The Use of Stromal Vascular Fraction in Long Bone Defect Healing in Sheep.

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate (a) the feasibility of using stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (nHA) paste in combination for the treatment of segmental bone defect, (b) the quality of the callus produced, (c) the potential improvement of the autograft technique, and (d) the direct comparison of the biomaterial to the use of autogenous cancellous bone. Unilateral, segmental mid-diaphyseal bone defect was created on the right metatarsus of skeletally mature sheep animals (n = 24) under anesthesia (D0). Residual segments were stabilized by stainless-steel plates and appropriate screws. Defects were managed as follows: group A: use of nHA paste to filling, group B: use of autogenous bone graft mixed with nHA bone paste, placed in defect, group C: use of SVF mixed with nHA bone paste injected into defect, group D: use of bone graft and SVF with nHA paste before apposition in bone defect. SVF had been previously isolated from adipose tissue of the animals intra-operatively after digestion with collagenase solution and neutralization. Animals were evaluated clinically and by X-raying and ultrasonographic examination of the defect, at regular intervals, until D90. Ultrasonographic assessment performed along the length of the defect included calculation of the length of the bone defect and assessment of vascularization. SVF was successfully isolated from group C and D animals, with the average yield being 1.77 × 106 cells. The comparison of clinical scores (based on the 'Kaler scale') on each post-operative day indicated significant differences between the four groups on D1 to D30 (p < 0.01); the median clinical score within group A was 2.5 for D1-D30 and 1 for the entire period; respective scores for other groups were 1.5 (p = 0.07) and 0 (p = 0.033). Differences in radiographic assessment scores were significant for scores obtained on D60 (p = 0.049) and D90 (p = 0.006). There was a significant difference between the four groups in the length of the bone defect, as assessed ultrasonographically, for the entire length of the study; median values were 8, 8.5, 6, and 8 mm for groups A, B, C, and D, respectively (p = 0.008). There was a significance in the differences between median scores obtained during the histopathological examination: 2, 11, 13.5, and 12 for group A, B, C, and D (p = 0.022). There was an inverse correlation between the overall scores of histopathological evaluations and the length of the bone defect (observed on D90) (p < 0.0001) and a correlation between the overall scores and the radiographic assessment scores (obtained on D90) (p < 0.0001). This is the first study in which the efficacy of fresh autologous Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) from adipose tissue in enhancing bone healing in a long, weight-bearing, diaphyseal bone was evaluated. It is concluded that the lumbosacral region was an attractive site for harvesting adipose tissue, the use of SVF contributed to faster rehabilitation post-operatively, and SVF significantly enhanced bone formation; in general, the results indicated an osteogenic potential of SVF comparable to the gold standard autologous bone graft.

Contribution to the Study of Perioperative Factors Affecting the Restoration of Dog's Mobility after Femoral Head and Neck Excision: A Clinical Study in 30 Dogs.

This study aimed to compare postoperative analgesia and the time of limb weight bearing induced by the intraoperative administration of a local anesthetic at the site of the femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) in dogs, with and without the administration of preoperative epidural anesthesia. Additionally, the impact of postoperative opioid drug administration on weight-bearing time was examined. This randomized, blinded, prospective clinical study included 30 client-owned dogs. The dogs were randomly divided into three groups (A, B, C), each further divided into two subgroups (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2). Group A received epidural anesthesia and ropivacaine at the ostectomy site, Group B received only ropivacaine, and Group C served as the control group. Subgroup 1 received a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug postoperatively, while Subgroup 2 had tramadol added to their regimen. Pain assessment was conducted using the University of Melbourne Pain Scale (UMPS) and an algometer. The study concluded that multimodal analgesia, utilizing all the aforementioned analgesic techniques, resulted in faster limb weight bearing for dogs undergoing FHNE.

