Effect of platelet-rich plasma in Achilles tendon allograft in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendon is composed of dense connective tissue and is one of the largest tendons in the body. In veterinary medicine, acute ruptures are associated with impact injury or sharp trauma. Healing of the ruptured tendon is challenging because of poor blood and nerve supply as well as the residual cell population. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains numerous bioactive agents and growth factors and has been utilized to promote healing in bone, soft tissue, and tendons. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the healing effect of PRP injected into the surrounding fascia of the Achilles tendon after allograft in rabbits. METHODS: Donor rabbits (n = 8) were anesthetized and 16 lateral gastrocnemius tendons were fully transected bilaterally. Transected tendons were decellularized and stored at -80°C prior to allograft. The allograft was placed on the partially transected medial gastrocnemius tendon in the left hindlimb of 16 rabbits. The allograft PRP group (n = 8) had 0.3 mL of PRP administered in the tendon and the allograft control group (n = 8) did not receive any treatment. After 8 weeks, rabbits were euthanatized and allograft tendons were transected for macroscopic, biomechanical, and histological assessment. RESULTS: The allograft PRP group exhibited superior macroscopic assessment scores, greater tensile strength, and a histologically enhanced healing process compared to those in the allograft control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest administration of PRP on an allograft tendon has a positive effect on the healing process in a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Surgical Correction of a Sinus Venosus Atrial Septal Defect with Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connections Using Cardiac Computed Tomography Imaging and a 3D-Printed Model.

Sinus venosus atrial septal defects (SVASDs), concurrent with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections (PAPVCs), are a rare congenital heart disease in dogs. Surgical correction is essential when clinical signs or significant hemodynamic changes are present. We aimed to report on the successful surgical correction of an SVASD with PAPVCs, using a computed tomography (CT)-based customized 3D cardiac model. A 10-month-old male poodle was referred for corrective surgery for an ASD. Echocardiography confirmed a hemodynamically significant left-to-right shunting flow through an interatrial septal defect and severe right-sided heart volume overload. For a comprehensive diagnosis, a CT scan was performed, which confirmed an SVASD with PAPVCs. A customized 3D cardiac model was used for preoperative decision-making and surgical rehearsal. The defect was repaired using an autologous pericardial patch under a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Temporary pacing was applied for sinus bradycardia and third-degree atrioventricular block. The patient recovered from the anesthesia without further complications. The pacemaker was removed during hospitalization and the patient was discharged without complications 2 weeks post-surgery. At the three-month follow-up, there was no shunting flow in the interatrial septum and the right-sided volume overload had been resolved. The cardiac medications were discontinued, and there were no complications. This report indicates the validity of surgical correction under CPB for an SVASD with PAPVCs, and the advantages of utilizing a CT-based 3D cardiac model for preoperative planning to increase the surgical success rate.

Laparoscopic treatment of paraprostatic cyst in two dogs - complete resection, and partial resection with omentalization: a case report.

Two intact male dogs were evaluated for symptoms, including hematuria, prostatomegaly, anuria, lethargy, and abdominal mass. Presurgical evaluations, including complete physical examinations, blood examinations, abdominal radiography with contrast (only in Case 2), ultrasonography, and computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (only in Case 1), were performed. A paraprostatic cyst was diagnosed initially, and laparoscopic exploration and surgery were performed. Complete resection was performed in case 1, whereas partial resection with omentalization was performed in case 2. Histopathological examination of the tissue samples confirmed the presence of paraprostatic pseudocysts in both cases, with no evidence of an epithelial lining. These two cases represent the first documented instances of laparoscopic treatment for extraparenchymal prostatic cysts. The laparoscopic treatment proved feasible even in the case of a giant cyst causing anuria (Case 2). Paraprostatic cysts should be considered a potential differential diagnosis for abnormal urination accompanied by an abdominal mass, and long-term postoperative follow-up is necessary.

Effects of host-associated low-temperature probiotics in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) aquaculture.

