OBJECTIVE To evaluate the 3-D geometry of canine pelves and to characterize the long-term effects of juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) on pelvic geometry by comparing the pelvic configuration between littermates that did and did not undergo the procedure. ANIMALS 24 Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, or Labrador Retriever–Golden Retriever crossbred service dogs from 13 litters. PROCEDURES At 16 weeks old, puppies with a hip joint distraction index ≥ 0.5 were randomly assigned to undergo thermal JPS (n = 9), mechanical JPS (7), or a sham (control) surgical procedure (8). Ten years later, each dog underwent a CT scan of the pelvic region. Modeling software was used to create 3-D reconstructions from the CT scans, and various pelvic measurements were made and compared among the 3 treatments. RESULTS Compared with the control treatment, thermal and mechanical JPS increased the hemipelvis acetabular angle by 4°, the acetabular angle of lateral opening by 5°, and the orientation of the medial acetabular wall in a transverse plane by 6°, which indicated that JPS increased dorsal femoral head coverage by the acetabulum. Both JPS procedures decreased the pelvic canal area by approximately 20% and acetabular inclination by 6° but did not alter acetabular retroversion. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that thermal and mechanical JPS were equally effective in altering the 3-D pelvic geometry of dogs. These findings may help guide future studies of alternatives for optimizing canine pelvic anatomy to minimize the risk of hip dysplasia and associated osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether passive ureteral dilation (PUD) would occur after an indwelling ureteral stent was left in place in healthy dogs for 2 or 6 weeks, ureteroscopy would be possible at the time of stent removal, and PUD would be reversible after stent removal. ANIMALS 5 healthy adult female Beagles. PROCEDURES A ureteral stent was cystoscopically placed in each ureter of each dog with fluoroscopic guidance (week 0). One stent was removed from 1 ureter in each dog after 2 weeks (ureter group 1), and the other was removed after 6 weeks (ureter group 2); removal timing was randomized. Computed tomographic excretory urography was performed every 2 weeks from weeks 0 through 10 to measure ureteral diameters. Ureteroscopy was attempted at the time of ureteral stent removal in each group. Ureteral diameters were compared among measurement points. RESULTS The degree of PUD was significant after 2 and 6 weeks of stent placement in both ureter groups. Mean diameter of the midportion of the ureter in both groups prior to stent placement was 1.70 mm (range, 1.3 to 2.7 mm). At stent removal, mean diameter of the midportion of the ureter was 2.86 mm (range, 2.4 to 3.1 mm) in group 1 and 2.80 mm (range, 2.1 to 3.4 mm) in group 2. Ureteroscopy was successfully performed in all dogs up to the renal pelvis. Compared with week 0 values for diameter of the midportion of the ureter, the degree of PUD induced by stent placement had reversed by week 8 in group 1 (mean diameter, 2.00 mm [range, 1.5 to 2.3 mm]). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that ureteral stent placement for 2 weeks would result in sufficient PUD in healthy dogs to allow ureteroscopy at the time of stent removal and that the original ureteral diameter would eventually be restored. Additional research is needed to determine whether findings would be similar for dogs with urinary tract disease.

The sacrum fused with ilium in a chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis) was observed. The sacrum consists of four sacral vertebrae which was fused each other. In the ventral part of the fused pelvis, on the left, there was a 20.19 mm gap at the dorsolateral part of the sacroiliac articular part which is in between the promontory and the cranial border of the first ventral sacral foramen. On the right, there was a 14.34 mm gap at the dorsal part of sacroiliac articulation. In the dorsal view of the fused pelvis, the wing of sacrum and the wing of ilium were fused tightly, so that the boundary of the two bones was not recognizable.

