Effects of cold compression, bandaging, and microcurrent electrical therapy after cranial cruciate ligament repair in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare 4 therapeutic techniques to reduce soft tissue swelling after cranial cruciate ligament repair in the dog. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: Twenty-four dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). METHODS: Dogs with naturally occurring CCLR, were surgically repaired by an extracapsular technique and randomly divided into 4 treatment groups (cold compression [CC], modified Robert Jones bandage [B], cold compression and bandage [CCB], and microcurrent electrical therapy and bandage [METB]) each with 6 dogs. Data were collected at 2 time points, the morning after surgery before the 1st treatment and 72 hours later after the last treatment. Limb girth was measured at 3 anatomic locations to assess soft tissue swelling and all affected limbs were evaluated for presence (or absence) of pitting edema and bruising. Analysis of covariance was used to determine effect of treatment on the percent change in circumference. Duncan's multiple-range test was used to determine differences in treatment groups circumferential percent change over 72 hours. Statistical significance was set at P<.05. RESULTS: Use of a Robert Jones bandage had the least effect on reducing postoperative soft tissue swelling with CC, METB, and CCB being equally effective in reducing swelling by 72 hours after surgery. CONCLUSION: Use of cold compresses alone or with a bandage, or using microcurrent electrical therapy in combination with a bandage decreases soft tissue swelling over 72 hours more than a bandaging alone after extracapsular repair of CCLR. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CC, METB, and CCB should be considered as viable options to limit soft tissue swelling after extracapsular repair of CCLR in dogs.

Measurement of serum carboxyterminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen concentration in dogs with osteosarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of carboxyterminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) concentrations for screening dogs for the presence of osteosarcoma. SAMPLE POPULATION: 32 client-owned dogs with osteosarcoma (27 dogs with osteosarcoma of the appendicular skeleton and 5 dogs with osteosarcoma of the axial skeleton) and 44 non-tumor-bearing control dogs. PROCEDURES: Serum was obtained from blood samples collected from dogs with osteosarcoma and from clinically normal dogs. The serum ICTP concentration was determined by use of a commercially available radioimmunoassay for ICTP. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD serum ICTP concentration in the tumor-bearing dogs was 7.32 +/- 2.88 ng/mL, and in clinically normal dogs, it was 6.77 +/- 2.31 ng/mL; values did not differ significantly. Mean serum ICTP concentration in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma, compared with that of clinically normal dogs, was not significantly different. Mean serum ICTP concentration in dogs with axial skeletal tumor location was 10.82 +/- 2.31 ng/mL, compared with a value of 6.73 +/- 2.28 ng/mL in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: On the basis of the results of this study, serum ICTP concentrations are not a clinically useful screening tool for the detection of appendicular osteosarcoma in dogs. Despite the observation that serum ICTP concentration was higher in dogs with axial osteosarcoma than in clinically normal dogs, serum ICTP concentration determination is not a suitable screening test for osteosarcoma.

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.

Isolation, characterization, and expression of stromelysin-1 in primary tumors of dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To isolate and characterize the cDNA sequence of canine stromelysin-1 (matrix metalloproteinase [MMPI-3), screen various naturally developing primary tumors of dogs, and assess the effect of stromelysin-1 on survival of dogs with cancer. SAMPLE POPULATION: 3 canine cell lines and biopsy specimens of primary tumors collected from 54 dogs. PROCEDURE: 3 canine cell lines and biopsy specimens of primary tumors collected from 54 dogs at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital were used in the study. Primer sets based on human stromelysin-1 and consensus sequences were designed for expression, screening, and isolation. Two additional primer sets were designed for screening. Samples were assayed at least in duplicate. Data were analyzed for differences in expression of stromelysin-1 on the basis of sex, age, metastasis, malignant versus nonmalignant tissue origin, and duration of patient survival. RESULTS: A 1,479-bp cDNA nucleotide sequence was amplified from established canine cell lines. The open reading frame encoded a protein consisting of 478 amino acids. This sequence was 70% to 88% homologous with stromelysin-1 of other species at the amino acid level. Fifty-four samples were screened for stromelysin-1. Of these, 34 (63%) had positive results and 20 (37%) had negative results for expression. Stromelysin-1 and metastasis were associated with a poor prognosis for survival. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Stromelysin-1 is a potential activator of other members of the MMP family. Additional studies are needed to investigate the relationship between stromelysin-1 production and aggressive biological behavior of tumors in dogs.

