Retrospective analysis of perineal herniorrhaphy with cone-shaped polypropylene mesh in dogs: technique description and outcome.

Introduction: This study aimed to describe the technique for the surgical repair of perineal hernia (PH) in dogs using a polypropylene mesh (PM) and to evaluate its outcomes. Methods: All dogs were placed in the Trendelenburg position. Castration and caudal celiotomy for cystopexy and colopexy were performed as needed. Ipsilateral perianal incision was performed in the affected hernia side. A PM was formed a cone-shape with suturing and placed in hernial foramen. The PH was repaired with suturing between PH and pelvic diaphragm including the sacrotuberous ligament, internal obturator muscle, and external anal sphincter muscle. The medical records of all dogs were reviewed to evaluate signalment, perioperative findings, postoperative complications, and prognosis. Results: Of the 22 dogs, 15 were intact, and 7 were previously neutered. The median age and body weight were 10 years and 6.8 kg, respectively. The PH reconstruction using a cone-shaped PM was feasible in all dogs. The median operative time was 60.5 min for unilateral PH and 109 min for bilateral PH. Major postoperative complications occurred in seven dogs (32%), and three dogs (14%) had a recurrence of PH. In the long-term (> 2 weeks) follow-up period, 16 dogs (73%) had an excellent prognosis. Discussion: Our study suggests that PH reconstruction surgery using a cone-shaped PM may be a viable treatment method for PH in dogs. Therefore, a cone-shaped PM could serve as an alternative treatment option for canine PH reconstruction.

Perineal herniorrhaphy with pedunculated tunica vaginalis communis in dogs: Description of the technique and clinical case series.

Background: Perineal hernia (PH) in dogs is caused by the separation of the anal septal muscles and the displacement of pelvic/abdominal organs under the perineal skin. Reconstruction of the pelvic septum by surgical repositioning is the only curative treatment. Objectives: To describe the procedure and outcomes of surgical repair using the pedunculated tunica vaginalis communis (TVC) for PH in dogs. Methods: Intact male dogs diagnosed with PH were included in this study. For surgery, each dog was positioned in the Trendelenburg position. Castration was performed with the open technique, followed by colopexy and cystopexy via laparotomy. The remaining bilateral TVCs transposed to the opening of PH were used for the perineal herniorrhaphy. Intraoperative findings, complications, and outcomes were evaluated and recorded. Results: Eight dogs [median age 10.5 years (range, 9-13 years); median body weight 4.9 kg (range, 1.6-12.3 kg)] were treated using the TVC surgical technique. Perineal herniorrhaphy with the TVC was feasible in all dogs. The median operation time was 105.5 min (range, 46-149 min) in unilateral PH, and 92 and 122 min in two dogs with bilateral PH. Short-term postoperative complications during hospitalization did not occur in six dogs, whereas the residual two dogs had a temporary local infection as a minor complication. Postoperative recurrence occurred in one dog (13%) on postoperative day 136. Conclusions: Our study suggests that the herniorrhaphy technique using the pedunculated TVC is an alternative option for the repair of PH in dogs.

