Left Stifle Research Articles

Synovial Hemangioma of the Stifle Joint in a Kangal Dog

A 10-year-old intact male Kangal dog presented with a mass located in the left stifle joint. The mass was 1.2x0.8x1 cm in size. Hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining methods were used for histopathological evaluation. Histopathological examination revealed a significant proliferation in synoviocytes. Also, vascular channels lined with well-differentiated endothelial cells were detected. Immunohistochemically, mild CD31 expression was observed in the endothelial cells of the vascular channels. Actin expression was detected in smooth muscle cells of the vascular channels. In addition, vimentin expression was observed in the stromal connective tissue around blood vessels. Based on these findings, the mass was diagnosed as synovial hemangioma. In this case report, synovial hemangioma is rarely observed in animals has been reported.

Intra-articular Fibrolipoma of the Stifle in a Dog.

A 12 yr old male castrated miniature Australian shepherd dog presented for surgical consultation of historical bilateral medial patellar luxations with a 3 mo history of an acute onset of a left pelvic limb lameness. Physical examination confirmed medial patellar luxations and a mass effect of the left stifle medially. Radiographs showed medial distension of the joint capsule by a soft tissue opacity. Fine-needle aspirate of the left stifle revealed a mesenchymal cell population. Left medial parapatellar stifle arthrotomy found a fatty mass, which was excised at its base. A benign fibrolipoma was diagnosed on histopathology, and the excision was expected to be curative. The owners reported immediate improvement of perceived comfort postoperatively. At 2 and 24 wk, the dog returned to a normal level of function. Lipomas of the stifle, although rare, should be considered as a differential for intra-articular masses causing lameness.

Isolated medial meniscal tear in a domestic shorthaired cat

AbstractThis case report describes the presentation, diagnostic imaging, management and outcome of a cat with an isolated meniscal tear. A 4‐year‐old, male, neutered, European shorthair cat was presented with a left hindlimb lameness. The left stifle joint was painful on manipulation, effusion was present and no primary cause such as cruciate ligament disease, stifle disruption or patellar luxation could be detected. The suspicion of a knee sprain was raised, and conservative therapy was performed without improvement of the lameness during the following weeks. Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging was recommended, which revealed a medial meniscal injury with no primary cause present. Therapy consisted of partial meniscectomy via arthrotomy. The lameness improved postoperatively, and in long‐term follow‐up a mildly progressive osteoarthritis developed.

Tibial Plateau and Stifle Joint Invasion with a Subcutaneous Mast Cell Tumor.

A 4 yr old female neutered Labrador retriever was referred with a history of left hind-limb lameness and an acute, nonpainful, subcutaneous mass on the medial aspect of the left stifle. Stifle radiographs and fine needle aspirates of the soft tissue mass performed by the referring veterinarian confirmed the presence of predominantly highly granulated mast cells, consistent with a mast cell tumor. Computed tomography demonstrated a soft tissue mass centered on the left medial stifle, with associated joint effusion and polyostotic lytic lesions on the tibial plateau and distal patella. Ultrasound-guided aspirates of the liver, spleen, and popliteal lymph nodes were obtained to rule out further metastatic spread. Cytology of the joint fluid demonstrated a low number of well-differentiated mast cells. Surgical and oncological interventions were discussed, and full hind-limb amputation was elected. Histopathological analysis of the submitted tissues after amputation diagnosed a subcutaneous mast cell tumor with neoplastic cell infiltrate extending into sections of joint capsule and synovial membrane. Infiltration to the tibia and distal patella were suspected following the presence of mast cell clusters in both osteolytic lesions. No evidence of metastasis was identified in the popliteal lymph node. Postoperative monitoring of iliac lymph node size using ultrasound did not identify evidence of metastasis 12 mo postoperatively.

