A validation study to analyze the reliability of center of pressure data in static posturography in dogs.

Introduction: Center of pressure (COP) parameters are frequently assessed to analyze movement disorders in humans and animals. Methodological discrepancies are a major concern when evaluating conflicting study results. This study aimed to assess the inter-observer reliability and test-retest reliability of body COP parameters including mediolateral and craniocaudal sway, total length, average speed and support surface in healthy dogs during quiet standing on a pressure plate. Additionally, it sought to determine the minimum number of trials and the shortest duration necessary for accurate COP assessment. Materials and methods: Twelve clinically healthy dogs underwent three repeated trials, which were analyzed by three independent observers to evaluate inter-observer reliability. Test-retest reliability was assessed across the three trials per dog, each lasting 20 seconds (s). Selected 20 s measurements were analyzed in six different ways: 1 × 20 s, 1 × 15 s, 2 × 10 s, 4 × 5 s, 10 × 2 s, and 20 × 1 s. Results: Results demonstrated excellent inter-observer reliability (ICC ≥ 0.93) for all COP parameters. However, only 5 s, 10 s, and 15 s measurements achieved the reliability threshold (ICC ≥ 0.60) for all evaluated parameters. Discussion: The shortest repeatable durations were obtained from either two 5 s measurements or a single 10 s measurement. Most importantly, statistically significant differences were observed between the different measurement durations, which underlines the need to standardize measurement times in COP analysis. The results of this study aid scientists in implementing standardized methods, thereby easing comparisons across studies and enhancing the reliability and validity of research findings in veterinary medicine.

Effect of Vision and Surface Slope on Postural Sway in Healthy Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Postural stability requires an interaction between cognitive, perceptual, sensory, and motor functions. Thus, impairment in any of these systems may affect postural balance. This study assessed the effect of visual input and surface slope on postural stability. The study was conducted on healthy participants, 11 females and 11 males who were 24-34 years of age. They were asked to perform still upright bipedal standing on flat and +/-20° sloped surfaces with eyes open (EO) and closed (EC). Six center of pressure (COP) parameters were measured by posturography. A significant relationship was observed between COP parameters, standing conditions, and body mass index. Gender had no significant effect on the COP. The loss of visual input within each standing condition did not affect the COP parameters. In contrast, differences were observed between standing on a flat surface and uphill with EC and between standing on a flat surface and downhill with EC and EO. When the participants were standing on inclined surfaces, the loss of vision significantly increased the postural instability. Young healthy adults demonstrated the greatest difficulty in standing uphill with EC. This was followed by standing downhill with EC and standing downhill with EO.

Short-term glycemic variability in non-diabetic, non-obese dogs assessed by common glycemic variability indices.

Glycemic variability (GV) refers to swings in blood glucose levels and is an emerging measure of glycemic control in clinical practice. It is associated with micro- and macrovascular complications and poor clinical outcomes in diabetic humans. Although an integral part of patient assessment in human patients, it is to a large extent neglected in insulin-treated diabetic dogs. This prospective pilot study was performed to describe canine within-day GV in non-diabetic dogs with the aim to provide a basis for the interpretation of daily glucose profiles, and to promote GV as an accessible tool for future studies in veterinary medicine. Interstitial glucose concentrations of ten non-diabetic, non-obese beagles were continuously measured over a 48-h period using a flash glucose monitoring system. GV was assessed using the common indices MAGE (mean amplitude of glycemic excursion), GVP (Glycemic variability percentage) and CV (coefficient of variation). A total of 2260 sensor measurements were obtained, ranging from 3.7 mmol/L (67 mg/dL) to 8.5 mmol/L (153 mg/dL). Glucose profiles suggested a meal-dependent circadian rhythmicity with small but significant surges during the feeding periods. No differences in GV indices were observed between day and night periods (p > 0.05). The MAGE (mmol/L), GVP (%) and CV (%) were 0.86 (± 0.19), 7.37 (± 1.65), 6.72 (± 0.89) on day one, and 0.83 (± 0.18), 6.95 (± 1.52), 6.72 (± 1.53) on day two, respectively. The results of this study suggest that GV is low in non-diabetic dogs and that glucose concentrations are kept within narrow ranges.

