Evaluation of surface type and time of day on agility course performance.

Introduction: Canine agility competitions are performed on a variety of surfaces. In the equine and human literature, surface type has been associated with speed, performance, and injury risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of general surface type and time of day on calculated speed (yards per second over a measured course distance) and course performance during the UKI Agility International (UKI) U.S. Open. We hypothesized that surface type would affect calculated speed, with sand being the slowest. Materials and methods: Data on course performance from the 2021 and 2022 events were obtained directly from UKI. The officiating judge measured course length, automatic timers recorded dogs' course times, and speeds were calculated from these values. Three surfaces (dirt, grass, and sand) were compared across three categories of courses (jumpers, standard, and speedstakes). Differences in calculated speeds and qualifying rates were estimated using generalized estimating equations (GEE) to account for multiple runs by the same handler. Results: Among jumpers courses, those run on sand in 2021 were markedly slower than those run on dirt. Grass and dirt were more similar in terms of average calculated speed, though some courses run on grass were significantly faster than courses run on dirt and vice versa. Time of day effects observed were inconsistent, with more variability observed for dirt and sand than for grass. Discussion: There was a notable variation in calculate speed based on surface with sand being slowest, likely due to the increased energy cost required to run on sand due to its high compliance. Calculated speeds on grass and dirt appeared generally similar, but there was substantial variability of calculated speed among various courses, making comparison of surface effects challenging. Variables within the surface itself (such as compaction level and moisture content) likely play a role in the effects of surface on speed and performance. This study provides insight into the complexity of surface effects on performance in agility dogs and highlights the need for canine-specific surface studies on the effect of surface variables and how these relate to risk of development of musculoskeletal injuries.

Proximal lateral insertion portal of an intra-articular arthroscopic stifle lever: A cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE: To (1) Describe the proximal lateral insertion portal for the placement of an intra-articular distraction lever. (2) Assess for associated damage with the insertion of the lever and (3) evaluate the impact of duration of lever use on articular cartilage damage. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo canine cadaveric experimental study. ANIMALS: Paired canine stifles from seven cadavers (14 stifles from dogs weighing >20 kg). METHODS: A separate 0.5 cm proximal lateral portal was established adjacent to the lateral scope portal. A standard Ventura stifle thrust lever (VSTL) was inserted without removing the arthroscope. In Group A, the VSTL was placed in distraction for 5 min while in Group B the VSTL was placed for 10 min. The stifle joints were disarticulated and evaluated for associated damage to the long digital extensor tendon and iatrogenic articular cartilage injury (IACI) via India ink assay. RESULTS: No damage to the long digital extensor tendon was noted in any of the specimens during dissection. Superficial IACI was present in all specimens. There were no differences between groups when assessing for overall IACI. CONCLUSION: A proximal lateral portal and insertion of a standard VSTL can be performed without removing the arthroscope. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of a proximal lateral lever portal without repositioning the arthroscope was repeatable without damaging the long digital extensor tendon. A duration of up to 10 min in which the thrust lever was engaged did not result in increased visual cartilage damage.

Evaluation of variability in performance and paw placement patterns by dogs completing the dog walk obstacle in an agility competition.

The objective of this study was to describe paw placement patterns for canine athletes completing the dog walk obstacle during canine agility trials. It was hypothesized that dogs would demonstrate defined sets of paw placement patterns as they complete the dog walk obstacle and that those could be classified based on end contact behavior. Videos of 296 dogs attempting the dog walk obstacle at the 2021 UK Agility International (UKI) US Open were reviewed online. Data observed from video evaluation included front and rear limb paw placement across the dog walk and time to complete the obstacle. Results showed a high variability in obstacle performance. Mean time to complete the entire obstacle was 2.26 seconds (sd = 1.03). Mean and median completion times were qualitatively similar across all height classes. A slight majority of dogs hit the up ramp with their right foot first indicating running on their left lead (n = 185, 63%) with some variation observed between heights. Likewise, a slight majority (58%) of dogs hit the down ramp with their right front foot first (151/262). Given the high variation in completion times and paw placements, we could not identify clear patterns of dog walk performance. The large amount of variation observed with the dog walk obstacle suggests a need for future studies to employ alternative methods for objective gait analysis and to strategically select dogs to reflect the large variety in obstacle performance observed here.

