Use of a Modified Intramedullary Pinning Technique for Distal Femoral Physeal Salter-Harris Type I and II Fracture Management: A Retrospective Study of 31 Cats.

OBJECTIVE: To report a modified intramedullary pinning technique, and associated outcomes, for distal femoral physeal Salter-Harris type I and II fracture management in cats. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study including client-owned cats presented between November 2014 and February 2022 with distal femoral physeal fractures treated with an intramedullary pin and one antirotational pin inserted in the lateral femoral condyle. Collected data included signalment, fracture characteristics according to the Salter-Harris classification, surgical data (intramedullary and antirotational pin sizes), and outcome data (radiographic and functional outcomes and complications). RESULTS: Thirty-one cats were included in this study. Bone healing was radiographically confirmed 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively in all cases. The majority of cats (30/31) were classified as full functional outcomes at mid-term follow-up. The overall mid-term complication rate was 3% (1/31). Implant migration was not observed and implant removal was not needed in any case. CONCLUSION: The modified intramedullary pinning technique for distal femoral Salter-Harris I and II fracture management in cats was associated with an full functional outcome.

Anatomical features of the canine C2-C3 spinal cord vascular environment.

OBJECTIVE: Interarcuate branch (IAB) is a vascular structure, particularly developed in C2-3 intervertebral space, forming a dorsal bridge that connects ventral venous plexi in the vertebral canal. While precisely described in the human, the precise anatomical features of IABs have not been reported in the veterinary literature. The purpose of this study is to describe the features and relations of IABs in the C2-3 vertebral canal. ANIMALS: 10 dogs were enrolled; 5 dogs for necropsy and 5 dogs for histology. PROCEDURES: The ventral venous plexi in the cervical spine of 5 dogs were injected with latex and underwent vertebral canal dissection for visual assessment of the IAB. Two out of 5 dogs were injected with the addition of barium sulfate and underwent a CT scan. The C2-3 regions of 5 small-breed dogs were harvested for histological examinations. RESULTS: IABs arose from the ventral venous plexus at the level of the intervertebral vein; they originated from 2 separate branches located caudally and cranially to the intervertebral foramen, forming a ventrodorsal triangle surrounding the spinal nerve root. No dorsal anastomosis was observed on the CT scan nor at dissection but were observed histologically. A cervical fibrous sheath was observed all around the vertebral canal. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: IABs are voluminous venous structures at the C2-3 intervertebral space in dogs and found within a split of the cervical fibrous sheath, which is adherent to the interarcuate ligament and the ligamentum flavum. This anatomical description is paramount when planning an approach to the C2-3 intervertebral space.

Risk factors and clinical relevance of positive urine cultures in cats with subcutaneous ureteral bypass.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to report the incidence and risk factors associated with positive urine bacterial cultures as well as long-term outcome in cats with subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) devices. RESULTS: Medical records of cats that underwent SUB device placement were retrospectively reviewed. Signalment of the cat, laterality of the ureteral obstruction, surgery, anesthesia and hospitalization duration, bacterial culture results and follow-up data were retrieved. Thirty-two cats met the inclusion criteria. Four cats (12.5%) had a positive intraoperative culture, with two of them being treated successfully. Ten cats out of 28 (35.7%) were documented with a positive urine culture during follow-up period, with a median time between discharge and identification of the first positive urine culture of 159 days (range 8-703 days). Bacteriuria resolved in 60% of cats (6/10). Escherichia coli was the most common organism, isolated in 4 out of 10 postoperative urine cultures. Overall, subclinical bacteriura was documented for 6 of 32 (18.8%) cats and 5 of 32 (15.6%) cats displayed clinicals signs suggestive of persistent UTI. One cat had subclinical bacteriuria. Three cats died during the follow-up period. There was a significant difference between negative and positive urine bacterial culture groups in median hospitalization duration (5 days versus 6 days, P = 0.022) and in median body condition score (5/9 versus 4/9, P = 0.03). Cats with a longer hospital stay and with a lower body condition score were more likely to have a positive urine culture during follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: SUB device placement surgery is associated with complications such as chronic bacteriuria. Bacteriuria in our study resolved with appropriate antibiotic treatment in more than half of cats. Risk factors identified for positive urine culture were a longer hospitalization duration and a decreased body condition score.

Modified Triple Tibial Osteotomy for Combined Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture, Tibial Deformities, or Patellar Luxation.

