Adjunctive fixation of the humeral epicondyle in a lateral condylar fracture model: Ex vivo comparison of pins and plates with a novel composite (AdhFix).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the biomechanical properties of using a novel composite construct (AdhFix) to an interfragmentary Kirschner wire or a reconstruction plate as adjunctive epicondylar stabilization in simulated lateral unicondylar humeral fractures. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric biomechanical assessment. SAMPLE POPULATION: Paired humeri harvested from skeletally mature dogs (14-41 kg), nine cadavers per group. METHODS: Simulated lateral unicondylar humeral fractures were stabilized with a transcondylar 4.5 mm cortical screw placed in lag fashion. Adjunct fixations consisting of a novel composite incorporating 2.7 mm cortical screws on one side, and either a 2.7 mm reconstruction plate or a 1.6 mm Kirschner wire on the contralateral side, were tested within paired humeri. Repaired humeri were axially loaded to failure and construct stiffness, yield load, and ultimate load were obtained from the load-deformation curves. RESULTS: In pairwise comparison, yield load was significantly higher for AdhFix group compared to the pin group, p = .016. No statistical significance was seen in the comparison between AdhFix group and the plate group, p = .25. CONCLUSION: Adhfix was mechanically superior to K-wires, and comparable to plate fixation, for adjunctive fixation in a lateral humeral condylar model. Our results support further investigation of the novel composite for adjunct fracture fixation in lateral humeral condylar fractures. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The novel composite tested may be a viable alternative for adjunct fixation of humeral condylar fractures, a technique that circumvents plate contouring.

Confidence among Veterinary Students to Perform Canine Orchiectomy: The Impact of Live Animal Surgical Clinical Training.

Canine orchiectomy (COE) is one of the most commonly performed procedures in small animal veterinary surgery. The aim of this study was to assess veterinary students' confidence in performing this surgery in relation to their previous surgical experience of the procedure. The hypothesis was that confidence to perform canine orchiectomies among recent veterinary graduates increased when having participated in the procedure as part of practical surgical training. A cross-sectional survey was conducted and included 65 fifth-year veterinary graduate students at the Swedish University of Agriculture in Uppsala, Sweden. The survey investigated how differences in experience of COE affected students' confidence to perform the procedure. Of the responding students, 24.6% had performed the procedure, 47.7% had observed the procedure live, and 27.7% had not seen nor performed the procedure. They were asked how confident they were to perform the procedure both with and without assistance. Data were compared using a non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney U test). The results showed a statistically significant increase in confidence to perform COEs in the group that had previously performed or observed COE compared with the group that had neither performed nor observed the procedure. In conclusion, veterinary students' participation in COEs significantly contributed to their clinical confidence to perform the procedure.

In Vivo Versus In Vitro Degradation of a 3D Printed Resorbable Device for Ligation of Vascular Tissue in Horses.

A resorbable 3D printed polydioxanone (PDO) device is manufactured to facilitate ligation of vascular tissue during surgery. The device must provide sufficient mechanical performance throughout the healing period. Therefore, degradation and mechanical performance of the device are investigated as a function of in vivo and in vitro aging. During aging the PDO device released cyclic and linear water-soluble products. In vivo aging resulted in higher relative number of linear oligomers in comparison to in vitro aging. A major loss of mechanical performance is observed after only 10 days in vivo and the Young's modulus (E) and tensile strength at break (σb ) decreased by 28% and 54%, respectively. This is in contrast to in vitro aging, where no loss of mechanical properties is observed during the same period. The in vivo aged devices exhibit clear holes in the matrices after 28 days, while apparent cracks are observed first after 140 days in vitro. These results highlight the sensitivity of the degradation process of resorbable devices with regards to the interactions of the device with the surrounding environment (tissues) and demonstrate the importance of in vivo testing as compliment to in vitro testing before clinical use of devices.