Femoral B‐cell neurolymphomatosis in a horse with multicentric lymphoma

SummaryAn 18‐year‐old Freiberger gelding was presented with a history of intermittent left hindlimb lameness after an acute onset 2 weeks prior to referral. The lameness had not responded to anti‐inflammatory therapy prescribed by the referring veterinarian. Physical, orthopaedic and neurological examinations revealed signs compatible with ipsilateral femoral nerve dysfunction. Transrectal sonographic examination showed a marked increase in the diameter of the left femoral nerve. The results of electromyography of the left hind quadriceps muscle were compatible with denervation attributable to neuropathy. Evaluation of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) revealed pleocytosis consisting of medium‐sized lymphocytes, 5%–10% of which were positive for CD3 and CD79a. Neoplasia was suspected and steroid therapy was started. However, exacerbation of the clinical signs occurred and the horse was euthanised. Histopathological evaluation showed neurolymphomatosis of the left femoral nerve as the cause of the lameness. Infiltration of tumour cells was also seen to a lesser extent in the right femoral nerve, spinal cord, various parts of the cardiovascular system, renal capsules, an abdominal lymph node and the subcutis of the left stifle and upper lip. Histochemical evaluation revealed 60%–70% of the neoplastic lymphocytes were positive for CD20 and CD79a and up to 40% were positive for CD3. This report describes the uniqueness of a femoral mononeuropathy as the main clinical finding of B‐cell neurolymphomatosis and multicentric lymphoma.

Corrective Osteotomy in a Dog to Address Increased Distal Femoral Procurvatum Ascribed to a Distal Femoral Salter-Harris Type V Injury

AbstractIncreased distal femoral procurvatum has been reported sporadically in dogs following malunion of Salter-Harris type I, II, and III fractures of distal femur. The resultant increased procurvatum can be poorly tolerated because of subsequent loss of stifle extension. This case report represents a dog with the increased procurvatum of the distal femur ascribed to a previous Salter-Harris type V injury. Surgical planning and successful outcome following the corrective procedures have been documented. A 6.5-month-old fox-terrier presented with a persistent weight bearing left pelvic limb lameness, 2 months after being hit by a car. The predominant orthopaedic finding was a 20-degree decrease in left stifle extension. Radiographic and computerized tomography evaluation revealed premature eccentric closure of the left distal femoral physis ascribed to a previous Salter-Harris type V injury. The left femoral procurvatum was 30 degrees. The left tibial plateau angle was increased by 11.5 degrees compared with the right. The femoral deformity was characterized, and a corrective procedure was planned using Paley's centre of rotation of angulation methodology. A cranial closing wedge ostectomy of the left distal femur was performed and stabilized using a locking plate. Proximal tibial epiphysiodesis was also performed to reduce the tibial plateau slope. Union of the osteotomy site and reduction in tibial plateau angle by 5.4 degrees were documented 50 days after surgery with a good functional outcome.

Assessing the Effects of Geniculate Artery Embolization in a Nonsurgical Animal Model of Osteoarthritis

PurposeTo create a nonsurgical animal model of osteoarthritis (OA) to evaluate the effects of embolotherapy during geniculate artery embolization (GAE). Materials and MethodsFluoroscopy-guided injections of 700 mg of sodium monoiodoacetate were performed into the left stifle in 6 rams. Kinematic data were collected before and after induction. At 10 weeks after induction, Subjects 1 and 4–6 underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) and Subjects 1, 3, and 4–6 underwent angiography with angiographic scoring to identify regions with greatest disease severity for superselective embolization (75–250-μm microspheres). Target vessel size was measured. At 24 weeks after angiography, DCE-MR imaging, angiography, and euthanasia were performed, and bilateral stifles were harvested. Medial/lateral tibial and femoral condylar, patellar, and synovial samples were cut, preserved, decalcified, and scored using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International criteria. The stifle and synovium Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score and Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study score were determined. The volume transfer constant (Ktrans) and extracellular volume fraction (ve) were calculated from DCE-MR imaging along the lateral synovial regions of interest. ResultsThe mean gross and microscopic pathological scores were elevated at 38 and 61, respectively. Mean synovitis score was elevated at 9.2. Mean pre-embolization and postembolization angiographic scores were 5 and 3.8, respectively. Mean superior, transverse, and inferior geniculate artery diameters were 3.1 mm ± 1.21, 2.0 mm ± 0.50, and 1.6 mm ± 0.41 mm, respectively. Mean pre-embolization and postembolization cartilage and synovitis scores were elevated at 35.13 and 73.3 and 5.5 and 9.2, respectively. The Ktrans/ve values of Subjects 4, 5, and 6 were elevated at 0.049/0.38, 0.074/0.53, and 0.065/0.51, respectively. Altered gait of the hind limb was observed in all subjects after induction, with reduced joint mobility. No skin necrosis or osteonecrosis was observed. ConclusionsA nonsurgical ovine animal knee OA model was created, which allowed the collection of angiographic, histopathological, MR imaging, and kinematic data to study the effects of GAE.

