The VetMousetrap: a device for computed tomographic imaging of the thorax of awake cats.

The VetMousetrap, a novel device that allows computed tomography (CT) of awake cats and provides a clinically supportive environment, is described. Ten normal cats were used to test the device for ambient internal oxygen, carbon dioxide levels, and temperature. Twenty-two awake normal cats were imaged using a 16-multislice helical CT unit to evaluate dose-equivalent protocols. Two different X-ray tube potentials (kV), 80 and 120, and two different helical pitches, 0.562 and 1.75, were evaluated. The signal intensity of the pulmonary parenchyma (SIlung), signal intensity of background (SIbackgr), contrast, noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated. Three evaluators ranked the images for sharpness of liver margins, motion, helical, and windmill artifacts. CT was successfully completed in 20 of 22 cats. No artifacts directly related to the device were detected. Overall, 75 of 80 (94%) examinations were judged to have absent or minimal motion artifact. A statistically significant difference was found for SNR (P = 0.001) and CNR (P = 0.001) between all protocols. The higher pitch protocols had significantly lower noise and higher SNR and CNR, lower motion artifact but greater helical artifacts. A protocol using 80 kV, 130 mA, 0.5s, and 0.562 pitch with 1.25mm slice thickness, and 0.625 mm slice reconstruction interval is recommended. The VetMousetrap appears to provide the opportunity for diagnostic CT imaging of the thorax of awake cats.

Noninvasive determination of body segment parameters of the hind limb in Labrador Retrievers with and without cranial cruciate ligament disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine mass, center of mass (COM), and moment of inertia (ie, body segment parameters [BSPs]) of hind limb segments by use of a noninvasive method based on computerized tomography (CT) in Labrador Retrievers with and without cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease and to provide regression equations to estimate BSPs of normal, CCL-deficient, and contralateral hind limbs. ANIMALS: 14 clinically normal and 10 CCL-deficient Labrador Retrievers. PROCEDURES: Bone, muscle, and fat areas were identified via CT. Mass, COM, and moment of inertia were determined on the basis of tissue densities in the thigh, crus, and foot segments. Regression models were developed to determine predictive equations to estimate BSP on the basis of simple morphometric measurements. RESULTS: The thigh and crus of CCL-deficient limbs weighed less than in contralateral segments. Thighs weighed less in CCL-deficient than in normal limbs. The thigh moment of inertia was less in CCL-deficient than in contralateral limbs. The crural COM was located more distally in normal limbs, compared with other limbs. Predictive equations to estimate BSP varied by parameter, body segment, and limb status. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: BSPs of the thigh and crus varied with segment and status of the hind limb in Labrador Retrievers with or without CCL disease. Equations to estimate BSP on the basis of simple morphometric measurements were proposed, providing a basis for nonterminal studies of inverse dynamics of the hind limbs in Labrador Retrievers. This approach may offer new strategies to investigate the pathogenesis of nontraumatic joint diseases.

Evaluation of an osteoconductive resorbable calcium phosphate cement and polymethylmethacrylate for augmentation of orthopedic screws in the pelvis of canine cadavers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of an osteoconductive resorbable calcium phosphate cement (CPC) on the holding power of bone screws in canine pelvises and to compare the effect with that for polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). SAMPLE POPULATION: 35 pelvises obtained from canine cadavers. PROCEDURE: Each pelvis was sectioned longitudinally. Within each pair of hemipelvises, one 4.0-mm cancellous screw was placed in the sacroiliac (SI) region and another in the iliac body. Similar regions on the contralateral-matched hemipelvis were assigned 1 of 3 augmentation techniques (CPC-augmented 4.0-mm cancellous screws, PMMA-augmented 4.0-mm cancellous screws, and CPC-augmented 3.5-mm cortical screws). Pullout force was compared between matched screws and between treatment groups prior to examination of cross sections for evaluation of cement filling and noncortical bone-to-cortical bone ratio. RESULTS: CPC and PMMA augmentation significantly increased pullout force of 4.0-mm screws inserted in the SI region by 19.5% and 33.2%, respectively, and CPC augmentation significantly increased pullout force of 4.0-mm cancellous screws inserted in the iliac body by 21.2%. There was no difference in the mean percentage augmentation between treatment groups at either location. Cement filling was superior in noncortical bone, compared with filling for cortical bone. Noncortical bone-to-cortical bone ratio was significantly greater in the sacrum (6.1:1) than the ilium (1.3:1). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CPC and PMMA improve the ex vivo holding strength of 4.0-mm cancellous screws in the SI and iliac body regions and SI region, respectively. Cement augmentation may be more effective in areas with greater noncortical bone-to-cortical bone ratios.

Tablet computers in the veterinary curriculum.

Tablet computers offer a new method of information management in veterinary medical education. With the tablet computer, students can annotate class notes using electronic ink, search for keywords, and convert handwriting to text as needed. Additional electronic learning resources, such as medical dictionaries and electronic textbooks, can be readily available. Eleven first-year veterinary students purchased tablet computers and participated in an investigation of their working methods and perceptions of the tablet computer as an educational tool. Most students found the technology useful. The small size and portability of the tablet allowed easy transport and use in a variety of environments. Most students adapted to electronic notetaking by the second week of classes; negative experiences with the tablet centered on a failure to become comfortable with taking notes and navigating on the computer as opposed to writing and searching on paper. A few performance-related problems, including short battery life, were reported. Tablet software allowed conversion of faculty course notes from a variety of original formats, meaning that instructors could maintain their original methods of note preparation. Adopting a consistent naming convention for files helped students to locate the files on their computers, and smaller file sizes helped with computer performance. Collaboration between students was fostered by tablet use, which offers possibilities for future development of collaborative learning environments.

A mechanical comparison of 4.5 mm narrow and 3.5 mm broad plating systems for stabilization of gapped fracture models.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the mechanical properties of 4.5 narrow and 3.5 broad plating systems using their respective cortical and cancellous screws in unstable, central, and eccentric gap fracture models. STUDY DESIGN: Mechanical evaluation and comparison of 2 dynamic compression plate (DCP) systems. SAMPLE POPULATION: Eighteen cortical and 30 cancellous gapped fracture models. METHODS: DCP (4.5 mm narrow, 3.5 mm broad) with their respective cortical screws were applied to cortical bone density polyurethane foam blocks to construct center gap cortical fracture models that were tested in gap closing monotonic 4-point bending. DCP (4.5 mm narrow, 3.5 mm broad) with their respective cancellous screws were applied to cancellous bone density polyurethane foam blocks to construct eccentric gap cancellous fracture models. The cancellous constructs were tested in monotonic gap opening and gap closing cantilever bending and in cyclic axial loading. Univariate and multivariate repeated measures ANOVA were used to compare the maximum loads at failure of the 4.5 mm constructs and 3.5 mm constructs. RESULTS: The 4.5 mm narrow plating system withstood significantly higher loads at failure than the 3.5 mm broad plating system in 4-point bending (P<.0001) and gap opening cantilever bending (P<.0001). The 4.5 mm system failed in gap closing cantilever bending by plastic deformation of the plate, whereas the 3.5 mm system failed by screw pullout. There was no difference between the 2 systems in cyclic axial loading. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that the 4.5 mm narrow plating system has a mechanical advantage over the 3.5 mm broad plating system for stabilization of gapped fracture models. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The 4.5 mm narrow plating system may be mechanically advantageous compared with the 3.5 mm broad plating system for stabilizing unreconstructed comminuted long bone fractures in large dogs.