Risk factors for severe postoperative complications in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease - A survival analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of surgical technique and other risk factors on severe postoperative complications in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort study of 255 dogs (287 stifles) surgically treated for CCLD at two veterinary university hospitals (2011-2016) was performed. The electronic medical records were reviewed and dog owners and referring veterinarians contacted for additional information. The complications were classified as minor, major and catastrophic, where major and catastrophic were considered severe. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was applied to assess risk factors for severe postoperative complications. RESULTS: Three surgical techniques were used; lateral fabellotibial suture (LFS, 141 stifles), tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO, 77 stifles) and tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA, 69 stifles). The most common severe postoperative complications were surgical site infections or complications related to the surgical implant. Severe postoperative complications occurred in 31 % of the stifles treated with TPLO, 22 % of the stifles treated with LFS and 25 % of the stifles treated with TTA. The multivariable Cox proportional hazards model identified surgical technique (p = 0.0258) as a risk factor for severe postoperative complications; TPLO had a significantly lower hazard than LFS (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.37, p = 0.007) when controlling for body weight and age, which also were identified as risk factors (HR = 1.05, p < 0.001 and HR = 0.91, p = 0.047, respectively). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although TPLO procedures had the highest occurrence of severe postoperative complications, the hazard was lower than for LFS after adjusting for body weight and age. This implies that it is important to consider potential effect-modifiers when comparing postoperative complications after CCLD surgery.

Evaluation of a resorbable self-locking ligation device for performing peripheral lung biopsies in a caprine cadaveric model.

OBJECTIVE: To compare airway leak pressures after sealing peripheral lung biopsy sites with a resorbable ligation device (LigaTie) or thoracoabdominal (TA) staples. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo study. ANIMALS: Four normal caprine cadavers. METHODS: Twelve lung lobes were harvested from 4 goats immediately after euthanasia. Each lobe was inflated to 20 cm H2 O to test for leaks prior to biopsy. Pressure was then maintained at 10 cm H2 O. Biopsy samples were obtained 3 cm from the periphery with a resorbable ligation device or a TA stapler (n = 6 per group). After biopsy, inflation pressure was slowly increased to 40 cm H2 O while lungs were submerged in water. The pressure at which bubbles were first seen was recorded as the airway leak pressure. The length, width, volume, and weight were recorded for each biopsy sample. RESULTS: Five of 6 LigaTie biopsy sites sustained the maximum pressure of 40 cm H2 O without leaking. One site leaked at 24 cm H2 O. The TA-stapled sites sustained airway pressure to median 25.5 cm H2 O (interquartile range, 23.5-26 cm H2 O), and none of them reached the maximum pressure (P = .015). There were no differences in biopsy length, volume, or weight between groups. CONCLUSION: Biopsy sites sealed with LigaTie withstood higher airway pressure without leaking compared with TA-stapled biopsy sites in normal cadaveric specimens. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The LigaTie may be an alternative technique for sealing peripheral lung biopsy sites.

Thoracoscopic-assisted lung lobectomy in cat cadavers using a resorbable self-locking ligation device.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the maximum pressure sustained by airways sealed with a resorbable ligation device (LigaTie) and with thoracoabdominal (TA) staples during thoracoscopic-assisted hilar lung lobectomies. STUDY DESIGN: In situ cadaveric study. ANIMALS: Ten feline cadavers. METHODS: Twenty lung lobectomies were performed with either a LigaTie or a TA stapler (n = 10 per group) by using a thoracoscopic-assisted technique. Procedures were randomly performed on the cranial lung lobes only. The distance between the ligation and the hilus was measured on each specimen. Airway pressures were tested to a maximum pressure of 40 cmH2 O. RESULTS: All LigaTie sites reached a maximum airway pressure without leaking and were easily placed at the hilus. Four of 10 TA stapled sites leaked at a mean pressure of 22 cmH2 O (P = .010). All leaks occurred when the TA staple line was >5 mm from the hilus; no leaks occurred when the TA staple line was ≤5 mm from the hilus (P < .001). No difference was found between fresh and frozen cadavers (P = .483) or right vs left lung lobe (P = .284). CONCLUSION: Lung lobectomies were consistently performed at the hilus only when the LigaTie was used. Lung lobectomies were less likely to leak when performed with the LigaTie rather compared with TA staples. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The LigaTie may be an effective alternative for lung lobectomies at the pulmonary hilus in cats and small breed dogs. Our findings provide justification for additional clinical testing.