The Effect of the Preoperative Fasting Regimen on the Incidence of Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux in 90 Dogs.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of three different preoperative fasting regimens on the incidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in dogs under general anaesthesia. Ninety dogs undergoing non-abdominal and non-thoracic elective surgery were included in the study and equally allocated to three groups. Dogs received canned food providing half the daily resting energy requirements (RER) 3 h prior to premedication (group 3H), a quarter of the daily RER 3 h before premedication (group 3Q), and half the daily RER 12 h before premedication (group 12H). The animals were premedicated with acepromazine and pethidine, anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane vaporised in oxygen. Oesophageal pH was monitored throughout anaesthesia. Demographic and surgery-related parameters were not different among groups. The incidence of GOR was 11/30 in group 3H (36.7%), 9/30 in group 3Q (30.0%) and 5/30 in group 12H (16.7%), which was not statistically different (p = 0.262). Reduction of the amount of the preoperative meal from half to a quarter of the daily RER did not reduce the incidence of GOR but resulted in a lower oesophageal pH (p = 0.003). The results of this study suggest that the administration of a meal 3 h before anaesthesia does not have any beneficial effect in the reduction of GOR incidence in dogs compared to the administration of a meal 12 h before anaesthesia.

Comparison of continuous intradermal with simple interrupted suture pattern: an experimental study in dogs.

The aim of the study was to compare incisional wound healing in intradermal and simple interrupted suture patterns. Ten dogs were included. Surgically created skin incisions were apposed with (a) continuous intradermal pattern, (b) simple interrupted pattern, [both with 3/0 poliglecaprone 25], and (c) continuous intradermal pattern with 4/0 poliglecaprone 25. Cosmetic, clinical and histologic scores were evaluated. Simple interrupted sutures required significantly less time than intradermal sutures to complete. Cosmetic evaluation scoring was not statistically significant among the techniques. Irrespectively of the technique, the cosmetic, clinical and histologic appearance of the incisions improved over time. The cosmetic and histologic differences between the techniques were large during the first month, but decreased latter, whereas clinical differences persisted. The clinical appearance of the intradermal pattern was initially very good, worsened during the second postoperative month, and improved afterwards. Intradermal pattern with 4/0 poliglecaprone 25 was superior in terms of cosmetic, clinical and histologic appearance compared to simple interrupted pattern and to intradermal pattern with 3/0 poliglecaprone 25 for skin closure in dogs.

Effect of intrafragmentary bupivacaine (haematoma block) on analgesic requirements in dogs undergoing fracture repair.

OBJECTIVE: To test the efficacy of intraoperative intrafragmentary administration of bupivacaine (haematoma block) in controlling postoperative pain in dogs undergoing osteosynthesis of long-bone isolated diaphyseal fractures. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, 'blinded', placebo-controlled, prospective study. ANIMALS: A total of 23 client-owned dogs with isolated long-bone fractures. METHODS: Dogs were allocated randomly to two groups: bupivacaine group (B) or placebo group (P). Group B dogs (n = 11) were administered an intraoperative intrafragmentary injection of 0.5% bupivacaine (1.1 mg kg-1) just before fracture fixation, whereas group P dogs (n = 12) were administered normal saline. Postoperative pain evaluations using the University of Melbourne Pain Scale (UMPS) and algometer were performed upon arrival to the recovery room and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 20 and 32 hours later. Algometer measurements were performed on: the incision site, a healthy region near the fracture line and the contralateral healthy limb. When the pain score exceeded 14 points in the UMPS, rescue analgesia was administered. The time-standardised area under the curve (AUCst) was used to compare UMPS scores and mechanical pain thresholds between the two groups. RESULTS: None of the group B dogs required rescue analgesia, whereas eight of the 12 group P dogs did (p = 0.001). The pain threshold AUCst at the incision line was higher in group B [16.3 (2.9-41.6) N] than in group P [5.6 (2.5-17.4) N] (p = 0.029). The mean UMPS score AUCst was lower in group B (3.7 ± 1.8) than in group P (9.4 ± 4.6) (p = 0.016). In a small number of animals of both groups that were evaluated radiologically, adequate bone healing was noted. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An intraoperative bupivacaine haematoma block is a simple, quick and effective method that can be used to aid in postoperative pain control in dogs submitted to long-bone osteosynthesis.

