Search

Background: This study aimed to evaluate medium to long-term outcomes following treatment of lameness associated with cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency using the tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA)-Rapid technique and to investigate risk factors associated with outcome, including tibial plateau angle (TPA)., Methods: Patient records for cases treated over an 80-month period were examined retrospectively. An owner postal questionnaire using a clinical metrology instrument (Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs) evaluated the outcome at least 6 months after surgery., Results: A total of 149 procedures were carried out in 120 dogs. Questionnaires were received for 64 dogs (53.3%), with a median follow-up time of 37.5 months. Outcome was judged to be satisfactory, based on frequency of lameness, in 63 (98.4%), while satisfactory outcomes were achieved in 61 (95.3%) based on severity of lameness and in 50 (78.1%) based on mobility score. Statistical analysis showed that age, bodyweight, TPA, meniscal injury and concurrent patellar surgery did not influence outcome, but time to follow-up positively correlated with mobility score., Limitations: This study involved one surgeon in one centre with outcome data based on the completion of an owner questionnaire, although this used a validated clinical metrology instrument., Conclusion: TTA-Rapid offers a treatment option for cranial cruciate-deficient stifles with a good medium to long-term outcome, and no risk factors were identified to suggest any limitations to its use., (© 2024 British Veterinary Association.)

Decades of nuclear activities have left a legacy of hazardous radioactive waste, which must be isolated from the biosphere for over 100,000 years. The preferred option for safe waste disposal is a deep subsurface geological disposal facility (GDF). Due to the very long geological timescales required, and the complexity of materials to be disposed of (including a wide range of nutrients and electron donors/acceptors) microbial activity will likely play a pivotal role in the safe operation of these mega-facilities. A GDF environment provides many metabolic challenges to microbes that may inhabit the facility, including high temperature, pressure, radiation, alkalinity, and salinity, depending on the specific disposal concept employed. However, as our understanding of the boundaries of life is continuously challenged and expanded by the discovery of novel extremophiles in Earth's most inhospitable environments, it is becoming clear that microorganisms must be considered in GDF safety cases to ensure accurate predictions of long-term performance. This review explores extremophilic adaptations and how this knowledge can be applied to challenge our current assumptions on microbial activity in GDF environments. We conclude that regardless of concept, a GDF will consist of multiple extremes and it is of high importance to understand the limits of polyextremophiles under realistic environmental conditions., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: To investigate the incidence of implant-related complications when humeral unicondylar fractures in immature dogs are stabilised with a transcondylar bone screw and epicondylar Kirschner wire (K-wire)/pin., Methods: Records of cases treated by the author in this clinic over a 10-year period were screened for those involving humeral condylar fractures. These were then reduced to include those patients who were less than 7 months of age with unicondylar fractures and follow-up radiographs., Results: Thirty fractures in 29 dogs met the inclusion criteria. All of these had been stabilised with a transcondylar bone screw and epicondylar K-wire. Fracture healing was documented in all dogs. Surgical site infection was not recorded. Implant-related major complications were reported in four (13%) dogs and successfully treated by either implant removal or replacement. Short-term outcome was judged as excellent in 23 out of 30 and good in seven out of 30 of these fractures., Conclusion: The use of a transcondylar bone screw in combination with an epicondylar K-wire is an appropriate fixation method for humeral unicondylar fractures seen in puppies less than 7 months of age., (© 2022 British Veterinary Association.)

Objectives: To evaluate complications, short- and medium-term outcomes following treatment of lameness associated with cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency in dogs using the "TTA-Rapid" technique., Methods: Patient records from two veterinary clinics were retrospectively examined to collect data from cases treated over a period of 21 months. An owner postal questionnaire using a clinical metrology instrument (Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs) evaluated medium-term outcome of at least six months., Results: In total 152 procedures were carried out in 141 dogs by two surgeons. Major complications, requiring further intervention, were identified in 11 (7%). Nine of these involved "late" meniscal injuries and two sustained tibial fractures postoperatively, one requiring internal fixation and the other external coaptation. The 3-month outcome was considered satisfactory in 99% of 135 procedures whilst the medium-term outcome (mean 16 months) was considered satisfactory in 86% of 108 dogs., Clinical Significance: "TTA-Rapid" offers a treatment option for cranial cruciate-deficient stifles with good short- and medium-term outcomes. The complication rate was low in our hands., (© 2017 British Small Animal Veterinary Association.)

