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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

The surgical treatment and follow-up of a bilateral fracture of the molar part of the horizontal mandibular ramus, of a dairy Mediterranean Buffalo in "the field" were described. The mandibular region was swollen, painful and unstable on palpation. The radiographic examination confirmed the diagnoses. The association between sedation and nerve block of the mandibulo-alveolar nerve assured restraint and analgesia. The fractures were stabilized by linear skeletal external fixation, recycled from human medicine allowing a good mouth occlusion. Fifty-five days after surgery the fractures were completely healed and the heifer regularly calved 3 months after without any consequence for calf health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platelet concentrates (PCs) have become widely used in veterinary and human medicine. The PCs consist mainly of supraphysiological concentrations of platelets and, therefore, growth factors (GFs) which are stored within platelet α-granules. Among PCs, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is characterised by low-density fibrin. Research on the effect of PCs in cattle has surged in recent years; in particular, evidence has shown the positive use of PRP for treating reproductive problems, in vitro production of bovine embryos, sole ulcers and udder diseases. The aim of this report is to critically review, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, the available literature reporting clinical application in the bovine practice of PRP. Three bibliographic databases PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus were used for a broad search of "platelet concentrates" OR "PRP" OR "platelet-rich plasma" OR "PRF" OR "platelet-rich fibrin" AND "cows" OR "cattle". From 1196 papers, only six met the inclusion criteria. Two papers described the use of PRP in mastitis, two papers in uterine dysfunction and two papers in ovarian dysfunction. PRP offered a low-cost, easily obtained therapeutic option and showed positive results for these patients. However, given the different pathologies and definitions involved, further studies are necessary to assess its full clinical potential.

Introduction: The goal of preoperative planning techniques for advancement of the tibial tuberosity is to determine the amount of advancement required to achieve a postoperative patellar tendon angle of 90° and to select the optimal wedge size to achieve this target., Material and Methods: Three radiographic methods for determining the advancement distance for the tibial tuberosity were evaluated for comparability and interobserver reliability. Among the methods developed, we decided to include the common tangent method, the tibial anatomy-based method, and the Bielecki method. For all techniques, radiographs were taken in mediolateral projection with the knee joint flexed at 135°. Three observers with different levels of experience independently evaluated and scored the degree of osteoarthritis for each stifle, as previously described, and performed measurements of the amount of advancement of the tibial tuberosity on 33 stifles using common tangent method, tibial anatomy-based method, and Bielecki method., Results: According to the results, the overall score for osteoarthritis in the mediolateral view was influenced by the experience of the observers, which contradicts the results from a previous study. Regarding the measurement methods used to assess advancement, poor interobserver reliability was found for common tangent method and Bielecki method, while only a slightly moderate interobserver agreement was found for tibial anatomy-based method., Discussion: These results are inconsistent with data collected by Bielecki and colleagues. Moreover, measurements from common tangent method and tibial anatomy-based method were overlapping, as confirmed previously. Conversely, Bielecki method showed no agreement with the other methods included in the present study, with a significantly higher mean rank, probably due to its correction formula. Based on the results of the present study, tibial anatomy-based method has better interobserver reliability and is easier to perform according to the observers., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Della Valle et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Previous studies have suggested that the preoperative methods used to plan tibial tuberosity advancement in dogs may result in under-advancement. Therefore, this cadaveric study compared the effectiveness of the common tangent method and the tibial-anatomy-based method for achieving a target patellar tendon angle (PTA) of 90° after the modified Maquet procedure. Twenty stifle joints of mesomorphic dogs were randomly assigned to the two measurement methods. Radiographs taken in the mediolateral projection were used to measure tibial tuberosity advancement, and the wedge size was selected accordingly. For each surgical procedure, a custom-made three-dimensional wedge matched to an OrthoFoam wedge was used as a spacer. Postoperative radiographs were used to measure the PTA and to evaluate the position of the wedge. The measured advancement was not significantly different between the two methods. For 60% of the cases, the advancement measured using the common tangent method was <5.3 mm and the wedge size was increased to match that of commercially available wedges. Consequently, there was a significant difference between the measurements and wedges selected between the two procedures. The postoperative PTA did not differ significantly between the two methods and was 90° ± 5° in 80% of the stifles. The position of the wedge relative to the osteotomy was not significantly different between the methods. In conclusion, the advancement determined using the tibial-anatomy-based method was generally consistent with the size of commercially available wedges, and the method yielded a mean postoperative PTA of 90°.

(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., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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.

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.

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., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Caterino, Della Valle, Aragosa, De Biase, Ferrara, Lamagna and Fatone.)

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.

