Background The ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to modulate immune responses inspired a series of clinical trials addressing oral mucosal inflammation. We previously reported on the safety and efficacy of fresh, allogeneic and autologous, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) to treat feline gingivostomatitis (FCGS), an oral mucosal inflammatory disease that shares similarities with human oral lichen planus. Methods To meet clinical demand and goals for future commercialization, we determined the feasibility of shipping fresh ASCs to distant clinics and extended our pilot studies to expand safety and efficacy data for shipped and non-shipped ASCs in a cohort of 18 FCGS cats enrolled locally and at a few different locations within the USA. Results We found that ASCs retained their viability, phenotype, and function after shipment. ASCs administered systemically resulted in a 72% positive response rate, identical to that noted in our previous studies. Cats that responded to ASC therapy had a significant decrease in circulating globulin concentration and histological evidence of decreased CD3+ T cells and CD20+ B cells in the oral mucosa. Responder cats also had significantly decreased percentages of CD8lo cells in blood prior to and at 3 months post-ASC therapy. CD8lo cells may serve as a potential “predictor” for response to systemic ASC therapy. Conclusion Fresh feline ASCs can be successfully shipped and administered to cats with FCGS. ASCs modulate the immune response and demonstrate efficacy for chronic oral mucosal inflammatory lesions that are characterized by CD8+ T cell inflammation and T cell activation. FCGS is a potentially useful naturally occurring large animal model of human oral inflammatory diseases.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the biocompatibility of canine fascia lata (FL) in vitro and after FL allograft implantation in dogs with clinical disease.Study designIn vitro experiment and small case series.Sample populationSix dogs treated with allogenic freeze‐dried FL.MethodsFibroblasts were cultured on disks of FL, polypropylene mesh (PM; negative control), and porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS; positive control). Constructs were compared at 3, 7, and 14 days for water content, DNA amounts, scanning electron microscopy, and histology.Records of dogs treated with FL allografts with follow‐up examination were reviewed for signalment, indication for surgery, surgical procedure, and outcomes. All owners were invited to complete a standardized questionnaire for long‐term follow‐up.ResultsWater content was greater in FL and SIS than in PM (P = .03). Fascia lata constructs contained more DNA compared with PM constructs at days 7 and 14 (P < .05), whereas SIS constructs did not differ from FL or PM. Fibroblasts appeared spherical and distributed throughout FL constructs, whereas they appeared stellate and remained on the surface of SIS and PM. Fascia lata allografts were implanted in six dogs with surgical conditions. No incisional complications were noted. All dogs had good to excellent long‐term outcomes, except one that experienced recurrence of a perineal hernia 2 years after repair.ConclusionIn vitro, canine FL allowed attachment and proliferation of fibroblasts throughout layers of the graft. Canine allogenic FL was clinically well tolerated in this small population of dogs.Clinical significanceAllogenic FL is biocompatible and can be considered an alternative to SIS for soft tissue augmentation in dogs.

An 18-month-old neutered male labradoodle was treated with surgical debridement for maxillary osteomyelitis and sequestrum formation. Histopathologic findings of the necrotic bone were consistent with Cryptococcus subspecies, confirmed with latex agglutination serum titer testing. The patient responded to a combination of fluconazole and surgical debridement and was titer negative after 8 months of medical therapy. The patient never exhibited signs of systemic illness which is commonly reported with cryptococcosis. Cryptococcus subspecies infection in dogs in the Pacific Northwest is part of an ongoing outbreak in the region, first reported in 2001, and is associated with specific risk factors. This is the first published case of oral cryptococcosis from primary inoculation.

Malocclusion is a common problem in dogs. Linguoverted canine teeth (class I malocclusion) can cause palatal defects, oronasal fistulae, dental wear, and periodontal disease. Mandibular distoclusion (class II malocclusion), in which the mandibular arch occludes caudal to its normal position relative to the maxillary arch, can further contribute to lingual displacement of mandibular canine teeth. Traditionally, a flowable self-curing bisacrylic composite material has been used. The method described here uses a light cure acrylic denture base material utilizing multiple customized segments to construct the appliance to the desired shape and size necessary to achieve a functional incline plane.