Medicine and Pharmacology

Abstract: Canine hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a common musculoskeletal disorder requiring mul-tidimensional assessment. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated 4-week treatment with meloxicam, two marine-based fatty acid com-pounds, combination treatment, or placebo in 203 client-owned dogs with naturally occurring hip OA. The principal outcome was peak vertical force (PVF) of the index hindlimb measured by force-plate gait analysis. Secondary outcomes included PVF responder status, orthopedic assessment score (OAS), Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD), Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI), adverse events, and laboratory safety variables. Baseline-adjusted mean PVF did not differ significantly among treatment groups, although within-group PVF increased in the meloxicam group be-tween weeks 2 and 4. Using a predefined >5% of body weight PVF responder thresh-old, meloxicam-treated dogs were more likely than placebo-treated dogs to respond at week 4 (relative risk = 4.000; 95% confidence interval, 1.223 to 13.079; p = 0.022). Combination treatment was associated with improvements in LOAD and CBPI pain interference, PCSO-524 showed within-group improvement mainly in LOAD score, and EAB-277 showed within-group improvement in CBPI pain interference. OAS did not change significantly, and no consistent group-level laboratory safety concern was detected. These findings support multidimensional assessment of short-term treat-ment response in canine hip OA.

Abstract:

Background: The inflammation of the mammary gland, known as bovine mastitis, is a major challenge for the dairy cattle industry globally. The main organisms responsible for mastitis are bacteria, classified as either contagious, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and Streptococcus agalactiae; or environmental, primarily Streptococcus spp. (e.g. Streptococcus uberis) and coliform species. Even though the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of pathogens poses a serious threat, antibiotics are still the primary treatment for mastitis. It is therefore necessary to explore alternative therapies, such as essential oils (EOs). This in vitro research intended to evaluate the efficacy of EOs against etiological agents of bovine mastitis, as an alternative or complementary treatment to conventional antibiotics. Methods: The bactericidal activity of eleven essential oils and two blends was tested on five strains causing bovine mastitis: Str. agalactiae, Str. dysgalactiae, Str. uberis, Sta. aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. An assessment was carried out of both the reduction of biofilm formation and the inhibition of pre-formed biofilm against biofilm-formative strains of Sta. aureus and Sta. epidermitis. Results: Origanum vulgare and Cinnamomum zeylanicum resulted to be the EOs with the highest activity against the above-mentioned bacteria, inhibiting both bacterial growth and biofilm formation. Conclusions: This study emphasises the relevance of investigating natural products and supports the hypothesis of safe use of EOs to reduce bacterial infections and provide an effective alternative to antibiotics in complementary therapy. Moreover, to avoid treatment failure, the combined use of available antibiotics and natural compounds should also be considered.

Abstract: Reliable molecular detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) depends on RT-qPCR performance and pre-analytical factors, including sample matrix, RNA extraction method, carrier RNA supplementation, and storage conditions. This study compared silica membrane- and magnetic bead-based RNA extraction for detection of FMDV serotypes O, A, and SAT2 in serum, swab suspensions, and tissue homogenates at three virus dilutions, with and without carrier RNA. FMDV RNA stability in serum stored at room temperature or −20 °C for up to 60 days and following five freeze–thaw cycles was also evaluated using serotype O. Extraction performance was matrix-dependent. In serum, silica-based extraction yielded significantly lower Ct values than magnetic bead-based extraction. In tissue homogenates, magnetic bead extraction performed better with carrier RNA, whereas carrier RNA impaired silica-based extraction. No significant differences were observed for swabs. FMDV RNA detectability remained stable at −20 °C for 60 days, whereas room-temperature storage caused progressive signal loss, which was reduced by carrier RNA. Five freeze–thaw cycles did not progressively affect RNA detectability. These findings demonstrate that FMDV RNA detectability depends on interactions between extraction method, sample matrix, and carrier RNA, highlighting the importance of matrix-specific extraction optimization and appropriate frozen storage for reliable RT-qPCR diagnosis.