Comparison of outcomes between medical and surgical treatment in dogs with prostatic adenocarcinoma: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Prostatic cancer is uncommon in dogs. Dogs with prostatic carcinoma have been reported to have a poor prognosis. Information regarding prognosis with various surgery options as well as prognosis with surgical vs. medical treatment is lacking. This retrospective study compares the outcomes of medical management to surgical treatment in dogs with prostatic adenocarcinoma and assesses the surgical outcomes of patients who underwent total prostatectomy (TP) and prostatocystectomy (TPC). The medical records of 41 dogs with prostatic adenocarcinoma, between February 2008 and June 2019, were reviewed for information on signalment, clinical signs in the initial evaluation, preoperative diagnostic imaging findings, treatment type (non-surgical or surgical), surgery type, postoperative complications, adjunctive medical therapy, and survival time. The dogs were divided into non-surgical (n = 12) or surgical (n = 29) groups. The surgical group was subdivided into the TP (n = 20) and TPC (n = 9) subgroups. RESULTS: Age was not significantly different between the surgical (median 13.1 years [8.4-15.4] years) and the non-surgical groups (median 10.8 [7.7-15.3] years). Body weight (BW) was also not significantly different between the surgical (median 6.8 kg [2.4-34.5 kg]) and non-surgical groups (median 6.4 kg [3.7-9.12 kg]). The overall median survival time (MST) from the initial evaluation was significantly longer in the surgical than in the non-surgical group (337 vs. 90.5 days). The postoperative MST was significantly longer in the TP group than in the TPC subgroup (510 vs. 83 days). As TPC was performed in cases of tumor progression, its postoperative complications were severe, resulting in a shorter MST. Ten (50%) and 6 patients (30%) in the TP subgroup postoperatively showed mild and severe urinary incontinence, respectively, whereas all patients in TPC subgroup did show severe incontinence. CONCLUSION: Results of the study suggest that surgical treatment of prostatic carcinoma results in longer survival times over medical management alone. In particular, TP might be recommended for improving survival time and quality of life in canine prostatic adenocarcinoma that does not infiltrate the bladder. Early detection is key for a survival advantage with surgical treatment.

Evaluation of Hindlimb Deformity and Posture in Dogs with Grade 2 Medial Patellar Luxation during Awake Computed Tomography Imaging while Standing.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the degree of bone deformities and hindlimb postural abnormalities in a standing position in awake Toy poodles with and without grade 2 medial patellar luxation (MPL) using high speed 320-row computed tomography (CT). METHODS: The limbs with grade 2 MPL (MPL-G2 group) and without any orthopaedic disorders (control group) were imaged in a standing position, without sedation or anaesthesia, using CT. In MPL-G2 group, images were obtained when the patella was luxated (G2-L group) and reduced (non-luxation, G2-NL group). Bone morphologies of the femur and tibia were quantified three-dimensionally. Hindlimb standing posture was evaluated by measuring femoral rotation and abduction angles, tibial rotation angle, metatarsal rotation angle, foot rotation angle, angle between the femoral anatomical axis and the mechanical axis of hindlimb and stifle joint line convergence angle. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in bone morphologic parameters between the MPL-G2 group (5 limbs) and the control group (6 limbs). In the G2-NL group, there were no significant hindlimb postural abnormalities. In contrast, in the G2-L group, significant hindlimb postural abnormalities including external rotation of femur, internal rotation of tibia and foot, external rotation of tarsal joint, large stifle joint convergence angle, genu varum and toe-in standing were observed. CONCLUSION: Dogs with grade 2 MPL have no bone deformities but show abnormal standing posture when the patella is luxated.

Functional Anatomy of the Craniolateral and Caudomedial Bundles of the Caudal Cruciate Ligament in Beagle Dogs.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate functional anatomy of the craniolateral bundle (CrLB) and caudomedial bundle (CdMB) of caudal cruciate ligament in normal Beagles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve stifle joints of 12 Beagle cadavers that were euthanatized for reasons other than musculoskeletal disease were used. Anatomical characteristics of femoral and tibial attachment regions of the caudal cruciate ligament were described, and location and area of the footprints of the CrLB and CdMB were objectively determined. The CrLB was artificially divided into two equal fibre bundle units and the CdMB was artificially divided into four equal bundle units. Changes in the fibre arrangement were recorded during stifle range of motion, and the tension of each fibre bundle unit at various stifle joint angles was objectively measured. RESULTS: The CrLB was attached to the intercondylar fossa of the femur, and the CdMB was attached to the medial surface of the medial condyle of the femur. The centre of the CrLB attachment site was located craniomedial to that of the CdMB on the tibia. During stifle range of motion, each divided fibre bundle unit in the CrLB and CdMB was twisted externally. The tension of entire CdMB tended to be higher than that of entire CrLB at 180 to 135 degrees of the stifle angles. In full extension angle, the tension of entire CdMB was 1.55 times higher than that of entire CrLB. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study contributes to understanding of the biomechanics and the function of the caudal cruciate ligament, which help to elucidate the pathophysiology of caudal cruciate ligament tear and to develop stifle joint stabilization surgery.