Lateral Patellar Luxation and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) in a Dog

Background: Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a rare genetic disease characterized by a deficiency in collagen synthesis, which can result in joint laxity. Patellar luxation is one of the main orthopedic conditions that affect the canine knee joint, with limited descriptions of its association with EDS in dogs. The purpose of this report is to describe the surgical management and postoperative evolution of a 1-year-old Chow Chow dog with grade II patellar luxation, tibial valgus and EDS.Case: A 1-year-old Chow Chow dog was referred to the University Veterinary Hospital due to lameness of the left pelvic for 3 months. At the orthopedic examination were verified severe lameness and lateral deviation of the left stifle joint during the ambulation of the animal. Additionally, it was verified bilateral hyperextension of the tibiotarsal joint and grade II patellar luxation of both pelvic limbs with painful hyperextension of the left stifle joint. Radiographic evaluation showed lateral displacement of the patella from both femoral trochlear groove, and a valgus deviation of the proximal left tibial shaft. In addition, it was verified cutaneous hyperextensibility and an extensibility index suggestive of EDS. The animal was submitted to trochlear block resection technique and medial imbrication, followed by corrective tibial osteotomy. Furthermore, skin biopsies of the scapular and lumbar folds were performed during the corrective tibial osteotomy. The samples were sent for histopathological examination, which revealed fragmented and unorganized collagen fibers in the dermis. Histopathological findings were compatible with EDS. The absence of lameness and correct positioning of the patella in the trochlear sulcus were verified in the post-surgical follow-up. Complete bone consolidation of the closing wedge osteotomy to correct the tibial valgus was verified at 90 days postoperatively.Discussion: The clinical signs, cutaneous extensibility index, and histopathological abnormalities in the present case were consistent with EDS. In the present study, this congenital collagen abnormality syndrome may have been a contributing factor of patellar luxation as EDS can result in hypermobility of ligaments and joints, due to metabolic and structural abnormalities of the collagen in connective tissues, and consequently may promote patellar luxation and other orthopedic abnormalities. A variant of EDS in humans has been implicated in the development of skeletal abnormalities such as short stature and bone deformities. This corroborates the possibility that EDS is correlated with valgus angulation of the proximal portion of the tibia in the present case. However, in-depth genetic studies are required to confirm this correlation. Corrective osteotomy in conjunction with block recession sulcoplasty and medial imbrication seem to have enabled patellofemoral stability and alignment of the quadriceps mechanism, ensuring that the patella remained in the trochlear sulcus, even in the presence of EDS. In addition, this syndrome does not seem to affect the surgical outcome of the treatment of patellar luxation associated with closed wedge osteotomy for tibial valgus correction. Medium-term follow-up can be considered excellent in this case report since there was a rapid resolution of lameness and adequate corrective osteotomy healing despite persistent hyperextension of the tibiotarsal joint. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome did not contraindicate the surgical treatment of patellar luxation. However, further studies are needed to assess the influence of the syndrome on long-term patellar luxation. The findings of this case report can help in the diagnosis and treatment of other animals affected by this rare syndrome and associated orthopedic diseases.Keywords: patellar luxation, bone, collagen diseases.