Objective-To determine the ratio of ventral-to-dorsal transverse diameters between the wings of the sacrum on ventrodorsal radiographic views of the pelvis in large dogs and to validate the reliability of this morphometric analysis for functional interpretation. Sample Population-Pelvic specimens from 40 large-breed dogs and radiographs of 113 large-breed dogs. Procedure-In an anatomic and radiographic evaluation, the transverse dorsal diameter (TVDS) and transverse ventral diameter (TVV) between the wings of the sacrum were evaluated in sacrum specimens and on corresponding radiographs of the pelvis and sacrum. The ratio between TVV and TVDS (VD ratio) was calculated. Intraobserver reliability was determined by calculation of the coefficient of variation. In a retrospective radiographic evaluation, the VD ratio was determined in Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherd Dogs. Correlations between VD ratio and breed, age, and sex were tested. Results-The VD ratio was significantly higher in Rottweilers than in Golden Retrievers and German Shepherd Dogs, denoting an oblique alignment of the sacral wings in Rottweilers (ie, the dorsal aspects of the sacral wings were located more medially than the ventral aspects) and an almost sagittal alignment in the other breeds. The VD ratio was significantly associated with age but not with sex. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance-Sagittal alignment of the wings of the sacrum is considered to be biomechanically less efficient. These results provide a basis for further studies to evaluate radiographic assessment of the sacroiliac joints similar to the evaluation for hip dysplasia.

A 3.5-mm cortical orthopedic screw was compared with a 4.0-mm cancellous screw for maximal load to failure in the pelvis of immature dogs. The pelvis from young cadavers (7 to 13 months old) was divided into hemipelves and used for testing of the 2 screw types. Two sites in each hemipelvis were used, mid-shaft of the ilium and mid-sacrum, including the wing of the ilium. The screws were extracted, and maximal load to failure and mode of failure were recorded. Maximal load to failure per millimeter of engaged thread was calculated. In either pelvic site, the 4.0-mm cancellous screw required a significantly (P < 0.05) higher pullout force per millimeter of engaged screw threads than did the 3.5-mm cortical bone screw.

The vascular patterns to pelvic limb muscles were studied in 6 dogs (12 limbs) to identify muscles most suitable for transposition in the treatment of large wounds. Gross dissection of injected specimens and angiography were used to identify the vascular pedicles. The vascular pedicles to several muscles were generally consistent, and any variations would not interfere with most muscle transfers. The cranial part of the sartorius, gracillis, semitendinosus, and rectus femoris muscles were identified as suitable candidates for transfer. The caudal part of the sartorius, cranial tibial, and long digital extensor muscles have segmentalized vascular patterns that would limit its arc of rotation.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on markers of synovial inflammation and signs of pain, function, bone healing, and osteoarthritis following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in dogs with spontaneous cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). ANIMALS 12 client-owned dogs with unilateral CCLR. PROCEDURES All dogs were instrumented with an accelerometer for 2 weeks before and 8 weeks after TPLO. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive LLLT (radiant exposure, 1.5 to 2.25 J/cm2; n = 6) or a control (red light; 6) treatment immediately before and at predetermined times for 8 weeks after TPLO. Owners completed a Canine Brief Pain Inventory weekly for 8 weeks after surgery. Each dog underwent a recheck appointment, which included physical and orthopedic examinations, force plate analysis, radiography and synoviocentesis of the affected joint, and evaluation of lameness and signs of pain, at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery. Select markers of inflammation were quantified in synovial fluid samples. Variables were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS For the control group, mean ground reaction forces were greater at 2 and 4 weeks after TPLO and owner-assigned pain scores were lower during weeks 1 through 5 after TPLO, compared with corresponding values for the LLLT group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that the LLLT protocol used had no beneficial effects on signs of pain or pelvic limb function following TPLO. Further research is necessary to evaluate the effects of LLLT and to determine the optimum LLLT protocol for dogs with CCLR.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate head, pelvic, and limb movement to detect lameness in galloping horses. ANIMALS 12 Thoroughbreds. PROCEDURES Movement data were collected with inertial sensors mounted on the head, pelvis, and limbs of horses trotting and galloping in a straight line before and after induction of forelimb and hind limb lameness by use of sole pressure. Successful induction of lameness was determined by measurement of asymmetric vertical head and pelvic movement during trotting. Differences in gallop strides before and after induction of lameness were evaluated with paired-sample statistical analysis and neural network training and testing. Variables included maximum, minimum, range, and time indices of vertical head and pelvic acceleration, head rotation in the sagittal plane, pelvic rotation in the frontal plane, limb contact intervals, stride durations, and limb lead preference. Difference between median standardized gallop strides for each limb lead before and after induction of lameness was calculated as the sum of squared differences at each time index and assessed with a 2-way ANOVA. RESULTS Head and pelvic acceleration and rotation, limb timing, stride duration measurements, and limb lead preference during galloping were not significantly different before and after induction of lameness in the forelimb or hind limb. Differences between limb leads before induction of lameness were similar to or greater than differences within limb leads before and after lameness induction. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Galloping horses maintained asymmetry of head, pelvic, and limb motion between limb leads that was unrelated to lameness.