Morphological Analysis of Bone Deformities of the Distal Femur in Toy Poodles with Medial Patellar Luxation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the bone deformities of the distal femur of Toy Poodles with medial patellar luxation (MPL) using computed tomography. METHODS: Computed tomography data from 37 stifles of Toy Poodles (16 normal, 10 grade 2 MPL and 11 grade 4 MPL) were analysed. For trochlear morphology, sulcus angle, medial or lateral trochlear inclination and trochlear angle were compared. For condylar morphology, distance between the apex of the medial or lateral trochlear ridge and the most caudal point of the medial or lateral femoral condyle (MC or LC), the length of the cranial/middle (anterior) part (MC(a) or LC(a')) and caudal (posterior) part (MC(p) or LC(p')) of distal femur and medial or lateral condyle width (MCW or LCW) were measured, and the ratios of medial-to-lateral condyles and anterior-posterior parts were compared. RESULTS: Sulcus angle was significantly higher, and medial trochlear inclination was significantly lower in grade 4 MPL group than other groups. Lateral trochlear inclination was not significantly different among 3 groups. Trochlear angles at proximal trochlear groove were significantly lower in grade 4 MPL group than other groups. MC/LC, MC(a)/LC(a'), MC(a)/MC(p), and LC(a')/LC(p') were significantly lower in grade 4 MPL group than other groups; however, there were no significant differences in MC(p)/LC(p') and MCW/LCW among three groups. CONCLUSION: Hypoplasia of the cranial and middle rather than caudal compartment of the distal femur was the primary morphological abnormality in Toy Poodles with grade 4 MPL.

Variations in gene expression levels with severity of synovitis in dogs with naturally occurring stifle osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the major causes of chronic pain in dogs. However, the pathogenesis of OA has not been fully understood in dogs. The objective of this study was to comprehensively investigate the mRNA expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, inflammatory mediators, nerve growth factor and its receptor, and matrix metalloproteinases in the synovium of dogs with spontaneous OA as well as to elucidate their relationships with the severity of synovitis. Dogs that were diagnosed with stifle OA on the basis of radiographic findings were included, and the degree of synovitis was observed using stifle arthroscopy. The dogs were assigned to two different groups depending on their synovitis scores: the low-grade group (score of 1 or 2; n = 8) and high-grade group (score of 3 to 5; n = 18). The dogs showing no evidence of orthopedic disease were included in the control group (n = 6). Synovial tissue samples were collected from the sites at which synovitis scores were assessed using arthroscopy. Total RNA was extracted from the collected synovial tissue, and cDNA was synthesized. Subsequently, RT-qPCR were performed using canine-specific primer sets for IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, TNF, TGFB1, PTGS2, PTGES, MMP3, MMP13, NGF, NTRK1, and PTGER4. Expression levels of IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, and MMP13 were significantly higher in the high-grade group than in the control group. In addition, expression levels of IL1B, CXCL8, TNF, and PTGS2 were significantly higher in the high-grade group than in the low-grade group. Expression levels of IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, TNF, PTGS2, and PTGER4 showed significant positive correlation with synovitis score. In conclusion, all mRNA expression levels in the synovial membrane varied according to the degree of synovitis in dogs with spontaneous OA. Thus, this study may partially elucidate the pathogenesis of synovitis in dogs with spontaneous OA.

Utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in differential diagnosis of adrenal tumors in dogs.

This prospective case study aimed to clarify the clinical significance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for the differential diagnosis of canine adrenal tumors. Forty-three client-owned dogs with adrenal tumors were included. All dogs underwent CEUS, which was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. The peak signal intensity (PI), time to peak signal intensity (TPI), mean transit time (MTT), upslope, and downslope were calculated for each time-intensity curve. The histopathological diagnosis of each resected mass was compared with the CEUS findings and parameters. Enhancement distribution, vascularity, tortuous nourishing vessels, enhancement pattern, and late-phase enhancement did not differ significantly between adrenal cortical adenoma (CA), adenocarcinoma (CAC), and pheochromocytoma (PHEO) in qualitative assessment. In PHEO, the TPI was significantly more rapid compared with that in CA (P=0.0287) and CAC (P=0.0404). The MTT in PHEO was significantly shorter than that in CA (P=0.0016) and CAC (P=0.0003). Upslope in PHEO was larger than that in CAC (P=0.0406). Downslope in PHEO was significantly larger than that in CA (P=0.0048) and CAC (P=0.0018). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the area under the MTT curve yielded 0.91 for distinguishing PHEO from adrenocortical tumors in dogs; an MTT cut-off value less than 6,225 msec yielded a sensitivity of 69%, specificity of 94%, and likelihood ratio of 12.46. CEUS appears to be clinically applicable for the differential diagnosis between cortical and medullary origins of primary adrenal tumors in dogs.

