The results of this feasibility study justify further evaluation of the indications and outcomes of this technique in dogs with shoulder instability.

ERHO shifts the peak pressure location and the center of pressure laterally, toward the radial head and reduced the pressure acting on the ulna. The lateral shift of peak pressure may be beneficial in dogs with medial compartment disease.

ObjectiveTo compare mechanical properties of intact feline medial collateral ligaments and three techniques for treatment of feline medial tarsal instability.Study designControlled laboratory study.Sample populationForty‐eight normal, adult feline tarsi.MethodsThree repairs were tested: a bone tunnel with polypropylene (PP) suture, a bone tunnel with polyethylene (PE) cord, and a knotless anchor technique with PE cord. A cyclic (6‐N preload; 5‐N amplitude; 2‐Hz frequency) tensile test (600 cycles) was performed on feline tarsi with either the long or the short medial tarsal ligament intact, with each reconstruction technique followed by a single‐cycle load‐to‐failure test (0.5 mm/s) with a failure point at 2 mm of displacement. Total elongation, peak‐to‐peak elongation, stiffness, and maximum load to failure point were compared with the intact condition.ResultsNo differences in stiffness, total elongation, or peak‐to‐peak elongation were found between specimens repaired with the knotless technique and intact controls (P > .04), whereas tarsi repaired with the tunnel technique and PP were weaker (P < .008). Total and conditioning elongation were greater after tunnel reconstruction with PP than after knotless reconstruction (P = .005). Mean load to 2 mm of displacement tended (P = .03) to be higher after knotless than after knotted PP repairs and did not differ (P = .47) between tarsi repaired with the tunnel or anchor repairs with PE.ConclusionThe mechanical properties of intact tarsi were superior to those of tarsi repaired with tunnel techniques and PP but were similar to those of tarsi repaired with knotless techniques with PE.Clinical significanceFeline tarsal stabilization with the knotless technique for tarsal medial collateral ligament insufficiency may reduce the requirement for or duration of postoperative coaptation.

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We describe patient-specific surgical guide prototyping and surgical treatment of a complex antebrachial deformity in two skeletally mature dogs presenting with chronic lameness. Computer-assisted surgery was elected to increase accuracy in the correction of the complexity deformity. Radiographs and CT scans revealed a biplane deformity with valgus, procurvatum and external torsion of the right radius in both cases. The pre-surgical planning started from the quantification of the angular deformity, computer simulated correction to end up with a rehearsal surgery on 3D printed bone models. During the surgery, the custom-made osteotomy guides closely fitted the bone, allowing for a precise corrective osteotomy, that was stabilized with two locking plates. Postoperative x-rays showed successful correction of the deformity. At the follow up recheck examinations at 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively the dogs had improved lameness, weight-bearing and progression of bone healing were observed in both dogs. Patientspecific surgical guides allowed for a satisfactory correction of the antebrachial deformity. Additional benefits of using customized surgical devices include standardization and reduced surgical time.