Accuracy of Lumbosacral Pedicle Screw Placement in Dogs: A Novel 3D Printed Patient-Specific Drill Guide versus Freehand Technique in Novice and Expert Surgeons.

Objective:  The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of pedicle screw placement at the canine lumbosacral junction using a novel unilateral three-dimensional printed patient-specific guide (3D-PSG) versus a freehand drilling technique. Additionally, accuracy of screw placement between a novice and an experienced surgeon was determined.

Study Design:  Preoperative computed tomography images from 20 lumbosacral cadaveric specimens were used to design a novel unilateral 3D-PSG for the L7 and sacral vertebrae which was printed in acryl-nitrile butadiene styrene plastic.

Computed Tomographic Measurement of Trochlear Depth in Three Breeds of Brachycephalic Dog.

Objective:  The aim of this study was to determine the trochlear sulcus depth of three common brachycephalic breeds at risk of medial patellar luxation.

Study Design:  Retrospective blinded clinical study using a previously validated ratio (T/P) of maximal trochlear sulcus depth (T) and maximal patellar craniocaudal thickness (P) measured on computed tomography, to assess trochlear sulcus depth in Pugs, French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs without clinical patellar luxation. The effect of breed on T/P was assessed using one-way linear regression models.

A retrospective evaluation of complications associated with forkless tibial tuberosity advancement performed in primary care practice.

Objective: To report postoperative complications associated with forkless tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) performed in primary care veterinary practice and to compare results with previous publications.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Sample Population: Three hundred seventy-four forkless TTAs in 329 dogs performed by six nonspecialist veterinarians.

Isolates, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles and Multidrug Resistance of Bacteria Cultured from Pig Submissions in New Zealand.

Data on the scope of bacterial pathogens present and the frequency of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in New Zealand's pigs are limited. This study describes bacterial isolates, antimicrobial susceptibility data, and multidrug resistance (MDR; resistance to ≥3 antimicrobial classes) from New Zealand pig submissions. Porcine test data from June 2003 to February 2016 were obtained from commercial veterinary pathology laboratory records.

Evaluation of a modified proportional margin approach for complete surgical excision of canine cutaneous mast cell tumours and its association with clinical outcome.

Canine cutaneous mast cell tumours (MCTs) represent a common neoplasm in veterinary practice. Several reported techniques are available to guide surgical excision. Our study examined one hundred cutaneous MCTs that were excised surgically using a modified proportional margin approach.

A Cross-Sectional Survey of the Training and Management of a Cohort of 2-Year-Old Standardbred Racehorses in New Zealand.

There are limited data on the training and management practices of Standardbred trainers in New Zealand. The aims of this study were to describe the 2-year-old training practices of Standardbred trainers and to examine if there were differences in the production process between public (commercial) and amateur (licensed-to-train) trainers. An online Qualtrics survey was conducted after the 2016/7 racing season and completed by 154 Standardbred trainers, 88 (57%) of which had 2-year-olds in training.

Characteristics of Endurance Competitions and Risk Factors for Elimination in New Zealand during Six Seasons of Competition (2010/11-2015/16).

The welfare of horses in endurance competitions has been the focus of recent media attention. Epidemiological studies have examined the sport at the international (FEI) level. However, much of the participation in the sport occurs at a national level in preparation for FEI level competition.

Feasibility of open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation through a transdiaphragmatic approach in dogs.

Objective: To describe and evaluate the feasibility of a transdiaphragmatic (TD) approach for open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OCCPR) as an alternative to a traditional lateral thoracotomy (LT) in a canine cadaver model.

Study Design: Randomized noninferiority ex vivo study.

Animals: Fourteen canine cadavers weighing 17.

Survey of Handlers of 158 Police Dogs in New Zealand: Functional Assessment and Canine Orthopedic Index.

To determine the functional assessment (FA) of fitness and Canine Orthopedic Index (COI) scores of 158 police dogs. The hypothesis was the dogs would have excellent fitness and no evidence of orthopedic disease regardless of age as reported by the handlers. Observational, prospective study.