Abstract: Image-guided surgery has become an integral component of modern veterinary surgery using advanced imaging modalities, as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, and fluoroscopy. Recently, extended reality (XR) technologies have emerged as promising tools to enhance image-guided surgical procedures by improving three-dimensional anatomical understanding, surgical navigation, and intraoperative decision-making. Although XR has gained considerable attention in human surgery, its application in veterinary surgery remains at an early stage. This narrative review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence regarding XR technologies in small animal surgery, with particular emphasis on their integration with preoperative and intraoperative imaging modalities. The available literature was reviewed to evaluate current clinical applications, technological developments and future perspectives. Although several studies have explored the use of XR technologies for veterinary education, anatomical training, and diagnostic imaging instruction, relatively few investigations have assessed their direct application in clinical surgical practice. Potential applications have been described in orthopedic, oncologic, neurologic, cardiovascular, and minimally invasive procedures. Current evidence suggests that XR has considerable potential to improve image-guided veterinary surgery by enhancing surgical planning, anatomical understanding, and procedural guidance. Further prospective clinical studies are required to establish its clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and impact on surgical outcomes.

Abstract:

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) can precipitate anemia in critically ill patients, but temporal hematologic trends and anemia management strategies in cats remain poorly characterized. Medical records of three client-owned cats treated with CRRT for severe acute kidney injury with evidence of pre-existing chronic kidney disease at a single referral center were retrospectively reviewed. Hematologic variables (hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, absolute reticulocyte count) and renal parameters (blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, phosphorus) were evaluated before, during, and after CRRT, along with the timing of CRRT sessions, whole blood transfusions, erythropoiesis-stimulating agent administration, and adjunctive molidustat use. All three cats demonstrated a progressive decline in hematocrit during the CRRT period despite repeated whole blood transfusions, with only transient post-transfusion improvement. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations decreased promptly following CRRT initiation but showed variable rebound patterns during follow-up. Absolute reticulocyte counts increased after CRRT discontinuation in two cats, indicating preserved or recovering erythropoietic activity, while one cat with concurrent systemic inflammation showed a minimal response. Progressive anemia occurred consistently despite transfusion support, highlighting the multifactorial nature of anemia during feline CRRT. These descriptive findings provide clinically relevant insight into anemia progression during feline CRRT and may inform the design of future prospective studies.

Abstract: Canine urothelial carcinoma (UC) is commonly managed with NSAIDs alone or in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Clinical evidence for subcutaneous KLH-based immunotherapy in canine UC is lacking. We describe two client-owned dogs with clinically diagnosed lower urinary tract UC managed with NSAIDs, Immucothel®, and selenium supplementation after their owners declined cytotoxic chemotherapy. Case 1 was an 11-year-7-month-old castrated male Maltese with a bladder-neck/proximal-urethral lesion. A presumptive diagnosis was based on a positive veterinary bladder tumor antigen test, cytologic urothelial proliferation with dysplasia, compatible serial imaging, and exclusion of metastatic disease; CADET® BRAF and BRAF-PLUS assays were negative. Piroxicam (0.3 mg/kg PO q24h) was administered from 22 February 2023 through December 2024. The dog received Immucothel® (1 mg SC near the right inguinal lymph node) with intravenous selenium (200 µg/kg diluted 1:1 in saline over approximately 40 min), followed by oral selenium. Serial CT and ultrasonography during follow-up showed persistent localized mural thickening without detectable regional or distant metastasis. Case 2 was an 11-year-old neutered male Poodle with a BRAF V595E-positive urethrovesical-junction lesion managed with firocoxib and the same multimodal protocol. Serial ultrasonographic measurements fluctuated during approximately two years of follow-up, including during changes in NSAID administration and booster interval, without documented metastatic progression. No treatment-associated adverse event required permanent discontinuation in either dog. Because both dogs received concurrent therapies, response assessment was not standardized, histopathologic confirmation was unavailable, and no comparator was included, the contribution of KLH-based immunotherapy cannot be determined. These cases should be interpreted as descriptive clinical observations rather than evidence of efficacy.

Abstract: Background: Haemonchus spp. is one of the most pathogenic nematodes in sheep production due to the health and economic losses it causes. Aim: This study determined the prevalence and associated risk factors in sheep from the Guanujo parish, Ecuador. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2025 and March 2026. Seventy fecal samples were collected individually from sheep via rectal sampling. These samples were then analyzed using coproparasitological techniques, and the modified McMaster method was applied to quantify eggs per gram (EPG). Results: Thirty-eight animals tested positive for the pathogen, representing a prevalence of 54.3% (95% CI: 42.6–65.5%). Parasite counts ranged from 200 to 3500 EPG, with an average of 1150 EPG. Mild infestation was observed in 42% of the animals, moderate infestation in 34%, and severe infestation in 24%. Infection was higher in young animals, lactating ewes, those in poor body condition, and those raised in extensive systems with irregular deworming. A significant association was identified with age, physiological state, deworming frequency, animal density, and production system (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings confirm that Haemonchus represents a significant production and health challenge in local sheep farming systems, suggesting the need for integrated parasite control strategies.

