Risk factors for complicated perioperative recovery in dogs undergoing staphylectomy or folded flap palatoplasty: Seventy-six cases (2018-2022).

OBJECTIVE: To analyze risk factors for complicated perioperative recovery of dogs undergoing either staphylectomy or folded flap palatoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Seventy-six client-owned dogs. METHODS: Medical records of dogs that underwent either staphylectomy or folded flap palatoplasty were reviewed for signalment, brachycephalic risk (BRisk) score, history of gastrointestinal signs, laryngeal collapse grade, presence of preoperative aspiration pneumonia, intraoperative respiratory and cardiovascular complications, length of general anesthesia, number of corrected brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) components, and gastrointestinal and respiratory postoperative complications. Complicated recovery was defined as requirement for prolonged oxygen treatment and/or tracheostomy or perioperative death. Penalized logistic regression was used to identify risk factors. RESULTS: Seventy-six dogs were enrolled in the study. Multivariate penalized logistic regression identified four risk factors for complicated recovery. These include surgery type (p = .0002), age (p = .0113), laryngeal collapse grade >2 (p < .0001) and length of general anesthesia (p = .0051). CONCLUSIONS: In this population, dogs that had staphylectomy, increasing age, laryngeal collapse grade >2 and increasing length of general anesthesia were at increased risk for perioperative complicated recovery. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results of this study identified risk factors for perioperative complicated recovery in dogs undergoing elongated soft palate correction and may assist in surgical planning and early prediction of complications.

Bilateral neoureterocystostomy with distal ureteral tapering in a dog with severe bilateral hydroureteronephrosis.

A 3.5-year-old intact male Labrador retriever was seen for hematuria. The results of clinical pathology tests were unremarkable. However, urinalysis revealed dark, cloudy, alkalotic, and isosthenuric urine containing red and white blood cells, epithelial cells, and struvite crystals. Severe bilateral enlargement of ureters and markedly enlarged kidneys were identified on abdominal radiographs. Computerized tomography revealed extensive bilateral hydroureteronephrosis with no definitive cause of obstruction. The dog underwent bilateral ureteral tapering with bilateral neoureterocystostomy and placement of temporary bilateral ureteral stents and a cystostomy tube. The dog was monitored in the intensive care unit for 7 d after surgery and was discharged 9 d after surgery and after the stent and cystostomy tube were removed. The dog remained clinically normal and was reported to have been euthanized at 11 y of age (2021) due to unspecified causes. Key clinical message: There are several potential causes of severe bilateral hydroureteronephrosis in animals. Based on this case report, dogs with severe bilateral hydroureteronephrosis that are clinically asymptomatic may have favorable outcomes following bilateral ureteral reconstruction and neoureterocystostomy, even if a definitive cause is not identified.

