Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in female rabbits and its relation to spay status, pseudopregnancy and ovarian follicle numbers.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), known for its role during foetal sexual differentiation, is secreted by the Sertoli cells in males and the granulosa cells in females during post-natal life. As serum AMH concentrations correlate with follicle numbers, AMH is utilized as a marker of ovarian reserve in many species. In dogs and cats, AMH is used as a diagnostic tool to determine spay or neuter status. In the available literature, no research regarding serum AMH levels in rabbits has been published yet. The objectives of the present study were to (1) measure serum AMH concentrations in female rabbits and investigate the value of AMH as a diagnostic tool to differentiate between spayed and intact does and (2) relate measured AMH levels to pseudopregnancy and ovarian follicle numbers. For AMH measurement, serum samples were obtained from sexually intact (n = 64) and spayed (n = 22) female rabbits. Spayed does were of various breeds; intact rabbits were Zika hybrid rabbits. In the intact does, AMH measurement was complemented by determination of progesterone levels, gynaecological examination and histopathological evaluation of the uterus and ovaries, including follicle counts. Serum AMH and progesterone concentrations were measured using a human-based chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) and an enzyme-linked fluorescence assay (ELFA), respectively. Depending on progesterone levels, sexually intact does were classified into follicular (n = 52) or luteal phase (n = 12). Median serum AMH levels were 1.53 ng/ml (range 0.77-3.36 ng/ml) in intact and 0.06 ng/ml (range ≤0.01-0.23 ng/ml) in spayed does. AMH concentrations between the intact and spayed rabbits differed significantly and did not overlap (p < .001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for a cut-off level of 0.50 ng/ml. Follicular or luteal phase had no significant influence on measured AMH levels (t = 0.061, df = 62, p = .951). While the number of secondary follicles correlated significantly with AMH concentrations (rs  = 0.410, p = .001), the number of primary or antral follicles did not (rs  = 0.241, p = .055 and rs  = 0.137, p = .281, respectively). In conclusion, a single determination of serum AMH concentrations was adequate to distinguish spayed from intact female rabbits. Among sexually intact individuals, whether does were in follicular or luteal phase had no significant influence on measured serum AMH concentrations. The relationship between small growing follicles and AMH levels as described in other species could be partially confirmed, as secondary follicles correlated significantly with AMH.

Free DICOM-Viewers for Veterinary Medicine : Survey and Comparison of Functionality and User-Friendliness of Medical Imaging PACS-DICOM-Viewer Freeware for Specific Use in Veterinary Medicine Practices.

There is increasing prevalence of digital diagnostic imaging in veterinary medicine with a progressive need to use medical imaging software. As Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM)-viewers for veterinary use do not require medical device approval in many countries, freeware viewers might be a practical alternative. The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate free DICOM-viewer software for veterinary purposes. The functionality and user-friendliness of various DICOM-viewers from the internet were analyzed and compared. Inclusion criteria for the evaluation were free availability, PACS (picture archiving and communication system)-connectivity, and stand-alone and client-based software. Based on this, eight viewers were found: Ginkgo CADx, Horos, K-PACS, MAYAM, MITO, OsiriX Lite, RadiAnt, Synedra personal. In these DICOM-viewers, 14 core tools were tested and rated on a score from 1 to 10 by multiple observers with different levels of training, using studies of four imaging modalities. Criteria were functionality and user-friendliness. For each viewer, the total number of a predefined set of 47 important tools was counted. The ranking based on functionality and user-friendliness of 14 core tools (mean score in brackets) was as follows: 1. Horos/OsiriX Lite (8.96), 2. RadiAnt (8.90), 3. K-PACS (8.02), 4. Synedra (7.43), 5. MAYAM (6.05), 6. Ginkgo CADx (5.53), 7. MITO (3.74). The DICOM-viewers offered between 20 and 44 tools of the predefined important tool set and are sufficient for most veterinary purposes. An increasing number of tools did not necessarily impair user-friendliness, if the user interface is well designed. Based on the results of this study, veterinarians will find suitable free DICOM-viewers for their individual needs. In combination with PACS-freeware, this allows veterinary practices to run a low-budget digital imaging environment.

Semen parameters and testicular dimensions in small breed dogs below ten-kilogram bodyweight.

