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OBJECTIVE To determine the reliability of range-of-motion (ROM) measurements and describe physiologic differences in ROM or habituation effects during gait analysis of healthy dogs walking on a treadmill. ANIMALS 11 orthopedically normal dogs. PROCEDURES ROM of appendicular joints was determined for each dog while walking on a treadmill on 3 consecutive examination days and once again 6 weeks later. Significant differences in ROM between examination days were determined and quantified. As a measure of reproducibility, the coefficient of variation for repeated measurements was calculated, as were the minimum differences necessary to distinguish between physiologic variation and true change in ROM. RESULTS Mean ROM of the shoulder, elbow, and carpal joints varied among examination days between 29.9° and 33.1°, 49.4° and 52.8°, and 7.7° and 88.1°, respectively. Mean associated minimum differences were 12.0°, 14.1°, and 35.6°. Mean ROM of the hip, knee, and tarsal joints varied between 32.9° and 35.8°, 33.7° and 36.8°, and 31.7° and 33.5°, respectively. Mean associated minimum differences were 16.2°, 14.0°, and 9.2°. Only ROM of the elbow joint was reproducible to a small degree. Few systematic effects were detected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Measurement of ROM in healthy dogs walking on a treadmill was shown to be diagnostically unreliable owing to high variation among examination days. However, random physiologic fluctuations could be distinguished from systematic effects, demonstrating the importance of reliably applicable threshold values for follow-up treadmill examinations. The applicability of the minimum differences determined here to orthopedically diseased dogs remains to be determined.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether small- to medium-sized dogs with a naturally occurring unilateral hindlimb lameness show the same compensatory changes in ground reaction forces as large-breed dogs and how the changes are displayed compared with healthy small- to medium-sized dogs. Study Design Small- to medium-sized dogs (n = 15) and large-breed dogs (n = 16) with unilateral rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament were examined. The kinetic parameters peak vertical force and vertical impulse of the two groups were compared with each other and compared with healthy Beagles (n = 15) and with healthy Labrador Retrievers (n = 17), respectively. Results The healthy Beagle group showed a significantly higher weight loading on the forelimbs compared with the healthy Labrador group. The affected groups in comparison with the corresponding healthy groups showed a higher load on the non-affected body half and a significant lower weight bearing on the affected limb. Comparing the two affected groups, no significant difference could be found. Conclusion Despite a substantially different initial situation regarding weight distribution of the examined small- to medium-sized dogs and large dogs, a unilateral hindlimb lameness leads to the same compensatory changes (cranial and lateral shift of the body mass centre).

Zusammenfassung Gegenstand und Ziel Erhebung des Standes der Kleintieranästhesie in Europa und Überprüfung der Möglichkeit zur Einhaltung der Leitlinien der AVA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) und der DVG-Fachgruppe VAINS (Veterinärmedizinische Anästhesie, Intensivmedizin, Notfallmedizin und Schmerztherapie). Material und Methoden Ein Link zu einer Onlineumfrage mit Fragen zum Narkosemanagement (Themenbereiche Demografie, Ausstattung, Monitoring, Wärmemanagement, präanästhetische Untersuchung, Narkoseprotokoll u. a.) wurde an Kleintierpraktiker in verschiedenen Ländern verschickt. Ergebnisse Die 767 eingegangenen auswertbaren Fragebögen stammten aus Deutschland (n = 343), Österreich (n = 216), Schweiz (n = 83), Großbritannien (n = 38), Frankreich (n = 25), Ungarn (n = 25), Skandinavien (n = 23) und „sonstigen Ländern“ (n = 11). Durchschnittlich 91 % der Befragten erfüllten die Leitlinie der AVA und 58 % die Leitlinie der Fachgruppe VAINS noch vor deren Veröffentlichung. Praxen/Kliniken mit mehr Mitarbeiten hatten eine bessere Ausstattung und Praxen/Kliniken mit mehr Anästhesien pro Woche führten häufiger eine „gute Voruntersuchung“ durch. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz Obwohl die Leitlinien z. T. erfüllt werden, ließ sich zeigen, dass in vielen Praxen/Kliniken das Narkoseregime optimiert werden kann, u. a. durch Verbesserung der Ausstattung oder deren bessere Nutzung.

In the three decades since its inception, the sex-sorting technology has progressed significantly. However, field studies report conflicting findings regarding reproductive outcomes. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis of all trials published between 1999 and 2021. Non-return rates after 24 or 60 d (NRR 24/60), pregnancy, calving, abortion, and stillbirth rates were compared after AI with sex-sorted vs non-sorted sperm. Additionally, the impact of recent developments in the sex-sorting technology was assessed. Of 860 studies found, 45 studies (72 trials) provided extractable data and were included. Overall, the results of this meta-analysis provided evidence that the NRR 24/60 was diminished by 13%, pregnancy rates were reduced by 23% (25% cows, 21% heifers) and calving rates were reduced by 24% when using sex-sorted sperm. Enhancing the dosage to 4 million sex-sorted sperm/straw (including recent improvements, high vs low dose) as well as using fresh sex-sorted sperm (sorted vs non-sorted) increased pregnancy rate ratios by 7 percentage points. The refinement of the sex-sorting technology after 2015 resulted in a lowered reduction of pregnancy and calving rate of 19% and 23%, respectively. Whereas abortion rates were similar, the stillbirth of male calves was increased by 6.3%.

Objective The main purpose of the study was to compare reliability of measurements for the evaluation of hip joint laxity in 59 dogs. Materials and Methods Measurement of the distraction index (DI) of the PennHIP method and the Norberg angle (NA) of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) scoring scheme as well as scoring according to the FCI scheme and the Swiss scoring scheme were performed by three observers at different level of experience. For each dog, two radiographs were acquired with each method by the same operator to evaluate intraoperator-reliability. Results Intraoperator-reliability was slightly better for the NA compared with the DI with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.962 and 0.892 respectively. The ICC showed excellent results in intraobserver-reliability and interobserver-reliability for both the NA (ICC 0.975; 0.969) and the DI (ICC 0.986; 0.972). Thus, the NA as well as the DI can be considered as reliable measurements. The FCI scheme and the Swiss scoring scheme provide similar reliability. While the FCI scheme seems to be slightly more reliable in experienced observers (Kappa FCI 0.687; Kappa Swiss 0.681), the Swiss scoring scheme had a noticeable better reliability for the unexperienced observer (Kappa FCI 0.465; Kappa Swiss 0.514). Clinical Significance The Swiss scoring scheme provides a structured guideline for the interpretation of hip radiographs and can thus be recommended to unexperienced observers.

Large-animal models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are crucial for the evaluation of diagnostic procedures and treatment strategies. Pigs cloned from male cells lacking DMD exon 52 (DMDΔ52) exhibit molecular, clinical and pathological hallmarks of DMD, but die before sexual maturity and cannot be propagated by breeding. Therefore, we generated female DMD+/− carriers. A single founder animal had 11 litters with 29 DMDY/−, 34 DMD+/− as well as 36 male and 29 female wild-type offspring. Breeding with F1 and F2 DMD+/− carriers resulted in an additional 114 DMDY/− piglets. With intensive neonatal management, the majority survived for 3-4 months, providing statistically relevant cohorts for experimental studies. Pathological investigations and proteome studies of skeletal muscles and myocardium confirmed the resemblance to human disease mechanisms. Importantly, DMDY/− pigs displayed progressive myocardial fibrosis and increased expression of connexin-43, associated with significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, at 3 months. Furthermore, behavioral tests provided evidence for impaired cognitive ability. Our breeding cohort of DMDΔ52 pigs and standardized tissue repositories provide important resources for studying DMD disease mechanisms and for testing novel treatment strategies., Editor's choice: A genetically tailored pig model that develops the hallmarks of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in an accelerated mode provides a new resource for testing targeted therapies.

Vascular changes play an important role in the pathogenesis of claw horn disruption lesions in cattle. The aim of the study was to measure arterial blood flow in the hind limbs of German Holstein cows with claw horn disruption lesions. A 10-MHz linear transducer was used to assess blood flow in the interdigital artery in the dorsal pastern region in the hind limbs of 11 non-lame and 33 lame German Holstein cows in which lameness was scored clinically. Qualitative and quantitative blood flow parameters were compared in affected limbs and unaffected contralateral hind limbs in lame cows and in the hind limbs of lame cows and non-lame cows. A pulsed-wave Doppler signal suitable for analysis was obtained in 78 of 88 limbs (33 affected and contralateral limbs, 22 limbs of control cows). Blood flow curve types 1 and 2 were predominant in the hind limbs of lame cows. Vessel diameter, end-diastolic velocity, and blood flow rate were significantly greater in lame cows than in non-lame cows and were numerically greater in moderately lame cows than in mildly lame cows. The differences in the qualitative and quantitative parameters between lame and non-lame cows were most likely caused by inflammation of the pododerm. The role of weight distribution between the paired hind limbs and the existence of claw horn disruption appeared to have an effect on the differences in local circulation in the affected and unaffected contralateral hind limbs in lame cows.

