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Francesco Di Dona, Giovanni Della Valle, Gerardo Fatone Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy Abstract: Patellar luxation is a common orthopedic problem in dogs. Medial luxation is more common than lateral luxation and is usually diagnosed in dogs of small breed. Diagnosis is based on clinical evidence of patellar instability; however, diagnostic imaging is required to assess the amount of skeletal deformity and then the most appropriate method of treatment. Surgical options include both soft tissue and osseous techniques, however, in most of the cases, a combination of more procedures is used to achieve the correction of the luxation. Complication rate is generally low and the most common complications include reluxation and implant-associated complications. Prognosis is generally favorable, with most of the dogs returning to normal limb function. This article describes patellar luxation features in dogs, including clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options available. Keywords: medial patellar luxation, lateral patellar luxation, stifle, pelvic limb, dog, small breeds, canine

Objective: To evaluate outcomes after percutaneous application of transilial pinning in dogs with seventh lumbar vertebral body fracture with concurrent lumbosacral luxation. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of dogs with seventh lumbar vertebral body fracture stabilized with percutaneous transilial pinning that were treated at our hospital between January 2000 and March 2014. Radiographic measurements were used for comparing craniocaudal and ventrodorsal displacement pre- and postoperatively. Results: Seventeen dogs met the inclusion criteria. The neurological status of the majority of treated dogs improved quickly, with immediate pain reduction after surgery. Implants were well tolerated throughout the application period and were removed at a mean time of 54.4 +/- 9.2 days. One dog experienced a major complication (implant failure) and required surgical revision a week after the initial procedure. Minor complications included pin-tract inflammation, signs of back pain lasting five weeks and acute lameness after implant removal. Postoperative radiographic measurements showed shortening of the vertebral body and residual dorsoventral dislocation. Otherwise, functional recovery was good (5 of 17 dogs) to excellent (10 of 17 dogs) in the majority of the patients. Clinical relevance: The use of two percutaneous transilial pins can be considered as treatment for the management of seventh lumbar fracture-luxation in dogs. Our modified stabilization technique is relatively easy to perform; less invasive on the soft tissues; and uses implants that are versatile, modifiable, and easily removable.

INTRODUCTION: In canine eyelids surgery, intraoperative bleeding may obscure the surgical field and lead to increased swelling, bruising and pain. Therapies for the canine lids and nictitating membrane tumors include surgical excision, cryosurgery, or carbon dioxide laser ablation (Stades and Van der Woerdt, 2013). Potential disadvantages of cryosurgery are severe postoperative swelling, depigmentation and the unwanted loss of normal tissue. Laser requires safety precautions, including wavelength-specific eye wear and the hazard of beam scatter and or reflection. OBJECTIVE:to evaluate the efficacy of high-frequency radiowave surgery in treating tumors of eyelids and third eyelid in dogs. MATERIALS & METHODS: Seven dogs (7 eyes) referred with eyelids tumors and 3 dogs with third eyelid tumors were enrolled in the study over a 12-month period. Ablation was performed using high-frequency radiowave surgical unit (Ellman Surgitron FFPF) at a power setting on 2.5 (4 cases) or 5.0 (6 cases) with “needle electrode” (TA2B, TA3B, TA8B) or “empire microincision electrode (TEE305) in the Cut/Coag mode (5 cases: 2 eyelid papilloma and 3 third eyelid tumors) or cut mode (5 eyelid tumors). RESULTS: In all cases surgery was performed in a very short time with the advantage of an excellent haemostasis and minimum onset of oedema using both modes (cut or cut/coag). Surgical incisions were extremely precise and accurate. Two dogs with papilloma on the upper eyelid, treated with a needle electrode and a power setting on 3.0 2,5 showed dehiscence of the surgical wound one week postoperatively. One dog with melanocitoma of the third eyelid showed transient depigmentation of the inferior eyelid which resolved after two months. In all other cases (2 meibomian gland carcinomas, 2 adenomas and 3 2 epitheliomas) no notable complications were observed and the results of the scar was judged as good by surgeons and dog's owners. Follow-up (up to 1 year) showed no recurrence in any case. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: To the authors’ knowledge, treatment of eyelid and third eyelid tumors with high-frequency radiowave surgery is not wide described in dogs and there are not published clinical studies. Results of this study demonstrated that it may be a simple, safe and effective surgical treatment for eyelids and third eyelids tumors in dogs. Dehiscence of surgical wound after the excision of an eyelid papilloma in two cases could be due to the use of low power setting in cut/coag mode. At this setting, a less precise incision and a slower passage through the tissue were achieved, increasing tissue damage and delaying healing. In the same way, needle electrodes with cut/coag mode, used for third eyelid excision in a dog, could have caused a minimal amounts of lateral heat, responsible of depigmentation of the inferior eyelid margin. The “empire microincision electrodes” produce a high concentration of energy with the least amount of thermal damage to adjacent tissue. Therefore, they are the optimal electrodes for eyelid surgery. This technique offers potential advantages over some others in use, like CO2 laser, including minimal safety precautions, self cleansing and relatively low cost. Choosing optimal power settings and the correct electrode will prevent increased tissue damage.

