Comparison of the nonionic contrast agents, iopromide and iotrolan, for positive-contrast arthrography of the scapulohumeral joint in dogs.

Arthrographic quality and synovial inflammatory response were examined to compare the use of iopromide with that of iotrolan for arthrography of the scapulohumeral joint in 6 dogs. Radiographs obtained 1 and 3 minutes after injection of either nonionic compound were of similar quality, but radiographs obtained 5 minutes after injection of iotrolan were significantly (P less than 0.05) better than those obtained after injection of iopromide. Results of analysis of synovial fluid samples obtained at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after injection of contrast media were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Histologic examination of synovium and articular cartilage 2 weeks after injection of iopromide or iotrolan revealed minimal inflammatory response for both contrast agents. Injection of iopromide and iotrolan into the scapulohumeral joints of dogs had less effect on synovial fluid than that reported after injection of ionic compounds.     

Autogenous osteochondral grafting for treatment of stifle osteochondrosis in dogs

Objective— To develop and assess clinical outcomes for osteochondral autografting for treatment of stifle osteochondrosis (OC) in dogs. Study Design— Retrospective case series. Animals— Dogs with stifle OC (n=10). Methods— Osteochondral autografting was developed and optimized in canine cadavers and purpose‐bred research dogs using the Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS). Dogs with stifle OC (n=10 dogs, 12 stifles) were then treated using the OATS system. Outcomes were assessed by radiography (n=12), magnetic resonance imaging (1), second‐look arthroscopy (9), lameness scoring (12), and telephone survey of owners (10 clients, 12 stifles) 6–15 months after surgery. Results— Complications were documented in 4 of the 12 stifles treated and included peri‐incisional seromas (3) and marked stifle effusion (1). Subjective assessment of follow‐up radiographs revealed evidence of integration of the grafts with maintenance of subchondral bone surface architecture. Subjective assessment of follow‐up MRI in 1 stifle revealed evidence for incorporation of grafts with restoration of articular surface contour. Second‐look arthroscopy 6–30 weeks after surgery revealed maintenance of articular cartilage at the graft site. Dogs were significantly (P<.001) less lame at follow‐up compared with preoperative scores. Based on follow‐up owner surveys, only 2 dogs had no pain or lameness; the other dogs were judged to have mild pain and/or lameness. All owners noticed improvement in the dogs' quality of life after surgery. Conclusion— Osteochondral autografting deserves consideration and further evaluation as a primary treatment option for stifle OC in dogs. Clinical Relevance— Osteochondral autografting for treatment of lateral femoral condylar OC lesions in dogs using OATS instrumentation is safe and results in improved function and quality of life based on owners' perception 6–15 months after treatment.     

In vitro characterization of chondrocytes isolated from naturally occurring osteochondrosis lesions of the humeral head of dogs

OBJECTIVE: To characterize chondrocytes from naturally occurring osteochondrosis (OC) lesions of the humeral head of dogs. SAMPLE POPULATION: 15 cartilage specimens from 13 client-owned dogs with humeral head OC and 10 specimens from the humeral head of healthy dogs (controls). PROCEDURE: Chondrocytes were isolated and cultured in a 3-dimensional system. On days 7, 10, 15, 20, and 25, glycosaminoglycan and hydroxyproline content and cytologic characteristics were evaluated. Expression of collagen types I, II, and X was assessed by use of immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Chondrocytes from OC lesions were less viable, compared with control chondrocytes. Glycosaminoglycan content in the OC group was significantly less than in the control group on all days except day 20. Hydroxyproline content was also significantly less in the OC group on days 10, 20, and 25. Expression of collagen type II was significantly less in the OC group, compared with the control group on all days, whereas expression of collagen type I was significantly greater in the OC group on days 20 and 25. Expression of collagen type X was significantly less in the OC group on all days except day 25. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Chondrocytes from naturally occurring OC lesions of the humeral head of dogs cultured in a 3-dimensional system were less viable and less capable of producing appropriate extracellular matrix molecules than chondrocytes from unaffected dogs. Alterations in the synthetic capabilities of chondrocytes from OC-affected cartilage may be a cause or an effect of the disease process.     

