Evaluation of the Tibial Plateau-Patella Angle (TPPA) in Dogs.

Estimating a dog's patellar position involves various methods, which categorize it as norma, alta (high), or baja (low). However, they require various calculations. We aimed to evaluate the clinical applicability of a new method, the tibial plateau-patella angle (TPPA). This could aid in planning patella luxation surgery, estimating the patella position after TPLO and various osteotomies. We conducted a two-step study: first, on 15 stifles without pathologies from nine canine cadavers, and second, using 100 patient X-rays from the archive. Three stifle angle positions (45 ± 5°, 90 ± 5°, and 135 ± 5°) and three weight groups (S, M, and L) were evaluated in the first part of this study. Based on these results, the second part of this study was conducted using 100 pathology-free radiographs at the optimal stifle angle (90 ± 5°) from the archive. All radiographs were measured by three observers with varying levels of experience. Our results indicate that the stifle angle significantly impacted the TPPA, whereby lower values were detected with higher stifle angles, which remained consistent within the weight groups. High inter- and intra-observer agreement was achieved. The physiological TPPA values ranged from 26.7° to 48.8°, remaining consistent within the various weight groups. Observer 3 in Group S exhibited a 20% (insignificant) deviation, possibly due to challenges in determining the caudal point of the tibial plateau. In contrast with humans, TPPA values in dogs are negatively correlated with stifle angles, independent of weight. Our reliable and reproducible protocol suggests the potential benefits of training on small-breed dogs stifles.

Development of a clinical tool to aid endotracheal tube size selection in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To identify phenotypic parameters correlating with the inner tracheal diameter (ITD) and endotracheal tube size (ETS) in adult dogs and to develop a chart for ETS estimation. METHODS: Five-hundred and forty-four adult dogs; 100 dogs were enrolled prospectively and 444 dogs retrospectively. Different phenotypic parameters, the ITD on latero-lateral radiography and ETS were prospectively measured in dogs that underwent general anaesthesia. The parameter correlated best with the ITD was used to develop a graphic chart for ETS estimation. The accuracy of this chart was then retrospectively tested. RESULTS: In prospective cohort, the correlation between body size and body mass and ITD (r=0.85 and r=0.84) was good, and the highest correlation observed between ETS and body mass (rs=0.92, P<0.001). In the retrospective assessment, the mean difference between the predicted and used ETS was 0.0 (sd±0.84) for mesocephalic/dolicocephalic (MDC) dogs, showing high accuracy, but for brachycephalic dogs, it was 1.3 (sd±0.98). CONCLUSION: A graphic chart for ETS selection in dogs, using body mass, was designed in this study and was demonstrated to be accurate for ETS prediction in MDC dogs but not in brachycephalic dogs.

Left lateral liver lobe torsion in a cat with moderate pectus excavatum.

A 6-year-old neutered female domestic shorthair cat weighing 3.1 kg was referred to the clinic owing to a 2 day history of anorexia. On physical examination, a pectus excavatum (PE) was apparent, and a cranial abdominal mass was palpated. Serum biochemical analysis showed severely elevated liver enzymes. On radiography, the PE was graded as moderate, and a 5 × 3 cm soft tissue density mass was detected in the cranial abdomen. Using duplex ultrasonography, the mass was identified as an enlarged liver lobe with vascular thrombosis. The diagnosis of liver lobe torsion (LLT) was confirmed surgically, and the affected left lateral lobe was resected. On follow-up, performed 1 and 6 months postoperatively, no further abnormalities were found on clinical examination or serum biochemical analysis. At follow-up examination, the PE did not appear to cause any additional clinical signs, indicating that treatment of moderate PE in older animals is not obligatory. This is the first reported case of LLT with concurrent PE, and the second feline case of LLT treated surgically. Animals with anatomical malformation of the diaphragm caused by PE may be at higher risk of developing LLT. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention of LLT can produce a good clinical outcome without further repercussions.

Comparison of conventional and digital measurements of tibial plateau angle in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare values for tibial plateau angle (TPA) obtained in dogs by conventional and digital methods. DESIGN: Evaluation study. ANIMALS: 37 dogs with stifle joint abnormalities. PROCEDURES: In all dogs, radiographs of both stifle joints were obtained by conventional and digital means. On conventionally acquired radiographs, TPA was measured with a protractor and fine-point pencil in accordance with standard guidelines. A software program was used to measure TPA on digitally acquired radiographs. Two viewers with different levels of experience performed all measurements 3 times. RESULTS: For both viewers and both limbs, conventional TPA measurements were significantly correlated with digital measurements all 3 times. Conventional and digital measurements obtained by viewer 1 were significantly different from values obtained by viewer 2. However, inter-viewer and intertechnique differences in TPA measurements resulted in rotational differences of < 1 mm. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that TPA measurements obtained with the digital method were comparable to those obtained by use of the conventional method. Subjectively, the digital method was easier to perform and faster and produced better-quality images.

