Body composition of medium to giant breed dogs with or without cranial cruciate ligament disease.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the body composition of dogs with or without cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. ANIMALS: Adult dogs in which CCL disease was diagnosed (n = 30) and adult dogs without clinical signs of orthopedic disease (n = 30). METHODS: Body weight, body condition score, and muscle condition score (MCS) were recorded. Body composition of the whole body and pelvic limbs were assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Body condition score, whole body, and pelvic limb body composition measurements were compared by using general linear mixed-model analysis of variance. Muscle condition score between groups was assessed by using a Mann-Whitney U test, while paired data were analyzed by using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Body fat percentage (P < .0001) was higher in affected dogs (38.78% ± 1.40) than in control dogs (27.49% ± 1.24). Affected dogs had lower MCS (1.90 ± 0.13, P < .0001) compared with control dogs (2.77 ± 0.08). The affected pelvic limb of affected dogs contained less lean soft tissues (P < .0001) but more fat (P = .0451) compared with the contralateral pelvic limb. CONCLUSION: Dogs with CCL disease were overweight compared with the control group. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dogs that are overweight may be predisposed to developing CCL disease. Body composition changes in the pelvic limbs should be considered when managing the care of these dogs.

Computed Tomographic Analysis of Ventral Atlantoaxial Optimal Safe Implantation Corridors in 27 Dogs.

Objectives Ventral atlantoaxial stabilization techniques are challenging surgical procedures in dogs. Available surgical guidelines are based upon subjective anatomical landmarks, and limited radiographic and computed tomographic data. The aims of this study were (1) to provide detailed anatomical descriptions of atlantoaxial optimal safe implantation corridors to generate objective recommendations for optimal implant placements and (2) to compare anatomical data obtained in non-affected Toy breed dogs, affected Toy breed dogs suffering from atlantoaxial instability and non-affected Beagle dogs. Methods Anatomical data were collected from a prospectively recruited population of 27 dogs using a previously validated method of optimal safe implantation corridor analysis using computed tomographic images. Results Optimal implant positions and three-dimensional numerical data were generated successfully in all cases. Anatomical landmarks could be used to generate objective definitions of optimal insertion points which were applicable across all three groups. Overall the geometrical distribution of all implant sites was similar in all three groups with a few exceptions. Clinical Significance This study provides extensive anatomical data available to facilitate surgical planning of implant placement for atlantoaxial stabilization. Our data suggest that non-affected Toy breed dogs and non-affected Beagle dogs constitute reasonable research models to study atlantoaxial stabilization constructs.

Outcome and prognostic factors for dogs with a histological diagnosis of splenic hematoma following splenectomy: 35 cases (2001-2013).

Canine splenic hematoma can be indistinguishable from hemangiosarcoma on clinical presentation and grossly at the time of surgery. However, hemangiosarcoma represents an aggressive malignancy and a misdiagnosis of hematoma would forgo indications for chemotherapy. This study describes a long-term follow-up of cases with a histologic diagnosis of splenic hematoma following splenectomy to determine if the clinical course of the disease corroborated the diagnosis. Thirty-five dogs were evaluated to determine survival and prognostic associations with signalment and clinical data. Overall median survival time was 647 days (range: 0 to 3287 days). Statistically significant variables included a palpable abdominal mass during physical examination, sub-clinical coagulopathy, and metastasis. Four cases (11%) had reported evidence of metastasis at the time of euthanasia; 1 case was histologically confirmed. Overall prognosis for splenic hematoma appears excellent, as expected, but a small proportion of cases may have an undiagnosed malignant component.