Because of few available data on semen parameters in small breed dogs, the study aimed to analyse semen and measure testes of dogs < 10.0 kg bodyweight. Semen was collected from 41 fertile stud dogs which were divided based on bodyweight: group 1 < 5.0 kg, and group 2 between 5.1 and 10.0 kg. Median values for ejaculate volume (group 1: x 1.2 mL; group 2: x 2.2 mL), total sperm output (group 1: x 110.7 x 106; group 2: x 215.1 x 106) and testicular volume (group 1: left testicle x 2.8 mL, right testicle x 2.7 mL ; group 2: left testicle x 5.5 mL, right testicle x 5.0 mL) were lower in group 1 compared to dogs of group 2 (P = 0.001; P = 0.001; both testes: P < 0.001). There was no difference in sperm concentration (P = 0.985). Based on these results introduction of an additional weight group to the commonly used reference values is recommended, since values for ejaculate volume, total sperm output and testicular dimensions for dogs < 5.0 kg bodyweight differed significantly from values of dogs with a bodyweight from 5.1 to 10.0 kg

Objectives Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) causes clinical signs such as stranguria, pollakiuria, haematuria, vocalisation and periuria, and is often associated with recurring episodes. The primary objective of this study was to survey the long-term course of cats presenting with FLUTD in terms of recurrence rate and mortality. Methods Data from cats that were presented with lower urinary tract signs from 2010 to 2013 were collected by telephone interview with cat owners, using a questionnaire. The observation period ranged from the first presentation due to FLUTD to the telephone interview or the cat’s death. Data on diagnoses, recurrence of clinical signs and disease-free intervals, as well as implementation and impact of prophylactic measures (PMs), were collected and compared between groups with different aetiologies. Results The study included 101 cats. Fifty-two cats were diagnosed with feline idiopathic cystitis, 21 with urolithiasis and 13 with bacterial urinary tract infection; 15 had no definitive diagnosis. Of the 86 cats with a known diagnosis, the recurrence rate was 58.1%, with no significant difference between groups. Twenty-one cats had one relapse, 12 had two relapses, 10 had three and seven had four to eight relapses within a median observation period of 38 months (range 0.5–138 months). Fourteen cats suffered from different causes of FLUTD at different episodes. Mortality due to FLUTD among all 101 cats was 5.0%. The recurrence rate in cats with urolithiasis receiving at least two PMs was significantly lower than the recurrence rate in those without PMs ( P = 0.029). Conclusions and relevance More than half of the cats with FLUTD presented with two or more recurrent episodes irrespective of the identified aetiology. Cats should be thoroughly investigated at each presentation as it cannot be presumed that the cause of FLUTD is the same at different episodes. The mortality due to FLUTD is lower than previously reported.

Salpingitis is a common cause for subfertility and infertility both in humans and animals. However, the effects of salpingitis on tubal function and reproductive success are largely unknown. Therefore we set out to investigate the effects of inflammation on sperm and oocyte transport and gameto-maternal interaction in the oviduct using the bovine as a model. For this purpose, oviducts revealing mild (n = 45), moderate (n = 55) and severe (n = 45) inflammation were obtained from cows immediately after slaughter and investigated by live cell imaging, histochemistry and scanning electron microscopy. Our studies showed that endometritis was always correlated with salpingitis. Moderate and severe inflammation caused a significant increase in the thickness of tubal folds (p

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an important cause of morbidity in Irish Wolfhounds (IW), a breed also predisposed to neoplastic and orthopedic diseases that shorten life expectancy. The objective of this study was to investigate survival and causes of death in IW with DCM and to characterise the clinical findings of DCM over time. Data from cardiovascular examinations performed in 1591 IW, including echocardiography and electrocardiography, were retrospectively evaluated. IW with DCM on medical therapy with long term longitudinal follow-up were included in this study (n=151; 95 males, 56 females). Based on their clinical status at initial diagnosis, IW were classified into one of three groups: preclinical DCM with sinus rhythm (PC-DCM-SR, n=35), preclinical DCM with atrial fibrillation (PC-DCM-AF, n=87), and congestive heart failure with DCM and AF (CHF-DCM-AF, n=29). Survival data were analyzed using cumulative incidence functions, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression. CHF was predominantly characterized by chylous pleural and mild pericardial effusions. Causes of death were cardiac (CD) in 73/151 and non-cardiac (non-CD) in 62/151; 16 dogs remained alive at study end. The majority of deaths in both preclinical DCM groups were non-CD (PC-DCM-AF=51.9% non-CD, 48.1% CD; PC-DCM-SR, 65.5% non-CD, 34.5% CD). In the CHF-DCM-AF group most dogs (89.6%) experienced a CD. Median survival of the CHF-DCM-AF group (7.3 months) was significantly shorter than in the PC-DCM-AF group (21.9 months) or PC-DCM-SR group (29.1 months, P=0.001). CHF-DCM-AF in IW was associated with reduced life expectancy and CD, while most IW with preclinical DCM died from non-cardiac causes.

Disorders of sexual development (DSD) may have their origin in alterations of the chromosomal, gonadal or phenotypic sex. Affected animals are usually presented because of ambiguous external genitalia, seldom because of reproductive disorders. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is secreted in the gonads with higher amounts in males than in females and can be used to identify gonadal tissue in sexually normally developed dogs. The aim of this study was to examine the diagnostic potential of serum AMH to identify testicular tissue in eleven dogs with DSD. The diagnostic procedures applied were: determination of the phenotypic sex (n=11), genital ultrasound (n=9), determination of the SRY gene (n=11), karyogram (n=6), gonadectomy (n=11), pathohistology of the gonads (n=10), serum AMH measurement (n=11). 39 female dogs described in a previous study and 19 male dogs with a normal spermiogram served as controls for the AMH serum concentrations in sexually intact dogs. The eleven dogs with DSD were classified as seven XY DSD and four XX DSD. Presumptive testes were obtained in ten dogs and one dog had an ovotestis combined with a testis. Mean serum AMH values of the dogs with DSD were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in male and female controls. The upper limit of the AMH test (≥ 23ng/ml) was reached in six dogs. High AMH concentrations have been described previously in cryptorchid dogs. One dog with a male phenotype and two with a female phenotype had AMH values within the range of the male controls, although all of them had cryptorchid testes. A Poodle, in which epididymis were identified but no definitive gonads, had an AMH concentration of the lower limit of the test (≤ 0.01 ng/ml), comparable to previously described castrated dogs. This study indicates that serum AMH levels are a useful diagnostic tool to identify testicular tissue in dogs with DSD and suggests the possible use of AMH to diagnose testicular dysgenesis.

Introduction Potential triggers for equine asthma are allergens from hay and straw dusts, mold spores and storage mites. The contribution of these environmental trigger factors to equine asthma is still largely uncertain. The aim of this study was to compare results of four allergy tests from healthy and asthma-affected horses, and to evaluate the clinical relevance of allergens tested positive via specific inhalation provocation test. Materials and Methods 15 horses were classified using a clinical scoring system as asthmatic (n=9) or control (n=6). Four different allergy tests (functional in vitro test, intradermal test, Fc-epsilon receptor test, and ELISA for allergen-specific IgE) were compared. A histamine inhalation provocation test as positive control was performed in all horses and the interpleural pressure was measured. In addition, two individual allergens were chosen for the allergen inhalation provocation test based on the results of the allergy tests and inhaled in increasing concentrations, until signs of dyspnea occurred. Results None of the four allergy tests could differentiate reliably between controls and asthma-affected horses. There was no agreement among the results of the four allergy tests. The interpleural pressure results showed a large individual variability. A clear positive reaction on the allergen inhalation provocation test was only detected in two asthma-affected horses 6 hours after allergen inhalation with Aspergillus fumigatus and Cladosporium herbarum. Conclusion In most cases a purely type I immediate reaction is unlikely to be involved in causing the clinical signs of equine asthma. Because of a delayed reaction after allergen provocation in two horses, the involvement of cell-mediated type III or IV hypersensitivity may be possible. As all allergy tests used in this study can only detect IgE-mediated hypersensitivity, these tests are probably not suitable for an etiological diagnosis of equine asthma.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether an actual improvement in gait could be differentiated from physiologic differences or habituation effects during gait analysis of dogs. ANIMALS 11 healthy dogs. PROCEDURES On 4 examination days, kinetic parameters were measured while dogs were walking on a treadmill. Differences in mean parameter values and habituation effects (ie, effect sizes) were quantified and compared among examination days. Coefficients of variation for repeated measurements were calculated to determine measurement reproducibility, and minimum differences were calculated to distinguish between physiologic fluctuation and an actual change in gait pattern. RESULTS Among the 4 examination days, mean absolute differences in peak vertical force and vertical impulse (VI) varied from 1.5% to 5.3% of body weight (BW) and 0.9% to 1.8% of BW·s, respectively. Mean absolute differences in the percentage of stance-phase duration (%SPD) and relative stride length (RSL) varied from 0.9% to 3.2% and 1.7% to 3.0%, respectively. Reproducibility of parameter measurements was good. Values for %SPD had the lowest amount of dispersion and largest effect size, suggesting a habituation effect for this parameter. Calculated minimum differences among the days for peak vertical force, VI, %SPD, and RSL did not exceed 9.9% of BW, 3.3% of BW·s, 5.8 percentage points, and 5.2 percentage points, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The %SPD of healthy dogs walking on a treadmill was the most sensitive and diagnostically reliable of the measured kinetic parameters, in contrast to VI and RSL. Findings suggested that actual changes can be distinguished from random physiologic fluctuations during gait analysis of dogs.

