Evaluation of the Effects of an Undenatured Collagen Type-2-Based Nutraceutical (ARTHROSHINE® HA²) on Recovery Time after TPLO in Dogs: A Prospective, Randomized Study with Objective Gait Analysis as the Primary Outcome Measure.

This randomized, prospective clinical trial investigates the impact of a novel undenatured collagen type 2 (T2NDC)-based nutraceutical, ARTHROSHINE® HA² (AS), on postoperative rehabilitation following Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) in 50 dogs with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). The patients were randomly allocated to either group A, receiving AS once daily for 24 weeks post-TPLO surgery, or group B, without any supplementation. Frequency matching was applied to enhance group comparability. Assessment of outcomes included computerized gait analysis and a validated owner questionnaire. AS supplementation was well received, without any reported side effect. Consistently, patients in group A exhibited significantly higher peak vertical force values during all follow-up assessments. By the 12-week mark, gait analysis indicated a return to a physiological gait pattern in group A, while group B achieved this normalization only by the 24-week point. The administration of AS post-TPLO surgery demonstrates promise in enhancing limb function, leading to faster restoration of a physiological gait pattern. The inclusion of AS, a T2NDC-based nutraceutical, in the post-TPLO rehabilitation protocol may contribute to improved limb function and an expedited recovery, potentially facilitating a quicker return to normalcy. It is noteworthy that subjective owner perceptions did not differ between the two groups.

Quantification of skin wound tension using a newly designed wound tensiometer.

OBJECTIVE: To (i) quantitatively measure wound tension in experimental skin wounds using a newly developed wound tensiometer and (ii) establish reference values for primary skin wound closure in medium- and large-breed dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental cadaveric study. ANIMAL POPULATION: Nineteen dogs of medium to large breeds (BW 20 to 40 kg). METHODS: Elliptical skin wounds of different sizes were created on the chest and abdomen. The wounds were gradually enlarged. Experienced surgeons (ECVS diplomates or professors of small animal surgery) and inexperienced surgeons (1st year after graduation) independently assessed wound tension through manual manipulation and determined whether the wound could be closed without tension-relieving measures. In addition, wound tension was objectively quantified using a newly developed wound tensiometer. RESULTS: The upper threshold for wound tension at which direct appositional wound closure was recommended by the experienced surgeons was 5.4 N, and the median minimal tension without recommendations for closure was 6.0 N. The data also demonstrate that wound tension and wound size do not necessarily correlate, and inexperienced surgeons need to develop a feel for wound tension. CONCLUSION: The intraoperative use of the wound tensiometer, in combination with established cut-off values, might facilitate decision-making regarding primary wound closure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings of this study provide evidence for the applicability of a wound tensiometer in guiding inexperienced surgeons in their choice of the skin wound closure method.

Mapping Subchondral Bone Density Distribution in the Canine C6-C7 Vertebral Endplates: A CT-OAM Study.

Intervertebral cage subsidence is a common complication in treating disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy in dogs. The mechanical stability of the vertebral endplate in contact with the cage is crucial to preventing subsidence. This study aims to assess subchondral bone mineral density (sBMD) in the canine vertebral endplate (specifically, the C6-C7 vertebral motion unit) as a measure of its mechanical stability. The sBMD distribution was mapped for the C6 caudal and C7 cranial vertebral endplates in 15 middle- to large-breed dogs using computed tomography osteoabsorptiometry. The sBMD distribution in the canine C6 and C7 vertebral endplates exhibited a heterogeneous pattern, with lower density observed in the central and dorsal contact areas of the nucleus pulposus, where common subsidence occurs. Our results suggest a potential need to redesign intervertebral cages to ensure that contact areas align with regions of higher bone density. A broad-based design extending toward the lateral and dorsal aspects of the annulus fibrosus contact area may enhance stability.