Evaluation of the health-related quality of life in dogs following intracranial meningioma resection using a specifically developed questionnaire.

As advanced treatments are becoming increasingly feasible in veterinary medicine, the evaluation of the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of treated animals is becoming more relevant. We evaluated owner-perceived HRQOL of 10 dogs that underwent craniotomy for meningioma resection between 2002 and 2022 at our institution through telephone interview. For this purpose, we developed a disease-specific questionnaire containing 52 items (mostly of scoring nature) patterned after previously validated instruments and organised into eight domains. Approval by the Human Ethical Committee and respondents' consent were obtained. We analysed the scores for all domains and dogs. The effect of different variables on the HRQOL score was determined via log-rank test and Pearson correlation. Scores for all included dogs (range, 0-235 points) were totaled, with a higher number of points indicating a better HRQOL. The dogs included in this study yielded a mean score of 200.6 points (range, 176-227 points), implying a good overall quality of life. There were no significant associations between individual parameters and outcomes. Our questionnaire represents a structured tool for the specific evaluation of postoperative HRQOL in dogs with meningioma, placing a minimal burden on respondents. Few instruments have been developed to assess animal welfare in a disease-specific context. Implementing these tools, however, is essential to accurately evaluate not only the impact of treatments on biologic parameters, but also their implications on patient welfare. Thus, treatment plans may consider HRQOL for a more comprehensive clinical decision-making process.

Bevacizumab Efficiently Inhibits VEGF-Associated Cellular Processes in Equine Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells: An In Vitro Characterization.

Anti-VEGF agents were found to have clinical implications for the successful treatment of vascular-driven diseases in humans. In this study, a detailed biological characterization of bevacizumab in a variety of in vitro assays was carried out to determine the effect of bevacizumab on equine umbilical vein endothelial cells (EqUVEC). EqUVECs were harvested from umbilical cords of clinically healthy horses and exposed to different concentrations (1, 2, 4, 6, 8 mg/mL) of bevacizumab (Avastin®). Assays concerning the drug's safety (cell viability and proliferation assay) and efficacy (cell tube formation assay, cell migration assay, and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression) were carried out reflecting multiple cellular processes. Bevacizumab significantly decreased VEGF expression at all concentrations over a 72 h period. No cytotoxic effect of bevacizumab on EqUVECs was observed at concentrations of 4 mg/mL bevacizumab or lower. Incubated endothelial cells showed delayed tube formation and bevacizumab efficiently inhibited cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. Bevacizumab potently inhibits VEGF-induced cellular processes and could be a promising therapeutic approach in vascular-driven diseases in horses.

Correlation of Faecal Egg Counts with Clinical Parameters and Agreement between Different Raters Assessing FAMACHA©, BCS and Dag Score in Austrian Dairy Sheep.

Gastrointestinal nematodes, most notably trichostrongylids, are known to cause significant losses in sheep production. Previous studies have shown that monitoring parameters (e.g., FAMACHA©, BCS, dag score) change with increasing egg excretion. These parameters are well known and frequently used for targeted selective treatment. Based on the willingness to participate in this study (based on a previous questionnaire distribution among sheep farmers in Austria) we investigated the associations between faecal egg counts and the FAMACHA©, BCS, and dag scores of 1195 dairy ewes. Faecal samples were analysed using the Mini-FLOTAC technique I and larval culture. Three raters assessed the FAMACHA©, BCS, and dag scores in sheep to calculate the inter-rater agreement and intraclass correlation coefficient. The responses to the questionnaire of 23 farms were used for the evaluation, of which 16 farms were visited. Trichostrongylid eggs were detected in 95% of the faecal samples. The BCS was negatively correlated with the eggs per gram of faeces (EpG) (r = -0.156; p < 0.001) and the FAMACHA© score was slightly positively correlated with EpG (r = 0.196; p < 0.001). A small proportion of sheep (25%) shed the majority of eggs (47% to 84%). A moderate to good agreement for the parameters was found between the raters. In conclusion, the clinical parameters showed only weak correlations with faecal egg counts, and we confirmed that a minority of the flock is responsible for the majority of the pasture contamination with trichostrongylid eggs. Clinical raters should be trained before a study to increase the agreement between them.