The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical outcome of 2 surgical procedures performed to stabilze the traumatic luxation of the lumbosacral joint (LSJ) in 3 dogs thre paraplegic dogs with LSJ traumatic dislocation were included in the study. After premedication with Acepromazine at the dose of 20 µg/kg and Morphine at the dose of 0.3 mg/kg IM, anesthesia was induced by Propofol (4 mg/kg IV) and maintained with Isoflurane in 10% O2. Case 1: a 30 kg female mixbred, was treated with external skeletal fixation (ESF) utilzing 2 transilal pins, externaly locked with 2 clamps. Case 2 and 3: males of 15 and 30 kg respectively, were treating performing lumbosacral fixation utilzing 6 pins. Two pins were inserted, acros articular proces L7/S1, into the body of the sacrum; two pins were inserted into the L6 and L7 pedicle and body respectively. Al pins were cut and bent to achieve maximum overlap. Cerclage wire and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) was aplied to bond fre ends of pins Case 1: the ESF was removed 50 days after surgery although it has become lose 30 days before. By 7 months there was a marked improvement and the dog was able to walk and run with a slight neurological deficit. Case 2: the dog was able to stand and walk within 48 h after surgery. 90 days after surgery the dog stil had mild urinary and faecal incontinence. Case 3: the dog was able to stand and walk 24 h after surgery without presenting neurological alterations To the authors??? knowledge, diferent techniques have ben described to stabilze fracture or fracture/luxation of L7: nevertheles single traumatic LSJ dislocation and its treatment are not widely described in dogs1. In our experience the ESF is able to stabilze L7 fractures because the bone healing via calus formation neded a shorter time, while the healing via fibrosis requested for L7 luxation lasted longer. On the other hand ESF shows several advantages, including limited disection of soft tisues, adjustabilty after aplication and removal after repair. The stabilzation technique with pins and PMMA provides a relatively rigid construct to reduction of L7 luxation and have several advantages such as excelent strength and stabilty, minimal ned of postoperative care and short recovery time. Disadvantages can include soft tisues disection, relatively long time of surgery with higher risk of infections that we controled by using strict aseptic technique and antibiotic administration. In our experience the stabilzation with pin and PMMA shows beter clinical outcome with a short recovery time and mild complications, while ESF sems to not stabilze completely a LSJ luxation because of the early implant losening and the high risk of infections

In veterinary medicine, computed tomography (CT) is one of the most commonly used methods for imaging the spine because it provides a detailed examination of the spinal cord and surrounding tissues. The aim of this study was to assess thoracolumbar lesions in a number of dogs studied during the year 2011. There were retrospectively evaluated CT studies from 30 dogs of different breeds (mean age= 6.23 years) presented at the Interdepartmental Center of Radiology in the period January - December 2011, with suspected thoracolumbar vertebral or spinal cord lesions. The CT studies were performed without contrast medium in 27 patients, with contrast medium in subarachnoid space (CT- myelography) in two dogs, and in two patients before and after i.v. administration of contrast medium (Iopamidol 370mgl/ml). In one dog both intravenous and subarachnoid administration of contrast medium were used. There were found 46 disc herniations, 10 degenerative spondylopathies, 5 vertebral malformations, 4 vertebral neoplasia, 4 disc degenerations (mineralization and/or vacuum phenomenon), 4 subdural and epidural hemorrhages, 2 spinal cord degenerations (degenerative myelopathy), 2 radicular neoplasia and 2 discospondylitis. In our sample, there was a prevalence of intervertebral disc herniation and in many cases the same dog showed multiple localizations. Usually, disc herniations were clearly visible without contrast medium, causing different degrees of spinal cord compression. In conclusion, CT demonstrated to be a valuable diagnostic tool for detection and characterization of thoracolumbar spinal lesions in dogs.