Patient specific, synthetic, partial unipolar resurfacing of a large talar osteochondritis dissecans lesion in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the application and early outcome of a custom-made unipolar partial tarsal replacement in a dog with an extensive medial talar ridge OCD. ANIMAL: A 7-month-old, 25 kg male Rhodesian Ridgeback with progressive left hindlimb lameness (grade III-IV/IV) and diagnosis of talar OCD. METHODS: The dog presented with progressive lameness attributed to extensive medial talar ridge OCD. Due to the severity of the lesion, a resurfacing procedure was chosen. Based on CT data, a bi-layered resurfacing implant consisting of a titanium socket and a polycarbonate urethane bearing surface was constructed. For intraoperative guidance, a set of matching drill guides were 3D-printed, along with some models of the affected talus, to allow for dry-lab training. Surgical implantation using a medial malleolar osteotomy to approach the lesion was without complications. Orthopedic follow-up examinations were conducted at 10 days, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. Radiographic examinations were included at the 6-week, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups. RESULTS: Function improved considerably during the follow-up period with a lameness grade of 0-I/IV at the 12-month follow-up. ROM differed by 15° in flexion compared to the contralateral side, while there was no difference in extension. Moderate periarticular fibrosis was present at 12 months. Implant positioning was unchanged at follow-up-radiographic examination and there was only mild progression of osteoarthritis (OA). CONCLUSION: Patient specific instrumentation - guided tarsal OCD resurfacing with a synthetic patient-specific implant may be an effective treatment option.

Continuous hemilaminectomy of nine vertebrae can be performed safely in large breed dogs: A case report of a German Shepherd Dog with intervertebral disc extrusion and extensive extradural hemorrhage.

Background: Extended, continuous hemilaminectomy has only been reported in small to medium-sized dogs so far. It remains unclear whether excessive continuous hemilaminectomy can also be performed safely in large breed dogs. Case Description: We describe the surgical treatment and clinical outcome of a 5-year-old German Shepherd Dog that presented with paraplegia and deep pain perception following a short episode of bilateral hind-limb lameness, secondary to jumping off of a car. Computed tomography-myelography revealed that the paraplegia originated from extensive extradural spinal cord compression (Th6-L1), due to intervertebral disc extrusion and associated epidural hemorrhage. The dog was treated with a continuous hemilaminectomy involving nine vertebrae (Th6-L1) and recovered completely with no remaining neurological deficits, within 6 months. Conclusion: The rapid, uncomplicated, and complete functional recovery in the presented case emphasizes the practicability of extensive, continuous hemilaminectomies, also in large breed dogs.

Partial lung lobectomy with the Caiman® Seal & Cut device in a dog with spontaneous pneumothorax: Case report.

Background: Spontaneous pneumothorax in dogs is characterized by an accumulation of air in the interpleural space without underlying trauma and consecutive acute onset of respiratory distress. Underlying causes for spontaneous pneumothorax vary with ruptured bullae being one of the main causes. Treatment after initial stabilization often requires partial or complete surgical resection of affected lung lobes. Partial lung lobectomy can be performed with stapling devices or sealing devices for example, by different surgical approaches including video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. However, inter-thoracic surgery in small-sized dogs using either of the techniques is challenging. Case Description: A 12-year-old Shih Tzu was presented with spontaneous pneumothorax. Further diagnostics with computed tomography and intercostal thoracoscopy revealed a bulla in the right middle lung lobe. Partial lung lobectomy (2.5 × 2.5 × 2 cm) of the respective lung lobe was performed by an intercostal approach using the Caiman® 5 Seal & Cut sealing device. The Caiman® 5 Seal & Cut device allowed quick and safe partial lung lobectomy in the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax without intra- or post-operative complications. The dog was discharged 2 days after surgery in good clinical condition. This report demonstrates the in-vivo efficacy and safety of the Caiman® 5 Seal & Cut sealing device for partial lung lobectomy in a small breed dog. Conclusion: Using the Caiman® 5 Seal & Cut device lung tissue could be resected without intra- or post-operative complications in a small breed dog. This case may emphasize the use of the device in fully video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery also in small-sized patients.

