Effect of postoperative analgesic protocol on limb function following onychectomy in cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the analgesic effects of topical administration of bupivacaine, i.m. administration of butorphanol, and transdermal administration of fentanyl in cats undergoing onychectomy. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 27 healthy adult cats. PROCEDURE: Cats were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups, and unilateral (left forefoot) onychectomy was performed. Gait analysis was performed before and 1, 2, 3, and 12 days after surgery. All forces were expressed as a percentage of the cat's body weight. RESULTS: On day 2, peak vertical force (PVF) was significantly decreased in cats treated with bupivacaine, compared with cats treated with butorphanol or fentanyl. The ratio of left forelimb PVF to PVF of the other 3 limbs was significantly lower on day 2 in cats treated with bupivacaine than in cats treated with fentanyl. No significant differences in vertical impulse (VI) were found between groups on any day. Values for PVF, VI, and the PVF ratio increased progressively following surgery. However, for all 3 groups, values were still significantly decreased, compared with baseline values, 12 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that limb function following onychectomy is significantly better in cats treated with fentanyl transdermally or butorphanol i.m. than in cats treated with bupivacaine topically. Regardless of the analgesic regimen, limb function was still significantly reduced 12 days after surgery, suggesting that long-term analgesic treatment should be considered for cats undergoing onychectomy. Irrigation of the surgical incisions with bupivacaine prior to wound closure cannot be recommended as the sole method for providing postoperative analgesia in cats undergoing onychectomy.     

The effect of tibial plateau angle on ground reaction forces 4-17 months after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in Labrador Retrievers

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between postoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA) and ground reaction forces (GRFs) in Labrador Retrievers at least 4-months after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective longitudinal study. ANIMALS: Thirty-two Labrador Retrievers with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament disease that had TPLO and concurrent meniscal surgery. METHODS: TPA and GRFs were measured pre- and > or = 4 months postoperatively. Preoperative GRFs, preoperative TPA, duration of injury, postoperative TPA and degree of rotation were each compared with postoperative GRFs using correlation analysis. Dogs were also grouped by postoperative TPA and compared using 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Postoperative function was compared with meniscal release/meniscectomy, patient age, sex, body weight and follow-up time using ANOVA. RESULTS: No significant relationship was found between preoperative GRFs, preoperative TPA, duration of injury, postoperative TPA, degree of rotation, or meniscal release/meniscectomy and postoperative function. Mean preoperative GRFs for all dogs were 28.8 +/- 9.5 for peak vertical force (PVF) and 9.3 +/- 3.1 for peak vertical impulse (VI). Mean postoperative GRFs for all dogs were 40.4 +/- 5.0 for PVF and 14.1 +/- 1.9 for VI. CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant relationship was found between postoperative TPA and GRFs after TPLO > or = 4 months after surgery, where the postoperative angle was between 0 and 14 degrees. No significant relationship was found between the preoperative TPA and postoperative function. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Limb function in Labrador Retrievers was not affected by postoperative TPA and re-operation for cases with a postoperative TPA between 0 and 14 degrees is not recommended.     

Short-term outcome after total elbow arthroplasty in dogs with severe, naturally occurring osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate limb function in client-owned dogs before and after total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) for severe, naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical evaluation comparing limb function before and after surgery. ANIMALS: Twenty adult, large breed dogs with elbow OA. METHODS: Physical, radiographic, and force platform gait examinations were performed on all dogs before surgery. TEA was performed, and examinations were repeated at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Pre- and postoperative findings were compared. RESULTS: TEA led to a satisfactory outcome in 16 dogs. In dogs with a satisfactory outcome, function in the operated limb increased over time, with mean peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI) 1 year after surgery being nearly twice the presurgical value. Serious complications encountered included infection (n = 2), luxation (n = 1), and fracture of the humeral condyle (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Although TEA, as presented, has significant limitations, it can be successfully performed in dogs with naturally occurring elbow OA. Improvements in technique and implant design should lead to improved prognosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on 1-year data, TEA can be successfully performed in dogs and should be considered as a treatment alternative for adult dogs with lameness from severe OA of the elbow joint.     

