Evaluation of plasma inflammatory cytokine concentrations in racing sled dogs.

In human athletes significant changes in cytokine concentrations secondary to exercise have been observed. This prospective study evaluated the effect of a multi-day stage sled dog race on plasma concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Samples from 20 dogs were harvested prior to and on days 2 and 8 of an 8-day race.

A survey on orthopedic injuries during a marathon sled dog race.

Purpose: This prospective observational study aimed to describe and quantify orthopedic injuries (OI) during a marathon sled dog race that led to discontinuation of racing (dropped dogs [DDs]) and to suggest potential associations with risk factors during the event.

Study Design: Prospective observational study.

Animals: A total of 989 Nordic breed endurance sled dogs that participated in the 2011 Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

Less invasive unilateral arytenoid lateralization: a modified technique for treatment of idiopathic laryngeal paralysis in dogs: technique description and outcome.

Objective: To (1) describe a modification of conventional unilateral cricoarytenoid lateralization (UCAL), called less-invasive unilateral cricoarytenoid lateralization (LI-UCAL) for treatment of idiopathic laryngeal paralysis (LP); (2) report clinical outcome of LI-UCAL; and (3) describe the effect of early discharge after surgery.

Study Design: Retrospective clinical study.

Animals: Dogs (n = 22).

Effect of screw insertion torque on mechanical properties of four locking systems.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of screw insertion torque on the mechanical properties of four 3.5 mm locking systems: New Generation Devices (NGD), Securos (PAX), Synthes (SYN), and Veterinary Orthopedic Implants (VOI).

Study Design: In vitro mechanical study.

Interlocking nails and minimally invasive osteosynthesis.

Interlocking nailing of long bone fractures has long been considered the gold standard osteosynthesis technique in people. Thanks to improvements in the locking mechanism design and nail profile, a recently developed veterinary angle stable nail has become the first true intramedullary fixator providing accurate and consistent repair stability while allowing semirigid fixation. As a result, indications for interlocking nailing have expanded to include treatment of periarticular fractures, corrections of angular deformities and revisions of failed plate osteosyntheses.

The epiphyseal plate: physiology, anatomy, and trauma.

This article reviews the development of long bones, the microanatomy and physiology of the growth plate, the closure times and contribution of different growth plates to overall growth, and the effect of, and prognosis for, traumatic injuries to the growth plate. Details on surgical treatment of growth plate fractures are beyond the scope of this article.

The epiphyseal plate: nutritional and hormonal influences; hereditary and other disorders.

This article reviews nutritional and hormonal influences, diseases with uncertain etiology, and hereditary disorders affecting the growth and development of the long bones in dogs and cats.

Left lateral and left middle liver lobe torsion in a Saint Bernard puppy.

A 5-month-old, male Saint Bernard was presented for acute collapse and abdominal discomfort. Significant findings were a cranial abdominal mass, hemorrhagic abdominal effusion, anemia, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. An exploratory surgery revealed torsion of both the left lateral and middle liver lobes, a condition that has not been previously described in the veterinary literature.

In vitro biomechanical comparison of a plate-rod combination-construct and an interlocking nail-construct for experimentally induced gap fractures in canine tibiae.

Objective: To compare structural properties of a plate-rod combination-bone construct (PRCbc) and interlocking nail-bone construct (ILNbc) by use of an experimentally induced gap fracture in canine tibiae.

Sample Population: 12 paired canine tibiae.

Procedure: Specimens were implanted with a plate-rod combination consisting of a 3.