Relation of Computed Tomography-Based Static Axial Radioulnar Incongruence Measurements under General Anaesthesia and Dynamic, In Vivo RUI during the Walk in Canine Elbow Joints with and without Medial Coronoid Process Disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation of static axial radioulnar incongruence (sRUI) measured under general anaesthesia with the real in vivo dynamic RUI (dRUI) during walking. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective clinical study that included 6 sound elbows (5 dogs) and 7 medial coronoid process disease (MCPD) affected elbows (6 dogs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Static axial radioulnar incongruence was measured using the sphere fitting technique on computed tomography-based three-dimensional (3D) models of radius and ulna. The in vivo pose of radius and ulna was derived from radiostereometric analysis during the walk and transferred onto previously calculated 3D models. Dynamic RUI was measured on those adjusted models using the sphere fitting technique, providing a measurement of RUI over time during walk. RESULTS: Mean sRUI was 0.2 mm (standard deviation [SD]: 0.30) in control and 1.4 mm (SD: 0.73) in elbow joints with MCPD; being significantly different (p = 0.0035; confidence interval [CI]: 0.4772-1.8824). Mean dRUI in controls (-0.4 mm; SD: 0.47) was significantly different (p = 0.0004; CI: 0.9918-2.5225) from dRUI in the affected elbows (1.4 mm; SD: 0.73). Comparison of sRUI and dRUI within each group showed difference in the control group (0.2 vs. -0.4 mm; p = 0.0138; CI: 0.1820-1.0014). In affected elbows, no difference between sRUI and dRUI was found (1.4 vs. 1.4 mm; p = 0.8963). CONCLUSION: In normal elbow joints, sRUI does not represent the in vivo condition during weight bearing. Dynamic and slightly negative RUI occurs during loading (0.2 mm positive to -0.4 mm negative RUI). In MCPD affected elbows with sRUI, no dynamic change of RUI occurs during the walk.

Biplanar High-Speed Fluoroscopy of Pony Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon (SDFT)-An In Vivo Pilot Study.

The superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is the most frequently injured structure of the musculoskeletal system in sport horses and a common cause for early retirement. This project's aim was to visualize and measure the strain of the sound, injured, and healing SDFTs in a pony during walk and trot. For this purpose, biplanar high-speed fluoroscopic kinematography (FluoKin), as a high precision X-ray movement analysis tool, was used for the first time in vivo with equine tendons. The strain in the metacarpal region of the sound SDFT was 2.86% during walk and 6.78% during trot. When injured, the strain increased to 3.38% during walk and decreased to 5.96% during trot. The baseline strain in the mid-metacarpal region was 3.13% during walk and 6.06% during trot and, when injured, decreased to 2.98% and increased to 7.61%, respectively. Following tendon injury, the mid-metacarpal region contributed less to the overall strain during walk but showed increased contribution during trot. Using this marker-based FluoKin technique, direct, high-precision, and long-term strain measurements in the same individual are possible. We conclude that FluoKin is a powerful tool for gaining deeper insight into equine tendon biomechanics.

Cyclic tensile tests of Shetland pony superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFTs) with an optimized cryo-clamp combined with biplanar high-speed fluoroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Long-term cyclic tensile testing with equine palmar/plantar tendons have not yet been performed due to problems in fixing equine tendons securely and loading them cyclically. It is well established that the biomechanical response of tendons varies during cyclic loading over time. The aim of this study was to develop a clamping device that enables repetitive cyclic tensile testing of equine superficial digital flexor tendon for at least 60 loading cycles and for 5 min. RESULTS: A novel cryo-clamp was developed and built. Healthy and collagenase-treated pony SDFTs were mounted in the custom-made cryo-clamp for the proximal tendon end and a special clamping device for the short pastern bone (os coronale). Simultaneously with tensile testing, we used a biplanar high-speed fluoroscopy system (FluoKin) to track tendon movement. The FluoKin system was additionally validated in precision measurements. During the cyclic tensile tests of the SDFTs, the average maximal force measured was 325 N and 953 N for a length variation of 2 and 4 % respectively. The resulting stress averaged 16 MPa and 48 MPa respectively, while the modulus of elasticity was 828 MPa and 1212 MPa respectively. Length variation of the metacarpal region was, on average, 4.87 % higher after incubation with collagenase. The precision of the FluoKin tracking was 0.0377 mm, defined as the standard deviation of pairwise intermarker distances embedded in rigid bodies. The systems accuracy was 0.0287 mm, which is the difference between the machined and mean measured distance. CONCLUSION: In this study, a good performing clamping technique for equine tendons under repetitive cyclic loading conditions is described. The presented cryo-clamps were tested up to 50 min duration and up to the machine maximal capacity of 10 kN. With the possibility of repetitive loading a stabilization of the time-force-curve and changes of hysteresis and creep became obvious after a dozen cycles, which underlines the necessity of repetitive cyclical testing. Furthermore, biplanar high-speed fluoroscopy seems an appropriate and highly precise measurement tool for analysis of tendon behaviour under repetitive load in equine SDFTs.