Arthroscopic removal and curettage of osteochondrosis lesions on the lateral and medial trochlear ridges of the talus in two dogs

Osteochondrosis lesions in the tibiotarsal joint were treated arthroscopically in two dogs. One dog had unilateral osteochondrosis of the dorsal aspect of the lateral trochlear ridge of the talus. The second dog had bilateral osteochondrosis of the plantar aspect of the medial trochlear ridge of the talus. Removal of all osteochondral fragments (i.e., joint mice) and debridement and curettage of the remaining talar defects were accomplished arthroscopically. Both dogs had excellent short-term outcomes.     

Evaluation of partial cranial cruciate ligament rupture with positive contrast computed tomographic arthrography in dogs

Computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) of four cadaveric canine stifles was performed before and after partial cranial cruciate ligament rupture in order to verify the usefulness of CTA examination for the diagnosis of partial cranial cruciate ligament rupture. To obtain the sequential true transverse image of a cranial cruciate ligament, the computed tomography gantry was angled such that the scanning plane was parallel to the fibula. True transverse images of cranial cruciate ligaments were identified on every sequential image, beginning just proximal to the origin of the cranial cruciate ligament distal to the tibial attachment, after the administration of iodinated contrast medium. A significant decrease in the area of the cranial cruciate ligament was identified on CTA imaging after partial surgical rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. This finding implies that CTA can be used for assessing partial cranial cruciate ligament ruptures in dogs.     

Evaluation of the learning curve for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery: bilateral ovariectomy in dogs

Objective: Study the learning curve for canine Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) ovariectomy by evaluating operative times and complications. Study Design: Preclinical research study. Animals: Adult female dogs (n=20). Methods: NOTES ovariectomy procedures were performed as follows: Feasibility Group 1 (n=5), Feasibility Group 2 (n=5), and Early Clinical Group 3 (n=10). Six steps of the procedure were identified, timed separately, and the overall time was recorded from introduction to removal of the endoscope. Complications were recorded. Repeated measures analysis of variance using ranked data compared the effect of group (3 levels) on the time for each step. Nonlinear regression using an exponential model with nonzero asymptote was used to model the operative time–procedure number relationship. Results: Overall median operative time was significantly longer for Group 1 (195 minutes; range, 160–265 minutes) than Group 2 (108 minutes; range, 81–148 minutes; P=.048) and Group 3 (77 minutes; range, 41–136 minutes; P=.0008). The estimated asymptotic operative time was 71 minutes (95% confidence interval, 41–100 minutes); this time was reached after 10 procedures. Gastric cleansing and removing the left ovary took significantly longer in Group 1 than in Group 2 or 3. Operative complications included incomplete ovarian excision, dropping an ovary during retrieval, and conversion to an open procedure. No intraoperative complications occurred in Group 3. Conclusion: NOTES procedures result in longer operative times in the early part of the learning curve and require considerable experience before reaching proficiency.     

Evaluation of serum NT-pCNP as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for sepsis in dogs

Background: There is a need for diagnostic biomarkers that can rapidly differentiate dogs with sepsis from dogs with noninfectious forms of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (NSIRS). Objectives: To compare serum NT‐pCNP concentrations among dogs with various forms of sepsis, NSIRS, and healthy controls and to evaluate the use of serum NT‐pCNP for the diagnosis of various forms of sepsis in dogs. Animals: One hundred and twelve dogs including 63 critically ill dogs (sepsis n = 29; NSIRS n = 34) and 49 healthy control dogs. Methods: Prospective clinical investigation. Serum samples were collected for NT‐pCNP measurement from dogs with sepsis or NSIRS within 24 hours of intensive care unit admission or at the time of presentation for healthy dogs. Dogs with sepsis were subclassified based on the anatomic region of infection. Serum NT‐pCNP concentrations were compared among sepsis, NSIRS and healthy groups as well as among sepsis subgroups. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity for identifying dogs with sepsis were determined. Results: Using a cut‐off value of 10.1 pmol/L, AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of NT‐pCNP for differentiating dogs with sepsis from dogs with NSIRS or healthy control dogs were 0.71 (95% CI, 0.58–0.85), 65.5% (45.7–82.1%), and 89.2% (80.4–94.9%), respectively. Serum NT‐pCNP had poor sensitivity for peritoneal sources of sepsis; AUC [0.92 (0.81–1.0)], sensitivity [94% (71–100%)], and specificity [89% (80–95%)] improved when these dogs were excluded. Serum NT‐pCNP concentration was not associated with survival in the sepsis group. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Serum NT‐pCNP is a promising diagnostic biomarker for sepsis but is a poor indicator of septic peritonitis.     