Objective-To compare overground and treadmill-based gaits of dogs. Animals -5 clinically normal adult mixed-breed dogs. Procedures-To obtain dynamic gait data, 30 retroreflective markers were affixed bilaterally to specific regions of the hind limbs and pelvis of each dog. For each dog, 3-D joint motion data (sagittal [flexion and extension], transverse [internal and external rotation], and frontal [abduction and adduction] planes of motion) for the hip, femorotibial, and tarsal joints were acquired during walking and trotting through a calibrated testing space overground or on a treadmill. Comparison of data was performed via generalized indicator function analysis and Fourier analysis. Results-Both overground and treadmill-based gaits produced similar waveforms in all planes of motion. Fourier analysis revealed no difference between overground and treadmill-based gaits in the sagittal plane of motion; however, small differences were detected between overground and treadmill-based gaits in the other 2 planes of motion. Additionally, femorotibial joint motion during walking did not differ among planes of motion. Generalized indicator function analysis was able to detect differences between overground and treadmill-based gait waveforms in all planes of motion for all joints during walking and trotting. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-In dogs, overground and treadmill-based gaits produced similar waveform shapes. Of the 3 planes of motion evaluated, only sagittal plane kinematic gait data were unaffected by mode of ambulation as determined via Fourier analysis. Sagittal kinematic gait data collected from dogs during overground or treadmill-based ambulation were comparable. However, analysis methods may affect data comparisons.

Objective: To evaluate the role of the semitendinosus muscle in stabilization of the canine stifle joint. Sample: Left stifle joints collected from cadavers of 8 healthy Beagles. Procedures: Left hind limbs, including the pelvis, were collected. To mimic the tensile force of the quadriceps, gastrocnemius, and semitendinosus muscles, wires were placed under strain between the ends of each muscle. A sensor was used to measure the tensile force in each wire. Specimens were tested in the following sequence: cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) intact, CrCL transected, released (tensile force of semitendinosus muscle was released in the CrCL-transected stifle joint), and readjusted (tensile force of semitendinosus muscle was reapplied in the CrCL-transected stifle joint). Specimens were loaded at 65.3% of body weight, and tensile force in the wires as well as the cranial tibial displacement were measured. Results: Tensile force for the CrCL-transected condition increased significantly, compared with that for the CrCL-intact condition. Mean ± SD cranial tibial displacement for the CrCL-transected condition was 2.1 ± 1.3 mm, which increased to 7.2 ± 2.3 mm after release of the tensile force in the semitendinosus muscle. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Results supported the contention that the semitendinosus muscle is an agonist of the CrCL in the stifle joint of dogs. Moreover, the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles may be antagonists of the CrCL. These findings suggested that the risk of CrCL rupture may be increased by diseases (such as cauda equina syndrome) associated with a decrease in activity of the semitendinosus muscle.