A study using a canine hydrotherapy treadmill at five different conditions to kinematically assess range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine in dogs.

Background: Incline treadmill and underwater treadmill (UWTM) exercises are common canine rehabilitation modalities , which are often used in isolation in dogs recovering from spinal surgery. Early use of an incline during UWTM exercise may have the potential to improve rehabilitation outcomes in dogs, but, it is hypothesised that dorsoventral movement of the spine may be excessive meaning it is unsuitable in some circumstances.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify changes in canine spinal kinematics in dogs when using a dry treadmill at different angles of incline compared to an underwater treadmill using the same inclines.

Limbs kinematics of dogs exercising at different water levels on the underwater treadmill.

Background: With hydrotherapy rising in the United Kingdom, before understanding the effect of hydrotherapy in animals with pathologies, kinematics data for healthy animals is required.

Objectives: To assess how different water levels on an underwater treadmill (UWTM) can affect joint kinematics.

Methods: Zinc oxide markers were placed on bony landmarks on the limbs of 10 healthy dogs, randomly split into five groups.

Histological evaluation of cellular response to a multifilament electrospun suture for tendon repair.

Background: Rotator cuff tendon repair in humans is a commonly performed procedure aimed at restoring the tendon-bone interface. Despite significant innovation of surgical techniques and suture anchor implants, only 60% of repairs heal successfully. One strategy to enhance repair is the use of bioactive sutures that provide the native tendon with biophysical cues for healing.

Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of cellular response to a woven and electrospun polydioxanone (PDO) and polycaprolactone (PCL) patch for tendon repair.

We investigated endogenous tissue response to a woven and electrospun polydioxanone (PDO) and polycaprolactone (PCL) patch intended for tendon repair. A sheep tendon injury model characterised by a natural history of consistent failure of healing was chosen to assess the biological potential of woven and aligned electrospun fibres to induce a reparative response. Patches were implanted into 8 female adult English Mule sheep.

Evaluation of the Effects of Synovial Multipotent Cells on Deep Digital Flexor Tendon Repair in a Large Animal Model of Intra-Synovial Tendinopathy.

Intra-synovial tendon injuries are a common orthopedic problem with limited treatment options. The synovium is a specialized connective tissue forming the inner encapsulating lining of diarthrodial joints and intra-synovial tendons. It contains multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells that render it a viable source of progenitors for tendon repair.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells do not enhance intra-synovial tendon healing despite engraftment and homing to niches within the synovium.

Background: Intra-synovial tendon injuries display poor healing, which often results in reduced functionality and pain. A lack of effective therapeutic options has led to experimental approaches to augment natural tendon repair with autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) although the effects of the intra-synovial environment on the distribution, engraftment and functionality of implanted MSCs is not known. This study utilised a novel sheep model which, although in an anatomically different location, more accurately mimics the mechanical and synovial environment of the human rotator cuff, to determine the effects of intra-synovial implantation of MSCs.

In vitro and in vivo study of commercial calcium phosphate cement HydroSet™.

The commercial calcium phosphate cement, HydroSet™, was investigated in vitro, studying phase formation, compressive strength and setting time, followed by an ovine in vivo study to measure osseointegration, bone apposition and bone-to-graft contact. The X-ray diffraction and P Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (MAS NMR) results showed the initial formation of octacalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite at one hour. Over 7 days the octacalcium phosphate transformed to apatite, which was the only crystalline phase of the cement at 28 days.

In vivo biocompatibility and pacing function study of silver ion-based antimicrobial surface technology applied to cardiac pacemakers.

Introduction: Evidence suggests that the rate of cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infections is increasing more rapidly than the rates of CIED implantation and is associated with considerable mortality, morbidity and health economic impact. Antimicrobial surface treatments are being developed for CIEDs to reduce the risk of postimplantation infection within the subcutaneous implant pocket.

Methods And Analysis: The feasibility of processing cardiac pacemakers with the Agluna antimicrobial silver ion surface technology and in vivo biocompatibility were evaluated.

Augmentation and repair of tendons using demineralised cortical bone.

Background: In severe injuries with loss of tendon substance a tendon graft or a synthetic substitute is usually used to restore functional length. This is usually associated with donor site morbidity, host tissue reactions and lack of remodelling of the synthetic substitutes, which may result in suboptimal outcome. A biocompatible graft with mechanical and structural properties that replicate those of normal tendon and ligament has so far not been identified.

Silicate-substituted calcium phosphate with enhanced strut porosity stimulates osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells.

While many synthetic ceramic bone graft substitutes (BGSs) have osteoconductive properties (e.g. provide a physical scaffold for osteointegration of surrounding bone tissue), certain BGSs are osteostimulative in that they actively upregulate mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and stimulate differentiation into osteoblast-like cells.

Treatment of a periarticular tibial fracture in a foal with a hybrid external fixator.

Objective: To report repair of a right proximal tibial Salter-Harris type II fracture in a foal with a hybrid external fixator (HEF).

Study Design: Case report.

Animals: A 5-month-old male foal.