Estimating and abstracting the 3D structure of feline bones using neural networks on X-ray (2D) images.

Computing 3D bone models using traditional Computed Tomography (CT) requires a high-radiation dose, cost and time. We present a fully automated, domain-agnostic method for estimating the 3D structure of a bone from a pair of 2D X-ray images. Our triplet loss-trained neural network extracts a 128-dimensional embedding of the 2D X-ray images. A classifier then finds the most closely matching 3D bone shape from a predefined set of shapes. Our predictions have an average root mean square (RMS) distance of 1.08 mm between the predicted and true shapes, making our approach more accurate than the average achieved by eight other examined 3D bone reconstruction approaches. Each embedding extracted from a 2D bone image is optimized to uniquely identify the 3D bone CT from which the 2D image originated and can serve as a kind of fingerprint of each bone; possible applications include faster, image content-based bone database searches for forensic purposes.

Accuracy of a magnetic resonance imaging-based 3D printed stereotactic brain biopsy device in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Brain biopsy of intracranial lesions is often necessary to determine specific therapy. The cost of the currently used stereotactic rigid frame and optical tracking systems for brain biopsy in dogs is often prohibitive or accuracy is not sufficient for all types of lesion. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the application accuracy of an inexpensive magnetic resonance imaging-based personalized, 3D printed brain biopsy device. ANIMALS: Twenty-two dog heads from cadavers were separated into 2 groups according to body weight (<15 kg, >20 kg). METHODS: Experimental study. Two target points in each cadaver head were used (target point 1: caudate nucleus, target point 2: piriform lobe). Comparison between groups was performed using the independent Student's t test or the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U Test. RESULTS: The total median target point deviation was 0.83 mm (range 0.09-2.76 mm). The separate median target point deviations for target points 1 and 2 in all dogs were 0.57 mm (range: 0.09-1.25 mm) and 0.85 mm (range: 0.14-2.76 mm), respectively. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This magnetic resonance imaging-based 3D printed stereotactic brain biopsy device achieved an application accuracy that was better than the accuracy of most brain biopsy systems that are currently used in veterinary medicine. The device can be applied to every size and shape of skull and allows precise positioning of brain biopsy needles in dogs.

Complications and Long-Term Outcome in 16 Canine Cementless Hybrid Hip Arthroplasties.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the complications and long-term outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a hybrid cementless system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of dogs that underwent THA using a combined implant system consisting of Innoplant Screw Cup, Kyon taper head and Zurich cementless (Z-THA) stem between March 2010 and March 2015 were reviewed. Dogs with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were included. Signalment, complications and outcome at the latest follow-up examination were recorded. RESULTS: Sixteen hybrid THA were performed in 12 dogs. Mean follow-up was 42.5 months. Overall complications occurred in three arthroplasties (19%) including luxation (n = 1), aseptic cup loosening (n = 1) and implant failure with screw breakage followed by stem subsidence (n = 1). Two arthroplasties including prosthesis luxation and aseptic cup loosening were successfully revised using the here described hybrid system and achieved full functional outcome at the last follow-up examination. One arthroplasty with screw breakage and secondary stem subsidence was treated conservatively and achieved an acceptable outcome. CONCLUSION: Hybridization of the Innoplant Screw Cup, Kyon taper head and Zurich cementless for initial THA surgery is feasible. In comparison with the reported complications and outcomes for single implant THA systems, the hybrid THA did not prove to have greater clinical benefits for use in primary THA surgery.

Complications and short-to-midterm results in a case series of 52 CUE procedures using a modified caudo-medial approach.