Evaluation of an ELISA for metanephrines in feline urine.

Catecholamines can be used to evaluate neuroendocrine tumors, stress, and potentially pain, but catecholamines degrade rapidly. Their metabolites normetanephrine (NME) and metanephrine (ME) have better stability in urine. In cats, urine sampling in a home environment would be beneficial to reduce effects of clinical stress and simplify sampling. We evaluated a human urine ELISA for analysis of NME and ME in feline urine, and investigated the effects of acidification, cat tray pellets, and storage time at room temperature up to 8.5 h. In 26 feline urine samples, mean NME concentration was 192 ± 80 ng/mL, mean intra- and inter-assay CV was 6.5% and 4.2%, respectively, and spike recovery was 98-101%, but dilutional recovery was unsatisfactory. For ME, mean intra- and inter-assay CV was 10.2% and 4.1%, respectively. Mean urine ME concentration was 32.1 ± 18.3 ng/mL, close to the kit's lowest standard, and spike recovery was 65-90%; the ELISA could not be validated for ME. The stability study, performed for NME on 12 urine samples, did not identify differences between acidified and non-acidified samples, cat tray pellets, or storage time, and no interaction effects. The ME ELISA was not suitable for feline urine; performance of the NME ELISA was acceptable, except for dilution recovery. For analysis of NME, feline urine can be sampled at home using cat tray pellets and stored at room temperature up to 8.5 h without acidification.

Effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on postoperative respiratory and heart rate in cats subjected to ovariohysterectomy.

Objectives The use of physiological parameters such as respiratory rate and heart rate to assess pain has long been discussed. The aim of the study was to compare postoperative respiratory rate and heart rate in cats subjected to flank ovariohysterectomy treated with a preoperative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or no NSAID, and determine whether these parameters are suitable for postoperative pain assessment in cats. We hypothesised that cats without an NSAID would experience more postoperative pain, which may increase heart rate and respiratory rate. Methods A total of 168 female privately owned cats were studied. All cats were premedicated with medetomidine (0.08 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.4 mg/kg) subcutaneously and anaesthesia was induced with intramuscular ketamine (5 mg/kg). Cats were divided into subgroups; controls (no NSAID) or cats given an NSAID, carprofen (4 mg/kg) or meloxicam (0.3 mg/kg), at premedication or induction of anaesthesia. Cats were subjected to flank ovariohysterectomy by the same surgeon. Atipamezole was administered 2.5 h after induction of anaesthesia. Respiratory rate and heart rate were measured 3.5 h after the induction of anaesthesia. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA with mixed procedure and Tukey's adjustment method for multiplicity. Results The postoperative respiratory rate and heart rate per minute for all cats were 34.0 ± 8.6 and 167.5 ± 27.4, respectively. Neither respiratory rate nor heart rate differed significantly between the control group and the NSAID groups or between different time points of administration of NSAIDs. Conclusion and relevance Assuming there was less postoperative pain in the group administered NSAIDs, the results of the study presented no support for use of respiratory rate and heart rate as parameters for postoperative pain assessment in individual cats. Study limitations included a lack of pain scoring and baseline data for respiratory rate and heart rate.

Cystic duct pressures after ligation with a novel absorbable device in an ex vivo caprine cholecystectomy model.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard of care in human medicine for gall bladder disease. Although infrequently reported in veterinary literature, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an option for uncomplicated gall bladder disease in canine patients. Due to the risk of cystic duct ligature slippage or clip dislodgement, we wanted to explore the use of a LigaTie; a novel absorbable medical device modeled after a cable tie. Our object was to describe the use of the LigaTie in a caprine cadaveric study of cholecystectomies as a model for canine patients and demonstrate the leak pressure of the cystic duct compared with cholecystectomies performed with 2 large endoscopic hemoclips. Samples of caprine gall bladder, liver, and cystic duct were collected. The cystic duct was ligated with either 2 large endoscopic hemoclips or a LigaTie. Maximum cystic duct pressure was recorded. Results showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the maximum cystic duct pressure achieved for cystic ducts ligated with 2 large endoscopic hemoclips or the LigaTie (P = 0.865). No leakage was observed from the cystic duct, hemoclip, or LigaTie site in either group. Supraphysiologic pressures were achieved in both groups and high pressure occlusion of the infusion pump determined the maximum intraluminal pressure achieved. Based on these results, the LigaTie may provide advantages in minimally invasive surgery, especially when considering ligation of a friable or thickened cystic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Future in vivo studies are warranted to determine minimally invasive maneuverability, tissue interaction, complications, and outcomes.