Records of 100 dogs that were affected by prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid and surgically treated with fixation of prolapsed nictitans glands were reviewed. Eyes surgically treated were 132: in 35 eyes the gland was anchored to the periosteum of the ventral orbital rim (group A),in 36 eyes the gland was buried in a pocket within the conjunctiva of the nictitans (group P), and in 61 eyes gland was buried in a conjunctival pocket after the resection of the conjunctival tissue that covers the prolapsed gland (group C). Group P and C had a statistically lower reprolapse rate. In all groups there was a significant reduction of Shirmer tear test values at 14 days after surgery, although values were always in physiological range. All procedures resulted in good cosmetic effects 1 month after surgery.

Gli Autori descrivono il trattamento di una contrattura del quadricipite femorale, occorsa in un gatto, a seguito di una frattura medio-diafisaria di femore, curata mediante applicazione di un bendaggio rigido. In corso d'intervento chirurgico si è praticato lo sbrigliamento delle aderenze tra il quadricipite femorale ed il callo osseo ed è stato poi applicato un impianto dinamico di fissazione esterna, molto semplificato, strutturato in modo da consentire la completa e libera flessione del ginocchio. si è osservato un pieno recupero funzionale dell'arto già a sette giorni dalla chirurgia. il follow-up a tre anni ha confermato la piena riuscita del trattamento praticato

Introduction/Purpose: Diagnostic Imaging techniques are used to assess osteoarthritic changes for setting prognosis and treatment in cases of CCL rupture. MRI is considered the “gold standard” to visualize damages of ligaments, menisci and cartilages1. Radiography is a well-defined technique used for planning correctional surgery but it has a lower sensitivity in demonstrating early osteoarthritic changes2. Ultrasonography is reported as a valuable tool to visualize osteophytes, intra-articular effusion, lesions of menisci and ligaments3, but it permits only a limited visualization of these structures. CT is superior to radiography and ultrasonography in assessing the stifle joint OA, since the lack of superimpositions and the higher contrast resolution. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess osteoarthritic changes CT in case of CCL rupture. Material and Methods: 19 dogs of various breeds, 7 male and 12 females, mean age 5,7 years (range: 8 mt – 12 y), with clinical signs of unilateral (12 cases) or bilateral (7 cases) CCL rupture underwent CT studies of the stifle joints. In all dogs, the diagnosis of CCL rupture was confirmed at surgery. The duration of clinical signs varied from 5 days to 6 months with a mean chronicity of 1,2 months. CT studies were performed with a third generation scanner (GE Pace Plus) on dogs in dorsal recumbency with hind limbs caudally extended. 1mm thickness contiguous slices from suprapatellar recess to proximal tibial epiphysis were made. CT studies evaluation was made on transverse slices and on multiplanar reconstructions (MPR) using both bone (WW 1600, WL 400) and soft tissue (WW 500, WL 0) windows. Results: The most frequent CT findings visible on transverse images were: condylar and trochlear osteophytes (100%); capsular thickenings (88,9%); enthesiophytes of the tibial extensor muscle groove (83,3%); caudal dislocation of popliteal sesamoid (72,2%); intra-articular effusion (68,7%); subchondral sclerosis of femoral and tibial condyles (30%); synovial cysts (11,1%). MPR permits visualization of caudal cruciate ligament in all the stifle joints while CCL was visible only when it was intact. Medial meniscus damages, i.e. protrusion and/or tears, were visible in 21% of cases. Discussion/Conclusion: CT demonstrated to be an accurate technique that permits a good visualization of many of the ostheoartrosic changes secondary to CCL rupture. More of these changes, i.e. small enthesiophytes or osteophytes, capsular fluid distension or thickening, synovial cysts and caudal dislocation of popliteal sesamoid, are difficult to visualize on radiographs. On MPR images, cruciate ligaments appear as tape-shaped structures, relatively hyperdense compared to the surrounding hypodense fat and synovial fluid. Caudal cruciate ligament is visualized in the sagittal plane while CCL in an oblique parasagittal plane. The menisci are difficult to visualize also on MPR images. Our results demonstrate that, when MRI is not available, CT could be a valuable choice for the assessment of the osteoarthritic changes secondary to CCL rupture in dogs.