Abstract: This study evaluated the performance of the Mindray BC-60 R differential WBC count (AD) in comparison with manual method (MD) in rabbits. Diagnostic blood samples were analyzed within 1 h of collection, and MD was performed by counting 100 leukocytes. Leukocyte scatterplots were visually inspected and samples showing overlapping cell populations or the presence of abnormal cell clusters were removed. After their exclusion, the Spearman’s rank correlation between AD and MD was excellent for heterophils (r=0.93, p<0.0001), lymphocytes (r=0.92, p<0.0001), moderate for monocytes (r=0.74, p<0.0001) and basophils (r=0.72, p<0.0001), but not significant for eosinophils, due to insufficient spread of values. Passing–Bablok regression revealed no statistically significant constant or proportional bias for heterophils, lymphocytes, or monocytes, whereas basophils showed both. The Bland–Altman analysis showed a significant underestimation of heterophils and overestimation of lymphocytes and basophils, while monocyte and eosinophil biases were not significant. Abnormal scattergram patterns were indicative of morphologically abnormal leukocytes. The Mindray BC-60R analyzer showed good-to-excellent overall accuracy for leukocyte differentiation in rabbits, except in cases with severe toxic changes in heterophils or blasts. Evaluation of blood smear in rabbits is required to identify the atypical cell population on scatterplot.

Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in humans shares several features with canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), a disease that affects older dogs. Therefore, CCD serves as a natural model for the study of AD. Several studies have documented early pathological changes in both AD and CCD, including widespread damage to the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, with this pathology attributed to the deposition of neurotoxic proteins such as beta-amyloid. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently the only advanced imaging modality routinely used to support the diagnosis and prognosis of CCD. However, it is not commonly applied for the diagnosis or longitudinal monitoring of aging dogs with cognitive dysfunction. MRI can detect brain atrophy, hippocampal atrophy, ventricular enlargement, widening of the cerebral sulci, lesions in the temporal lobes of the cerebral cortex, and progressive thinning of the interthalamic adhesion in dogs undergoing natural or pathological aging. Accordingly, this imaging modality may serve as a valuable diagnostic marker for CCD in both early and advanced stages.

Abstract: Raccoon dog and fox amdoparvovirus (RFAV) has been reported in raccoon dogs and foxes, but natural infection in domestic dogs has not previously been documented. During March-April 2026, samples from affected Dobermann dogs from a kennel near Novi Sad, Serbia, were submitted for laboratory investigation. After negative testing for canine adenovirus, canine coronavirus, herpesvirus, parvovirus, distemper virus, influenza A virus, and leptospirosis, metagenomic sequencing was performed on selected tissues, followed by bioinformatic analysis and targeted RFAV PCR screening of additional outbreak-associated samples. Affected dogs had prolonged illness characterized by conjunctivitis with ocular and nasal discharge, occasional blue eye appearance, progressive weight loss, poor coat quality, biochemical evidence of hepatic injury, and neurologic signs including paraplegia in advanced cases. Sequencing generated 434,220 reads and identified multiple RFAV hits; pooled assembly produced a 4,799-bp consensus genome with approximately 97% similarity to known RFAV strains and genome organization consistent with the genus Amdoparvovirus. RFAV DNA was subsequently detected by virus-specific PCR in a epidemiologically linked dog and across diverse specimen types including blood, urine, kidney, spleen, brain, lung, testicle, ileocecal lymph node, and throat swabs, whereas clinically healthy unrelated dogs were PCR-negative.