La cholécystectomie par laparoscopie est le standard de soin en médecine humaine pour les maladies de la vésicule biliaire. Bien que rapportée peu fréquemment dans la littérature vétérinaire, la cholécystectomie par laparoscopie est une option pour les maladies non-compliquées de la vésicule biliaire chez les patients canins. Due au risque de glissement de la ligature du canal cholédoque ou au déplacement de l'agrafe, nous avons voulu explorer l'utilisation de LigaTie; un nouveau dispositif médical résorbable modélisé d'après une attache de câble. Notre objectif était de décrire l'utilisation de LigaTie dans une étude sur des cadavres de chèvres de cholécystectomies comme modèle pour des patients canins et de démontrer la pression de fuite du canal cholédoque comparativement à des cholécystectomies réalisées avec deux larges agrafes hémostatiques endoscopiques. Des échantillons de vésicules biliaires, de foies et de canal cholédoques caprins ont été prélevés. Le canal cholédoque était ligaturé avec soit deux larges agrafes hémostatiques endoscopiques ou du LigaTie. La pression maximale dans le canal cholédoque fut enregistrée. Les résultats ont montré qu'il n'y avait pas de différence statistiquement significative dans la pression maximale atteinte dans le canal cholédoque par les deux méthodes de ligature (P = 0,865). Aucune fuite ne fut observée des sites de ligature du canal cholédoque que ce soit du groupe avec agrafes ou celui avec LigaTie. Des pressions supra-physiologiques ont été atteintes dans les deux groupes et l'occlusion de la pompe à infusion due à la haute pression a déterminé la pression intraluminale maximale atteinte. En fonction de ces résultats, le LigaTie est avantageux comme méthode chirurgicale minimalement invasive, surtout si l'on considère la ligature d'un canal cholédoque friable ou épaissi durant une cholécystectomie par laparoscopie. Des études in vivo ultérieures sont nécessaires afin de déterminer la manoeuvrabilité invasive minimale, l'interaction tissulaire, les complications et les résultats.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Catestatin, vasostatin, cortisol, and pain assessments in dogs suffering from traumatic bone fractures.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic bone fractures cause moderate to severe pain, which needs to be minimized for optimal recovery and animal welfare, illustrating the need for reliable objective pain biomarkers for use in a clinical setting. The objectives of this study were to investigate catestatin (CST) and vasostatin (VS) concentrations as two new potential biomarkers, and cortisol concentrations, scores of the short form of the Glasgow composite measure pain scale (CMPS-SF), and visual analog scale (VAS) in dogs suffering from traumatic bone fractures before and after morphine administration in comparison with healthy dogs. METHODS: Fourteen dogs with hind limb or pelvic fractures and thirty healthy dogs were included. Dogs with fractures were divided into four groups according to analgesia received before participation. Physical examination, CMPS-SF, pain and stress behavior VAS scores were recorded in all dogs. Saliva and blood were collected once in healthy dogs and in dogs with fractures before and 35-70 min after morphine administration. Blood samples were analyzed for CST, VS, and cortisol. Saliva volumes, however, were insufficient for analysis. RESULTS: Catestatin and cortisol concentrations, and CMPS-SF, and VAS scores differed significantly between dogs with fractures prior to morphine administration and healthy dogs. After morphine administration, dogs with fractures had significantly decreased CMPS-SF and VAS scores and, compared to healthy dogs, CST concentrations, CMPS-SF, and VAS scores still differed significantly. However, CST concentrations remained largely within the normal range. Absolute delta values for CST significantly correlated with delta values for CMPS-SF. Catestatin and cortisol did not differ significantly before and after morphine administration. Vasostatin concentrations did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Catestatin and cortisol concentrations, CMPS-SF, and VAS scores differed significantly in the dogs with traumatic bone fractures compared to the healthy dogs. Morphine treatment partially relieved pain and stress according to the subjective but not according to the objective assessments performed. However, because of the large degree of overlap with normal values, our results suggest that plasma CST concentrations have a limited potential as a clinically useful biomarker for pain-induced stress.