Objective: To describe and compare a large population of dogs that had pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) using either a hybrid dynamic compression plate (HDCP) or a CastLess Plate (CLP)., Study Design: Multicenter, retrospective, cohort study., Animals: Dogs (n = 240; 261 PCA)., Methods: Medical records (2000-2012) from 12 UK orthopedic centers were reviewed for dogs that had PCA to document signalment, diagnosis, arthrodesis method, and complication rates. Follow-up data were used to compare outcome (lameness evaluation and radiographic healing) after use of HDCP and CLP plates., Results: PCA was performed with HDCP in 125 cases, CLP in 105, and by other techniques in 31. Carpal hyperextension injury was the most common diagnosis in HDCP and CLP groups. Surgical site infection (18.3%) was the most common postoperative complication. There was no difference in intra- (11% HDCP, 21% CLP) or postoperative (34% HDCP, 41% CLP) complication rates. Use of external coaptation did not affect postoperative complication rates or outcome. External coaptation related complications occurred in 32% HDCP and 18% CLP (P = .02). At median follow-up, most dogs were classified as having no or mild lameness (73% HDCP, 83% CLP) and there was radiographic healing in 40% HDCP and 46% CLP (P = .8) cases., Conclusions: CLP and HDCP may both be used successfully to achieve pancarpal arthrodesis. Adjunctive external coaptation does not appear to have a measurable clinical benefit but is associated with morbidity., (© Copyright 2014 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.)

Objective: To report the signalment and clinical features of dogs with non-traumatic lateral patellar luxation and to report the complications and outcomes following surgery., Methods: A multicentre retrospective study was performed. Medical records were reviewed and the signalment, clinical features, and treatment of dogs presenting with lateral patellar luxation were recorded. In dogs treated surgically, the outcome and complications were investigated., Results: Sixty-five dogs (95 stifles) were included; 39 were male and median age at presentation was 10 months. Breeds were classified as small (n = 6), medium (n = 23), large (n = 27), and giant (n = 9). Lateral patellar luxation was classified as grade I (n = 14), II (n = 41), III (n = 29), and IV (n = 11). Conformational abnormalities were noted in 34 stifles; genu valgum was the most common (n = 28). Higher-grade luxation was associated with a younger age at presentation (p = 0.032) and genu valgum (p = 0.01). Surgery was performed on 58 stifles, 22 of which sustained one or more complications; 16 complications were managed conservatively, four with implant removal and six with revision surgery. Surgeon-assessed outcome was good or excellent in 47 of the 51 dogs available for review., Conclusions: Non-traumatic lateral patellar luxation is a disease of predominantly medium and large breed dogs. It has several similar clinical features and can be surgically treated in a similar manner to medial patellar luxation with similar types of complications and outcomes expected.

Super-Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines on 7 November 2013. The initial reports estimated 10 000 fatalities and four million displaced persons. As the United Kingdom's initial response to this disaster, HMS DARING was diverted from her deployment to take part in humanitarian aid, named Operation PATWIN. This article will outline the medical aspects of the relief effort undertaken and aim to identify any lessons that may inform future operations.

