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Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate ground reaction forces (GRFs) in cats after unilateral total hip replacement (THR) and compare them with cats after femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO). Methods: The databases of the Small Animal Clinic of the Veterinary University in Vienna and three referral clinics were searched for cats that had undergone unilateral THR with the BioMedtrix Micro total hip system or FHO more than 6 months previously. Owners were invited to complete a survey and bring their cats for re-examination, inlcuding clinical and orthopaedic examinations, hip radiography and a gait analysis using a pressure-sensitive plate. Results: Nine cats were included in each group. Cats after THR showed larger GRF values (peak vertical force [PFz] and vertical impulse [IFz] normalised to total force [%TF]) on the operated limb. The resulting symmetry indices (SIs) were lower in terms of vertical force in 7/9 (78%) cats and vertical impulse in 6/9 (67%) cats between the hindlimbs in cats after THR compared with FHO – SI (PFz) = 3.31% ± 2.19% (THR) vs 4.84% ± 2.99% (FHO) and SI (IFz) = 5.17% ± 3.66% (THR) vs 8.27% ± 3.12% (FHO). Cats after FHO showed significantly lower muscle circumference and range of motion (ROM) at the operated hindlimb compared with the contralateral side, whereas cats after THR showed no statistically significant differences between their hindlimbs. Owner surveys revealed significant differences in their subjective assessment of activity and change in gait between the two groups, with better values for cats after THR. Conclusions and relevance: This was the first study that measured GRFs in cats after THR. PFz (%TF) and IFz (%TF) values were higher in the operated limb of the THR group than in those of the FHO group, resulting in lower symmetry indices (indicating better symmetry) and better loading of the corresponding hindlimb. This finding is clinically relevant and can help in making decisions regarding the treatment of hip joint pathologies in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: To determine the best time for mating, many breeders will ask for bacteriological examinations of their dog's vagina. The results of these examinations are variable, but in many cases an antibacterial therapy will be initiated in a clinically healthy dog. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the physiological canine vaginal flora during proestrus and estrus, and we retrospectively evaluated bacteriological findings from 696 healthy breeding dogs, all of whom were patients from a single clinic. Furthermore, the bacteriological findings were related to possible influencing factors like age, body weight class, fur length, the time of sampling of vaginal swabs, and the duration of proestrus/estrus. Despite insight into the physiological range of vaginal bacteria, we found that the chance for a high-grade growth of Escherichia (E.) coli and Mycoplasma (M.) canis increases with body weight. Furthermore, the earlier the sampling was performed, the lower the number of high-grade cultures (p < 0.01). Additionally, the duration between the first and last measurement of progesterone was positively related to the cultural detection of Pasteurellaceae, Streptococcus spp., and Enterococcus spp. (p < 0.05) and negatively to the cultivation of Mycoplasma spp. (p < 0.01). These findings, in relation to the course of the estrus cycle, may enhance the interpretation of cultured bacteriological findings and help to prevent the misuse of antibiotics in veterinary practice. Background: The evaluation of canine vaginal bacteria during proestrus and estrus and the chosen parameters will help to prevent the misuse of antibiotics in veterinary medicine. Methods: This study carried out a retrospective analysis to obtain microbiological examination results for vaginal swabs from 696 healthy dogs, all of whom were patients from one clinic. Age, body weight, fur length (long or short hair), the time of sampling of vaginal swabs, the duration of proestrus/estrus, progesterone (P4) concentration (the first and last samples), and bacteriological findings were evaluated. Results: Only 3.7% (26/696) of the samples were negative for bacteria. The impact of fur length was low. However, the calculation of the odds ratios revealed that the chance for a high-grade growth of Escherichia (E.) coli and Mycoplasma (M.) canis increases with body weight class. The earlier the sampling was performed, the lower the number of high-grade cultures (p < 0.01). The duration between the first and last measurement of progesterone (P4) was positively related to the cultural detection of Pasteurellaceae, Streptococcus spp., and Enterococcus spp. (p < 0.05) and negatively to the cultivation of Mycoplasma spp. (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our findings reflect some likely factors contributing to the variability of the physiological vaginal flora in dogs, which may help interpret cultured bacteriological findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, 53 feline tissue samples from an intracranial tumor called a meningioma were examined for the presence of two specific markers. The Ki-67 index, an indicator of tissue proliferation, and osteopontin, an indicator for proliferation, were evaluated after a standard histopathological grading according to WHO guidelines. High expression of both markers was found, which may explain the high recurrence rate in feline meningiomas. The high recurrence rate of feline meningioma despite the generally benign histomorphology warrants additional markers of clinical aggressiveness. The Ki-67 index is commonly used as prognostic