Knee Joint Distraction in a Dog as Treatment for Severe Osteoarthritis

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease diagnosed in veterinary practice. There is no cure; where conservative treatment fails, a joint prosthesis is the last resort. In human OA patients, temporary distraction is a joint-preserving treatment which provides clinical and structural benefits, and postpones the need for total knee replacement for up to 9 years. In this single case, feasibility of knee joint distraction (KJD) was assessed in a 9-year-old female Dobermann with severe OA. Osteoarthritis of the left stifle joint was diagnosed clinically and radiographically. Knee joint distraction was applied for 7 weeks using a custom-made, hinged, external fixator. Follow-up of 1 year included owner questionnaires, orthopaedic examination, radiography, and force plate analysis. Additionally, synovial fluid biomarkers were assessed. Application and removal of the KJD frame were successfully accomplished without surgical complications. During KJD, the dog tolerated the frame well and maintained the use of the left hindlimb. Mild pin tract infection developed during the distraction period, which responded well to oral antibiotic medications. Owners reported clinical improvement during KJD and the follow-up period. This was confirmed by force plate analysis, demonstrating improvement from 3 months and onward. KJD proved to be a feasible strategy to treat end-stage OA in this single case; clinical efficacy remains to be determined in a larger cohort.

Septic Arthritis and Granulomatous Osteomyelitis in a Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) Caused by Mycobacterium sp.

A 3-yr-old female bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) was presented to the Exotic Pet and Wildlife Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the National Autonomous University of Mexico with a 3-day history of right hindlimb swelling. Radiographs revealed lysis of the right stifle and tarsal bone. Fine-needle aspiration from the stifle revealed large numbers of macrophages and giant cells, and Ziehl-Neelsen stain revealed intracytoplasmic acid-fast bacilli-like bacteria. Standard aerobic culture was performed, with negative results. Pain management was provided with meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg PO q24h) and tramadol (11 mg/kg PO q12h); the owner declined antimicrobial therapy. Three weeks later, radiographs revealed the progression of the lytic lesions to the distal femur, proximal tibia, and tarsal bones. One month later, the patient presented for left hindlimb swelling. Follow-up radiographs revealed a total loss of the right stifle and the tibiotarsal and tarsometatarsal joints, as well as new lytic lesions at the left stifle and tibiotarsal joints. Based on the grave prognosis, the lizard was euthanized. At necropsy, granuloma-like lesions were found at the stifles and the coxofemoral, tibiotarsal, and tarsometatarsal joints. Imprints made from these lesions revealed acid-fast bacilli. No other gross lesions were identified. Microscopic review of the tissues revealed severe granulomatous osteomyelitis and myositis, as well as a severe histiocytic and heterophilic hepatitis with acid-fast intrahistiocytic bacilli. Polymerase chain reaction results confirmed these bacteria as nontuberculous mycobacteria. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first postmortem report of septic arthritis associated with Mycobacterium spp. in a bearded dragon; only two other cases have been reported, both without postmortem findings.

Prophylactic Efficacy of Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy for a Canine Model with Experimentally Induced Degeneration of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament

The aim of this study was to clarify the histological effects of tibial plateau levelling osteotomy on cranial cruciate ligament degeneration induced by excessive tibial plateau angle. Five female Beagles were used to bilaterally create excessive tibial plateau angle models surgically. A second tibial plateau levelling osteotomy was performed 11 months after the first surgery on the right stifle (tibial plateau levelling osteotomy group), and a sham operation that did not change the tibial plateau angle was performed on the left stifle (excessive tibial plateau angle group). At 6 months after the second surgery, the dogs were euthanatized. The cranial cruciate ligament was stained with haematoxylin-eosin to assess the cell density, Alcian-Blue to assess proteoglycans and Elastica-Eosin to assess elastic fibres, and immunohistochemically stained to assess type I (COL1) and type II collagen and SRY-type HMG box 9 (SOX9) expression. In each group, the cranial cruciate ligament degeneration, especially on the tibial side, including the presence of Alcian-Blue- and Elastica-Eosin-positive regions, decreased in COL1-positive regions, and enhancement of SOX9 expression was observed. Besides, compared with the tibial plateau levelling osteotomy group, the excessive tibial plateau angle group showed increases in Alcian-Blue- and Elastica-Eosin-positive regions and a decrease in the COL1-positive regions. The results suggested that excessive tibial plateau angle-induced cranial cruciate ligament degeneration can be suppressed by reducing the biomechanical load on the cranial cruciate ligament by performing tibial plateau levelling osteotomy.