Risk factors for the development of stifle injuries in canine agility athletes.

Objectives: Our aim was to determine risk factors for developing stifle injuries in canine agility athletes. We hypothesized that increased weight, increased frequency of competing, and greater number of runs/day would increase risk. Study design: Internet based survey, n = 4,197. Methods: Individuals with at least one dog who had competed in agility in the past 3 years were eligible. Injury history was defined as an injury to the stifle that kept the dog from participating in agility for >1 week. Logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between variables of interest and injury history. Results: Handlers of 216 dogs reported a history of injury. The majority were cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury (101/216), and patella luxation (40/216). In the final model, five variables were independently associated with odds of stifle injury (in addition to age). Heavier dogs (adjusted for height), Border Collies, male dogs neutered <10 months, female dogs spayed before their first heat cycle, handlers aged 18-24, and teeter contact behavior were associated with increased risk. Conclusion: Heavier dogs were more likely to report injury, but there was no association with injury and increased number of competition days, or runs/day. The Border Collie breed was at the highest risk of injury. There was substantial risk for stifle injury with early spay/neuter. Additionally, a significant increase in risk of injury was reported for younger (18-24) vs. older handlers (65+). Athlete fitness level, conformation, and genetic predisposition to injury may play the most significant role in the development of injury.

Commercially available wearable health monitor in dogs is unreliable for tracking energy intake and expenditure.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the accuracy of predicted daily energy requirement (pDER) reported by a triaxial accelerometer and activity monitor for dogs (FitBark 2; FitBark Inc) and determine whether the activity monitor accurately estimates the observed daily energy requirement (oDER). We hypothesized that the activity monitor would accurately estimate oDER in dogs and meet standards established for human devices. ANIMALS: 23 dogs between the ages of 1 and 10 years and variable sex, breed, and body weight were enrolled from May 5, 2021, through July 23, 2021. METHODS: Dogs were weighed before and after the study period to ensure stable body weights. Owners recorded their dogs' daily caloric intake for the entire 28-day study period while the device monitored physical activity and calculated pDER. oDER was defined as the reported caloric intake required to maintain a stable body weight over a 28-day period. pDER and oDER were compared using Bland-Altman graphs, Passing-Bablock analysis, and Lin's Concordance correlation analysis. P ≤ .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: 23 apparently healthy dogs completed the study. There was no significant difference between starting body weights and ending body weights (P= .5). The activity monitor overpredicted 28-day pDER compared to 28-day oDER in the majority (18/23, 78.3%) of dogs. Based on Bland-Altman analysis, Passing-Bablok regression, and Lin's concordance correlation analysis, there was poor agreement between the pDER and oDER. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The activity monitors consistently reported inaccurate pDER compared to oDER. Its usability for estimating pDER is of limited clinical and research utility based on the results of this study.

Corrigendum: Effects of jump height on forelimb landing forces in border collies.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1006990.].

Characteristics, surgical treatment, and outcomes of injuries involving the tarsus in greyhounds.

Objective: The first objective of this study was to describe the type of tarsal injuries sustained, surgery performed, and postoperative complications in greyhounds presenting to a single veterinary hospital. An additional objective of the study was to determine the surgical site infection (SSI) and explantation rate, and if any variables were associated with an increased risk of SSI and/or explantation. Animals: 116 greyhounds receiving surgical intervention for a tarsal injury. Proceures: Medical records from a single veterinary referral hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Data retrieved included signalment, details regarding the injury, surgical intervention, concurrent castration, surgical/anesthesia times, postoperative management, time to healing, and postoperative complications. In cases that underwent explantation, cause, time from initial surgery, and risk factors were evaluated. Results: The most frequently diagnosed tarsal injuries were fracture of the central tarsal bone (CTB; 57.8%), calcaneal fracture (56.9%) and proximal intertarsal subluxation (34.5%). The most common injury combination was a CTB fracture with a calcaneal fracture (31.9%). In total 115 (99.1%) survived to discharge. Of these, 46 (40.0%) were diagnosed with an SSI and 59 (51.3%) underwent explantation. The most common indication for explantation was SSI. Concurrent medial and lateral surgical approaches was found to be associated with an increased likelihood of SSI and explantation. Clinical relevance: Practitioners performing surgical intervention for tarsal injuries in greyhounds should be aware of the high SSI rate and likelihood that explantation will be required. This risk is elevated for injuries requiring a bilateral surgical approach.