Utility of a novel activity monitor assessing physical activities and sleep quality in cats.

Osteoarthritis in cats is more prevalent because cats are living longer with advancement in veterinary medicine. Objective evaluation of behavioral changes in cats with osteoarthritis can facilitate an early diagnosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the utility of a novel activity monitor for analyzing physical activities and sleep quality in cats. First, a novel activity monitor (Plus Cycle®; JARMeC, Kanagawa, Japan), with a built-in three-directional accelerometer and an air pressure sensor specifically designed for cats, was compared to a human activity monitor (Actical®; Philips Respironics, OR, USA) previously used in cats (n = 10). Second, the validity of the measurement accuracy of the amount of physical activity, the number of vibrations, the number of jumps, and the resting and sleeping time was evaluated using Plus Cycle® in healthy cats (n = 6). Finally, the effects of gender and age of cats and time of day on the amount of physical activity, the number of vibrations, the number of jumps, and the resting and sleeping time were investigated in client-owned cats (n = 61). There were strong correlations between Plus Cycle® and Actical® in total activity (p < 0.05) and activity intensity (p < 0.05). When the physical activities were measured using Plus Cycle® in healthy cats, those data were quantified with high accuracy. In addition, it was also found to be very accurate in discriminating the resting and sleeping conditions of cats. In client-owned cats, there were no significant differences with respect to gender in any measured traits. The amount of physical activity and the number of jumps significantly decreased with the age of the cat. In contrast, the resting and sleeping times significantly increased with the age of the cat. In conclusion, Plus Cycle® can accurately and objectively assess physical activities and sleep quality with age of the cat, suggesting that this novel activity monitor can be used to manage the feline musculoskeletal health.

Recombinant canine basic fibroblast growth factor-induced differentiation of canine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into voltage- and glutamate-responsive neuron-like cells.

INTRODUCTION: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a promising cytokine in regenerative therapy for spinal cord injury. In this study, recombinant canine bFGF (rc-bFGF) was synthesized for clinical use in dogs, and the ability of rc-bFGF to differentiate canine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into functional neurons was investigated. METHODS: The rc-bFGF was synthesized using a wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis system. The expression of rc-bFGF mRNA in the purification process was confirmed using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Western blotting was performed to confirm the antigenic property of the purified protein. To verify function of the purified protein, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was examined by in vitro assay using HEK293 cells. To compare the neuronal differentiation capacity of canine BMSCs in response to treatment with rc-bFGF, the cells were divided into the following four groups: control, undifferentiated, rh-bFGF, and rc-bFGF groups. After neuronal induction, the percentage of cells that had changed to a neuron-like morphology and the mRNA expression of neuronal markers were evaluated. Furthermore, to assess the function of the canine BMSCs after neuronal induction, changes in the intracellular Ca2+ concentrations after stimulation with KCl and l-glutamate were examined. RESULTS: The protein synthesized in this study was rc-bFGF and functioned as bFGF, from the results of RT-PCR, western blotting, and the expression of pERK in HEK293 cells. Canine BMSCs acquired a neuron-like morphology and expressed mRNAs of neuronal markers after neuronal induction in the rh-bFGF and the rc-bFGF groups. These results were more marked in the rc-bFGF group than in the other groups. Furthermore, an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations was observed after the stimulation of KCl and l-glutamate in the rc-bFGF group, same as in the rh-bFGF group. CONCLUSIONS: A functional rc-bFGF was successfully synthesized, and rc-bFGF induced the differentiation of canine BMSCs into voltage- and glutamate-responsive neuron-like cells. Our purified rc-bFGF may contribute, on its own, or in combination with canine BMSCs, to regenerative therapy for spinal cord injury in dogs.