Objective The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) and modified Maquet procedure (MMP) for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) in dogs using clinical and radiographic evaluation and treadmill-based force plate gait analysis. Study Design This study was a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Materials and Methods Sixty-one dogs (76 joints) with CCLR were treated with TPLO (n = 30 dogs, 41 joints) or MMP (n = 31 dogs, 35 joints) and compared with a control group of 16 healthy Labrador Retrievers. Outcomes after surgery were compared by clinical orthopaedic assessment, radiographic evaluation and force plate gait analysis performed preoperatively, and then at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. For objective comparison of ground reaction forces, the data were compared with the control group. Major complications were reported. Results A significant improvement in ground reaction forces was reached in all surgically treated dogs. No significant difference was found between the surgical methods at any postoperative re-examination. With regard to peak vertical force (PVF), there were significantly more patients with TPLO within the reference range of healthy dogs at the 3 months re-examination than dogs with MMP. There was no significant difference in mean value comparisons between TPLO and control groups 6 months postoperatively. Compared with the control group, mean values of 93.9% (PVF) and 85.9% (vertical impulse [VI]) were reached by the TPLO group and 89.4% (PVF) and 79.9% (VI) by the MMP group, 6 months postoperatively.No significant differences were found regarding major complications or progression of osteoarthritis. Conclusions Although no significant differences were found between the surgical methods, TPLO patients showed superiority with regard to clinical outcome.

Objectives A prospective experimental study was performed in nine young healthy cats to investigate a pharmacokinetic profile and the clinical relevance of rectally administered buprenorphine. Rectal pH value was measured in all nine cats. Methods Blood was collected 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 240 and 480 mins and 24 h after the rectal administration of a suppository and a gel at doses between 0.02 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg buprenorphine to determine the plasma concentration of buprenorphine. Rectal pH was measured with pH paper. Results Upon pharmacokinetic non-compartment analysis of high-dose buprenorphine (0.1 mg/kg), average maximal plasma concentration was found to be 1.13 ng/ml, time to maximal plasma concentration was 45 mins and area under the plasma concentration–time curve was 94.19 ng*min/ml, representing low but potential bioavailability. Mean residual time was 152.2 mins and the half-life was 92.6 mins. A wide range of plasma concentrations within the cohort was measured and two of the cats had to be excluded from statistical analysis owing to incomplete uptake. Vital parameters of all cats were considered to be normal but three of the cats showed mydriasis up to 8 h after application. After the administration of a low-dose suppository or a rectal gel (0.02 mg/kg) within pilot studies, no buprenorphine was detected in cat plasma. Rectal pH in all cats was between 7.7 and 8. Conclusions and relevance The rectal application of buprenorphine at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg revealed a potential but weak uptake in cats. Regarding effective concentrations in previous pharmacokinetic investigations, rectal administration is currently not recommended for good provision of opioid analgesia in cats. Pharmacological investigations of formulation and galenics in order to improve the rectal bioavailability of buprenorphine remain to be clarified before further dose-finding and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies are performed.

Introduction Characterizing age- and gender-dependent cardiac remodeling over the adult lifespan in Irish Wolfhounds (IWs) by echocardiography. In people, a life-long cardiac remodeling process has been demonstrated. Animals, materials, methods Irish Wolfhounds (56 males, 90 females) with no indication of cardiac disease at final assessment (>7.0 years old). For each dog, four transthoracic echocardiographic studies were analyzed. Left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic internal dimensions (LVIDs, LVIDd), LV fractional shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF), LV free wall and interventricular septal thickness, right ventricular diastolic dimension, and left atrial (LA) and right atrial systolic diameters were compared at time points in the following age categories (years): 1.0–2.5; 3.0–4.0; 4.5–6.0; and 7.0–10.5 and related to age, body weight, and heart rate. Results Over the adult life course, males had statistically significant increases in LV internal dimensions, atrial diameters, and decreases of FS and EF. From youngest to oldest age of examination means ± standard deviations were as follows: LVIDs, 32.7 ± 2.9 vs. 36.5 ± 2.9 mm; LVIDd, 49.6 ± 4.7 vs. 53.4 ± 3.8 mm; right atrial diameter, 36.8 ± 3.3 vs. 42.6 ± 3.3 mm; LA, 49.0 ± 3.6 vs. 55.0 ± 3.7 mm; and FS, 34.6 ± 3.7 vs. 31.0 ± 3.2. In females, LV internal dimensions did not change significantly, increases in right atrial (38.1 ± 3.7 mm to 40.0 ± 5.2 mm) and LA diameter (48.8 ± 3.6 to 52.4 ± 4.3 mm) were attenuated, as were decreases of FS (33.4 ± 3.7 to 31.5 ± 4.4, p = 0.02). LV wall thicknesses did not significantly change in both genders. Discussion and conclusions Over the adult life course, echocardiography demonstrated increasing LV dimensions in male IWs only. In both genders, FS and EF decreased, and atrial diameters increased. Females showed an attenuated remodeling process.

Zusammenfassung Ziel des vorliegenden ersten Teils dieser Untersuchung war, unter definierten Bedingungen die Entstehung und weitere Entwicklung akzessorischer Bursen an den Gliedmaßen von Mastschweinen zu erfassen. Material und Methoden: 192 Masthybriden wurden von der Aufzucht bis zur Schlachtung unter konventionellen Haltungsbedingungen untersucht. Wöchentlich wurden die Parameter Allgemeinbefinden, Anzahl, Größe und Lokalisation der akzessorischen Bursen an Gliedmaßen und Sternum sowie Gang und Klauen erfasst. Ergebnisse: Akzessorische Bursen können an bis zu 13 Stellen an den Gliedmaßen bzw. dem Sternum auftreten. Es wurden bereits Ferkel mit akzessorischen Bursen in die Aufzucht eingestallt, die Prävalenz stieg während Aufzucht und Mast an und lag vor der Schlachtung bei 97,8 % der Tiere (Einstallung mit 4 Wochen: 25,5 %; Umstallung in die Mast mit 12 Wochen: 67,6 %). Schwere Tiere wiesen signifikant mehr und größere Bursen auf als gleichaltrige leichtere Tiere. Außerdem nahmen sie größere Futtermengen auf, riefen aber weniger häufig Futter ab. Tiere mit stärkeren Gangbildveränderungen zeigten signifikant mehr und größere Bursen. Am Schlachthof bestand bei 95,6 % der Tiere mindestens eine Klauenveränderung. Das Allgemeinbefinden wurde durch akzessorische Schleimbeutel nicht beeinträchtigt. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Eine Beeinträchtigung des Wohl-befindens hinsichtlich Schmerzempfinden durch akzessorische Bursen wird aufgrund der vorliegenden Ergebnisse und der Funktion als Schutzkissen nicht vermutet. Dennoch entstehen akzessorische Bursen in hoher Prävalenz und Anzahl pro Tier unter Einfluss verschiedener Faktoren erst im Laufe des Lebens und stellen eine Technopathie dar. Aufgrund der Exposition akzessorischer Bursen besteht das Risiko, dass diese sich infolge von Verletzungen zu eröffneten Grad-3-Bursen entwickeln.