la diagnostica per immagini svolge un ruolo fondamentale per il trattamento dei piccoli animali affetti da parziale o completa occlusione intestinale da corpo estraneo. diversi studi hanno descritto la sensibilità e la specificità degli esami addominali radiografici ed ecografici, ma è attualmente sottovalutata l'incidenza di questa sindrome e gli aspetti radiografici ed ecografici che la contraddistinguono. pertanto, lo scopo di questo studio è stato quello di valutare l'incidenza delle occlusioni intestinali e i quadri radiografici ed ecografici specifici nei piccoli animali. il nostro studio evidenzia che, in caso di sospetto di occlusione intestinale da corpo estraneo l'esame ecografico può essere più affidabile dell'esame radiografico. inoltre, il nostro studio evidenzia che le occlusioni da corpo estraneo presentano una bassa incidenza presso il nostro bacino di utenza e che l'incidenza è maggiore nei cani maschi e nei gatti sterilizzati.

La lussazione rotulea è un'affezione di comune riscontro nei cani di piccola taglia. Il malallineamento del meccanismo estensore del ginocchio si rende responsabile di differenti segni clinici classificati da Singleton in 4 gruppi. La Trasposizione della Tuberosità Tibiale (TTT) rappresenta uno dei diversi trattamenti chirurgici della lussazione rotulea. Lo scopo di questo studio clinico è di valutare l'efficacia della TTT ed identificare una possibile correlazione tra il grado di lussazione e la soddisfazione dei proprietari relativamente all'utilizzo dell'arto nell'immediato postoperatorio e nel follow-up successivo

Scopo del lavoro è stato la validazione statistica del metodo di valutazione della maturità scheletrica dei cavalli sportivi mediante l'esame radiografico della sommità del calcaneo e della fisi distale del radio. Partendo da 18 mesi di età, sono stati effettuati studi radiografici della fisi calcaneale e di quella distale del radio a distanza di 2 mesi l'uno dall'altro fino alla chiusura. La classificazione radiografica è stat fatta in 5 classi: C, fisi completamente aperta; B-, fisi con segni di iniziale chiusura centrale; B, fisi con segni di chiusura centrale; B+, fisi completamente chiusa centralmente; A: fisi completamente chiusa. Sulla base di questa classificazione i soggetti sono stati classificati come: immaturi (C, B- e B) o maturi (B+ e A). La lettura dei radiogrammi è stata eseguita da 3 lettori con differente grado di esperienza, in maniera random e cieca, in due sessioni eseguite a distanza di 1 mese. Il grado di accordo tra i lettori è stato valutato mediante la statistica k. La valutazione dell'incidenza delle lesioni nei gruppi di cavalli maturi o immaturi è stata valutata mediante il test del X2. L'età media della chiusura della fisi calcaneale è stata 24.1 mesi mentre per la fisi distale del radio è stata di 28.2 mesi senza differenze significative tra maschi e femmine. Il grado di accordo tra i lettori era basso per il lettore meno esperto mentre era buono per i due lettori esperti. Il grado di accordo aumentava se le classi radiografiche venivano ridotte a 3 (C, B e A). Non sono state evidenziate correlazioni statisticamente significative tra maturità scheletrica radiograficamente stabilita e incidenza di lesioni ortopediche.

Scopo del lavoro è stato di definire la correlazione tra la maturità scheletrica, determinata radiologicamente, e l’incidenza di lesioni ortopediche in un gruppo di 33 trottatori. È stato, inoltre, ottoposto a valutazione statistica il metodo di classificazione radiologica della fisi distale del radio e della fisi calcaneale attualmente in uso, definendone l’affidabilità inter ed intra-rater, così come la sensibilità e la specificità per lettori con diverso livello di esperienza. Partendo da soggetti di 18 mesi d’età, sono stati effettuati studi radiografici della fisi calcaneale e della fisi distale del radio a distanza di due mesi l’uno dall’altro fino a rilevare la chiusura del disco epifisario. Le immagini radiografiche delle fisi sono state classificate da 3 lettori, con diverso livello di esperienza,in C: fisi aperta; B-: segni iniziali di chiusura centrale; B: fisi parzialmente chiusa; B+: chiusura completa della porzione centrale della fisi; A: fisi chiusa. Sulla base di questa classificazione i soggetti sono stati classificati come I (soggetti immaturi: C, Be B) o M (soggetti maturi: B+ e A). La lettura dei radiogrammi veniva eseguita da ciascun lettore due volte a distanza di un mese. Il grado di accordo inter ed intra-rater è stato valutato con il metodo di analisi statistica k. Le lesioni ortopediche sono state classificate come lesioni maggiori se causa di interruzioni prolungate o definitive dell’allenamento, o minori, se determinavano brevi o nulle interruzioni dell’allenamento. La valutazione dell’incidenza delle lesioni nei differenti gruppi è stata determinata usando il test del χ2 (p

