Large Dogs Research Articles

Volume of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution required to reach maximum peristaltic pressure in cadaveric intact jejunal specimens from dogs of various sizes.

To compare the volume of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution required to reach a maximum intraluminal peristaltic pressure of 25 mm Hg in dogs of various sizes. 25 grossly normal jejunal segments from 6 canine cadavers < 20 kg (small dogs) and 25 segments from 5 cadavers ≥ 20 kg (large dogs). Jejunal specimens were obtained within 1.5 hours after euthanasia. Harvested tissue was transected into 12-cm-long segments, mesentery was trimmed, and each segment was measured from the antimesenteric to mesenteric serosal edges. A 10-cm segment was isolated with Doyen forceps, securing a pressure sleeve within the lumen. Intraluminal saline was infused, and the volume was recorded when a pressure of > 25 mm Hg was achieved. Data were analyzed only from specimens in which the pressure remained between 24 and 26 mm Hg for > 5 seconds. Mean ± SD intestinal measurement for large dogs (17.82 ± 1.44 mm) was greater than that for small dogs (12.38 ± 1.38 mm) as was the volume of saline solution infused (17.56 ± 7.17 mL vs 3.28 ± 1.41 mL, respectively). The volume infused increased by 1.31 mL (95% CI, 1.08 to 1.18) for every 1-mm increase in intestinal measurement and by 1.06 mL (95% CI, 1.052 to 1.068) for every 1-kg increase in body weight. The volume of saline solution used for intestinal leak testing should be determined on the basis of patient intestinal measurement or body weight. In vivo studies are necessary to establish the optimal volume for intestinal leak testing.

Risk and Predictive Factors of Leptospirosis in Dogs Diagnosed with Kidney and/or Liver Disease in Selangor, Malaysia.

Simple SummaryCanine leptospirosis is commonly associated with kidney and/or liver disease. The current study identified the potential risk and predictive factors of dogs diagnosed with kidney and/or liver disease due to leptospirosis. A total of 124 client-owned dogs were recruited and the samples collected were directly tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequently inoculated for bacterial isolation. Statistical analyses were descriptively analyzed, and risk analyses were performed using Pearson chi-square tests and logistic regression. The different breeds of dog with history of exposure to rats and those managed outdoors had a greater risk of leptospirosis (p < 0.05). The significant predictors for the dogs’ positivity were presence of rats and acute clinical illness (p < 0.05). Administration of antibiotics and detection of clinical illness at an early stage of the disease improved the survivability of the dogs (p < 0.05).Canine leptospirosis is commonly associated with kidney and/or liver disease. It has been widely reported and causes public health concerns due to its zoonotic potential and its re-emergence, resulting from close contact between humans and dogs. The current study identified potential risk and predictive factors for dogs diagnosed with kidney and/or liver disease due to leptospirosis. A total of 124 client-owned dogs were recruited, and information such as signalment, medical history, management, and clinical findings were documented. Samples collected from the recruited dogs were directly tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequently inoculated for bacterial isolation. Statistical analyses were descriptively analyzed, and risk analyses were performed using Pearson chi-square tests and logistic regression. A total of 53 dogs (42.7%) were positive for leptospiral infection based on PCR, and 10 leptospiral isolates were successfully recovered from eight dogs. The mortality rate of infected dogs was 34.0% (18/53). Medium and large dog breeds, with a history of exposure to rats, and managed outdoors had a greater risk for leptospirosis (p < 0.05). The significant predictors for the dogs’ positivity were the presence of rats and acute clinical illness (p < 0.05). Administration of antibiotics and the detection of clinical illness at an early stage of the disease improved the survivability of the dogs (p < 0.05). Identifying the profile of dogs that are at risk to leptospirosis could be useful in the design of diagnostic and treatment strategies, as well as to increase awareness for prevention of the disease.