Evaluation of a pressure walkway system for measurement of vertical limb forces in clinically normal dogs

OBJECTIVE: To compare ground reaction forces (GRFs) measured by use of a pressure-sensitive walk-way (PSW) and a force plate (FP) and evaluate weekly variation in the GRFs and static vertical forces in dogs. ANIMALS: 34 clinically normal dogs and 5 research dogs with lameness. PROCEDURE: GRF data were collected from 5 lame and 14 clinically normal dogs by use of an FP and a PSW. Peak vertical force (PVF), vertical impulse (VI), and velocity measurements (determined by use of photocells and PSW data) were compared between groups. Peak vertical force, VI, stride length, ground phase time (ie, contact time), and static body weight distribution data were collected on 2 occasions, 1 week apart, in 20 different clinically normal dogs by use of a PSW; week-to-week variation in values was evaluated. RESULTS: Measurements of velocity derived by use of the photocells were not different from those derived by use of the PSW. For any 1 limb, values derived by use of the PSW were significantly lower than values derived with the FP. For values obtained by use of either technique, there were no differences between left and right limbs except for values of PVF measured via PSW in forelimbs. Values of PVF, VI, contact time, stride length, and static weight distribution generated by the PSW did not vary from week to week. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Values for GRFs varied between the FP and PSW. However, data derived by use of PSW were consistent and could be used to evaluate kinetic variables over time in the same dog.     

Effect of surgical technique on limb function after surgery for rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome and effect of surgical technique on limb function after surgery for rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (RCCL) and injury to the medial meniscus in Labrador Retrievers. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: 131 Labrador Retrievers with unilateral RCCL and injury to the medial meniscus and 17 clinically normal Labrador Retrievers. PROCEDURE: Affected dogs had partial or complete medial meniscectomy and lateral suture stabilization (LSS), intracapsular stabilization (ICS), or tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). Limb function was measured before surgery and 2 and 6 months after surgery. Treated dogs were evaluated to determine the probability that they could be differentiated from clinically normal dogs and tested to determine the likelihood that they achieved improvement. RESULTS: No difference was found between LSS or TPLO groups, but dogs treated with ICS had significantly lower ground reaction forces at 2 and 6 months. Compared with clinically normal dogs only, 14.9% of LSS-, 15% of ICS-, and 10.9% of TPLO-treated dogs had normal limb function. Improvement was seen in only 15% of dogs treated via ICS, 34% treated via TPLO, and 40% treated via LSS. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgical technique can influence limb function after surgery. Labrador Retrievers treated via LSS, ICS, or TPLO for repair for of RCCL and medial meniscal injury managed with partial or complete meniscectomy infrequently achieve normal function. Results of LSS and TPLO are similar and superior to ICS.     

Evaluation of short-term limb function following unilateral carbon dioxide laser or scalpel onychectomy in cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate short-term postoperative forelimb function after scalpel and laser onychectomy in cats. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective study. ANIMALS: 20 healthy adult cats. PROCEDURES: Cats were randomly assigned to the laser (n = 10) or scalpel (10) onychectomy group. Unilateral left forelimb onychectomy was performed. In the scalpel group, a tourniquet was used during surgery and a bandage was applied after surgery. Pressure platform gait analysis was performed prior to and 1, 2, 3, and 12 days after onychectomy. Peak vertical force (PVF), vertical impulse, and the ratio of the PVF of the left forelimb to the sum of the remaining limbs (PVF ratio) were used as outcome measures. RESULTS: The laser onychectomy group had significantly higher ground reaction forces on days 1 and 2 and significantly higher PVF ratio on day 12, compared with the scalpel group. Similarly, significant differences were found in change in ground reaction forces on days 1 and 2 and the PVF ratio on day 12, compared with day -1. No cats required rescue analgesia during the course of the study. One cat in the laser group had signs of depression and was reluctant to walk on day 2 after surgery, had physical examination findings consistent with cardiac insufficiency, and was euthanized. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cats had improved limb function immediately after unilateral laser onychectomy, compared with onychectomy with a scalpel, tourniquet, and bandage. This improved limb function may result from decreased pain during the 48 hours following unilateral laser onychectomy.     