This study investigated the effects of supplementation of low-temperature probiotics isolated from the intestines of olive flounder on the growth performance, digestibility, and regulation of intestinal microbiota and the expression of genes related to growth, immunity, and apoptosis in olive flounder. Bacteria showing high growth at approximately 15-20 °C, which is the temperature of olive flounder culture, were isolated and confirmed to be Pseudomonas species through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the strain has a 6,195,122 bp single circular chromosome and a guanine-cytosine content of 59.9%. In the feeding trial, supplementation with 1 × 108 CFU/g of the isolate strain positively modulated growth performances, digestive enzyme activity, and gut microbiota composition of olive flounder. RT-qPCR for the comparison of growth, immunity, and apoptosis-related gene expression levels showed no significant differences between the groups. Therefore, the isolated host-associated low-temperature probiotics improved the growth performance of olive flounder by causing positive changes in digestive activity and intestinal microbial composition without affecting host gene expression.

Partial Venous Inflow Occlusion under Mild Hypothermia for Membranectomy in a Dog with Cor Triatriatum Dexter.

Cor triatriatum dexter (CTD) is an uncommon congenital cardiac anomaly in dogs. This case report describes successful membranectomy for CTD via partial venous inflow occlusion under mild hypothermia in a dog. A 7-month-old intact male mixed-breed dog weighing 20.5 kg presented with a history of abdominal distention, lethargy, and anorexia. Clinical examination, radiography, echocardiography, microbubble testing, and computed tomography revealed a remnant right atrium membrane obscuring the venous blood inflow from the vena cava. Considering the potential risk of re-stenosis following interventional treatment, curative resection involving surgical membranectomy via venous inflow occlusion was performed. By performing partial venous inflow occlusion under mild hypothermia (34.5 °C), sufficient time was obtained to explore the defect and resect the remnant membrane. The dog recovered without any complications, and the clinical signs were relieved. This case illustrates that partial venous inflow occlusion under mild hypothermia is feasible for achieving curative resection of cor triatriatum dexter in dogs.

Effects of Dietary Fish Meal Replacement with Alternative Protein Ingredients and Their Combinations on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization, Fillet Composition, and Biochemical Parameters of Red Seabream (Pagrus major).

The experiment was conducted to evaluate alternative protein ingredients in a low-fish meal (FM) diet for red seabream (Pagrus major). Twelve experimental diets were formulated. Control diet (CON) was designed to contain 60% FM. Other experimental diets were formulated by replacing 50% of FM from the CON with soy protein concentrate (SPC), corn gluten (CG), meat meal (MM), and/or chicken byproduct meal (CBM). Four diets were designed including one of SPC, CG, MM, or CBM as FM replacer and designated as SPC, CG, MM, and CBM. Six other diets were formulated by adding two ingredients as SPC and CG, SPC and MM, SPC and CBM, CG and MM, CG and CBM, or MM and CBM, and designated as SCG, SMM, SCM, CMM, CCM, and MCM, respectively. The 12th diet (MIX) was formulated by including SPC, CGM, MM, and CBM. Triplicate fish groups (50.2 ± 0.1 g) were hand-fed for 12 weeks. Weight gain (WG) of fish was significantly improved by MM and MCM diets compared to CG, SCG, CMM, and CCM diets. WG of CON, SPC, CM, SMM, SCM, and MIX groups were comparable with MM and MCM groups. The lowest WG was observed in CG and CMM groups. Feed efficiency (FE) was significantly higher in MM group compared to SPC, CG, SGC, and CMC groups. FE of MCM group was significantly higher than CG and SCG groups. Fillet linolenic acid (C18:2n-6) level in CG group was significantly higher than CON, MM, CM, SCM, CCM, and MCM groups. Serum lysozyme activity was significantly higher in MCM and MIX groups. Therefore, a high level of dietary CG reduces the growth performance and feed utilization of red seabream. A mixture of MM and CBM seems to be more efficient in replacing FM from red seabream diet.

Dietary Exogenous α-Amylase Modulates the Nutrient Digestibility, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Growth-Related Gene Expression, and Diet Degradation Rate of Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus).