Résultats et facteurs de pronostic pour les chiens ayant un diagnostic histologique d'hématomes spléniques après la splénectomie : 35 cas (2001­2013). L'hématome splénique canin peut être indifférenciable de l'hémangiosarcome à la présentation clinique et macroscopiquement au moment de la chirurgie. Cependant, l'hémangiosarcome représente une malignicité agressive et un mauvais diagnostic de l'hématome se traduirait par l'absence de chimiothérapie. Cette étude décrit un suivi à long terme des cas avec un diagnostic histologique de l'hématome splénique après la splénectomie afin de déterminer si l'évolution clinique de la maladie a corroboré le diagnostic. Trente-cinq chiens ont été évalués afin de déterminer les associations de survie et de pronostic avec le signalement et les données cliniques. La durée de survie médiane globale était de 647 jours (fourchette de 0­3287 jours). Les variables statistiquement significatives incluaient une masse abdominale palpable à l'examen physique, une coagulopathie subclinique et la présence de métastases. Quatre cas (11 %) avaient signalé la présence de métastases au moment de l'euthanasie; 1 cas a été confirmé par histologie. Le pronostic général pour un hématome splénique semble excellent, mais une faible proportion de cas peut présenter un élément de malignicité non diagnostiqué.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Clinical assessment following tibial tuberosity advancement in 28 stifles at 6 months and 1 year after surgery.

This prospective study evaluated the effect of tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) on lameness, thigh circumference, range of motion (ROM), and radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) scores at 6 wk, 6 mo, and 1 y after surgery in 24 client-owned dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) deficiency. Complications associated with TTA were also assessed. A significant improvement in lameness score and thigh circumference was observed in CrCL deficient limbs that received TTA, but no significant overall change in range of motion occurred in the affected limbs over the course of the study. Post-operative complications were identified in 33.3% of the dogs. This study demonstrates that TTA results in significant clinical improvement in patients up to 1 y after surgery. However, 21% of the dogs had post-operative recurrent lameness.

Évaluation clinique après l'avancement de la tubérosité tibiale dans 28 grassets 6 mois et 1 an près la chirurgie. Cette étude prospective a évalué l'effet de l'avancement de la tubérosité tibiale (ATT) sur la boiterie, la circonférence de la cuisse, l'amplitude articulaire (AA) et les cotations radiographiques d'ostéo-arthrite 6 semaines, 6 mois et 1 an après la chirurgie chez 24 chiens, qui appartenaient à des clients, atteints d'une dysfonction du ligament croisé crânial (LCCr). Les complications associées à l'ATT ont aussi été évaluées. Une amélioration importante de la cotation de la boiterie et de la circonférence des cuisses a été observée dans les membres atteints d'une dysfonction du LCCr qui avaient reçu l'ATT, mais aucun changement général important ne s'est produit au niveau de l'amplitude articulaire des membres touchés pendant l'étude. Des complications post-opératoires ont été identifiées chez 33,3 % des chiens. Cette étude a démontré que l'ATT produit une amélioration clinique importante chez les patients jusqu'à 1 an après la chirurgie. Cependant, 21 % des chiens présentaient une boiterie post-opératoire récurrente.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcal contamination of clothing worn by personnel in a veterinary teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) contamination rate of white coats (WC) and surgical scrubs (SS) worn by personnel at the Ontario Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre (OVCHSC) and to identify risk factors associated with clothing contamination. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Personnel including clinical faculty, house officers, technicians, and veterinary students working at the OVCHSC. METHODS: Electrostatic cloths were used to sample WC and SS of hospital personnel. Samples were tested for MRSA and MRSP and isolates were typed. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire and data was evaluated for risk factors. RESULTS: Of 114 specimens, MRS were isolated from 20 (17.5%), MRSA from 4 (3.5%), and MRSP from 16 (14.0%). Technicians were 9.5× (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 1.2-∞, P = .03) more likely than students to have clothing contaminated with MRSA. No risk factors were identified for MRSP or for overall MRS contamination. CONCLUSIONS: Standard hospital clothing was found to have a high prevalence of MRS contamination in a veterinary teaching hospital and could be a source of hospital-acquired infections.