Variations in facial conformation are associated with differences in nasal microbiota in healthy dogs

BackgroundExtrinsic and intrinsic factors have been shown to influence nasal microbiota (NM) in humans. Very few studies investigated the association between nasal microbiota and factors such as facial/body conformation, age, and environment in dogs. The objectives are to investigate variations in NM in healthy dogs with different facial and body conformations. A total of 46 dogs of different age, living environment and from 3 different breed groups were recruited: 22 meso−/dolichocephalic medium to large breed dogs, 12 brachycephalic dogs and 12 terrier breeds. The nasal bacterial microbiota was assessed through sequencing of 16S rRNA gene (V1-V3 regions) amplicons.ResultsWe showed major differences in the NM composition together with increased richness and α-diversity in brachycephalic dogs, compared to meso−/dolichocephalic medium to large dogs and dogs from terrier breeds.ConclusionHealthy brachycephalic breeds and their unique facial conformation is associated with a distinct NM profile. Description of the NM in healthy dogs serves as a foundation for future researches assessing the changes associated with disease and the modulation of NM communities as a potential treatment.

Features of cobuvirus infection of farm animals

Data on the cobuvirus causing outbreaks of diseases in humans and animals, on the clinical signs of the disease and the distribution area are presented in the article. Literature data indicate that since the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st centuries, cases of cobuvirus infection have been registered, manifested by massive gastrointestinal diseases in humans, as well as young animals: large horned cattle, sheep, goats, roe deer, pigs (domestic and wild), rabbits, dogs, foxes, bats, ferrets and birds (European roller (Coracias garrulus)). Cobuvirus was found in feces and blood serum samples taken from diseased animals. Cobuvirus infection causes the greatest damage to pig and cattle breeding worldwide. The results of phylogenetic analysis of the genome of kobuvirus strains indicate the genetic diversity of the virus strains. The data of phylogenetic analysis of the genome of cobuviruses (Aichivirus) served as the basis for the classification of strains of cobuvirus into six species. Interspecies transmission of cobuviruses poses a threat of widespread spread of the pathogen. The main route of transmission of cobuvirus is the fecal-oral route, through infected feed and water. Zoonotic infection is evidenced by interspecific transmission of bovine cobuvirus to pigs and vice versa. It is believed that mutations and recombinations have contributed to the high level of genetic diversity of the cobuvirus and serve as a driving force in its evolution. Presented data indicate the need for comprehensive studies of cobuvirus infection, which will be useful for further understanding the pathogenicity, genetic heterogeneity, interspecies transmission and global spread of cobuviruses.

Compensatory Changes in Ground Reaction Forces in Small and Large Breed Dogs with Unilateral Hindlimb Lameness in Comparison to Healthy Dogs

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. 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. 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. 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).

Epidemiological Study on Hypothyroidism in Dogs in Egypt

Canine hypothyroidism is one of the common endocrinopathies in dogs. Clinical signs are variable as it’s a multi-systemic disease. This study was carried out to investigate epidemiology of hypothyroidism in dogs regarding to clinical signs under effect of age, sex, season and breed and confirmation with evaluation of TT4. A total number of 441 dogs admitted to a private clinic in Cairo Governorate during the period of 2018 till 2020 were subjected to comprehensive clinical examination of which 82 hypothyroid dogs were recorded and incidence of different hypothyroidism features was evaluated. Hypothyroidism showed higher incidence in middle aged dogs (1-5 years), in males compared to females, in autumn than other seasons, and in large dog breeds. TT4 levels in this study ranged between 0.5-1 μg/dl with mean 0.8 ± 0.017. TT4 should be put in consideration during diagnosis of suspected cases related to dermatological, gynecological, otitis, CNS, tumors, dwarfism, cardiac, GIT, low BCS, obesity, eye and mixed signs. Special care should be associated with sharp decrease in TT4 in cases of CNS. The obtained data should be put under consideration in diagnosing of canine hypothyroidism and evaluation of clinical signs associated with it and therapeutic regimen to be applied for correction of such dysfunctions.