Long-term outcome of dogs treated by surgical debridement of proximal humeral osteochondrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term clinical outcomes of dogs surgically treated for proximal humeral osteochondrosis (OC). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Twenty dogs (n = 26 shoulders). METHODS: Dogs treated with surgical debridement of proximal humeral OC lesions >12 months prior were enrolled. Orthopedic examination (including limb circumference and shoulder goniometry), kinetic gait analysis, shoulder radiographs, shoulder computed tomography (CT), and shoulder arthroscopy were performed. All owners completed a dog mobility questionnaire. RESULTS: Brachial circumference (P = .003) and maximum shoulder extension (P = .013) were decreased and maximum shoulder flexion (P = .008) was increased (ie less flexion) in the OC limb versus the contralateral limb in unilaterally affected dogs. There were no differences in peak vertical force and vertical impulse between affected and unaffected limbs. Dogs demonstrated a 4.4% decrease in load distributed to the operated limb. Osteoarthritis was present in all shoulders treated for OC lesions. The degree of osteoarthritis in OC-affected shoulders was increased compared to the contralateral limb as evaluated on CT (P = .005) and radiography (P = .0001) in unilaterally affected cases. Moderate-to-severe synovitis was seen in all OC-affected joints. Arthroscopically, all lesions were noted to have patchy, incomplete cartilaginous infilling. Median of aggregate Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) scores was 6. CONCLUSION: All dogs exhibited ipsilateral muscle atrophy and progressive osteoarthritis, with most dogs exhibiting subtle lameness on the subjective gait examination. Despite this, owner-perceived mobility was satisfactory. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Progression of joint disease over time should be expected; however, the abnormalities detected on examination appear to be of questionable clinical relevance.

Biomechanical evaluation of a 4.75-mm and a 5.5-mm bone anchor at two insertion angles using one and two strands of suture.

OBJECTIVE: To compare biomechanical strength of 4.75- and 5.5-mm suture anchors when pulled at 45° or 90° angles using 1 versus 2 strands of suture. SAMPLE: 48 synthetic bone block samples. PROCEDURES: Anchors were inserted into synthetic bone blocks and tested for pullout in 4 configurations (1 suture strand vs 2 strands and 45° vs 90° insertion angle) for a total of 8 groups with 6 samples each. A 3-way ANOVA was used to compare effect of anchor size, strand amount, and angle of pull. RESULTS: All constructs failed via anchor pullout. Anchor configurations with 2 strands of suture and 4.75-mm anchor (mean, 286 ± 24 N) or 5.5-mm anchor (mean, 300 ± 15 N) had greater pullout strength than configurations with only 1 strand of suture and 4.75-mm anchor (mean, 202 ± 12 N) or 5.5-mm anchor (mean, 286 ± 13.6 N). The 5.5-mm anchors had a higher maximum load to failure under axial pull at 45° (mean, 300 ± 15 N) and 90° (mean, 295 ± 24 N), compared with 4.75-mm anchors at 45° (mean, 202 ± 12 N) and 90° (mean, 208 ± 15 N). There was a higher maximum load to failure for the double-stranded constructs, regardless of anchor size, at both angles of insertion. Anchors inserted at 45° had a higher maximum load to failure than those inserted at 90°. Constructs with 2 strands of suture had a greater pullout strength regardless of the direction of pull. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The strength of the anchor construct is likely increased with the use of double-loaded anchors inserted at 45°. Clinicians should consider using 2 strands in clinical cases.

