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Objective: Perform a cadaveric experimental pilot study to measure and compare potential radiation exposure to an orthopedic surgeon from 2 different-generation mini C-arm models during a simulated orthopedic surgery., Sample: 16 radiation dosimeters., Methods: Mock surgery setups were constructed with a canine cadaver thoracic limb and 2 different-generation mini C-arm models. Four radiation dosimeters were placed near the mini C-arm to mimic common locations of radiation exposure during image acquisition. One mini C-arm was placed in auto technique mode, and 100 static images were acquired. The dosimeters were replaced, and a 5-minute-long dynamic image was acquired. The same protocols were repeated for the second mini C-arm. The dosimetry badges were then submitted for radiation exposure quantification., Results: All but 1 dosimeter had radiation exposure levels below the detectable limits of the dosimeter. The dosimeter closest to the primary x-ray beam of 1 mini C-arm during dynamic image acquisition had a reading of 1 mrem., Clinical Relevance: Intraoperative radiation exposure from the mini C-arm is low, specifically to areas not protected by lead and in close proximity to the primary x-ray beam. That being said, surgeons should always practice the principles of ALARA (ie, as low as reasonably achievable) to minimize radiation exposure in the workplace.

Case Description: 3 juvenile (4 to 5 months of age) medium- to large-breed or crossbred dogs were evaluated for sudden unilateral non-weight-bearing lameness in a pelvic limb after a fall during strenuous activity., Clinical Findings: All dogs had non-weight-bearing lameness (n = 2) or bore minimal weight (1) on the affected pelvic limb, had soft tissue swelling over the cranial aspect of the stifle joint in the affected limb, seemed to resist manipulation of the affected joint, and had tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture confirmed with radiography., Treatment and Outcome: Each dog underwent surgical fracture reduction and stabilization with a hybrid circular-linear external skeletal fixator construct with interfragmentary Kirschner wires used to stabilize the avulsed tibial tuberosity. Successful fracture reduction and stabilization were achieved, and only minor postoperative complications occurred. Construct removal 2 weeks postoperatively resulted in no displacement of the tibial tuberosity in 2 dogs and only minor proximal displacement in the remaining dog, allowed for continued unencumbered growth through the apophysis and proximal tibial epiphysis in all dogs, and did not result in tibial conformational anomalies. Clinical outcome was considered excellent in 2 dogs with complete resolution of lameness and good in 1 dog with subsequent occasional mild lameness., Clinical Relevance: Our findings suggested that the described hybrid external skeletal fixator construct could be used as a minimally invasive strategy to successfully manage tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures in dogs and may be advantageous in very young medium- to large-breed dogs in which premature closure of the tibial tuberosity apophysis could result in distal translocation of the tibial tuberosity and deformity of the tibial plateau.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of an omega-3 fatty acid and protein-enriched diet, physical rehabilitation, or both on radiographic findings and markers of synovial inflammation in dogs following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and arthroscopic surgery for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament disease. DESIGN Randomized, prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS 48 dogs with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament disease. PROCEDURES Dogs were randomly assigned to receive a dry omega-3 fatty acid and protein-enriched dog food formulated to support joint health (test food [TF]), a dry food formulated for adult canine maintenance (control food [CF]), TF plus rehabilitation, or CF plus rehabilitation after surgery. Synovial fluid prostaglandin (PG) E 2 and interleukin-1β concentrations, radiographic osteoarthritis scores, osteotomy site healing, and patellar ligament thickness were assessed at predetermined time points up to 6 months after surgery. RESULTS Dogs that received CF had significantly higher PGE 2 concentrations over time following surgery than did dogs that received TF, regardless of rehabilitation status. Synovial fluid interleukin-1β concentrations did not change over time in any groups. Diet and rehabilitation were both associated with osteoarthritis scores, with significantly lower scores over time for dogs that received TF versus CF and for dogs that underwent rehabilitation versus those that did not. Proportions of dogs with complete osteotomy healing 8 and 24 weeks after surgery were significantly lower for dogs that received TF than for dogs that received CF, regardless of rehabilitation status. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that feeding the TF can result in lower synovial fluid PGE 2 concentrations and that both the TF and rehabilitation can reduce progression of osteoarthritis in the 6 months following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy; clinical relevance of slower osteotomy healing in dogs fed the TF was unclear.