In this study, a 12-week feeding experiment was conducted to characterize the effects of exogenous α-amylase on the growth, feed utilization, digestibility, plasma α-amylase activity, feed degradation rate, and fecal particle size of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). Diet was supplemented with 0 (AA0; control), 100 (AA100), 200 (AA200), or 400 (AA400) mg/kg of α-amylase, respectively. Fish (273.1 ± 2.3 g) were stocked into 12 tanks (25 fish/1,000-L tank) and 3 tanks were randomly selected for each diet group. As a result, α-amylase was found to have no significant effects (p ≥ 0.05) on the growth, feed utilization parameters, and whole-body proximate compositions. α-Amylase-treated fish exhibited only a significant increase in the apparent digestibility coefficient of carbohydrates compared to the controls. In addition, in vitro analyses revealed that α-amylase dose-dependently increased (p < 0.05) the feed degradation rate, while photographs of the intestinal content after 2, 4, and 8 h of feeding demonstrated an improved degradation rate in the α-amylase-treated groups. Plasma α-amylase content was higher in the AA200 and AA400 groups, whereas the control group produced significantly larger-sized fecal particles (90% size class) than these two groups. In the intestine, no changes were observed in the expression levels of the immune-related TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-2, immunoglobulin-M, HSP-70, lysozyme, and amylase alpha-2A. However, growth-related genes IGF-1, IGF-2, TGF-ß3, and growth hormone genes were upregulated in muscle tissues. Collectively, exogenous α-amylase has positive roles in the modulation of the digestibility coefficient, blood α-amylase concentration, growth-related gene expression, and diet degradation for improved digestion in olive flounder.

Establishing veterinary graduation competencies and its impact on veterinary medical education in Korea.

Competencies are defined as an observable and assessable set of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Graduation competencies, which are more comprehensive, refer to the required abilities of students to perform on-site work immediately after graduation. As graduation competencies set the goal of education, various countries and institutions have introduced them for new veterinary graduates. The Korean Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges has recently established such competencies to standardize veterinary education and enhance quality levels thereof. The purpose of this study is to describe the process of establishing graduation competencies as well as their implication for veterinary education in Korea. Graduation competencies for veterinary education in Korea comprise 5 domains (animal health care and disease management, one health expertise, communication and collaboration, research and learning, and veterinary professionalism). These are further divided into 11 core competencies, and 33 achievement standards, which were carefully chosen from previous case analyses and nation-wide surveys. Currently, graduation competencies are used as a standard for setting clear educational purposes for both instructors and students. Establishing these competencies further initiated the development of detailed learning outcomes, and of a list of basic veterinary clinical performances and skills, which is useful for assessing knowledge and skills. The establishment of graduation competencies is expected to contribute to the continuous development of Korean veterinary education in many ways. These include curriculum standardization and licensing examination reform, which will eventually improve the competencies of new veterinary graduates.

Open-heart surgery using Del-Nido cardioplegia in two dogs: partial atrioventricular septal defect and mitral repair.

Del-Nido cardioplegia (DNc) is a single-dose cardioplegia that is widely used in human medicine because of its long duration. In this report, we describe two cases of open-heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) using DNc. One dog was diagnosed with partial atrioventricular septal defect, and the other dog was diagnosed with myxomatous mitral valve disease stage D. Both dogs were treated with open-heart surgery with DNc to induce temporary cardiac arrest. No complications from DNc were observed, and the patients were discharged. Veterinary heart surgeons should consider DNc as an option for temporary cardiac arrest during open-heart surgery with CPB.

Thyroid carcinosarcoma masquerading as a paraesophageal abscess in a Cane Corso dog.

A 12-year-old castrated male Cane Corso dog was presented with cervical swelling, lethargy, anorexia, and cough. An extensive neck mass with necrotic cysts was observed, severely adherent to surrounding tissues. Based on diagnostic imaging including ultrasound, computed tomography, and fine-needle aspiration cytology, paraesophageal abscess was tentatively diagnosed. However, after the mass was surgically removed, a diagnosis of thyroid carcinosarcoma composed of neoplastic cell populations with epithelial and mesenchymal origins was made via histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The dog died of a recurrent mass with pulmonary metastasis 105 d after surgery. This report describes a rare type of canine thyroid cancer, thyroid carcinosarcoma, preoperatively masquerading as an abscess and postoperatively confirmed by histopathology. Key clinical message: Thyroid carcinosarcoma, despite its rarity in dogs, should be included in the differential diagnoses of cervical mass especially with an aggressive progression.