Factors Associated with Colostrum Quality, the Failure of Transfer of Passive Immunity, and the Impact on Calf Health in the First Three Weeks of Life.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate factors associated with colostrum quality and FTPI in calves from dairy farms in Austria and to assess the associations between disease occurrence and FTPI in calves. In total, 250 calves and their colostrum samples originating from 11 dairy farms were included in the study. All calves born between September 2021 and September 2022 were included. Blood samples were collected between the third and the sixth day of age. The farmers were trained in disease detection and recorded any health events within the first three weeks of age daily. Multiparous cows (>3 lactation) and colostrum harvesting within the first 2 hours after parturition were significantly associated with good colostrum quality (>22% Brix). Colostrum quantity (≥2 L) and quality (≥22% Brix) acted as protective factors against FTPI (serum Brix ≥ 8.4%) with odds ratios of OR = 0.41 and OR = 0.26, respectively. Calves facing any health event (diarrhea, navel illness, bovine respiratory disease, abnormal behavior) in the first three weeks of life had a higher probability of FTPI. Calves exhibiting diarrhea in the first 3 weeks of life were associated with having FTPI (OR = 2.69). The results confirm the current recommendations for good colostrum management practices and the impact of FTPI on calf morbidity.

Outcome and quality of life after intracranial meningioma surgery in cats.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the postoperative quality of life (QOL) after surgery for the treatment of intracranial meningioma in cats. METHODS: The study included 14 cases that underwent craniotomy from May 2009 to March 2021. Owners were contacted via telephone after a median time of 967 (range 227-4209) days after surgery and surveyed with a specially designed questionnaire that consisted of three domains, subdivided into different items. Physical behaviour, including general condition, food intake, mobility and overall impression, was evaluated from 0, reflecting the worst status, to 10, reflecting the best. The development of preoperative existing clinical signs, seizures and concurrent medication were evaluated individually for each patient. The time span necessary for the improvement of each item was recorded. Finally, satisfaction about the decision for surgery was ranked from 0 to 10. RESULTS: Thirteen questionnaires were completed. Three cats were evaluated twice owing to revision surgery. Owners reported a statistically significant (P <0.001) improvement from immediately after the operation to 240 days after surgery. Preoperative clinical signs resolved in 95% of cases. All questioned owners would opt for surgery again. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: QOL after surgery for intracranial meningioma in cats seems encouraging regarding our study. Nevertheless, limitations, such as small sample size, recall bias, lack of a control group and validation of the questionnaire, need to be kept in mind when interpreting the results.

External mechanical perturbations challenge postural stability in dogs.

This study aimed to explore the effect of external mechanical perturbations on postural stability (PS) in dogs using the body center of pressure (COP). Thirteen sound adult dogs were included in this study. PS was tested during quiet standing on a pressure measurement plate. The conditions included a standard standing measurement and external mechanical perturbations conducted using six settings on a motorized training platform with different intensities of speed and amplitude. Measurement conditions were compared using linear mixed-effects models, followed by multiple comparisons using Sidak's alpha correction procedure. Compared with the standing measurement, external mechanical perturbations resulted in a significant increase in almost all COP parameters, indicating a challenge for the PS. Furthermore, an increase in amplitude had a greater effect than an increase in speed, whereas the combination of the highest intensities of amplitude and speed was not well tolerated by the dogs. The mediolateral COP displacement was significantly greater than the craniocaudal COP displacement during standing measurement and conditions with a small amplitude, whereas no significant difference was observed during settings with an increased amplitude. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the effects of a balance training device in dogs. Therefore, the intensity of the training programs on motorized platforms or similar devices can be controlled by the wobbling amplitude of the platform.

Assessment of Herd, Calf, and Colostrum Management Practices on Austrian Dairy Farms Using a Scoring System.