Néourétérocystostomie bilatérale avec effilement urétéral chez un chien avec hydrourétéronéphrose bilatérale sévère. Un labrador mâle non-castré âgé de 3,5 ans a été vu pour hématurie. Les résultats des tests de pathologie clinique ne présentaient pas d'anomalie. Toutefois, l'analyse d'urine a mis en évidence une urine foncée, trouble, alcaline et isosthénurique, contenant des globules rouges et blancs, des cellules épithéliales et des cristaux de struvite. Une augmentation bilatérale sévère de la taille des urètres ainsi qu'une augmentation de la taille des reins ont été notées lors des radiographies abdominales. Un examen par tomodensitométrie a révélé une hydrourétéronéphrose bilatérale marquée sans cause identifiable d'obstruction. On procéda à un effilement urétéral bilatéral avec néourétérocystostomie bilatérale et mise en place de stents urétéraux bilatéraux temporaires et un tube à cystotomie. Le chien a été sous surveillance à l'unité des soins intensifs pendant 7 j après la chirurgie et a obtenu son congé 9 j après la chirurgie, après que les stents et le tube à cystotomie aient été retirés. Le chien est demeuré cliniquement normal jusqu'à son euthanasie à l'âge de 11 ans (2021) pour des raisons non-spécifiées.Message clinique clé :Il y a plusieurs causes potentielles d'hydrourétéronéphrose bilatérale chez les animaux. Sur la base de ce rapport de cas, les chiens avec hydrourétéronéphrose bilatérale sévère qui sont cliniquement asymptomatique un résultat favorable peut être obtenu à la suite d'une reconstruction urétérale bilatérale et une néourétérocystostomie même si une cause définitive n'est pas identifiée.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Receiver operating characteristics of computed tomography (CT) compared to cystoscopy in diagnosis of canine ectopic ureters: Thirty-five cases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine receiver operating characteristics (ROC) of computed tomographic excretory urography (CTEU) in predicting cystoscopic findings of ureteral anatomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS: Thirty-five client-owned dogs. METHODS: The medical records of dogs referred for suspected ectopic ureters were reviewed. Inclusion criteria included CTEU findings reported by board-certified radiologists, followed by rigid cystoscopy with or without ureteral cystoscopic laser ablation (CLA). Data included signalment, urinary incontinence degree, body condition score, weight, degree of colon distension, CTEU and cystoscopy findings. ROC analysis was used to compare CT-predicted ureteral orthotopia/ectopia to cystoscopy findings. Additionally, ROC of CT predicted ureteral orifice locations was analyzed. Regression covariate analysis was performed to identify factors that may have influenced accuracy of diagnosis. RESULTS: The ability of CT to identify a normal and intra-or extramural ectopic ureters conclusively and correctly was 13/26 (50%) and 32/41(78%), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of identifying extramural versus intramural ureters was 2/7 versus 30/46 (29 vs. 65%) and 61/63 versus 17/24 (97 vs. 71%), respectively. Ectopic orifice determination sensitivity and specificity varied widely depending on location from 0% to 76% and 67% to 97%, respectively. Covariate analysis failed to identify interfering factors. CONCLUSIONS: CT did not accurately predict anatomy of ureters; CT findings may need confirmation by cystoscopy and possibly intraoperative fluoroscopy prior to determining if CLA is indicated or not. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our results may be of importance for surgeons interpreting the CTEU findings. CTEU prediction of the location of the ureteral orifice shows low sensitivity especially in or close to the urethral sphincter area.

3D-printed, patient-specific cutting guides improve femoral and tibial cut alignment in canine total knee replacement.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this cadaveric study was to determine whether patient-specific guides (PSGs) improve the accuracy of tibial and femoral cut alignment in canine total knee replacement (TKR), as compared with generic cutting guides. STUDY DESIGN: Original research. ANIMALS: Sixteen pelvic limbs from skeletally mature medium- to large-breed canine cadavers. METHODS: Specimens were randomly allocated to one of two groups (PSG or Generic; N = 8/group). In the Generic group, femoral and tibial ostectomies were made using the standard canine TKR femoral cutting blocks and tibial alignment guide. In the PSG group, the cuts were made using a series of custom 3D-printed cutting guides. "Planned" and "actual" tibial and femoral cut alignments were compared in the frontal and sagittal planes, and errors were calculated by subtracting actual from planned values. RESULTS: Use of 3D-printed PSGs improved tibial cut alignment in the frontal plane but not the sagittal plane. PSGs also improved the alignment of the cranial and distal femoral ostectomies but did not impact varus-valgus alignment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the use of PSGs for TKR in dogs. Clinical trials are now needed to determine whether the benefits of PSGs translate into measurable improvements in joint function and implant longevity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: PSGs have the potential to improve femoral and tibial component alignment in canine TKR.