Carcinosarcome thyroïdien déguisé en abcès paraoesophagien chez un chien Cane Corso. Un chien Cane Corso mâle castré de 12 ans a été présenté avec de l'enflure cervicale, de la léthargie, de l'anorexie et une toux. Une masse étendue du cou avec des kystes nécrotiques a été observée, adhérente fortement aux tissus environnants. Sur la base de l'imagerie diagnostique comprenant l'échographie, la tomodensitométrie et la cytologie par aspiration à l'aiguille fine, un abcès paraoesophagien a été provisoirement diagnostiqué. Cependant, après l'ablation chirurgicale de la masse, un diagnostic de carcinosarcome thyroïdien composé de populations de cellules néoplasiques d'origine épithéliale et mésenchymateuse a été posé par histopathologie et immunohistochimie. Le chien est décédé d'une masse récurrente avec métastase pulmonaire 105 jours après la chirurgie. Ce rapport décrit un type rare de cancer de la thyroïde canine, le carcinosarcome thyroïdien, se faisant passer pour un abcès en préopératoire et confirmé en postopératoire par histopathologie.Message clinique clé:Le carcinosarcome thyroïdien, malgré sa rareté chez le chien, doit être inclus dans les diagnostics différentiels de masse cervicale surtout à évolution agressive.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Inside-out anal sacculectomy in small dog breeds and cats.

This report describes a new, simple and rapid surgical technique for the removal of anal sac in small dogs and cats. The anal sacs were simply everted using mosquito hemostatic forceps and excised with the aid of an electrocautery surgical unit. On the evaluation of postoperative complications, only one dog of 28 animals experienced short-term minor complications of mild fecal incontinence and scooting. Thus, we suggest that this new surgical technique is easy, inexpensive and time-saving and some of the complications with previously reported methods used for small dog breeds and cats may be avoided by using this technique.

Granulomatous Inflammation and Pericarditis Induced by Silk Granuloma Related to Previous Surgical Ligation of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in a Dog.

Surgical ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus is regarded as a standard treatment approach with a low complication rate if performed by experienced surgeons, and it has been performed successfully for decades in dogs. However, there are no reports describing the clinical symptoms related to granulomatous inflammation after the surgical ligation of the patent ductus arteriosus. This report describes the clinical symptoms caused by granulomatous inflammation and subacute pericarditis in a dog that had undergone the surgical closure of a patent ductus arteriosus 2 years previously. Exploratory thoracotomy was performed for subtotal pericardiectomy, and a biopsy was performed to obtain specimens for histopathological examination and culture tests. The clinical symptoms were relieved after surgery. The persistent leukocytosis improved with steroid administration. This case illustrates that the granulomatous inflammatory response associated with silk suture granuloma is a rare postoperative complication of ductal ligation. In such cases, pericardiectomy can help relieve the clinical symptoms.

Case report: Three-dimensionally printed patient-specific acetabular cage for revision surgery of aseptic loosening in a dog with micro total hip replacement.

A 2-year-old castrated male Pomeranian dog was presented for regular follow-up after micro total hip replacement (mTHR) 16 months prior to presentation. Clinically, the dog did not show any noticeable lameness of the left hindlimb, except for external rotation during walking. However, radiographic findings, namely rotation and medialization of the acetabular cup with a periprosthetic lucent line and bone formation medial to the acetabulum, were interpreted as aseptic loosening of the acetabular component. Because the dog was incompatible with the conventional THR revision method owing to severe bone defects in the acetabulum, a patient-specific titanium acetabular cage prosthesis with biflanges and four cranial and one caudal screw hole was designed for revision surgery. A custom-made acetabular cage was prepared, and it had a 12-mm polyethylene cup fixed with polymethylmethacrylate bone cement and positioned in the acetabulum. After the custom-made acetabular cage was anchored to the pelvic bone with the five cortical screws, reduction of the prostheses was achieved smoothly. The dog showed almost normal limb function without external rotation of the left hindlimb 2 weeks postoperatively. Bone remodeling and stable implant position were noted on radiographic images 3 years after revision surgery, with no evidence of loosening. Based on the clinical outcomes, the use of a custom-made acetabular prosthesis can be an effective treatment option for revision arthroplasty in acetabula with severe bone loss and structural changes in small-breed dogs.

Case report: Primary chronic calcaneal bursitis treated with subtotal bursectomy in a cat.