Dogs of Roman Vindolanda, Part IV: Large sighthounds and guard and utility dogs

In this report we investigate the origin and nature of morphological diversity in domestic dogs utilizing a database of over 1,000 recent and ancient canid skulls and skeletons. Integrated skull–skeleton analysis reveals eight functional groups, giving a clear picture of the extent and kind of morphological diversity produced by dog breeders in Europe, North Africa, and western Asia beginning in the Neolithic and intensifying about 2,100 years ago during the late Iron Age and Roman Era. We report nearly complete associated remains of a large sighthound from Vindolanda, a Roman-era fort–village site in northern England. With this we compare skulls of other sighthounds, and contrast them with remains of guard dogs from Vindolanda and other archaeological sites. The shape of jaw rami, relative size of teeth and state of dental wear, and the size and proportions of postcranial elements are the best differentiators of large dog morphotypes, while most skull parameters are less useful. The central section of the basicranium in ancient sighthounds (parameter Px which measures juvenilization) is little different from wolves, whereas in some modern breeds it is noticeably longer. By contrast, many ancient guard dogs have Px shorter than in wolves and show moderate juvenilization. Gracile sighthounds appear in the archaeological record in the Neolithic, while the earliest robust guard dogs appear later, in Iron Age sites. Building on results of previous work (Bennett &amp; Timm, 2018) we continue to find intriguing similarities between west Asian dog

OSZACOWANIE ZAWARTOSCI GŁÓWNYCH SKŁADNIKÓW ODŻYWCZYCH W SUCHEJ KARMIE DLA PSÓW I ICH ZGODNOŚĆ Z WYTYCZNYMI ŻYWIENIOWYMI

The aim of this study was to estimate complete extruded dry food for adult dogs, with a particular focus on the nutritional value with respect to current nutritional guidelines for dogs, dietary fiber fractions, the division into breed size. Dog foods were subjected to chemical analyzes to determine the content of basic nutrients and dietary fiber fractions. The material for the research consisted of 15 maintenance foods for adult dogs (five for large breed dogs, five for small breed dogs and five for all breeds dogs). All analyzed feeds met the European Pet Food Industry Federation recommended minimum recommended levels of protein and fat. Individual tested foods were characterized by different levels of dietary fiber fractions, such as acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose (CEL), hemicellulose (HCEL). The group of foods for small breed dogs was characterized by the lowest mean of ME (391.23 kcal per 100 g DM). A higher level of ME (393.99 kcal per 100 g DM) was observed in the group of foods for dogs of large breeds, and the highest (397.05 kcal per 100 g DM) – in the group of foods for dogs of all breeds.

Retrospective evaluation of 103 cases of septic arthritis in dogs.

This study examines inciting causes, diagnosis, treatment and risk factors for the recurrence and outcome of septic arthritis (SA) in dogs. Medical records spanning 17 years from five referral hospitals were surveyed for presumptive and confirmed cases of SA. SA was identified in 103 cases. Spontaneous septic SA was the most common inciting cause. The most commonly affected joints were the stifle (40%) and elbow (24%). Pre-existing osteoarthritis (OA) was present in 63% of septic joints and was associated with recurrence (p=0.03). Treatment with antibiotics prior to presentation was associated with a negative synovial fluid culture (p=0.014). A successful outcome was associated with early treatment (p=0.001) and SA due to direct penetration (p=0.04) or spontaneous cause (p=0.003). Recurrence was more likely in dogs with unsuccessful outcomes (p=0.004) and bodyweights>30kg (p=0.009). SA should be considered as a differential diagnosis in large breed dogs with pre-existing OA presenting with either an acute or chronic monoarthropathy. In the majority of cases, a successful outcome was achieved regardless of treatment type. Recurrence rates were low, but associated with pre-existing OA and higher bodyweight. Although treatment should be implemented as soon as possible to maximise outcome success, synovial fluid samples should ideally be obtained before empiric antibiotic administration.

