Objective:In 2024, Cornell University's Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, in collaboration with the College of Veterinary Medicine and the local society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (SPCA), launched a service-learning, high-volume trap-neuter-(vaccinate)-return (TNR) initiative at the request of local neighborhood residents to address a chronic community cat crisis and provide needed surgical opportunities for veterinary students. This mixed-methods study investigated the short-term impacts of the project on student surgical experiences, shelter metrics, and community perceptions of human and feline well-being. Methods:Through observational and prospective quantitative and qualitative methods, we analyzed changes in student surgical opportunity, shelter cat metrics, and caregiver experiences before and after the 2024 project. Results:During 2024, 147 cats underwent TNR and 48 participating students increased their on-site surgical volume by approximately 3 procedures. Qualitative feedback revealed gains in confidence and perception of professional readiness. Shelter data showed a moderate impact compared to other TNR studies; benefits included a significant reduction in unweaned kittens and a 3-fold reduction in euthanasia from the target community (OR, 3.89; 95% CI, 1.55 to 9.8). A small increase in intake from this neighborhood after intervention reflected better alignment between community needs (fewer) and access to shelter services (more). The largest impact of the project was in the community. Residents reported profound improvements in cat welfare, kitten births, and mortality. They also reported reduced fighting, injuries, and property damage and renewed trust in the local society for the prevention of cruelty to animals. Conclusions:This mixed-methods study demonstrated that a collaborative, service-learning, large-scale TNR intervention generated meaningful benefits for the target community, the local shelter, cats, and veterinary students. Clinical Relevance:A collaborative, community-engaged, service-learning TNR model could provide sufficient surgical capacity to simultaneously expand surgical training and rapidly stabilize free-roaming cat populations in resource-limited communities.
Objective:To compare speed and success of performance of a novel versus conventional technique for male feline urethral catheterization by clinical-year veterinary students and novice veterinarians. Methods:In a prospective, randomized study between October 2024 and March 2025, client-owned male cats presenting to a university teaching hospital with urethral obstruction had a urinary catheter placed by way of either a conventional technique or a novel technique by clinical-year veterinary students or novice veterinarians ("operators") with no prior feline urethral catheterization experience. Operators were timed from the point of preputial retraction to the appearance of urine within the catheter and given 30 minutes to perform the procedure. Results:The mean time for urinary catheter placement was 14.6 minutes for cats in the conventional technique group (n = 10 cats) and 9.5 minutes for those in the novel technique group (10 cats). This difference was not statistically significant. Within the allotted time frame, 70% (7 of 10) of the cats in the conventional technique group and 100% (10 of 10) of cats in the novel technique group were successfully catheterized. Cats unsuccessfully catheterized in the conventional technique group weighed significantly more than those that were successfully catheterized by this method. Conclusions:The novel technique was readily learned and performed by inexperienced students and veterinarians. The novel technique did not add additional time to the unblocking procedure. Clinical Relevance:The novel technique could easily be performed by novice veterinarians in the emergency setting and resulted in successful catheterization of obese cats.
Objective:To describe the demographics and treatment outcomes of horses definitively diagnosed with epithelial or stromal immune-mediated keratitis (IMMK) by use of in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and/or histopathology. Methods:Medical records of horses presented to the Cornell University Equine Hospital definitively diagnosed with epithelial or stromal IMMK with IVCM and/or histopathology between 2020 and 2024 were reviewed. Patient signalment, affected eye(s), diagnostics, treatments, and outcomes were assessed. Results:22 horses met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 16.9 years (SD, ± 7.3 years). There were significantly more geldings (n = 16) than mares (6). Nineteen horses were unilaterally affected (11 right eyes and 8 left eyes) and 3 bilaterally affected. Twenty horses underwent IVCM, of which 8 had histopathology following superficial keratectomy with agreement in diagnosis. Two horses had corneal histopathology without IVCM. All horses were initially managed medically. Seven horses subsequently underwent episcleral cyclosporine implantation, of which 2 were controlled at last follow-up (median, 532 days). Standing superficial keratectomy was performed in 10 horses, with IMMK controlled in 9 of 10 horses at last follow-up (median, 692 days). Recurrence was documented in 1 horse 12 months after keratectomy. Conclusions:IVCM allowed for a rapid noninvasive diagnosis of equine IMMK that correlated with histopathology. Standing superficial keratectomy was an effective diagnostic and therapeutic option for equine IMMK. Clinical Relevance:Standing superficial keratectomy was an effective diagnostic and treatment for equine IMMK that provided long-term control of disease and minimized the need for long-term daily medications.