Pre- and postoperative force plate analysis of dogs with experimentally transected cranial cruciate ligaments treated using tibial plateau leveling osteotomy

Objective— Quantitative and objective assessment of hindlimb kinetics after cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) transection and subsequent stifle stabilization using the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in normal dogs.
Study Design— In vivo experimental biomechanical evaluation.
Animals— Six healthy adult foxhounds.
Methods— Dogs were screened by orthopedic and radiographic examination before study entry. Force plate analysis of gait was measured before extirpation of the right CrCL and TPLO and again at 8 and 18 weeks after surgery.
Results— There was a significant decrease in peak vertical forces (PVFs) and vertical impulse (VI) of the treated hindlimb at 8 weeks when compared with preoperative and 18-week measurements. When compared with preoperative values, there was no significant difference in 18 week PVF and VI in dogs that had TPLO.
Conclusion— TPLO can restore kinetic measures of limb function at 18-weeks after surgery when compared with preoperative values after experimental transection of the CrCL in dogs.
Clinical Relevance— TPLO induces lameness that returns to near normal at 18 weeks. The severity and duration of lameness was similar to that reported for other experimental models of stifle instability repaired by different techniques.     

Distribution of vertical forces in the pads of Greyhounds and Labrador Retrievers during walking

OBJECTIVE: To document peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI) in the pads of Greyhounds and Labrador Retrievers. ANIMALS: 8 Greyhounds and 8 Labrador Retrievers. PROCEDURE: Velocity and acceleration were restricted to ranges of 0.9 to 1.1 m/s and -0.1 to 0.1 m/s2, respectively. The PVF and VI measurements were collected from digital pad (DP)-2, -3, -4, and -5 and the metacarpal pad (McP) or metatarsal pad (MtP) of each limb in each dog. RESULTS: We found no significant differences between the left and right forelimbs or hind limbs for any pad in either breed. Vertical forces in the forelimb were always greater than those in the hind limb. The PVF in the forelimbs of Greyhounds was greatest in DP-3, -4, and -5 and DP-3, DP-4, and the MtP in the hind limbs. The VI in Greyhound forelimbs was greatest in DP-3, -4, and -5 but greatest in DP-4 in the hind limbs. The PVF in the forelimbs of Labrador Retrievers was greatest in the McP, whereas in the hind limbs it was greatest in DP-4. The VI in Labrador Retriever forelimbs was greatest in DP-3, DP-4, and the McP but greatest in DP-3 and -4 in the hind limbs. Significant differences were detected in load distribution between the breeds. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study confirms that DP-3 and DP-4 are major weight-bearing pads in dogs. However, loads were fairly evenly distributed, and DP-5 and the McP or MtP bear a substantial amount of load in both breeds.     

Assessing the efficacy of perioperative oral carprofen after cranial cruciate surgery using noninvasive, objective pressure platform gait analysis

OBJECTIVE: To document, using pressure platform gait analysis, the effect of perioperative oral carprofen on limb function and pain after cranial cruciate ligament surgery in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Blinded, prospective clinical investigation. ANIMALS: Twenty dogs with naturally occurring unilateral cranial cruciate disease. PROCEDURE: Physiologic indices, subjective pain scoring, and pressure platform gait analyses were performed before and 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery. Correlations were assessed between methods of evaluation and the data was compared across treatment groups. RESULTS: No strong correlations were noted between physiologic data, subjective scoring systems, or gait analysis data at a walk or stance. Although average measures of limb function were nearly twice as large in dogs treated with carprofen, no significant differences between groups over time were identified. No significant differences were noted in any other measure of pain or limb function. Power analysis of peak vertical force at a walk indicated that significant difference would have been detected had the number of dogs in each group been increased to 35. CONCLUSION: When limb function was assessed with pressure platform gait analysis no statistical difference was noted between groups with respect to PVF and VI at a walk or stance, although average ground reaction forces for dogs in the carprofen group were greater than the traditional pain management group at all time points. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Oral carprofen appears to provide some benefit for the treatment of postoperative orthopedic pain.     