Early lesions of articular osteochondrosis in the distal femur of foals

Failure of the cartilage canal blood supply to epiphyseal growth cartilage has been implicated in the pathogenesis of articular osteochondrosis in horses and other animal species. In a previous study of the developmental pattern of the blood supply in the tarsus of foals, early lesions of osteochondrosis were consistently found in regions where the cartilage canal vessels traversed the chondro-osseous junction. The developmental pattern of blood vessels has also been described in the distal femoral epiphysis; however, the group of foals examined in that study did not have lesions of osteochondrosis in this location. Therefore, the relationship between the occurrence of early lesions of osteochondrosis and the developmental pattern of the blood supply to epiphyseal growth cartilage in this site in foals has not been examined. Distal femora were collected from 30 fetuses and foals (up to 11 months old) submitted for postmortem examination. Sections from the lateral trochlear ridge and medial femoral condyle of both hind limbs were examined histologically. Sixteen cartilage lesions were found in 7 of the 30 fetuses and foals. All lesions contained evidence of cartilage canal necrosis and ischemic chondronecrosis. The lesions were located in regions where cartilage canal vessels traversed the chondro-osseous junction, as previously observed in the tarsus. The location and morphology of lesions indicated that a subclinical stage of ischemic chondronecrosis existed that preceded and predisposed to the development of osteochondrosis dissecans and subchondral bone cysts.     

Use of a radiographic scoring technique for the assessment of dogs with elbow osteochondrosis

A retrospective study was made of 335 dogs with elbow osteochondrosis that had been seen at the Royal Veterinary College in 1977 to 1987. The most commonly affected breeds were the labrador, retriever and rottweiler. Males were affected more often than females. The condition was bilateral in 50 per cent of cases and the peak age for the onset of lameness was four to six months. In rottweilers, the lesions found at exploratory arthrotomy were predominantly abnormalities of the coronoid process, while in retrievers and labradors lesions most commonly affected the medial humeral condyle or the coronoid process. A scoring system for grading the standard projection (lateral and postero-anterior) radiographs was devised and the score was correlated with the lesion found at surgery. Some cases were reviewed radiographically and any alteration in the degree of periarticular arthrosis, seen as an increase in radiographic score, was noted. The exact extent of the lesion found at surgery was recorded diagrammatically in 65 cases. It did not prove possible to predict from the radiographic score the nature and extent of the lesion and no correlation could be found between the radiographic score [and clinical degree of lameness. The scoring system did have some merit for reviewing cases because an increase in score indicated the extent to which joint changes had advanced.     

Evaluation of papillomaviruses associated with cyclosporine-induced hyperplastic verrucous lesions in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cyclosporine A-induced hyperplastic skin lesions of dogs were associated with papillomavirus infections. ANIMALS: 9 dogs that were treated with cyclosporine A and developed hyperplastic skin lesions. PROCEDURE: History and clinical and histopathologic data were collected. Paraffin-embedded skin biopsy specimens from hyperplastic skin lesions were immunostained for common papillomavirus genus-specific structural antigens by use of a polyclonal rabbit anti-bovine papillomavirus type 1 antiserum. Sections from each tissue block underwent DNA extraction, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were performed with several sets of primers to amplify a wide range of papillomavirus DNA from humans and other animals. RESULTS: In 7 of 9 dogs, there were more than 10 hyperplastic skin lesions that microscopically resembled those of psoriasiform lichenoid dermatosis. In those dogs, results of testing for papillomavirus via immunohistochemical analyses and PCR assays were negative. In the other 2 dogs, there were only 1 and 3 verrucous lesions, and in those dogs, histologic evaluation revealed koilocytes and nuclear viral inclusions that were immunoreactive for papillomavirus antigens. Papillomavirus DNA was amplified from both dogs. One of the sequences was characteristic for the canine oral papillomavirus, whereas the other had similarities with the recently described canine papillomavirus 2. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs, hyperplastic skin lesions occasionally develop during treatment with cyclosporine A. Most of the lesions resemble those of psoriasiform lichenoid dermatosis, although papillomavirus can be detected in some instances.     