(1) Background: Lumbosacral traumatic injuries are reported as 39% of canine vertebral lesions. This area is prone to fracture and luxation. Several surgical techniques were described from 1975 to 2021 to stabilize the traumatic injuries of the lumbosacral junction. This report aims to critically review the available literature focused on clinical presentation, surgical techniques, and follow-up of the lumbar vertebra fracture. (2) Methods: Three bibliographic databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were used with a board search of Lumbosacral junction fracture AND, of L7 fracture AND (canine OR dog). The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for case reports and case series was applied for the studies included. (3) Results: A total of 432 reports yielded only nine that met the inclusion criteria. Non-ambulatory paraparesis/plegia, sciatic nerve involvement, faecal/urinary incontinence, and severe back lumbar pain were the most reported signs. Survey radiographs were the most reported technique to confirm the diagnoses. The surgical treatment was reported in all reports examined with a good long-term prognosis. (4) Conclusions: The seventh lumbar vertebra fracture, despite the different surgical techniques performed, had a favourable prognosis for long-term outcome and neurological recovery.

Introduction: Cranial cruciate ligament failure is one of the principal causes of canine lameness. Several surgical procedures were proposed to achieve joint stabilisation; among these, the Modified Maquet Procedure involves using a titanium foam wedge to achieve and maintain the tibial tuberosity advancement. The force-plate analysis provides to objectively assess normal and abnormal gait and the outcome of different surgical techniques. The study evaluates the outcome of limbs that underwent Modified Maquet Procedure using land-force plate analysis comparing the operated limb with its healthy contralateral one as a control., Materials and Methods: Thirty-five dogs with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture were evaluated. Outcome after surgery was assessed by orthopaedic and radiographic evaluations and force plate gait analysis performed before surgery, at 15, 30 and 90 days after surgery. For objective comparison of ground reaction forces, data of operated limb were compared to contralateral limb on each time control and Symmetry Index at 90 days was determined. Healing radiographic signs, minor and major complication were reported., Results: A significant improvement in ground reaction forces was reached in all the treated limbs between set time intervals. The median percentage increase in ground reaction forces was constant from 15 to 90 days, with a Symmetry Index >9 in 54.2% of patients suggesting a normal gait symmetry. A complete bone healing was noticed at 90 days follow-up radiographic assessment. We experienced three major (8.5%) and one minor (2.8%) complications., Conclusions: To the Authors' knowledge, this is the first study in the veterinary literature that assessed outcomes of dogs undergoing Modified Maquet Procedure for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture using force plate gait analysis and healthy contralateral limb as a control group. Our results confirm that Modified Maquet Procedure is an effective method to stabilise the stifle joint., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

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., Competing Interests: AN is a scientific consultant of Aurora Biofarma and receives funding in the form of salary. No patented products in development are present in this study. curcuVet is a registered march (Indena s.p.a., Milan, Italy). curcuVet is contained in a dietetic complementary feed produced by Aurora Biofarma, so-called Lecurpet. There are no additional products in development or marketed products to declare. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Semen cryopreservation determines several sperm damages, including the loss of fertility-associated proteins. The purpose of the study was to compare the metabolite contents in bovine sperm and seminal plasma before and after cryopreservation, and between high- and low-fertility bulls in vitro. Forty-eight ejaculates, collected from eight bulls (six per bull), were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Cryopreservation resulted in an over-expression of lysophosphatidylcholine (0:0/18:2(9Z,12Z)) in seminal plasma. In addition, higher levels of glycine betaine and pyro-l-glutaminyl-l-glutamine were observed in cryopreserved compared to fresh spermatozoa. The fresh seminal plasma of high-fertility bulls showed an over-expression of l-acetylcarnitine, glycerol tripropanoate, 2,3-diacetoxypropyl stearate and glycerophosphocholine, and an under-expression of lysophosphatidylcholine and butyrylcarnitine, compared to low-fertility bulls. Higher levels of glycerophosphocholine and lysophosphatidylcholine (16:0/0:0) were recorded in fresh spermatozoa from high-fertility bulls. In high-fertility bulls, a greater content of glycerophosphocholine and lower levels of butyrylcarnitine, glycine betaine and l-carnitine were found in cryopreserved seminal plasma, and lower levels of glycine betaine were detected in cryopreserved spermatozoa. In conclusion, cryopreservation affects bovine semen metabolome at both plasmatic and cellular compartments, and metabolic profile differs between high- and low-fertility bulls.

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 (P 4 ) concentrations. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out on Day 45 by ultrasound and confirmed on Day 70 post-TAI. Differences in CLS, BFA, and P 4 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 cm 2 ; P < 0.01), higher BFA (0.6 ± 0.0 vs. 0.4 ± 0.0 cm 2 ; P < 0.01), and higher P 4 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 P 4 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 P 4 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 P 4 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., (Copyright © 2020 Salzano, Russo, Anglani, Licitra, Zullo, Cotticelli, Fatone and Campanile.)