The objectives of the study were to describe colostrum management on Austrian dairy farms and to explore differences between regions (alpine/flatlands), organic and conventional producing farms, and full-time or part-time operated farms. An online survey (24 questions) on general farm characteristics and herd and calf management was sent to 16,246 farmers. In total, 2328 farmers (response rate 14.3%) answered the questionnaire. To allow an objective comparison, a scoring system was implemented. Farm size is, on average, smaller in the alpine regions than in the foothills/flatlands regions of Austria. Small farms were more often organic-producing farms (81.6%) and operated part-time (93.8%). In foothills/flatland regions, 70.0% of farms have a separate calving area, and in the alpine regions, it is solely 42.8%. Colostrum testing is still mostly done by visual appraisal (63.7%); only a few farmers use a colostrometer (8.8%), brix-refractometer (18.3%), or ColostroCheck® (9.2%, a cone-shaped device to rate the flow velocity of colostrum). The results of the present study using the scoring system showed differences in herd and calf management practices in all sectors. In the future, the findings and especially the scoring system can support Austrian dairy farmers or veterinarians to better assess areas of improvement on farms in order to prevent calves from suffering from Failure of Transfer of Passive Immunity.

Evaluation of an immunochromatographic point-of-care test for the detection of failure of transfer of passive immunity in calves.

BACKGROUND: As calves are born without circulating immunoglobulin G (IgG) they depend on transfer of passive immunity via colostrum within the first hours of life. If calves are not sufficiently supplied with high qualitative colostrum they suffer from Failure of Transfer of Passive Immunity (FTPI). The objectives of this study were to evaluate a calf-side point-of-care test to detect calves with FTPI and to evaluate the cut-offs for a positive test result. Two hundred fifty calves from 11 dairy farms (born between September 2021 and September 2022) were included, whereof 23 were excluded due to incomplete data. Twelve to 16 h post partum the farmers carried out a point-of-care test (FASTest® IgG bovine, Megacor, Austria) using a whole blood sample. Between the 3rd and the 6th day of age, all calves were physically examined and blood samples were collected to carry out further point-of-care tests using whole blood supernatant and plasma and for measuring the Brix values in serum and plasma. Brix values in serum were used as reference for the evaluation of the point-of-care test between the 3rd and the 6th day of age, as radial immunodiffusion assays could not be conducted simultaneously. RESULTS: Brix values were not normally distributed (median at 8.6% and 9.3% in serum and plasma). In this study, the cut-off values for the point-of-care tests using whole blood supernatant and plasma were at 8.3% Brix in serum. FASTest® IgG bovine shows high sensitivities of 90% and 84% and specificities of 70% and 72% for whole blood supernatant and plasma. CONCLUSIONS: Of the 227 investigated calves, 39.7% showed Brix values of < 8.4% (cut-off for FTPI) which indicates an urgent need to improve colostrum management. The results of the study suggest that the FASTest® IgG bovine is a suitable on-farm method to assess FTPI in whole blood supernatant and plasma of calves between the 3rd and the 6th day of age. However, the results also show that FASTest® IgG bovine is not adequate to test for FTPI using whole blood at 12 to 16 h post partum.

Characterization of Leuconostoc carnosum and Latilactobacillus sakei during Cooked Pork Ham Processing.

