Joint laxity in canine hip dysplasia assessed using the hip flexed not distracted ventrodorsal view.

OBJECTIVES: The ventrodorsal hip extended standard view is conventionally used for radiographic screening of canine hip dysplasia. However, because the ventrodorsal hip extended standard view minimises hip joint laxity, several alternative views have been proposed. Our aim was to evaluate a new ventrodorsal hip flexed and not distracted view to assess joint laxity, by comparing it with the ventrodorsal hip extended standard and ventrodorsal hip flexed and distracted views. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 2013 and March 2017, all dogs referred to the University of Naples "Federico II" for the diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia were studied using the ventrodorsal hip extended standard, ventrodorsal hip flexed and not distracted and ventrodorsal hip flexed and distracted views. The Norberg angle and the laxity index were measured for each view. RESULTS: Overall, 102 dogs, 67 males and 35 females, mean age 15 months, were included. The mean (±standard deviation) Norberg angles were 99.77° (±10.42°), 89.29° (±14.32°) and 91.80° (±13.50°) for the ventrodorsal hip extended standard, ventrodorsal hip flexed and not distracted and ventrodorsal hip flexed and distracted views, respectively. The mean (± standard deviation) laxity indices were 0.19 (± 0.14), 0.39 (± 0.25) and 0.36 (± 0.21), respectively. The ventrodorsal hip flexed and distracted and ventrodorsal hip flexed and not distracted views had lower Norberg angle and higher laxity index values compared with the ventrodorsal hip extended standard view. The ventrodorsal hip flexed and distracted and ventrodorsal hip extended standard views are in strong agreement for the measurement of both Norberg angle and laxity index, as confirmed by Bland-Altman analysis and the intraclass correlation coefficient. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The ventrodorsal hip flexed and distracted and ventrodorsal hip flexed and not distracted views obtained with the hip in a neutral position reveal joint laxity better than the ventrodorsal hip extended standard view. Unlike the ventrodorsal hip flexed and distracted view, the ventrodorsal hip flexed and not distracted view does not require human operators or special devices for positioning the dog. The wide age range of the dogs enrolled might have influenced the laxity index measurements, since capsular fibrosis in older dogs reduces laxity.

Ocular ultrasonographic and biometric features of European brown hares (Lepus europaeus).

The aim of this work is to assess the normal ultrasonographic features and dimensions of eyes in European hares. Corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, vitreous chamber depth and eye axial length were measured by ultrasound in 40 healthy hares (Lepus europaeus), 20 males and 20 females, mean age of 5.5 months (range 2-15 months). The effects of sex, side, age and body weight on each feature were recorded. Results show that ocular dimensions were not affected by considered variables except for the lenses thickness and axial length that were correlated with age and body weight. Our study concludes that although ocular structures had similar feature compared to other species, the description of the characteristics of the eye of the European hare is important to widen the knowledge of a species not completely known from the normal anatomical point of view. The lens dimensions could have a predictive value in determining the age of young hares.

Lateral patellar luxation in nine small breed dogs.

The objective of this paper was to describe the clinical features, the management and the outcome of nine small breed dogs affected with lateral patella luxation referred during the period between January 2010 and December 2014. Patellar luxations were classified according to: breed, age, sex, weight, and grade of patellar luxation, as well as if unilateral or bilateral, and concurrent cranial cruciate ligament lesion. In affected dogs, surgical correction consisted in the combination of tibial tuberosity transposition and soft tissue procedure. Adjunctive condroplasty or trochleoplasty was performed as needing. The outcome was found positive after surgical management with low complication rate and complications have been easily managed with high success rate.

In vitro comparison of three suture techniques for anastomosis of the equine small intestine.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The equine small intestine can be affected by a variety of disorders that may require some form of bypass or anastomosis. Many suture patterns have been used in equine anastomoses to minimise post operative complications, which include leakage from the anastomosis site, stenosis and adhesions. Because of the critical condition of horses undergoing colic surgery, it is imperative this is performed as quickly as possible. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, in vitro, differences in the time of execution and leakage pressure between the Lembert single layer, Gambee and Lembert double layer suture patterns for intestinal anastomosis in the horse and correlate the time taken to complete the anastomosis and hemicircumference of the anastomotic site. METHODS: Small intestinal loops were anastomosed with one of the 3 suture patterns. The intestines, immersed in polyionic solution, were insufflated via a flexible rubber hose, connected to a sphygmomanometer bulb, inserted into the lumen at one end and fixed at 25 cm from the anastomosis site with a locking clip. A tube fixed in the same manner at the other end, connected to a pressure gauge, was used to evaluate the pressure at which leakage from the anastomosis site, revealed by the presence of bubbles, was present. RESULTS: The time spent in the execution of the Lembert single layer was significantly less than that for both Gambee and Lembert double layer. The leakage pressure of Lembert single layer was significantly higher than that recorded for both Gambee and Lembert double layer. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This study shows that the continuous Lembert single layer pattern takes less time to execute and fails at higher pressures than the Lembert double layer or Gambee patterns.

Ehlers-Danlos-like syndrome in 2 dogs: clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural findings.

BACKGROUND: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome comprises a group of rare inherited connective tissue diseases characterized by skin hyperextensibility, joint laxity, skin and vessel fragility, and poor wound healing. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report was to describe the clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural findings in 2 dogs with collagenopathies consistent with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. METHODS: Two dogs were examined clinically; skin extensibility index was calculated. Skin biopsies obtained from the dorsum were examined by light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Both dogs had clinical signs of skin hyperextensibility and fragility, lower skin elasticity, vessel fragility, and poor wound healing. One dog had a hip dislocation, and the other had bilateral medial patellar luxation (grade II), subcutaneous hematomas produced by minimal trauma, and generalized periodontitis. Histologic and ultrastructural examination confirmed abnormalities in the structure and arrangement of collagen fibrils. Fibroblasts were characterized by variable dilatation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, and anomalous elastic fibers (elaunin fibers) were present in the dermis. CONCLUSION: Although the primary defects underlying collagenopathies in animals are still unknown, analysis of the ultrastructural changes in collagen fibrils and clinical findings could facilitate better characterization of these disorders in dogs.