Il trattamento delle fratture delle ossa lunghe degli uccelli pone specifiche problematiche, legate alla necessità di adoperare impianti che siano in grado di ottenere un'ottima stabilizzazione, affinchè l'animale possa raggiungere il precoce recupero funzionale dell'arto, conservando al tempo stesso caratteri di leggerezza e scarsa invasività. Il FSE II modificato adoperato in questo caso clinico ha dimostraqto di rispondere in pieno ai requisiti richiesti garantendo un rapido e completo recupero morfofunzionale dell'arto fratturato.

The dorsal acetabular rim (DAR) view of the hip joint can be used to assess the weightbearing portion of the acetabulum and the acetabular coverage, providing an adjunct to the conventional ventrodorsal (VD) view in the radiographic evaluation of hip dysplasia in the dog. A quantitative index of acetabular coverage in the DAR view, the acetabular slope (AS) angle, was originally proposed in 1990. The aim of the present study was to make a prospective, comparative assessment of a new parameter, the centre-edge (CE) angle, with the AS angle, for the evaluation of the acetabular coverage of the femoral head in the DAR view. The reliability and repeatability of the two parameters was assessed using the r(I) value of intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) in a prospective study of 208 hip joints in large and giant breed dogs. An estimation of the added value of using the DAR view, compared with that of the VD standard view alone, was also assessed. The CE angle showed a higher r(I) value compared with the AS angle; in 26 per cent of hips of FCI classes A, B and C, the DAR view provided additional diagnostic information compared with the VD view, with respect to lateralisation and/or initial changes to the dorsal rim. It is concluded that the CE angle is more reliable than the AS angle in the evaluation of acetabular coverage, and that the DAR view provides valuable data compared with the VD view alone in the early stages of canine hip dysplasia.

(1) Background: Several surgical techniques were described for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs. This report aims to critically review the available literature focused on preoperative planning, surgical procedure, follow-up, and complications of cranial cruciate ligament rupture treated by tibial tuberosity advancement techniques; (2) Methods: three bibliographic databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were used for a board search of TTAT (canine OR dog). Five GRADE recommendations according to Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation and Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklists were applied to the studies included. Data regarding preoperative planning (a measure of advancement), meniscal disease (meniscectomy, meniscal release, and late meniscal tears), and postoperative patellar tendon angle were recorded. Time frame, outcome, and complications were classified according to Cook’s guidelines; (3) Results: from 471 reports yielded, only 30 met the inclusion criteria. The common tangent method was the most commonly reported measurement technique for preoperative planning. The 40.21% of stifles presented meniscal tears at surgery, while 4.28% suffered late meniscal tears. In short-, mid-and long-term follow-ups examined showed a full/acceptable function was shown in >90% of cases. Among all new generation techniques, minor complications were reported in 33.5% of cases and major complications in 10.67%; (4) Conclusions: Compared to traditional TTA, new generation TTAT resulted effective in the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament failure, showing a lower rate of late meniscal injury but a higher rate of minor complications.