Background: Medial coronoid process disease is the most common manifestation of canine developmental elbow disease which can progress to a more severe medial compartment disease (MCompD) characterized by full-thickness cartilage loss of the medial coronoid process and the medial humeral condyle. Among others, the "Canine Unicompartmental Elbow" (CUE) has been reported to be an effective treatment strategy for MCompD, with full in 47.6% and acceptable function in 43.7% at 6 months or later of follow-up. Aim: To report on our clinical experiences with the CUE system using the caudo-medial approach in terms of both complications and functional outcome. Methods: Medical records of dogs that underwent CUE procedure using a caudo-medial approach over a 3-year period were retrospectively reviewed. This covered epidemiological data, bi-planar radiographs, subjective gait analysis, owner questionnaire, surgical reports, as well as second-look arthroscopic findings when available. Results: In total, 52 CUE procedures were performed in 44 dogs with a median age of 8.0 years (IQ: 5.0-10.0) and a median bodyweight of 31.9 kg (ranging 20-48 kg) at the surgery. Four cases never return for follow-up, but were included in the analysis to increase the number of cases with pre- and intra-operative data. Mean follow-up time available for the remaining 48 cases was 7.1 (SD: 5.2) months. Radiographic derived implant positioning and alignment proved to be satisfactory in the sagittal plane but parallelism in the frontal plane was only present in three cases. Second-look arthroscopy in five cases with delayed or disappointing functional improvement showed evidence of implant-related contact lesions and progressive erosion of the medial coronoid area in three elbows. Overall, complications occurred in 11 cases (21%), being major in eight (15%) and minor in three (6%). Major complications included refractory pain and lameness 6 to 12 months postoperatively in five cases. At last follow-up, 12 cases (25%) were considered to have full function, 35 cases (73%) acceptable function, and in one case, the function was considered unacceptable. As the only variable related to functional outcome, age had a negative predictive value for full function. Conclusion: The CUE procedure appears to be an effective treatment option for patients with MCompD. Older dogs might be at risk of having an inferior clinical outcome when compared to young patients. The reason for this is unknown and will have to be evaluated in future studies. Compared to a CUE case series of 103 elbows operated through a medial approach, using a caudo-medial approach decreased the incidence of approach-related complication. Nevertheless, the functional outcome in the current case series was less favorable than previously reported. These conflicting findings as well as the occurrence of potentially implant mechanical conflict at the medial joint compartment despite CUE warrants further studies.

In vivo fluoroscopic kinematography of cranio-caudal stifle stability after tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA): a retrospective case series of 10 stifles.

It was the aim of the study to determine retrospectively cranio-caudal stifle instability following TTA (tibial tuberosity advancement) using fluoroscopic kinematography. Ten stifles (eight dogs, mean body weight 27.3 kg) with complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament and a mean follow-up of 12.8 weeks (5.4 - 28.4 weeks) after TTA underwent latero-lateral, uniplanar fluoroscopic kinematography while walking on a treadmill. Immediately before TTA, each stifle was explored arthroscopically and in the case of a longitudinal or bucket-handle tear of the caudal horn of the medial meniscus the unstable axial portion was resected. The high-speed fluoroscopic video sequences obtained were inspected visually for femoro-tibial translation (cranial drawer). The influence of postoperative patellar tendong angle (PTA), cage size and meniscal surgery on stifle stability was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. In three stifles, resection of unstable meniscal tissue was necessary. Fluoroscopically, nine out of ten stifles showed cranio-caudal instability. Three stifles were potentially overcorrected (post PTA < 90°), seven potentially undercorrected (post PTA > 90°). None of the three parameters analyzed had a significant influence on postoperative in vivo stability (p=0.0988). In conclusion, it appears that inadequate cranialization of the tibia tuberosity might be an expected result of the TTA procedure, as well as persistent cranio-caudal instability during walking. However, instability cannot solely be attributed to insufficient cranialization because three out of nine unstable stifles were sufficiently or even overcorrected (PTA ≤ 90°). Further in vivo studies are needed to resolve these conflicting findings.