Evaluation of analytical grade of metrizamide for canine stifle arthrography

The use of analytical grade of metrizamide as contrast material in canine stifle arthrography was evaluated in 27 stifle joints. A concentration of 280 mg of I/100 ml was prepared, and the material was injected at a rate of 0.3 ml/cm thickness of the lateral to medial measurement. Acceptable arthrograms were produced in 22 (81.5%) cases. The mediolateral radiographic view was useful in demonstrating the cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, the infrapatellar fat pad, and the tendon of the long digital extensor muscle. The caudocranial radiographic view was useful in demonstrating the medial and lateral menisci, the articular surfaces of the femoral condyles, and the outline of the joint capsule. Radiographs made within 15 minutes after injection of the contrast medium were acceptable, thus setting this period as the limit for obtaining useful arthrograms. The double contrast technique was found to be of little value.     

Survival and prognostic indicators for cycad intoxication in dogs

Background: Cycad palms are commonly used in landscaping and ingestion by dogs can cause disease or death. Objectives: Determine the morbidity and case fatality of cycad palm toxicosis in dogs from Louisiana, and examine putative prognostic factors. Animals: Thirty‐four client‐owned dogs with confirmed cycad palm toxicosis between 2003 and 2010. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Search of all medical records for animals with cycad palm toxicosis. Results: Seventeen of 34 (50%) dogs died or were euthanized as a direct consequence of cycad intoxication. There were no differences in presenting signs and physical examination findings between survivors and nonsurvivors. Nonsurvivors had higher serum alanine transaminase activity (median 196 U/L; range 16–4,123 versus 113.5; 48–1,530) and total bilirubin concentration (0.5 mg/dL; 0.1–6.2 versus 0.25; 0–1.7) upon presentation, and their initial serum concentrations of albumin (2.9 g/dL; 1.4–4.1 versus 3.3; 2.2–3.9) were lower than those of survivors. Nadir serum albumin concentration was also lower in nonsurvivors (1.9; 1.4–3.7 versus 3.2; 1.8–3.5). A higher proportion of nonsurvivors had prolonged coagulation times, prothrombin time. and partial thromboplastin time. In a multivariate model, administration of charcoal at initial presentation was associated with longer survival (heart rate [HR] 0.019, 95% CI 0.001–0.644), while high serum aspartate aminotransferase activity was a negative prognostic factor (HR 118.2, 95% CI 2.89–4,826). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Cycad intoxication is associated with a higher case fatality than previously published. Several laboratory parameters might help differentiating potential nonsurvivors from survivors. Administration of charcoal as part of the emergency treatment appears to have a protective effect.     

Effect of dietary nutrients on osteochondrosis lesions and cartilage properties in pigs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dietary ingredients involved in cartilage and bone metabolism and their influence on osteochondrosis lesions in swine. ANIMALS: 80 crossbred gilts (mean initial weight, 39 kg). PROCEDURES: Pigs (10 pigs/treatment) were fed a corn-soybean meal basal (control) diet or the basal diet supplemented with additional minerals (copper and manganese or silicon), amino acids (proline and glycine; a combination of leucine, isoleucine, and valine; or methionine and threonine), or fatty acids (provided by fish oil) for 84 days. Pigs were then slaughtered and the distal portion of the left femur was collected for determination of osteochondrosis lesions at the femoral condyle. After evaluation of external joint surfaces, the distal portion of the femur was sectioned to evaluate lesions in the growth plate and articular cartilage. Additionally, a cartilage specimen was obtained from the patella for analysis. RESULTS: Pigs fed diets containing high amounts of methionine and threonine or the diet containing all additional ingredients had significantly lower total severity scores, compared with scores for pigs fed the control diet or a diet supplemented with fish oil. Pigs fed diets containing additional proline and glycine, copper and manganese, methionine and threonine, or all additional ingredients had significantly lower overall scores, compared with scores for pigs fed the control diet or a diet supplemented with fish oil. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dietary manipulation decreased the severity of osteochondrosis lesions, compared with results for pigs fed a control diet. However, additional research on optimal concentrations and combinations of dietary components is needed.     