Prediction of clinically important acquired cardiac disease without an echocardiogram in large breed dogs using a combination of clinical, radiographic and electrocardiographic variables

IntroductionLarge breed (LB) dogs develop dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Echocardiography is required for a definitive diagnosis but is not always available. Our objective was to assess the clinical utility of thoracic radiographs alone and in combination with physical examination and electrocardiography findings for the prediction of clinically important DCM or MMVD in LB dogs. AnimalsFour hundred fifty-five client-owned dogs ≥20 kg with concurrent thoracic radiographs and echocardiogram. Materials and methodsMedical records were reviewed and stored thoracic radiographs and echocardiographic images were measured to classify dogs as normal heart size (NHS), preclinical DCM, clinical DCM, preclinical MMVD (with cardiomegaly), clinical MMVD, or equivocal. Dogs with preclinical MMVD, without cardiomegaly, were classified as NHS. Vertebral heart size (VHS) and vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) were measured. Receiver operating characteristic curves and prediction models were derived. ResultsPrevalence of MMVD (39.3%) was higher than the prevalence of DCM (24.8%), though most MMVD dogs (67.0%) lacked cardiomegaly and were classified as NHS for analysis. The area under the curve for VHS to discriminate between NHS and clinical DCM/MMVD or preclinical DCM/MMVD was 0.861 and 0.712, respectively, while for VLAS, it was 0.891 and 0.722, respectively. Predictive models incorporating physical examination and electrocardiography findings in addition to VHS/VLAS increased area under the curve to 0.978 (NHS vs. clinical DCM/MMVD) and 0.829 (NHS vs. preclinical DCM/MMVD). ConclusionsThoracic radiographs were useful for predicting clinically important DCM or MMVD in LB dogs, with improved discriminatory ability when physical examination abnormalities and arrhythmias were accounted for.

Ultrasonographic anatomy of the dorsal region of the carpus of the dog

The dorsal region of the canine carpus is anatomically complex and its normal ultrasonographic characteristics have not been published. The aims of this prospective, descriptive, anatomic study were (a) to describe the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the dorsal carpal structures in medium to large breed dogs, and (b) to describe a standardized protocol for evaluations. The final study, based on the methodology developed in a pilot study performed in twenty-two carpi, comprised two phases: (a) identification phase, in which a correlation between ultrasound and dissection and anatomic slices was performed in forty-eight cadaver carpi and the ultrasonographic protocol was developed; and (b) descriptive phase, in which the ultrasonographic characteristics of the examined structures in 23 carpi of 12 alive adult and healthy dogs were recorded. The tendons of the abductor pollicis longus and the extensor muscles of the carpus and digits, the dorsal ligaments of the carpus - including the medial and lateral collateral ligaments - the extensor retinaculum, a distal radioulnar fibrocartilage and the regional osseous surfaces were ultrasonographically identified and described. Findings from the current study can be used as a reference for ultrasonographic examinations in dogs with injuries or other diseases affecting the dorsal region of the carpus.

Accuracy and Safety of Image-Guided Freehand Pin Placement in Canine Cadaveric Vertebrae

AbstractObjective The aim of this study was to validate an imaging technique for evaluation of spinal surgery accuracy and to establish accuracy and safety of freehand technique in the thoracolumbar spine of large breed dogs.Study Design After thoracolumbar spine computed tomography (CT), 26 drilling corridors were planned then drilled to receive 3.2 mm positive profile pins using a freehand technique. After pin removal, CT was repeated. All entry points, exit points and angles of the preoperative planned trajectories were compared with postoperative ones using an image registration and fusion technique by three observers. Corridor coordinates for entry and exit points were evaluated in three dimensions and angles were measured in one plane. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to establish the imaging technique reliability and descriptive statistics were used to report on the freehand technique accuracy. Safety was evaluated using a vertebral cortical breach grading scheme.Results Intraclass correlation coefficient for the entry points, exit points and angle were 0.79, 0.96 and 0.92 respectively. Mean deviations for the entry points, exit points and angle were 3.1 mm, 6.3 mm and 7.6 degrees respectively. Maximum deviations were 6.3 mm, 11.0 mm and 16.4 degrees. Most deviations were lateral and caudal. All corridors were judged as safe.Conclusion The imaging technique reliability was good to excellent to study spinal surgery accuracy. Implant deviations should be anticipated when planning stabilization surgery in large breed dogs using the freehand-guided technique.