Cooked ham is a popular, ready-to-eat product made of pork meat that is susceptible to microbial growth throughout its shelf life. In this study, we aimed to monitor the microbial growth and composition of nine vacuum-packed cooked ham lots using plate counting until the microbial limit of 7.4 log10 AMC/LAB CFU/g was exceeded. Eight out of nine lots exceeded the microbial limit after 20 days of storage. Lactic acid bacteria strains, particularly Leuconostoc carnosum and Latilactobacillus sakei, prevailed in vacuum-packed cooked ham. Leuconostoc carnosum 2 (Leuc 2) and Latilactobacillus sakei 4 (Sakei 4) were isolated from raw meat and the post-cooking area of the food processing facility. Carbohydrate utilization patterns of Leuc. carnosum PFGE types isolated from raw meat and the food processing environment differed from those isolated from cooked ham. These findings demonstrate how raw meat and its processing environment impact the quality and shelf life of cooked ham.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Sheep and Goats in Austria: Seroprevalence, Risk Factors and Detection from Boot Swab Samples.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in small ruminants in Austria by testing 22,019 serum samples with ELISA for the presence of specific antibodies. Furthermore, detailed investigations in five MAP-infected goat herds were carried out by ELISA, qPCR and bacterial culture. The found animal-level apparent MAP seroprevalence was 2.0% for goats and 0.7% for sheep (calculated true prevalence 3.5% and 1.2%, respectively). Herd-level apparent MAP seroprevalence was 11.1% for goat herds and 8.9% for sheep flocks. Significant risk factors for seropositivity in goat herds were: herd size, animal trading, farmed as a dairy herd, Animal Health Service membership and cohabitation with farmed game. For sheep flocks, seroprevalence was significantly higher in flocks with animal trading and where cattle or goats were kept in the flock, respectively. The overall apparent within-herd MAP seroprevalence in the five goat farms investigated was 21.8% (11.7%-28.0%, calculated true seroprevalence 38.6%) and an overall rate of MAP shedding of 12.3% was detected (5.0%-24.7%). It was possible to identify MAP by culture using boot swab samples in each herd. The results indicated a moderate MAP infection rate in small ruminants in Austria.

Flipped Classroom to Facilitate Deeper Learning in Veterinary Undergraduate Students: An Educational Change Pilot Study Limited to the Imaging Module Bones.

In a flipped classroom, learners study at home and do the 'homework' in class. This approach respects the limitations of memory and allows more interaction between learners. The overall vision is self-paced activities for learners with decreased boredom and greater task value, which should facilitate deeper learning. To implement a flipped classroom, a bumpy incremental change process characterized by periods of relative stillness punctuated by the acceleration of pace was planned. All veterinary undergraduate students used an existing eLearning platform to access relevant text and selected image examples before class. Only for the randomly selected students in the flipped classroom (FC) was this content amended with purposeful audio content and concrete tasks. Further, FC learners discussed their opinions in an online class forum. To measure the educational change, a pre- and post-class formative test and a standardized questionnaire for students in the FC versus in the traditional classroom (TC) were performed. To assess engagement, students were invited to measure all learning activities, categorized into attendance, or self-study. The educational change project resulted in more commitment and less resistance from teachers. The FC consisted of 20 students, while the TC had 40. The mean pre-class scores difference between FC students and TC students was +1.7/20 points, and the mean post-class scores difference was +3/20 points. The chance of answering item 10 of the formative test (describe site of the fracture) correctly was about seven times higher for FC compared to TC learners (OR = 6.96; p = 0.002). The questionnaire revealed more satisfaction and greater task value in the FC compared to TC (p = 0.048). FC students invested 21 h into the course on average, while TC students invested 16 h. The results of this pilot agree with previous reports: A transparent process was helpful to initiate mainly positive interactions between teachers and students. Higher scores, higher chance to give the correct answer, greater task value, and more positive emotions are observed in the FC compared to the TC. Higher measures of learning time are not expected to affect exam results but indicate more engagement.

Effects of High Concentrate-Induced Subacute Ruminal Acidosis Severity on Claw Health in First-Lactation Holstein Cows.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of diet-induced subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) severity during transition and the early lactation period on claw health in 24 first-lactation Holstein heifers. All heifers were fed a 30% concentrate (in dry matter) close-up ration three weeks before calving, then switched to a high-concentrate ration (60% dry matter), which was fed until the 70th day in milk (DIM) to induce SARA. Thereafter, all cows were fed the same post-SARA ration with around 36% concentrate in dry matter. Hoof trimming was performed before calving (visit 1), at 70 (visit 2) and at 160 DIM (visit 3). All claw lesions were recorded, and a Cow Claw Score (CCS) was calculated for each cow. Locomotion scores (LCS 1-5) were assessed at two-week intervals. Intraruminal sensors for continuous pH measurements were used to determine SARA (pH below 5.8 for more than 330 min in 24 h). The cluster analysis grouped the cows retrospectively into light (≤11%; n = 9), moderate (>11-<30%; n = 7), and severe (>30%; n = 8) SARA groups, based on the percentage of days individual cows experienced SARA. Statistically significant differences were found between SARA groups light and severe in terms of lameness incidence (p = 0.023), but not for LCS and claw lesion prevalence. Further, the analysis of maximum likelihood estimates revealed that for each day experiencing SARA, the likelihood of becoming lame increased by 2.52% (p = 0.0257). A significant increase in white line lesion prevalence was observed between visits 2 and 3 in the severe SARA group. The mean CCS in severe SARA group cows were higher at each visit compared to cows in the other two groups, but without statistical significance. Overall, this is the first study indicating that first-lactation cows fed a similar high-concentrate diet but with a higher severity of SARA tended to have poorer claw health, albeit with only partial statistical evidence.