Pharyngeal contraction secondary to its collapse in dogs with brachycephalic airway syndrome.

Brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) is a common disease in certain "flat-faced" dog breeds. This syndrome includes stenotic nares, elongated and thickened soft palate, laryngeal collapse, and tracheal hypoplasia. Pharyngeal collapse is also commonly observed, but it is unclear if laryngopharynx motions are merely sequelae or actually contribute to BAS respiratory symptoms. Laryngopharynx motion was imaged using dynamic four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) during spontaneous respiration in four dogs with different BAS types. Dynamic 4D-CT showed laryngopharynx motion in the following order during inspiration: pharyngeal collapse, contraction, and laryngospasm. We concluded that dynamic 4D-CT is a highly-detailed diagnostic approach for detecting laryngopharynx motion. Pharyngeal contraction during inspiration appears to contribute toward the worsening of clinical respiratory signs of BAS.

Computed tomographic-derived measurements of shunt fraction and hepatic perfusion in dogs with a single extrahepatic portosystemic shunt in a clinical setting.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical feasibility and usefulness of measuring shunt fraction (SF) and hepatic perfusion with CT in dogs with a single extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EPSS). ANIMALS: 36 client-owned dogs with EPSS. PROCEDURES: Dogs with EPSS referred for treatment between February 2016 and May 2017 were eligible for the clinical trial. Shunt type, SF, and hepatic perfusion were determined in each dog with a 320-row multidetector CT scanner, and surgical treatment was performed by a single veterinary surgeon. Differences in results between dogs grouped according to age (< 3 years vs ≥ 3 years), shunt type, and subgroups (eg, clinical signs and surgical procedure) were analyzed, and correlations between the SF and hepatic perfusion variables were evaluated. RESULTS: The median SF was higher in dogs < 3 years old (74.6%; n = 18) versus dogs ≥ 3 years old (35.1%; 18). Correlations were identified between SF and hepatic perfusion variables, and differences in results for SF and hepatic perfusion variables were detected between dogs grouped according to shunt type. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that CT-derived measurements of SF and hepatic perfusion variables in dogs with EPSS were feasible and could be useful (eg, estimating EPSS condition status and planning treatment) in clinical settings. In addition, our findings suggested that perfusion CT could be useful for distinguishing hemodynamic characteristics among different types of portosystemic shunts in dogs.

Inhibition of growth of canine-derived vascular endothelial cells by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and atrial natriuretic peptide.

This study investigated the direct effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on canine-derived vascular endothelial cells (VECs). VECs were isolated and cultured from canine arteries and veins. The mRNA expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, cyclooxygenase-2, and natriuretic peptide receptor 1 were detected in the cultured VECs. The viability of the cultured VECs was reduced in a dose-dependent manner by meloxicam, carprofen, and robenacoxib. By contrast, dose escalations of ANP had only marginal influence on the viability of cultured VECs. NSAIDs may potentially serve as not only analgesic agents against cancerous and perioperative pain but also as adjuvant anti-angiogenic drugs in dogs with malignant tumors.

Functional Anatomy of the Craniomedial and Caudolateral Bundles of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament in Beagle Dogs.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate detailed functional anatomy of the craniomedial bundle (CrMB) and caudolateral bundle (CdLB) of cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) for application of intra-articular anatomical reconstruction in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve stifle joint of 12 Beagle cadavers were used. Anatomical characteristics of femoral attachment regions of the CrCL were determined. Then, the location and area of the footprints of the CrMB and CdLB were objectively measured. Each bundle was equally divided into four fibre bundles, and changes in the fibre arrangement were recorded during stifle range of motion. Additionally, the tension of each fibre bundle at various stifle joint angles was objectively measured. RESULTS: The attachment region of the CrCL clearly differed from that reported in humans. The centre of the CdLB attachment site was located craniodistal to that of the CrMB on the femur and slightly caudal to that of the CrMB on the tibia. The area of the CrMB on the femoral and tibial attachment sites was larger than that of the CdLB. During stifle range of motion, each divided fibre bundle in the CrMB and CdLB was twisted intricately. The tension of the CrMB was higher than that of CdLB. The central part of the CrMB was always tense during stifle range of motion. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These results may contribute to the application of anatomical reconstruction surgery for CrCL deficient stifle in dogs.