Because of few available data on semen parameters in small breed dogs, the study aimed to analyse semen and measure testes of dogs ≤10.0 kg bodyweight. Semen was collected from 41 fertile stud dogs, which were divided based on bodyweight: group 1 ≤ 5.0 kg and group 2 between 5.1 and 10.0 kg. Median values for ejaculate volume (group 1: x ~ 1.2 ml; group 2: x ~ 2.2 ml), total sperm output (group 1: x ~ 110.7 × 106 ; group 2: x ~ 215.1 × 106 ) and testicular volume (group 1: left testicle x ~ 2.8 ml, right testicle x ~ 2.7 ml; group 2: left testicle x ~ 5.5 ml, right testicle x ~ 5.0 ml) were lower in group 1 compared to dogs of group 2 (p = .001; p = .001; both testes: p < .001). There was no difference in sperm concentration (p = .985). Based on these results, introduction of an additional weight group to the commonly used reference values is recommended, since values for ejaculate volume, total sperm output and testicular dimensions for dogs ≤5.0 kg bodyweight differed significantly from values of dogs with a bodyweight from 5.1 to 10.0 kg.

DICOM Standard Conformance in Veterinary Medicine in Germany: a Survey of Imaging Studies in Referral Cases.

In 2016, the recommendations of the DICOM Standards Committee for the use of veterinary identification DICOM tags had its 10th anniversary. The goal of our study was to survey veterinary DICOM standard conformance in Germany regarding the specific identification tags veterinarians should use in veterinary diagnostic imaging. We hypothesized that most veterinarians in Germany do not follow the guidelines of the DICOM Standards Committee. We analyzed the metadata of 488 imaging studies of referral cases from 115 different veterinary institutions in Germany by computer-aided DICOM header readout. We found that 25 (5.1%) of the imaging studies fully complied with the "veterinary DICOM standard" in this survey. The results confirmed our hypothesis that the recommendations of the DICOM Standards Committee for the consistent and advantageous use of veterinary identification tags have found minimal acceptance amongst German veterinarians. DICOM does not only enable connectivity between machines, DICOM also improves communication between veterinarians by sharing correct and valuable metadata for better patient care. Therefore, we recommend that lecturers, universities, societies, authorities, vendors, and other stakeholders should increase their effort to improve the spread of the veterinary DICOM standard in the veterinary world.

A pilot trial of doxorubicin containing phosphatidyldiglycerol based thermosensitive liposomes in spontaneous feline soft tissue sarcoma.

PURPOSE: Doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded phosphatidyldiglycerol-based thermosensitive liposomes (DPPG2-TSL-DOX) combined with local hyperthermia (HT) was evaluated in cats with locally advanced spontaneous fibrosarcomas (soft tissue sarcoma [STS]). The study was designed to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetic profile of the drug. Results from four dose-levels are reported. METHODS: Eleven client-owned cats with advanced STS were enrolled. Five cats received escalating doses of 0.1-0.4 mg/kg DOX (group I), three received 0.4 mg/kg constantly (group II) and three 0.6 mg/kg (group III) IV over 15 min. HT with a target temperature of 41.5 °C was started 15 min before drug application and continued for a total of 60 min. Six HT treatments were applied every other week using a radiofrequency applicator. Tumour growth was monitored by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and for dose level III also with 18F-FDG PET. RESULTS: Treatment was generally well tolerated and reasons for premature study termination in four cats were not associated with drug-induced toxicity. No DPPG2-TSL-DOX based hypersensitivity reaction was observed. One cat showed simultaneous partial response (PR) in MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) whereas one cat showed stable disease in MRI and PR in PET (both cats in dose level III). Pharmacokinetic measurements demonstrated DOX release triggered by HT. CONCLUSION: DPPG2-TSL-DOX + HT is a promising treatment option for advanced feline STS by means of targeted drug delivery. As MTD was not reached further investigation is warranted to determine if higher doses would result in even better tumour responses.

Malignant transformation of a unicameral bone cyst in a cat.

A unicameral bone cyst in the proximal humerus of a 3-year-old Norwegian forest cat was diagnosed by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, surgical exploration, and histopathology. Surgical curettage and incorporation of bone cement led to full recovery. An osteosarcoma developed at the surgical site 17 months later. Thoracic radiographs showed pulmonary lesions consistent with metastasis.