Steroid‐responsive meningitis‐arteritis secondary to septic arthritis due to Pasteurella multocida in a bull terrier puppy

AbstractA 3‐month‐old male, entire, English bull terrier was presented for investigation of a 24‐hour history of lethargy, pyrexia and neck pain. Inflammatory cerebrospinal and synovial fluid analyses with identification of Pasteurella multocida in the left stifle were supportive of a steroid‐responsive meningitis‐arteritis (SRMA) and immune‐mediated arthritis secondary to septic arthritis in the left stifle. The patient was successfully treated with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. Follow‐up sampling of cerebrospinal and synovial fluids revealed resolution of the septic arthritis and SRMA after 6 weeks of treatment. Medications were tapered and discontinued after 16 weeks of treatment without any signs of relapse. Follow‐up was 16 weeks. This is the first case report of SRMA with the identification of P. multocida septic arthritis as the suspected trigger.

Synovial lipomatosis of the stifle joint in a dog

AbstractSynovial lipomatosis has been described as a rare disease of the synovial membrane in humans. This report represents a synovial lipomatosis case of the left stifle joint in a dog, diagnosed by MRI and validated by histopathologic examination. Synovial lipomatosis can be difficult to recognise due to the absence of specific clinical features, especially in view of its similarity to other disorders with the benign or malignant origin in the synovial membrane. Therefore, the validation of this pathology could be essential in directing patient management. The aim of this report was to describe approaches required for the identification of synovial lipomatosis, such as clinical signs, diagnostic imaging characteristics and histological pattern, that have not been published previously in veterinary medicine.

Bacterial infective stifle arthritis secondary to a migrating grass seed foreign body in an adult dog

AbstractAn adult neutered male cocker spaniel was presented with a 2‐ to 3‐week history of left pelvic limb lameness, stifle effusion, general malaise and pyrexia. Computed tomography imaging revealed an irregular tubular tract, extending from the stifle distally to the level of the mid tibial diaphysis, associated with the long digital extensor muscle. Ultrasonography revealed the tract had echogenic contents; however, no foreign body could be identified. Following surgical exploration, a grass seed was identified in the medial compartment of the left stifle. Culture of the grass seed and joint capsule tissue yielded growth of Pantoea agglomerans. Following the surgery and subsequent antibacterial and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory medication, the dog made a full recovery to normal activity.

Evacuation of an anaesthetised dog from theatre due to a hospital fire alarm

AbstractAn 8‐year‐old entire male Beagle was anaesthetised for repair of a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament in the left stifle. The anaesthesia and surgery proceeded uneventfully until a fire alarm necessitated evacuation from the theatre, initially to the assembly area in the Hospital for Small Animals’ car park, and then to the Equine Hospital's orthopaedic theatre for completion of surgery. The dog was maintained on gaseous anaesthesia throughout without incident and recovered well. Although we were able to move the dog promptly and safely while maintaining anaesthesia, this might not be possible or appropriate in other situations; the decision‐making process and options available in this case are discussed as well as safety and planning considerations raised by this situation.

Use of hyaluronic acid associated with triamcinolone acetonide or ozone gas in the treatment of induced osteoarthritis in rabbits.