Vertical ground reaction forces, paw pressure distribution, and center of pressure during heelwork in working dogs competing in obedience.

Heelwork walking is a command that competitive obedience and working dogs are trained to perform. Unlike other canine sports, the research for competitive obedience sport is limited and no research regarding biomechanical gait adaptions during heelwork walking has been published. The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in vertical ground reaction forces, paw pressure distribution (PPD), and center of pressure (COP) of Belgian Malinois during heelwork walking. Ten healthy Belgian Malinois were included in the study. The dogs walked first without heeling (normal walk) and then while heeling on a pressure platform. The comparison between normal and heelwork walking was performed using mixed-effects models. Post-hoc analyses were performed using Sidak's alpha correction procedure. During heelwork walking, a significant decrease in the vertical impulse and stance phase duration (SPD) and a significant increase in the craniocaudal index and speed of COP was observed in the forelimbs compared to normal walking. At the hindlimbs, a significant increase in vertical impulse and SPD was observed during heelwork walking. Regarding PPD, a significant decrease of vertical impulse was observed at the cranial quadrants of the right forelimb and craniolateral quadrant of the left forelimb during heelwork. The area was significantly decreased at the craniolateral quadrant of the left forelimb and the time for the peak vertical force was prolonged significantly at the caudal quadrants of the right forelimb during heelwork walking. The vertical impulse was significantly increased in all quadrants of the hindlimbs except the craniolateral quadrant of the left hindlimb. The effect of these changes on the musculoskeletal system of working dogs should be investigated in further studies, using electromyography and kinematic analysis.

Radiographic Diagnosis of Hip Laxity in Rottweilers: Interobserver Agreement at Eight- and Twelve-Months of Age.

Hip laxity is one of the predisposing factors of canine hip dysplasia. The early diagnosis of hip laxity allows veterinarians to prevent the participation of dysplastic dogs in breeding programs, which could lower the disease's prevalence due to its genetic background. Furthermore, it allows them to plan preventive/therapeutic procedures for mild/near-normal hips to reduce the symptoms of the disease at older ages. A reliable screening program must be repeatable and reproducible, and intra- and inter-observer studies can help us to determine the best methods. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the radiographic parameters used for the early diagnosis of hip dysplasia in Rottweilers at 8 and 12 months of age with five observers to assess the interobserver agreements. According to our findings, there were high interobserver agreements at both ages for the quantitative values, such as the center edge angle (CEA), dorsal acetabular rim slope (DARS), distraction index (DI), and Norberg angle (NA), whereas we recorded from poor to moderate agreements for the qualitative values, such as the grading of the dorsal acetabular rim (GDAR), grading of the degenerative joint disease (GDJD), location of the center of the femoral head (LCFH), and sclerosis of the cranial acetabular rim (SCAR).