Internet Survey Evaluation of Iliopsoas Injury in Dogs Participating in Agility Competitions.

Objective: To describe risk factors associated with demographics, training, and competition for iliopsoas injury in dogs participating in agility competitions, as well as describe owner reported treatment and return to sport following injury. Procedures: An internet-based survey of agility handlers collected risk factor data for dogs participating in agility. Owners were asked questions about demographics, training, and competition as well as injury treatment and recovery if applicable. Associations between variables of interest and iliopsoas injury were estimated with logistic regression. The final risk factor model was built via modified backward selection, with all variables in the final model showing significant associations at p < 0.05. Results: Of the 4,197 dogs in the sample, 327 (7.8%) reported iliopsoas injury. The final model identified six risk factors for iliopsoas injury. A higher risk of iliopsoas injury was observed for the Border Collie breed, dogs with handlers who are veterinary assistants, dogs competing on dirt, dogs competing on artificial turf 6+ times a year, and dogs that trained with the 2 × 2 method for weave poles. Dogs that were not acquired with agility in mind were observed to have a decreased risk of injury. Factors like number of competition days and jump height were not significantly associated with risk of iliopsoas injury. Owners sought veterinary care for 88% of dogs with iliopsoas injury, including specialty care for 63%. Treatment most often included rest, home rehabilitation, formal rehabilitation, and/or oral medications. Most dogs (80%) were able to return to sport within 6 months, while 20% were out for longer than 6 months, or retired. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Iliopsoas injury can necessitate a significant amount of time off from training and competition, and even lead to retirement of dogs competing in agility. Some of the risk factors identified in this study can inherently not be modified (breed, intended use, and handler profession), but can be taken into consideration for injury prevention strategies. Competition and training risk factors that can be modified, such as weave training, may help to inform guidelines for best practices in management of the agility athlete.

Conservative nonsurgical treatment for cranial cruciate ligament disease can be an effective management strategy in cats based on validated owner-based subjective assessment in some cases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe long-term outcomes of cats managed medically for cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) via a validated owner-based questionnaire. ANIMALS: 18 client-owned cats. PROCEDURES: Retrospective review of medical records at 2 tertiary referral hospitals was conducted for records of cats diagnosed with CCLD for which medical management was pursued. History, physical examination findings, and medical management strategies were recorded. Owner follow-up was obtained via phone call or an email correspondence interview using a 2-part questionnaire. Part 1 consisted of 5 multiple-choice questions evaluating short-term outcomes following initiation of medical management. Part 2 assessed long-term outcomes via the validated Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index-short form metrology instrument. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 66.5 ± 46.7 months (range, 7 to 154 months). Medical management included oral analgesics, activity restriction, and joint supplements. Of the 18 cats, 13 (72%) were always able to bear weight or became weight bearing within a week following initiation of medical management, and 15 (83%) were reportedly clinically normal within 3 months of initiating medical management, with complete resolution of lameness occurring in less than 2 months in 12 of those cats. Long term, 17 of the 18 (94%) owners reported they felt that their cat had a good to excellent outcome with medical management. The mean Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index-short form score of all cats was 0.29 ± 0.53 (range, 0 to 2.13). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on owner follow-up, conservative, nonsurgical management of CCLD can be an effective and appropriate management strategy for some cats; however, some may be best treated with surgical stabilization.

Objective Gait Analysis: Review and Clinical Applications.

Objective kinetic and kinematic data can be used as an objective measure of treatment intervention over time but can also be used to evaluate progress of clinical patients. Force plate and pressure sensitive walkway systems both offer the clinician the ability to obtain useful kinetic data, whereas additional equipment is required to obtain kinematic data. Which system is preferred depends on what specific data the researcher or clinician hopes to acquire; both are accurate and consistent, and each offers pros and cons compared with the other that must be considered.