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small dogs (

Small breed dogs (<15 kg) affected by cranial cruciate ligament rupture secondary to cranial cruciate ligament disease are usually middle-aged (mean age at presentation: 5.4 to 9.8 years); terrier breeds, miniature and toy poodles are over-represented. Small breed dogs have a different morphology of the proximal tibia compared to medium and large breed dogs with a steep tibial plateau angle (mean tibial plateau angle 28.8° to 36.3°), absent base of the flare of the tibial tuberosity and a caudally bowed fibula. There is a lack of evidence regarding the optimal management of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small dogs. The treatment options consist of conservative management, extracapsular stabilisation, cranial closing wedge ostectomy, tibial plateau levelling osteotomy and tibial tuberosity advancement. The limited evidence available shows that conservative management is likely to result in prolonged recovery time (average time to recovery approximately 4 months). There is paucity of reports focussing on extracapsular stabilisation in small breed dogs, and questions have been raised regarding the early failure of the extracapsular suture subject to higher loads due to the steep tibial plateau angle of small breed dogs. Cranial closing wedge ostectomy and tibial plateau levelling osteotomy have been reported to have low major complication rates and good subjective outcomes. It is controversial whether tibial tuberosity advancement is a suitable technique in dogs with steep tibial plateau angle, which includes most small breed dogs.

Large scale dog population demography, dog management and bite risk factors analysis: A crucial step towards rabies control in Cambodia.

Cambodia is a rabid-endemic country. However, data on dog population characteristics are lacking, and there is no national dog vaccination program. We implemented the first extensive door-to-door longitudinal survey in 2 Cambodian provinces, namely Kandal and Battambang, to estimate dog population demographic parameters, identify dog ownership determinants, analyze dog management practices and estimate the yearly cumulative bite incidence and associated factors. During the first session, more than 5000 dogs were recorded and identified. Data on families, dogs and cats characteristics, as well as the number of bites experienced the year before in the family, were recorded. One year later, a second session was performed in both provinces to record missing dogs and the reasons for missing. Age-specific survival rates of the dog populations were computed using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Ownership determinants and bite risk factors were identified using a negative binomial regression model. Dog trade and dog meat consumption were often reported. We estimated high dog-to-human ratios (1:3.8 in Kandal, and 1:3.3 in Battambang). The mean age of dog populations was 26.4 months in Kandal against 24.3 in Battambang, with a survival rate of 52% at 24 months in Kandal (34% only in Battambang). They were no feral dogs, but the large majority of recorded dogs were free roaming. In both provinces, the number of dogs significantly increased in families with children younger than 15, and when the head of the family was a male. The estimated yearly cumulative bite incidences were 2.3 and 3.1% in Kandal and Battambang provinces respectively, and are among the highest in the world. Our survey provides valuable data to focus information programs, parametrize transmission models and identify efficient vaccination strategies to control rabies in Cambodia in the future.

Metabolomics of aging in primary fibroblasts from small and large breed dogs

Among several animal groups (eutherian mammals, birds, reptiles), lifespan positively correlates with body mass over several orders of magnitude. Contradicting this pattern are domesticated dogs, with small dog breeds exhibiting significantly longer lifespans than large dog breeds. The underlying mechanisms of differing aging rates across body masses are unclear, but it is generally agreed that metabolism is a significant regulator of the aging process. Herein, we performed a targeted metabolomics analysis on primary fibroblasts isolated from small and large breed young and old dogs. Regardless of size, older dogs exhibited lower glutathione and ATP, consistent with a role for oxidative stress and bioenergetic decline in aging. Furthermore, several size-specific metabolic patterns were observed with aging, including the following: (i) An apparent defect in the lower half of glycolysis in large old dogs at the level of pyruvate kinase. (ii) Increased glutamine anaplerosis into the TCA cycle in large old dogs. (iii) A potential defect in coenzyme A biosynthesis in large old dogs. (iv) Low nucleotide levels in small young dogs that corrected with age. (v) An age-dependent increase in carnitine in small dogs that was absent in large dogs. Overall, these data support the hypothesis that alterations in metabolism may underlie the different lifespans of small vs. large breed dogs, and further work in this area may afford potential therapeutic strategies to improve the lifespan of large dogs.