In emergency veterinary practice, gastrointestinal foreign body (GFB) removal is a common procedure that is performed with different techniques, such as endoscopy or surgery. The aims of this retrospective, multicentre, clinical study were to report the common locations and types of objects recovered and to investigate clinical factors and outcomes in dogs after surgical or endoscopic treatment for GFB removal. Records of dogs with a GFB diagnosis referred to the Teaching Veterinary Hospital or treated in three different veterinary hospitals from September 2017 to September 2019 were examined. The data obtained from each case included breed, age, clinical signs at presentation, duration of clinical signs, type and location of the GFB, treatment, length of hospitalisation and outcome. Seventy-two dogs were enrolled in the study. There were 42 males (58%) and 30 females (42%). The median age was 36 months (range: 3 months to 8 years). Endoscopic retrieval was performed in 56% of GFBs (located in the stomach or duodenum), whereas 44% of dogs underwent surgery. The type of FB detected varied greatly: kid toy (14%), metallic object/coin (13%), cloth (13%), sock (8%), ball (8%), plastic material (8%), peach stone (7%), fishhook (6%), sewing needle (4%), hair tie (4%), pacifier (3%), plant materials (3%) and others (9%). Moreover, the FBs were classified as sharp (13%, n = 9), pointed (33%, n = 24), blunt (26%, n = 19), or linear (28%, n = 20). In this study, 68% of FBs were localised in the stomach, 25% in the intestinal tract (50% duodenum, 28% jejunum, and 22% ileum), and 7% in both the stomach and small intestine. The type of GFB was not significantly associated with age, site or breed. There was a significant association between the type of GFB and sex: if the dog was male, there was a 38% probability of ingesting linear GFBs. The dog survival rate was 100% in cases treated by gastric endoscopic or surgical removal, 94% in cases treated with enterotomy and 33% in cases in which enterectomy was necessary. Enterectomy and multiple surgical sites were associated with a poor outcome. The presence of vomiting for more than 24 h was significantly associated with death.

The aim of this report is to describe an unusual localization of nerve sheath tumour (NST), clinical presentation, imaging, surgical management, and outcome in a 2-year-old dog. A 2-year-old female American Staffordshire Terrier presented with nonambulatory paraparesis, thoracolumbar hyperaesthesia, hindlimb hyperreflexia, and mild muscle atrophy. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extradural mass at T7-T8, without vertebral lesions. Surgical treatment consisted in resection of the soft tissue mass through dorsal laminectomy. The dog was ambulatory within 24 hours and free of recurrence at 18 months postoperatively. Histopathologic and features of immunohistochemistry were consistent with NST. The NST of this report was similar to those described before, but exhibited unusual characteristics, such as being extradural, without extension into intervertebral foramina, and being located in an atypical region (T7-T8). Moreover, survival time and relapse-free interval are greater than previously reported for similar cases.

Leukocyte-Platelet-Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) is a second generation of platelet concentrates; it was widely used, as an autologous platelet-based wound sealant and hemostatic agent in surgical wound healing. L-PRF clot or membrane is a solid fibrin-based biomaterial, with a specific 3D distribution of the leukocytes and platelet aggregates. This biological scaffold releases growth factors (i.e., TGF- β1, PDGF-AB, VEGF) and matrix proteins (fibronectin, vitronectin and thrombospondin-1) during the healing process after the application. To the Authors' knowledge both in human and veterinary medicine a single standardised protocol was not reported. This prospective study aimed to apply Crisci's L-PRF protocol (which is characterised by 30” of acceleration, 2' at 2,700 rpm, 4' at 2,400 rpm, 3' at 3,000 rpm, and 36” of deceleration and arrest) sin canine species, evaluate macroscopically and histologically the L-PRF membranes obtained by using Wound Box to standardise the L-PRF protocol in dogs and to evaluate the clinical feasibility of using L-PRF membranes by quantitative in vitro analysis of growth factors over 7 days. One hundred twenty-eight dogs in good general condition with no history of recent NSAIDs intake (15 days of washout) and/or any medication or disease related to coagulation process met inclusion criteria and therefore were enrolled. We obtained 172 membrane L-PRF membranes by 86 dogs: half of them underwent macroscopic and histological analysis, the other 86 underwent ELISA analysis. The Wound Box gave a membrane of mean (±SD) length (cm), width (cm) and weight (g) of 1.97 (±0.89), 0.95 (±0.36), 0.46 (±0.20) respectively. Histology analysis confirmed a well-defined histoarchitecture with five layers reproducing density and distribution of blood cells in this biomaterial. Finally, the ELISA assay performed with 22 L-PRF membranes showed a peak in growth factors at 6 h after membrane production, followed by a decrease in release at 24 and 72 h and a second peak in release at 168 h after production. Statistical analysis of demographic variables (age, sex, and body condition score BCS) and the average of growth factors determined by the ELISA assay did not reveal statistical significance, except for the BCS factor compared with the production of VEGF. Our data confirm the effectiveness of this protocol and of Wound Box to produce L-PRF membranes in dogs.