Objective:To compare the clinical decision-support performance of 2 large language models (LLMs), ChatGPT-5 and ChatGPT-5 Thinking, with that of experienced clinicians and novices in veterinary theriogenology. Methods:15 standardized obstetric and gynecologic scenarios were independently evaluated by 2 expert clinicians, 2 novice veterinarians, and both LLMs under matched, cold-start conditions. Responses were assessed with a 5-point global quality score by a blinded expert panel. Results:ChatGPT-5 Thinking achieved the highest overall quality ratings, followed by ChatGPT-5 and the expert clinicians. Novice veterinarians received the lowest scores. Responses generated by LLM were generally more consistent and complete than those of human readers. Conclusions:Within the constraints of a simulated scenario design, LLMs, particularly ChatGPT-5 Thinking, provided clinically appropriate guidance that exceeded novice performance and approached that of expert clinicians. These findings support the potential role of LLMs as adjunct decision-support tools in time-sensitive obstetric and gynecologic cases. Clinical Relevance:LLMs may assist clinicians and trainees in managing reproductive emergencies by offering rapid, structured, guideline-aligned recommendations. Further evaluation in real clinical settings is warranted.
Objective:To characterize the clinical and histologic features of a novel polyostotic osteoproliferative disease in lovebirds (Agapornis spp). Animals:Records from select avian clinical and/or pathology diagnostic services in France, Australia, and Italy (2017 to 2024) and the US (1984 to 2024) were searched for clinical and pathological data from lovebirds with polyostotic osseous proliferations. Solitary lesions and suspect cases unconfirmed by imaging or postmortem examination were excluded. When available, fixed lesions were recut for independent histopathological re-examination by 5 veterinary pathologists to confirm consistency of diagnosis. Survival was assessed with a Kaplan-Meier curve. Clinical Presentation:22 cases from Australia, France, and Italy met the inclusion criteria, including 14 females, 5 males, and 3 of unknown sex. The median age at diagnosis was 3.5 years (range, 2 to 9 years). Apart from occasional palpation of osseous masses on physical examination, clinical signs were nonspecific and highly variable, corresponding with lesion location. Results:Imaging revealed several expansile lesions (with the sternum, skull, and vertebrae most often affected), while hematology and biochemistry were generally nonspecific. Lesions were confirmed to be the same disease process in all histologically examined cases and showed extensive woven bone proliferation, disrupting the normal medullary and cortical architecture of affected bones. Prognosis was guarded, with a mean survival time of 68 days. The condition was termed polyostotic osteopetrosis syndrome. The cause is unknown, although an inherited disorder is suspected. Clinical Relevance:Findings will assist clinicians in diagnosis and management of polyostotic osteopetrosis syndrome and provide foundations for further research.