Transformation maligne d'un kyste osseux unicaméral chez un chat. Un kyste osseux unicaméral dans l'humérus proximal d'un chat des forêts norvégiennes âgé de 3 ans a été diagnostiqué par imagerie à résonance magnétique avec injection d'un agent de contraste, l'exploration chirurgicale et l'histopathologie. Un curettage chirurgical et l'incorporation de ciment osseux ont produit un rétablissement complet. Un ostéosarcome s'est développé au site chirurgical 17 mois plus tard. Les radiographies thoraciques ont montré des lésions pulmonaires conformes à la métastase.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Clinical comparison of the TonoVet(®) rebound tonometer and the Tono-Pen Vet(®) applanation tonometer in dogs and cats with ocular disease: glaucoma or corneal pathology.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the TonoVet(®) rebound tonometer with the Tono-Pen Vet(®) applanation tonometer in a larger number of glaucomatous eyes and to evaluate the effect of different corneal pathologies on both tonometers. PROCEDURE: In 26 eyes with clinical signs of glaucoma, intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using the TonoVet(®) followed by the Tono-Pen Vet(®) . In 29 eyes with focal corneal pathology (e.g., corneal scarring, edema, pigmentation), both tonometers were used successively to measure IOP in one unaffected area of the cornea, as well as on the lesion itself. Impact on measurement results was assessed comparing the deviation in IOP readings of each tonometer between the two localizations. Statistical data analysis included paired t-tests and regression analysis using sas software (version 9.2; SAS Institute, Cary, NC). RESULTS: In glaucomatous eyes, the TonoVet(®) consistently yielded higher values of IOP than the Tono-Pen Vet(®) as can be quantified by the regression equation IOP (TonoVet(®) ) [mmHg] = 1.12 * IOP (Tono-Pen Vet(®) ) [mmHg] + 11.5 with R(2) = 0.91 and P < 0.0001. Depending on the type and degree of corneal pathology, the deviation in IOP resulting from measurements on altered cornea ranged from -6 to 16 mmHg for the TonoVet(®) and -7 to 20 mmHg for the Tono-Pen Vet(®) , respectively. On average, the effect of corneal disease on IOP measurements was lower for the TonoVet(®) by 1.14 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: Rebound tonometry appears to be a valuable alternative to established applanation tonometry in patients with ocular disease such as glaucoma and corneal disorders. In patients suffering from glaucoma, the same type of tonometer should be used for follow-up examinations, as measurement results of the TonoVet(®) and the Tono-Pen Vet(®) differ substantially with increasing IOP. Corneal pathology has considerable influence on both tonometers with the degree of over- or underestimation of IOP depending on the alteration of biomechanical properties of the cornea inflicted by various corneal pathologies.

Performance and overview of clinically relevant areas of application of saliva testing in the cat.

Introduction: The cat represents an important model in order to investigate basic physiological knowledge of salivary secretion as well as pharmacokinetics of active substances. Objective: The aim of the study was to review in which diagnostic application areas saliva testing is routinely used and in which areas it could be further explored in the future. Materials and methods: Literature relevant to the research question was collected in March 2022 using the Pubmed database. Results: The diagnosis of infectious diseases in cat saliva is one of the most important fields of application. Saliva diagnostics may also indicate dental diseases, allergies or kidney and other metabolic diseases. Sexual and stress hormones can also be measured in cat saliva. A number of clinically relevant allergens in cat saliva that may cause allergies in humans has been investigated and described, in addition to infectious agents that can be transmitted from cats to humans. Conclusions: Saliva testing in cats can be useful in many areas, including the detection of infectious diseases, allergies and dental disease. However, it is far from being used to its full potential within veterinary medicine.

Arthrographic description of the canine carpal joint cavities and its recesses.

