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

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

Mandibulectomy for treatment of fractures associated with severe periodontal disease.

Six cases of mandibular fractures associated with severe periodontal disease that had been treated by mandibulectomy, due to intense bone loss, were evaluated retrospectively. The dogs were mainly older, small breed dogs that had suffered a traumatic event. Four dogs had a bilateral mandibulectomy and 2 a unilateral mandibulectomy.

Mandibulectomie pour le traitement de fractures associées à une maladie parodontale grave. Six cas de fractures mandibulaires associées à une maladie parodontale grave qui avaient été traités à l'aide d'une mandibulectomie, en raison d'une perte osseuse intense, ont été évalués rétrospectivement. Les chiens étaient pour la plupart âgés et de petite race et ils avaient été victimes d'un traumatisme. Quatre chiens avaient subi une madibulectomie bilatérale et 2 une mandibulectomie unilatérale.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

GAIT ANALYSIS IN GIANT ANTEATER (MYRMECOPHAGA TRIDACTYLA) WITH THE USE OF A PRESSURE-SENSITIVE WALKWAY.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the kinetic and temporospatial parameters of clinically healthy juvenile giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) by using a pressure-sensing walkway. Three free-ranging clinically healthy giant anteaters (M. tridactyla), two males and one female, aged 5-7 mo, were used. There was no statistically significant difference between the right and left sides for the kinetic and temporospatial parameters for both forelimbs and hind limbs. Although the gait velocity was similar for all giant anteaters, the stride frequency was higher in the smaller anteaters. The difference in stride frequency is associated with body size, which also influenced other temporospatial parameters. The percentage of body distribution was higher on the forelimbs than the hind limbs. The contact surface and trajectory of the force of the forepaws differed from the hind paws. In conclusion, the anteaters have gait peculiarities associated with the anatomical differences between forelimbs and hind limbs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gait analysis in dogs with pelvic fractures treated conservatively using a pressure-sensing walkway.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate dogs with pelvic fractures and treated conservatively during locomotion on a pressure-sensing walkway. The hypothesis was that dogs may present changes in kinetic and temporospatial parameters because of the fractures, which may interfere with the symmetry index. Thirty dogs were selected and divided into two groups: Group 1-healthy group (n = 15) and Group 2-conservatively treated group (n = 15). The dogs were of similar body size. The body weight distribution percentages and symmetry indices of the peak vertical force, vertical impulse, stance time, swing time, percentage of stance time, and percentage of swing time of the hind limbs were evaluated. RESULTS: In Group 2, the time interval between fracture occurrence and patient evaluation was between 4 and 87 months (mean of 20 months). Four dogs had lower percentage of body weight distribution on one of the hind limbs while three dogs had greater weight distributed toward both hind limbs. Four of these dogs had alterations in the temporospatial and/or kinetic symmetry indices. CONCLUSIONS: Dogs with pelvic fractures treated conservatively may present changes in percentage of body weight distribution and symmetry indices of the kinetic and temporospatial parameters. The conservative treatment can cause persistent abnormal gait.