Objective:To evaluate functional outcome and owner satisfaction of chondrodysplastic dog breeds undergoing full limb amputation. Methods:Medical records from 4 academic institutions were reviewed for chondrodysplastic dog breeds that underwent limb amputation from March 2015 to April 2024. Data collected included signalment, reason for amputation, day of return to ambulation with or without assistance, and comorbidities. Owner satisfaction was investigated via a nonvalidated questionnaire. Continuous data were analyzed for normal distribution and expressed as means if normally distributed and medians if nonnormally distributed. Categorial data were reported as frequencies, and comparisons between groups were performed with the Fisher exact test. Results:At the time of discharge, 19 of 28 dogs (68%) were walking unassisted, 8 of 28 (29%) were walking with assistance, and 1 of 28 (4%) was unable to walk. Eighty-seven percent (13 of 15) of dogs that underwent a thoracic limb amputation were able to ambulate without assistance at the time of discharge, while only 46% (6 of 13) of dogs in the pelvic limb group were able to do so. Over the course of the postoperative period, 25 of 28 dogs (89%) were independently ambulatory. Overall, 18 of 28 owners (64%) completed the satisfaction questionnaire, and 13 of 18 (72%) were very satisfied with the outcome. Conclusions:The majority of chondrodysplastic dog breeds did well following amputation and achieved the ability to ambulate independently. Furthermore, dog owners reported high levels of satisfaction following this procedure. Clinical Relevance:This information may help dog owners make informed decisions when considering a limb amputation for a chondrodysplastic dog.
Objective:To compare short- and long-term clinical outcomes in dogs with extrahepatic biliary duct obstruction (EHBO) managed medically, with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC)-assisted biliary stenting, or with surgical biliary decompression. Methods:Medical records from 28 client-owned dogs diagnosed with EHBO and treated at a single veterinary referral center between 2012 and 2019 were reviewed retrospectively as part of an observational study. Inclusion criteria included common bile duct dilation (> 3 mm) and clinicopathologic evidence of biliary obstruction. Dogs were grouped based on treatment modality: medical management, ERC (ERC-assisted biliary stenting), or surgery. Outcomes included survival to discharge, median survival time, and complications. Results:28 dogs were included: 10 medically managed, 12 treated with ERC-assisted biliary stenting, and 6 treated surgically. Survival to discharge was 100% (medical), 92% (ERC), and 33% (surgical). Median survival time was not reached in medical or ERC groups; the surgical group had a median survival time of 4 days. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography achieved technical success in 86% of cases and had a lower complication rate than surgery. Most dogs managed medically experienced spontaneous resolution of EHBO with supportive care. Pancreatitis as the cause of EHBO was associated with not surviving to discharge. Conclusions:Medical management and ERC-assisted biliary stenting were associated with improved short- and long-term survival rates and fewer complications compared to surgical intervention. Surgical intervention was associated with the highest mortality and complication rates. Clinical Relevance:ERC-assisted biliary stenting and medical management may provide safer alternatives for similar etiologies to surgery for dogs with EHBO, particularly in facilities with interventional endoscopic capabilities. In many cases, supportive care alone may lead to spontaneous resolution of EHBO.
Objective:To describe ocular abnormalities of pet and sanctuary-housed domestic pigs presented to an academic veterinary hospital. Methods:Electronic medical records at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals were searched for pigs having undergone a complete ophthalmic examination by a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists between 2011 and 2024. Signalment, examination findings, diagnoses, and treatments were reviewed. Results:36 domestic pigs of a variety of breeds were represented, including Vietnamese pot-bellied (22 of 36), American Miniature (4 of 36), Yorkshire (2 of 36), Berkshire (1 of 36), mixed breed (2 of 36), and unknown breeds (5 of 36). Most ocular abnormalities were adnexal with the following abnormalities diagnosed: excessive periocular fat ("fat blindness"; 8 of 36), corneal ulceration (8 of 36), blepharitis/periocular dermatitis (7 of 36), conjunctivitis (7 of 36), entropion (3 of 36), and eyelid neoplasia (melanoma; 1 of 36). Cataracts were diagnosed in 2 (3 eyes) of 36 pigs. Conclusions:A wide range of ocular disease impacted pet and sanctuary-housed pigs. Vision-threatening ophthalmic disease appeared to be rare, aside from functional blindness associated with excessive periocular fat. Clinical Relevance:This study provided veterinarians with new information on the ophthalmic diseases that affect pigs as well as approaches to treatment.