Repeatability of Three-Dimensional Computed Tomographic Volumetric Measurement of Lumbosacral Intervertebral Foramina in German Shepherd Dogs.

Objectives:  This article determines the repeatability of a recently reported method of volumetric measurement of the lateral intervertebral neurovascular foramina at the lumbosacral junction in German shepherd dogs.

Materials And Methods:  Batch files including the intervertebral neurovascular foramina were derived from previously obtained computed tomography studies of the extended lumbosacral junction of 20 German shepherd dogs and converted into volume datasets. Three observers independently performed five measurements of the left and right lumbosacral intervertebral neurovascular foramina in each dog, using an Extended Brilliance Workstation (Phillips, The Netherlands) to generate a volume of the lumbosacral intervertebral foramina in cubic millimetres, as described by Worth and colleagues in 2017.

Risk Factors for Transport-Related Problem Behaviors in Horses: A New Zealand Survey.

Transport-related problem behaviors (TRPBs) are common in horses and can cause injury to both the horses and their handlers. This study aimed to identify possible risk factors for TRPBs to inform approaches to mitigate TRPBs incidence and enhance horse welfare. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted to explore the prevalence of TRPBs and their association with human-, training- and transport management-related factors in New Zealand.

Nonlinear mixed models of growth curves from domestic shorthair cats in a breeding colony, housed in a seasonal facility to predict obesity.

Obesity is highly prevalent in pet cats (Felis silvestris catus) and is associated with several comorbidities, yet very little is understood about the early life risk factors. The aim of this study was to develop a mathematical model that describes growth in cats, to determine which early life variables were associated with being overweight in adulthood and to identify when during life the overweight phenotype developed in a colony of cats. We used pedigree, birth and growth data of 212 colony cats that were fed ad libitum from weaning.

Evaluation of the rostral projection of the sacral lamina as a component of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in German shepherd dogs.

Objective: To determine the association between a greater rostral projection of the sacral lamina and clinical signs of cauda equina syndrome (CES) in German shepherd dogs (GSD) with presumptive degenerative lumbosacral disease (DLSS).

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Sample Population: One hundred forty-three GSD (125 police dogs and 18 pet dogs) presenting for either CES or prebreeding evaluation.

Medium-Term Outcome and CT Assessment of Lateral Foraminotomy at the Lumbosacral Junction in Dogs with Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis.

Objective:  This article aims to report the medium-term clinical outcome and assess persistence of enlargement of the lumbosacral lateral intervertebral neurovascular foramen using computed tomography (CT) volumetric analysis in dogs following lateral foraminotomy.

Materials:  Six dogs that underwent lumbosacral lateral foraminotomy on one or both sides were evaluated with CT prior to, immediately postoperatively ( = 2) and at 12 to 44 months of follow-up. Five out of six dogs had successful clinical outcomes with alleviation of pain and increased levels of activity, according to subjective assessment.

A prospective study of breed differences in the thermal pain sensitivity of dogs.

Objective: To compare the thermal nociceptive thresholds (TNTs) of dogs from three working/sport breeds.

Study Design: Experimental prospective study.

Animals: Thirty healthy adult dogs of mixed age, sex and reproductive status, 10 of each of three breeds: Harrier Hound, Greyhound and New Zealand Huntaway.

Effect of a calcaneo-tibial screw on medial and lateral stability of the canine tarsocrural joint ex vivo.

Objective: To evaluate the use of a temporary calcaneo-tibial screw for stabilization of the tarsocrural joint in dogs with surgically treated collateral ligament injury.

Methods: The degree of varus and valgus laxity of the tarsocrural joint in various states of injury and stabilization was measured in paired cadaveric limbs of Greyhound dogs. The angle of varus or valgus laxity was calculated following simulated collateral ligament injury (long collateral ligament only, long and short collateral ligaments, and bilateral long and short collateral ligaments) and stabilization with a calcaneo-tibial screw.

Owner perceptions of their cat's quality of life when treated with a modified University of Wisconsin-Madison protocol for lymphoma.