Reliability of ground reaction forces measured on a treadmill system in healthy dogs.

The reliability of repeated measurements of vertical ground reaction force (GRF) variables was determined using 10 clinically sound adult dogs walking on a treadmill three times daily on three different days. Peak vertical force, vertical impulse and duration of stance phase of each limb were determined and analysed for significant differences within and between days and between dogs. Contributions to the variance of GRF were determined using a random effect model including dogs, different days, trials and extremities. ANOVA did not show any significant differences in variables within and between days, but did reveal differences between dogs. Variance was mainly seen in different dogs, whereas different days and trials were less important factors. It was concluded that the ground reaction forces determined by a treadmill system are suitable and provide reproducible parameters in canine gait analysis. Such treadmill/force plate systems allow the simultaneous measurement of all four legs of dogs at a constant velocity walk.

The long-term neurocompatibility of human fibrin sealant and equine collagen as biomatrices in experimental spinal cord injury.

INTRODUCTION: While fibrin sealant (FS) and equine collagen (EC) have been used as scaffold materials in experimental spinal cord injury (SCI), questions concerning neurocompatibility still remain. In this study, we assessed potential adverse effects, as well as functional and histological impact of FS and EC in subtotal hemisection of the thoracic spinal cord (SC) in rats. METHODS: 124 male rats were randomly assigned to four main groups (n=31): Sham (SH), Lesion only (L), fibrin sealant (GFS) and equine collagen group (GEC). SH animals received laminectomy only; all other animals underwent subtotal lateral hemisection at T9. Treatment consisted of application of FS or EC into the lesion gap in GFS and GEC, which was left empty in L. GFS, GEC, L and SH were each further divided into 4 subgroups: One subgroup, consisting of 10 rats was subjected to behavioural and reflex testing before surgery and followed up on days 1,7, 14, 21, 28 post op and then sacrificed. Haemalaun or cresyl violet (CV) was used to identify neutrophils in parasagittal cord sections which were obtained on day 1 (n=7). Sections stained for quantification of microglia/macrophages using ED-1 on day 3 (n=7), day 7 (n=7) and day 28 (n=7 out of 10). Additionally, neural filament (NF) staining was chosen to detect axonal regeneration and the length of ingrowth into FS and EC, Luxol blue for myelination, Von Willebrand factor for vascularisation, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) staining for detection of astrocytes in glial scars on day 28. RESULTS: No adverse effects were observed in the treatment groups. Compared to L, GFS and GEC performed significantly better in the Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) score and hopping responses. Proprioceptive placing was markedly improved in FS and EC compared to L. Axonal regrowth was found in GFS and GEC--the regrowth in the GFS was accompanied by myelination and vascularisation. Glial scarring occurred in all groups. Discussion Both biomatrices improved functional recovery compared to L and no adverse effects were perceived.

Prevalence and radiologic and histologic appearance of vesicourachal diverticula in dogs without clinical signs of urinary tract disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence and radiologic and histologic appearance of vesicourachal diverticula in dogs without clinical signs of urinary tract disease. DESIGN: Original study. ANIMALS: 50 dogs between 4 months and 17 years old representing 22 breeds that had been euthanatized for unrelated reasons; none of the dogs had a history or clinical signs of urinary tract disease. PROCEDURE: Retrograde positive-contrast radiography was performed, and radiographs were examined for macroscopic diverticula. Necropsy specimens from the urinary bladder vertex were examined by means of light microscopy for diverticula and signs of inflammation. RESULTS: 17 of the 50 (34%) dogs had vesicourachal diverticula, and 1 additional dog had a urachal cyst. Fifteen of the 17 diverticula were macroscopic; surface area of the diverticulum could be measured radiographically in 13 of these dogs and ranged from 1 to 90 mm2. The remaining 2 diverticula were microscopic. Sixteen diverticula were intramural and 1 was extramural. Light microscopic signs of bladder wall inflammation could be detected in 5 dogs, 4 of which had macroscopic diverticula. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that a high percentage of dogs without clinical signs of urinary tract disease may have vesicourachal [corrected] diverticula. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical relevance of vesicourethral diverticula in dogs.