Use of pressure platform gait analysis in cats with and without bilateral onychectomy

OBJECTIVE: To determine peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI) in cats that had or had not undergone bilateral forelimb onychectomy. ANIMALS: 26 healthy adult cats. PROCEDURE: Onychectomized cats (n = 13) had undergone surgery more than 6 months prior to the study. The PVF and VI were collected from all limbs of each cat with a 2-m pressure platform walkway. Cats were allowed to walk at a comfortable velocity, and acceleration was restricted to +/- 0.5 m/s2. Five valid trials were recorded for each cat with all trials collected in a single 1-hour session. All forces were normalized to and expressed as a percentage of the cat's body weight. RESULTS: Gait data were successfully collected in all cats. No significant difference was found for PVF or VI between cats that had or had not had onychectomy. Limb loads were greater in forelimbs than hind limbs for all trials. Mean PVF and VI in the forelimbs of cats in the nononychectomy group were 56.41% and 18.85%, respectively. Mean PVF and VI in the hind limbs of cats in the nononychectomy group were 50.22% and 14.56%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Gait analysis was successfully performed in cats with a pressure platform walkway. The absence of differences in PVF and VI between the 2 groups of cats suggests that bilateral forelimb onychectomy did not result in altered vertical forces measured more than 6 months after surgery in cats.     

Evaluation of changes in vertical ground reaction forces as indicators of meniscal damage after transection of the cranial cruciate ligament in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether decreases in peak vertical force of the hind limb after transection of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) would be indicative of medial meniscal damage in dogs. ANIMALS: 39 purpose-bred adult male Walker Hounds. PROCEDURE: The right CrCL was transected arthroscopically. Force plate measurements of the right hind limb were made prior to and 2, 4, 10, and 18 weeks after transection of the CrCL. Only dogs with > or =10% decreases in peak vertical force after week 2 were considered to have potential meniscal damage. Dogs that did not have > or =10% decreases in peak vertical force at any time point after week 2 were assigned to group 1. Group 2 dogs had > or =10% decreases in peak vertical force from weeks 2 to 4 only. Group 3 and 4 dogs had > or =10% decreases in peak vertical force from weeks 4 to 10 only or from weeks 10 to 18 only, respectively. Damage to menisci and articular cartilage was graded at week 18, and grades for groups 2 to 4 were compared with those of group 1. RESULTS: The percentage change in peak vertical force and impulse area was significantly different in groups 2 (n = 4), 3 (4), and 4 (4) at the end of each measurement period (weeks 4, 10, and 18, respectively) than in group 1 (27). The meniscal grade for groups 2 to 4 was significantly higher than for group 1. A > or =10% decrease in peak vertical force had sensitivity of 52% and accuracy of 72% for identifying dogs with moderate to severe medial meniscal damage. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs with transected or ruptured CrCLs, force plate analysis can detect acute exacerbation of lameness, which may be the result of secondary meniscal damage, and provide an objective noninvasive technique that delineates the temporal pattern of medial meniscal injury.     

Comparison of Force Plate Gait Analysis and Owner Assessment of Pain Using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory in Dogs with Osteoarthritis

Background

Lameness assessment using force plate gait analysis (FPGA) and owner assessment of chronic pain using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) are valid and reliable methods of evaluating canine osteoarthritis. There are no studies comparing these 2 outcome measures.