Objective:To compare blood parameters from samples collected by venipuncture versus a push-pull technique from a peripheral IV catheter (PIVC). Methods:This prospective nonrandomized clinical study included dogs that required hospitalization with IV fluid therapy. Dogs were prospectively enrolled if they met the study criteria and owner consent was obtained. To be included, dogs had to weigh ≥ 10 kg and require hospitalization with IV fluid therapy. Exclusion criteria included confirmed or suspected coagulopathy or clinically relevant anemia (Hct < 0.30 L/L) or thrombocytopenia (platelet concentration < 100 X 109/L). At the time of hospitalization, paired blood samples were collected via venous venipuncture and with the use of a push-pull technique with a freshly placed 20-gauge, 1.1 X 30-mm PIVC. Blood samples were submitted for CBC and biochemistry profiles. Samples were again collected after a minimum of 24 hours of hospitalization, with IV fluids and medications administered through the PIVC. Results:70 dogs were included, with 33 completing both time points. The venipuncture and PIVC methods had an overall positive correlation at both the T0 and T24 time points. Statistically significant, but not clinically relevant, differences were noted for several parameters. Leukogram indices were more likely to have discordant results. Despite observed differences, all blood indices with PIVC collection fell well within acceptable variation for clinical decision-making. Conclusions:This push-pull PIVC sampling protocol is an effective and clinically appropriate method of blood collection in hospitalized dogs. Clinical Relevance:This protocol may be used to reduce venipuncture in hospitalized dogs.
Objective:To describe the clinical features of urinary tract infections in pet rabbits, identify the bacterial species involved and their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, and investigate risk factors. Methods:In this retrospective multicentric observational study, data were retrieved from the medical records of 3 veterinary centers located in the Greater Paris region, France, between 2009 and 2025. Inclusion criteria consisted of all rabbits presented for consultation in which a urine culture had been carried out. Signalment and clinical data were analyzed for statistical associations with urine culture results (positive vs negative). Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were retrieved. Results:79 rabbits underwent urine bacterial culture. Overall, 34.2% (27 of 79) of rabbits had a positive urine culture, of which 59.3% (16 of 27) were female and 84.6% (22 of 26) had urinary sludge, 9.1% (2 of 22) urolithiasis, 33.3% (8 of 24) consistent ultrasonographic signs of pyelonephritis, and 71.4% (15 of 21) bacteria on urine microscopic examination. Most urine samples were collected by cystocentesis (94.8% [73 of 77]). The presence of bacteria on urine microscopic examination was the only statistically significant parameter associated with urinary tract infection, with a sensitivity of 71% (95% CI, 60% to 82%) and specificity of 90% (95% CI, 82% to 98%) when compared to culture results. In 74.1% (20 of 27) of cases, a single species of bacteria was isolated, with a total of 36 different isolates. The most common bacteria were Escherichia coli (27.8% [10 of 36]), Enterococcus faecalis (19.4% [7 of 36]), and Staphylococcus spp (11.1% [4 of 36]). Resistance was reported for azithromycin (66.2% [15 of 20]), penicillin (57.9% [13 of 19]), sulfonamides-trimethoprim (31.4% [11 of 35]), enrofloxacin (17.9% [5 of 28]), and ceftiofur (17.1% [6 of 35]). Overall, 52.8% (19 of 36) of bacteria were multidrug resistant. Conclusions:Frequent resistance to empirically used antibiotics was observed. As no risk factors could be identified, larger-scale studies are needed. Clinical Relevance:Bacterial isolation is common, and urine culture should be encouraged to adjust therapy in accordance with antimicrobial stewardship practices.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus negatively impacts pig health and well-being, the mental health and emotional well-being of animal caretakers, and producer economics. In response, a vision of "A World Without PRRS" has been cast, calling for elimination of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus from the US swine herd. This Viewpoint provided an opinion regarding the road map to success and identified essential tactics.