A self-locking loop as an alternative to purse-string suture in colon anastomosis: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is common in humans where treatment involves surgical removal of the cancerous part of the intestines. In the anastomosis procedure a purse-string suture may be time consuming to perform. The aim was to replace the purse-string suture, to develop and test a self-locking loop for temporary sealing of the lumen in colon anastomosis. METHODS: A new device, a flexible band with a locking mechanism was constructed, the I-Tie®. Small protrusions, designed for increased friction between device and tissue, were added to one side of the flexible band in order to enhance the grip at closure of the loop around tissue. The device was initially tested in vitro on pig intestines. In an in vivo study, the short-term implant was tested in a new suture-free method, CREX, and with traditional circular staplers for colonic anastomosis. Ten female pigs of approximately 50 kg were used in the in vivo test. The self-locking device was used for closure of the lumen around anvils in CREX (n = 5), and around anvil in traditional circular stapler anastomosis (n = 5). Two self-locking devices were used in each animal. RESULTS: The self-locking device could close the lumen of colon around the anvil and trocar. Subjectively, the device achieved a tight closure of the colon and did not interfere with the anastomosis techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The technology was perceived as potentially timesaving and easy to use. We conclude the device may be an alternative to the traditional purse-string suture for temporary closure of the colon lumen in colon anastomosis.

Catestatin and vasostatin concentrations in healthy dogs.

BACKGROUND: The neuroendocrine glycoprotein chromogranin A is a useful biomarker in humans for neuroendocrine tumors and stress. Chromogranin A can be measured in both blood and saliva. The objective of this study was to investigate concentrations of and correlation between the chromogranin A epitopes catestatin and vasostatin in healthy dogs accustomed to the sample collection procedures. Blood and saliva samples were collected from 10 research Beagle dogs twice daily for 5 consecutive days, and from 33 privately-owned blood donor dogs in association with 50 different blood donation occasions. All dogs were familiar with sample collection procedures. During each sampling, stress behavior was scored by the same observer using a visual analog scale (VAS) and serum cortisol concentrations. Catestatin and vasostatin were analyzed using radioimmunoassays for dogs. RESULTS: The dogs showed minimal stress behavior during both saliva sampling and blood sampling as monitored by VAS scores and serum cortisol concentrations. Few and insufficient saliva volumes were obtained and therefore only catestatin could be analyzed. Catestatin concentrations differed significantly and did not correlate significantly with vasostatin concentrations (P < 0.0001). Age, gender, breed, and time of sample collection did not significantly affect concentrations of plasma catestatin, vasostatin, and saliva catestatin. CONCLUSIONS: The normal ranges of plasma catestatin (0.53-0.98 nmol/l), vasostatin (0.11-1.30 nmol/l), and saliva catestatin (0.31-1.03 nmol/l) concentrations in healthy dogs accustomed to the sampling procedures were determined. Separate interpretation of the different chromogranin A epitopes from either saliva or plasma is recommended.

Veterinary Student Confidence after Practicing with a New Surgical Training Model for Feline Ovariohysterectomy.

Lack of confidence and self-efficacy are the main causes of negative emotions experienced by veterinary students when performing surgery. A surgical training model (STM) was developed to test the hypothesis that practical training on an STM before performing live surgery would enhance the students' confidence. In addition, low-cost and easily accessible materials were used for the construction. In the STM, neodymium magnets that were detached if too much traction was applied were used to ensure careful tissue handling during ligation of the ovarian pedicles and cervix. A pilot study was performed to evaluate veterinary undergraduate students' confidence when using the STM before performing their first live feline ovariohysterectomy (OHE) as lead surgeon. The results showed that the students rated their confidence level higher after performing feline OHE if they had practiced with the STM before surgery. Voluntary written comments revealed that live surgery as a learning situation could have a very negative emotional impact on some students.

