Usefulness of Imaging Techniques in the Diagnosis of Selected Injuries and Lesions of the Canine Tarsus. A Review.

Tarsus lesions are not common in dogs, but they can cause serious health problem. They can lead to permanent changes in the joint and, in dogs involved in canine sports, to exclusion from training. The most common diseases and injuries involving the tarsal joint are osteochondrosis, fractures and ruptures of the Achilles tendon. These conditions can be diagnosed primarily through accurate orthopedic examination, but even this may be insufficient for performing a proper diagnosis. Imaging modalities such as radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography can facilitate the detection and assessment of lesions in the canine tarsal joint. This review paper briefly presents some characteristics of the above-mentioned imaging techniques, offering a comparison of their utility in the diagnosis of lesions and injuries involving the canine tarsus.

Assessment of the Usefulness of Image Reconstruction in the Oblique and Double-oblique Sagittal Planes for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to determine the quality and significance of the magnetic resonance image of the canine knee after reconstruction in the oblique and double-oblique sagittal plane. This reconstruction and 3D images are rarely used in common protocols due to the longer study time they require. The study aimed to demonstrate significance for such diagnostic images in specific sequences in order to stimulate consideration of their more frequent use in diagnosis of diseases of the cruciate ligament in dogs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All tests were carried out using an open magnetic resonance tomography scanner with magnetic field induction. The images obtained from the 30 canine patients examined were reconstructed and evaluated by independent appraisers. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: The study showed that MRI of the stifle joint using 3D sequences provides higher quality images of the cranial cruciate ligament in dogs. The results of the statistical analysis showed that multi-faceted reconstruction allows the secondary determination of the oblique imaging planes and obtains images of adequate quality. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that multi-faceted reconstruction facilitates the secondary determination of oblique imaging planes. This reconstruction additionally makes images available of better quality compared to the 2D sequence.

The Effect of Horse Shoeing with Egg Bar Shoes and Shoes with Wedge Pads on the Results of Thermal Imaging of the Equine Distal Limb.

The presented manuscript provides reference for practitioners when measuring normal hoof temperature, as well as controlling the temperature after shoeing with particular shoes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of horse shoeing with egg bar shoes and shoes with wedge pads on hoof temperature measured by thermography. This was a prospective study conducted on 16 horses. The horses were divided into two groups: horses from group 1 were shod with egg bar shoes, while horses from group 2 were shod with shoes with wedge pads. Thermographic examination was performed below the metacarpophalangeal joint before and one month after shoeing. After shoeing with egg bar shoes, there was a decrease in the median of the minimal temperature in the palmar view. After shoeing with wedge pads, thermography revealed decreased hoof temperature in the dorsal and palmar views. Horse shoes may have a negative impact on the blood circulation and metabolism within the distal part of the limb; however, our study found this only to a minor extent.

Intra-arterial transplantation of stem cells in large animals as a minimally-invasive strategy for the treatment of disseminated neurodegeneration.

Stem cell transplantation proved promising in animal models of neurological diseases; however, in conditions with disseminated pathology such as ALS, delivery of cells and their broad distribution is challenging. To address this problem, we explored intra-arterial (IA) delivery route, of stem cells. The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility and safety of MRI-guided transplantation of glial restricted precursors (GRPs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in dogs suffering from ALS-like disease, degenerative myelopathy (DM). Canine GRP transplantation in dogs resulted in rather poor retention in the brain, so MSCs were used in subsequent experiments. To evaluate the safety of MSC intraarterial transplantation, naïve pigs (n = 3) were used as a pre-treatment control before transplantation in dogs. Cells were labeled with iron oxide nanoparticles. For IA transplantation a 1.2-French microcatheter was advanced into the middle cerebral artery under roadmap guidance. Then, the cells were transplanted under real-time MRI with the acquisition of dynamic T2*-weighted images. The procedure in pigs has proven to be safe and histopathology has demonstrated the successful and predictable placement of transplanted porcine MSCs. Transplantation of canine MSCs in DM dogs resulted in their accumulation in the brain. Interventional and follow-up MRI proved the procedure was feasible and safe. Analysis of gene expression after transplantation revealed a reduction of inflammatory factors, which may indicate a promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Clinical Applications of Imaging Modalities of the Carpal Joint in Dogs with Particular Reference to the Carpal Canal.