Canine osteoarthritis (OA) commonly occurs in association with articular diseases, such as hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (ED), or cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). We hypothesized that a common genomic risk for the development of canine joint disease and canine OA would be identified by evaluating the allele frequencies of candidate gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in dogs with OA associated with different articular diseases when compared with a general population of breed-matched dogs. DNA was extracted from blood samples obtained from Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers surgically treated for ED, HD, and CCLR and confirmed to have radiographic evidence of OA. One hundred and thirteen SNPs in 20 candidate genes were genotyped. No significant associations were identified for SNPs or haplotypes in the candidate genes for the diseases evaluated. The candidate gene approach for the study of genetic association is unlikely to be successful for complex canine diseases such as OA without prior trait mapping evaluation.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine if internal fixation of the anconeus combined with a proximal ulnar osteotomy was more likely to result in fusion of the anconeus to the ulna compared with a proximal ulnar osteotomy alone., Methods: A total of 12 orthopaedic referral clinics reviewed their clinical databases for cases of ununited anconeal process. Demographic and clinical parameters were collected along with radiographic follow-up at a minimum of four weeks. Cases treated with proximal ulnar osteotomy alone were compared with those treated with proximal ulnar osteotomy + internal fixation. Both groups were compared for background and disease variables. We tested for an association between treatment method and whether radiographic anconeal union had occurred., Results: A total of 47 elbows (44 dogs) were identified. Of these, 28 cases (average age 7.6 months) were treated with proximal ulnar osteotomy (of which eight were stabilised with an intramedullary pin) alone. Nineteen cases (average age 7.1 months) were treated with proximal ulnar osteotomy + internal fixation. The two groups were not significantly different in age (P=0.638, Mann-Whitney U test). Fourteen of 28 cases with proximal ulnar osteotomy alone displayed anconeal union at follow-up compared with 16 of 19 cases of proximal ulnar osteotomy + internal fixation, and this difference was statistically significant (P=0.029, Fisher's exact test)., Clinical Significance: These data suggest that use of a lag screw to stabilise and compress the ununited anconeal process in addition to proximal ulnar osteotomy produces a better radiographic outcome. It is argued that radiographic union of the anconeus is likely to be associated with better long-term clinical outcome but further studies are required to confirm this.

The medical records of 155 dogs with patellar luxation (PL) from three different centres were analysed. Each case was classified according to the nature of its luxation and any concurrent orthopaedic conditions plus the age at diagnosis were also noted. Measurements relating to angle of inclination (AOI) of the femoral neck and medio-lateral bowing of the femur and tibia at the stifle were also recorded. The femoral and tibial data were compared to dogs with another orthopaedic condition in a case-control assessment. Labradors were most commonly affected (21%). Most luxations were medial (92%) and 54% of affected dogs were female. The mean AOI of the hip was 148.95 degrees . There was a statistically significant difference between the stifles of dogs with PL compared to a control population. This study concluded that PL in large breeds is increasing. Lateral luxation was uncommon and was not associated exclusively with large breeds. Females were more likely to have PL than males and being female was a risk factor associated with coxa valga. There are significant differences in medio-lateral stifle conformation between dogs with PL and control dogs.

In a retrospective review of 43 femoral fractures, three dogs had separation of the femoral capital epiphysis from the metaphysis in the absence of trauma. Two of these dogs also had evidence of pathology in the contralateral femoral neck including, in one dog, displacement of the capital epiphysis in relation to the metaphysis without actual separation. The case histories, radiographic features and histopathological findings of these cases were reviewed and compared with previous cases of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) reported in dogs and also with SCFE in children. Pre-slip, acute, chronic and acute-on-chronic slips were Identified. Based on the cases reviewed, the authors advise internal fixation of stable slipped epiphyses in dogs. This may also be appropriate for unstable separations, although resorption of the femoral neck may preclude stable fixation and necessitate femoral head and neck excision.

The details of eight dogs (11 elbows) referred to the authors with lameness relating to elbow pain associated with incomplete fracture of the humeral condyle were reviewed. In all cases, a diagnosis was reached by radiographic examination, with the pathognomonic feature being a radiolucent line, in the sagittal plane, through the condyle. Treatment involved placement of a transcondylar bone screw with or without bone tunnels being created parallel to this implant. Six dogs (nine elbows) made a complete recovery without subsequent complications.

