Effect of low-level laser therapy on the membrane induced by the Masquelet technique at an orthotopic site in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the membrane induced by the Masquelet technique in rabbits. METHODS: Twelve Norfolk rabbits at approximately 3 months of age were used. A 1-cm segmental defect was induced in both radii, which were filled with polymethylmethacrylate cylinder. LLLT was used postoperatively in the bone defect of one of the forelimbs every 48 hours for 15 days. Six rabbits were euthanatized on third and sixth postoperative weeks. RESULTS: In both forelimbs, radiographs showed new bone growth from radius cut ends on the third postoperative week and more advanced stage on the sixth postoperative week. Ultrasound showed induced membrane one week after the surgery. Histologically, there were no significant differences in the semi-quantitative score of inflammation intensity, total number of blood vessels, bone metaplasia, and collagen. The average thicknesses were 2,050.17 and 1,451.96 µm for control membranes and 2,724.26 and 2,081.03 µm for irradiated membranes, respectively, on third and sixth postoperative weeks. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) expression were present in the induced membranes of control and irradiated forelimbs, but there was no significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Based on assessment methods, it was not possible to demonstrate the effect of LLLT on the induced membrane.

Preparation and characterization of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin membrane derived from cats' blood.

Autologous platelet concentrates have been used in regenerative medicine in humans due to the abundance of growth factors, but there are only a few reports in small animals. This study aimed to prepare and characterize a leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin membrane (L-PRF) produced with blood obtained from cats. Thirteen client-owned healthy adult Maine Coon cats were enrolled. The blood samples were collected and centrifuged at 650g for 12 min using a centrifuge specifically designed for this application. The L-PRF clot was removed from the tube and red blood cell base layer was separated, leaving buffy coat intact. After this, L-PRF clot was compressed by specialized metal plate for 30-60 s, and L-PRF membrane was obtained. Light microscopy examination of the membranes showed three distinct layers: white part, buffy coat, and red part. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet derived growth factor. The scanning electron microscopy showed that three-dimensional architecture of fibrin network was more compact in the area near the buffy coat. In conclusion, the method used allowed the characterization of the L-PRF membrane composition, which presented cell types and fibrin network architecture similar to those described in the human species.

Effect of low-level laser therapy on the membrane induced by the Masquelet technique at an orthotopic site in rabbits

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the membrane induced by the Masquelet technique in rabbits. Methods: Twelve Norfolk rabbits at approximately 3 months of age were used. A 1-cm segmental defect was induced in both radii, which were filled with polymethylmethacrylate cylinder. LLLT was used postoperatively in the bone defect of one of the forelimbs every 48 hours for 15 days. Six rabbits were euthanatized on third and sixth postoperative weeks. Results: In both forelimbs, radiographs showed new bone growth from radius cut ends on the third postoperative week and more advanced stage on the sixth postoperative week. Ultrasound showed induced membrane one week after the surgery. Histologically, there were no significant differences in the semi-quantitative score of inflammation intensity, total number of blood vessels, bone metaplasia, and collagen. The average thicknesses were 2,050.17 and 1,451.96 μm for control membranes and 2,724.26 and 2,081.03 μm for irradiated membranes, respectively, on third and sixth postoperative weeks. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) expression were present in the induced membranes of control and irradiated forelimbs, but there was no significant difference. Conclusions: Based on assessment methods, it was not possible to demonstrate the effect of LLLT on the induced membrane.

Preliminary assessment of electrochemotherapy feasibility in dogs with vesical transitional cell carcinoma.

Electroporation is a technique that increases the uptake of chemotherapeutic drugs by tumors. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) has been successfully used to treat solid tumors. Recently, novel applications have been explored in the treatment of visceral tumors. This report aimed to describe the ECT as an approach to vesical carcinoma in three dogs. The patients received ECT with bleomycin as an intravenous bolus and intra-lesional cisplatin (cases 2 and 3). The ECT was performed by electroporator (Onkodisruptor®) using a plate and/or a single pair needle array electrode. Case 1 was a 7-year-old female Pitbull dog with a history of hematuria and stranguria. The ECT was performed during cystotomy using a single pair array electrode. However, the patient developed uroabdomen two days post-ECT and died 5 days later. Case 2 was a 12-year-old female Poodle dog with hematuria, dysuria, and pollakiuria. Cystotomy and ECT were performed using plate array electrodes. Complete remission of the intra-luminal mass was observed 11 days post-ECT. However, 21 days after the procedure, an acute unilateral renal failure occurred possibly due to a neoplastic embolus into the right ureter leading to kidney hydronephrosis, and the patient was euthanized. Case 3 was a 10-year-old female Cocker dog with hematuria and pollakiuria. The patient was fully competent after ECT without clinical signs of pollakiuria and recovered from hematuria 7 days post-ECT. The bladder returned to normal status 28 days post-ECT. The ECT was not able to increase the overall survival of the patients evaluated and should be indicated carefully.

GONIOMETRIC MEASUREMENT OF JOINT ANGLES IN CRAB-EATING FOXES ( CERDOCYON THOUS).

This study aimed to assess joint angle values in the forelimbs and hind limbs of crab-eating foxes ( Cerdocyon thous) using a conventional manual goniometer. Nine captive crab-eating foxes, aged over 1 yr old, weighing from 5.9 to 7.5 kg were used. The maximum flexion and maximum extension of the shoulder, elbow, carpal, hip, stifle, and tarsal joints were measured. The range of motion was determined through the difference between the maximum flexion and the maximum extension. There was no significant difference between the right and left sides in the goniometric measurements. The mean values of the range of motion for shoulder, elbow, carpal, hip, stifle, and tarsal joints were respectively 108°, 99°, 131°, 79°, 103°, and 86°. The goniometric values of the crab-eating foxes can be used as means of comparison with other animals from the same species for diagnostic purposes, research documentation, and evaluation of therapeutic procedures.

Gait analysis in a cat with scapular luxation and contralateral forelimb amputation.

This report describes the use of a pressure-sensitive walkway to evaluate an uncommon case of a cat with dorsal luxation of the left scapula and an amputated right forelimb. The findings suggest that limb amputation induced load redistribution mostly to the contralateral forelimb despite the scapular luxation.

Analyse de la démarche chez chat atteint d'une luxation scapulaire et de l'amputation de la patte avant controlatérale. Ce rapport décrit l'utilisation d'une plaque sensible à la pression pour évaluer le cas rare d'un chat atteint d'une luxation dorsale de l'omoplate gauche et ayant une patte avant droite amputée. Les résultats suggèrent que l'amputation a induit la redistribution du poids surtout vers la patte avant controlatérale malgré la luxation scapulaire.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).