Evaluation of multiple radiographic predictors of cartilage lesions in the hip joints of eight-month-old dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine the radiographic methods that best predict the development of osteoarthritis in the hip joints of a cohort of dogs with hip dysplasia and unaffected dogs. ANIMALS: 205 Labrador Retrievers, Greyhounds, and Labrador Retriever-Greyhound crossbred dogs. PROCEDURE: Pelvic radiography was performed when the dogs were 8 months old. Ventrodorsal extended-hip, distraction, and dorsolateral subluxation (DLS) radiographs were obtained. An Orthopedic Foundation for Animals-like hip score, distraction index, dorsolateral subluxation score, and Norberg angle were derived from examination of radiographs. Osteoarthritis was diagnosed at the time of necropsy in dogs > or = 8 months of age on the basis of detection of articular cartilage lesions. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the radiographic technique or techniques that best predicted development of osteoarthritis. RESULTS: A combination of 2 radiographic methods was better than any single method in predicting a cartilage lesion or a normal joint, but adding a third radiographic method did not improve that prediction. A combination of the DLS score and Norberg angle best predicted osteoarthritis of the hip joint or an unaffected hip joint. All models that excluded the DLS score were inferior to those that included it. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A combination of the DLS score and Norberg angle was the best predictor of radiographic measures in 8-month-old dogs to determine whether a dog would have normal or osteoarthritic hip joints.     

Diagnostic and prognostic value of endothelin-1 plasma concentrations in dogs with heart and respiratory disorders

The endothelin-1 (ET-1) plasma concentration was measured in dogs with spontaneous cardiac or respiratory diseases. Plasma samples were obtained from 76 healthy control dogs and 73 dogs, of which 58 were suffering from heart disease and 15 were suffering from respiratory disease. Dogs were evaluated using echocardiography, thoracic radiography, biochemical evaluation and a radioimmunoassay for ET-1. ET-1 plasma concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with spontaneous cardiac or respiratory diseases (mean [se] 5.3 [0.3] and 5.3 [0.6] pg/ml, respectively) than in healthy dogs (1.9 [0.1] pg/ml) (P<0.0001). ET-1 plasma concentrations increased with the class of heart failure (International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council classification) (P<0.0001) and with the severity of pulmonary disorders. ET-1 plasma concentrations were positively correlated with the extent of systolic pulmonary hypertension measured by Doppler echocardiography (P<0.05; r=0.75) and with the clinical outcome of dogs with respiratory disease. Evaluation of the ET-1 plasma concentration allowed differentiation between heart and respiratory disorders in dogs exhibiting clinical signs at exercise, but not in patients exhibiting clinical signs at rest.     

Injection technique and arthrography of the shoulder, elbow and carpal joints of the cat]

Nine cats were available for the present trial. Six thoracic limbs were dissected without any previous treatment. In the remaining twelve thoracic limbs, each articular space was injected with silicone and then fixed with a 5% formalin solution before being submitted to dissection. For the radiological examination ten adult cats were available and arthrographs were taken in two axial planes of each joint. The elbow-joints of six additional cats were injected with six differently formulated contrast media. Radiographs were taken at different time intervals: instantly, five and ten minutes after intraarticular injection. The quality of the contrast and clarity of the structures are discussed. A lateral and a cranial location for injection are described for shoulder-joint, as well as a caudolateral and a craniolateral location for the elbow. A dorsal injection location is recommended for the antebrachiocarpal articulation and the middle carpal articulation. The injection sides described are discussed comparing them with those taken from the literature on dogs and cats. The results obtained from arthrograms are compared with data from literature on dogs. The radiographs of the elbow show clear differences in quality depending on the contrast medium used and on time between injection and exposure. As a result, recommendations can be made for suitable contrast media for arthrograms of the shoulder-, elbow- and carpal-joint in cats. Further, it is recommended that radiographs should be taken not later than five minutes after injection of the contrast media.     

Radiographic, computed tomographic and arthroscopic findings in 23 dogs with osteochondrosis of the tarsocrural joint

Twenty-three dogs with osteochondrosis of the tarsocrural joint were evaluated by radiography, computed tomography (CT) and arthroscopy. The radiographic examination included an extended and flexed mediolateral, a plantarodorsal, a flexed dorsoplantar skyline view, and a plantaromedial-dorsolateral and a plantarolateral-dorsomedial view (two oblique views). The CT examination was carried out in ventral recumbency and 1 mm slices were taken with a bone window setting; 31 lesions were identified in the 46 joints examined. The arthroscopic exploration used either a plantar or a dorsal puncture, depending on the site of the lesion. In six cases the lateral, and in 17 cases the medial trochlear ridge was involved. Although the survey radiographs were sufficient to make a diagnosis, the CT examination helped to determine the exact site, and the number and size of the fragments of bone. A four-stage classification system comparable to the one used in man was established. Arthroscopy provided information about synovial inflammation and damage to the joint cartilage, and made it possible to remove fragments of bone from one-third of the cases.