Three-Dimensional Morphometry of the Canine Pelvis: Implications for Total Hip Replacement Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Two-dimensional measurements of acetabular geometry are widely used for the assessment of acetabular component orientation following total hip replacement (THR). With the increasing availability of computed tomography scans, there is an opportunity to develop three-dimensional (3D) planning to improve surgical accuracy. The aim of this study was to validate a 3D workflow for measuring angles of lateral opening (ALO) and version, and to establish reference values for dogs. METHODS: Pelvic computed tomography scans were obtained from 27 skeletally mature dogs with no radiographic evidence of hip joint pathology. Patient-specific 3D models were built, and ALO and version angles were measured for both acetabula. The validity of the technique was determined by calculating intra-observer coefficient of variation (CV, %). Reference ranges were calculated and data from left and right hemipelves were compared using a paired t-test and symmetry index. RESULTS: Measurements of acetabular geometry were highly repeatable (intra-observer CV 3.5-5.2%, inter-observer CV 3.3-5.2%). Mean (± standard deviation) values for ALO and version angle were 42.9 degrees (± 4.0 degrees) and 27.2 degrees (± 5.3 degrees) respectively. Left-right measurements from the same dog were symmetrical (symmetry index 6.8 to 11.1%) and not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Mean values of acetabular alignment were broadly similar to clinical THR guidelines (ALO of 45 degrees, version angle of 15-25 degrees), but the wide variation in angle measurements highlights the potential need for patient-specific planning to reduce the risk of complications such as luxation.

Delayed union, non-union and mal-union in 442 dogs.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To estimate the prevalence of delayed union, non-union and mal-union in canine fractures; (2) to describe fracture, demographic, and treatment characteristics for these outcomes; (3) to identify risk factors for delayed or non-union. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Four hundred and forty two dogs (461 fractures). METHODS: A review was conducted of clinical records and radiographs from 2 teaching hospitals. "Union," "delayed union," "non-union" and "mal-union" were defined, and fracture, demographic, treatment, and outcome variables described. Differences in proportions or medians between "union," "delayed union" and "non-union" were tested using χ2 and Mann-Whitney U-tests for categorical and continuous variables respectively. Potential explanatory variables for "delayed or non-union" were tested using logistic regression to identify risk factors. RESULTS: Median radiographic follow up was 53 days (14-282). Delayed union occurred in 13.9% of fractures (64/461), non-union in 4.6% (21/461), and mal-union in 0.7% (3/461). Risk factors for delayed or non-union were age (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.12-1.31); comminuted fracture (OR 4.24, 95% CI 2.4-7.5); treatment with bone graft (all types) (OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.3-8.5); surgical site infection (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.17-8.97), and major implant failure (OR 12.94, 95% CI 5.06-33.1). CONCLUSION: Older dogs, dogs with comminuted fractures, surgical site infection, or major implant failure were at increased odds of delayed or non-union. Radius and ulna fractures in toy breed dogs were not at increased odds of delayed or non-union. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The identified risk factors should inform fracture planning and prognosticating. The prognosis for radial fractures in toy breeds appears better than historically believed.

Serological Evidence of Common Equine Viral Infections in a Semi-Isolated, Unvaccinated Population of Hucul Horses.

Huculs (Equus caballus) are an old breed of primitive mountain horses, originating from the Carpathian Mountains. To the best of our knowledge, data concerning the epidemiology of viral infections observed within this breed are sparse. The objective of this study was to estimate the serological status of a semi-isolated, unvaccinated Hucul herd, with respect to both common equine viral infections and horse-infecting arboviruses, the presence of which was previously reported in Poland. Twenty horses of the Hucul breed, living in a remote area in Poland, were studied in 2018 from March to May. Using nasal secretion swabs as a specimen source, isolation attempts were negative regarding ERAV, EHV-1, EAV, and EIV. According to the virus neutralisation method, in the sera obtained from the animals, antibodies against the following viruses were detected: EHV-1 in 12 horses (60%; with titres from 1:8 to 1:64), EIV A/H7N7 in 13 (65%; titres from 1:20 to 1:80), EIV A /H3N8 in 12 (60%; titres from 1:20 to 1:80), USUV in 5 (25%; titres from 1:10 to 1:80), and ERAV in 1 (5%; titre 1:32). Antibodies against EAV, EIAV, and WNV were not present in the tested sera. The detected presence of specific antibodies associated with five out of the eight equine viruses investigated indicates that the Hucul herd, due to its partial separation and lack of specific prophylaxis, could serve as a sentinel animal group for the detection of equine viruses/arboviruses present within the local ecosystem. The detection of common equine viral infections within the herd provides additional epidemiological data concerning the breed.