Catestatin, vasostatin, cortisol, temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, scores of the short form of the Glasgow composite measure pain scale and visual analog scale for stress and pain behavior in dogs before and after ovariohysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: The stress reaction induced by surgery and associated pain may be detrimental for patient recovery and should be minimized. The neuropeptide chromogranin A (CGA) has shown promise as a sensitive biomarker for stress in humans. Little is known about CGA and its derived peptides, catestatin (CST) and vasostatin (VS), in dogs undergoing surgery. The objectives of this study were to investigate and compare concentrations of CGA epitopes CST and VS, cortisol, body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, scores of the short form of the Glasgow composite measure pain scale (CMPS-SF) and visual analog scales (VAS) for stress and pain behavior in dogs before and after ovariohysterectomy. METHODS: Thirty healthy privately owned female dogs admitted for elective ovariohysterectomy were included. Physical examination, CMPS-SF, pain behavior VAS, and stress behavior VAS were recorded and saliva and blood samples were collected before surgery, 3 h after extubation, and once at recall 7-15 days after surgery. Dogs were premedicated with morphine and received carprofen as analgesia for 7 days during the postoperative period. RESULTS: At 3 h after extubation, CMPS-SF and pain behavior VAS scores had increased (p < 0.0001) and stress behavior VAS scores, temperature, respiratory rate (p < 0.0001), plasma CST concentrations (p = 0.002) had decreased significantly compared to before surgery. No significant differences were observed in the subjective and physiological parameters between before surgery and at recall, but plasma CST (p = 0.04) and serum cortisol (p = 0.009) were significantly lower at recall. Plasma VS, saliva CST, and heart rate did not differ significantly at any observed time. CONCLUSION: Study parameters for evaluating surgery-induced stress and pain changed in dogs subjected to ovariohysterectomy. To further evaluate CST and VS usefulness as pain biomarkers, studies on dogs in acute painful situations are warranted.

Student Perceptions of the Use of a Laser Pointer for Intra-Operative Guidance in Feline Castration.

In veterinary clinical education, students perform surgery under guided supervision. This study aimed to determine if students' perception of how well they understood verbal guidance could be improved by using a laser pointer during feline castration. It was assumed that a teacher's use of a laser pointer could help students identify structures of importance during surgery. The hypothesis was that use of a laser pointer would improve student understanding of verbal guidance during surgery. Eighteen privately owned male cats were electively neutered by fourth- and fifth-year veterinary students at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden. Each student performed orchiectomy on one cat. One testis was removed while the student received verbal guidance combined with a laser pointer, and the other testis was removed while the student received only verbal guidance. The use of a laser pointer alternated between first and second testis. After surgery, students rated how well they understood verbal guidance on a visual-analog scale (100 mm) for each instructional method. The two ratings were compared in a student's two-sided t-test. The median score with or without guidance with a laser pointer was 81 (59-96) and 54 (25-86), respectively (p<.001). This study showed that laser pointers enhanced verbal guidance given to students during surgery. The suggested mechanism of explanation is that the technology enabled a more precise guidance of location and identification of anatomic structures.

Ligation of the mesovarium in dogs with a self-locking implant of a resorbable polyglycolic based co-polymer: a study of feasibility and comparison to suture ligation.