Internet Survey Evaluation of Demographic Risk Factors for Injury in Canine Agility Athletes.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare previously identified demographic risk factors for injury in agility dogs, and explore other potential associations with demographic risk factors in new populations, and across different levels of injury severity. Procedures: An internet-based survey of agility handlers was conducted. The primary outcome was if the dog had ever had an injury that kept from agility for over a week. Demographic information about the dog and handler were recorded. Logistic regression was used to quantify associations between variables of interest with injury history and all models were adjusted for age. Analyses were stratified by geographic location. Final model building was done via backward selection. Results: The sample included 2,962 dogs from North America and 1,235 dogs from elsewhere. In the North American sample, 8 variables were associated with injury history; dog breed, height and weight, handler age, gender, agility experience, competing at the national level, age dog was acquired, and taking radiographs to assess growth plate closure. In the non-North American sample, 4 variables were associated with injury history; breed, handler age, occupation (dog trainer or not), and handler medical training. In both samples, Border Collies showed a marked increase in injury risk (ORs 1.89 and 2.34) and handler age >65 was associated with lower risk (ORs 0.62 and 0.77). Consistent with previous studies, greater handler experience was associated with reduced risk in the North American sample, but the other sample did not show this pattern, even in unadjusted models. Dog spay/neuter status was not associated with injury risk in either sample. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Dogs with radiographs assessing growth plate closure may have increased injury risk as this population of owners may plan to train their dog harder, and at an earlier age. This finding also poses the question of whether or not growth plate closure is a good indicator of safety for increasing training intensity. Knowledge of what risk factors exist for injury in agility dogs is imperative in determining direction for future prospective studies, as well as creating recommendations to help prevent injury in this population of dogs.

Effects of jump height on forelimb landing forces in border collies.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of jump height on the landing forces of dogs. Animals: Client-owned Border Collies experienced in agility competition, n = 9. Procedures: The study involved client owned border collies with the same AKC standard jump height of 20 inches and preferred height of 16 inches. Standard height is based upon the height of the dog at the withers, with preferred height referred to as reduction in jump height by one level due to injury or age. An AKC regulation bar jump was placed over a previously validated pressure sensitive walkway (PSW). The peak force (%BW) and peak contact pressure (kPa) of the leading and trailing forelimbs were evaluated for all dogs. Results: There was no significant difference in landing force between the two jump heights for either peak force as a percentage of body weight or peak contact pressure when evaluated in both leading and trailing forelimbs. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Our findings demonstrated no significant difference in active landing forces of peak contact pressure and peak force on the forelimbs of dogs when jumping at a standard jump height vs. a preferred jump height when controlling for velocity in dogs performing a single running bar jump. These results suggest that the recommendation of decreasing jump height for older animals or injured animals may not provide a significant decrease in the impact on the forelimbs. It is likely that other factors contribute to the total forelimb kinematics picture during competition. Veterinarians and trainers should consider additional ways to decrease impact for canine athletes as they recover from injury.

Evaluation of Variability in Gait Styles Used by Dogs Completing Weave Poles in Agility Competition and Its Effect on Completion of the Obstacle.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and define paw placement patterns for canines completing the weave pole obstacle during canine agility trials. The secondary objectives were to determine the most efficient running style and completion percentages and provide a basis for future studies to evaluate the long-term implications of variants in weave style and predisposition to injury. We hypothesized that dogs would display definitive gait patterns and that a single stepping pattern would yield faster run times compared to double stepping patterns. Animals: A total of 1,377 video recordings of dogs completing weaves poles at the American Kennel Club 2019 National Agility Championship were viewed. Procedures: Competition videos were reviewed as dogs attempted completion of the weave pole obstacle. Data collected included front limb and rear limb paw placement styles, time to complete the obstacle, and demographic data. Results: Attempts could be classified into one of five styles based on front and rear paw placement, with no one style dominant. Weave style differed by height and breed, with taller dogs and Border Collies preferring a single stepping style. Weave times were significantly faster for competitors using a single stepping style vs. other gaits. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: This study found five identifiable gait styles used by dogs running weave pole obstacles, with front feet single stepping yielding significantly faster run times compared to other gaits. A clear classification of running styles will allow future studies to evaluate different stresses on joints, such as the shoulder, between varying gait styles, which could lead to recommendations for injury prevention.