The impact of pamidronate and chemotherapy on survival times in dogs with appendicular primary bone tumors treated with palliative radiation therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess survival times in dogs that received palliative radiation therapy (RT) alone, and in combination with chemotherapy, pamidronate, or both for primary appendicular bone tumors and determine whether the addition of these adjunctive therapies affects survival. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 50) with primary appendicular bone tumors. METHODS: Dogs were divided into the following treatment groups: RT alone, RT + chemotherapy, RT+ pamidronate, and RT+ chemotherapy + pamidronate. Dogs were considered for analysis if they had a known euthanasia date or follow-up data were available for at least 120 days from the time of diagnosis. Survival time was defined as the time from admission to euthanasia. Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan-Meier survival functions were used. A P value of less than .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Fifty dogs were considered for survival analysis. Median survival times (MSTs) were longest for dogs receiving RT and chemotherapy (307 days; 95% CI: 279, 831) and shortest in dogs receiving RT and pamidronate (69 days; 95% CI: 47, 112 days). The difference in MST between dogs who received pamidronate and those who did not in this population was statistically significant in a univariate (P = .039) and multivariate analysis (P = .0015). The addition of chemotherapy into any protocol improved survival (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy should be recommended in addition to a palliative RT protocol to improve survival of dogs with primary appendicular bone tumors. When combined with RT ± chemotherapy, pamidronate decreased MST and should not be included in a standard protocol.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of ferric-hyaluronate implants for delivery of amikacin sulfate to the tarsocrural joint of horses.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the antimicrobial elution characteristics, toxicity, and antimicrobial activity of amikacin-impregnated ferric-hyaluronate implants (AI-FeHAI) for amikacin delivery to the tarsocrural joint of horses. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: AI-FeHAI implants, equine cartilage, and synovium, and horses (n=6). METHODS: In vitro study: Five AI-FeHAI were placed in saline solution with daily replacement until implant degradation. Eluent was tested for amikacin concentration and bioactivity. Synovial and cartilage explants were incubated in the presence or absence of AI-FeHAI for 72 hours and subsequently assessed for morphology, viability, and composition. Synovial explants were incubated with Staphylococcus aureus in the presence or absence of AI-FeHAI. Spent medium was cultured daily and explants were assessed for morphology and viability after 96 hours. In vivo study: AI-FeHAI were placed in 6 tarsocrural joints. Standard cytologic analysis and amikacin concentration (SFAC) were determined in synovia obtained regularly for 28 days thereafter. Similar analyses were conducted after a single intra-articular injection of amikacin 6 months later. RESULTS: In vitro study: Amikacin concentrations exceeded 16 microg/mL and inhibited S. aureus growth for 8 days. AI-FeHAI had no effect on cartilage explants. AI-FeHAI eliminated bacteria from synovial explants. In vitro study: After AI-FeHAI placement, SFAC was highest (140.78+63.81 microg/mL) at first sampling time. By 24 hours SFAC was <16 microg/mL. After intra-articular injection, SFAC was the highest (377.91 +/- 40.15 microg/mL) at first sampling time. By 48 hours SFAC was <16 microg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: A single intra-articular amikacin injection demonstrated superior pharmacokinetics than AI-FeHAI prepared as described. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: AI-FeHAI cannot be recommended for clinical use.