Scrotal flap for closure of perineal skin defects in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of a scrotal flap for covering perineal skin defects in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. ANIMALS: Male Beagles (n = 5). METHODS: A scrotal flap was created by making a U-shaped incision around the scrotum, with the base of the flap at its rostral border. Orchiectomy was performed through this incision and the scrotum was undermined from the underlying tissue. A small median longitudinal incision in the caudal aspect of the scrotum eliminated its curvature. A skin defect, comparable to the size of the scrotal flap, was created in the perineum extending from the caudal side of the scrotum toward the anus. The scrotal flap covered the defect and was sutured in place. RESULTS: By 5-7 days, all flaps had ∼27% necrosis on their caudal border. The necrotic area was surgically excised and the defect was covered completely again by the remaining healthy flap. One year after surgery, wound healing was normal and flap survival was complete, providing full coverage of the perineal skin defect. CONCLUSION: A scrotal flap can be used to reconstruct perineal skin defects ventral to the anus.

Canine bronchomalacia: a clinicopathological study of 18 cases diagnosed by endoscopy.

Canine bronchomalacia (BM) is characterized by weakness leading to collapse of the bronchial wall. A prospective study of 18 affected dogs (age range: 1-15 years) was undertaken to characterize the clinicopathological and histological features of BM. Poodles and Yorkshire terriers were commonly affected. Half of the dogs were overweight or obese. The clinical presentation was a mild, wheezing, chronic cough and pulmonary crackles were heard in 28% of the dogs. Compatible radiographic changes were present in 61% of the dogs. Using bronchoscopy, both lungs were affected in half of the animals, whereas in the others the disease appeared to affect predominantly the left lung. Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and biopsies of bronchial mucosa revealed pure or mixed neutrophilic inflammation. Underlying infectious bronchitis was considered possible in 56% of the dogs. It was concluded that canine BM may present as an isolated clinical entity associated with infection and/or inflammation.

Vaginal rupture and evisceration in a dog.

A 1.5-year-old German Shepherd mixed breed dog was admitted with mild haemorrhage from the vulva and a perineal mass of 24-hour duration, which had been first observed immediately after parturition. Parturition had occurred at low ambient temperature, and only one puppy survived out of the seven oversized fetuses. The dog was in poor body condition, dehydrated, hypothermic, depressed, non-ambulatory and in a state of shock. Intestinal loops, the urinary bladder and the uterine horns and body were protruding from the vulva. A true vaginal prolapse was also observed. The abdominal viscera were flushed with warm sterile saline solution, protected and maintained wet. The laboratory findings included moderate anaemia, leukocytosis, hypoalbuminaemia, azotaemia and elevated liver enzyme activities. Stabilisation of the dog's general condition was attempted before surgery. Antimicrobial and analgesic drugs were also administered. After exploratory laparotomy the protruding organs, which were in good condition, were reduced. A recent rupture in the vaginal wall, approximately 6 cm long, was observed. Ovariohysterectomy and partial vaginectomy were performed. The preoperative course of therapy was continued, but the bitch died 12 hours later. The probable cause of vaginal rupture and evisceration in this bitch was tenesmus and/or trauma due to the oversized fetuses.

Isolated abdominal fat tissue inflammation and necrosis in a cat.

This report describes a rare clinical case of a 4.5-month-old, female domestic shorthair, cat with isolated abdominal fat tissue inflammation and necrosis, resembling human omental panniculitis. Its possible relationship with pancreatitis or bile induced chemical peritonitis is also discussed. The overall clinical course was considered benign. Initial clinical signs were vomiting and anorexia, presumably due to inflammation, followed by mass development. It was speculated that, eventually, the kitten was vomiting because of mechanical pressure from the mass, and that this pressure subsided as the kitten grew. The mass was surgically resected and no relapse was evident during the next 4 years.

Symphyseal distraction-osteotomy using a novel spacer of spirally fashioned orthopaedic wire for the management of obstipation.

Three domestic shorthair cats, one male and two females, 17.6+/-6.5 months old and 3.5+/-0.4 kg body weight, were admitted with a 6.6+/-1.1 (range 6-8) month history of recurrent bouts of obstipation. Defecatory difficulties had started within a month of conservatively managed pelvic fractures. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed severe colonic distension with faeces and a narrow pelvic canal caused by malunion of the pelvic fractures. A pelvic symphyseal distraction-osteotomy (SDO) technique was performed, using a novel metal spacer of spirally fashioned orthopaedic wire. Pelvic canal enlargement allowed the insertion of an index finger into the rectum. Following this, no further episodes of obstipation occurred during a follow-up period of 1-3 years. The SDO technique may be successful for the treatment of obstipation secondary to post-traumatic pelvic canal stenosis in the cat, if the colon motility is not already permanently affected.