Objective:To describe veterinary workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding AI in veterinary medicine, with an emphasis on diagnostic imaging. Methods:An observational cross-sectional survey was administered from February through July 2023 with Qualtrics. A convenience sample of general and emergency practitioners, board-certified and board-eligible specialists, interns, residents, technicians, and students was recruited predominantly in Canada and the US. Results:Responses from 673 participants were analyzed. Most respondents reported no or minimal formal AI training (90.5%) and a basic understanding of AI (66.1%). Twenty-five percent reported AI was used at their workplace. Most believed AI will alter veterinary medicine (72.3%) and improve veterinary radiology (56.6%), and most did not believe AI will completely replace radiologists (85.2%). Conclusions:Veterinary workers reported limited AI knowledge but generally optimistic attitudes toward adoption and strong interest in education and evidence-based validation of AI tools. Clinical Relevance:With the use of AI in veterinary medicine rapidly growing, it may be beneficial to include AI training in the curriculum for veterinary students and technicians and in continuing education for currently practicing veterinarians to ensure the responsible and successful implementation of AI into the field.
Objective:To report the long-term outcome of canine cranial cruciate ligament disease treated with high tibial osteotomy (HTO) without arthrotomy and meniscal evaluation with the use of validated owner-reported outcome measures, report postoperative clinical management of late lameness with a meniscal-sparing approach, and compare the outcome of dogs undergoing HTO without arthrotomy with that of dogs undergoing subsequent arthrotomy and meniscectomy for late lameness. Methods:A retrospective review (March 2018 to March 2022) of preoperative clinical data and postoperative short- and long-term outcome data was conducted. Late lameness was defined as acute lameness occurring after the expected normal postoperative return to function, managed with a meniscal-sparing approach. Owner-reported outcome was compared between dogs that had undergone late meniscectomy and dogs that had not undergone stifle exploration. Results:There were 191 dogs (236 stifles) undergoing HTO without concurrent stifle exploration. Late lameness was recorded in 37 stifles (15.7%) at a median of 141 days (IQR, 97 to 189 days) postoperatively. Resolution of lameness was achieved in 24 stifles with meniscal-sparing nonsurgical management. The remaining 13 stifles underwent stifle arthrotomy and meniscectomy. The overall meniscectomy rate was 13 of 236 (5.5%). There was no difference between Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs and Canine Orthopedic Index scores of dogs undergoing late meniscectomy and those not undergoing stifle exploration. Conclusions:Long-term owner-reported outcome after HTO with a meniscal-sparing approach was not different from that after HTO and meniscectomy. Some late meniscal injuries may experience clinical resolution with nonsurgical management. Clinical Relevance:Some meniscal lesions may not be clinically significant. The need for routine stifle exploration is questionable.
The most challenging societal needs of the 21st century involve improving the health and well-being of humans, animals, and plants as well as enhancing the resilience and sustainability of environmental, agricultural, and ecological systems. All are threatened by complex factors, mostly driven by human activities on a global scale. Veterinarians have a responsibility and obligation to prevent diseases, optimize health, and mitigate risk in these broad domains; the need has never been greater. Without transformational changes and a new commitment to a broader mandate, a One Health mandate, the profession's future relevance, and impact on society will be greatly diminished.
Objective:To describe the prevalence of postrace airway abnormalities in a population of barrel racing horses competing in Oklahoma. Methods:A descriptive field study was conducted at a single event. Horses underwent resting endoscopy within 60 minutes of competition. Recordings were evaluated and numerical and/or binary scores assigned for pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia, recurrent laryngeal neuropathy, dorsal displacement of the soft palate, epiglottic entrapment, and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. Clients completed a questionnaire detailing the horse's medical history and run time. A linear regression model was used for analysis of pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia, recurrent laryngeal neuropathy, and effect of medications on run time. A Poisson regression was used for analysis of combined exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage scores. A logistic regression was used for analysis of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage and dorsal displacement of the soft palate binary scores. Results:Airway examinations were evaluated for 106 horses. Abnormalities, including recurrent laryngeal neuropathy, severe pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia, and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, were diagnosed in 83 horses (78.3%). The most common abnormality detected was pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia (104 of 106 horses [98.1%]), though only 25 of 104 (24.0%) were severe and included in the 78.3% prevalence. Recurrent laryngeal neuropathy was identified in 65 of 106 horses (61.3%). Presence of pharyngeal lymphoid hyperplasia or recurrent laryngeal neuropathy was not associated with run time. Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage was observed in 30 of 106 horses (28.3%) but had a positive association with run time. Medications did not affect run time. Conclusions:Mild airway abnormalities were common but not performance limiting in this population of barrel racing horses. Clinical Relevance:Subclinical airway abnormalities detectable on endoscopic evaluation may be common in competitive barrel racing horses. Additional studies using dynamic endoscopy are warranted.