marker for meningioma recurrence in people. Osteopontin (OPN) is a protein involved in tumor progression and may be a potential malignancy marker. To date, osteopontin expression has not been investigated in feline meningioma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of Ki-67 and osteopontin immunostaining of feline meningioma and to find possible associations with WHO (World Health Organization) grades and subtypes. Fifty-three feline meningioma samples were graded according to the human WHO classification and underwent immunohistochemical examination for Ki-67 and OPN. Fifty samples were classified as WHO grade I and three as WHO grade II. The mean Ki-67 ratio was 9.19 ± 9.47. Osteopontin expression was correspondingly high with a mean OPN IHC score of 150.17 (0–242.8), and a median Allred score of 7 (0–8). There was no significant correlation with Ki-67 index, osteopontin expression, WHO grades, or subtypes. The overall high expressions of osteopontin and Ki-67 may help explain the tendency for recurrence of feline meningioma. The human WHO grading system may not be sufficient to accurately estimate the clinical behavior of meningioma in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine whether horses exhibiting unilateral hindlimb lameness unload (rest) the lame limb more than the contralateral limb. The resting/unloading of the hindlimbs and the time spent lying down were measured using accelerometers. Ten non-lame horses and 20 lame horses were recruited for participation and monitored for 11 h overnight with accelerometers (MSR145, sampling rate: 1 Hz, and measuring range: ±15 g) attached to the lateral metatarsal and metacarpal regions of each limb. Metatarsal and metacarpal orientation were used to determine whether the limb was unloaded (rested) or loaded, respectively, or whether the horses were lying down. The relation of resting time between non-lame and lame limbs (non-lame/lame: 0.85 ± 1.2) of the lame horses differed significantly (p = 0.035) from that of the non-lame horses (right/left: 1.08 ± 0.47). Non-lame horses rested their hindlimbs evenly (left: 15 ± 10%; right: 17 ± 16%). Horses with unilateral hindlimb lameness unloaded the lame limb longer (lame limb: 61.8 ± 25.3%, non-lame limb: 38.2 ± 25.3%) than their contralateral limb. The lame horses (13 ± 11%) lay down longer (p = 0.012) than the non-lame horses (3 ± 6%). The degree of lameness determined by the participating veterinarians (Vet Score) (r = −0.691, p < 0.01) and the asymmetry evaluated by the lameness locator (ALL) (r = −0.426, p = 0.019) correlated with the resting ratio (rest time ratio). Both factors were also correlated with the time spent lying down (Vet Score (r = 0.364, p = 0.048) and the ALL (r = 0.398, p = 0.03)). The ALL and VET Score were significantly correlated (r = 0.557, p = 0.01). The results of this study provide a good baseline for future research into how individual resting patterns may help to detect pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Canine Parvovirus 2 (CPV-2) infection poses a significant global health risk to susceptible dogs. Hypocobalaminemia, defined as reduced serum cobalamin (CBL) concentrations, is a recognized complication in chronic enteropathies in adult dogs but remains poorly understood in the context of acute enteropathies, especially in young dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and severity of hypocobalaminemia in young dogs with parvovirus enteritis and evaluation of CBL as a predictor of outcome. Materials and methods: Thirty client-owned dogs diagnosed with parvovirus infection and thirty healthy controls were enrolled. Clinical, hematological, and biochemical tests, including CBL and serum methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations, were assessed. Results: Results indicated a significantly higher prevalence of hypocobalaminemia in dogs with parvovirus enteritis compared to healthy controls, as well as a significant correlation with a disease severity score. Moreover, survivors demonstrated higher CBL concentrations than non-survivors, suggesting an eventual prognostic value of CBL status. However, parenteral CBL supplementation showed no significant effect on serum CBL or MMA concentrations, highlighting potential challenges in CBL uptake at the cellular level. Discussion: Hypocobalaminemia in this population is caused by multiple factors such as reduced nutritional absorption, gastrointestinal losses, and increased metabolic demands. Further research is needed to develop tailored management strategies, evaluate the effectiveness of CBL supplementation, and understand the mechanisms behind hypocobalaminemia in parvovirus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The standard treatment for canine and feline meningiomas includes radiotherapy, surgical excision or combined therapy. However, new therapeutic approaches are required due to the possible recurrence or progression of meningiomas despite initial therapy. Adjunctive therapy with synthetic long‐acting somatostatin (SST) analogues has been described in humans with SST‐expressing tumours. The expression of SST receptors (SSTRs) by feline meningiomas is currently unknown, and there are little data about canine meningiomas. We hypothesized that SSTR is expressed by canine and feline meningiomas (S1). Methods: Seven canines and 11 felines with histologically confirmed meningiomas underwent STTR screening. RNA expressions of SSTR1, SSTR2, SSTR3 and SSTR5 (canine) and SSTR1–SSTR 5 (feline) in fresh frozen and formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) samples were investigated using real‐time (RT)‐qPCR. The expression of SSTR1 and SSTR2 in FFPE samples was evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC). The