Objective

Evaluate the relationship between CBPI pain severity (PS) and interference (PI) scores with the vertical forces of FPGA as efficacy measures in canine osteoarthritis.

Animals

Sixty‐eight client‐owned dogs with osteoarthritis (50 hind limb and 18 forelimb).

Methods

Double‐blind, randomized. Owners completed the CBPI, and dogs underwent FPGA on days 0 and 14. Dogs received carprofen or placebo on days 1 through 14. The change in PS and PI scores from day 0 to 14 were compared to the change in peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI).

Results

PS and PI scores significantly decreased in carprofen‐ compared with placebo‐treated dogs (P = .002 and P = .03, respectively). PVF and VI significantly increased in carprofen‐ compared with placebo‐treated dogs (P = .006 and P = .02, respectively). There was no correlation or concordance between the PS or PI score changes and change in PVF or VI.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In these dogs with hind limb or forelimb osteoarthritis, owner assessment of chronic pain using the CBPI and assessment of lameness using FPGA detected significant improvement in dogs treated with carprofen. The lack of correlation or concordance between the change in owner scores and vertical forces suggests that owners were focused on behaviors other than lameness when making efficacy evaluations in their dogs.     

Force plate analyses before and after stabilization of canine stifles for cruciate injury

Ground reaction forces were measured from the hind limbs of 9 dogs before and after stabilization of unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Before surgery, peak vertical force, associated impulses, and weight distribution were significantly less (multivariate analysis P less than 0.02) in the affected limb, compared with the clinically normal limb. Craniocaudal peak forces and impulses, divided into braking and propulsion, also were significantly less in the affected limb. At a minimum of 7 months after retinacular imbrication, all vertical and craniocaudal measurements in the affected limb were increased significantly. Significant changes were not found in the normal limb. Furthermore, at the postoperative evaluation, there was no significant difference in any measurement between the affected and normal hind limbs. The results indicated restoration of function in the cruciate-deficient limb when compared with the clinically normal hind limb at a walking gait during the study time period.     

Relationships of Body Weight,Body Size,Subject Velocity,and Vertical Ground Reaction Forces in Trotting Dogs

Objective: To evaluate the relationship of body weight (BW) and size, dog velocity, and vertical ground reaction forces (GRF) from a large number of dogs of various sizes. Study Design: Clinical research. Animals: Orthopedically healthy dogs (n=129) Methods: BW and dog size, represented as height at the withers (WH), were obtained. Stance times (ST), vertical impulses (VI), and peak vertical forces (PVF) of thoracic and pelvic limbs were measured on a force plate at controlled trotting speed. They were evaluated against BW and WH using linear regression analysis in absolute (nonnormalized) values, and when normalized to BW and/or body size according to the theory of dynamic similarity. Relative velocities were calculated for each dog. Results: Absolute ST, VI, and PVF showed strong positive correlations with BW and/or body size. When GRFs were normalized to BW, correlations with body size were markedly reduced, but remained positive for VI, and turned negative for PVF. Normalizing the time‐dependent variables (ST and VI) also to WH eliminated most size influence. A small dependency of fully normalized GRF on body size remained that was because of differences in relative velocity between dogs of different sizes. Reference values for the fully normalized data are given. Conclusions: The inherent relationship between BW, body size, dog velocity, and vertical GRF was demonstrated. Clinical Relevance: BW, body size, and relative dog velocity must be accounted for when wanting to obtain GRF variables that are comparable between different dogs.     