BACKGROUND: Ligation of the mesovarium in female dogs may be cumbersome with risk of complications and is associated with intense noxious stimuli. A resorbable implant, a self-locking loop designed for surgery, was developed as an alternative to traditional ligation. The study aimed to test the feasibility of ligating the canine ovarian pedicle with the implant and to compare its performance to traditional suture ligation. RESULTS: In total 45 intact female dogs destined for elective ovariohysterectomy and adoption were included. In 21 dogs the new resorbable implant was used to ligate the mesovarium, and in 24 control dogs traditional suture was used with one encircling ligature. Mean weight of implant dogs was 10.7 ± 5.6 kg (range 3.5-22.0), and mean weight of control dogs was 12.8 ± 6.4 kg, (range 4.1-27.0). The body weight of dogs did not differ between groups (P = 0.25). In total, 42 ovarian pedicles were successfully ligated with the implant. In one control dog, intraoperative haemorrhage from the left ovarian pedicle was diagnosed. The mesovarium was re-ligated and haemostasis was confirmed. All dogs recovered uneventfully. The ligation time of the mesovarium was significantly shortened (P = 0.02) by using the self-locking implant versus a single ligature (3'28'' ± 1'05'' and 5'29'' ± 3'54'', respectively). Total duration of surgery differed between the groups (P = 0.02) with a shortened duration of surgery when using the self-locking implant (15'56'' ± 2'47'' and 20'39'' ± 8'58'', study group versus control group, respectively). In both groups, duration of surgery and time required to ligate the ovarian pedicle were longer in larger dogs than smaller dogs. CONCLUSION: The results of this feasibility study suggested the implant can be used to ligate the canine mesovarium. Compared with traditional suture ligation, the results suggested that time to ligate the ovarian pedicle and duration of surgery were significantly reduced with the implant. More time was required to perform surgeries in larger dogs.

Online dosimetry for temoporfin-mediated interstitial photodynamic therapy using the canine prostate as model.

Online light dosimetry with real-time feedback was applied for temoporfin-mediated interstitial photodynamic therapy (PDT) of dog prostate. The aim was to investigate the performance of online dosimetry by studying the correlation between light dose plans and the tissue response, i.e., extent of induced tissue necrosis and damage to surrounding organs at risk. Light-dose planning software provided dose plans, including light source positions and light doses, based on ultrasound images. A laser instrument provided therapeutic light and dosimetric measurements. The procedure was designed to closely emulate the procedure for whole-prostate PDT in humans with prostate cancer. Nine healthy dogs were subjected to the procedure according to a light-dose escalation plan. About 0.15 mg/kg temoporfin was administered 72 h before the procedure. The results of the procedure were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, and gross pathology and histopathology of excised tissue. Light dose planning and online dosimetry clearly resulted in more focused effect and less damage to surrounding tissue than interstitial PDT without dosimetry. A light energy dose-response relationship was established where the threshold dose to induce prostate gland necrosis was estimated from 20 to 30 J/cm2.

Decreased plasma Chromogranin A361-372 (Catestatin) but not Chromogranin A17-38 (Vasostatin) in female dogs with bacterial uterine infection (pyometra).

BACKGROUND: Pyometra often induces systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and early diagnosis is crucial for survival. Chromogranin A (CgA) is a neuroendocrine secretory protein that is co-released with catecholamines from the adrenal medulla and sympathetic nerve endings. A prognostic value of CgA has been found in humans that are critically ill or that have SIRS associated with infection. CgA has not yet been studied in dogs with bacterial infection. The aim of the study was to investigate CgA, measured by Chromogranin A361-372 (Catestatin; Cst) and Chromogranin A17-38 (Vasostatin; VS) in healthy dogs and in dogs with pyometra. RESULTS: Fifty dogs with pyometra, sampled prior to surgery and 64 healthy female dogs were included. In 19 pyometra cases, blood samples were also collected postoperatively. Concentrations of Cst and VS were measured in heparinised plasma and Cst also measured in EDTA plasma, by in-house radioimmunoassays. Student's t-test and Wilcoxon two-sample test was used to test for differences between dog groups. Pre- and postoperative samples in dogs with pyometra were analysed by paired t-test. Pearson correlation was used to investigate associations of laboratory variables and hospitalization. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Concentrations of Cst were decreased in pyometra dogs (mean ± SE, 1.01 ± 0.05 nmol/L) compared to healthy dogs (mean ± SE, 1.70 ± 0.03 nmol/L) (p ≤ 0.0001). VS concentrations did not differ significantly between dogs with pyometra (0.40 ± 0.04 nmol/L) and healthy dogs (0.42 ± 0.03 nmol/L). Mean ± SE pre- and postoperative concentration of Cst (1.0 ± 0.04 nmol/L and 0.9 ± 0.2 nmol/L) and VS (0.36 ± 0.04 nmol/L and 0.36 ± 0.04 nmol/L) in dogs with pyometra did not differ significantly. Neither Cst nor VS concentrations were associated with duration of hospitalization and were not significantly different in the four dogs with pyometra that had prolonged (≥3 d) postoperative hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Concentrations of Cst, but not VS, were decreased in pyometra. Cst and VS concentrations before and after ovariohysterectomy did not differ significantly and were not associated with duration of hospitalization. Further studies are warranted to evaluate a possible diagnostic or prognostic value for Cst and VS.