Objective:To develop a workforce-informed competency framework defining the broad, essential abilities of credentialed veterinary technicians across practice settings. Methods:This mixed-methods, consensus-development study used purposive sampling through online communications to recruit credentialed veterinary technicians, veterinarians, educators, and clinical staff with knowledge of the credentialed veterinary technician role and engagement in clinical or educational settings. The study progressed through 3 phases over 8 months (June 2021 to February 2022): Phase 1 employed a modified Delphi focus-group method with iterative rounds to generate draft competencies, Phase 2 refined and validated the competencies through a national workforce survey of veterinary professionals, and Phase 3 evaluated educational alignment through curriculum mapping with 2 accredited veterinary technician programs. Results:Participants included 6 focus-group members (3 credentialed veterinary technicians, 2 veterinarians, 1 hospital director), 302 national survey respondents representing diverse practice types, and 4 academic faculty. Phase 1 generated 101 competencies. The Phase 2 national survey resulted in the removal of 9 competencies and addition of 2 new competencies based on workforce feedback. Phase 3 curriculum mapping demonstrated comprehensive alignment between the accredited academic programs and the framework, identifying no omissions. The finalized framework, termed Advancing Skills, Competencies, and Education in Veterinary Nursing Development (ASCEND), consisted of 94 competencies organized into 18 domains. Conclusions:The ASCEND framework provides a validated, workforce-informed foundation defining 94 essential competencies for credentialed veterinary technicians across practice settings, demonstrating strong consensus and educational alignment. Clinical Relevance:This framework offers a workforce-validated and academically aligned reference intended to support role clarity and scope-of-practice expectations for credentialed veterinary technicians.
Objectives:To describe the utility of needlescopy as an intraoperative tool in traditional open ear surgeries in dogs and cats. Animals:This was a retrospective case series of dogs and cats that underwent traditional ear surgeries followed by needle arthroscopy imaging system evaluation at a single hospital between September 2024 and June 2025. Clinical Presentation:12 client-owned dogs and cats underwent 14 surgical procedures (total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy [10 of 14], ventral bulla osteotomy [3 of 14], and traction avulsion via a lateral approach [1 of 14]); ages ranged from 9 months to 17 years old (median, 8 years), weights ranged from 2.19 to 49.5 kg (median, 4.3 kg), and various breeds were included. Physical examination findings included otorrhea, ear scratching, and various respiratory and neurologic signs. Results:Needlescope-assisted ear surgery was feasible and improved the confidence of the surgeon intraoperatively. There were no reported complications associated with needlescope use. Intraoperatively, the system was practical and user-friendly, offering improved visualization of the tympanic bulla and pathological tissue and facilitating complete removal of the epithelial lining and polypoid tissue. Clinical Relevance:This study highlighted the clinical utility of the needlescopy in canine and feline ear surgery. Needlescopy appears well suited for integration into routine clinical practice due to the ease of use and excellent visualization of residual pathology.