The structure of the canine carpal joint is complex. This small joint consists of articulations that include the antebrachiocarpal, middle, carpometacarpal, and intercarpal joint surfaces. A large number of ligaments and tendons support and stabilise the carpus in dogs. Many injuries of this joint in dogs are not correctly recognised, diagnosed, or treated due to the limited use of diagnostic imaging methods. Radiography, the most common of them, has extensive application in diagnosing the causes of lameness in small animals. Other techniques, such as ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging visualise other joint structures and surrounding soft tissues. However, these imaging modalities are rarely used to diagnose diseases and injuries of the canine carpus at present. The main reason for this is the small amount of research carried out and the lack of a properly described methodology for the use of imaging techniques. The wide use of all diagnostic imaging tools in the diagnosis of diseases and injuries of the wrist joint in humans shows that conducting studies on dogs could expand current knowledge. The use of these techniques in veterinary medicine could facilitate diagnosis and subsequent therapy of carpal disorders in dogs. MRI is the most frequently used imaging method in human medicine for visualisation of abnormalities of joints. This method could become a valuable part of the detection of inflammatory, traumatic, and degenerative diseases of the carpal joint in dogs.

Feline hip joint anatomy in magnetic resonance images.

The aim of this study was to develop an anatomical model of the feline hip joint for low-field magnetic resonance imaging (LF-MRI) based on high-field magnetic resonance imaging (HF-MRI). The study was performed on six adult clinically healthy European shorthair cats, aged 1-3 years, with body weight of 2.8-4.4 kg. The animals were examined with the use of the Vet-MRI Grande Esaote LF (0.25 T) scanner and high-field Siemens Magnetom TRIO (3 T) MRI scanner. In the LF-MRI, most satisfactory results in T1-weighted images were obtained when TE was 26 ms in all three planes and when TR was 350-950 ms in the transverse plane, 950-1150 ms in the sagittal plane and 520-750 ms in the dorsal plane. In T2-weighted images, TE was 90 ms in the transverse and dorsal plane and 120 ms in the sagittal plane. The results were presented as images acquired with LF-MRI scanners in three planes. The slice thickness was 3 mm for each plane. In LF-MRI, muscles in the hip joint region and round ligament were well visualized. Unlike in LF-MRI, the cross section of the femoral nerve was identified in HF-MRI scans. In examinations of the feline hip joint, the main limitations of LF-MRI were a lack of reliable contrast between articular cartilage and synovial fluid as well as longer scan time. Despite the above, LF-MRI images were characterized by good contrast between bones and the surrounding soft tissues.

The Influence of Haemostatic Dressing Prototypes for the Emergency Services on the Histopathological Parameters of Porcine Muscle.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Haemostatic dressings for the uniformed and rescue services are an integral part of life-saving equipment for controlling post-traumatic haemorrhage. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of active constituent substances and materials of haemostatic dressings on muscle tissue and muscle regeneration after traumatic injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hemostatic dressing prototypes were analysed: OBR/G/S sponge: dressing material sponge made of Na-Ca chitosan/algal composite microfibers and nanofibers; OBR/MBT/S: tactic gauze modified with a polymer mixture of Na-Ca chitosan/algal composite microfibers and nanofibers, impregnated with a moderate amount of procoagulants (22.9 g/m2); and OBR/MS/S: seton gauze modified with a polymer mixture of Na-Ca chitosan/algal composite microfibers and nanofibers, impregnated with a moderate amount of procoagulants (18.0 g/m2), with chitosan (ChitoClearhqg 95) and sodium alginate (Protanal LF10/60 FT) as the coagulants. The experiment was conducted on 20 pigs which were euthanised 24 h, 7 or 14 days after wound dressing. Samples of porcine muscle tissue were subjected to qualitative histopathological analysis. RESULTS: Histopathological analysis of muscle tissues from the experimental pigs revealed that the application of modified seton (OBR/MS/S) produced the most satisfactory results. The observed changes were similar on all dates that samples were collected and in all experimental groups, and minor differences in their extent were observed between groups. Regenerative processes were most advanced, and retrograde changes were least apparent in animals treated with OBR/MS/S. CONCLUSION: Modified seton (OBR/MS/S) induced the least tissue reaction and was most effective in promoting tissue regeneration after injury.