Force plate analysis assesses gait symmetry and limb loading. However, as previously described, individual and breed variability (body size and conformation) is related to breeding, body conformation, and size. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the influence of morphometric measures on the speed (V), peak of vertical force (PVF), vertical impulse (VI), and stance time (ST) in healthy dolichomorph and mesomorph dogs and their combined effect on and interactions with V, PVF, VI, and ST in the same morphological types. Fifty dogs were enrolled in the current study, and specific morphometric measurements were recorded for each dog. A force platform was used to record the ground reaction forces (GFRs), including PVF and VI. Multiple linear regression models were used for the study purposes. According to our results, GFRs are influenced by morphometric measures (body weight, withers height, and speed) not so much as a single contribution, but by the interaction between them. It is not possible to compare GFRs in dogs that do not belong to the same breed. However, the subjective variabilities make this comparison difficult and poorly reliable. According to the author, the comparison should be made between canine morphological types rather than breeds.

The present work describes the analysis conducted on the diagnoses made during the general physical examinations in the decade 2010–2020, starting from the DB of the EMR previously implemented in the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Federico II University of Naples. A decision tree algorithm was implemented to work out a predictive model for an effective recognition of neoplastic diseases and zoonoses for cats and dogs from Campania Region. The results achievable by data mining techniques for what concerns computer aided disease diagnosis and exploration of risk factors and their relations to diseases, show the increasing importance of Veterinary Informatics within the wider field of Biomedical and Health Informatics, and in particular its capacity to point out the existing connections between humans, animals, and surrounding environment, according to the One (Digital) Health perspective specifics.

Introduction Osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative joint disease which is high prevalent in dogs. In the late stage of the disease, it determines chronic neuropathic pain which leads to reduced quality-of-life in affected patients. To date it has not yet been identified a specific treatment, but it has been proved that nutraceutical and dietary supplements may play an important role in controlling inflammation and pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate, by the use of force plate gait analysis, the clinical efficacy of Boswellia and Curcuvet® combined with conventional nutraceutical therapy compared with conventional nutraceutical alone in dogs affected by osteoarthritis. Materials and methods Twenty client-owned dogs, over 12 months old and 20 kg of body-weight, with a confirmed diagnosis of Osteoarthritis, were included in this randomized, double-blinded study. The dogs were randomly divided into two groups: the first group (A) received a conventional nutraceutical (consisted in a preparation of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, fish-oil containing 80% of omega 3-fatty acid, vitamin C and E, saccharomyces Cerevisiae) with a combination of acid boswellic and Curcuvet®, while the second group (B) received a conventional nutraceutical. All the enrolled dogs underwent a washout period before starting the treatment with nutraceuticals products which were the only admitted treatment over the study period. A full orthopaedic and neurologic examination, and force plate gait analysis were performed before starting the treatment, at 45, 90, and 60 days post-treatment. Ground reaction forces were recorded and analyzed. Results Twenty dogs were enrolled in the study. In both groups there was an increasing values of ground reaction forces. These results might indicate that both nutraceutical products determined a better condition in terms of pain feeling but that effect is much more visible after 60 days from the end of the administration in treated group. Discussion In conclusion Curcuvet in combination with Boswellic acid could be considered a valid aid in a multimodal treatment for canine osteoarthritis.

Adult adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) constitute a vital population of multipotent cells capable of differentiating into numerous end-organ phenotypes. However, scientific and translational endeavors to harness the regenerative potential of ASCs are currently limited by an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms that determine cell-lineage commitment and stemness. In the current study, we used reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) analysis to identify epigenetic gene targets and cellular processes that are responsive to 5′-azacitidine (5′-AZA). We describe specific changes to DNA methylation of ASCs, uncovering pathways likely associated with the enhancement of their proliferative capacity. We identified 4,797 differentially methylated regions (FDR < 0.05) associated with 3,625 genes, of which 1,584 DMRs annotated to the promoter region. Gene set enrichment of differentially methylated promoters identified “phagocytosis,” “type 2 diabetes,” and “metabolic pathways” as disproportionately hypomethylated, whereas “adipocyte differentiation” was the most-enriched pathway among hyper-methylated gene promoters. Weighted coexpression network analysis of DMRs identified clusters associated with cellular proliferation and other developmental programs. Furthermore, the ELK4 binding site was disproportionately hyper-methylated within the promoters of genes associated with AKT signaling. Overall, this study offers numerous preliminary insights into the epigenetic landscape that influences the regenerative capacity of human ASCs.

