To evaluate the effect of a 3.5 mm tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) locking compression plate on serial postoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA) maintenance, short-term osteotomy healing, and complication rates in dogs weighing 45 to 70 kg treated for naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament disease.Retrospective study.The difference between the mean postoperative TPA and the mean 6-week re-evaluation TPA was 1.9 ± 2.27 degrees (p < 0.0001). The patient's weight and limb laterality were found to have a significant effect on the TPA difference, which increased by 0.144 degrees for each kg increase in body weight and by 2.114 degrees for a left hindlimb compared with a right hindlimb. The median healing score was 3/5, with a range of 2 to 5. Eight out of 36 dogs experienced postoperative complications, with 2/36 dogs developing surgical site infections.The use of a 3.5 mm TPLO locking compression plate in dogs weighing 45 to 70 kg revealed a significant change in TPA difference and poor bone healing. Complication rates were similar to those of previous studies.

The aim of this study was to describe the computed tomography features of proximal gastrocnemius musculotendinopathy in dogs, and to compare clinical presentation, associated lesions and outcomes with the existing literature.

To determine the correlation between preoperative and intraoperative tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) planning landmarks and measurements.In canine cadaveric stifles (n = 39), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), palpable tibial tuberosity (pTT), patellar ligament enthesis (PLE), and the medial anatomic groove caudal to the attachment of the (patellar) ligament (MAGCAL) were labeled and radiographed. The location of the pTT and PLE were compared with the radiographic location of the tibial tuberosity (rTT); the MCL location was compared with the radiographic location of the intercondylar eminence (ICE), and the planned osteotomy location was compared with the MAGCAL position.There was no statistically significant difference between the location of the rTT to the pTT and PLE. The MCL was directly centered over the ICE in only 20/39 stifles, with the rest being caudal. The planned osteotomy was cranial to or within the MAGCAL in 27/32 pelvic limbs.The MCL should be used cautiously for osteotomy planning, and the MAGCAL may be a useful anatomic landmark for intraoperative TPLO planning.

Chemical restraint influences canine hip dysplasia scores for both the standard ventrodorsal hip-extended radiographs and during stress radiography. There is, however, no consensus on the optimal anaesthesia protocol for these stress radiographs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of sedation/anaesthesia on the highest laxity index while using a validated force-measuring device.Ten Beagle dogs were randomly assigned to undergo stress radiographs under four different sedation/anaesthesia protocols on three separate occasions. Vital parameters, ease of procedure and laxity index were evaluated.Parameters such as temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate remained within normal ranges for all protocols. One dog experienced a seizure after dexmedetomidine and ketamine sedation (protocol C). Protocol B (dexmedetomidine/butorphanol/midazolam) and protocol A (dexmedetomidine/butorphanol) scored significantly better than protocol C (dexmedetomidine/ketamine) and D (dexmedetomidine/propofol) in various aspects of ease of the procedure. While the maximum laxity was similar between protocols A, B and D, only in protocols A and B, a plateau phase was reached. Overall, protocols A and B performed similarly; the best scores were, however, consistently allocated to protocol B.The sedation protocol dexmedetomidine, butorphanol and midazolam emerged as the most favourable sedation protocol for stress radiography of the coxofemoral joint, offering practicality and a high laxity index, without adverse effects.

The aim of this study was to compare different secondary fixation methods in a canine tibial fracture gap model.Twelve paired tibiae from large-breed dogs were examined. The tibiae were classified into four groups using a random block design. Implant fixation methods included a single 3.5 mm locking plate (3.5 LP), a 3.5 LP with a single 2.8 mm intramedullary pin (3.5 LP/2.8 IM pin) and two 2.0 mm or 2.7 mm orthogonal locking plates (3.5/2.0 LP or 3.5/2.7 LP). The tibial constructs were non-destructively tested in four-point bending and torsion and tested to failure in craniocaudal or lateromedial bending.In the non-destructive tests, the 3.5/2.7 LP had higher torsional stiffness than the others (p < 0.001). In the destructive tests with the craniocaudal bending, the 3.5/2.7 LP had higher yield stiffness (vs. 3.5 LP, p = 0.002; vs. 3.5 LP/2.8 IM pin, p = 0.041; vs. 3.5/2.0 LP, p = 0.021) and bending moment (vs. 3.5 LP, p = 0.002; vs. 3.5 LP/2.8 IM pin, p = 0.017; vs. 3.5/2.0 LP, p = 0.038) than the others. In lateromedial bending, the 3.5 LP/2.8 IM pin had a higher yield angle than the other constructs (vs. 3.5/2.0 LP, p = 0.020; vs. 3.5/2.7 LP, p = 0.012).The orthogonal plating technique using the 3.5/2.7 LP was the strongest construct and may have a mechanical advantage over other secondary fixation methods tested.

