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Computed tomography (CT) is an established method for evaluating dogs with suspected prostatic disease; however, publications assessing the effects of varying factors on prostate volume measurements are lacking. The objectives of this two‐part, observer agreement, methods comparison study were to assess observer agreement and the effects of varying CT technical parameters for volume measurements of canine prostate glands on CT images using OsiriX® DICOM viewer software. In the first retrospective study, two observers measured prostate volumes of 13 client‐owned dogs thrice on noncontrast and contrast CT images. In the second prospective study, two observers measured the prostate volume of 10 cadavers using five different CT protocols and eight cadavers using three slice thicknesses. Observer agreement analyses were performed, and prostatic CT volume measurements were compared with water displacement volume measurements. Intra‐ and interobserver variability and the effect of contrast enhancement were found to be minimal when a one‐way analysis of variance model and intraclass correlation coefficients were used. No significant differences emerged between different protocols and slice thicknesses using a linear mixed effects model. When the prostate CT volume was compared using a Bland–Altman plot with the reference volume acquired by the water displacement method, agreement without consistent bias between the methods was shown, and over 90% of measurements were located within the 95% limits of agreement. The findings supported using OsiriX® software for CT prostatic volume measurements in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, intra-articular botulinum toxin A (IA BoNT A) has been shown to reduce joint pain in osteoarthritic dogs. Similar results have been reported in human patients with arthritis. However, the mechanism of the antinociceptive action of IA BoNT A is currently not known. The aim of this study was to explore this mechanism of action by investigating the effect of IA BoNT A on synovial fluid (SF) and serum substance P (SP), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in osteoarthritic dogs. Additionally, the aim was to compare SF SP and PGE2 between osteoarthritic and non-osteoarthritic joints, and investigate associations between SP, PGE2, osteoarthritic pain, and the signalment of dogs. Thirty-five dogs with chronic naturally occurring osteoarthritis and 13 non-osteoarthritic control dogs were included in the study. Osteoarthritic dogs received either IA BoNT A (n = 19) or IA placebo (n = 16). Serum and SF samples were collected and osteoarthritic pain was evaluated before (baseline) and 2 and 8 weeks after treatment. Osteoarthritic pain was assessed with force platform, Helsinki Chronic Pain Index, and joint palpation. Synovial fluid samples were obtained from control dogs after euthanasia. The change from baseline in SP and PGE2 concentration was compared between the IA BoNT A and placebo groups. The synovial fluid SP and PGE2 concentration was compared between osteoarthritic and control joints. Associations between SP, PGE2, osteoarthritic pain, and the signalment of dogs were evaluated. Results: There was no significant change from baseline in SP or PGE2 after IA BoNT A. Synovial fluid PGE2 was significantly higher in osteoarthritic compared to control joints. Synovial fluid PGE2 correlated with osteoarthritic pain. No associations were found between SP or PGE2 and the signalment of dogs. The concentration of TNF-α remained under the detection limit of the assay in all samples. Conclusions: The results suggest that the antinociceptive effect of IA BoNT A in the joint might not be related to the inhibition of SP nor PGE2. Synovial fluid PGE2, but not SP, could be a marker for chronic osteoarthritis and pain in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the increasing interest in cellulose-derived materials in biomedical research, there remains a significant gap in comprehensive in vivo analyses of cellulosic materials obtained from various sources and processing methods. To explore durable alternatives to synthetic medical meshes, we evaluated the in vivo biocompatibility of bacterial nanocellulose, regenerated cellulose, and cellulose nanofibrils in a subcutaneous transplantation model, alongside incumbent polypropylene and polydioxanone. Notably, this study demonstrates the in vivo biocompatibility of regenerated cellulose obtained through alkali dissolution and subsequent regeneration. All cellulose-derived implants triggered the expected foreign body response in the host tissue, characterized predominantly by macrophages and foreign body giant cells. Porous materials promoted cell ingrowth and biointegration. Our results highlight the potential of bacterial nanocellulose and regenerated cellulose as safe alternatives to commercial polypropylene meshes. However, the in vivo fragmentation observed for cellulose nanofibril meshes suggests the need for measures to optimize their processing and preparation.

Objective: To compare the recurrence rate after herniorrhaphy of canine perineal hernia (PH) using elevation of the internal obturator muscle (EIOM) or fascia lata graft (FLG) and assess how clinical signs related to defecation evolve during 12 months postoperatively., Animals: 66 client-owned male dogs undergoing PH surgery between March 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020., Methods: Dogs were randomized into 2 groups (EIOM = 36; FLG = 30) applying 2 stratification factors: preoperative bladder location and the defecation signs score (DSS). Follow-up visits were at 2 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The main outcome, the recurrence of PH was evaluated by rectal examination. We evaluated the noninferiority of FLG to EIOM from the difference in recurrence proportions between the techniques (95% CI), comparing the CI with a pre-defined noninferiority margin (15%). To evaluate defecation signs, the DSS was calculated from the owner questionnaire and assessed with a linear mixed model (P < .05 significant)., Results: In 63 dogs attending the 12-month follow-up, the recurrence rate was 8.8% (3/34) in the EIOM and 10.3% (3/29) in the FLG group. The CI (-11.94% to 14.99%) was below the pre-defined margin, indicating the noninferiority of FLG. After surgery, the DSS decreased (P < .001), remaining low during the follow-up., Clinical Relevance: FLG was non-inferior to EIOM when considering recurrence. The DSS decreased postoperatively and complications were uncommon. FLG is a useful alternative for the treatment of canine PH.

Background: Recently, intra-articular botulinum toxin A (IA BoNT A) has been shown to reduce joint pain in osteoarthritic dogs. Similar results have been reported in human patients with arthritis. However, the mechanism of the antinociceptive action of IA BoNT A is currently not known. The aim of this study was to explore this mechanism of action by investigating the effect of IA BoNT A on synovial fluid (SF) and serum substance P (SP), prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in osteoarthritic dogs. Additionally, the aim was to compare SF SP and PGE 2 between osteoarthritic and non-osteoarthritic joints, and investigate associations between SP, PGE 2 , osteoarthritic pain, and the signalment of dogs. Thirty-five dogs with chronic naturally occurring osteoarthritis and 13 non-osteoarthritic control dogs were included in the study. Osteoarthritic dogs received either IA BoNT A (n = 19) or IA placebo (n = 16). Serum and SF samples were collected and osteoarthritic pain was evaluated before (baseline) and 2 and 8 weeks after treatment. Osteoarthritic pain was assessed with force platform, Helsinki Chronic Pain Index, and joint palpation. Synovial fluid samples were obtained from control dogs after euthanasia. The change from baseline in SP and PGE 2 concentration was compared between the IA BoNT A and placebo groups. The synovial fluid SP and PGE 2 concentration was compared between osteoarthritic and control joints. Associations between SP, PGE 2 , osteoarthritic pain, and the signalment of dogs were evaluated., Results: There was no significant change from baseline in SP or PGE 2 after IA BoNT A. Synovial fluid PGE 2 was significantly higher in osteoarthritic compared to control joints. Synovial fluid PGE 2 correlated with osteoarthritic pain. No associations were found between SP or PGE 2 and the signalment of dogs. The concentration of TNF-α remained under the detection limit of the assay in all samples., Conclusions: The results suggest that the antinociceptive effect of IA BoNT A in the joint might not be related to the inhibition of SP nor PGE 2 . Synovial fluid PGE 2 , but not SP, could be a marker for chronic osteoarthritis and pain in dogs.