stifle joints, 2 complications occurred. The most common complication was incisional infection and inflammation. Stifle joints with medial menisci that did not undergo medial meniscal release had a high incidence of subsequent injury, and meniscal tear was the most common complication treated by a second surgery. A partially torn cranial cruciate ligament left in situ at the time of TTA did not protect against subsequent injury of an intact, unreleased medial meniscus. Most fractures were identified on routine follow-up radiography and were rarely treated. In terms of preoperative factors, high body weight (> 40 kg [88 lb]) and a high preoperative patellar tendon angle were significantly associated with complications. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: High body weight and preoperative patellar tendon angle were significantly associated with complications following TTA in dogs. Subsequent meniscal tear was the most common reason for second surgery, suggesting that medial meniscal release of intact menisci should be considered when performing TTA in dogs.

Risk factors for surgical site infection-inflammation in dogs undergoing surgery for rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament: 902 cases (2005-2006).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of and potential risk factors associated with development of postoperative infection-inflammation in a large number of dogs with rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) that were treated via elective surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 808 dogs that underwent surgery (902 procedures) for rupture of the CCL. PROCEDURES: Medical records of dogs that underwent extracapsular lateral suture (ECLS) stabilization or tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2006, were reviewed. Data regarding development of postoperative infection-inflammation were obtained. Potential risk factors were identified and recorded. RESULTS: 496 ECLS surgeries were performed, and 406 TPLO surgeries were performed. Infection-inflammation developed in 55 of 902 (6.1%) surgeries within 6 months after surgery. There was a significant difference in infection-inflammation rate after the ECLS surgeries (21/496 [4.2%]), compared with rate after the TPLO surgeries (34/406 [8.4%]). Factors associated with a significantly lower rate of infection-inflammation included the use of suture material other than stainless-steel staples for skin closure and postoperative oral administration of antimicrobials. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: TPLO was associated with a significantly higher rate of infection-inflammation than the infection-inflammation rate after ECLS stabilization. The use of suture material other than staples for skin closure and postoperative oral administration of antimicrobials may be protective in minimizing infection-inflammation in dogs with rupture of the CCL that are treated via ECLS or TPLO.

Analysis of auditory and neurologic effects associated with ventral bulla osteotomy for removal of inflammatory polyps or nasopharyngeal masses in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cats undergoing ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO) for removal of inflammatory polyps or nasopharyngeal masses have altered ability to hear and whether polyp or mass removal affects auditory function as measured via air-conducted brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER). DESIGN: Prospective case series. ANIMALS: 21 cats. PROCEDURES: Cats were sedated and had otic-oral examinations to confirm presence of nasopharyngeal masses; BAER testing was done immediately prior to and following the completion of a VBO and polyp or mass removal. Recheck examination, including otic examination and BAER in sedated cats, was performed when possible. Results-17 cats met final inclusion criteria, and long-term follow-up was available for 15. Six of 17 had deafness as measured via air-conducted BAER prior to surgery. Mean followup time was 161 days, and there was no change from presurgical status in auditory ability in any cat. Eleven of 17 developed ipsilateral Horner syndrome in the immediate postoperative period, and 1 of 16 had polyp regrowth. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that in cats, VBO for removal of inflammatory polyps or masses is unlikely to affect hearing as measured via air-conducted BAER. Most cats developed short-term Horner syndrome. Cats with deafness prior to surgery did not regain auditory function. Ventral bulla osteotomy to remove nasopharyngeal polyps or masses provided no functional advantage with regard to restoration of hearing, compared with other surgical techniques. Polyp recurrence and long-term adverse effects were uncommon.