Joint effusion is diagnostically important. The canine carpal joint effusion, which is sometimes difficult to detect clinically, has received less attention in diagnostic ultrasound (US) studies. The aim of the present study was to provide a description of the morphological appearance of the canine carpal joint cavities and recesses using US, radiography, helical computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional volume rendering technique (3D-VRT) images and to prove the applicability of musculoskeletal US for the detection of artificial carpal joint effusion in dogs. The understanding of the characteristics of these structures in normal patients is essential in the diagnosis. Twenty-eight clinically and radiologically unremarkable canine carpal cadavers of different breeds were examined, representative images were selected and anatomical structures were labelled. The canine carpal joint cavities and in particular its recesses had a complex appearance with a basic structure found in all dogs: Antebrachiocarpal joint: dorsoproximal antebrachiocarpal recess, dorsodistal antebrachiocarpal recess, medial antebrachiocarpal recess, lateral antebrachiocarpal recess and five palmar antebrachiocarpal recesses. Middle carpal joint: two dorsal middle carpal recesses, medial common middle carpal and carpometacarpal recess, lateral common middle carpal and carpometacarpal recess, four palmar middle carpal recesses. The carpometacarpal joint had dorsal and palmar funnel-shaped and irregular, finely tubular extensions, the most prominent ran dorsal to metacarpal III, the maximum distal end represented the proximal metacarpal diaphysis. All recesses presented ultrasonographically as a generalized anechogenic to hypoechoic filled continuation of the articular capsule with an indistinct peripheral hypoechogenic to isoechogenic fine capsule, the synovial-connective tissue interface was difficult to identify. The novel results of this study provide the first morphological description of the ultrasonographic, radiographic and computed tomographic arthrographic appearance of the canine carpal joint cavities and recesses with different injection volumes. The canine carpal joint cavities and in particular its recesses had a complex appearance with a basic structure found in all dogs. The applicability of musculoskeletal US to visualize an artificial carpal effusion has been demonstrated. The results of this study, and in particular US, give the practitioner an advantage in visualizing joint effusion and assist in the decision to perform arthrocentesis.

Microcomputed tomographic analysis of the ulnar trochlear notch in medium- and large-breed canine cadavers with and without medial coronoid disease.

Medial coronoid disease (MCD) is a common disease often associated with thoracic limb lameness in medium- and large-breed dogs. The term MCD includes subchondral changes of the medial coronoid process (MCP), as well as pathologies of both cartilaginous surfaces. As there are only a few comprehensive and detailed studies on the trabecular structure of the medial coronoid, the goal of this study was to compare the trabecular structure of the ulnar trochlear notch of canine cadavers with and without MCD using different micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) parameters. Fifty-eight elbow joints from 29 canine cadavers of MCD-predisposed and non-predisposed breeds (control group) were examined radiographically, macroscopically and by microcomputed tomography. The study included elbow joints of eight Labrador Retrievers (21.6-37 kg), seven Golden Retrievers (26.3-42 kg), seven Bernese Mountain dogs (31-47 kg) and seven dogs of non-predisposed breeds (19.7-52 kg) (control group). The final diagnosis of MCD was based on necropsy and micro-computed tomographic examinations. Micro-CT examinations were performed using XtremeCT II (Scanco Medical, Zurich, Switzerland) and the following parameters were examined: bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), trabecular number (Tb.N), connectivity density (Conn.D) and degree of anisotropy (DA). Twenty-four elbows of 44 elbows of the predisposed breeds (Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers Bernese Mountain dogs) showed subchondral changes and lesions of the cartilage surfaces. The result of this study is a higher density (BV/TV) of the trabecular bone of the ulnar trochlear notch in elbows affected by MCD compared to the control group. The increased density due to trabecular reconstruction in the ulnar trochlear notch is likely the result of selectively increased loading during life.

Fur Cortisol in French Bulldogs with Different Manifestations of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.

In the present study, 33 French bulldogs with varying degrees of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) were evaluated for various parameters to provide evidence of chronic stress in the dogs. For this purpose, an owner interview, a clinical examination, and cortisol concentrations in the fur of the dogs were collected. The median cortisol concentration in the fur of the dogs suffering from BOAS (n = 19) was 0.99 pg/mg (range 0.63-66.18), while that of the control group (n = 14) was 1.13 pg/mg (range 0.3-43.45). However, the statistical analysis did not reveal a statistically significant difference; therefore, it is not possible to distinguish between dogs clinically affected with BOAS and those without clinically relevant signs of the disease. There was no statistically significant difference between the age of the animals and the fur cortisol. None of the owners in the examination and control groups indicated that their dog was suffering from chronic stress which shows that the disease is easily underestimated and remains common. Thus, a thorough clinical examination by an experienced veterinarian remains the gold standard in order to diagnose BOAS.

Salivary cortisol measurements in brachycephalic dog breeds as part of a standardized stress test.