Ligation of the spermatic cord in dogs with a self-locking device of a resorbable polyglycolic based co-polymer--feasibility and long-term follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: New surgical techniques are developed to enable a quicker, easier and safer surgery with reduced risk of complications and shortened time needed for recovery. A resorbable device, a self-locking loop, was designed for surgical ligation. The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of ligating the spermatic cord with the device, its biocompatibility and long-term resorption in dogs. RESULTS: The device was made of a block co-polymer (glycolide and trimethylene carbonate), manufactured by injection moulding and consisted of a flexible band running through a case with a locking mechanism. Ten devices were tested for ligation of the spermatic cords in five dogs admitted for routine neutering. The dogs were monitored by physical examination and ultrasonography of the site of ligation, area of spermatic cord and medial iliac lymph nodes regularly until no hyperechoic remnants of the device or acoustic shadowing or local tissue reactions were observed. Haemostasis of the spermatic cords was achieved with the devices. On ultrasonography the devices were seen as hyperechoic structures for 2 months after neutering causing acoustic shadowing for 1 month. The dogs were monitored for 3 - 5 months after surgery. Gradual decrease in echogenicity and final disappearance of the hyperechoic structures suggested resorption. Macroscopic and histological post mortem examinations were performed in one dog at 3 months after surgery. Post mortem examination showed a tissue reaction of a suture granuloma that was restricted in extent at site of the device. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this pilot study suggest biocompatibility and indicate that ligation of the spermatic cord is feasible with the device.

Increased concentrations of Serum amyloid A in dogs with sepsis caused by pyometra.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition and early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is crucial for survival. Pyometra is one of the most common diseases in intact female dogs. The disease often leads to sepsis (systemic inflammatory response syndrome, SIRS, caused by infection). Diagnostic markers for detecting sepsis are gaining increasing interest in veterinary medicine. Acute phase proteins (APPs) such as C-reactive protein (CRP) are useful for detecting systemic inflammation in dogs. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is another major APP in dogs that is not yet as widely used. Albumin is regarded as a negative APP and has earlier been evaluated for prediction of prognosis in septic dogs. The aim of the present study was to determine SAA, CRP and albumin concentrations in dogs with sepsis and pyometra and to evaluate whether these inflammatory markers are associated with length of postoperative hospitalization. RESULTS: Thirty-one surgically treated bitches with pyometra were included, whereof 23 septic (SIRS-positive) and eight non-septic (SIRS-negative). Albumin concentrations were analyzed by routine automated methods. SAA and CRP analyses were performed with previously validated commercially available assays (ELISA and immunoturbidimetric).Mean (± SE) serum concentrations of SAA were significantly higher in septic (130.8 ± 8.0 mg/L) compared to non-septic bitches (88.5 ± 12.5 mg/L). Using a cut-off value for SAA of 109.07 mg/L (n = 31 bitches), the sensitivity and specificity for detecting sepsis was 74% and 50%, respectively. Serum albumin concentrations were not significantly different in septic compared to non-septic bitches (mean ± SE, 25 ± 1 g/L and 26 ± 1 g/L, respectively). CRP concentrations were also not significantly different in septic (mean ± SE 225.6 ± 16.0 mg/L) compared to non-septic bitches (mean ± SE, 176.0 ± 27.1 mg/L). None of these inflammatory markers were associated with the outcome as measured by length of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: SAA concentrations were increased in dogs with sepsis induced by pyometra and may be useful as an adjunctive diagnostic marker for sepsis. To evaluate the full potential of SAA as a marker for sepsis also in other diseases, further studies are warranted.