Use of a protective cover affects ground reaction force measurements obtained from dogs walking on a validated pressure-sensitive walkway.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether use of a protective cover would affect temporospatial gait or ground reaction force (GRF) measurements obtained from dogs walking on a validated pressure-sensitive walkway (PSW). ANIMALS: 5 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES: In a crossover study design, all dogs were walked across a calibrated PSW with and without a protective cover in place in random order. Temporospatial gait data and GRFs obtained with and without the cover in place were compared. RESULTS: No significant differences were identified in temporospatial gait measurements obtained with versus without the cover in place. The bias was low for all variables, and the 95% limits of agreement included 0. In contrast, significant differences were found between measurements obtained with versus without the cover in place for most GRFs, with measurements obtained with the cover in place significantly lower than those obtained without a cover. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that for dogs walking over a PSW, GRFs, but not temporospatial gait variables, would be significantly lower if a protective cover was placed over the walkway, compared with values obtained without a cover in place.

Internet-based survey of the frequency and types of orthopedic conditions and injuries experienced by dogs competing in agility.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency and types of injuries experienced by dogs competing and training in agility and identify breed and geographic differences in frequency and types of injuries. SAMPLE: Surveys completed by owners of 4,701 dogs. PROCEDURES: The study involved an internet-based survey. Participants were asked whether their dog had ever had an injury that kept it from participating in agility for > 1 week and, if so, to identify the location and type of injury. RESULTS: Owners of 1,958 (41.7%) dogs reported that their dogs had experienced an injury. The most common injury locations were the shoulder region (n = 589 [30.1% of all dogs with an injury]) and iliopsoas muscle (380 [19.4%]). The percentage of Border Collies sustaining an injury (549/1,052 [51.9%]) was significantly higher than percentages of other breeds. Percentage of dogs that sustained an injury varied by country, with the highest percentage reported in Australia (93/174 [53.4%]) and lowest percentage reported in the US (1,149/2,889 [39.8%]). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that, among dogs competing and training in agility, injuries to the shoulder region were substantially more common than injuries in other anatomic locations, with iliopsoas muscle injuries second most common. The frequency and types of injuries varied among breeds and geographic regions. Findings may help guide clinical evaluations when agility dogs are seen in clinical practice for performance issues or lameness. Further studies regarding regional differences in injury rates are required.

Effects of perioperative saphenous and sciatic nerve blocks, lumbosacral epidural or morphine-lidocaine-ketamine infusion on postoperative pain and sedation in dogs undergoing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the quality of postoperative analgesia and sedation after preoperative saphenous and sciatic nerve blockade, preoperative lumbosacral epidural injection and perioperative intravenous (IV) morphine, lidocaine and ketamine infusions in dogs undergoing stifle arthroscopy and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) under general anesthesia. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, blinded, randomized, clinical comparison study. ANIMALS: A total of 45 dogs weighing 33.9 (15.9-56.7) kg and aged 5.2 (1.0-12.0) years, mean (range), undergoing elective unilateral TPLO for spontaneous cranial cruciate ligament rupture. METHODS: Client-owned dogs were enrolled. Dogs were randomly assigned to one of three groups: group MLK, perioperative IV morphine, lidocaine and ketamine infusion; group EPID, lumbosacral epidural with ropivacaine and morphine; or group SSNB, saphenous and sciatic nerve blockade with ropivacaine. Routine stifle arthroscopy followed by TPLO surgery was performed. Sedation and pain scores were assessed at 0, 2, 4, 8 and 24 hours following extubation. Rescue analgesia was administered as prescribed by Glasgow composite pain score-short form score >5. RESULTS: Sedation scores for MLK were higher than EPID and SSNB. Pain scores for SSNB were lower than those for EPID and MLK. No significant differences were found in anesthesia duration or surgery duration among groups. No dogs required rescue analgesia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although analgesia was adequate in all groups, the best combination of analgesia without increased sedation was recorded for SSNB.