Introduction: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a common condition in brachycephalic dogs, with Pugs (PG) and French Bulldogs (FB) appearing to be particularly typically affected. Objective and easy-to-perform tests are necessary to detect the disease at an early stage and to exclude dogs affected by BOAS from breeding. Methods: The present study investigated the extent to which vital signs and salivary cortisol concentrations can be used to distinguish between healthy and BOAS-affected dogs in a standardized fitness test. A total of 57 PG, 56 FB and 27 meso- and dolichocephalic dogs were studied as control group (CG). In addition to vital signs, salivary cortisol concentrations were measured before and after the exercise test. Results: It emerged that non-brachycephalic dogs showed a higher fitness level than brachycephalic dogs. The PG recovered significantly slower than the FB after the exercise test. In unaffected PG, cortisol levels rose significantly after the test and then fell again, in unaffected FB they fell significantly during the test. Unexpectedly, cortisol levels remained constant in BOAS affected dogs of both breeds. Discussion: A possible explanation could be a disturbance of the pituitary-hypothalamic-adrenal axis, which could be due to the chronic stress of affected animals. This would have to be clarified in further studies. In conclusion, a submaximal fitness test may be a useful method to identify dogs suffering from BOAS as it is imperative to prevent the breeding and reproduction of affected dogs.

Prevalence of osteoarthritis in the shoulder, elbow, hip and stifle joints of dogs older than 8 years.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases in veterinary medicine. There are various causes for joints developing OA, with some of them being well investigated, while others are still a matter of speculation. In this retrospective study we examined the prevalence of OA in the shoulder, elbow, hip and stifle joints in a clinic population of dogs older than 8 years, which were presented mostly due to orthopaedic complaints. Dogs were included in the study if one or more of the aforementioned joints was included in the radiographs. Radiographs were reviewed by three different observers and graded by severity. Prevalence of OA was 39.2%, 57.4%, 35.9% and 36.4% for the shoulder, elbow, hip and stifle, respectively. There was no correlation between higher grades of OA and weight as well as age, but significantly higher prevalence of OA in heavier groups when grouped for weight. Sex and castration status did not affect presence of OA. As most of the examined joints were free of OA, radiographic findings suggestive of OA should not be considered normal in senescent dogs.

Influence of Femoral Position and Pelvic Projection on Norberg Angle Measurements.

OBJECTIVE: Canine hip dysplasia is a common orthopaedic disease in dogs. The Norberg angle value is a measure of hip joint laxity. The aim of this study was to quantify the degree of rotation necessary to consider the radiograph as inadequately positioned and to determine the influence of rotation on the Norberg angle. STUDY DESIGN: Three sets of radiographs with different positioning and projections were acquired using 10 canine cadavers. Rotation of the pelvis was simulated by rotating the X-ray tube without changing the position of the patient. RESULTS: In dorsoventral projections, the Norberg angle value is increased by 3.2 to 5.8%. Due to rotation along the long axis, the Norberg angle increases on one side and decreases on the contralateral side by approximately the same value. Rotation of greater than 2 degrees in a lateral direction is visually perceived by the observer as tilted. Rotation of the projection in the caudoventral to craniodorsal direction causes mild increase of the Norberg angle (≤1%), while rotation of the projection in a cranioventral to caudodorsal direction causes moderate (≤2%) decrease of the Norberg angle. Rotation of less than -10 degrees (caudoventral to craniodorsal) or greater than 10 degrees (cranioventral to caudodorsal) is visually perceived as tilted. CONCLUSION: Tilted images that are subjectively perceived evaluable have only little effect on the Norberg angle and are therefore probably acceptable. Dorsoventral projections can be recognized based on the proximal position of the patella and should be excluded from evaluation, as the Norberg angle value can be falsely increased.

3D Slicer open-source software plug-in for vector-based angle calculation of canine hind limb alignment in computed tomographic images.