Triple-phase helical computed tomography in dogs with solid splenic masses.

We investigated the utility of triple-phase helical computed tomography (CT) in differentiating between benign and malignant splenic masses in dogs. Forty-two dogs with primary splenic masses underwent triple-phase helical CT scanning (before administration of contrast, and in the arterial phase, portal venous phase, and delayed phase) prior to splenectomy. Tissue specimens were sent for pathological diagnosis; these included hematomas (n=14), nodular hyperplasias (n=12), hemangiosarcomas (n=11), and undifferentiated sarcomas (n=5). The CT findings were compared with the histological findings. Nodular hyperplasia significantly displayed a homogeneous normal enhancement pattern in all phases. Hemangiosarcoma displayed 2 significant contrast-enhancement patterns, including a homogeneous pattern of poor enhancement in all phases, and a heterogeneous remarkable enhancement pattern in the arterial and portal venous phases. Hematoma and undifferentiated sarcoma displayed a heterogeneous normal enhancement pattern in all phases. The contrast-enhanced volumetric ratios of hematoma tended to be greater than those of undifferentiated sarcoma. Our study demonstrated that the characteristic findings on triple-phase helical CT could be useful for the preoperative differentiation of hematoma, nodular hyperplasia, hemangiosarcoma, and undifferentiated sarcoma in dogs. Triple-phase helical CT may be a useful diagnostic tool in dogs with splenic masses.

Preoperative Differential Diagnosis of Canine Adrenal Tumors Using Triple-Phase Helical Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the computed tomography (CT) findings for canine adrenal tumors, including cortical adenoma, cortical adenocarcinoma, and pheochromocytoma, and to evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of preoperative triple-phase helical CT for differentiation of tumor types and surgical planning. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Dogs with adrenal tumors (n=36). METHODS: All dogs underwent triple-phase helical CT, followed by adrenalectomy and histopathological diagnosis of the resected mass. Precontrast images, arterial, venous, and delayed phase images were obtained. In all cases, morphological characteristics and CT values and calculations, including the percentage enhancement washout ratio, relative percentage washout, enhancement washin, and enhancement washout, were analyzed and compared among the tumor types. RESULTS: Of the 36 dogs with adrenal masses, cortical adenocarcinoma was most commonly diagnosed (16 dogs), followed by pheochromocytoma (13 dogs), and cortical adenoma (7 dogs). The precontrast minimum CT value and enhancement washout between venous and delayed phases in the cortical adenoma were significantly higher than those in the cortical adenocarcinoma. The maximum CT values of the precontrast image and arterial and venous phases, the enhancement washin and washouts, percentage enhancement washout ratio, and relative percentage washout in the pheochromocytomas were significantly higher than those in cortical adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: The differential diagnosis of canine adrenal tumors was feasible based on triple-phase CT findings, including morphological features, CT values, and intratumoral contrast attenuation. Preoperative diagnosis using triple-phase helical CT may be useful for surgical planning in dogs with adrenal tumors.

Evaluation of bone deformities of the femur, tibia, and patella in Toy Poodles with medial patellar luxation using computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate morphological parameters of the femur, tibia, and patella in Toy Poodles with medial patellar luxation (MPL) using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) and to compare these parameters between radiography and CT. METHODS: Thirty-five hindlimbs of Toy Poodles were divided into normal and grade 2 and 4 MPL groups. The anatomical and mechanical lateral proximal femoral angle, anatomical and mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA, mLDFA), femoral varus angle (FVA), inclination of the femoral head angle, procurvation angle, anteversion angle (AA), frontal angle of the femoral neck, mechanical medial proximal or distal tibial angle, mechanical cranial proximal or distal tibial angle, tibial plateau angle, tibial torsion angle (TTA), Z angle, relative tibial tuberosity width, ratio of the medial distance of tibial tuberosity to the proximal tibial width (MDTT/PTW), patella size, and the patellar ligament length: patellar length (L:P) ratio were evaluated on radiography and 3D CT. RESULTS: The aLDFA, mLDFA, FVA, and TTA were significantly larger and the AA, MDTT/PTW, and patella were significantly smaller in the grade 4 MPL group. There were significant differences in many parameters between imaging tools, and CT was considered less susceptible to potential artefacts and rotational deformities. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Toy Poodles with grade 4 MPL had significant femoral varus deformity, medial displacement of the tibial tuberosity, internal torsion of the proximal tibia, and hypoplasia of the patella.