Morphology and volume of Meibomian glands ex vivo pre and post partial tarsal plate excision, cryotherapy and laser therapy in the dog using microCT.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the morphology and volume of Meibomian glands (MG) of dogs with microCT before and after partial tarsal plate excision (PTPE), cryotherapy, and laser therapy. PROCEDURE: MicroCT scans were made of 12 upper lids (ULs) and lower lids (LLs) of 12 dogs. After undergoing PTPE, 10 ULs and LLs were scanned again, and one UL and one LL was scanned after laser therapy and one UL and one LL after cryotherapy. RESULTS: The length of the area containing MGs did not change pre- and post-PTPE, and cryo- or laser therapy. The mean number of MGs in the ULs and LLs was 30.50 and 29.42, respectively, and did not change during the procedures. The average length of one individual MG was 2.60 mm. The mean volume of MGs in the 10 ULs and LLs pre-PTPE was 21.45 and 17.2 mm3 , respectively, and 12.84 and 11.25 mm3 in the UL and LL after PTPE, respectively. The mean volume of MGs decreased from 29.78 mm3 precryotherapy to 28.91 mm3 post-treatment and in the lower eyelid from 22.87 to 22.4 mm3 after cryotherapy. The mean volume of MGs in the UL and LL before laser therapy was 8.95 and 6.78 mm3 , respectively, and after 9.25 and 6.38 mm3 , respectively. CONCLUSION: MicroCT is a valuable tool to determine the morphology and the volume of MGs and to demonstrate changes that occur after PTPE, laser-, and cryotherapy. There is no need for additional preparation, such as staining, of the specimen prior to scanning.

Feline primary nonhematopoietic malignant liver tumours: A multicenter retrospective study (2000-2021).

There is scant literature on primary nonhematopoietic malignant liver tumours (PMLT) in cats. In this retrospective study, medical data of 40 cats diagnosed with PMLT were reviewed over a period of 22 years (2000-2021). The most frequent epithelial tumours were hepatocellular (42.5%) and bile duct carcinomas (32.5%), only six (15%) cats had mesenchymal tumours. The median age was 13 years and clinical signs commonly included ano-/hyporexia (62.5%), apathy/lethargy (52.5%), weight loss (42.5%) and vomiting (35%). At initial diagnosis, metastases were confirmed in 1 (2.5%) and suspected in three (7.5%) cats. Massive was the most frequent morphology (75%). Most intrahepatic tumours were left-sided (54.2%) with the left medial lobe being primarily affected (25%). Extrahepatic tumours were rare (5%). In 34 (85%) cats, liver lobectomy was performed (surgery group), four (10%) were treated palliatively (non-surgery group), and two (5%) received no treatment. Intraoperative complications occurred in 11.8% with four (15.4%) postoperative deaths. Recurrence was detected in 28.6% at a median of 151 days (range, 79-684 days), while postoperative metastases were suspected in 21.4% at a median of 186 days (range, 79-479 days). The median survival time (MST) was significantly longer in cats of the surgery group (375 days) than in the non-surgery group (16 days) (p = .002). MST was 868 days for hepatocellular compared to 270 days for bile duct carcinomas (p = .06). In summary, liver lobectomy is associated with prolonged survival times and good prognosis in cats with hepatocellular, and an acceptable prognosis in cats with bile duct carcinoma.

Osteopontin and Ki-67 expression in World Health Organization graded canine meningioma.

Osteopontin (OPN) is a matrix protein involved in tumour initiation and progression. In human meningioma, OPN has been correlated with World Health Organization (WHO) grade, brain invasion and recurrence. The aim of this study was to investigate OPN as a possible malignancy marker in canine meningioma by correlating its expression to WHO grade and proliferative activity as measured by the Ki-67 labelling index (LI). Thirty-five formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded canine meningioma samples were classified according to the current human WHO classification. Evaluation of OPN expression was performed by immunohistochemical (IHC) labelling and calculation of the OPN intensity score (IS), OPN IHC score and Allred score. The scores were compared with WHO grades, Ki-67 LI, location and invasiveness. Nineteen meningiomas were graded as WHO grade I (54.3%), nine as grade II (25.7%) and seven as grade III (20.0%). Twenty-six tumours were located intracranially, four were retrobulbar and five were spinal meningiomas. In all specimens OPN expression was detected in moderate to high degrees. Neither the OPN scores nor the Ki-67 LIs were correlated with WHO grades. However, the OPN IS and OPN IHC score were significantly higher in WHO grade I samples compared with grade II samples (P <0.05). The OPN IS and OPN IHC score were significantly lower in meningioma samples that invaded surrounding tissues (P = 0.01 and 0.019, respectively). The results indicate a generally high expression of OPN in canine meningioma independent of WHO grade. Further research into the role of OPN as a possible therapeutic target or predictor of recurrence is warranted.