BACKGROUND: Severe and complex angular limb deformities in dogs require accurate morphological assessment using diagnostic imaging to achieve successful orthopedic surgery. Computed tomography (CT) is commonly used to overcome projection errors in two-dimensional angular measurements of dog hindlimb alignment. Three-dimensional volume rendering (VR) techniques permit virtual positioning and variable projection, but the final CT-image that defines the projection plane for angular measurements remains two-dimensional. OBJECTIVE: We wanted to develop a true three-dimensional open-source technique to measure the alignments of the hind limbs of dogs in CT scanners. METHODS: We developed an open-source 3D Slicer plug-in, to perform angular measurements using vector calculations in three-dimensional space. In 113 CT-scans of canine pelvic limbs, femoral torsion, femoral varus, femorotibial rotation, tibial torsion, tibial varus and tibiotalar rotation angles were calculated and compared to an already validated technique using VoXim®. RESULTS: Reference points were identified and measurements were possible in the 113 acquisitions. The greatest difference between the two techniques was 1.4° at only one tibial torsion angle. Mean values for all Bland-Altman plots did not show significant differences and were less than 0.07° for all comparisons. DISCUSSION: Based on these results we considered angular measurements of canine hind limb alignment in CT scans using the 3D Slicer extension program sufficiently accurate for clinical orthopedic and surgical purposes in veterinary medicine. CONCLUSION: With our open-source 3D Slicer extension software, we provide a free accessible tool for veterinary orthopedic surgeons and thus we hope to improve angular measurements in CT-scans of canine hind limb deformities through true three-dimensionality.

Evaluation of Meniscal Load and Load Distribution in the Sound Canine Stifle at Different Angles of Flexion.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the contact mechanics and kinematic changes in the stifle in different standing angles. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a biomechanical ex vivo study using pairs of canine cadaver hindlimbs. Motion sensors were fixed to the tibia and the femur for kinematic data acquisition. Pressure mapping sensors were placed between the femur and both menisci. Thirty percent bodyweight was applied to the limbs with the stifle in 125, 135, or 145 degrees of extension. RESULTS: Stifle flexion angle influences femoromeniscal contact mechanics significantly. The load on both menisci was significantly higher for 125 and 135 degrees in comparison to 145 degrees. Additionally, the center of force was located significantly more caudal when comparing 125 to 145 degrees in the medial meniscus as well as in both menisci combined. CONCLUSION: The angle of knee flexion significantly impacts the contact mechanics between the femur and the meniscus. As the knee flexes, the load on both menisci increases.

In Vivo Investigation of 3D-Printed Calcium Magnesium Phosphate Wedges in Partial Load Defects.

Bone substitutes are ideally biocompatible, osteoconductive, degradable and defect-specific and provide mechanical stability. Magnesium phosphate cements (MPCs) offer high initial stability and faster degradation compared to the well-researched calcium phosphate cements (CPCs). Calcium magnesium phosphate cements (CMPCs) should combine the properties of both and have so far shown promising results. The present study aimed to investigate and compare the degradation and osseointegration behavior of 3D powder-printed wedges of CMPC and MPC in vivo. The wedges were post-treated with phosphoric acid (CMPC) and diammonium hydrogen phosphate (MPC) and implanted in a partially loaded defect model in the proximal rabbit tibia. The evaluation included clinical, in vivo µ-CT and X-ray examinations, histology, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for up to 30 weeks. SEM analysis revealed a zone of unreacted material in the MPC, indicating the need to optimize the manufacturing and post-treatment process. However, all materials showed excellent biocompatibility and mechanical stability. After 24 weeks, they were almost completely degraded. The slower degradation rate of the CMPC corresponded more favorably to the bone growth rate compared to the MPC. Due to the promising results of the CMPC in this study, it should be further investigated, for example in defect models with higher load.

Physiological Anti-Müllerian Hormone Concentrations in Male and Female Dogs and Cats before and around Puberty.

In recent years several studies established the diagnostic value of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in companion animals. However, less is known about physiological AMH concentrations in young individuals highlighting the necessity to apply the diagnostic findings to this group. The aim of this study was to determine the AMH values of healthy male and female dogs between the age of 8 and 48 weeks, tomcats under 8 weeks and up to 48 weeks of age and queens between 2 to 12 weeks of age. In total, 96 blood samples were collected. Anti-Müllerian hormone was measured in all samples and testosterone was measured in the oldest age group of the males in both species. The hormones were analyzed using a human based chemiluminescence immune assay. Overall, AMH concentrations were higher in males than in females (p < 0.001). According to the AMH concentration there was no difference in males, but queens had significant higher AMH concentrations than bitches (p < 0.001). AMH remained high in males up to week 24 and decreased significantly thereafter (tomcats: p = 0.015; male dogs: p = 0.013), which correlated with an increase in testosterone levels for male dogs only. In bitches, AMH remained below the detection limit until the week 16 and slightly increased subsequently. In queens, AMH was detectable from the beginning with a significant increase in the older age group (p = 0.003). Half of the cats in the older age group even approached the chemiluminescence immune assay's upper limit. The results show that female cats secrete AMH much earlier than female dogs in which AMH secretion begins just shortly before the start of the puberty. In the male animals, the decrease in AMH concentration around puberty was similar in dogs and cats, but a correlation with the increase of testosterone was only observed in dogs. Further research is required to determine the origin of the high AMH concentrations in female kittens and the lack of correlation between testosterone and AMH concentrations in male kittens.