A 6-year-old, female spayed Bengal cat with a bodyweight of 6.4 kg was presented with swelling of the bilateral calcaneal region and weight-bearing hindlimb lameness with a 4-month history of unsuccessful conservative therapy. On orthopedic examination, a cyst-like mass around the calcaneal tendon was palpated. Palpating the mass and flexing the tarsal joint triggered pain. Through ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, an inflamed or fluid-accumulated lesion was suspected around the calcaneal tendon, but there was no evidence of calcaneal tendonitis. Swollen calcaneal bursae were removed surgically. Histopathologic examination revealed fibrosis and an edematous feature. The cat was diagnosed with bilateral chronic primary calcaneal bursitis based on history, clinical signs, and diagnostic results. Hence, subtotal bursectomy was performed. At 4 weeks postoperatively, the cat had no pain around the tarsal joints and was ambulating normally. Radiographic and ultrasonographic exams revealed no recurrence of swelling or inflammation in the calcaneal region. Thirteen-month follow-up confirmed acceptable function and no relapse of clinical signs. The inflammation of calcaneal bursa alone can be the primary cause of hindlimb lameness in cats. A cat with hindlimb lameness and swelling on the calcaneal region should be assessed with the possibility of primary calcaneal bursitis. Subtotal calcaneal bursectomy can be considered as an effective treatment for primary chronic bursitis.

Laparoscopic colopexy for recurrent rectal prolapse in a Maltese dog.

A 2.5-kg castrated male Maltese dog, suspected to be older than 10 y, was presented with a prolapsed mass at the anus. This had occurred on 2 previous occasions within the last 4 mo and had been managed with manual reduction and purse-string sutures. The rectal prolapse had viable tissue and was reducible but resulted in straining and fecal accumulation. Colopexy (with intracorporeal sutures) was performed laparoscopically using 3 ports; the distal colon was retracted cranially and attached to the abdominal wall with 3 simple interrupted sutures in a single row. The dog recovered uneventfully, had good appetite and normal activity, did not strain, and defecated without issues. There were no wound-healing complications and at 12-month post-operative examination, the patient was in good condition without clinical signs. Based on this case report, laparoscopic colopexy is clinically practical for management of rectal prolapse in small-breed dogs.

Colopexie laparoscopique pour prolapsus rectal récurrent chez un chien maltais. Un chien maltais mâle castré de 2,5 kg, suspecté d'avoir plus de 10 ans, a été présenté avec une masse faisant prolapsus à l'anus. Cela s'était produit à deux reprises au cours des quatre derniers mois et avait été géré avec une réduction manuelle et des sutures en bourse. Le prolapsus rectal avait des tissus viables et était réductible mais a entraîné des efforts et une accumulation fécale. La colopexie (avec sutures intracorporelles) a été réalisée par laparoscopie à l'aide de trois ouvertures; le côlon distal a été rétracté crânialement et attaché à la paroi abdominale avec trois sutures interrompues simples en une seule rangée. Le chien s'est rétabli sans incident, avait un bon appétit et une activité normale, ne s'est pas fatigué et a déféqué sans problème. Il n'y avait pas de complications de cicatrisation et lors de l'examen postopératoire de 12 mois, le patient était en bon état sans signes cliniques. Sur la base de ce rapport de cas, la colopexie laparoscopique est cliniquement pratique pour la gestion du prolapsus rectal chez les chiens de petite race.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Retroperitoneal Metastatic Apocrine Gland Ductal Adenocarcinoma in a Beagle Dog.

Tumors of sweat glands usually originate from apocrine glands and can develop throughout the body but are rare in dogs. This report describes the retroperitoneal metastasis of primary cutaneous apocrine adenocarcinoma. An 8-year-old, spayed female beagle dog, weighing 11.7 kg, presented with a history of anorexia, hypodynamia, and weight loss. Clinical examination, radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography revealed a skin mass on the dorsum of the right metatarsal region, an enlarged ipsilateral popliteal lymph node, and a retroperitoneal mass. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the popliteal lymph node suggested metastasis of an apocrine sweat gland tumor. Surgical excision of the skin mass, popliteal lymph node, and retroperitoneal mass was performed. The retroperitoneal mass was diagnosed as a metastasis of primary cutaneous apocrine adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin 7 but negative for cytokeratin 20 and S100 proteins. There were no postoperative complications, except for temporary hindlimb edema, including local recurrence or metastasis, in the 6-month postoperative follow-up period. This case illustrates that although malignant apocrine gland tumors are rare in dogs, a wide resection of primary cutaneous apocrine gland adenocarcinomas is recommended because of the risk of local invasion or distant metastasis.

Leiomyosarcoma of urinary bladder in a Shih Tzu dog.

