The aim of this study was to characterize stem and progenitor cell populations from the equine superficial digital flexor tendon, an energy‐storing tendon with similarities to the human Achilles tendon, which is frequently injured. Using published methods for the isolation of tendon‐derived stem/progenitor cells by low‐density plating we found that isolated cells possessed clonogenicity but were unable to fully differentiate towards mesenchymal lineages using trilineage differentiation assays. In particular, adipogenic differentiation appeared to be restricted, as assessed by Oil Red O staining of stem/progenitor cells cultured in adipogenic medium. We then assessed whether differential adhesion to fibronectin substrates could be used to isolate a population of cells with broader differentiation potential. However we found little difference in the stem and tenogenic gene expression profile of these cells as compared to tenocytes, although the expression of thrombospondin‐4 was significantly reduced in hypoxic conditions. Tendon‐derived stem/progenitor cells isolated by differential adhesion to fibronectin had a similar differentiation potential to cells isolated by low density plating, and when grown in either normoxic or hypoxic conditions. In summary, we have found a restricted differentiation potential of cells isolated from the equine superficial digital flexor tendon despite evidence for stem/progenitor‐like characteristics. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 33:849–858, 2015.

No abstract

No abstract

Emphysematous cystitis (EC) is a complicated lower urinary tract condition characterised by gas within the urinary bladder wall and lumen. It results from infection by gas‐producing microorganisms and has been reported in both diabetic and non‐diabetic dogs and cats with variable presentation. There are two case reports from the medical literature documenting subcutaneous extension of gas in people with EC, but this finding has never been reported in a veterinary patient. In this case, we identified abdominal wall emphysema as a complication of EC in a veterinary patient, secondary to recurrent urinary tract infection with Escherichia coli in a 10‐year‐old neutered female border collie with diabetes mellitus. Both radiography and ultrasonography were sensitive for the diagnosis of this condition and important in excluding retrograde extension of gas into the renal parenchyma.

An 18-month-old, 23-kg, neutered male Staffordshire bull terrier was presented with acute left pelvic limb lameness. There was marked swelling at the level of the tuber calcanei, and lateral luxation of the tendon of the superficial digital flexor muscle (TSDFM) was palpable. Surgical correction included replacement of the TSDFM before apposition of the retinacular tissues. An autologous fascia lata graft was harvested from the ipsilateral limb and sutured over the primary suture line as augmentation. A modified Robert-Jones bandage with caudally positioned splint was placed for 12 days, and 5-minute lead exercise was started after 6 weeks. At 10 and 14 weeks postoperatively, the dog was exercising without evidence of lameness or clinical signs. Subjective grading by the attending veterinary surgeon (European College of Veterinary Surgeons boarded surgeon) revealed no lameness at either time point (Visual Analogue Scale score of 0/10). A clinical metrology questionnaire revealed normal mobility (Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs Questionnaire score of 3).