Reconstruction of chest wall defects after rib tumor resection: a comparison of autogenous, prosthetic, and composite techniques in 44 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare short- and long-term outcome and complications of chest wall reconstruction in dogs using autogenous, prosthetic, and composite autogenous-prosthetic techniques. STUDY DESIGN: Historical cohort. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=44) with spontaneous tumors arising from or involving the chest wall. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for dogs with rib and/or sternal tumors treated by chest wall resection and reconstruction. Signalment, preoperative clinical features, intraoperative findings and complications, reconstruction technique (autogenous muscle flap, prosthetic mesh, or composite autogenous-prosthetic technique), and short- (< or =14 days) and long-term (>14 days) postoperative complications were determined from the medical records and telephone contact with owners and referring veterinarians. Associations between chest wall reconstruction technique and postoperative complications were tested with Cox proportional hazards. RESULTS: Chest wall defects were reconstructed with autogenous muscle flaps (29 dogs), prosthetic mesh (3), and a composite technique of prosthetic mesh and either autogenous muscle or omental pedicle flap (12). Early postoperative complications were recorded in 8 dogs (18.2%) and included seroma (5) and pleural effusion and peripheral edema (3). One dog had a late complication (2.3%) with a mesh-related infection 767 days postoperatively. Overall, complications occurred in 10.3% of autogenous, 25.0% of composite, and 66.7% of prosthetic reconstructions. Chest wall reconstruction with Marlex mesh alone was associated with a significantly increased risk of postoperative complications compared with autogenous reconstruction (P=.027). Reconstruction of sternal defects (3), 2 of which were performed with Marlex mesh alone, was associated with a significantly increased risk of complications compared with lateral chest wall reconstructions (P=.037). CONCLUSIONS: Large chest wall defects can be reconstructed with autogenous and composite techniques, but prosthetic mesh should be covered with well-vascularized autogenous muscle or omentum to decrease the risk of postoperative complications. Sternal defects should be reconstructed with rigid techniques. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Chest wall reconstruction with autogenous muscle flaps or a combination of autogenous techniques with prosthetic mesh is associated with a low rate of infection and other complications.

Oncologic outcome after curative-intent treatment in 39 dogs with primary chest wall tumors (1992-2005).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features and determine oncologic outcome and prognostic factors for dogs with primary tumors of the osseous chest wall. STUDY DESIGN: Historical cohort. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=39) with spontaneous tumors involving the chest wall. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for dogs with rib and/or sternal tumors treated by chest wall resection and reconstruction. Signalment, preoperative clinical features, reconstruction technique, and oncologic outcome (local tumor recurrence, metastasis, and survival time) were determined from medical records and by telephone contact with owners and referring veterinarians. Oncologic outcome and prognostic factors were determined using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards. Logistic regression was used to determine if increased serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentration was associated with tumor type. RESULTS: Of the 39 dogs with tumors arising from the chest wall, 25 had osteosarcoma, 12 had chondrosarcoma, and 2 dogs had hemangiosarcoma. Median survival time (MST) for dogs with rib osteosarcoma was 290 days. Increased activity of total ALP significantly decreased survival in dogs with osteosarcoma (210 days versus 675 days, P=.0035). MST for dogs with rib chondrosarcoma was not reached (mean 1301 days) and survival was significantly greater than all other types of rib tumors (P=.0321). CONCLUSION: Rib tumors should be resected with wide margins to decrease the risk of incomplete excision, because local tumor recurrence has a significant impact on the survival time. The prognosis for dogs with rib chondrosarcoma is very good, but guarded for other types of tumors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma are the most common primary tumors of the chest wall. Prognosis for dogs with primary rib chondrosarcoma is very good with surgery alone, but surgery and adjunctive chemotherapy is recommended for dogs with primary rib osteosarcoma and the prognosis remains guarded.

Epirubicin in the adjuvant treatment of splenic hemangiosarcoma in dogs: 59 cases (1997-2004).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and toxic effects of epirubicin for the adjuvant treatment of dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma and identify prognostic factors. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 59 client-owned dogs that underwent splenectomy for splenic hemangiosarcoma treated with or without epirubicin. PROCEDURES: Medical records were examined for signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical findings, and postoperative outcome. For dogs treated with epirubicin, dose numbers, intervals, and reductions and type and severity of toxic effects were recorded. Dogs were allotted to 2 groups: splenectomy alone and splenectomy with adjuvant epirubicin treatment. RESULTS: 18 dogs received epirubicin (30 mg/m(2)) every 3 weeks for up to 4 to 6 treatments. Forty-one dogs were treated with splenectomy alone. The overall median survival time was significantly longer in dogs treated with splenectomy and epirubicin (144 days), compared with splenectomy alone (86 days). Median survival time for dogs with stage I disease (345 days) was significantly longer than for dogs with either stage II (93 days) or III disease (68 days). Seven of 18 dogs treated with epirubicin were hospitalized for signs of adverse gastrointestinal effects. Inappetence, long duration of clinical signs, thrombocytopenia, neutrophilia, and high mitotic rate were negative prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Epirubicin may be as efficacious as adjuvant doxorubicin-based protocols, but may result in a higher incidence of adverse gastrointestinal effects. Epirubicin should be considered as an alternative to doxorubicin in dogs with preexisting cardiac disease, as clinical epirubicin cardiotoxicity was not diagnosed in treated dogs.