Proximal tibial deformities or patellar luxation may occur concurrently with cranial cruciate ligament rupture. The objective of this study was to describe the management of those conditions with a modified triple tibial osteotomy (TTO) in nine dogs. Medical records of dogs who underwent a modified TTO were reviewed. The mean pre- and postoperative patellar tendon angles were 104.2° and 92.9°, respectively. The mean pre- and postoperative mechanical medial proximal tibial angles were 99.5° and 91.5°, respectively. Medial patellar luxation was present in five dogs (55.6%) and treated in all five dogs with a tibial crest transposition. Tibial torsion was grossly resolved in two dogs (22.2%). Perioperative distal tibial crest fracture was treated by pins and a figure-of-eight tension-band wire in five dogs (55.6%). One major (surgical site infection) and three minor postoperative complications were observed. At the last follow-up, seven dogs (77.8%) had no lameness, one dog (11.1%) had mild lameness, and one dog (11.1%) had moderate lameness. Radiographic evaluation showed good (2/9; 22.2%) to excellent (7/9; 77.8%) bone healing. The visual analog scale evaluation revealed good-to-excellent owner satisfaction. Cranial cruciate ligament rupture, tibial deformities, and medial patellar luxation are difficult to treat together. A modified TTO may be used to treat these conditions.

Stress Radiography for the Diagnosis of Medial Glenohumeral Ligament Rupture in Canine Shoulders.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe a stress radiography to detect medial glenohumeral ligament rupture and to investigate the repeatability and reproducibility of this test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six adult Beagle cadavers were used. Both shoulders of each dog were randomly assigned into two groups: a normal shoulder group (NS group) and an affected shoulder group (AS group) where the medial glenohumeral ligament was arthroscopically transected. Goniometry, image analysis and radiography (normal and stress views) were performed before and after arthroscopic procedures. An abduction angle was determined for each stress view and an evaluation of the repeatability and the reproducibility was performed. RESULTS: Abduction angles were significantly larger in the AS group as measured by goniometer (p < 0.001), image analysis (p < 0.001) and radiographic stress view (p < 0.001) than in the NS group. The abduction angle difference varied from 12° to 29.3° (median difference of 19.4°) between NS and AS groups. There were good intra-observer and very good inter-observer agreements. A very good (r = 0.74; r = 0.72, respectively) significant (p < 0.001) positive correlation between goniometric and radiographic techniques and between image analysis and radiographic techniques was observed. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Shoulder abduction angles measured with a stress radiograph-specific view provide objective data that may contribute to diagnosis of medial shoulder instability in dogs.

Comparison of Outcomes Associated with Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy and a Modified Technique for Tibial Tuberosity Advancement for the Treatment of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease in Dogs: A Randomized Clinical Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare outcomes between the tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) procedure and a modified tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA Rapid) in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six dogs were prospectively randomized into two groups: a TPLO group (n = 13) and a TTA Rapid group (n = 13). A lameness score evaluation, gait analysis and radiographical examination were performed before surgery, the 3 days after surgery, and then at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Finally, owners were asked to subjectively rate their level of satisfaction. RESULTS: The duration of surgery was significantly shorter for the TTA Rapid procedure (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of complications between groups. Lameness scores were significantly higher during the first 3 days after surgery for the TPLO group (p = 0.01 at day 1, p = 0.01 at day 2 and p = 0.003 at day 3). One month after surgery, the symmetry index between healthy and affected limbs for the relative stance time during the gait cycle (symmetry index/%) was significantly higher for the TTA Rapid group (p < 0.01). No gait parameters were significantly different between the two groups 6 months after surgery. All of the owners of dogs in the TPLO group were completely satisfied, whereas only 11/13 owners of dogs in the TTA rapid group were completely satisfied. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy and TTA Rapid were associated with high long-term success rates in dogs. The immediate postoperative recovery seemed faster with TTA Rapid, but thereafter there was no difference.

Comparison of Early Measurements of the Distraction Index, Norberg Angle on Distracted View and the Official Radiographic Evaluation of the Hips of 215 Dogs from Two Guide Dog Training Schools.

OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of this article is to evaluate the correlation between the distraction index (DI) and Norberg angle values in distracted hips (distraction Norberg angle, DNA) at 4 months of age and the official hip score based on the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) grid at 12 months of age. METHODS: For dogs (n = 215) from two guide dog training organizations, the DI and DNA were measured by a single expert on distraction radiographs performed at 4 months of age. The FCI score was determined by the same expert at 12 months of age on a standard hip-extended view.Statistical analysis included receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and concordance correlation coefficient calculation. RESULTS: The mean DI was 0.48, the mean DNA was 86.5° and 59.5% of hips had an A FCI score. The concordance correlation coefficient of DI and DNA was 0.78. The DI threshold for D- and E-scored hips that was associated with the least misclassification was 0.58 (sensitivity [Se] = 0.6, specificity [Sp] = 0.82). The DNA threshold that was associated with the least misclassification was 85° (Se = 0.83, Sp = 0.68). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: DNA has a fair correlation with DI at 4 months and reflects hip passive laxity. D and E FCI scores at 12 months cannot be reliably predicted from the 4 months value of DI or DNA but 96% of hips with DI < 0.58 at 4 months had an A, B or C FCI score at 12 months of age. Similarly, 98% of hips with DNA > 85° at 4 months had an A, B or C FCI score at 12 months of age.