Objective:To examine the occupational experiences and well-being of laboratory animal professionals, with particular focus on the impact of perceived animal welfare, euthanasia experiences, and other factors on job fulfillment, burnout, and life satisfaction. Methods:An online survey was distributed to members of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science from February to April 2025. The survey assessed demographics, work characteristics, euthanasia experiences, mental health impacts, organizational support, perceptions of existing regulations, perceived animal welfare, and potential adoption policies. Multiple regression analyses evaluated predictors of workplace well-being measures. Results:Of 339 respondents, participants were predominantly White female (76%) veterinarians (38%), with a mean age of 42 years and > 11 years of experience (56%). Most participants (77%) reported envisioning long-term careers in laboratory animal research. Euthanasia conducted at least monthly was common (46%), and 57% reported negative mental health impacts from euthanasia participation. Although 69% felt well trained technically for euthanasia, only 23% felt emotionally prepared. Thirty-two percent experienced burnout, while 41% reported professional fulfillment. Perceived animal welfare and satisfaction with debriefing significantly predicted higher job fulfillment and lower burnout. Satisfaction with debriefing also predicted greater life satisfaction. Conclusions:Results suggest that well-conducted debriefings following critical incidents and high animal welfare standards may improve job fulfillment and reduce burnout among laboratory animal professionals. Clinical Relevance:Given the emotional demands of laboratory animal work and high rates of euthanasia participation, implementing quality debriefing processes and ensuring animal welfare could significantly improve professional well-being.
Objective:To retrospectively characterize cone-beam CT (CBCT) features, risk factors, and concurrent imaging findings of acquired oronasal communications (ONCs) in dogs. Methods:A medical record search of the Dentistry and Oral Surgery Service (University of California-Davis) identified dogs diagnosed with ONCs via dental probing and CBCT from December 2014 to November 2023. Demographics, ONC location/size, number/presence/absence of involved teeth, dehiscence, clinical signs and incidental imaging findings were recorded. Results:40 patients were enrolled. Mean age, weight, and ONC size were 10.8 years, 5 kg, and 15.57 mm2, respectively; no sex predilection was identified. Chihuahuas showed a two-fold higher ONC prevalence than non-Chihuahua dogs (6.63% vs 2.72%). Non-Chihuahuas had a higher number of teeth involved and absent teeth within the ONC. The main cause of ONCs was periodontal disease. Age and body weight emerged as predictors of ONC area; however, in interaction models, neither age nor breed remained significant. Clinical signs were not reliable predictors. Dehiscence rate was 15%. One-third of patients showed a major or minor incidental finding. Conclusions:CBCT imaging allowed precise characterization of ONC, informing surgical planning and recognition of incidental findings. Chihuahuas and related crosses had increased risk for ONC, and extent of dental involvement was the primary contributor to ONC size. Clinical Relevance:ONC assessment via CBCT provided advantages for precise surgical planning and enhanced recognition of incidental findings that may have been missed otherwise. Increased risk for Chihuahuas and related crosses should warrant prompt screening for ONC in this breed.
Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of a commercial simulator to reproduce key steps of canine laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and to compare surgical performance when using 3-D versus 2-D visualization. Methods:16 gallbladder inserts mounted in a laparoscopic cholecystectomy model were used. Inserts were randomly assigned to 2-D or 3-D visualization groups and placed in a laparoscopic training box. All procedures were performed on a single day in 2022 by 1 American College of Veterinary Surgeons resident who completed prestudy training on the simulator to minimize learning-curve effects. A board-certified surgeon supervised all procedures. Surgical steps included cystic duct dissection, endoclip application, cystic duct transection, and gallbladder removal. Measured outcomes included surgical times for defined intervals, total procedure time, intraoperative complications, and residual simulated liver tissue attached to the gallbladder. Results:Time from instrument insertion to first endoclip placement and total surgical time were significantly shorter with 3-D visualization compared to 2-D, and the differences in medians suggested clinically meaningful improvements in performance. There were no significant group differences in bile leakage, incomplete clipping, or the amount of residual foam attachment. Conclusions:This physical simulator allowed reproduction of most key procedural steps in canine laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Three-dimensional visualization improved surgical efficiency for a trainee operator. Clinical Relevance:The simulator provided a safe, accessible platform for early skills acquisition before progressing to cadaveric or clinical training.
