OBJECTIVE To retrospectively compare the incidence of incisional complications in dogs undergoing surgery for mast cell tumors (MCTs) and soft tissue sarcomas (STSs). ANIMALS 218 dogs. PROCEDURES Dogs that underwent excision of ≥ 1 MCT, STS, or both from January 2014 to July 2019 and had ≥ 30 days postoperative follow-up were included. Signalment; anesthesia and surgery time; administration of propofol; tumor type, grade, location, and size; intended surgical margins; histologic margins; perioperative radiation, chemotherapy, and corticosteroid and antihistamine (MCT group) treatments; and incisional complications (classified as major or minor) were recorded. Follow-up information was obtained from owners or primary care veterinarians, if needed. Incidence and severity of incisional complications were compared between the MCT and STS groups. Potential risk factors were assessed for associations with incisional complications by simple and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The 218 dogs underwent surgery for 293 tumors (209 MCTs and 84 STSs). Complication rates did not differ between MCT (28/209 [13%]) and STS (12/84 [14%]) groups. For the MCT group, incomplete margins (vs complete or narrow), increasing Patnaik tumor grade, and postoperative chemotherapy (yes vs no) were associated with increased odds of incisional complications on simple regression. On multiple logistic regression, postoperative chemotherapy was associated with increased odds of incisional complications for the MCT group and both groups combined. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE On the basis of the results, we suggest that chemotherapy be used with caution ≤ 30 days after surgery for dogs with MCTs. Corticosteroid administration was not associated with incisional complications for the MCT group in this study.

OBJECTIVE To quantitatively measure the amount of pressure induced at the calcaneus and cranial tibial surface of dogs by use of 2 cast configurations. ANIMALS 13 client- or student-owned dogs. PROCEDURES Pressure sensors were placed over the calcaneus and cranial tibial surface. Dogs then were fitted with a fiberglass cast on a pelvic limb extending from the digits to the stifle joint (tall cast). Pressure induced over the calcaneus and proximal edge of the cast at the level of the cranial tibial surface was simultaneously recorded during ambulation. Subsequently, the cast was shortened to end immediately proximal to the calcaneus (short cast), and data acquisition was repeated. Pressure at the level of the calcaneus and cranial tibial surface for both cast configurations was compared by use of paired t tests. RESULTS The short cast created significantly greater peak pressure at the level of the calcaneus (mean ± SD, 0.2 ± 0.07 MPa), compared with peak pressure created by the tall cast (0.1 ± 0.06 MPa). Mean pressure at the proximal cranial edge of the cast was significantly greater for the short cast (0.2 ± 0.06 MPa) than for the tall cast (0.04 ± 0.03 MPa). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE A cast extended to the level of the proximal portion of the tibia caused less pressure at the level of the calcaneus and the proximal cranial edge of the cast. Reducing the amount of pressure at these locations may minimize the potential for pressure sores and other soft tissue injuries.

Objective: To compare the geometrical properties and bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal radius between Saint Bernard and other giant breed dogs. Study design: Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study. Animals: Thirteen client-owned Saint Bernard dogs and 13 other client-owned giant breed dogs. Methods: Computed tomography (CT) studies of Saint Bernard and other giant breed dogs were reviewed. Multiplanar reconstruction of the CT images was used to determine cross-sectional variables at the proximal half of the radius, including mean cortical thickness (mCT) and moment of inertia (MOI). Cortical BMD was estimated from Hounsfield unit measurements at each cross-section and averaged per bone. One-way analysis of variance was used to detect differences between groups. Results: Proximal radii of Saint Bernard dogs had a lower cortical/medullary ratio (1.75 vs 2.2, P < .001), mCT (1.96 vs 2.64 mm, P < .001), and MOI in all planes (mediolateral [ML]: 2086.09 vs 2757.69 mm 4 , P < .001; craniocaudal [CrCd]: 3736.36 vs 4370.28 mm 4 , P = .025; and polar: 5852.45 vs 7127.97 mm 4 , P = .002) compared with bones of other breeds. Cross-sectional BMD did not differ between groups of dogs, but the mean BMD of all cross-sections was lower in Saint Bernard dogs (1214.27 vs 1289.80 mg/mm 3 , P = .029). Conclusion: The proximal radii of Saint Bernard dogs had thinner cortices and lower CrCd, ML, and polar MOI compared with corresponding bones in giant breed dogs.Clinical significance: The structural properties of the proximal radius of the Saint Bernard differ from those in other giant breeds and could reduce the ability of this region to sustain biomechanical loads. These properties could predispose Saint Bernard dogs to complications after surgical limb-sparing procedures.

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