A 10-year-old intact male Shih Tzu dog presented with hematuria. Double-contrast cystography revealed a polypoid filling defect at the apex of the urinary bladder. Ultrasonography revealed a heterogeneously hypoechoic intramural mass with minimal vascular flow beneath the submucosal layer. After partial cystectomy, a well-demarcated bladder leiomyosarcoma was diagnosed on histopathology. The patient was alive and well without any clinical signs, recurrence, or metastasis at the 29-month follow-up after the surgical removal of the bladder mass. Leiomyosarcoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis if mass-like lesions are observed in the urinary bladder, although this type of malignancy is rare in canines. Histopathological confirmation is important for predicting prognosis and determining further medical plans.

Successful mitral repair in dogs by mitral annuloplasty using Hegar dilator: two case reports.

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most common heart disease in small-breed dogs. Mitral repair, which comprise artificial chorda tendineae implantation and mitral annuloplasty, has become the mainstay of treatment in the veterinary field. We report on two small dogs who underwent mitral repair surgery for MR. A Hegar dilator was used during mitral annuloplasty for accurate and reproducible surgery. In both cases, mitral regurgitant flow almost disappeared after surgery, and clinical signs improved. The treatment regimen was terminated 3 months after the surgery. We concluded that using a Hegar dilator may facilitate mitral valve repair surgery.

Ischiocavernosus Muscle Release for Urethral Obstruction Treatment after Pelvic Symphyseal Distraction Osteotomy in a Cat with Pelvic Stenosis.

Symphyseal distraction osteotomy (SDO) with a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) spacer is an effective surgical treatment for cats with pelvic stenosis. This study reports the successful treatment of urethral obstruction due to ischiocavernosus muscle (IM) tension after SDO with a PMMA spacer. A 2-year-old castrated male Korean domestic shorthair feline had megacolon and pelvic canal stenosis. The ratio of the maximal diameter of the colon to the L5 length and the pelvic canal diameter ratio were 1.6 and 0.45, respectively. Pelvic SDO was performed with a PMMA spacer, leading to pelvic canal enlargement (pelvic canal diameter ratio: 0.73). Two days after surgery, dysuria was identified immediately after removing the preoperatively placed urinary catheter. Complete blood counts and serum biochemical profiles were within the reference intervals, and a positive contrast retrograde urethrogram confirmed urethral obstruction at the level of the membranous-pelvic urethra region. Increased tension of the IM leading to a narrowed urethra was suspected as the cause of urethral obstruction. After IM release at the level of origin on the ischium, the patient had an uneventful recovery with spontaneous urination. Muscle release resulted in excellent functional restoration, with no intraoperative or postoperative complications reported during the 12-month long-term follow-up. Therefore, SDO with IM release could be a feasible therapeutic option for severe pelvic stenosis without complications, such as urethral obstruction, in cats.

Subsequent meniscal tears following tibial tuberosity advancement and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament deficiency: An in vivo experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short- and mid-term effects of tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) on subsequent meniscal tears. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental in vivo study. ANIMALS: Purpose-bred beagle dogs (n = 15). METHODS: For each dog, the cranial cruciate ligaments were transected; one limb underwent TTA and the other limb underwent TPLO. Orthopedic and radiographic examinations were performed preoperatively and at 12 and 32 weeks postoperatively. Gross evaluation of the stifle joint was performed after euthanasia at 12 (n = 10) and 32 (n = 5) weeks. RESULTS: Lameness scores were not different between TTA and TPLO limbs at any time point. Radiographic osteoarthritis scores of TTA stifles (1.33 ± 0.49) were higher than TPLO stifles (0.67 ± 0.49) (p = .002) at 12 weeks postoperatively, but there was no difference between groups at 32 weeks postoperatively. Subsequent medial meniscal tears occurred in 6/10 TTA stifles, and 0/10 TPLO stifles at 12 weeks postoperatively and in 5/5 TTA stifles, and 1/5 TPLO stifles at 32 weeks postoperatively. Subsequent lateral meniscal tears occurred in 4/5 TTA stifles at 32 weeks postoperatively. Medial meniscal total gross pathology score was higher in TTA than TPLO stifles. TTA stifles had more articular cartilage damage when compared with TPLO stifles at 32 weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSION: In this within-dog experimental comparison, subsequent medial meniscal tears and cartilage injury was more prevalent following TTA when compared to TPLO. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In an experimental model, TPLO protects the medial meniscus and articular cartilage better than TTA in stifles with complete cranial cruciate ligament deficiency.