Pre- and postoperative radiographic and computed tomographic evaluation of dogs with medial patellar luxation.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify, using radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) techniques, the effects of surgical procedures most commonly combined to treat dogs with medial patellar luxation (MPL). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. METHODS: Six dogs with 8 MPL were studied. Radiographs and CT of the pelvic limbs were obtained before and immediately after soft-tissue reconstruction, trochlear wedge recession, and tibial crest transposition. Radiographic measurements included angle of inclination, Norberg angle, quadriceps angle (QA), anteversion angle, ratio of the length of the patellar tendon (PT) to the length of the patella, and change in patella tendon angle. CT measurements included angle of inclination, Norberg angle, QA, anteversion angle, depth of the femoral trochlear groove, ratio of the middle femoral trochlear groove depth to the patella thickness, and tibial crest alignment. RESULTS: Conformation of the coxofemoral joint was not affected by surgery. Surgical treatment corrected the QA by 33-58%. Trochlear wedge recession was most effective in deepening the proximal trochlea by 103.5%. The ratio of the middle femoral trochlear groove depth to the thickness of the patella postoperatively resulted in 50% coverage of the patella. Tibial crest transposition resulted in caudalization of the PT by 8.5+/-3.0 degrees, with lateralization of the tibial tuberosity of 11.3 degrees. CONCLUSION: The effects of surgery for MPL can be quantified with radiographic and CT measurements. Surgical correction restored the alignment of the quadriceps and adequately deepened the femoral trochlear groove. Tibial crest transposition resulted in caudalization of the patella tendon and lateralization of the tibial tuberosity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These pilot data quantified the effects of surgical procedures most commonly combined to treat MPL. We hope to use these measurements to correlate surgical treatment with functional outcome and postoperative occurrence of luxation.

Sending data to a central repository.

The Veterinary Medical DataBases (VMDB) has been collecting data from participating institutions for 40 years. We have recently started a program to collect clinical case data from not only veterinary schools but from veterinary practitioners as well. In so doing, we are using commonly accepted means of data representation and transmission. Thus, we use the Standard Nomenclature of Medicine (SNOMED) as a standard vocabulary language and Health Level 7 (HL 7) as a standard transmission protocol. We report on the planning and implementation of these standards and the problems encountered in their implementation.

Isolation, characterization, and expression of feline stromelysin-1 in naturally developing tumors in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To detect, isolate, and characterize feline stromelysin-1 (ie, matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-3) in naturally developing tumors in cats. SAMPLE POPULATION: 31 tissue samples obtained from primary tumors and 6 samples of normal tissues from cats. PROCEDURE: Biopsy specimens were obtained from primary tumors. Primers were designed on the basis of known sequences. The sequence of stromelysin-1 was cloned and analyzed. An additional primer set was used as a screening tool. Samples were assayed in duplicate or triplicate, when possible. Data obtained were analyzed for differences in expression of stromelysin-1 with regard to overall survival among cats of various sex, age, and disease status. RESULTS: A 1,181-bp cDNA nucleotide sequence was amplified. The open reading frame encoded 393 amino acids. This amino acid sequence shared 70% to 85% sequence homology with sequences of other species. In addition, samples were screened for stromelysin-1. Of the 31 tumor samples tested, 16 (51.6%) had positive results for expression of stromelysin-1. Total RNA expression was detected in a diverse group of tumor types. Prognostic factors associated with a shorter duration of survival included evidence of metastasis and metastasis associated with expression of stromelysin-1. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Feline stromelysin-1 contains all the conserved regions typically found in members of the MMP family. Activity of stromelysin-1 has been implicated in a wide number of physiologic and pathologic processes. Identification of this gene may lead to the development of useful reagents to assist with diagnosis and management of neoplastic diseases in cats.

Systolic blood pressure in cats with diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of systemic hypertension in cats with diabetes mellitus and establish ranges for echocardiographic variables in diabetic cats. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 14 cats with diabetes mellitus and 19 healthy control cats. PROCEDURE: Systolic blood pressure was measured indirectly with a noninvasive Doppler technique. Ophthalmic and echocardiographic examinations were performed, and urine protein concentration was measured. Cats were considered to have hypertension if they had systolic blood pressure > 180 mm Hg and at least 1 other clinical abnormality typically associated with hypertension (eg, hypertensive retinopathy, left ventricular hypertrophy, or proteinuria). RESULTS: None of the diabetic or control cats had systolic blood pressure > 180 mm Hg. One diabetic cat had left ventricular hypertrophy, but systolic blood pressure was 174 mm Hg. None of the cats had evidence of hypertensive retinopathy or proteinuria. Mean values for echocardiographic variables for the diabetic cats were not significantly different from published values for healthy cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that hypertension does not occur or occurs in only a small percentage of cats with diabetes mellitus.

Comparison of two heated gutta-percha obturation techniques of the mandibular first molar in the dog.

An in vitro study compared two heated gutta-percha obturation techniques of the mandibular first molar in the dog. Thirty hemimandibles were harvested from adult dog cadavers. The mandibular first molars were instrumented and obturated using either the ThermaFil Plus technique or the SuccessFil vertical compaction technique. Obturation times were recorded and three radiographic views were taken of all teeth for evaluation of the endodontic fill. Fifty-two of the mandibular first molar roots were evaluated in the apical dye leakage portion of the study. The ThermaFil Plus obturation technique required less time and provided a better radiographic endodontic fill, however there was significantly greater apical dye leakage in this technique compared with teeth that were obturated using the SuccessFil vertical compaction technique.