A non-reducible tibial tuberosity fracture is a rare complication of tibial tuberosity transposition performed during correcting of medial patella luxation (MPL) in dogs. This condition severely disrupts the quadriceps extensor mechanism, leading to significant pelvic limb lameness. An 11-year-old, 1.8 kg spayed female Yorkshire Terrier sustained a comminuted left tibial tuberosity fracture during surgical correction of an MPL. Six months after surgery, the dog was markedly lame and unable to extend the left stifle. Radiographs revealed patella alta and resorption of the fragmented tibial tuberosity. A composite frozen allogeneic calcaneal tendon–bone block was utilized to reconstruct the tibial tuberosity and reattach the patellar ligament. Initial postoperative radiographs confirmed restoration of a normal patellar ligament to patella length ratio (1.42). Both the allogeneic bone used for tibial tuberosity reconstruction and the tendon used to reattach the patellar ligament were successfully integrated. The dog regained satisfactory limb function without recurrence of patella luxation, as reported by the owners 29 months postoperatively. The use of a calcaneal tendon–bone allograft effectively restored the functional integrity of the quadriceps extensor mechanism, providing a viable option for addressing quadriceps insufficiency resulting from the loss of the osseous tibial insertion.
1 October 2026 in American Journal of Veterinary Research
Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of membrane-free guided tissue regeneration (GTR) using enamel matrix derivative (EMD) with bone grafts in dogs with vertical infrabony periodontal defects. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed cases of client-owned dogs that underwent membrane-free GTR using EMD in combination with bone grafts between August 1, 2023, and September 30, 2025. Outcomes were assessed from records and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) datasets using 2-D measurements of clinical attachment loss (CAL) and vertical bone defect ratio (VBDR) and 3-D volumetric analysis. Success was defined as CAL improvement (≥ 1 mm) and VBDR reduction (> 10%). Volumetric analysis was used to quantify infrabony defect fill. Results: 20 periodontal defects in 16 dogs were included (allograft, n = 10; xenograft, 10). Median follow-up was 7 months (range, 6 to 14 months). All defects met the success criteria. Median CAL decreased from 5.0 mm (range, 3.0 to 8.0 mm) to 2.0 mm (range, 1.0 to 3.0 mm), and median VBDR decreased from 0.42 (range, 0.16 to 0.78) to 0.18 (range, 0.04 to 0.46). Volumetric analysis revealed a median infrabony defect fill of 98.49% (range, 71.86% to 100.00%). Conclusions: Membrane-free GTR with EMD was associated with clinically meaningful periodontal improvement and substantial infrabony defect fill in appropriately selected canine patients with vertical infrabony defects. Prospective, controlled studies are warranted to further evaluate its efficacy and indications. Clinical Relevance: This membrane-free regenerative approach may provide a practical tooth-preserving treatment option for selected small-breed dogs when conventional barrier-membrane placement is technically challenging.
14 October 2025 in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of root canal treatment (RCT) for canine teeth in cats by determining the optimal master apical file (MAF) size via a taperless rotary file system and comparing three different filling materials. Methods: A total of 83 fractured canine teeth from 78 cats were treated with a taperless nickel–titanium file system. Three different filling materials were used: (1) a silicone-based sealer with a single gutta-percha (GP) cone; (2) a bioceramic sealer with a single GP cone; and (3) a bioceramic plug at the apex followed by a silicone-based sealer and a GP cone for the residual pulp canal. The MAF size was determined by enlarging the apical portion to three International Organization for Standardization sizes beyond the initial apical file. Treatment outcomes were classified as success, no evidence of failure and failure. Outcome-related factors were identified via multivariable logistic regression. Results: The overall success rate was 91.6%. The bioceramic sealer showed the highest success rate (97%), followed by the bioceramic plug (95%) and the silicone-based sealer (83.3%). Overfill and pre-existing periapical lesions were significantly associated with reduced success. The overfill rates of bioceramic sealers and plugs were significantly lower than those of silicone-based sealers. The MAF size showed a significant positive correlation with body weight and a negative correlation with age. Conclusions and relevance: A taperless file system could be used to facilitate precise apical shaping tailored to the fusiform anatomy of canine teeth in cats and thus improve treatment outcomes. These findings support the use of bioceramic sealers in a single-cone obturation technique and highlight the importance of achieving an optimal MAF size to enhance the success of RCT for canine teeth in cats.
Gingival recession from traumatic occlusal contact commonly affects feline mandibular premolars and molars. Although crown reduction is routinely performed to eliminate traumatic occlusal forces, its ability to restore established periodontal defects remains unclear. This study evaluated whether adjunctive periodontal surgery provides additional clinical benefits following crown reduction. This retrospective study included 17 cats (34 teeth) with malocclusion-associated gingival recession. Treatment grouping was performed at the tooth level, with one cat contributing teeth to both the Control and Group A. Teeth were classified into three groups: no treatment (Control), crown reduction alone (Group A), and crown reduction with adjunctive periodontal surgery (Group B). Gingival recession, clinical attachment level (CAL), root coverage, and the vertical bone defect ratio (VBDR) were evaluated before and after treatment. Between-group differences were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Control showed no significant changes. Both treatment groups showed significant improvements in gingival recession, CAL, and VBDR. Compared with crown reduction alone, adjunctive surgery yielded significantly greater CAL improvement, radiographic bone healing, and overall clinical success rate (91.7% in Group B vs. 25.0% in Group A), though root coverage did not differ significantly. Traumatic occlusion elimination is foundational for managing feline malocclusion-associated gingival recession. However, adjunctive periodontal surgery enhances periodontal recovery and overall success, offering a valuable tooth-preserving option when complete reconstruction is required.
Palatal root agenesis of the maxillary fourth premolar (PM4) is a rarely reported developmental anomaly in dogs. This report describes 2 cases of bilateral palatal root agenesis in Welsh Corgis that had complicated crown-root fractures. Initial intraoral radiography suggested absence of the palatal root; however, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) with 3-dimensional reconstruction provided definitive visualization confirming complete bilateral absence of the palatal roots and associated root canal systems in both patients. Based on these anatomical findings, conventional root canal treatment was performed only on the mesiobuccal and distal roots, which resulted in favorable clinical outcomes during the follow-up period. Furthermore, a 10-year retrospective review of 6683 dental records across 2 referral hospitals identified only 2 cases among 244 Welsh Corgis, which corresponded to record-based frequencies of 0.03% (95% CI, 0.004–0.108%) in the overall canine population and 0.82% (95% CI, 0.099–2.929%) in Welsh Corgis. These findings suggested that palatal root agenesis of the maxillary PM4, although rare, may occur bilaterally and should be carefully considered during diagnosis and treatment planning of fractured carnassial teeth. This study highlighted the utility of CBCT in distinguishing true root agenesis from other anatomical variations. Although both cases occurred in Welsh Corgis, larger studies are required to determine whether any breed-related tendency exists.
31 December 2024 in Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
A 5-year-old, 28 kg castrated male Border Collie was referred for surgical intervention following complications from a prior total hip replacement. A physical examination revealed reduced weight-bearing and metallic crepitus on the affected limb. A radiographic assessment confirmed a fractured femoral stem. Extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) was performed to extract the well-fixed stem, followed by the removal of the acetabular cup. ETO stabilization was achieved with cerclage wires and a locking plate. Six months postoperatively, the radiographs indicated successful bone healing, and the dog exhibited improved limb function. The ETO technique can provide enhanced surgical access to extract well-fixed implants.