Triple-phase helical computed tomography in dogs with hepatic masses.

The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of triple-phase helical computed tomography (CT) for differentiating canine hepatic masses. Seventy dogs with hepatic masses underwent triple-phase CT followed by surgical removal of the hepatic masses. Triple-phase helical CT scans for each dog included precontrast, arterial phase, portal venous phase, and delayed phase studies. The removed hepatic masses were histopathologically classified as hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 47), nodular hyperplasia (n = 14), and hepatic metastatic tumors (n = 9) in dogs. Of the 47 hepatocellular carcinomas, the most common CT findings included a heterogeneous pattern with hyper-, iso-, and hypoenhancement in both the arterial and portal venous phases (40/47, 85.1%). Of the 14 nodular hyperplasias, the most common CT findings were a homogeneous pattern with hyper- and isoenhancement in both the portal venous and delayed phases (13/14, 92.9%). Of nine hepatic metastatic tumors, the most common CT findings included a homogeneous hypoenhancement pattern in both the arterial and portal venous phases (8/9, 88.9%). In addition, 5 (55.6%) showed homogeneous hypoenhancement patterns in the delayed phase. Findings from our study indicated that triple-phase CT is a useful tool for preoperative differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma, nodular hyperplasia, and hepatic metastatic tumors in dogs.

Gene expression of growth factors and growth factor receptors for potential targeted therapy of canine hepatocellular carcinoma.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the gene expression of growth factors and growth factor receptors of primary hepatic masses, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and nodular hyperplasia (NH), in dogs. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure the expression of 18 genes in 18 HCCs, 10 NHs, 11 surrounding non-cancerous liver tissues and 4 healthy control liver tissues. Platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B), transforming growth factor-α, epidermal growth factor receptor, epidermal growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor were found to be differentially expressed in HCC compared with NH and the surrounding non-cancerous and healthy control liver tissues. PDGF-B is suggested to have the potential to become a valuable ancillary target for the treatment of canine HCC.

Plasma adrenomedullin concentration in dogs with myxomatous mitral valvular disease.

Adrenomedullin (AM), a peptide identified to have vasodilating and natriuretic effects, is involved in the regulation of the cardiovascular system. To evaluate plasma AM concentration in dogs with myxomatous mitral valvular disease (MMVD), and to investigate the associations between the concentrations of plasma AM and natriuretic peptides and the echocardiographic data, we evaluated plasma AM concentrations in 31 healthy control dogs and 57 dogs with MMVD. Plasma AM concentrations in dogs with MMVD were higher than that in the control subjects. The plasma AM concentration increased in conjunction with the severity of heart failure according to the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council (ISACHC). The AM concentrations were 25.1 ± 5.0 fmol/ml (ISACHC class Ia), 29.9 ± 11.0 fmol/ml (ISACHC class Ib), 43.4 ± 19.8 fmol/ml (ISACHC class II) and 73.5 ± 21.7 fmol/ml (ISACHC class III) and 7.5 ± 5.1 fmol/ml (control group), respectively. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated an area of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.8801-0.9889; <0.0001), a cutoff value of 30.5 fmol/ml, a sensitivity of 87.1%, and a specificity of 82.5% for the determination of congestive heart failure. Plasma AM concentrations correlated with atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations, LA/Ao ratio, and left ventricular diameter. In conclusion, AM may be a potential diagnostic marker for canine MMVD and possibly plays a pathophysiological role in collaboration with the other neurohumoral factors such as natriuretic peptides.