The effects of epidural deracoxib on the ground reaction forces in an acute stifle synovitis model

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of epidurally administered deracoxib to mediate the signs of a sodium urate crystal-induced stifle synovitis in dogs, and to compare the efficacy of epidural versus subcutaneously administered deracoxib. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled modified cross-over design. ANIMALS: Random source, adult, mixed breed dogs (n = 24; 14 males, 10 females). METHODS: Sodium urate crystals were used to create a stifle synovitis model to evaluate the efficacy of deracoxib. Dogs were divided into 4 groups: 3 mg/kg epidural deracoxib, 1.5 mg/kg epidural deracoxib, 3 mg/kg subcutaneous deracoxib, and a placebo (vehicle for deracoxib). Force plate and subjective evaluations were made at time 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours post-treatment. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni-corrected post hoc comparisons was used to determine significant treatment effects. RESULTS: Peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI) were both significantly higher in deracoxib treated dogs compared with placebo. For 3 mg/kg epidural and subcutaneous deracoxib, PVF and VI were significantly greater than for 1.5 mg/kg epidural deracoxib. Overall pain score for all deracoxib-treated dogs was significantly lower than for placebo dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Epidural administration of deracoxib is effective at providing analgesia in an acute joint pain model; however, it does not appear to be more effective than systemic administration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Injectable deracoxib is effective in providing analgesia in acute inflammatory conditions of synovial joints.     

In vivo comparison of two hinged transarticular external skeletal fixators for multiple ligamentous injuries of the canine stifle.

Controlled mobilization after the surgical repair of multiple disrupted ligaments is considered to be essential for return to normal function. This study compared the outcome after post-surgical mobilization without any protection to mobilization with two transarticular external skeletal fixator hinge prototypes after surgical repair of experimental injuries to multiple stifle ligaments in 15 hounds. The repair was left unprotected (NP: n=5), protected with a self-centering hinge (SH: n=5) and with a conventional hinge (CH: n=5) for four weeks after surgical repair. Outcome measurements included: orthopaedic examination, goniometric and thigh circumference (TC) measurements, total tibial translation (TT), radiographs, and kinetic gait analysis up to 120 days post-operatively. A significant effect of treatment controlling for time for medial collateral stability, TC, TT, osteophyte scores, peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI) was not found. There was a significant difference between time points for subjective lameness scores, TC, PVF, VI, TT and osteophyte scores within treatment. Stifle extension was significantly decreased in CH dogs compared to NP dogs on day 28. Stifle flexion was significantly decreased in CH and SH dogs on day 28 compared to NP dogs. Stifle flexion was normal in all dogs by day 42. Both hinges compromised stifle flexion initially after hinge removal, but range of motion normalized within two weeks. Hinges were not indicated for adjunct treatment after repair of multiple experimentally induced ligamentous stifle injuries.     

Comparison of Short‐ and Long‐term Function and Radiographic Osteoarthrosis in Dogs After Postoperative Physical Rehabilitation and Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy or Lateral Fabellar Suture Stabilization

Objectives— To compare short‐ and long‐term functional and radiographic outcome of cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) injury in dogs treated with postoperative physical rehabilitation and either tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) or lateral fabellar suture stabilization (LFS). Study Design— Prospective observational clinical study. Animals— Medium to large breed dogs with naturally occurring CrCL injury (n=65). Methods— Dogs with CrCL injury were treated with either TPLO or LFS and with identical physical rehabilitation regimes postoperatively. Limb peak vertical force (PVF) was measured preoperatively and at 3, 5, and 7 weeks, and 6 months and 24 months postoperatively. Stifles were radiographically assessed for osteoarthrosis (OA) preoperatively and 24 months postoperatively. Results— Thirty‐five dogs had LFS and 30 dogs had TPLO. Radiographic OA scores were significantly increased at 24 months compared with preoperative scores in all dogs. Radiographic OA scores preoperatively and at 24 months were not significantly different between treatment groups. PVF was significantly increased from preoperative to 24 months among both treatment groups but not significantly different between treatment groups preoperatively or at 3, 5, 7 weeks, 6, or 24 months. Conclusion— No significant difference in outcome as determined by ground reaction forces or radiographic OA scores were found between dogs with CrCL injury treated with LFS or TPLO. Clinical Relevance— LFS and TPLO remain good options for stabilizing stifles with CrCL injury with all dogs showing significant functional improvement. This study does not support the superiority of either surgical technique.     