Viral, Serological, and Antioxidant Investigations of Equine Rhinitis A Virus in Serum and Nasal Swabs of Commercially Used Horses in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV) is considered to be an important pathogen in horses, but relatively few studies are available. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to verify ERAV seroprevalence in selected horses in Poland, in addition to correlation between ERAV and age and sex of analysed animals and the antioxidant status. METHODS: The material collected from clinically healthy horses was tested using the VNT (353 serum samples) and virus isolation method (44 nasal swabs). 27 serum samples with antibody titers between 0 and ≥1 : 2048 were chosen for further analysis. The study was conducted in group 1 (ERAV titer ≤ 64) and group 2 (ERAV titer > 64). RESULTS: Seroneutralisation tests showed positive results in 72% of serum samples. No significant correlation between ERAV seropositive results and selected biochemical indicators was observed. Group 2 had statistically higher concentrations of SOD and CuZnSOD than the analysed group 1. CONCLUSIONS: ERAV was not detected in the nasal swab samples. Antioxidant parameters did not significantly vary between horses of different breed, sex, or age. The ERAV virus had an impact on plasma total SOD and Cu/Zn SOD activity in horses in early stages of convalescence.

A Survey on West Nile and Usutu Viruses in Horses and Birds in Poland.

West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are members of the family Flaviviridae which, natural life cycles involve mosquito-bird-mosquito transmission. Both represent emerging viruses in Europe with potential to cause neuroinvasive disease in humans. This study investigates the seroprevalence of serum neutralizing antibodies to WNV and to USUV in birds and in horses in Poland. Antibodies against WNV and USUV were detected in 5 (35.7%) and in 1 (7.14%) of 14 birds and in 62 (15.08%) and in 115 (27.98%) of 411 horses, respectively. Twenty-one WNV serologically positive horses (33.87%) and 67 USUV serologically positive horses (58.26%) did not travel outside Polish borders. Given the high abundance of potentially competent mosquito species in Poland, high populations of horses and different bird species, our findings highlight implementation of active control programs, including monitoring of geographic spread and dynamics of WNV and USUV transmission in both primary and accidental hosts. It is also important to improve public health awareness about the disease these viruses may cause.

Vector and Serologic Survey for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Poland.

In contrast to animals, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) causes a severe disease in humans with a high mortality rate. The etiological agent, CCHF virus (CCHFV), can be transmitted by argasid and ixodid ticks, but arachnids of the genus Hyalomma, followed by Rhipicephalus and Dermacentor serve as the major vectors of this virus. The goal of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of CCHFV infection in cattle in south-east Poland, and survey for potential tick vector species. A total of 592 bovine blood samples from animals located in the southernmost region in Poland were tested by IgG sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ticks (n = 993) from south-east Poland were collected from dogs, cats, cattle, and horses and tested by RT-PCR. All 592 serum samples were negative for IgG antibodies to CCHFV. Of the ticks collected, 125 were Dermacentor reticulatus and 868 represented Ixodes ricinus, both species are regarded as potential vectors of CCHFV. All tick samples were negative for the presence of CCHFV. Considering the zoonotic nature, public health importance, and the virus increasing spread, it was prudent to assess the seroprevalence of CCHFV in the south-east area of Poland, bordering with CCHFV endemic areas. It seems unlikely that CCHFV infection will suddenly spread in Poland, but considering the multiple possibilities of the virus introduction, serosurveys and vector biosurveillance should be conducted at regular intervals.