Biocompatibility of allogenic canine fascia lata: In vitro evaluation and small case series

Abstract

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.

Surgical management of a lateral luxation of the tendon of the superficial digital flexor muscle using an autologous fascia lata graft

“…The FL graft has been used extensively in human surgery, including tendon repair,15–17 and has been used as augmentation for successful common calcaneal tendon repair in two dogs 18 19. Autologous grafts have numerous advantages over allogenic grafts, including low infection rate, no disease transmission, biocompatibility and lower cost 16.…”

“…Given the histological features, in vivo integration into surrounding tissues of the FL would be expected. 19 The use of synthetic mesh for surgical reconstruction is not without risk, with adherence to local tissues, soft tissue erosion, foreign body reaction and chronic infections all documented in human and veterinary literature. 11 22 23 Maintaining the free sliding motion of the TSDFM during tarsal motion was imperative for postoperative function.…”

“…11 20 Experimentally, free FL grafts have been shown to revascularise, confirming integration and long-term viability. 21 Furthermore, allogenic FL was shown to have proliferation of fibroblasts throughout its construct, unlike polypropylene mesh, 19 which is important for tissue regeneration postimplantation. Given the histological features, in vivo integration into surrounding tissues of the FL would be expected.…”

Perineal hernia repair in dorsal recumbency in 23 dogs: Description of technique, complications, and outcome

“…[1][2][3][4][5] A variety of techniques have been used to repair perineal hernias, including appositional sutures, transposition of local muscles, and/or implant placement. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Intact male dogs are usually castrated to reduce recurrence. 1,2,13 For hernias complicated by rectal deviation or sacculation, bladder retroflexion, or other abdominal pathologies, additional procedures, such as colopexy, vas deferens pexy, and cystopexy, may be performed via laparotomy.…”

“…Perineal hernia is an acquired disorder in which the pelvic diaphragm muscles become weakened, resulting in protrusion of abdominal or retroperitoneal contents into the ischiorectal fossa 1–5 . A variety of techniques have been used to repair perineal hernias, including appositional sutures, transposition of local muscles, and/or implant placement 1–12 . Intact male dogs are usually castrated to reduce recurrence 1,2,13 .…”