Between 1977 and 1992, 15 adult dogs were presented to the Universities of Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool and London with fractures of the radial carpal bone which had occurred without a known episode of violent trauma. Eleven of the dogs were boxers and the other breeds affected were a Pharaoh hound, rottweiler, springer spaniel and a greyhound. The condition was bilateral in three cases. Eleven dogs were treated surgically by cast immobilisation (four cases), fragment removal (one case), lag screw fixation (three cases), pan-carpal arthrodesis (one case) and lag screw reduction followed by pan-carpal arthrodesis (two cases). The remaining four dogs were treated conservatively with rest and tactical use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Follow-up periods ranged from two months to 11 years. Varying degrees of lameness, which tended to be exacerbated by exercise, persisted in all cases. The radial carpal bone appears to have at least three separate centres of ossification which eventually fuse; their planes of fusion correspond approximately to the two main fracture lines. These areas of fusion could be weak points within the radial carpal bone.

Intervertebral 7.5 mm (n = 75) and 6.0 mm (n = 22) metal washers were used to distract intervertebral spaces in 78 consecutive cases of canine cervical spondylopathy-associated disc protrusions, where myelography had demonstrated traction-responsive spinal cord compression. Nineteen dogs had compressive lesions at two sites. Fifty lesions were evaluated myelographically on immediate postoperative radiographs; of these, 32 compressions had been eliminated and 18 had been reduced. Euthanasia was performed in nine dogs within six months of surgery and 15 dogs had varying degrees of neck pain during this period. Long-term follow-up information was available on 65 dogs nine to 70 months following surgery (median 32 months). Sixty-three of these dogs improved postoperatively. Neurological function subsequently deteriorated in 17 dogs 10 to 59 months following surgery (median 34 months). Eight of these 17 cases had further myelographic investigations and all had additional disc protrusions with no evidence of cord compression at the previous sites of surgery. The remaining nine cases had a deterioration in hindlimb function but were not investigated further.

A 12-month-old Golden Retriever bitch underwent unilateral hip arthroplasty following a diagnosis of coxofemoral osteoarthritis secondary to hip dysplasia. The hip prosthesis underwent aseptic loosening and was removed 6 months after implantation. Synovial biopsies taken at that time revealed scattered foci of granulomatous inflammation associated with intra-cytoplasmic and extracellular particulate material. Electron microscopical analyses demonstrated that this material contained cobalt, chromium, titanium and zirconium, which was probably wear debris from the loosened prosthesis. In human patients with hip arthroplasty, widespread dissemination of wear debris from loosened prostheses occasionally occurs, with an increased prevalence of neoplasia. A similar phenomenon may be predicted to occur with the increasing use of hip arthroplasty in the dog.

Multiple discospondylitis was diagnosed in a four-year-old, neutered female German shepherd dog which had suffered intermittent pain of the axial skeleton for 10 months, which was followed by the sudden onset of paraplegia associated with the rupture of an affected disc. After surgical and medical management the dog began to improve but then deteriorated as a result of a pathological fracture of the fifth lumbar vertebra. A histological examination revealed fungal hyphae at the sites affected radiographically and they were identified by immunohistochemistry as Aspergillus species. No fungal hyphae were identified in other tissues. This is the first report of canine mycotic discospondylitis in the United Kingdom.

Forty dogs undergoing a variety of orthopaedic surgical procedures were randomly assigned to one of two analgesic protocols, receiving either pethidine at 2 mg/kg pre-operatively and 3 mg/kg postoperatively, or carprofen, a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug at 4 mg/kg pre-operatively. Analgesia and sedation were assessed after the operations under double blind conditions using a discontinuous scoring system and a visual analogue scale. There was good agreement between the two scoring systems, and a statistical analysis of the visual analogue scores showed that carprofen provided slightly better pain relief than pethidine and produced less sedation. Carprofen provided good analgesia during the 18 hours the dogs were in hospital and no adverse side effects were observed.

Fifty dogs showing clinical signs of spinal disease were investigated by myelography, using iopamidol. In 27 cases the technique was considered worthwhile. Of the 19 dogs not subjected to surgery or euthanasia as a result of the findings, three suffered seizures during recovery from anaesthesia, eight deteriorated in neurological condition and one suffered permanent respiratory arrest as a result of extensive subarachnoid haemorrhage.