The etiology of spontaneous cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs is unknown despite being one of the most impacting orthopedic diseases in dogs. Numerous studies have contributed to the understanding of a multifactorial pathogenesis, this, however, without identifying a pivotal link to explain progressive collagen degeneration and osteoarthritic changes. In human medicine, recent reports have identified relaxin as a triggering factor in ligament ruptures in knee and metacarpal joints. We thus hypothesized that relaxin might also play a role in canine cruciate ligament rupture. Relaxin’s primarily known property is connective tissue remodeling through collagenolysis. We therefore investigated relaxin and its cognate receptors LGR7/LGR8 in 18 dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) and compared them to a group of dogs with normal stifle joints. Applying immunohistochemistry (IHC), double immunofluorescence (dIF), and western blot analysis (WB), we found strong and significantly increased expression of both relaxin and its receptors in ruptured cruciate ligaments, and in synovial membranes. Pattern of immuno-staining on dIF strongly suggests relaxin binding to primed receptors and activation of signaling properties, which in turn may have affected collagen matrix metabolism. Thus, in canine cranial cruciate ligament disease, relaxin/receptor signaling may be a primary trigger for collagen fiber degradation and collagen lysis, eventually followed by ligament rupture.

The present study aimed to assess the applicability of luteal blood flow data acquired through the use of color Doppler ultrasonography and a post-processing analysis tool (ImageJ) for predicting pregnancy in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). The experiment was carried out on 59 multiparous Italian Mediterranean buffaloes that underwent synchronization of estrus and fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI). Corpus luteum features (size: CLS and blood flow: BFA) were taken from Day 5 to 10 after TAI and retrospectively measured with ImageJ. In the same period, blood samples were taken to assess progesterone (P4) concentrations. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out on Day 45 by ultrasound and confirmed on Day 70 post-TAI. Differences in CLS, BFA, and P4 concentrations from Day 5 to 10 after TAI measured between groups were analyzed by ANOVA repeated measures as were differences within each day of measuring. Buffaloes that established a pregnancy (n = 29; 55%) had larger CLS (2.2 ± 0.1 vs. 1.9 ± 0.1 cm2; P < 0.01), higher BFA (0.6 ± 0.0 vs. 0.4 ± 0.0 cm2; P < 0.01), and higher P4 blood level (1.8 ± 0.1 vs. 1.4 ± 0.1; P < 0.01) during Day 5–10 as compared to not-pregnant buffaloes (n = 22). Throughout the entire period, the first feature that changed between groups was P4 blood concentration at Day 7 (1.7 ± 0.1 vs. 1.2 ± 0.1; P < 0.05) followed by BFA at Day 8 (0.6 ± 0.0 vs. 0.5 ± 0.0; P < 0.05), respectively, in pregnant and not-pregnant animals. The ROC analyses indicated that P4 was able to predict pregnancy since Day 5 (P < 0.05) although a more reliable result could be obtained from Day 8 (P < 0.01). At Day 10, it was possible to set a cutoff value for every parameter taken into account. The logistic regression analysis showed that pregnancy was positively influenced by P4 concentration (odds ratio 534.127; P < 0.01) and BFA (odds ratio 744.893; P < 0.01). In conclusion, the use of color Doppler ultrasonography, together with ImageJ, identified different patterns of BFA between pregnant and not-pregnant buffaloes starting from Day 8 post-TAI.

The objective of this paper was to describe the clinical features, the management and the outcome of nine small breed dogs affected with lateral patella luxation referred during the period between January 2010 and December 2014. Patellar luxations were classified according to: breed, age, sex, weight, and grade of patellar luxation, as well as if unilateral or bilateral, and concurrent cranial cruciate ligament lesion. In affected dogs, surgical correction consisted in the combination of tibial tuberosity transposition and soft tissue procedure. Adjunctive condroplasty or trochleoplasty was performed as needing. The outcome was found positive after surgical management with low complication rate and complications have been easily managed with high success rate.Keywords: Dog, Lateral, Luxation, Patellar.