Abstract: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most infectious viral diseases of coven-hoofed animals. The crucial strategy for FMD control is the combination of animal quarantine and rapid onsite diagnostic assay capable of differential infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA). Herein, we have developed a lateral flow immunoassay to detect specific antibodies against FMDV non-structural protein (NSP), based on recombinant mu3ABC produced by E. coli as an antibody detector, so called mu3ABC strip test. Performance of mu3ABC strip test was examined using 566 field serum samples from cattle, pigs, and goats and compared with the commercial ELISA kit, resulting in the diagnostic sensitivity (DSn) and specificity (DSp) of 88.18% and 92.56%, respectively. Additionally, efficacies of the mu3ABC strip test and commercial ELISA were determined using 200 reference bovine sera (100 positives, 100 negatives) classified by the Regional Reference Laboratory for Foot and Mouth Disease in South East Asia (RRL). The result reveals that DSn and DSp of mu3ABC strip test were 78% and of 91%, respectively while the commercial ELISA kit had DSn of 69%and DSp of 100%. The developed mu3ABC strip tests are effective and can be used to differentiate the infected animals in parallel with the sero-surveillance ELISA test.

Abstract: This retrospective study evaluated clinical and radiographic outcomes in dogs wei-ghing < 10 kg undergoing surgical stabilization of radius–ulna fractures using either the Vitcone® internal fixator system (Group A) or Veterinary Instrumentation locking plates (Group B) between January 2021 and December 2025. Dogs were included if they presented with complete diaphyseal or metaphyseal fractures without concurrent orthopedic or neurological disease. Preoperative radiographs were assessed by two independent observers, and fractures were managed with open reduction and internal fixation using craniomedial or craniolateral approach. Postoperative care included re-stricted activity for six weeks and standardized lameness scoring at the eight week re-check. Radiographic healing was evaluated using a Visual Assessment Scale (VAS), and interobserver agreement was quantified using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Ninety three dogs met inclusion criteria (59 in Group A, 34 in Group B). Most fractures resulted from low energy trauma and involved the distal metaphysis or diaphysis. In Group A 52/59 dogs showed a lameness score of 0/4 at eight weeks. Group B showed similar recovery in 26/34 dogs, although 5/34 exhibited ROM re-duction. Radiographic healing was comparable between groups, with cortical brid-ging typically observed within eight weeks and excellent interobserver agreement (ICC > 0.75). Major complications occurred in 5/59 (8.4%) dogs in Group A, 4/5 re-fractures after early implant removal in young, small dogs and 1/5 implant breakage. Group B showed a significantly similar major complication rates including refractures in 3/34 (8%). No differences were statistically observed (p > 0.05). Owner follow up confirmed complete weight bearing in all contacted cases. These findings suggest that small breed dogs with radial fractures treated with Vitcone® fixation, have similar cli-nical outcome of those achieved with Veterinary Instrumentation system.

Abstract:

Acute lead intoxication is rarely reported in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in human care, and information on tissue distribution during acute exposure is limited. This study describes the clinical presentation, management, and tissue distribution of lead (Pb) following accidental ingestion of Pb pellets in a group of six dolphins (two lactating adult females, their male calves, one juvenile female, and one adult male). The adult male did not develop clinical signs nor evidence of pellet ingestion and was therefore not included among the clinically affected cases. Clinical evaluation, hematology, serum biochemistry, heavy metal analysis, diagnostic imaging, and endoscopy were performed. Elevated blood Pb levels were detected in all clinically affected animals. Pellets were identified in the stomach of the three females and one of the calves. The calf without detectable pellets had the highest blood Pb concentration, suggesting lactational transfer. Despite intensive supportive and chelation therapy, the three adult females died, and complete necropsies were conducted. Pb concentrations were measured in liver, kidney, brain (three cerebral regions), blubber, muscle, and skin. Post-mortem analyses demonstrated high Pb concentrations in liver (1.14 mg/kg), kidney (0.814 mg/kg), and brain (0.554 mg/kg), as well as detectable levels in blubber (1.166 mg/kg). Skin Pb concentrations (1.254 mg/kg) were comparable to those of liver and kidney. Histopathology revealed intranuclear inclusion bodies in renal and hepatic cells. These findings characterize systemic Pb distribution in acute intoxication and identify skin as a potential diagnostic matrix in dolphins.

