Lipogranulomas are lesions found in histopathological liver examination in humans and in various animal species, including dogs, especially those with portosystemic shunts. They consist of macrophages and other inflammatory cells, and sometimes they contain iron salts (pigment granuloma). This study aimed at determining the number of granulomas and cellular composition of lipogranulomas in dogs with the congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt, and to identify factors associated with their development. 44 archival liver samples from dogs with portosystemic shunt were stained using HE, Perl's method and - in randomly-selected cases - immunohistochemically against CD56, CD20 and CD3 (DAKO). A reduction in the size of the liver was observed in all dogs during laparotomy, and the diameter of the vessel circumventing the liver was also measured (in 24 dogs). Lipogranulomas were found in 52.3% of samples; iron salts were present in 47.8% of them; 72% of cells in lipogranulomas were macrophages. In lipogranulomas both types of lymphocytes - T and B - were seen. The presence of lipogranulomas in liver samples in dogs was connected with fatty degeneration of hepatocytes and was correlated with the age of animals and with the diameter of the abnormal vessel circumventing the liver. Their formation appears to be triggered by severe ischemia and shortage of nutrient supply.

This review explores the technological advancements in, engineering considerations regarding, and quality standards of veterinary patellar groove replacement implants. Veterinary-specific regulations for these implants are currently lacking. Therefore, human knee implant benchmarks are used as references. These benchmarks guide evaluation of the surface quality, material selection, biocompatibility, and mechanical performance of the implant to ensure reliability and longevity. Patellar luxation is a common orthopedic disorder in small animals which leads to patellofemoral joint instability and cartilage degeneration, and is often caused by angular limb deformities that disrupt patellar alignment. In severe cases, patellar groove replacement is necessary to restore function and alleviate pain. The implant materials must provide durability, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility to withstand joint forces while ensuring minimal wear. High-quality surface finishes reduce the friction experienced by these materials, improving their long-term performance. Advances in 3D printing allow the creation of patient-specific implants. These implants offer an enhanced anatomical fit and enhanced functionality, which is especially beneficial in complex cases. However, challenges remain in achieving consistent manufacturing quality and economic feasibility. While custom implants are invaluable for difficult cases, standardized designs are sufficient for routine applications. Combining human implant standards with new manufacturing technologies improves veterinary orthopedic solutions. This integration expands the treatment options for patellar luxation and enhances the quality and accessibility of implants.

Laparotomic attenuation of an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (IHPSS) is more difficult than an extrahepatic one, and results in a higher risk of complications because the identification of the aberrant vessel in the liver remains often a challenge. Excessive preparation and traction of the parenchyma results in trauma, bleeding, and prolonged surgery, which is what worsens the prognosis. Therefore, based on computed tomographic angiography, we printed 3-dimensional (3D) individual patient liver models, scaled 1:1, and used them for surgery planning and as a guide during intraoperative identification of the shunt in four dogs with IHPSS. The advantages of the 3D technology are simple and precise planning of the surgery, fast intraoperative identification of the shunt, and low invasive dissection of the liver parenchyma. We conclude that 3D technology can potentially raise the recovery rate. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first application of 3D models in the surgery of canine IHPSS.

(1) Background: Anatomically pre-contoured plates usually require only minimal or even no intraoperative contouring. For complex cases, such plates also assist the surgeon as an anatomical template during fracture reduction. In this study, we present our experience of using a 3D printing technology for the treatment of bicondylar humeral fractures in feline cadavers. (2) Methods: Surgeries were performed on 15 pairs of front limbs amputated at the scapula. The limbs were obtained from 15 adult cats without obvious pathology of the skeleton. After flexion of the elbow and subperiosteal elevation of the anconeus muscle, the humeral Y-T fractures were created using a bone chisel and mallet. A custom-made anatomically pre-contoured interlocking plate was used to reduce and stabilise the medial aspect of the humeral condyle to the humeral diaphysis. After reduction of the humeral condyle, a positional locking screw was then inserted from the medial to the lateral side and a straight 2.4/2.7 interlocking bone plate was used to stabilise the lateral part of the condyle to the humeral diaphysis. (3) Results: The length of the humerus ranged from 98.2 to 107.0 mm and did not differ significantly between the left and right bone. The diameter of the isthmus of the humeral condyle ranged from 5.2 to 5.5 mm and did not differ significantly between the left and right bone. In all 30 limbs, bicondylar fracture was accompanied by epicondylar comminution. In 7/30 limbs (4 left, 3 right) the fracture of the humeral shaft was also present. In the left limbs, the postoperative articular surface defect of the humeral condyle was small (2 mm) in 2/15 cases in which the condylar screw was incorrectly inserted. In the right limbs, the postoperative articular surface defect of the humeral condyle was small (<1 mm) in 14/15 cases and moderate (1–2 mm) in 1 case. (4) Conclusions: 3D printing and the technology of metal powder sintering offers a wide range of possibilities for the development of new surgical implants. The anatomically pre-contoured bone plate appears to be a valuable tool in the reduction and stabilisation of Y-T humeral fractures in adult domestic cats weighing 3.0 to 4.5 kg.

This study investigates how repeated steam sterilization affects the mechanical properties of 3D-printed surgical items made from methacrylate-based Surgical Guide Resin. Unlike single-use instruments, reusable 3D-printed instruments undergo multiple sterilization cycles, which may compromise their durability. Cuboids produced using Digital Light Processing (DLP) were exposed to up to ten steam sterilization cycles (121 °C, 110 kPa), followed by drying. Mechanical tests included three-point bending, Shore D hardness, and microscopic analysis to assess elasticity, hardness, and structural changes. Initial sterilization cycles increased hardness and stiffness due to further polymer cross-linking. However, continued exposure led to visible surface damage, microcracks, and signs of polymer degradation. While bending strength remained relatively stable, cumulative effects ultimately reduced material integrity. These results raise concerns about the long-term reliability of multi-use 3D-printed surgical instruments. The findings suggest that current sterilization practices should be re-evaluated, especially for items intended for repeated use. Future research should focus on improving material resistance to minimize thermal degradation. This work offers critical insights into the safety and performance of reusable 3D-printed surgical items in both veterinary and human medical applications.