Penile urethral resection and anastomosis augmentation with regional tissue tension relieving technique: A cadaveric mechanical study and clinical outcome in two dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe penile urethral augmentation anastomosis (PURAA) for resection anastomosis (RA) of the canine penile urethra by using autogenous tissue in two dogs and to determine the mechanical properties of the augmentation technique in cadaveric specimens. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric study and two case reports. ANIMALS: Sixteen canine cadavers and two dogs with urethral obstruction. METHODS: The lower urogenital system was harvested from cadavers and randomized into two groups: simple (S) and augmented (AUG) RA of the urethra. Tensile strength and peak load were compared between the two groups. Two dogs were treated with PURAA for urethral obstruction secondary to juxtaurethral neoplasms. RESULTS: Minimal tensile strength (MITS) and maximal tensile strength (MATS) were greater in the AUG group (MITS, 54.36 ± 24.0 N; MATS, 75.37 ± 34.79 N) compared with the S group (MITS, 11.78 ± 4.93 N, P = .0014; MATS, 13.74 ± 3.89 N, P = .0015). Both dogs recovered without complications. Histopathological examinations were consistent with a lipomatous mass in both cases. Both dogs had good medium-to-long-term outcomes. CONCLUSION: The augmentation technique improved the tensile properties of penile RA in normal cadavers and was associated with successful outcomes in two dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Penile urethral augmentation anastomosis may help prevent stricture or leakage secondary to tension at the surgical site after penile urethral RA.

Conservative management of sacroiliac luxation in 17 dogs: Radiographic changes and long-term owner follow-up.

The long-term outcome of dogs with sacroiliac (SI) luxation treated conservatively was evaluated in this study. The cranial displacement of the ilial wing relative to sacral length was measured. Long-term follow-up was conducted via owner telephone interview. Short-term radiographic changes were analyzed. Seventeen dogs with a mean radiographic follow-up time of 8 weeks ± 1.9 weeks and mean survey follow-up time of 63 months ± 51 months were included. Mean ilial cranial displacement at the time of injury was 42.1% ± 21.4% (range: 9% to 86%). At recheck examination, 7/9 had no worsening of displacement. Thirteen of 17 dogs were bearing weight within 2 weeks. Fourteen dogs (82%) had complete resolution of lameness within 3 months. Fifteen owners (88%) reported an excellent recovery, indicating no current lameness. No dogs were reported to have a poor outcome. Dogs with SI luxation can have excellent long-term outcomes when managed conservatively.

Gestion conservatrice de luxation sacro-iliaque chez 17 chiens : changements radiographiques et suivi à long terme auprès des propriétaires. Le devenir à long terme de chiens avec une luxation sacro-iliaque (SI) traités de manière conservatrice fut évalué dans cette étude. Le déplacement crânial de l'aile iliaque relativement à la longueur sacrale fut mesuré. Le suivi à long terme fut mené auprès des propriétaires via une entrevue téléphonique. Les changements radiographiques à court terme furent analysés. Dix-sept chiens avec un temps moyen de suivi radiographique de 8 semaines ± 1,9 semaine et un temps moyen de suivi de 63 mois ± 51 mois furent inclus. Le déplacement crânial moyen de l'aile iliaque au moment de la blessure était de 42,1 % ± 21,4 % (écart : 9 % à 86 %). Au moment de la réévaluation, le déplacement n'avait pas empiré chez 7/9 chiens. Treize des 17 chiens mettaient du poids sur la jambe affectée en dedans d'une période de 2 semaines. Une résolution complète de la boiterie fut notée chez quatorze chiens (82 %) à l'intérieur d'une période de 3 mois. Quinze propriétaires (88 %) ont rapporté une excellente guérison, en indiquant qu'aucune boiterie n'était observée au moment de l'entrevue. Aucun des chiens ne présenta un résultat médiocre. Un excellent résultat peut être obtenu chez les chiens avec une luxation SI lorsqu'ils sont gérés de manière conservatrice.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).