Objective : To report the physical and technical principles, clinical applications, and outcomes of the minimal invasive piezoelectric osteotomy in a consecutive veterinary neurosurgical series., Methods: A series of 292 dogs and 32 cats underwent an osteotomy because a neurosurgical pathology performed with a Mectron Piezosurgery ® bone scalpel (Mectron Medical Technology, Genoa, Italy) was retrospectively reviewed. Efficacy, precision, safety, and blood loss were evaluated intraoperatively by two different surgeons, on a case-by-case basis. Postoperative Rx and CT scans were used to assess the selectivity and precision of the osteotomy. A histological study on bony specimens at the osteotomized surface was carried out to evaluate the effects of piezoelectric cutting on the osteocytes and osteoblasts. All the patients underwent a six-months follow-up. A series of illustrative cases was reported., Results: All the osteotomies were clear-cut and precise. A complete sparing of soft and nervous tissues and vasculature was observed. The operative field was blood- and heat-free in all cases. A range of inserts, largely different in shape and length, were allowed to treat deep and difficult-to-reach sites. Two mechanical complications occurred. Average blood loss in dogs' group was 52, 47, and 56 mL for traumatic, degenerative, and neoplastic lesions, respectively, whereas it was 25 mL for traumatized cats. A fast recovery of functions was observed in most of the treated cases, early on, at the first sixth-month evaluation. Histology on bone flaps showed the presence of live osteocytes and osteoblasts at the osteotomized surface in 92% of cases., Conclusions: Piezosurgery is based on the physical principle of the indirect piezo effect. Piezoelectric osteotomy is selective, effective, and safe in bone cutting during neurosurgical veterinary procedures. It can be considered a minimal invasive technique, as it is able to spare the neighboring soft tissues and neurovascular structures.

Aim of this blinded, prospective, randomized clinical study was to compare three different lubricant eye drops (LED) in healthy adult dogs undergoing general anaesthesia (GA) for non-ophthalmic surgery. Tear production rate was monitored by means of Schirmer tear test-1 (STT-1), and incidence of post-operative corneal abrasions/ulcerations was detected by corneal staining. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed before premedication, at extubation time and 24 h after GA in twenty-five non-brachycephalic dogs (fifty eyes) undergoing elective orthopaedic or spinal surgery procedures. Dogs were randomly allocated to one of three groups receiving as prophylactic LED either carmellose sodium (GC), or 1% hyaluronic acid (GH), or 0.25% hyaluronic acid (GL). In each eye STT-1 was repeated every hour during GA, before instilling one drop of the assigned LED. In all groups STT-1 values drastically decreased during GA, while 24 h later nine eyes (18%) had STT-1 values lower than 15 mm/minute. All of the three formulations tested were fully effective in preventing corneal ulceration (0% in all groups), while 10% of eyes reported superficial de-epithelialization. Fluorescein staining demonstrated that hourly prophylactic LED application prevented exposure keratopathy during general anesthesia in 90% of the eyes in non-brachycephalic dogs.

Horses affected by chronic piroplasmosis may develop poor performance and muscle atrophy. Here we investigate the pathological and immunopathological aspects of myopathy occurring in chronic equine piroplasmosis. The study included 16 horses serologically positive for equine piroplasms presenting with clinical signs and supporting serum biochemical evidence of a myopathy. Skeletal muscle was evaluated by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, indirect immunofluorescence, and molecular detection of piroplasms and inflammatory cytokines in skeletal muscle. Histologic lesions included muscle fiber atrophy (100% of cases), degenerative changes (13/16, 81%), and perivascular perimysial and endomysial lymphocytic infiltrates (81% of cases). In 15 cases (94%), muscle fibers had strong immunostaining for major histocompatibility complex classes I and II. T lymphocyte populations were mainly CD3+, CD8+, and CD4+ in equal proportions, with a lower number of CD79α+ cells. The serum from affected horses was tested by indirect immunofluorescence for binding of IgG, IgM, or IgA to sections of normal equine muscle to detect circulating autoantibodies against muscle antigen(s). In all cases, distinct sarcolemmal staining was detected in sections incubated with serum from affected horses, in contrast to sections incubated with phosphate-buffered saline or equine control sera. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing of muscles from affected animals revealed a significant increase of interferon-γ, interleukin-12, and tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression compared to healthy controls. Theileria equi or Babesia caballi was not detected in samples of affected muscle by RT-PCR. Thus, inflammatory myopathy associated with equine piroplasmosis may involve an autoimmune pathogenesis with upregulation of inflammatory cytokines that may cause myofiber atrophy and degeneration.

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.

Disc herniation is one of the most common pathologies of the vertebral column in dogs. The aim of this study was to develop a geographical information system (GIS)-based vertebral canal (VC) map useful for spatial evaluation of extruded disc herniation (EDH) in dogs. ArcGIS® was used to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional maps, in which the VC surface is divided into polygons by lines representing latitude and longitude. Actual locations and directions of the herniated disc material were assessed by a series of 142 computer tomographies of dogs collected between 2005 and 2013. Most EDHs were located on the cervical and transitional regions (thoraco-lumbar and lumbo-sacral) and shown at the level of the ventro- cranial and ventro-central polygons created. Choropleth maps, highlighting the distribution and the location/direction patterns of the EDHs throughout the VC, were produced based on the frequency of the ailment. GIS proved to be a valuable tool in analysing EDH in dogs. Further studies are required for biomechanical analysis of EDH patterns.