Abstract: Adhesive tape strip cytology at 1,000× magnification is the recommended method for the presumptive diagnosis of canine Malassezia overgrowth and/or dermatitis. This study aimed to determine the minimum number of microscopic fields required to achieve optimal intraobserver repeatability and interobserver reproducibility. Two groups of cytology slides were evaluated: 12 slides paired with photographs of pruritic dogs, in which a presumptive diagnosis of Malassezia dermatitis was defined by the detection of at least one yeast organism, and eight slides paired with photographs of non-pruritic dogs, in which a presumptive diagnosis of Malassezia overgrowth and dermatitis was defined by the detection of an average of at least one yeast organism per microscopic field. Twelve investigators examined each slide twice, and results from the first 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 oil immersion fields were recorded and used for statistical analysis. Regardless of the number of microscopic fields examined, overall intraobserver repeatability and interobserver reproducibility were poor for both slide groups. Consequently, negative adhesive tape strip cytology results do not exclude Malassezia overgrowth and/or dermatitis in dogs with compatible clinical signs.

Abstract: Quality of life (QoL) assessment in companion animals has received increasing attention in veterinary medicine; however, companion rabbits have been systematically excluded from validated instrument development despite being the third most common companion species in several countries. The objective of this study was to develop and preliminarily validate a QoL questionnaire specifically designed for domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Twenty-eight items were generated across three theoretical domains (behavioral, physical, and nutritional) through literature review and expert panel evaluation, and administered online to 192 owners of rabbits considered healthy. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified a three-factor solution partially congruent with the proposed domains. Confirmatory factor analysis of the full 28-item model showed insufficient fit (CFI = 0.613; RMSEA = 0.056). Behavioral block sub-analysis revealed that the reactivity-to-owner subfactor achieved acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.709), the only domain to surpass the conventional 0.70 threshold. Significant overestimation of QoL by owners was observed relative to structured questionnaire scores (global: +0.62 points, p < .001; physical health: +0.57 points, p < .001). These results establish a preliminary psychometric profile for the first QoL instrument developed for companion rabbits, identifying a clinically viable reactivity subscale and delineating the modifications required for future validation cycles.

Abstract: Chronic synovial inflammation is a hallmark of osteoarthritis progression and is tightly regulated by synovial macrophages. Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) have emerged as modulators of macrophages-driven inflammation, positioning them as novel therapeutic targets. Neosaxitoxin, a highly selective NaV channel blocker, has anesthetic and immunomodulatory properties; however, its intra-articular effects on joint inflammation remain unexplored. Using a bilateral equine carpal osteoarthritis model, this study evaluated the immunomodulatory and tissue-preserving effects of intra-articular neosaxitoxin. Sixteen horses were randomized into two experimental groups (n=8/each): Neosaxitoxin in one joint and triamcinolone (+control) in the contralateral joint; or neosaxitoxin in one joint and saline (-control) in the contralateral joint. Clinical parameters, synovial fluid cytology and cytokine profiles, and histological changes in synovium and cartilage were assessed over 30 days. Neosaxitoxin reduced synovial inflammation, evidenced by decreased synovial effusion and surface temperature, along with improved joint flexion. Further, synovial fluid from neosaxitoxin-treated joints exhibited lower counts of erythrocytes, neutrophils, mononuclear cells, total protein, and key pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α). Histologically, neosaxitoxin-treated joints exhibited few synovium inflammatory infiltrate and cartilage integrity preservation. In contrast, control joints exhibited synovial hyperplasia, fibrovascular proliferation, and cartilage degeneration. Intra-articular neosaxitoxin better conserved joint homeostasis by limiting synovial inflammation and preserving cartilage integrity. These results warrant further investigation on NaV channel blockage as a novel disease-modifying strategy for osteoarthritis.

Abstract: Distal radial and ulnar fractures in miniature and toy-breed dogs are associated with high rates of delayed union, non-union, and refracture. This retrospective observational study evaluated the outcomes of simple distal radial and ulnar fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation using a locking plate in a non-rigid configuration. Ten fractures in eight dogs weighing less than 5 kg were included. Cases were selected according to predefined biomechanical construct criteria, including a plate bridge ratio > 0.7, plate span ratio > 10, plate working length > 40% of plate length, and screw density < 0.6. Median radiographic follow-up was 224 days (range, 46–408 days). Radiographic bone healing was achieved in all cases, with a mean time to union of 53 days (range, 28–113 days) and healing occurred faster in skeletally immature dogs. Indirect bone healing with callus formation was observed in 7 of 10 fractures. Minor postoperative complications occurred in three cases and resolved with local treatment. No implant failures or refractures associated with previous screw holes were observed. A reduction in ulnar thickness was identified in evaluable cases, although this finding remained stable during follow-up and did not appear clinically relevant. These findings suggest that locking plate fixation in a non-rigid configuration provides reliable bone healing with a low complication rate in simple distal radial and ulnar fractures of miniature- and toy-breed dogs.