Restless nights? Nocturnal activity as a useful indicator of adaptability of shelter housed dogs

Shelter dogs face the challenge of adapting to a kennel environment. Individual differences in adaptation are known to exist. Resting patterns might be indicative of adaptability to such a novel environment, but need to be evaluated for its usefulness, like every potentially physiological and behavioural parameter. Here, we evaluated nocturnal activity patterns of dogs as indicators of adaptability to novel environments. We measured nocturnal activity (3-axial accelerometer, the Actical®) and two physiological stress parameters, i.e. urinary cortisol/creatinine ratio (UCCR) and body weight in 29 dogs relinquished to a shelter (SD group) in the first two days after intake at the shelter (n = 29), after a 12-day habituation period in the shelter (n = 28) and >6 weeks post-adoption (n = 17). A control group of 29 pet dogs kept at home (CPD group), matching the SD group characteristics, was also assessed for its nocturnal activity and UCCR. Linear mixed model analysis, t-tests and Friedman tests were used to analyse the data.The main findings are: 1) the SD group exhibited higher nocturnal activity (total activity counts, activity duration and number of rest bouts) the first two nights after intake than on night 12, with decreasing inter-individual variances. Compared to the CPD group they showed higher nocturnal activity on night 1 (all p < 0.001) and night 12 (all p ≤ 0.001) except for total activity counts on night 12. We found no ‘first-night effect’, where sleep is disturbed during the first night; nocturnal activity in the shelter did not significantly differ between nights 1 and 2 in the shelter. 2) In line with literature findings, SD group UCCRs were higher shortly after intake than after a 12-day habituation period and after adoption, and higher than in the CPD group. 3) An interaction was found between weight class and both nocturnal activity and UCCR levels: in their first days in the shelter, smaller dogs showing higher levels than larger dogs. 4) Dogs in the SD group lost, on average, 5% of their body weight between intake and the two-week habituation period.In conclusion, nocturnal activity, as measured by an accelerometer, may be a valid parameter to monitor adaptability of dogs to a kennel environment. Monitoring nocturnal activity in this way can be a useful and cost-effective additional indicator for assessing dog welfare.

Comparative Evaluation of Nutraceuticals (Curcuma longa L., Syzygium aromaticum L. and Olea europaea) with Single-agent Carboplatin in the Management of Canine Appendicular Osteosarcoma

Background: Canine appendicular osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common bone malignancy in dogs. Methods: Spontaneous cases of canine OSA presented for three years were treated with different standard therapeutic protocols and compared with a novel plant formulations or nutraceuticals prepared from combination of turmeric, clove and olive oil. Different diagnostic modalities like survey and three view thoracic radiograph, abdominal ultrasonography (USG) with spectral Doppler USG, greyscale USG, strain elastography, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), computed tomography and excisional biopsy were used to detect appendicular OSA and for staging of the primary bone tumor.Result: Canine bone tumor of appendicular OSA primarily affects large breed dogs with median age 10.32 years (range, 2.6-13 years) and median body weight 32.95 kg (range, 14-41 kg). Among four treatment groups, disease-free interval (DFI) and overall survival times were longer in groups of amputation followed by carboplatin as adjuvant chemotherapy (9 no.) than in groups with neoadjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin followed by amputation (2 no.) and amputation along with nutraceuticals treatment (6 no.) and were shorter in the control group with amputation alone (6 no.). Herbal nutraceuticals can be included in the therapeutic regimen of canine osteosarcoma for increasing the overall survival time.