Zusammenfassung Ziel dieser Studie war zu ermitteln, ob mit einem 3-Achsen-Beschleunigungssensorlogger (MSR® 145B V5.106, MSR Electronics GmbH, Seuzach, Schweiz) kontinuierlich die Aktivität von Sauen um den Abferkelzeitraum aufgezeichnet und dargestellt werden kann. Dabei wurden eine stehende Position als Aktivität und nichtstehende Positionen als Ruhe definiert. Material und Methoden: Der Feldversuch fand von April 2016 bis Januar 2017 (sechs Durchgänge, 39 Sauen) statt. Die Sauen wurden in alternativen Buchten mit einem zu öffnenden Stand („Petra” [P] und „Freya” [F]) bzw. im Kastenstand (K) gehalten. Die temporäre Fixation ab dem Tag der Einstallung wurde in P und F durchschnittlich 10 Tage (± 2,9) nach der Geburt beendet. Mithilfe des Loggers erfolgte eine Aufzeichnung des Verhaltens (stehen/nicht stehen). Anhand der Messdaten wurde für jede Sau über einen Zeitraum von 5 Wochen (sekündliche Messung) ein individuelles Rohdatenprofil mit über 2,5 Millionen Messwerten erstellt und dieses in fünf Phasen (drei in Fixation, Tag der Standöffnung und eine Phase nach der Öffnung) unterteilt. Ergebnisse: Die Sauen in F zeigten in jeder Phase (außer Tag 0) die höchste durchschnittliche Aktivität. In Phase 2 (Abferkelung) wiesen alle Sauen, unabhängig vom System, eine erhöhte Aktivität auf (P: 9,5 %, F: 8,1 %, K: 8,8 %). Diese fiel nach der Geburt (Phase 3) stark ab, nahm im Verlauf dieser Phase jedoch wieder zu. Am Tag der Standöffnung (Phase 4) stieg die Aktivität der Sauen in P und F sprunghaft an (P: 7,9 %, F: 8,0 %). Nach der Standöffnung (Phase 5) war bei den Sauen in F die höchste Aktivität zu verzeichnen (8,3 %). Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Die Studie zeigte, dass eine Datensammlung mittels Beschleunigungssensorlogger möglich war. In den alternativen Abferkelbuchten hatten die Sauen in allen definierten Phasen im Vergleich zu K ein höheres Maß an Aktivität. Das nach Beendigung der Fixation größere Platzangebot, das auch ein Drehen der Sau ermöglichte, kann als Fortschritt für eine verhaltensgerechtere Unterbringung betrachtet werden.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the molecular and histological effects of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on vascularisation in clinical cases of open wound treatment in dogs. Open wounds (n=10) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: NPWT treatment (n=5) or foam treatment (polyurethane-foam dressing, n=5). Wounds were matched based on age and underlying cause and analysed with respect to neovascularisation (CD31) and matrix proteinase changes (MMP-9). Histological slides were blinded and analysis was performed using automated histomorphometric software. Values determined at day zero after debridement were used as a reference and wound development at day six was evaluated using linear mixed models. Signalment, pre-treatment time and underlying cause were similar between groups. NPWT resulted in a highly significant increase of vascularisation (p.Ziel der Arbeit war es, die molekularen und histologischen Effekte der Vakuumtherapie (NPWT) auf die Vaskularisation während der offenen Wundtherapie in klinischen Fällen bei Hunden zu erfassen. Offene Wunden (n=10) wurden randomisiert in zwei Gruppen unterteilt: NPWT Therapie (n=5) oder Abdeckung mittels Polyurethan Wundauflage (n=5). Die Wunden wurden in Hinblick auf das Wundalter sowie die Ursache gepaart und hinsichtlich Neovaskularisation (CD31) und ­Veränderung der Matrix-Metalloproteinase-Aktivität (MMP-9) untersucht. Die Beurteilung der einzelnen Histologiepräperate erfolgte geblindet mittels automatisierter Histomorphometrie Software. Werte die an Tag 0 nach Debridement erfasst wurden dienten hierbei als Referenzwert für die Entwicklung der Wunden an Tag sechs, welche mittels eines gemischten Modells analysiert wurde. Signalement, Dauer der Vortherapie sowie Ursache waren zwischen den Gruppen vergleichbar. NPWT führte in Vergleich zur Kontrolle zu einer signifikanten Steigerung der Vaskularisation (p.Le but de ce travail était de relever les effets moléculaires et histologiques de la thérapie des plaies par pression négative (NPWT) au cours du traitement de plaies ouvertes en clinique chez le chien. Des plaies ouvertes (n=10) ont été répartie de manière randomisée en deux groupes : NPWT (n=5) ou recouvrement au moyen d’un pansement en polyuréthane (n=5). Les plaies ont été appariées en tenant compte de leur âge ainsi que de leur cause et examinées quant à leur néo vascularisation (CD31) et aux variations de l’activité des métalloprotéases matricielles (MMP-9). L’appréciation des divers échantillons histologiques a été faite à l’aveugle, au moyen d’un logiciel d’histomorphométrie automatisé. Les valeurs obtenues au jour 0 après débridement servaient de référence pour l’évolution des plaies au jour 6, évolution analysée avec un modèle mixte. Le signalement, la durée du traitement préalable ainsi que les causes étaient comparables entre les groupes. La NPWT amenait, comparativement au contrôle, à une augmentation significative de la vascularisation (p.Scopo di questo studio era di rilevare nei cani gli effetti molecolari e istologici della terapia NPWT (Negative Pressure Wound Therapy) sulla vascolarizzazione, durante la terapia con ferita aperta nei casi clinici. Le ferite aperte (=10) sono state randomizzate in due gruppi: con terapia NPWT (n=5) oppure con copertura di poliuretano della ferita (n=5). Le ferite sono state accoppiate per durata e causa della ferita e esaminate sotto l’aspetto della neovascolarizzazione (CD31) e dell’alterazione dell’attività della metalloproteinasi della matrice (MMP-9). La valutazione dei singoli preparati istologici a cieco è stata possibile con l’utilizzo del software di istomorfometria automatizzato. I valori registrati il giorno 0 dopo lo sbrigliamento sono serviti da valori di referenza per lo sviluppo delle ferite al giorno 6, il quale è stato analizzato grazie a un modello misto. Segnalazione, durata del trattamento preliminare e cause sono risultate comparabili tra i gruppi. La NPWT ha condotto a un significativo aumento della vascolarizzazione (p.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of specific bioactive collagen peptides (BCP), here administered orally as PETAGILE® , on horses with mild to moderate, naturally occurring osteoarthritis. Data from a two-centred pilot study were used for the meta-analysis. Thirty-eight privately owned horses of various breeds were available. In one centre, 18 of these patients (6 ± 3 years; 519 ± 100 kg BW) received either 25 g (n = 6) or 50 g (n = 12) BCP/day orally for 12 weeks. In the second centre, 20 horses (18 ± 4 years; 413 ± 94 kg BW) received either a placebo (control; n = 10) or 25 g BCP/day. The attending veterinarians performed an orthopaedic examination including flexion tests and evaluated the degree of lameness, rotation pain, step length and arc of foot flight during trot (8 parameters) at the beginning and after 6 and 12 weeks. The horse owners answered a weekly questionnaire about their perception of lameness, mobility and the horses' willingness to run. In the 50 g BCP group, in six of eight parameters, a strong effect (Cohen's r > .5) was detected with two parameters (lameness and flexion pain) significantly improved already after 6 weeks. In the 25 g BCP group, a moderate effect (Cohen's r = .3-0.5) was seen in six parameters, with three parameters improved already after 6 weeks. The owners reported a strong effect for mobility and willingness to run (Cohen's r = .69 and .62, respectively) and a moderate effect (Cohen's r = .49 and 0.41) for the development of lameness in the 50 g and 25 g BCP group in comparison with the placebo treatment. This study revealed promising effects of the safe oral-specific BCP supplementation on symptoms of osteoarthritis in horses already after 3 months. The higher dosage of 50 g BCP/day had superior impact. Further long-term investigations on specific BCP efficacy in horses with osteoarthritis, preferably in blinded and placebo-controlled studies, should be performed to confirm these first positive results.

Ziel der Studie war, die Keimbelastung sowie die klinische Effizienz von Polyhexanid, Argon-Kaltplasma und Kochsalzlosung zur Reduktion der Bioburden bei Hundebissverletzungen zu uberprufen. Material und Methoden: In die Studie eingeschlossen wurden Hunde mit Bissverletzungen, die durch ein chirurgisches Debridement mit anschliesender Wundbehandlung durch Lavage mit Polyhexanid-Biguanid (A), Therapie mit kaltem Argonplasma (B) oder Lavage mit physiologischer Kochsalzlosung (C) versorgt wurden. Ein bakterieller Abstrich erfolgte bei allen Patienten nach Debridement sowie nach der Lavage bzw. Behandlung mit Argon-Kaltplasma. Zur Auswertung der Resultate diente der Chi-Quadrat-Test. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt 40 Hunde gingen in die Studie ein (A: n = 12; B: n = 10; C: n = 18). Bei einem Grosteil der Verletzungen handelte es sich um geringfugige Bisswunden. Ein Keimnachweis ergab sich bei 87,5% aller Patienten, wobei 19,8% aller Isolate als multiresistent klassifiziert wurden. Eine Reduktion der Keimlast durch Lavage wurde bei 8/12 Hunden der Gruppe A, 5/10 Hunden der Gruppe B und 14/18 Hunden der Gruppe C erreicht. Eine komplette Dekontamination durch Lavage gelang bei 5/12 Hunden der Gruppe A, 2/10 der Gruppe B und 9/18 der Gruppe C. Statistisch signifikante Unterschiede oder Effekte auf spatere Komplikationen waren nicht festzustellen. Schlussfolgerung: Zwischen den verschiedenen Lavagekonzepten bestanden keine statistisch signifikanten Unterschiede, doch wurde in der Kaltplasma-Gruppe die geringste Dekontamination erzielt. Klinische Relevanz: Bei Bissverletzungen ist von einer hohen Keimbelastung auszugehen. Zudem werden zunehmend multiresistente Isolate nachgewiesen. Basierend auf diesen ersten Ergebnissen lies sich keine Uberlegenheit von Polyhexanid oder Kaltplasma gegenuber physiologischer Kochsalzlosung zur Wundlavage nachweisen. Objective: To evaluate the bacterial contamination rate and to compare the efficacy of polyhexanide, cold argon plasma and saline at reducing bacterial bio-burden in dog bite wounds. Material and methods: Dogs with bite-wound injuries were included when surgical debridement was pursued with subsequent treatment using either polyhexanide-biguanide lavage (A), cold argon plasma treatment (B) or saline lavage (C). Culture swabs were taken after debridement as well as after lavageor argon treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test. Results: A total of 40 dogs were enrolled in the study (A: n = 12; B: n = 10; C: n = 18). The majority of injuries were minor and 87.5% of patients had positive bacterial culture results pre-lavage, with 19.8% of isolates classified as multidrug resistant. A reduction in wound bioburden was achieved in 8/12 patients in group A, 5/10 patients in group B and 14/18 patients in group C. Complete decontamination was achieved in 5/12 patients in group A, 2/10 in group B and 9/18 in group C. None of these differences were statistically significant nor associated with the development of complications. Conclusion: No statistically significant differences were detected between the treatment groups; however, the cold argon plasma treatment provided the least effective decontamination. Clinical relevance: Bite wounds yield a high rate of bacterial contamination, with increasing multidrug-resistance rates. Based on these preliminary results, no superior effect was detected for lavage using polyhexanidebiguanide or cold argon plasma.

