ObjectiveTo describe outcomes following high‐metacarpal deep digital flexor tenotomy (DDFT) combined with Steward clog application in horses and ponies with refractory chronic laminitis.Study designRetrospective observational study.AnimalsClient‐owned horses and ponies (7 horses, 8 ponies) with severe refractory laminitis.MethodsMedical records (2018–2019) were reviewed. All underwent standing high‐metacarpal DDFT tenotomy proximal to the accessory ligament (AL‐DDFT) junction, followed by customized Steward clogs application. Preoperative assessment included radiography and venography. Postoperative management involved nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), controlled exercise, and serial monitoring of comfort, alignment, and survival up to 24 months.ResultsMedian follow‐up was 24 months (range: 6–24 months). Six‐month survival was 100% (7/7) in horses and 88% (7/8) in ponies. At 12 months, 43% (3/7) of horses and 88% (7/8) of ponies remained alive and improved to Obel grades 0–2. At 24 months, 43% (3/7) of horses and 50% (4/8) of ponies survived, one returning to light work. Obel grades at 24 months ranged from 0 to 2 (Obel 0: n = 3, Obel 1 = 3, Obel 2 = 1). A single distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) subluxation (4%, 1/26 limbs) resolved with corrective farriery. Target palmar angles (3°–10°) were achieved in all cases. The majority of non‐survivors had endocrine‐associated laminitis.ConclusionHigh‐metacarpal DDFT tenotomy, with preservation of the AL‐DDFT, combined with Steward clog application provided effective P3 realignment and lameness improvement with low DIPJ subluxation incidence.Clinical significanceThis technique maintained DIPJ stability in 25/26 joints and achieved outcomes comparable to previously described tenotomy methods.

ObjectiveTo determine the evidence for the most effective surgical treatment for elbow osteoarthritis with the least harm in dogs.Study designSystematic review.Sample populationPeer‐reviewed, English‐language articles describing surgical treatments for elbow osteoarthritis in dogs.MethodsA literature search was completed using CAB s, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science on August 19, 2024 for articles describing surgical treatments for elbow osteoarthritis and medial compartment disease in dogs. Inclusion criteria were applied, and the resulting articles were evaluated for level of evidence (Wright scale) and combinability by success rates, and major complications using the number needed to harm (NNH).ResultsOut of the 1231 unique articles, 15 were evaluated based on the inclusion criteria with five prospective studies, eight retrospective studies, and two case series studies. Success rates could not be combined because of variation in outcome reported. Canine unicompartmental elbow had the highest level of evidence for success (91%–98%) with the second best number needed to harm (NNH, 7.6). Sliding humeral osteotomy had the next best evidence with 43%–82% success and 9.5 NNH.ConclusionThere is low evidence for any of the procedures, and the risk of harm is high.Clinical significanceAlthough CUE had the highest level of evidence, there is low evidence overall for efficacy of surgical procedures to treat OA in the elbow. A validated outcome measure with consistent follow‐up intervals to standardized comparisons would allow for better comparison of the outcomes of future studies.

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of a first and second consecutive partial lateral corpectomy (PLC) on the passive range of motion (ROM) of canine lumbar spinal segments.Study designControlled, ex vivo biomechanical study.Sample populationAdult canine cadaveric spines (n = 10).MethodsTen canine lumbar spinal segments were embedded in cast resin and aluminium tubes at their respective ends and attached to a spine testing bench. The ROM was measured under a torque of 2 Nm in three movement directions before and after the first PLC at L2–L3 and the second PLC at L3–L4.ResultsIn the sagittal plane, mean ROM increased by 2.4° after the first PLC and by an additional 1.1° after the second PLC. In the dorsal plane, mean ROM increased by 2.3° after a first PLC and by an additional 1.5° after a second PLC (p < .05). Differences in mean rotational ROM before and after one or two PLCs were not identified.ConclusionEach of the two PLCs resulted in a significant increase in ROM in the sagittal and dorsal planes (p < .05). The second PLC did not increase the ROM to a greater extent than the first.Clinical impactPerforming each of two adjacent PLCs can lead to a reduction in the stability of the lumbar spine in dogs. However, in this study, the destabilizing effect of the second PLC was not greater than the effect of the first PLC.

Abstract Objective To report the outcomes of titanium mesh (TM) cranioplasty without polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), incorporating a deliberate gap between the foramen magnum decompression (FMD) surface and the TM, in small‐breed dogs with Chiari‐like malformation and syringomyelia (CM/SM). Study design Retrospective clinical study. Animals A total of 87 client‐owned small‐breed dogs diagnosed with CM/SM by magnetic resonance imaging, all presenting with neurologic deficits. Methods All dogs underwent modified FMD. A gap was preserved between the FMD surface and the TM to facilitate tissue integration and reduce postoperative compressive forces. Clinical status was assessed based on neurologic improvement, medication dependency, and need for revision surgery. Results Surgical decompression with the modified TM technique resulted in sustained clinical improvement in most dogs. A total of 76 dogs (87%, 76/87) showed long‐term improvement, and no revision surgeries were required during a median follow‐up of 35 months (range: 27–73 months). Follow‐up evaluation comprised postoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging at 6 months, as well as structured telephone interviews with owners to monitor clinical status. Only a small subset of dogs (13%, 11/87) required continued medication after surgery due to recurrence of signs. Conclusion Retrospective analysis showed that the modified TM technique, using a deliberate gap, was safe and effective in small‐breed dogs with CM/SM, successfully preserving the decompression space and maintaining long‐term neurologic stability. Clinical relevance The modified TM technique approach achieves durable neurologic improvement and minimizes long‐term complications in small‐breed dogs, demonstrating practical utility in managing this clinically challenging population.