Calcaneotibial screws for immobilisation of the tarsocrural joint of dogs in extension: effect of the angle of screw placement on the force to failure in a canine cadaveric model

ABSTRACT Aims To compare the force to failure under axial loading of a calcaneotibial screw placed approximately perpendicular to the tibia with that of a screw placed perpendicular to the calcaneus, when used to immobilise the tarsus in an ex vivo canine model. Methods Twelve pairs of cadaveric hindlimbs from large breed dogs, without orthopaedic or soft tissue disease, were prepared by transecting the limb at the level of the stifle and stripping the limbs of all musculature from the stifle to mid-metatarsus, including removal of the common calcaneal tendon from all limbs. The limbs in each pair were randomly assigned to receive a calcaneotibial screw placed perpendicular to the long axis of either the calcaneus (C group) or the tibia (T group) with the tarsus in full extension. The distal limb was potted in resin and the proximal tibia was pinned to allow biomechanical testing in compressive loading. Testing was performed to apply an axial load using a material testing machine in a proximodistal direction through the tibia, advancing at a rate of 10 mm/second. The force to failure was recorded in kN and compared between groups. Results The median force to failure of the C group was 0.86 (min 0.50; max 1.64) kN which was higher than the T group which had a median force to failure of 0.74 (min 0.26, max1.05) kN (p = 0.004). All modes of failure were by screw pull-out. Conclusions A calcaneotibial screw placed at an angle approximately perpendicular to the long axis of the calcaneus, has a higher force to failure under axial loading than a calcaneotibial screw that is placed at an angle approximately perpendicular to the tibia, in a canine cadaveric model. Clinical relevance A temporary calcaneotibial screw is a common method of immobilising the tarsus in extension to protect primary repair of a common calcaneal tendon injury. Placing a calcaneotibial screw perpendicular to the calcaneus may be a more reliable option for immobilisation of the tarsus to protect a common calcaneal tendon repair compared to screws placed perpendicular to the tibia. However extrapolation of these results into a clinical setting requires caution.

Post-operative radiographic measures of pelvic limb alignment in dogs with medial patellar luxation after trochlear wedge recession versus trochlear block recession surgery.

Background and Aim:Anatomical and mechanical femoral angles are quite different among dog breeds. Most published data are about large dog breeds, however, medial luxation of patella is more common in small breeds. Measures of pelvic limb alignment are important for outcome of patellar luxation surgery. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the values of anatomical and mechanical femoral and tibial angles in dogs before, immediately after, and 1 month after surgery for correction of medial patellar luxation (MPL).Materials and Methods:The study was conducted with 54 dogs (67 stifle joints) from four small breeds that underwent surgery by either trochlear block recession (36 stifle joints) or trochlear wedge recession (31 stifle joints) techniques.Results:In both trochleoplasty techniques, statistically significant differences in the values of the anatomical medial proximal femoral angle (aMPFA), anatomical lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA), and femoral varus angle (in MPL Grade II) and of aMPFA and Q-angle (in MPL Grade III) were found out.Conclusion:After block recession surgery, more angles were positively influenced and this effect was more pronounced in patients with MPL Grade II.

Analiza składników mineralnych w suchej karmie dla psów i ich zgodność z wytycznymi żywieniowymi

The aim of this study was to estimate complete extruded dry food for adult dogs, with a particular focus on: mineral profiles and ratios and the division into breed size. Dog foods were subjected to chemical analyzes to determine the content of macroelements and microelements. Additionally, the presence of heavy metals was verified and mineral ratios were estimated. The material for the research consisted of 15 randomly selected industrial household maintenance foods for adult dogs (five for large breed dogs, five for small breed dogs and five for all breeds dogs). All analyzed feeds met the FEDIAF recommended minimum recommended levels of microelements and macroelements, although the potassium level in 33% of the feeds analyzed was below the recommended minimum. 20% of the feeds tested exceeded the permissible quantitative ratio of calcium to phosphorus. In none of the tested feeds no heavy metals (Ni, Cd, Pb) were found. When choosing a feed, always pay attention to the label and carefully analyze the component of the product.