ABSTRACTPurpose:To evaluate the effects of the intra-articular application of hyaluronic acid associated with triamcinolone acetonide, and ozone gas in the treatment of induced osteoarthritis in rabbit’s stifles.Methods:Twenty-one Norfolk rabbits were submitted to cranial cruciate ligament transection of the left stifle. After six weeks of the surgery, the rabbits were randomized assigned into three groups: G1 (control) – saline solution (0.9%); G2 – hyaluronic acid associated with triamcinolone; G3 – ozone gas, submitted to three intra-articular applications every seven days.Results:Significant differences occurred: osteophytes at medial femoral condyle (G2 > G1, G2 > G3) on radiography exam; thickening of the medial condyle (G1 > G3, G2 > G3) on ultrasound exam; osteophytes at lateral tibial condyle (G2 > G1, G2 > G3), and medial femoral condyle (G1 > G2, G3 > G1) on computed tomography. Histologically, mean values of chondrocytes in the femur and tibia in G3 and G2 were statistically lower.Conclusions:The intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid associated with triamcinolone accentuated degenerative joint disease by imaging and macroscopic evaluations, and by histological findings, this treatment and the ozone gas treatment showed similar effects and were inferior to the saline solution (0.9%).

Comparison of Three Imaging Methods for the Evaluation of Osteoarthritis Induced by Cranial Cruciate Ligament Transection in Rabbits

Background:Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects specially cartilage, meniscus, and tendons. Ligaments, muscles, subchondral bone and synovium. This pathology is a common condition limiting the quality of life of patients. Imaging modalities have also been used for evaluation the progression of the osteoarthritis, or degenerative processes induced by acute injury. In order to use more accessible imaging modalities for experimentation, this study aimed to compare radiographic, computed tomography, and ultrasound findings in the evaluation of osteoarthritis induced by the cranial cruciate ligament transection model in rabbits.Materials, Methods & Results:Twenty-four male Norfolk rabbits aged approximately 5 months old were used. All rabbits were submitted to cranial cruciate ligament transection of the left stifle and evaluated 45 days after the surgery. The radiographic findings were subchondral bone sclerosis (33.33%); joint space narrowing (66%); presence of osteophytes at medial femoral condyle (4.16%), lateral femoral condyle (4.16%), medial fabela (20.83%), lateral fabela (8.33%) and sesamoid of the popliteal muscle (4.16%). No osteophytes were seen at medial and lateral tibial condyles. The tomographic computed findings were joint space narrowing (62.5%); presence of osteophytes at medial femoral condyle (75%), lateral femoral condyle (54.16%), medial fabela (66.66%), lateral fabela (37.5%), medial tibial condyle (75%), lateral tibial condyle (20.83%) and sesamoid of the popliteal muscle (37.5%). The ultrasound findings were synovial hypertrophy (95.83%); effusion in the suprapatellar recess (75%), distal tibial recess (16.66%) and cranial joint space (75%); changes (hyperechogenic foci and heterogeneity) of the lateral meniscus (50%) and medial meniscus (25%); increased thickness of the medial condyle (54.16%) and lateral condyle (45.83%); irregularity of the medial condyle (66.66%) and lateral condyle (58.33%); alterations of the patellar tendon (12.5%) and extensor ligament (effusion and increased echogenicity) (20.83%).Discussion: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease and is common condition which limiting the quality of life of patients. Many studies performed in rabbits have evaluated the development of osteoarthritis through post-mortem macroscopic or microscopic assessments. Imaging modalities have also been used for evaluation the progression of the osteoarthritis, or degenerative processes induced by acute injury. High quality radiographs are accurate in identifying structural changes resulted from osteoarthritis, but computed tomography allows earlier identification in relation to conventional radiography. The three imaging modalities were helpful to identify the osteoarthritis, but the findings were different and compatible with each analysis method. The computed tomographic detected a higher number of osteophytes than plain radiographs. Also, osteophytes did not visualized by radiographic examination, such as medial tibial condyle and lateral tibial condyle, were identified by computed tomography. In turn, the ultrasound examination enabled identification of lesions did not seen on radiographic and computed tomography examinations. Synovial hypertrophy and joint effusion had the highest percentage. In human patients, ultrasound examination has been used to assess hypertrophy and inflammation of the synovium due to osteoarthritis. In conclusion, computerized tomography images provided more information than plain X-ray images and can be complemented by ultrasound examination to identify osteoarthritis induced by cranial cruciate ligament transection in rabbits.Comparison of Three Imaging Methods for the Evaluation of Osteoarthritis Induced by Cranial Cruciate Ligament Transection in Rabbits

