This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of bridge plating of simple tibial fractures in dogs by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). Medical and radiographic records of twenty-nine dogs with simple tibial fractures that underwent bridge fixation by MIPO were retrospectively evaluated. The clinical outcome was classified considering the presence of lameness at the end of the treatment. The tibial mechanical joint angles were measured and compared with the values described in the literature. Additionally, fragment apposition and implant disposition were evaluated. Based on the modified Radiographic Union Scale for Tibial fractures, the moment of clinical union was determined. Clinically, at the end of treatment, only one patient presented lameness at a trot. While there was no significant difference between the bone alignment in the frontal plane values and the values described in the literature (P>0.05), the caudal proximal tibial angle was significantly higher (P=0.001). The median fragment apposition was considered acceptable. The average bridge plate ratio, plate working length, and plate screw density were 0.8, 0.57, and 0.48, respectively. The median time to clinical union was 30 days. Bridge plating in simple tibial fractures resulted in fast healing and low complication rates.

Background: Many variations of ovariohysterectomy techniques have been described, including the traditional one and minimally invasive procedures. Non-laparoscopic Snook hook technique is an alternative for performing minimally invasive ovariohysterectomy. Few studies have been carried out in order to assess pain in animals submitted to minimally invasive surgeries, especially involving one of the most performed surgical procedures in veterinary practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical duration, intraoperative nociception and acute postoperative pain after traditional ovariohysterectomy or minimally invasive non-laparoscopic technique in dogs using Snook hook. The hypothesis is that non-laparoscopic minimally invasive ovariohysterectomy would be faster and less painful than the conventional technique.Material, Methods & Results: Thirty dogs were divided into Traditional Group (TG = 15) and Minimally Invasive Group (MIG = 15). Heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, body temperature, oxyhemoglobin saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration (ETCO2) and end-tidal isoflurane concentration were evaluated before the surgery to start (M0), during incision (M1), clamping of the first ovarian pedicle (M2), second ovarian pedicle (M3), uterine cervix (M4), abdominal suture (M5) and at the end of surgery (M6). The modified Glasgow Pain Scale was used for acute postoperative pain assessment and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess the sensitivity of surgical wound. The level of significance established for all statistical analyzes was 5%. Statistical differences were not observed between groups considering total surgical time and postoperative acute pain intensity (P > 0.05), in spite of MIG having shorter duration of surgery. There was no statistical difference between groups considering all intraoperative parameters except respiratory rate (TG < MIG; P < 0.05) and ETCO2 (MIG < TG; P < 0.05) at the moment of traction of the first ovarian pedicle (M2). Pain assessment by VAS showed statistical difference 24h after the end of surgery (TG < MIG) (P < 0.05). Discussion: Both procedures were similar regarding intraoperative nociception and acute postoperative pain. It is possible that the sensation of pain in both procedures was blocked by the effectiveness of analgesics, once they might cause an inhibition of painful behaviors limiting a possible difference in pain identification. Higher respiratory stress observed in MIG at M2 and higher pain score by VAS noted in MIG 24 h after the end of surgery can be justified by greater traction of ovarian pedicle, due to limited surgical access of minimally invasive technique. Minimally invasive ovariohysterectomy non-laparoscopic seems to be potentially faster, probably due to the smaller size of the abdominal incision, which takes less time to be closed. In the present study, both techniques were performed by an experienced surgeon, providing safe procedures, nevertheless it is important to emphasize that iatrogenic injury can be caused by surgeons not proficient in the Snook hook technique, considering the limited visualization of anatomical abdominal structures. Data obtained indicate that traditional ovariohysterectomy and non-laparoscopic Snook hook technique promote similar intraoperative nociception and acute postoperative pain, however minimally invasive procedure is potentially faster and with less surgical trauma.