Objective— Cancer patients are at high risk of developing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and venous thromboembolism, a leading cause of mortality in this population. However, it is largely unclear how malignant tumors drive the prothrombotic cascade culminating in DVT. Approach and Results— Here, we addressed the pathophysiology of malignant DVT compared with nonmalignant DVT and focused on the role of tumor microvesicles as potential targets to prevent cancer-associated DVT. We show that microvesicles released by pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells (pancreatic tumor–derived microvesicles [pcMV]) boost thrombus formation in a model of flow restriction of the mouse vena cava. This depends on the synergistic activation of coagulation by pcMV and host tissue factor. Unlike nonmalignant DVT, which is initiated and propagated by innate immune cells, thrombosis triggered by pcMV was largely independent of myeloid leukocytes or platelets. Instead, we identified externalization of the phospholipid phosphatidylethanolamine as a major mechanism controlling the prothrombotic activity of pcMV. Disrupting phosphatidylethanolamine-dependent activation of factor X suppressed pcMV-induced DVT without causing changes in hemostasis. Conclusions— Together, we show here that the pathophysiology of pcMV-associated experimental DVT differs markedly from innate immune cell–promoted nonmalignant DVT and is therefore amenable to distinct antithrombotic strategies. Targeting phosphatidylethanolamine on tumor microvesicles could be a new strategy for prevention of cancer-associated DVT without causing bleeding complications.

Increased concentrations of Anti‐Muellerian hormone (AMH) can indicate a granulosa cell tumour as shown in women, mares and cows. To investigate AMH to differentiate canine granulosa cell tumour from other ovarian pathologies, we evaluated the ovaries of 63 bitches. Blood serum samples were collected before surgery for AMH analysis. Ovaries were submitted for histopathological examination. Fourteen bitches showed normal ovaries. These bitches had AMH values between 0.12 and 0.99 ng/ml. In 20 bitches ovarian cysts i.e., follicular cysts (n = 8), corpora lutea cysts (n = 7), subsurface cysts (n = 5) were diagnosed. These dogs had AMH values of 0.11–2.09 ng/ml. Bitches with small luteinized follicular cysts had slightly higher AMH values than those without ovarian alteration. In 29 cases ovarian neoplasms i.e., granulosa cell tumour (n = 9), epithelial tumours (n = 16), dysgerminomas (n = 3) and one sarcoma were identified. Anti‐Muellerian hormone values of bitches with an ovarian neoplasm except granulosa cell tumour ranged from 0.18 to 1.18 ng/ml. The AMH values of bitches with granulosa cell tumour ranged from 1.12 to ≤23 ng/ml and were significantly higher (p < .05) than in all of the other bitches. The cut‐off of 0.99 ng/ml gave a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 94.44% to diagnose granulosa cell tumour. In conclusion, markedly elevated AMH concentrations in bitches are indicative for a granulosa cell tumour. However, negative testing does not rule out the existence of small one. Differentiation of GCT from luteinized follicular cysts may especially be difficult.

Objectives High phosphorus intake may further impair renal health in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The hypothesis that a high phosphorus (HP) diet might be nephrotoxic for healthy animals was tested in cats, a species with a high incidence of naturally occurring CKD. Methods Thirteen healthy adult cats were fed a phosphorus excess diet (about five times maintenance requirements), and this HP group was compared with cats on a balanced control diet (CON). The trial lasted for 29 days (10 days of faeces and urine collection). Endogenous creatinine clearance was determined towards the end of the trial. Fresh urine was tested for glucose and proteins. Results Glucosuria and microalbuminuria were observed exclusively in the HP group in 9/13 cats. Creatinine clearance was significantly decreased after feeding HP. In the HP group phosphorus was highly available (apparent digestibility around 60%). Renal phosphorus excretion was significantly increased in the HP group (115 mg/kg body weight/d vs 16 mg/kg body weight/d in the CON group). Conclusions and relevance The intake of a diet with an excessive content of highly available phosphorus may have adverse effects on parameters of kidney function in healthy cats.

Measurement of total thyroxine (T4) is the first testing step in the work-up of thyroid disease in small animals. We evaluated an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay (ELFA) as an in-house method to measure T4 in cats and dogs. We compared the T4 concentration in sera of 122 cats and 176 dogs measured by the ELFA with an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to assess the concordance of the 2 methods. Bias of the ELFA in cats was −11.4% and in dogs 1.4%. Using Bland–Altman plots, limits of agreement were −81.5 to 58.7% in cats and −71.4 to 74.4% in dogs. Imprecision was calculated for both methods. Intra- and interassay coefficients of variation (CVs) of the ELFA in feline sera were 0.7 and 3.4% and of the EIA 7.6 and 15.7%, respectively. Intra- and interassay CVs of both ELFA and EIA in canine sera were

Objective To assess the short-term, mid-term, and long-term results after an individualized mini-hemilaminectomy-corpectomy (iMHC) procedure for treatment of acute and chronic thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease in non-chondrodystrophic dogs. Study Design Prospective study. Animals Client-owned non-chondrodystrophic large breed dogs (n = 57). Methods The iMHC procedure, combining mini-hemilaminectomy (MH) and partial lateral corpectomy, was performed on non-chondrodystrophic dogs with thoracolumbar disc disease. Neurological status was evaluated before surgery, for short-term outcome on days 1 and 7 after surgery, for mid-term outcome at 6 months after surgery, and for long-term outcome at the conclusion of the study. Prognostic factors were statistically evaluated. P

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the systemic effect of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on the treatment of complicated wounds in dogs. Materials and Methods Dogs undergoing open wound treatment were randomly assigned to one of two groups: NPWT (n = 11) or polyurethane foam dressing (n = 11). Rectal temperature, heart rate as well as haematocrit, thrombocytes, leucocyte count, band neutrophils, C-reactive protein (CrP), total protein and albumin were recorded daily from the beginning of therapy (day 0) until day 5, as well as on day 10. The effect of treatment on systemic parameters was evaluated as well as the prognostic power of the individual parameters with regard to successful wound closure. Results A more profound systemic decrease was found in total protein under NPWT. This difference was non-significant. Patients with non-successful closure displayed a non-significant trend towards lower initial leukocyte and thrombocyte counts and significantly higher CrP values on days 4, 5 and 10 (p Conclusion There might be an increased loss of protein in NPWT-treated patients, which does not affect albumin levels, otherwise no systemic effects were detected compared with the control treatment. The parameter with the best sensitivity and specificity to detect serious complications (no wound closure achieved) was CrP at day 4.

The aim of this study was to analyze whether different fixation methods such as freezing or formaldehyde storage for different periods of time have an influence on the recognition of anatomical relevant structures in the middle and inner ear of the cat with conventional computed tomography (cCT) and micro-computed tomography (µCT). Besides, effects of freeze–thaw cycles on determined structures of the ear were investigated by means of histological slices. Three veterinarians with different radiologic expertise evaluated the scans of 30 dissected cat ears anonymously and scored predefined structures in a five-point scale with reference to visually sharp reproducibility and perfect image quality. The total scores of the different fixation groups as well as the ears within a group were compared with each other. Furthermore, an intra-reader examination including an evaluation of the identifiability of specified structures was performed for both imaging methods. cCT as well as µCT-scans have a very low variation coefficient of 1.6% and 2.3%, respectively. The results for the alterations between the different fixation methods show that the changes for cCT-scans are negligible, as the percentage alteration compared to fresh samples ranges in a very small interval with values from 1.0% better to 1.2% worse. µCT-scans are more influenced by the fixation method with a range from 1.3% better to 6.9% worse values. The scans mostly deteriorated after two freeze–thaw cycles (1.8% worse) and after storing the samples for 1 (2.4% worse), respectively, and 3 weeks in formaldehyde (6.9% worse).

Background: Dogs with hypoadrenocorticism (HA) frequently show gastrointestinal signs of gastrointestinal disease (SGD). The prevalence of dogs presented for chronic SGD with HA is unknown. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of HA in dogs with chronic SGD and to identify clinical and laboratory variables for HA in this population. Animals: 151 dogs with chronic SGD Methods: In this multi-centered prevalence study a standardized work-up was performed in prospectively enrolled dogs. Basal serum cortisol concentration was measured in every dog with SGD >3 weeks, followed by an ACTH stimulation test (ACTHST) if basal serum cortisol concentration was

There is increasing prevalence of digital diagnostic imaging in veterinary medicine with a progressive need to use medical imaging software. As Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM)-viewers for veterinary use do not require medical device approval in many countries, freeware viewers might be a practical alternative. The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate free DICOM-viewer software for veterinary purposes. The functionality and user-friendliness of various DICOM-viewers from the internet were analyzed and compared. Inclusion criteria for the evaluation were free availability, PACS (picture archiving and communication system)-connectivity, and stand-alone and client-based software. Based on this, eight viewers were found: Ginkgo CADx, Horos, K-PACS, MAYAM, MITO, OsiriX Lite, RadiAnt, Synedra personal. In these DICOM-viewers, 14 core tools were tested and rated on a score from 1 to 10 by multiple observers with different levels of training, using studies of four imaging modalities. Criteria were functionality and user-friendliness. For each viewer, the total number of a predefined set of 47 important tools was counted. The ranking based on functionality and user-friendliness of 14 core tools (mean score in brackets) was as follows: 1. Horos/OsiriX Lite (8.96), 2. RadiAnt (8.90), 3. K-PACS (8.02), 4. Synedra (7.43), 5. MAYAM (6.05), 6. Ginkgo CADx (5.53), 7. MITO (3.74). The DICOM-viewers offered between 20 and 44 tools of the predefined important tool set and are sufficient for most veterinary purposes. An increasing number of tools did not necessarily impair user-friendliness, if the user interface is well designed. Based on the results of this study, veterinarians will find suitable free DICOM-viewers for their individual needs. In combination with PACS-freeware, this allows veterinary practices to run a low-budget digital imaging environment.