Surgical repair of congenital lateral luxation of the patella in an Arabian foal using a polypropylene mesh

SummaryA 3‐h‐old, 40‐kg Arabian filly was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, due to inability to stand and nurse after birth. The left stifle was oedematous and warm, and the patella was palpated lateral to the distal end of the femur. Radiographs of the left stifle confirmed the patella to be positioned laterally. The trochlear groove of the femur appeared of normal depth, and no other radiographic abnormalities were observed. The filly was leucopenic (white blood cell count 3.0 x 109/L; reference range 6.9–17.0 x 109/L) and had a normal packed cell volume [40% (RR 37–50%)] and low concentration of total serum protein [44 g/L (RR 51–78 g/L)] suggesting the filly likely suffered from failure of passive transfer. The filly was surgically treated for lateral patellar luxation by transecting the lateral parapatellar fascia, imbricating the medial parapatellar fascia and suturing a polypropylene mesh to the imbricated fascia. Post‐operative complications included dehiscence of the lateral incision, a subcutaneous abscess on the medial aspect of the stifle and synovial sepsis of the femoropatellar joint. The filly was sound at the walk 10 months after surgery, and no osseous abnormalities were noted on examination of radiographs of the left stifle at that time.

Assessing the Systemic Effects of Two Different Doses of Intra-Articular Triamcinolone Acetonide in Healthy Dogs

Abstract Objective Osteoarthritis is a common cause of pain and dysfunction in dogs. Intra-articular (IA) corticosteroids have been used to treat human and animal osteoarthritis; however, their systemic effects have not been well documented in dogs. Therefore, our objective is to determine if a single IA triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection, at two different doses, suppresses the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, induces alkaline phosphatase (ALP), or causes other clinicopathological abnormalities in dogs. Study Design Six healthy female intact adult mongrel dogs from a research colony. For phase one, dogs were randomly assigned to injection of 0.25 mg/kg TA into the right (n = 3) or left (n = 3) stifle. Haematology, liver-related biochemistry and adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation tests were conducted the day prior to injection and repeated on days 1, 3 and 7, and then weekly after injection until values normalized. Following a 2-week washout period, 0.5 mg/kg TA was injected into the contralateral stifle (phase two), and laboratory testing mimicked phase one. Results Mild, transient adrenocortical suppression occurred in both phases, beginning on day 1 and resolving by days 3 and 7 in phases one and two respectively. However, post-adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation cortisol levels were never outside the normal range for either phase. Alkaline phosphatase activity increased on day 3 in phase two but remained within normal limits. Mild stress leukograms occurred on day 1 in both phases. No clinical abnormalities were noted throughout the study. Conclusion Systemic adverse effects following IA TA stifle injections at 0.25 mg/kg and 0.5mg/kg are unlikely.

Effect of Platlate Riched Fibrin and mononuclear cells on regeneration of osteochondral defect in rabbits

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Platlate riched fibrin (PRF) and bone marrow derived mononuclear cells (BMNCs) in regeneration of osteochondral defects in rabbits. Design: A randomized-controlled experimental study. Animals: Forty-eight adult New Zealand rabbits were allocated randomly into four groups (n=12). Procedures: An osteochondoral defect of a 4 mm diameter and 5 mm depth was made in the trochlear groove of the left stifle joints. The defect was left for spontaneous healing in group A, filled with Platlate riched fibrin (PRF) in group B, filled with BMNCs in group C and combination of PRF and BMNCs in group D. Healing of the defects was assessed grossly and microscopically at 3, 6 and 12 weeks postoperative. Results: Grossly, the degree of defect repair, integration to border zone and appearance of defect area were significantly higher in group D than other groups (P≤0.05). Microscopically, surface architecture, tissue morphology, cell distribution and safranin O staining of the matrix were significantly higher in group D than other groups (P≤0.05). Conclusion and clinical relevance: The results of the present study indicated that, combination of PRF and BMNCs encourages quicker and better healing of osteochondral defects.