Incidence, number, and area of IACI were greater in the arthroscopy group versus the mini-arthrotomy group. Mini-arthrotomy resulted in a longer incision and incomplete joint visualization. Methods of preventing IACI and clinical significance of IACI warrant further investigation.

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of a hybrid external skeletal fixator (HESF) construct to the placement of paired interfragmentary Kirschner wires alone, and pin and tension band wire (PTBW) fixation for the stabilization of simulated tibial tuberosity fractures in dogs. Study Design Tibias were harvested from 12 skeletally mature dog cadavers weighing 20 to 30 kg. An osteotomy was made through the base of the tibial tuberosity, which was subsequently repaired with either paired Kirschner wires, PTBW fixation or a HESF. A tensile load was applied to the tibial tuberosity until failure occurred. Mode of failure was described and biomechanical parameters obtained were compared between fixation groups. Results The PTBW fixation and HESF construct afforded greater stiffness and load at 3 mm of axial displacement compared with fixation with Kirschner wires alone. There was no significant difference in stiffness and load at 3 mm displacement between PTBW and HESF fixation. Failure occurred by bending and pullout of the Kirschner wires for all fixation groups, preceded by untwisting of the knot in PTBW specimens. Conclusion The HESF may provide a favourable alternative to PTBW fixation for tibial tuberosity avulsion fracture stabilization in dogs with substantial remaining growth potential.

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of a high-fidelity model for teaching ovariohysterectomy (OHE) to veterinary students. Study design: Longitudinal survey. Sample population: Clinicians with ≥2 years postgraduate experience in small animal surgery and a sophomore veterinary student population at 1 institution. Methods: Twelve clinicians evaluated the high-fidelity model for realism. Questionnaires were distributed to sophomore veterinary students prior to and after OHE training on the high-fidelity model (SynDaver Surgical Canine) and after performing OHE as primary surgeon with a live dog. Time for students to perform OHE (identify the first ovarian pedicle to transecting the uterine body) and number of technical errors (visceral injury, hemorrhage, loose ligatures) were compared between the model and live dog groups. Results: Evaluators rated the high-fidelity model as moderate-to-highly realistic.Students' confidence improved after practicing on the model in all critical steps and additionally improved after performing an OHE on a live dog. Time to complete the OHE on the model (mean ± SD,73.4 ± 27.1 minutes) and live dogs (83.0 ± 24.7 minutes) did not differ (P = .20). Frequency of hemorrhagic events (P = .77) and accidental visceral injury (P = .30) did not differ between the model and live dogs. However, fewer loose ligatures were placed in live dogs (23/64) compared with the model (22/37; P = .02). Conclusion:The high-fidelity model improved the confidence of sophomore students. The duration of OHE did not differ between the model and live dogs. Clinical impact: The high-fidelity model is valuable for improving confidence in veterinary students prior to live-dog OHE.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of an omega-3 fatty acid and protein-enriched diet, physical rehabilitation, or both on radiographic findings and markers of synovial inflammation in dogs following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and arthroscopic surgery for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament disease. DESIGN Randomized, prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS 48 dogs with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament disease. PROCEDURES Dogs were randomly assigned to receive a dry omega-3 fatty acid and protein-enriched dog food formulated to support joint health (test food [TF]), a dry food formulated for adult canine maintenance (control food [CF]), TF plus rehabilitation, or CF plus rehabilitation after surgery. Synovial fluid prostaglandin (PG) E and interleukin-1β concentrations, radiographic osteoarthritis scores, osteotomy site healing, and patellar ligament thickness were assessed at predetermined time points up to 6 months after surgery. RESULTS Dogs that received CF had significantly higher PGE concentrations over time following surgery than did dogs that received TF, regardless of rehabilitation status. Synovial fluid interleukin-1β concentrations did not change over time in any groups. Diet and rehabilitation were both associated with osteoarthritis scores, with significantly lower scores over time for dogs that received TF versus CF and for dogs that underwent rehabilitation versus those that did not. Proportions of dogs with complete osteotomy healing 8 and 24 weeks after surgery were significantly lower for dogs that received TF than for dogs that received CF, regardless of rehabilitation status. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that feeding the TF can result in lower synovial fluid PGE concentrations and that both the TF and rehabilitation can reduce progression of osteoarthritis in the 6 months following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy; clinical relevance of slower osteotomy healing in dogs fed the TF was unclear.

Objective To report a case of bilateral radial head osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in a dog treated via lateral elbow arthroscopy portals. Study design Case report. Animals Six month old female spayed English bulldog. Methods The dog was presented for a left thoracic limb lameness localized to the elbow. Computed tomography revealed bilaterally symmetrical mineralized fragments in the lateral compartment of the elbow joint and blunting of the medial coronoid processes. The fragments were associated with a thin donation bed along the caudolateral articular surface of the radial head with moderate surrounding subchondral bone sclerosis. Bilateral elbow arthroscopy was pursued. Arthroscopy was initiated via a standard medial approach, which allowed for abrasion arthroplasty of the radial incisure and medial coronoid process but provided insufficient access to the radial head lesions. A lateral arthroscopic approach was subsequently performed and provided excellent access to the radial head for fragment retrieval and abrasion arthroplasty. Results Histopathology of the radial head fragments revealed mild cartilage degeneration and retention of cartilaginous cores within subchondral bone, consistent with OCD. Complete resolution of lameness and elbow pain were observed on clinical examination 5 months postoperatively. Conclusion Radial head OCD can occur as a rare component of elbow dysplasia in growing dogs, and fragment retrieval with abrasion arthroplasty via lateral arthroscopic portals may be an effective treatment option.