Evolution of Radiographic Parameters of Canine Passive Hip Laxity at 4, 6 and 12 months: A Study of 306 Dogs.

OBJECTIVES: This article evaluates the variation in the distraction index (DI) and Norberg angle measurement with the femur in a neutral position and the hips distracted (distraction Norberg angle [DNA]) between 4, 6 and 12 months of age. METHODS: Radiographic data from dogs (n = 306) line-bred for favourable characteristics, including hip conformation, were reviewed. Dogs underwent stress radiographs, using a Vezzoni distractor, at 4, 6 and 12 months of age. The DI and DNA were calculated, and their evolution was studied for the total population and the sub-category of hips with a DI > 0.7. RESULTS: For the total population, the DI showed a significant increase from 4 to 6 months and a significant decrease at 12 months. For the hips with a DI > 0.7 at 4 months, DI at 6 and 12 months showed a significant decrease (0.14 and 0.26, respectively, on average). For the total population, the DNA followed the same pattern as the DI, and the values are significantly associated (p < 0.001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The DI varies significantly from 4 to 12 months in dogs, and the time of radiographic evaluation of hip laxity may strongly influence the value of the DI. The DNA is strongly related to the DI, and its use as a more convenient indicator of hip laxity in dogs should be further investigated.

Evaluation of the Effect of a Single Intra-articular Injection of Allogeneic Neonatal Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Compared to Oral Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Treatment on the Postoperative Musculoskeletal Status and Gait of Dogs over a 6-Month Period after Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: Compare the clinical and pressure walkway gait evolution of dogs after a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) for a cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CrCLR) and treatment with either a 1-month course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or a single postoperative intra-articular (IA) injection of allogeneic neonatal mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, double-blinded, randomized, controlled, monocentric clinical study. ANIMALS: Sixteen client-owned dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dogs with unilateral CrCLR confirmed by arthroscopy were included. Allogeneic neonatal canine MSCs were obtained from fetal adnexa retrieved after C-section performed on healthy pregnant bitches. The dogs were randomly allocated to either the "MSCs group," receiving an IA injection of MSCs after TPLO, followed by placebo for 1 month, or the "NSAIDs group," receiving IA equivalent volume of MSCs vehicle after TPLO, followed by oral NSAID for 1 month. One of the three blinded evaluators assessed the dogs in each group before and after surgery (1, 3, and 6 months). Clinical score and gait and bone healing process were assessed. The data were statistically compared between the two groups for pre- and postoperative evaluations. RESULTS: Fourteen dogs (nine in the MSCs group, five in the NSAIDs group) completed the present study. No significant difference was observed between the groups preoperatively. No local or systemic adverse effect was observed after MSCs injection at any time point considered. At 1 month after surgery, bone healing scores were significantly higher in the MSCs group. At 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, no significant difference was observed between the two groups for clinical scores and gait evaluation. CONCLUSION: A single IA injection of allogeneic neonatal MSCs could be a safe and valuable postoperative alternative to NSAIDs for dogs requiring TPLO surgery, particularly for dogs intolerant to this class of drugs.

Supratentorial arachnoid cyst management by cystoperitoneal shunt in a 1-year-old European cat.

Arachnoid cysts are defined as an accumulation of fluid within the arachnoid membrane. Feline intracranial arachnoid cysts are seldom reported, with only three cases in the veterinary literature. A 1-year-old male neutered European cat with a 24 h history of seizures was presented to the small animal neurology department at Vetagro Sup, Lyon. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large intracranial arachnoid cyst ventral to the brain in the left temporal area. Cystoperitoneal shunt placement resulted in complete resolution of the cyst without recurrence (follow-up MRIs 3 weeks and 21 months after surgery). Anticonvulsant treatment (phenobarbital 2.5 mg/kg q12h) was initiated at presentation and gradually stopped after 17 months. Seizures recurred 4 months after ending treatment, and seizure therapy was therefore restarted at the initial dose. We report a case of an intracranial arachnoid cyst in an unusual location not previously described. A cystoperitoneal shunt resolved the cyst without complications. Maintenance anticonvulsant treatment was required to control symptomatic epilepsy.