The oral intake of specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP) improves gait and quality of life in canine osteoarthritis patients-A translational large animal model for a nutritional therapy option.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder in humans and dogs. Due to its chronic progressive nature, the predominant clinical signs after a certain point are pain and immobility. The similar pathogenesis allows conclusions to be drawn from canine to human OA. Current treatments are limited and often attempt to treat OA symptoms rather than improve joint structure and function. Collagen hydrolysates as oral supplements are a promising therapeutic option to achieve this advanced therapeutic aim in both species. The effects of oral supplementation were therefore investigated in canine OA patients. METHOD: In a systematic, placebo-controlled, double-blind interventional study in 31 dogs with naturally occurring OA, the efficacy of oral supplementation of specific bioactive collagen peptides (BCP) was tested in comparison to the approved combination of the active substances omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. The dogs were examined on a horizontal treadmill with 4 integrated piezoelectric force plates at the beginning and end of a twelve-week test period. At both points, the owners completed a specific questionnaire containing the validated Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) and the dogs were fitted with accelerometers to record total daily activity data. RESULTS: Only the oral supplementation of BCP resulted in a significant improvement of several kinetic parameters measured using a force-plate fitted treadmill, and the quality of life assessed by CBPI, while accelerometry was unaffected by the intervention. CONCLUSION: The results of this three-month BCP supplementation study using objective measurement parameters in dogs with naturally occurring OA demonstrate an efficacy, suggesting the therapeutic use of BCP in canine OA patients and demonstrating the relevance of this collagen hydrolysate formulation for the treatment of OA in human patients as well.

Studies on the association of malondialdehyde as a biomarker for oxidative stress and degree of malignancy in dogs with mammary adenocarcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Mammary adenocarcinomas are one of the most common tumour diseases in bitches. The relationship between oxidative stress and the degree of malignancy of the tumour has not been sufficiently researched in veterinary medicine. OBJECTIVES: The main objective was to investigate the potential role of MDA as a practice-relevant biomarker for the assessment of systemic oxidative stress and to determine whether this parameter can indicate the malignancy grade of a mammary adenocarcinoma. METHODS: In the present pilot study, MDA plasma concentrations were analysed in 55 bitches with (n = 28) and without (n027) malignant adenocarcinomas of the mammary gland using two different measurement methods and the relationship to tumour size was investigated. RESULTS: The mean MDA concentration measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was 289 ng/mL (range 365-634 ng/mL) in dogs with grade 1 adenocarcinoma (n = 13), 288.5 ng/mL (range 85-752 ng/mL) in dogs with grade 2 adenocarcinoma (n = 10), 332 ng/mL (range 239-947 ng/mL) in dogs with grade 3 (n = 5) adenocarcinoma and 293 ng/mL (range 175-549 ng/mL) in dogs without a mammary tumour (n = 27). When MDA was measured by HPLC, the average MDA concentration in the study group (n = 11) was 0.24 µmol/L (range 0.16-0.37) and that of the control group (n = 15) was 0.27 µmol/L (range 0.16-1.62). Thus, there were no significant differences between the study group with malignant adenocarcinomas and the control group in both examination methods (p > 0.05). Furthermore, there was no correlation between the MDA concentrations and the approximate volume of the mammary tumour. CONCLUSION: The results highlight the challenges of providing a prognosis for the malignancy of a mammary adenocarcinoma based on MDA concentrations in plasma using ELISA or HPLC. As a result, histopathological examination remains the gold standard for diagnosing and differentiating adenocarcinomas of the mammary gland.