Abstract: Levetiracetam, a second-generation antiepileptic drug, is effective in therapy of various types of seizures. Its pharmacological properties are increasingly used in diversified clinical conditions such as anxiety and neuropathic pain. Levetiracetam has unique mechanism of action - it selectively binds to the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), which stabilizes synaptic function and reduces neurotransmitter release, distinguishing it from traditional antiepileptics. The aim of the present paper was to investigate whether levetiracetam (31.25; 62.5 mg/kg, ip) may also be effective drug in reducing of symptoms in morphine dependence in mice. It was studied in three paradigms: 1) morphine tolerance to antinociceptive effect measured in the hot plate test; 2) naloxone-induced (2 mg/kg, ip) morphine withdrawal signs (manifested as jumpings); 3) morphine-induced behavioral sensitization to the locomotor activity of mice. Levetiracetam, at least in one of the doses used, was effective drug in reduction of all measured parameters. The study highlights the need for further research on levetiracetam properties, because it seems to be an innovative target in morphine dependence.

Abstract: Primary hepatic masses in dogs represent a heterogeneous group of lesions with variable biological behavior and challenging preoperative characterization. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, surgical management, and outcome of dogs with primary hepatic masses treated surgically. Ten dogs with resectable hepatic lesions and no evidence of extrahepatic metastasis were included. Clinical records, imaging findings, histopathological diagnoses, treatment, and follow-up data were reviewed. Histopathological diagnoses included hepatocellular carcinoma (n=3), nodular hyperplasia (n=2), lobular hyperplasia (n=1), hepatocellular adenoma (n=1), undifferentiated sarcoma (n=1), osteosarcoma (n=1), and one case without definitive histological diagnosis. Tumor size ranged from 3.3 to 18 cm and was not associated with biological behavior. Preoperative cytology showed poor concordance with final histopathological diagnosis in all sampled cases. Abdominal ultrasound identified solitary lesions in all evaluated dogs, although surgery revealed previously undetected multifocal disease in two cases. Most lesions were located in the right hepatic lobes, differing from the predominance of left-sided lesions commonly reported in the literature. All dogs underwent surgical resection. Two perioperative deaths occurred secondary to postoperative renal failure. In the remaining dogs, surgery resulted in complete remission of clinical signs and prolonged survival, including dogs with malignant tumors. Four dogs remained alive and disease-free at the end of the follow-up period (>730 days). These findings highlight the limitations of preoperative diagnostic techniques for predicting the biological behavior and extent of canine hepatic masses. Surgical resection provided substantial clinical benefit and prolonged survival in most cases, supporting its consideration whenever complete excision is technically feasible.

Abstract: This prospective case series evaluated the short-term outcomes following percutaneous cementoplasty as the sole palliative treatment for appendicular osteosarcoma in 10 dogs. Synthetic self-hardening calcium-phosphate bone substitute was injected into the osseous defect under fluoroscopic guidance after curettage of the bone tumor. Clinician assessment included a numerical rating score for lameness, offloading, and ease of lifting the contra-lateral limb as well as the 4A-VET post-operative pain scale. Owner assessment was obtained using three descriptive questionnaires, the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index (HCPI), the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) and the Canine Symptom Assessment Scale (CSAS). Measures were recorded preoperatively and at 2-, 4-, 8-, and 12-weeks following surgery. Early improvement in the 4A-Vet score was noted at the 2-, 4-, 8-, and 12-week time points for all major pain and function metrics. Similarly, the CBPI pain severity and interference scores demonstrated early postoperative improvement during the 2- and 4-week time points with partial attenuation by 8- and 12-weeks. Panting, difficulty sleeping, whining/moaning, and lack of appetite were significantly reduced when assessed via the CSAS. Cementoplasty as a monotherapy, affording early pain relief and improved structural integrity, supports its role as a limb-sparing option for dogs unable to undergo amputation.