Background Despite appropriate medical therapy, many horses with equine recurrent uveitis continue to suffer from recurrent bouts of inflammation. Surgical intervention via the pars plana vitrectomy or suprachoroidal cyclosporine implant placement may control and/or prevent recurrences, however, these procedures may be contraindicated, unavailable, or declined by an owner. Thus, an effective adjunctive treatment option may help to improve the clinical outcomes in those situations. There are several anecdotal reports on the use of intravitreal gentamicin injections, but to date, no data evaluating the complication rate and/or treatment effect following this treatment have been published. Thus, the aim of this prospective study was to describe the intravitreal gentamicin injection technique, describe the associated peri-injection (within 24 h) and post-injection (30 to 780 days) complications, and to report the effects of the injection on the clinical signs of uveitis. Additionally, evaluation of the systemic and ocular Leptospira-status, and its effect on the treatment outcome was performed. A total of 86 horses of various ages, breeds, and gender presenting with recurrent or persistent uveitis were treated via intravitreal injection of 4 mg of undiluted gentamicin (0.04 ml, Genta 100, 100 mg/ml in 35 horses) or preservative-free gentamicin (0.05 ml, 80 mg/ml in 52 horses) under sedation and local anesthesia. All 86 horses were observed for immediate peri-injection and post-injection complications. Response to therapy was evaluated in 59 of the 86 horses (follow-up: 30 to 780 days). Results Peri-injection complications consisted of subconjunctival (26/86; 30.2%) or intracameral hemorrhage (4/86; 4.7%); both of which completely resolved within 5 days. Post-injection complications consisted of cataract formation/maturation (5/59 horses, 8.5%) and diffuse retinal degeneration (3/59 eyes 5.1%). The majority of horses 52/59 (88.1%) with a minimum follow-up period of 30 days were controlled (absence of recurrent or persistent inflammation) at their last recheck examination. Recurrent inflammation was documented in 5/59 (8.5%) horses and persistent inflammation was diagnosed in 2/59 (3.4%) horses. Conclusions Intravitreal injection of low-dose gentamicin shows promise at controlling different types and stages of uveitis. The ability of intravitreal injections of low-dose gentamicin (4 mg) to control persistent and recurrent inflammation warrants further investigation.

Introduction Equine asthma represents a naturally occurring animal model for human allergic neutrophilic asthma. Inhalative nanoparticle‐bound cytosine‐phosphate‐guanosine (CpG‐GNP) immunotherapy, independent of specific allergens, has already shown promising clinical and immunological results in previous studies and offers the possibility to treat the underlying cause of the disease. This study analyses the relationship between dose and response, and evaluates a possible long‐term effect. Methods In the prospective, randomised, double‐blind clinical field study, 29 horses suffering from equine asthma received 10 inhalation treatments with either 187.5 µg CpG‐GNP (CpG single dose [CpGsd]; n = 11), 375 µg CpG‐GNP double dose (CpG double dose [CpGdd]; n = 9) (q48h for 20 days) or 1600 µg beclomethasone (n = 9) (q24h for 10 days). Each horse was examined three times: before the treatment (I), immediately after the 10 inhalations (II), and 8 weeks after the final inhalation (III). The three groups were compared according to clinical and laboratory parameters. The study examined the sustainability of the long‐term effect of the treatment after 8 weeks, as well as the tolerability of the formula as a double dose. Results The CpGsd resulted in a significant improvement in 82% of the parameters, the CpGdd in 72%. In the long‐term evaluation, the CpGsd showed a significant improvement in 100% of the parameters in comparison to the initial values, the CpGdd in 67%. On the immunological level, the bronchoalveolar lavage revealed a significant reduction of IL‐4, IL‐8, and interferon‐γ. Conclusion Both CpG groups displayed significant improvements in clinical and laboratory parameters, especially regarding the long‐term effect of CpGsd. Doubling the CpG dose did not result in any improvement in comparison to the original single dose. On the immunological level, an anti‐inflammatory, as well as an immunomodulatory effect, apart from a Th2‐dominated immune response, could be observed. This immunomodulatory inhalation treatment could indicate a new possibility for human allergic asthma therapy.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of hemodialysis, hemoperfusion, and a combined approach on the removal of metaldehyde from canine plasma. Design: In vitro study. Setting. University veterinary teaching hospital laboratory. Animals: None. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Metaldehyde-fortified canine plasma was prepared. Hemodialysis (HD), charcoal hemoperfusion (HP), and in-series hemodialysis and charcoal hemoperfusion (HD/HP) were applied in triplicate to eliminate metaldehyde from plasma. Plasma samples were obtained before starting the procedure and subsequently after every processed total plasma volume until plasma had been processed 10 times. Plasma metaldehyde concentration was quantitatively assayed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc test, and by calculating the coefficient of variation from duplicate measurements, binomial distribution, and by Bland–Altman analysis. Statistically significant reduction in metaldehyde concentration was reached by all 3 techniques. Reduction of metaldehyde concentration of more than 95% was achieved after processing the plasma volume 4 times applying HD, 8 times applying HP, and 2 times applying HD/HP. Efficacy in reduction of metaldehyde concentration differed significantly between the 3 procedures (P < 0.001). In-series hemodialysis and charcoal hemoperfusion was more effective in metaldehyde removal than HD (P = 0.003) and HP (P < 0.001), and HD was more effective than HP (P = 0.002). Conclusions: Metaldehyde was effectively removed by all applied extracorporeal blood purification techniques in vitro. However, the combination of both techniques was more effective than HD or HP alone. Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm therapeutic benefits in patients.

Objective: To describe the bacterial bio-burden of open-treated wounds and make comparisons with bite wounds. Design: Retrospective multicentre study. Sample: Microbial culture between 2011 and 2013 from open-treated wounds in dogs and cats (initiation of therapy n=88, follow-up n=52) were compared to those from bite wounds (n=184). Procedures: Bacteria were identified and tested for antibiotic susceptibility by two accredited laboratories. Results: In total, 77/88 (88%) of open-treated wounds yielded positive bacterial cultures at the beginning of treatment, decreasing to 27/52 (52%) during treatment. Upon initial evaluation, 42/88 (48 %) of open-treated wounds were considered infected with multi-drug-resistant bacteria, with a drop to 22/52 (41%) during therapy. Bite wounds yielded fewer positive cultures 88/184 (48%) with only 11/182 (6%) being affected by multi-drug-resistant bacteria. Bacteria found most commonly in open-treated wounds were Enterococcus subspecies, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusion: The bacterial populations of open-treated wounds differed markedly from the bite wounds. The high incidence of multi-drug-resistant strains in open wounds highlights the need for alternatives to antibiotics.

Objective To analyze the change in prevalence and incidence of hereditary eye diseases (HED) in dachshunds due to breeding regulations based on biennial examinations performed by the German panel of veterinary ophthalmologists (DOK) from 1998 to 2011. Animals included A total of 12 242 dachshunds examined by the DOK and pedigree data of 318 852 dachshunds provided by the German Dachshund Club (DTK). Procedures The prevalence of congenital cataract (CC), distichiasis (DIST), hereditary cataract (HC), persistent pupillary membranes (PPMs), persistent hyperplastic tunica vasculosa lentis / persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHTVL/PHPV), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), retinal dysplasia (RD), and findings such as fiberglass-like cataract (FGC) and prominent suture lines (PSLs) was analyzed. The significance (P), confidence interval (CI), odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR) and inbreeding coefficients (F) were calculated and P < 0.05 was considered significant. The incidence was evaluated based on affected dogs within birth cohorts from 1993 to 2006. Results The prevalent conditions studied were as follows: CC 0.5%, DIST 6.7%, HC 3.9%, PPMs 8.4%, PHTVL/PHPV 0.4%, PRA 1.5%, RD 0.2%, FGC 2.2%, and PSL 1.5%. The incidence of PRA decreased significantly from 6.0% to 0.6% for dogs born from 1993 to 2006, while HC showed a decreasing trend from 8.7% to 3.1%. More males than females were diagnosed with HC and PRA. Dachshunds with HEDs had an F that was not significantly higher than that of healthy dachshunds. Conclusions The decreasing incidence of PRA and HC in dachshunds supports the use of frequent HED examinations in combination with breeding control.

Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for the treatment of complicated wounds in cats. Methods Twenty cats undergoing open-wound treatment in two clinics were classed according to treatment method: NPWT (group A, n = 10) and polyurethane foam dressing (group B, n = 10). Pairs of patients from each group were matched based on wound conformation, localisation and underlying cause. Cats from both groups were compared in terms of duration of previous treatment, time to closure and complications. Results Signalment, duration of previous treatment, antibiotic and antiseptic treatment, and bacterial status were comparable between groups. Total time to wound closure was significantly shorter ( P = 0.046, strong effect size; Cohen d = 0.8) in group A (25.8 days, range 11.0–57.0 days) compared with group B (39.5 days, range 28.0–75.0 days). NPWT-treated wounds suffered fewer complications and became septic less frequently during treatment compared with wounds treated with a foam dressing. The progression of fat tissue necrosis was particularly well controlled under NPWT, resulting in fewer deaths due to this condition in this group. However, although a strong effect of NPWT on the progression of infection, fever and sepsis was detected (Cramer-V 0.5), this difference was not significant. Conclusions and relevance This study demonstrated that time to healing was considerably shorter, and complication rate lower, in NPWT-treated animals compared with foam dressing-treated cats. In particular, the effective management of infection by NPWT emphasises the value of NPWT in the treatment of cats suffering from infected wounds.

The aim of this study was to examine the long-term effect of a 4.7-mg deslorelin GnRH analog implant on ovarian function in the prepubertal female rabbit. Seven female rabbits (group 1) were treated with the implant at the age of 60 days. The implant was inserted subcutaneously in the umbilical region. Two animals (group 2) were not treated and served as a control group. The vulva of all 9 animals was examined for the presence of typical cyclical changes, additionally the occurrence of mounting behavior was recorded. Ovarian function was checked by administration of a short-acting GnRH agonist to induce ovulation and pseudopregnancy (0.8 μg of buserelin per animal intramuscularly). Ten days after each treatment with buserelin, blood was collected for progesterone measurement to confirm pseudopregnancy. After implant insertion, the first blood collection (Day 10) was done without preceding induction of ovulation to screen for implant induced ovulation and pseudopregnancy. The implant was in situ for 273 days, and during this time span, 12 attempts of induction of ovulation were carried out in intervals of 21 days, beginning at the age of 81 days. Afterward, it was removed under local anesthesia and 3 further inductions of ovulation by the same scheme were conducted. The insertion of the implant led to the establishment of a pseudopregnancy in 2 of 7 animals; the remaining 5 animals did not show elevated progesterone values. Attempts to induce ovulation by administration of the short-acting GnRH analog while the slow-release GnRH analog implant was in place were not successful in treated animals, and progesterone concentrations were basal. The effect was reversible as ovulation could be induced in 2 subsequent cycles in all animals by the third induction of ovulation after implant removal. Induction of ovulation in control animals at the age of 110 and 131 days resulted in elevated progesterone levels after 10 days. No adverse side effects could be observed in implant-treated animals. The typical red coloration of the vulva could be seen in group 2 and after implant removal in group 1. The results suggest that in 5 of 7 rabbits, puberty was delayed by the treatment with the 4.7-mg deslorelin slow-release analog until the implant had been removed. In the other animals, the treatment induced an initial flare-up phenomenon. Afterward, the treatment could reversibly suppress ovarian function in all 7 treated animals.

The main purpose of this experiment was to test the effect of Insol® Dermatophyton (ID) by employing a placebo controlled blind study, testing 51 horses suffering from summer eczema. The animals were vaccinated three times every two weeks in February of the year, in which the experiment took place, using ID (n=27) or placebo (n=24). Furthermore, the testing encompassed showing whether immunomodulatory effects could be detected when having used ID. For this purpose, each time the horses were tested –5 times in total– blood serum samples were taken to evaluate specific cytokines (IL-1, IL-4, IL-10, IFNγ, TNFα). Changes of the clinical findings (alteration of skin, itching) were assessed by a score especially developed for this purpose, before, during and after the insect period of the respective testing year. Following the generally well-known predilection sites, 12 body regions were specified, each of which was analysed for five symptoms (hair breakage, alopecia, bloody/purulent skin alteration, skin thickening, dandruff) and rated using points between 0 (not apparent) and 5 (severe). By adding and evaluating these points, for each animal and each time-point, the clinical intensity of the summer eczema could be quantified. After having used ID in a therapeutic or prophylactic placebo controlled blind study, it could not be established that there was a significantly positive effect on the clinical findings of skin affected by summer eczema. However, a positive trend could be observed in that the ID vaccinated animals in summer had a lower score than the ones which had been treated with a placebo. The score, nevertheless, was not statistically significant. This trend, however, could be confirmed by an owner-survey comparing the year of treatment with the year before. On this occasion the owners of the verum group evaluated the clinical appearance of the symptoms as significantly improved in the year of treatment compared with the year before. This effect could not be seen in the placebo group. Furthermore, the “young eczema” horses treated with ID (with symptoms of 2 years maximum) had a respectively lower score than the “old eczema horses” each time they were examined. Concerning the cytokines, an immunomodulatory effect resulting from the therapy could be verified. For instance, the concentrations of IL-10, TNFα, and IFNγ in the verum group rose considerably and what is also statistically significant, they rose after the vaccination, too. This is to be interpreted as an immunomodulatory shift from Th2 (allergy) to Th1 (tolerance). However, this effect could only be shown in-vitro. Further studies will have to evaluate, if the immunomodulatory effect can be intensified by changing of the ID formula, hence allowing statistical evidence in-vivo.

Objectives Assessment and interpretation of menace response (MeR) in cats can be challenging. The prevalence of abnormal MeR in healthy cats is unknown. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate MeR in visually healthy cats. Methods Fifty cats without history or clinical evidence of neurological or ophthalmological disease were assessed by two examiners: standing behind the cat (mode A), in front of the cat (mode B), and in front of the cat, covering the contralateral eye (mode C). MeR was scored from 1–5 (absent, weak, moderate, strong, complete). Examination modes were compared concerning presence and score (descriptive statistic, 95% confidence interval, χ2 test). This was compared to a three-level scoring system (negative, reduced, positive). Score reproducibility between the two examiners was assessed (Cohen’s kappa [κ] test). Video footage allowed self-re-evaluation and evaluation of the second examiner (κ analysis). Learning/tiring effect (McNemar test), influence of age, body weight (Spearman’s rho test), skull type (χ2 test) and being an indoor or outdoor cat (Mann–Whitney U-test) were evaluated. Results MeR was always elicited with at least one technique. Comparable results were obtained with the five- and three-level scoring systems. Mode A achieved strong/complete (positive) MeR in 84.5%, mode B in 82% and mode C in 60%. Exact score reproducibility between the two examiners was slight to fair (κ = 0.208–0.281). Intrarater agreement for video self-assessment (κ = 0.544–0.639), as well as inter-rater agreement (extrinsic video assessment), was moderate to substantial (κ = 0.584–0.645). No learning/tiring effect ( P = 0.530) or association with body weight ( P = 0.897), age ( P = 0.724), skull type ( P >0.05) and being an indoor/outdoor cat ( P = 0.511) were evident. Conclusions and relevance The majority of visually healthy cats revealed a strong/complete MeR when the contralateral eye remained uncovered, but 40% failed when the contralateral eye was covered. The most reliable examination mode was achieved standing behind the cat.

Objectives To evaluate negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for treatment of complicated wounds in dogs. Study Type Prospective randomized clinical study Materials and Methods Dogs (n = 26) undergoing open-wound treatment were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group A (n = 13) NPWT; Group B (n = 13) silver-coated foam dressing. Pairs of patients were matched based on wound conformation, localization, and underlying cause and compared in terms of duration of previous treatment, development of wound size (wound planimetry), time to closure, bacterial bio-burden and complications. Wound dressing changes were performed every 3 days during the first 9 days of therapy for both groups. Statistical analysis was performed. Results Pre-treatment signalment and bacterial status were comparable between groups. Total time to closure was significantly (p = 0.018) shorter in Group A (14.2 days) compared with Group B (28.6 days), and wound planimetry on days 3, 6 and 9 showed significant greater reduction in total wound area for Group A at all-time points (p Conclusion NPWT-treated wounds showed faster closure, improved macro-deformation and less local signs of infection.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of polyhexanide, cold argon plasma and saline in reducing bacterial bio-burden in dog bite wounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective blinded randomised clinical trial. Dogs were randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups by lottery and bacterial cultures obtained before and after treatment were compared. Bite wounds were surgically debrided and treated with polyhexanide, cold argon plasma or saline lavage. All wounds were cultured three times: directly after debridement, directly after prelavage with 2 mL/cm2 (saline in the saline and cold argon plasma group, or polyhexanide) and following the definitive lavage. Data were analysed using a generalised linear model for ordinal data. RESULTS: A total of 85 dogs were enrolled in this study (polyhexanide n=29, cold argon plasma n=28, saline n=28). Positive bacterial culture results after debridement were obtained in 53/85 (62.3%) wounds. Polyhexanide and saline lavage significantly reduced the bio-burden, while cold argon plasma treatment did not. This effect was evident after prelavage when polyhexanide performed significantly better than saline and cold argon plasma as well as after final treatment. No significant differences were detected after prelavage or main treatment between saline and cold argon plasma. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Polyhexanide lavage achieved the best immediate and ultimate decontamination of bite wounds.

