Otitis media can be a consequence of chronic otitis externa and could represent a perpetuating factor. While the microbiota of the EEC in healthy dogs and in the presence of otitis externa has been described, only sparse information is available concerning the normal microbiota of the middle ear. The objective was to compare the tympanic bulla (TB) with the external ear canal (EEC) microbiota in healthy dogs. Six healthy experimental Beagle dogs were selected based on the absence of otitis externa, negative cytology and bacterial culture from the TB. Samples from the EEC and TB were collected directly after death using a total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy. The hypervariable segment V1–V3 of the 16S rDNA was amplified and sequenced with a MiSeq Illumina. The sequences were analyzed by the Mothur software using the SILVA database. No significant differences between the EEC and TB microbiota for the Chao1 richness index (p = 0.6544), the Simpson evenness index (p = 0.4328) and the reciprocal Simpson alpha diversity (p = 0.4313) were noted (Kruskal-Wallis test). A significant difference (p = 0.009) for the Chao1 richness index between the right and left EEC was observed. The microbiota profile was similar in the EEC and the TB of the Beagles.

Antlers are bony structures composed predominantly of primary osteons with unique mechanical properties due to their specific use by deer as weapon and shield. Antler bone fracture resistance has attracted prior scrutiny through experimental tests and theoretical models. To characterize antler mechanical properties, compression of cubes, or bending or tensioning of rectangular bars have been performed in the literature with variations in the protocols precluding comparisons of the data. Compression testing is a widely used experimental technique for determining the mechanical properties of specimens excised from cortical or cancellous regions of bone. However, the recommended geometry for compression tests is the cylinder, being more representative of the real performances of the material. The purpose of research was to report data for compressive strength and stiffness of antler cortical bone following current guidelines. Cylinders (n = 296) of dry antler cortical bone from either the main beam or the tines of Cervus elaphus, Rangifer tarandus, Cervus nippon and Dama dama were tested. This study highlights the fact that compression of antler cortical bone cylinders following current guidelines is feasible but not applicable in all species. Standardization of the testing protocols could help to compare data from the literature. This study also confirms that sample localization has no effect on the mechanical properties, that sample density has a significant impact and allows enriching the knowledge of the mechanical properties of dry antler cortical bone.

Background: The cranial cruciate ligament rupture is one of the most common orthopaedic diseases encountered in dogs. Surgical techniques have been developed to stabilize the stifle, with an overall accepted benefit of tibial osteotomies among which is the tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA). Prior to surgery, the required TTA must be determined on a strict lateral radiographical view of the affected stifle with femur and tibia at an angle of 135° as initially recommended. This value, initially determined in only two dog breeds, has been considered the mean standard value of the canine stifle angle during the mid-stance phase. Methods: We sought to determine if this particular stifle angle around mid-stance phase was similar among multiple dog breeds. We built up a custom-made radiographic system for stifle angle measurement in standing dogs. Results: A mean value of stifle angle of 145° was obtained. Mean stifle angle at mid-stance phase in a healthy dog is regularly higher than 135° and is likely breed and individual dependent. Conclusions: The pre-operative measurement of the required TTA made on stifles in 145° extension, a value close to full physiological extension could contribute to decreasing the incidence of late post-operative meniscal lesion, consecutive to underestimation of TTA.