Cortical allograft and endoprosthesis for limb-sparing surgery in dogs with distal radial osteosarcoma: a prospective clinical comparison of two different limb-sparing techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To compare surgical and oncologic outcome in dogs with osteosarcoma (OSA) of the distal aspect of the radius treated with limb-sparing surgery, using either a cortical allograft or endoprosthesis, and postoperative chemotherapy; and to evaluate predictive factors for outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 20) with spontaneous, non-metastatic OSA of the distal aspect of the radius. METHODS: Dogs were prospectively randomized for limb-sparing surgery with either a cortical allograft (n = 10) or endoprosthesis (10) and full-course adjuvant chemotherapy using single or dual agent protocols of cisplatin, carboplatin, and/or doxorubicin. Surgical (intraoperative findings, postoperative infection, construct failure) and oncologic (local tumor recurrence, metastasis, survival) outcomes were compared. The influence of intraoperative and postoperative variables on surgical and oncologic outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: No clinically significant differences in surgical and oncologic outcome were detected between groups. The percentage of radius replaced by the implant was significantly greater in the endoprosthesis group (60.9% compared with 48.6%, P = .008). Median survival time (MST) for dogs with construct failure, regardless of implant type, was 685 days and significantly greater than MST of dogs without construct failure (322 days, P = .042; hazard ratio [HR] 16.82). Median metastasis-free interval and MST (685 days versus 289 days; P = .034, HR 24.58) were significantly greater in dogs with postoperative infection. Disease-free and overall limb-salvage rates were 70% and 85%, respectively. Overall MST was 430 days. CONCLUSIONS: For dogs with OSA of the distal aspect of the radius, a cortical allograft or endoprosthesis can be used for limb-sparing surgery. Construct failure and postoperative infection significantly improve survival time regardless of implant type. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An endoprosthesis is an attractive alternative to cortical allografts for limb-salvage of the distal aspect of the radius in dogs because surgical and oncologic outcomes are similar, but the endoprosthesis is an immediately available off-the-shelf implant which is not complicated by the bone harvesting and banking requirements associated with cortical allografts. Mechanisms whereby postoperative infection improves survival time requires further investigation and, if elucidated, may provide the opportunity to improve the outcome of dogs and humans with OSA.

Preliminary investigation of the probiotic potential of Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG in horses: fecal recovery following oral administration and safety.

This study was designed to evaluate whether Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG (LGG), an extensively studied probiotic organism in humans, can colonize the intestines of adult horses and foals. Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG was administered to adult horses at doses of 1 x 10(9) CFU/50kg bodyweight (BW)/day (group 1, 7 horses), 1 x 10(10) colony forming units/ 50kg BW/day (group 2, 7 horses) and 5 x 10(10) colony forming units/50kg BW/day (group 3, 7 horses) for 5 d. Foals received 2 x 10(10) colony forming units/50kg BW/day (group 1, 7 foals) or 1 x 10(11) colony forming units/50kg BW/day (group 2, 7 foals) for 5 d. Fecal levels of L. rhamnosus strain GG in adult horses were low and variable in the 2 lower dose groups. Even in the high dose group, colonization was relatively low. In contrast, more consistent intestinal colonization was present in foals, and colonization persisted for up to 9 d following cessation of administration. No adverse effects were observed in any animal. Clinical studies evaluating this probiotic are indicated in foals. The presence of this organism in the feces of adult horses may only represent passive movement through the intestinal tract, not actual colonization. Consistent intestinal colonization in adults was only achieved with a prohibitively high dose.