RADIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT IN THE DOG

The radiographic signs associated with implanted canine total hip prostheses include: (1) a 1 mm-or-less wide static lucent zone at the acetabular and femoral bone-cement interfaces, and (2) periosteal bone proliferation surrounding the stem of the femoral prosthesis. The radiographic signs associated with total hip replacement complications are dislocation of the femoral component, bone changes suggestive of infection involving the acetabular and femoral components, and loosening of the acetabular component. Arthrography is beneficial in determining the presence of a loose prosthesis with or without infection.     

Open drainage and delayed autogenous cancellous bone grafting for treatment of chronic osteomyelitis in dogs and cats

Ten dogs and 1 cat with 12 chronically infected bones were treated surgically by means of saucerization, primary internal or external rigid fixation, and open irrigation drainage. After formation of a healthy granulation bed, autogenous cancellous bone grafting and skin closure were performed. Eleven of 12 bones healed 4 to 7 weeks (mean, 4.8 weeks) after treatment, without recurrence of infection. Eight of 12 chronically infected bones had a polymicrobial infection, with 2 to 6 bacterial species isolated. Gram-negative bacteria were isolated from 7 of the 12 bones, and anaerobic bacteria were isolated twice.     

Expanding the genetic code of Escherichia coli with phosphoserine

O-Phosphoserine (Sep), the most abundant phosphoamino acid in the eukaryotic phosphoproteome, is not encoded in the genetic code, but synthesized posttranslationally. Here, we present an engineered system for specific cotranslational Sep incorporation (directed by UAG) into any desired position in a protein by an Escherichia coli strain that harbors a Sep-accepting transfer RNA (tRNA(Sep)), its cognate Sep-tRNA synthetase (SepRS), and an engineered EF-Tu (EF-Sep). Expanding the genetic code rested on reengineering EF-Tu to relax its quality-control function and permit Sep-tRNA(Sep) binding. To test our system, we synthesized the activated form of human mitogen-activated ERK activating kinase 1 (MEK1) with either one or two Sep residues cotranslationally inserted in their canonical positions (Sep(218), Sep(222)). This system has general utility in protein engineering, molecular biology, and disease research.     

Ventrolateral approach for repair of sacroiliac fracture-dislocation in the dog and cat

A ventrolateral approach to the sacroiliac joint is described as an alternative to the dorsolateral approach for the repair of sacroiliac dislocations and sacral wing fractures. The technique described here usually is performed blindly with digital palpation; however, the approach may be extended craniodorsally, allowing direct visualization of the sacroiliac joint. This technique facilitates reduction and stable fixation, with good purchase of the implants in the sacrum, for the repair of sacroiliac fracture-dislocation. This method of repair was used on 20 patients, with good to excellent clinical results.     

Brucella canis osteomyelitis in two dogs with total hip replacements

Brucella canis was isolated from the cement or bone surrounding a hip prosthesis after total hip replacement was performed for treatment of hip dysplasia in 2 dogs. Lameness or signs of infection were not evident for 9 and 16 months after surgery. Osteomyelitis surrounding the prostheses was detected radiographically only after the lameness developed. The origin of the B canis infection in the 2 dogs was believed to be hematogenous because of the biologic behavior of this organism and because of the duration of excellent limb function after hip replacement. A slide agglutination test for B canis should be performed as a screening test on any canine total hip candidate when the anamnesis and physical examination indicate that the dog may have been exposed to or infected with B canis.