Temporospatial and kinetic characteristics of sheep walking on a pressure sensing walkway

The walking gait of sheep was analyzed in terms of temporospatial and kinetic parameters and weight distribution among the 4 limbs. Eighteen mature female Suffolk-mix sheep walked comfortably with a halter-guide over a 1.5-m pressure sensing walkway. Six valid trials were acquired for each sheep without any previous selection or habituation. Stance phases of the forelimb and hind limb were 66.3% and 68.9%, respectively, of total gait cycle, and limb velocity was 1.06 m/s in both forelimbs and hind limbs while walking. The mean peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI) as percentage of body weight in the forelimbs were 52.5% and 19.9%, respectively, and those of the hind limbs were 38.5% and 14.9%, respectively. More body weight was loaded on the forelimbs than the hind limbs, at 59% and 41% of body weight, respectively. The walking gait of sheep measured with the pressure sensing (PS) walkway was similar to that reported in dogs and horses. The PS walkway enabled collection of temporospatial and kinetic data, and simplified the process of data collection.     

Hyperbaric gaseous cryotherapy for postoperative rehabilitation enhances functional recovery of canine stifle joint: a report on a short-term study

BackgroundHyperbaric gaseous cryotherapy (HGC) is a type of cryotherapy used in human medicine for rehabilitation after orthopedic surgeries. Because HGC is known to reduce acute or chronic pain, research is needed to prove its effectiveness in veterinary medicine.ObjectivesTo compare the effects of HGC between the HGC treatment group and the nontreatment (NT) group on postoperative swelling, range of motion, lameness score, postoperative pain, and kinetic measurements after stifle joint surgery in dogs.MethodsDogs were randomized in an HGC group or NT groups. In the HGC group, HGC was applied once a day for a total of 2 days after surgery. All parameters were measured postoperatively and at 1, 2, 10, and 28 days after surgery.ResultsTwenty dogs were enrolled: 10 in the HGC group and 10 in the NT group. Soft tissue swelling was not significantly different between groups at any time point. In the HGC group, pain scores decreased significantly 24 h after surgery and 48 h after surgery. Dogs in the HGC group showed a significantly decreased lameness and improvement for all kinetic measurements beginning 48 h after surgery. In addition, the HGC group indicated a significant increase in range of motion as compared with the NT group at 28 days after surgery.ConclusionsHGC plays a powerful role in decreasing initial postoperative pain. Furthermore, the improvement in pain affects the use of the operated limb, and the continued use of the limb eventually assists in the quick recovery of normal function.     

Evaluation of S-adenosyl l-methionine in a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial for treatment of presumptive osteoarthritis in the dog

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of S‐adenosyl l ‐methionine (SAMe) in the treatment of clinically inferred canine osteoarthritis (OA). Study Design: Six weeks, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial. Animals: Dogs (n=33) with clinical signs, history, and orthopedic exams consistent with OA. Methods: Dogs were block randomized by body condition score (<6/9, or ≥6/9) into either the placebo or SAMe group. Outcome was assessed using pressure platform gait analysis, examination score, goniometry, and the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) at the time of study entrance and at 3 and 6 weeks after entry. Groups were compared using parametric and nonparametric paired tests as appropriate, and numbers needed to treat (NNT) were calculated for the CBPI and peak vertical force (PVF). Results: Both groups (n=15 placebo, n=18 SAMe) had a reduction in mean PVF (P=.02) and vertical impulse (VI; P=.06) from the 1st to 3rd visit. There was no significant difference between the placebo group and SAMe group for PVF, VI, or either part of the CBPI (Severity or Impact). The NNT at 6 weeks for the Severity score was 3, Impact score was 25, and PVF was 45. Conclusions: These data do not support the use of SAMe as an effective stand alone treatment for reducing clinical signs of OA, as measured by PVF, VI, goniometry, CBPI (both Severity and Impact), and examination score within 6 weeks of treatment.