Type III collagen (Col3) has been proposed to play a key role in tissue repair based upon its temporospatial expression during the healing process of many tissues, including bone. Given our previous finding that Col3 regulates the quality of cutaneous repair, as well as our recent data supporting its role in regulating osteoblast differentiation and trabecular bone quantity, we hypothesized that mice with diminished Col3 expression would exhibit altered long-bone fracture healing. To determine the role of Col3 in bone repair, young adult wild-type (Col3+/+) and haploinsufficent (Col3 +/−) mice underwent bilateral tibial fractures. Healing was assessed 7, 14, 21, and 28 days following fracture utilizing microcomputed tomography (microCT), immunohistochemistry and histomorphometry. MicroCT analysis revealed a small but significant increase in bone volume fraction in Col3+/− mice at day 21. However, histological analysis revealed that Col3+/− mice have less bone within the callus at days 21 and 28, which is consistent with the established role for Col3 in osteogenesis. Finally, a reduction in fracture callus osteoclastic activity in Col3+/− mice suggests Col3 also modulates callus remodeling. Although Col3 haploinsufficiency affected biological aspects of bone repair, it did not affect the regain of mechanical function in the young mice that were evaluated in this study. These findings provide evidence for a modulatory role for Col3 in fracture repair and support further investigations into its role in impaired bone healing.

ObjectiveTo determine the predictive value of meniscal click for specific meniscal tear morphology.Study designProspective cohort.AnimalsClient‐owned dogs (104) with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficiency treated with stifle arthroscopy (111).MethodsAll stifles underwent a standardized examination for meniscal click before anesthesia (EBA) and during anesthesia (EDA). Presence or absence of a medial meniscal tear and diagnosis of tear morphology were confirmed with arthroscopic examination.ResultsComplete CCL tears were noted in 93 dogs, and incompetent partial tears were noted in 18 dogs. Medial meniscal tears were noted in 40.5% (55/111) of dogs, including bucket handle tears (BHT) in 65.6% (36/55) of tears. Frays of the lateral meniscus were noted in 6.3% of dogs (7/111). Examination for meniscal click before anesthesia was 38% sensitive and 94.5% specific, and EDA was 38% sensitive and 98.2% specific for all meniscal tear morphologies. Positive meniscal click at EBA was associated with a meniscal BHT but not with a meniscal non‐BHT (P < .0001 and P = .3515, respectively). Positive meniscal click at EDA was associated with a meniscal BHT but not with a meniscal non‐BHT (P < .0001 and P = .1909, respectively).ConclusionA meniscal click is more commonly associated with a meniscal BHT than with a non‐BHT.Clinical significanceMeniscal tear morphology influences the presence or absence of meniscal click. Because of the high incidence of meniscal disease, this study provides evidence to support joint exploration in the treatment of CCL disease.

Objective: To determine the influence of brachycephaly on respiratory, gastrointestinal, sleep, and activity-related parameters in cats. Study design: Prospective questionnaire-based study. Animals: A total of 194 BC and 1003 non-BC cats. Methods: Owners completed an online questionnaire regarding respiratory, gastrointestinal, sleep, and activity-related parameters. Response options were scored, and individual scores summed to give a total clinical severity score for each cat. Results: Brachycephalic cats had more frequent snoring (odds ratio [OR] 6.89;

Objective: To evaluate the effects of ala vestibuloplasty on cardiopulmonary and lifestyle-related parameters in brachycephalic (BC) cats.Study design: Prospective cohort. Animals: Client-owned BC cats (n = 19).Methods: Cats were assessed preoperatively by airway computed tomography (CT), endoscopy, contrast echocardiography, cardiac biomarkers, and structured owner questionnaire. Ala vestibuloplasty was performed bilaterally, and blood values, imaging, and owner questionnaire responses were re-evaluated 8-20 weeks postoperatively.Results: Cats were presented for predominantly respiratory clinical signs attributable to brachycephaly. Preoperatively, all cats had stenotic nares, prolonged normalized pulmonary transit time (nPTT) (mean 5.43 ± 1.10 s), and a hyperattenuating pulmonary pattern. No complications occurred following surgery. Postoperatively, nPTT (mean 3.89 ± 0.74 s, p < .001) and frequencies of sneezing (p = .002), snoring (p = .006), open-mouth breathing (p = .0004), and nasal discharge (p = .019) were decreased. Cats exhibited increased activity (p = .005), less frequent dyspnea during activity (p < .001), longer duration of activity before becoming dyspneic (p = .002), faster recovery from activity (p < .001), and decreased respiratory noise (p < .001). Median questionnaire scores improved from preoperative to postoperative (p < .001).Conclusion: Anatomic, echocardiographic, and CT changes were common in this cohort of clinically affected BC cats. Pulmonary blood flow and respiratory function were improved after surgery.

Objective: To compare the duration of closure and biomechanical properties of staphylectomies closed with absorbable bidirectional barbed suture or smooth monofilament suture in a simple continuous or interrupted pattern Study design: Ex vivo study Sample population: Soft palates (n = 60) harvested from mesaticephalic canine cadavers Methods: One centimeter of tissue was excised from the caudal border of each soft palate, and the oral and nasopharyngeal mucosal surfaces were apposed with 2-0 bidirectional Quill Monoderm knotless closure device barbed suture (Q), 3-0 Monocryl in a simple continuous (MC) pattern, or 3-0 Monocryl in a simple interrupted (MI) pattern (n = 20 per group). Duration of closure was compared between groups. Tissues were tested under tension to failure, and mode of failure data were collected by video capture. Results: Closure time was longer for MI closures than for Q and MC closures, with means of 259.9, 215.4, and 196.7 seconds, respectively (P < .0001). No difference was detected in yield force, force to first tissue rupture, maximum force, and energy required for yield and maximum force between groups. Energy to yield was 190.0, 167.8, and 188.95 N-mm for MI, Q, and MC closures, respectively. Conclusion: Biomechanical properties of staphylectomies closed with barbed or smooth sutures did not differ in this cadaveric model. Clinical significance: Barbed suture can be considered as an alternative for closure of canine staphylectomies. These results provide evidence to justify additional research to evaluate clinical outcomes in dogs undergoing staphylectomy.