Serum and liver iron concentration in dogs with experimentally induced hepatopathy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Iron (Fe) status is altered in human and experimental animal hepatopathies. In dogs limited data are available. The aim of this study was to investigate serum iron (SI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), percentage transferrin saturation (SAT) and Fe status in the liver of dogs with experimentally induced hepatopathy. METHODS: Fourteen 1-year-old dogs were divided into two equal groups. In order for hepatopathy to be induced, 0.25 mL/kg body weight of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) solution was administered once daily, orally, for a 10-week period in group B dogs, while group A dogs were used as controls. SI, TIBC and SAT values were measured 3 times before the beginning (baseline value) and 10 times at weekly intervals during the experiment. Liver samples, obtained before the administration of CCl4 and at the end of the experimental period (10 weeks), were subjected to Fe determination, as well as to histopathological and histochemical analysis. RESULTS: At the end of the experiment SI, TIBC and liver iron concentration, as well as liver total iron score were significantly increased in group B dogs. Distribution of granular hemosiderin iron in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and portal triads was noticed. Positive correlations were found between SI and liver Fe concentration, as well as histochemically determined Fe. Moreover, positive correlations were evident between liver fibrosis and serum, as well as liver Fe values. CONCLUSIONS: Experimentally induced chronic hepatopathy in dogs causes Fe status disturbances. Increased serum and liver iron concentration produces liver histopathological deterioration and it may be worth attention during laboratory evaluation in canine hepatopathy.

A comparison of propofol, thiopental or ketamine as induction agents in goats.

OBJECTIVE: To compare propofol, thiopental and ketamine as induction agents before halothane anaesthesia in goats. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized cross-over study. Animals Seven healthy adult female goats with mean (+/-SD; range) body mass of 38.9 +/- 3.29 kg; 35-45 kg. METHODS: The seven animals were used on 21 occasions. Each received all three anaesthetics in a randomized cross-over design, with an interval of at least 2 weeks before re-use. Anaesthesia was induced with intravenous (IV) propofol (3 mg kg(-1)), thiopental (8 mg kg(-1), IV) or ketamine (10 mg kg(-1), IV). Following tracheal intubation, anaesthesia was maintained with halothane for 30 minutes. Indirect blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and arterial blood gases were monitored. The quality of induction and recovery, recovery times and incidence of side-effects were recorded. RESULTS: Induction of anaesthesia was smooth and uneventful, and tracheal intubation was easily performed in all but two goats receiving ketamine. Changes in cardiopulmonary variables and acid-base status were similar with all three induction agents and were within clinically acceptable limits. Mean recovery times (time to recovery of swallowing reflex and to standing) were significantly shorter, and side-effects, e.g. apnoea, regurgitation, hypersalivation and tympany, were less common in goats receiving propofol, compared with the other treatments. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Propofol 3 mg kg(-1) IV is superior to thiopental and ketamine as an induction agent before halothane anaesthesia in goats. It provides uneventful recovery which is more rapid than thiopental or ketamine, so reduces anaesthetic risk.

Serum vitamin A concentration in dogs with experimentally induced exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Serum concentration of Vitamin A was determined in dogs with experimentally induced exocrine pancreatic insufficiency following oral administration of vitamin A, or pancreatic enzyme and vitamin A. In dogs receiving vitamin A alone, serum vitamin A concentration was significantly lower than that of dogs supplemented with pancreatic enzyme and vitamin A. In dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, serum vitamin A concentration was lower than in healthy dogs. In healthy dogs, the normal range of serum vitamin A concentration is high in comparison with other species, and humans. It is concluded that in dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, additional supplementation of vitamin A may be needed.

Benign esophageal stricture in the dog and cat: a retrospective study of 20 cases.

Twenty animals with benign esophageal strictures are presented. Most of the esophageal strictures were thought to be related to gastroesophageal reflux during ovariohysterectomy and were located at the distal portion of the thoracic esophagus (caudal to the base of the heart). For the dilation procedure, the endoscope tip or a balloon catheter was used and the outcome was generally considered to be good. The endoscope tip was an adequate instrument for dilation in some cases.