This aim of this study was to document the management and outcomes of dogs having total hip replacement (THR) following a failed hip toggle.Retrospective case series.Eleven dogs that had a failed hip toggle and subsequent conversion to THR.Medical records were examined for pertinent information regarding the initial luxation event, the hip toggle surgery, coxofemoral joint conformation and any pre-existing pathology, THR materials, complications and outcomes. Pre- and postoperative hip toggle and THR radiographs were examined. The Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs questionnaires were sent to all clients with dogs in this study.Hip toggles failed due to re-luxation (n = 8) and chronic lameness (n = 3). Radiographs identified osteoarthritis in 10/11 dogs. The percentage of femoral head coverage was <50% in 8/11 dogs. The initial luxation aetiology was traumatic (n = 5), atraumatic (n = 4) and unknown (n = 2). A pre-THR culture was performed for 5/11 dogs via Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA), femoral toggle rod or button and suture material. The intrapelvic toggle rod was removed intraoperatively and cultured in six dogs. Complications were intraoperative (n = 2) and postoperative (n = 2), and were minor (n = 1), major (n = 2) and catastrophic (n = 1). The Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs scores were obtained for 8/11 dogs, with a median score of 6.5. A successful outcome was documented for 9/11 dogs.Total hip replacement was successful in 9/11 dogs. The median Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs scores were within the previously published range for dogs having uncomplicated THR. Despite the requirement for additional considerations, THR can be safely and effectively performed in dogs following failed hip toggle surgery.

This aim of this study was to determine feline stifle joint stability and muscle force ratios after cranial cruciate ligament transection and intra-articular reconstruction, and assess the feasibility of this reconstruction in cats.Ten feline hindlimbs were tested in an axial limb press with 30% body weight load. Femoral angles were set to 60 degrees, and stifle and hock angles to 120 degrees. The cranial cruciate ligament was transected, and testing was repeated. Intra-articular reconstruction was performed using a 16-strand ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene graft and four 3 mm interference screws. Friedman's repeated-measures analysis of variance compared angles, forces, and tibial translation.Tibial translation increased significantly after cranial cruciate ligament transection (p = 0.02) but did not differ from intact joints post-reconstruction (p = 0.5). Forces (p = 0.72, p = 0.74) and bone/joint angles (p = 0.12) did not differ across test situations. Mean quadriceps force was twice the gastrocnemius force. Measurement repeatability was good, with a within-subject standard deviation for distance at 0.4 mm and for angles at 0.4 to 1.1 degrees.Limb press positioning was consistent and repeatable, and muscle forces approached in vivo values. Intra-articular reconstruction restored joint stability under static load and appeared feasible for use in cats.

This study aimed to compare gap formation between a classical transcalcaneal bone tunnel and a bioabsorbable suture anchor in a feline Achilles tendon avulsion model.Gastrocnemius tendons were dissected from the calcaneus of seven pairs of feline gastrocnemius tendon-calcaneus specimens. Reinsertion was performed either through a transverse bone tunnel or with a bioabsorbable suture anchor with a metric 3 non-absorbable monofilament polypropylene-polyethylene suture in a Bunnell-Mayer pattern. Tensile tests were conducted under physiological loading conditions. Gap formation was tracked with a video camera, and force on the tendon was measured. Results were compared with t-tests.Mean load at a gap of 0.5 mm was significantly higher for the suture anchor (44.2 ± 5.5 N) compared with the bone tunnel (23.0 ± 15.4 N). A 3-mm gap was not reached with the suture anchor. Failure loads were dominated by suture breakage and were not significantly different between suture anchor (55.2 ± 8.0 N) and bone tunnel (65.1 ± 8.3 N). Pulling through the tendon substance did not occur.The suture anchor resisted gap formation more effectively than the bone tunnel and can be considered advantageous for gastrocnemius tendon reinsertion in cats.