To use a 3D printed poly (L-lactide) acid (PLLA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) composite as a bone substitute for reconstruction of a critical bone defect in the radius of rabbits. A 1.5 cm ostectomy was performed in the radial diaphysis of 60 New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were divided into three groups according to surgical treatment of the bone defect (group I - control, group II - bone graft, group III - 3D PLLA). Each group was divided into four subgroups with different radiographic and histopathologic evaluation times (T1 - 15 days, T2 - 30 days, T3 - 60 days, T4 - 90 days). The implant group had greater clinically lameness (p = 0.02), edema (p = 0.007), pain (p = 0.04) and more complications at the surgical site (p = 0.03). Histologically, this group showed greater congestion (p = 0.04), hemorrhage (p = 0.04) and inflammation. Osteogenesis was microscopically similar between days (p = 0.54) and treatments (p = 0.17), even though radiographically, more effective bone healing occurred in the graft group (II), with more callus and bone bridge formation. The customization of a 3D PLLA/HA scaffold was successful. However, in animals receiving the polymer-ceramic composite less bone callus and bone bridge was formed compared to the graft group.

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare canal flare index (CFI) values obtained by different intracortical widths in the lesser trochanter and to evaluate their influence on femoral classification. Methods Femur radiographic images were analysed by three evaluators that calculated the CFI using three different points in the lesser trochanter: proximal, midpoint, and distal. Results There was no interobserver influence, but there was a difference in the CFI value and femoral classification according to the calculation method. The proximal region presents higher CFI values and only 4% of ‘Stovepipe’ femurs, while the distal region presents lower CFI values and 46% of ‘Stovepipe’ femurs. Clinical Significance The variation in level of measurement can significantly alter femoral classification, which must be considered when the CFI is used in the surgical planning of total hip arthroplasty.

Purpose: To analyze the effects of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) on healing of clean surgical wounds in dogs. Methods: Thirty healthy, non-neutered dogs of different breeds underwent elective ovariohysterectomy or orchiectomy, and a 1-cm circular abdominal wound was created. Animals were divided into three groups (n = 10). Groups T1 and T2 received PHMB dressings changed once and twice daily. The control group (C) had wounds cleaned daily with saline and covered with gauze. Macroscopic evaluations were performed daily for 10 days, assessing edema, exudate, cosmetic appearance, and color. After 10 days, excisional biopsies were collected for histopathology evaluating vascular proliferation, inflammatory cells, fibroblastic proliferation, collagenization, necrosis, hyperplasia, and reepithelialization, and immunohistochemistry for reepithelialization and angiogenesis. Results: Macroscopic evaluations showed no significant differences among groups. Histopathology revealed greater collagenization in group C than in T2 (p < 0.05), while T1 did not differ from the others. Immunohistochemistry showed no differences in reepithelialization among groups. However, angiogenesis was higher in C and T2 than in T1 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: PHMB dressings neither demonstrate superior healing compared with gauze and saline cleaning nor impair healing and may represent an option for wound management in dogs.

Objective: To assess the accuracy of intraoperative identification of the tibial intercondylar eminence (TIcE) in the sagittal plane in dogs. Study design: Ex vivo experimental study. Animals: A total of 20 stifles from 10 dogs (weight range: 20–30 kg; n = 20). Methods: Stifles were positioned for a mediolateral radiographic projection with a hypodermic needle placed at the center of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) (C), immediately cranial (Cr), and caudal (Cd) to the ligament. Variables were assessed at the stifle flexions of 90° and 135° with both intact cranial cruciate ligament (CCL‐In) and after mechanical transection (CCL‐MT). Three evaluators measured the distance ( d ) between the TIcE and needle center. Statistical analysis involved a linear mixed model, with the Bonferroni test ( p < .0125). Results: Analyses of CCL‐In and CCL‐MT groups revealed statistically significant differences between needle positions and stifle flexion angles. In the CCL‐In group, the C‐90° position was closest to the stifle center ( d = 0.45 ± 2.39). For the CCL‐MT group, the C‐135° position was nearest ( d = 0.11 ± 2.18). Conclusion: The center of the MCL in the sagittal plane, at 135° of stifle flexion, served as a reliable anatomical reference for identifying the TIcE in dogs with CCL disease. Clinical significance: A meticulous intraoperative identification of the TIcE can improve the accuracy of tibial osteotomies, potentially optimizing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy outcomes.