specificity of applied antibodies for canine and feline species was confirmed by western blotting. Results: In canine meningiomas (n = 7), RNA expression of SSTR1, SSTR2 and SSTR5 was detected in all samples; SSTR3 RNA expression was detected in only 33% of samples. In feline meningiomas (n = 12), RNA expression of SSTR1, SSTR4, SSTR5 and SSTR2 was detected in 91%, 46%, 46% and 36% of samples, respectively; SSTR3 was not expressed. Overall, the detection rate was lower in FFPE samples. IHC revealed the expression of SSTR1 and SSTR2 in all samples from both species. However, it is important to exercise caution when interpreting IHC results due to the presence of diffuse background staining. Conclusions: SSTRs are widely expressed in canine and feline meningiomas, thereby encouraging further studies investigating SSTR expression to conduct trials about the effect of adjunctive therapy with long‐acting SST‐analogues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The proximodistal patellar position in canine pathologies, including patella luxation, cruciate ligament rupture, and osteoarthrosis, is not fully understood, while this topic is much better understood in human medicine. Various methods are used to confirm the proximodistal patellar position, but they all require calculations and are infrequently used in everyday practice. In a two-step study with three observers, we investigated, for the first time in veterinary medicine, the applicability of a new, simple method derived from human medicine called the tibial plateau–patella angle (TPPA). This method is independent of the knee angle and magnification, does not require any calculations, and consists of just two lines. This study started with cadavers at different stifle angles. Subsequently, we used 100 X-rays at the optimal stifle angle based on these findings. In both study phases, our results revealed strong agreement among observers. The TPPA varied with the stifle angle but remained consistent across the different weight groups. We concluded that the TPPA is directly dependent on the stifle angulation and tends to be lower with a higher stifle extension angle. It could be difficult for some observers to establish the exact caudal border of the tibial plateau while measuring the TPPA. While the TPPA method shows promise, further evaluation, including breed-specific and pathological considerations, is necessary. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As advanced treatments are becoming increasingly feasible in veterinary medicine, the evaluation of the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of treated animals is becoming more relevant. We evaluated owner‐perceived HRQOL of 10 dogs that underwent craniotomy for meningioma resection between 2002 and 2022 at our institution through telephone interview. For this purpose, we developed a disease‐specific questionnaire containing 52 items (mostly of scoring nature) patterned after previously validated instruments and organised into eight domains. Approval by the Human Ethical Committee and respondents' consent were obtained. We analysed the scores for all domains and dogs. The effect of different variables on the HRQOL score was determined via log‐rank test and Pearson correlation. Scores for all included dogs (range, 0–235 points) were totaled, with a higher number of points indicating a better HRQOL. The dogs included in this study yielded a mean score of 200.6 points (range, 176–227 points), implying a good overall quality of life. There were no significant associations between individual parameters and outcomes. Our questionnaire represents a structured tool for the specific evaluation of postoperative HRQOL in dogs with meningioma, placing a minimal burden on respondents. Few instruments have been developed to assess animal welfare in a disease‐specific context. Implementing these tools, however, is essential to accurately evaluate not only the impact of treatments on biologic parameters, but also their implications on patient welfare. Thus, treatment plans may consider HRQOL for a more comprehensive clinical decision‐making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the postoperative quality of life (QOL) after surgery for the treatment of intracranial meningioma in cats Methods: The study included 14 cases that underwent craniotomy from May 2009 to March 2021. Owners were contacted via telephone after a median time of 967 (range 227–4209) days after surgery and surveyed with a specially designed questionnaire that consisted of three domains, subdivided into different items. Physical behaviour, including general condition, food intake, mobility and overall impression, was evaluated from 0, reflecting the worst status, to 10, reflecting the best. The development of preoperative existing clinical signs, seizures and concurrent medication were evaluated individually for each patient. The time span necessary for the improvement of each item was recorded. Finally, satisfaction about the decision for surgery was ranked from 0 to 10. Results: Thirteen questionnaires were completed. Three cats were evaluated twice owing to revision surgery. Owners reported a statistically significant (P <0.001) improvement from immediately after the operation to 240 days after surgery. Preoperative clinical signs resolved in 95% of cases. All questioned owners would opt for surgery again. Conclusions and relevance: QOL after surgery for intracranial meningioma in cats seems encouraging regarding our study. Nevertheless, limitations, such as small sample size, recall bias, lack of a control group and validation of the questionnaire, need to be kept in mind when interpreting the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]