Objectives The objectives of this study were to assess owner perceptions of their cat's quality of life during treatment for lymphoma with a doxorubicin-containing multi-agent chemotherapy protocol, whether various health-related parameters correlated with quality of life scores, and to assess owner satisfaction with the protocol. Methods A postal questionnaire was sent to the owners of 33 treated cats. Owners retrospectively assessed their cat's quality of life using a Likert scale (1-10) before lymphoma was diagnosed, at diagnosis and during chemotherapy.

Computed tomographic evaluation of dynamic alteration of the canine lumbosacral intervertebral neurovascular foramina.

Objective: To develop a computed tomographic (CT) method to measure the volume of the lumbosacral intervertebral neurovascular foramina (IVF) in dogs, and determine the effect of the range of motion of the lumbosacral (LS) junction on this measurement in German shepherd dogs (GSDs) with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS) compared to unaffected controls.

Study Design: In vivo analysis and retrospective case series.

Sample Population: Twenty-four working Police GSDs, 12 diagnosed with DLSS and 12 unaffected by DLSS were compared to 10 Greyhounds without DLSS.

Effect of dorsal laminectomy and dorsal annulectomy with partial lumbosacral discectomy on the volume of the lateral intervertebral neuroforamina in dogs when the lumbosacral junction is extended.

Objective: To determine the effect of dorsal annulectomy and partial discectomy on the volume of the lumbosacral lateral intervertebral neurovascular foramina (intervertebral foramina) in canine cadavers during extension of the lumbosacral junction.

Study Design: Ex vivo experiment.

Sample Population: Lumbosacral specimens from 10 large breed dogs euthanatized for reasons unrelated to lumbosacral disease.

Horse Injury during Non-Commercial Transport: Findings from Researcher-Assisted Intercept Surveys at Southeastern Australian Equestrian Events.

Equine transportation research has largely focused on the commercial land movement of horses. Data on the incidence and factors associated with horse injuries during non-commercial transportation (privately owned horse trucks and trailers) is scant. This study surveyed 223 drivers transporting horses to 12 equestrian events in southeastern Australia.

An imaging investigation of uroliths in hospitalized cats in New Zealand and in the United States.

The submission rates of feline uroliths to laboratories and the composition of uroliths have been reported in studies. The prevalence of uroliths reported on imaging findings has not been published. The objective of this retrospective study was to use imaging data to investigate the anatomical location and the prevalence of macroscopic uroliths in cats.

Investigation of cell-free DNA in canine plasma and its relation to disease.

Background: DNA is released from dying cells during apoptosis and necrosis. This cell-free DNA (cfDNA) diffuses into the plasma where it can be measured. In humans, an increase in cfDNA correlates with disease severity and prognosis.

ACCURACY OF RADIOGRAPHIC DETECTION OF THE CRANIAL MARGIN OF THE DORSAL LAMINA OF THE CANINE SACRUM.

An elongated sacral lamina has been described as one of the contributing factors for dogs with cauda equina syndrome due to degenerative lumbosacral stenosis (DLSS); however, published evidence is lacking on the accuracy of radiographic screening for the presence of this lesion. Objectives of this prospective, cross-sectional cadaver study were to describe the accuracy and repeatability of detection of the cranial sacral lamina margin on plain lateral radiographs of the lumbosacral junction in dogs. Twenty-five medium and large breed canine cadavers were radiographed before and after placement of a radiopaque hook in the cranial margin of the sacral lamina.

Canine soft tissue sarcoma managed in first opinion practice: outcome in 350 cases.

Objective: To determine outcome of dogs with a diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma managed in first opinion practice.

Study Design: Retrospective, case-controlled study

Animals: Dogs (n = 350) with primary occurrence of a soft tissue sarcoma.

Methods: A previously validated questionnaire was sent to all veterinarians requesting clinical information and ultimate outcome for all dogs.

Tourists' Perceptions of the Free-Roaming Dog Population in Samoa.

A study was undertaken to establish how visiting tourists to Samoa perceived free-roaming dogs (Canis familiaris) and their management, additionally some factors that influence their perceptions were assessed. Questionnaires were administered to 281 tourists across Samoa over 5 weeks. Free-roaming dogs were seen by 98.