The Effect of Haemostatic Dressing Prototypes for the Emergency Services in the Porcine Haemostatic System.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Coagulopathy can develop when hemostatic dressings are used to stop massive bleeding, even in patients without prior history of clotting disorders. The selection of procoagulants, which effectively control bleeding and prevent disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and thrombosis, is a significant challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two prototypes of haemostatic dressing in the porcine haemostatic system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The total number of animals used in our experiments was 24. Group I: pigs were treated with the developed prototype of sponge dressing, made of Na-Ca chitosan/algal composite of microfibers and nanofibers. Group II: animals were treated with a seton gauze modified with a polymer mixture of Na-Ca chitosan/algal composite of microfibers and nanofibers. Group III: animals were treated with non-hemostatic dressing and this group was the control. Blood was sampled five times to determine changes in the coagulation and fibrinolytic profiles: before injury: i) at 1 h, ii) at 24 h, iii) at 7, and iv) at 14 days following injury. RESULTS: Significant changes were observed in the coagulation parameters, in the total numbers of white blood cells and platelets in groups I and II, compared to controls. CONCLUSION: The modified haemostatic dressings used in this study produced a strong procoagulant effect in pigs. This, together with high fibrinogen concentrations, which can cause DIC, require further studying.

Single-stage Bilateral Tibial Tuberosity Advancement With Cranial Fixation in an English Bulldog - A Case Report.

This article presents a report of single-stage bilateral tibial tuberosity advancement for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in an English bulldog. The reconstruction was performed by a new surgical technique involving tibial tuberosity advancement and fixation with two cranially placed lag screws. The patient was able to ambulate normally at a walk without lameness four days postoperatively. Except for bruising of the surgical site, no complications were observed during a six-month follow-up period.

A novel tibial tuberosity advancement technique with cranial implant fixation (TTA CF): a pilot study in sheep.

BACKGROUND: Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is the most frequent orthopedic disorder in human and animals. An array of surgical techniques have been described to stabilize the stifle joint in dogs, including intraarticular stabilization, extraarticular stabilization, and tibial osteotomy techniques. Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and tibial tuberosity advancement with a lot of modifications are the most common. In this study we report the possibility of fixing the novel titanium implant for tibial tuberosity advancement with two screws in a craniocaudal direction. The aim of our study was to improve the clinical benefit of the tibial tuberosity advancement surgical technique where an attempt was made to reduce the number of screws and obtain a strong implant fixation with minimal bone traumatization. This way of attachment allows to distribute the forces evenly on medial and lateral side of osteotomy gap. RESULTS: Tibial tuberosity advancement with cranial implant fixation was performed in four sheep. Complete radiographic and clinical follow up was recorded. All four sheep had a complete osteotomy line healing at a mean of 10 weeks postoperative (range 8-12 weeks). None of the animals had osteotomy gap healing grades of poor. Minor complication included the minimally cracked Maquet hole on the postoperative radiographs, without displacement of the tibial crest which occurred in 2 sheep. Major complication grade 1, major complication grade 2 and catastrophic were not found. CONCLUSIONS: The novel surgical technique for tibial tuberosity advancement with cranial implant fixation is technically comparable to the recent trend in tuberosity advancement techniques, where partial osteotomy of the cranial tibial tuberosity crest is performed. A cranial implant fixation allows to distribute the forces evenly on medial and lateral side of osteotomy gap, which may result in less number of major complications in dogs. A novel titanium implant decreases the tibial traumatisation by reducing the number of screws.

The effect of hemostatic dressing prototypes for the uniformed services on selected blood coagulation parameters in pigs.

BACKGROUND: Serious injuries accompanied by severe bleeding are life-threatening. Post-traumatic hemorrhage involves the risk of developing coagulopathy. Hemostatic dressings are widely used to minimize bleeding. The application of procoagulants in control of hemorrhage may lead to thrombosis or disseminated intravascular coagulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hemostatic dressing prototypes on the porcine coagulation system. RESULTS: Fibrinogen and D-dimer concentrations were significantly higher in the experimental groups where hemostatic dressings were used in comparison with the control group. Considerable differences in antithrombin III activity and thrombin-antithrombin complex concentrations were also observed between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The hemostatic dressing comprising modified seton impregnated with 18.0 g/m2 of procoagulant was most effective in preserving the physiological equilibrium between fibrinogenesis and fibrinolysis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Reptiles, Rodents, and Lagomorphs for Clinical Diagnosis and Animal Research.

MRI is a great diagnostic tool for evaluating exotic animals, particularly in clinical practice and in research with animal models. Here we review various aspects of MRI of reptiles, rodents, and lagomorphs, including the indications for this modality, the preparation of subjects, and protocols for imaging various organs and the musculoskeletal system. Protocols for the anesthesia and immobilization of subjects to facilitate their imaging are discussed also.