In vivo axial humero-ulnar rotation in normal and dysplastic canine elbow joints.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively compare relative axial (internal-external) humero-ulnar rotation in normal and dysplastic canine elbow joints. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six normal elbows (five dogs) and seven joints (six dogs) with coronoid disease were examined. After implantation of 0.8 mm tantalum beads into humerus and ulna, biplanar x-ray movies of the implanted elbows were taken while dogs were walking on a treadmill. Based on the 2D bead coordinates of the synchronized x-ray movies virtual 3D humero-ulnar animations were calculated. Based on these, relative internal-external humero-ulnar rotation was measured over the first third of stance phase and expressed as maximal rotational amplitude. Amplitudes from three consecutive steps were averaged and groupwise compared using an unpaired t-test. RESULTS: In normal elbow joints mean axial relative humero-ulnar rotation was 2.9° (SD 1.1). Dysplastic joints showed a significantly greater rotational amplitude (5.3°, SD 2.0; p = 0.0229, 95% confidence interval 0.4-4.4). CONCLUSION: Dysplastic elbow joints show greater relative internal-external humero-ulnar rotation compared to normal elbows, which might reflect rotational joint instability. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increased relative internal-external humero-ulnar rotation might alter physiological joint contact and pressure patterns. Future studies are needed to verify if this plays a role in the pathogenesis of medial coronoid disease.

Long-term effects of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and tibial tuberosity advancement on tibial plateau subchondral bone density in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term loading patterns using subchondral bone density (SBD) distribution of the tibial plateau after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: Adult (> 2 years), medium to large breed dogs (>20 kg) that had been treated with TPLO or TTA at least 1 year prior to the study were recruited. A normal cohort of similar age and weight dogs with normal physical and orthopedic examinations served as control. METHODS: Dogs were sedated for computed tomography (CT) of the stifle, and DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine) files were processed for CT osteoabsorptiometry (CTOAM). Tibial plateaus were sampled at 6 zones, and CTOAM was used to determine regional and maximal areas of SBD as a marker of joint loading. RESULTS: Data were collected on 48 stifles in 31 dogs (15 TPLO, 11 TTA, 22 control). Lower Hounsfield unit (HU) values were measured in the caudal and mid-region of the lateral tibial plateau after TPLO and compared to normal. HU values did not differ between joints treated with TTA and those in the control group. CONCLUSION: TPLO may alter stifle load distribution relative to the normal control group. There were no differences between TTA and the control group. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE/IMPACT: Despite ongoing osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs after surgical intervention for cranial cruciate disease, changes in tibial SBD are minor and may not correlate with clinical function.

In vivo fluoroscopic kinematography of dynamic radio-ulnar incongruence in dogs.

Aim of the study was to investigate dynamic radio-ulnar incongruence (dRUI) in the canine elbow joint comparing orthopedic healthy and dysplastic dogs in a prospective in vivo study design. In 6 orthopedic sound elbow joints (5 dogs, median age 17 months & mean body weight 27.9 kg) and 7 elbow joints with medial coronoid disease (6 dogs, median age 17.5 months & mean body weight 27.6 kg) 0.8 mm Ø tantalum beads were surgically implanted into radius, ulna and humerus for dynamic radiosteriometric analysis (RSA) using high-speed biplanar fluoroscopy with the dogs walking on a treadmill. dRUI, in the form of proximo-distal translation of the radius relative to the ulna, was measured for the first third of stance phase and compared between groups using unpaired t-testing. Healthy elbow joints exhibited a relative radio-ulnar translation of 0.7 mm (SD 0.31 mm), while dysplastic joints showed a translation of 0.5 mm (SD 0.30 mm). No significant difference between groups was detected (p = 0.2092, confidence interval -0.6 - 0.2). Based on these findings dRUI is present in every canine elbow joint, as part of the physiological kinematic pattern. However, dysplastic elbow joints do not show an increased radio-ulnar translation, and therfore dRUI cannot be considered causative for medial coronoid disease.

Two-Way Radio Modem Data Transfer for Newborn Hearing Screening Devices.