The aim of this study was to establish heart rate as a measure of energy expenditure in large active kennel dogs (28 ± 3 kg bw). Therefore, the heart rate (HR)-oxygen consumption (V˙O2) relationship was analysed in Foxhound-Boxer-Ingelheim-Labrador cross-breds (FBI dogs) at rest and graded levels of exercise on a treadmill up to 60-65% of maximal aerobic capacity. To test for effects of training, HR and V˙O2 were measured in female dogs, before and after a training period, and after an adjacent training pause to test for reversibility of potential effects. Least squares regression was applied to describe the relationship between HR and V˙O2. The applied training had no statistically significant effect on the HR-V˙O2 regression. A general regression line from all data collected was prepared to establish a general predictive equation for energy expenditure from HR in FBI dogs. The regression equation established in this study enables fast estimation of energy requirement for running activity. The equation is valid for large dogs weighing around 30 kg that run at ground level up to 15 km/h with a heart rate maximum of 190 bpm irrespective of the training level.

For centuries, cadaveric dissection has been the touchstone of anatomy education. It offers a medical student intimate access to his or her first patient. In contrast to idealized artisan anatomical models, it presents the natural variation of anatomy in fine detail. However, a new teaching construct has appeared recently in which artificial cadavers are manufactured through three-dimensional (3D) printing of patient specific radiological data sets. In this article, a simple powder based printer is made more versatile to manufacture hard bones, silicone muscles and perfusable blood vessels. The approach involves blending modern approaches (3D printing) with more ancient ones (casting and lost-wax techniques). These anatomically accurate models can augment the approach to anatomy teaching from dissection to synthesis of 3D-printed parts held together with embedded rare earth magnets. Vascular simulation is possible through application of pumps and artificial blood. The resulting arteries and veins can be cannulated and imaged with Doppler ultrasound. In some respects, 3D-printed anatomy is superior to older teaching methods because the parts are cheap, scalable, they can cover the entire age span, they can be both dissected and reassembled and the data files can be printed anywhere in the world and mass produced. Anatomical diversity can be collated as a digital repository and reprinted rather than waiting for the rare variant to appear in the dissection room. It is predicted that 3D printing will revolutionize anatomy when poly-material printing is perfected in the early 21st century.

Routine infertility investigations in the male and female include imaging techniques such as ultrasonography and endoscopy (fertiloscopy). However, these techniques lack the resolution to localize vital sperm or to reveal detailed morphological analysis of the oviduct which is often the cause of infertility in females. Therefore we set out to evaluate the efficiency of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a diagnostic imaging tool for micron-scale visualization of the male and female genital tract. Using the bovine as a model, the optical features of the Telesto(TM) , Ganymede(TM) (both Thorlabs) and Niris(TM) (Imalux) OCT imaging systems were compared.

Sheep and goats are frequently used in nonhuman animal-assisted activities on city farms. There are few data available on this type of usage of small ruminants. Health evaluations, behavioral observations (feeding, resting, comfort, explorative and social behaviors), behavioral tests (human approach tests and touch test), and measurements of fecal cortisol metabolites and heart rate were performed to assess stress levels in 25 sheep and 32 goats on 7 city farms and 2 activity playgrounds in Germany. No evidence was found that the animals suffered from major distress. Health evaluations, behavioral observations, and behavioral tests proved to be the methods of stress assessment most suitable for routine on-farm checks in these settings.

SummaryObjectives: To evaluate negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for treatment of complicated wounds in dogs.Study type: Retrospective multicentre study.Materials and methods: Dogs (n = 50) undergoing open wound treatment were classified according to treatment method used: bandage (Group A, n = 7), NPWT (Group B, n = 18), and foam dressing (Group C, n = 25). Pairs of patients matched based on wound conformation, localization, and underlying cause were compared between Group A and C (n = 7 pairs) and between groups B and C (n = 18 pairs) in terms of duration of previous treatment, time to closure, and complications.Results: Signalment, antibiotic medications, antiseptic treatment, and bacterial status of wounds were comparable between groups. The duration of previous treatment was significantly higher in patients assigned to Group B (p = 0.04) compared to Group C, while no significant difference was found between groups A and B. Total time to wound closure was significantly shorter in Group C compared to Group A (p = 0.02) and in Group B compared to Group C (p = 0.003). Wounds treated with NPWT suffered significantly less complications (p = 0.008) and were significantly less septic during treatment (p = 0.016) than wounds treated with a foam dressing.Conclusion: This study shows that time to healing was halved in NPWT treated patients compared to foam dressing treated patients, which in turn healed faster than patients treated with conventional bandage, underlining the value of NPWT therapy for the treatment of complicated wounds.

ZusammenfassungGegenstand und Ziel: Eine Allgemeinanästhesie geht bekanntermaßen mit einer Verminderung der Tränenproduktion einher und auch nach Narkoseende werden nicht sofort wieder physiologische Werte erreicht. Folglich muss während dieser Zeit eine ausreichende Befeuchtung des Auges zum Schutz der Hornhaut gewährleistet werden. Hierzu stehen unterschiedliche Methoden zur Verfügung, wie das Zukleben der Augenlider oder die Applikation von Augensalben, -gelen oder -tropfen. Humanmedizinische Studien belegen, dass die verschiedenen Formulierungen in unterschiedlicher Ausprägung zu Irritationen am Auge führen können. Ziel dieser Studie war, die Tränenproduktionsmenge nach Allgemeinanästhesie bei der Katze und auftretende Augenirritationen hinsichtlich ihrer Pathogenese zu untersuchen. Material und Methoden: Bei 41 Katzen erfolgte nach Allgemeinanästhesie eine Messung der Tränenproduktion und die Augen wurden auf Irritationsanzeichen untersucht. Es kamen zwei unterschiedliche Narkoseprotokolle zur Anwendung und zum Schutz der Hornhaut wurde bei Narkoseeinleitung jeweils in das rechte Auge eine Augensalbe und in das linke Auge ein Augengel appliziert. Ergebnisse: Die Tränenproduktion war auf dem rechten Auge bis 6 Stunden und auf dem linken Auge bis 18 Stunden nach der Narkose signifikant reduziert. Bei 92,7% (n = 38) der Katzen bestand 2 Stunden nach Narkoseende ein Blepharospasmus am rechten Auge, während bei sämtlichen Tieren am linken Auge eine physiologische Lidöffnung vorlag. Schlussfolgerungen: Alle Katzen zeigten, unabhängig von verschiedenen Narkoseparametern, postanästhetisch eine signifikant verringerte Tränenproduktion. Sowohl das Augengel als auch die Augensalbe schützten die Hornhaut ausreichend. Bei gleicher Effektivität sollte jedoch dem Augengel der Vorzug gewährt werden, da davon auszugehen ist, dass die Augensalbe bei der Katze wie auch beim Menschen ein deutliches Fremdkörpergefühl im Auge verursacht.

ZusammenfassungGegenstand und Ziel: Die Ruptur des vorderen Kreuzbands ist die häufigste Kniegelenkerkrankung des Hundes. Seit Einführung von Operationstechniken mit Osteotomie der proximalen Tibia hat sich die Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) bei mittelgroßen, großen und Riesenrassen zu einem der bevorzugt eingesetzten Verfahren entwickelt. In der Vergangenheit erfolgten bei kleinwüchsigen Hunden hingegen häufig extraartikuläre Stabilisierungsverfahren, doch findet auch bei ihnen die TPLO zunehmend Anwendung. Ziel war daher, das Langzeitergebnis der TPLO mit demjenigen einer Technik mit Kapsel-Faszien-Raffung und Fasziendoppelung (engl. lateral capsular-fascial imbrication technique, CFI) bei kleinwüchsigen Hunden zu vergleichen. Material und Methoden: Die Untersuchung erstreckte sich auf 40 Kniegelenke von 30 kleinwüchsigen Hunden (≤ 15 kg), bei denen eine Ruptur des vorderen Kreuzbands mittels TPLO (n = 23) oder CFI (n = 17) versorgt wurde. Die Kontrolluntersuchungen wurden klinisch, röntgenologisch, ganganalytisch sowie mithilfe eines Besitzerfragebogens bei allen Patienten frühestens 6 Monate nach der Operation durchgeführt. Ergebnisse: Bei der objektiven ganganalytischen Datenerhebung wiesen 21 von 23 (91,3%) der mittels TPLO operierten Kniegelenke und fünf von 17 (29,4%) der extraartikulär stabilisierten Kniegelenke vertikale Spitzenkräfte, vertikale Impulswerte und Symmetrie-Indizes auf, die mit denen gesunder Hunde vergleichbar waren. Bei Patienten beider Gruppen zeigte sich durchschnittlich eine geringgradige, wenn auch stetige Progression der Osteoarthrose. Nach Anwendung der TPLO wurde die operierte Gliedmaße signifikant früher belastet und die Besitzerzufriedenheit war höher. Schlussfolgerung: Bei kleinwüchsigen Hunden (≤ 15 kg) mit Ruptur des vorderen Kreuzbands führt die TPLO zu sehr guten klinischen und ganganalytischen Langzeitergebnissen sowie zu einer sehr hohen Besitzerzufriedenheit. Klinische Relevanz: Die TPLO erschien der CFI in dieser Untersuchung überlegen. Dennoch sollte dieses extraartikuläre Stabilisierungsverfahren unter bestimmten Umständen bei der Therapiewahl Berücksichtigung finden.