INTRODUCTION: The success of a newborn hearing screening program depends on successful tracking and follow-up to ensure that children who have had positive screening results in the first few days of life receive appropriate and timely diagnostic and intervention services. The easy availability, through a suitable infrastructure, of the data necessary for the tracking, diagnosis, and care of children concerned is a major key to enhancing the quality and efficiency of newborn hearing screening programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two systems for the automated two-way transmission of newborn hearing screening and configuration data, based on mobile communication technology, for the screening devices MADSEN AccuScreen® and Natus Echo-Screen® were developed and tested in a field study. Radio modem connections were compared with conventional analogue modem transmissions from Natus Echo-Screen devices for duration, transmission rate, number of lost connections, and frequency of use. RESULTS: The average session duration was significantly lower with the MADSEN AccuScreen (12 s) and Natus Echo-Screen both with radio modem (15 s) than the Natus Echo-Screen with analogue modem (108 s). The transmission rate was significantly higher (898 and 1,758 vs. 181 bytes/s) for the devices with radio modems. Both radio modem devices had significantly lower rates of broken connections after initial connection (2.1 and 0.9 vs. 5.5%). An increase in the frequency of data transmission from the clinics with mobile radio devices was found. CONCLUSIONS: The use of mobile communication technology in newborn hearing screening devices offers improvements in the average session duration, transmission rate, and reliability of the connection over analogue solutions. We observed a behavioral change in clinical staff using the new technology: the data exchange with the tracking center is more often used. The requirements for on-site support were reduced. These savings outweigh the small increase in costs for the Internet service provider.

Multiple thoracolumbar partial lateral corpectomies in 17 dogs. / Multiple thorakolumbale partielle laterale Korpektomien bei 17 Hunden.

OBJECTIVE: To report feasibility and outcome of multiple thoracolumbar partial lateral corpectomies (TLPLCs) in dogs with predominantly ventral spinal cord compression caused by intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in the light of reported decreased spinal stability following single TLPLC. Material und methods: In a retrospective study the records of dogs treated by multiple TLPLCs for ventral spinal cord compression caused by Hansen type I or type II IVDD were reviewed. Presurgical spinal cord compression and postsurgical decompression, as well as slot dimensions were determined based on computed tomography (CT)-myelography images. Neurological outcome was assessed based on repetitive examinations applying a modified Frankel Score as well as on an owner questionnaire. RESULTS: Seventeen dogs with a mean body weight of 20.3 kg (range 4.0-49.0 kg) were included. Fourteen dogs had two TLPLCs, two dogs had three TLPLCs and one dog had four TLPLCs performed. The mean slot depth was 63% of entire vertebral body width, the mean slot height was 29% of the entire vertebral body height, the mean slot length was 25% of the entire vertebral body length and the mean residual vertebral interslot length between two adjacent TLPLCs was 55% of the vertebral body length. At reevaluation 4 weeks after surgery, 6/17 dogs (35.3%) had the same modified Frankel Score as before surgery, whereas 11/17 dogs (64.7%) showed a neurological improvement. According to the owners 78.5% of dogs were walking normally within 6 months after surgery. The mean survival time of 16 dogs, where follow-up was available, was 951 days. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Multiple spinal cord compressions caused by IVDD can be eliminated by multiple, even consecutive, TLPLCs without the risk of a clinically significant risk of spinal instability.

Prospective Evaluation of the Leipzig Stifle Distractor.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the Leipzig Stifle Distractor (LSD) for arthroscopic evaluation of the medial meniscus. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical multi-center study. ANIMALS: 64 stifles of 64 dogs (mean body weight 35 kg) with suspected cranial cruciate ligament rupture. METHODS: The LSD was used to distract the medial compartment and to evaluate the medial meniscus. The degree of exposure of the caudal pole of the medial meniscus (CMM) and ease of diagnosis was quantified after either distraction with the LSD or manipulation of the stifle with valgus stress and external rotation. Time for pin placement, level of difficulty and associated complications with LSD application were recorded. Medial collateral ligament integrity was tested by stress radiographs. RESULTS: The mean time for applying the LSD was 1.4 minutes (range 0.5-3.0). Application was considered easy in 90% and moderate in 10% of joints, with no complications recorded. LSD application increased exposure (P < .001) and facilitated probing of the CMM (P < .001), allowing for the diagnosis of 10 meniscal tears missed without the LSD. The use of LSD increased the likelihood of diagnosing a meniscal tear by 1.9 times. Based on the stress radiographs, medial collateral ligament integrity was maintained in all tested stifles. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of medial meniscal tears was improved using LSD. The LSD provided a safe and effective method for improved visualization and access to the caudal portion of the medial meniscus, which may allow for better arthroscopic assessment of meniscal pathology in dogs.