Porcine-derived gelatin sponge SPONGOSTAN™ is an adjunct material routinely used in neurosurgery. This study aimed to describe its MRI features, since its imaging features are not available yet in veterinary medicine. Post-operative MR images of dogs that underwent decompressive ventral slot surgery following cervical intervertebral disc extrusion were retrospectively reviewed by three readers; inter-rater association was evaluated using the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Seventy-eight cases were included. In 51% of cases, the hemostatic sponge appeared isointense in T1-W images compared to the semispinalis capitis muscle, and in the remaining 49% of the cases, it appeared iso-hypointense. On T2-W sequences, the material appeared hyperintense in 76% of cases, with signal intensity from hypointense to iso-hyperintense in the remaining 24%. On the GET2-W* sequences, the material appeared hypointense in 91% and iso-hypointense in 9% of cases. A peripheral hyperintense rim was described in 41%, 35% and 6% of T2-W, T1-W and GET2*-W images, respectively. A strong association was detected with a p-value < 0.05 and a correlation between 0.74 and 1. To conclude, based on the findings herein achieved, the association of hyperintensity in T2-W, hypointensity with signal void in GET2*-W images when compared to semispinalis capitis muscle and the presence of a peripheral hyperintense rim can be considered distinctive features for the hemostatic gelatin sponge called SPONGOSTAN™ to correctly identify this hemostatic product in post-operative MRI examinations.

The clinical significance and ultrasonographic features of intermediate patellar ligament (IPL) desmopathy in horses are still debated and considered nonspecific. Elastosonography allows assessment of tissue elasticity in response to an external stimulus. The aim of the study was to describe the elastosonographic characteristics of the equine IPL, evaluate the feasibility of both strain (SE) and two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), and assess the consistency of the data obtained from these techniques. 20 adult horses of mixed breed, sex and athletic use were selected and allocated to a Sound Group (GS, n.15) or a Lame Group (GL, n.5) based on orthopedic examination findings, according to the presence a stifle-originating lameness and/or with ultrasonographic evidence of IPL lesion. SE and 2D-SWE of both IPLs were performed in longitudinal and transverse scans. Using the same Region of Interest (ROI), SE evaluated the Elasticity Index of the IPL (EIIPL) and the Strain Ratio (SR) between the IPL and infrapatellar fat pad, while 2D-SWE measured Shear Wave Velocity (m/s) and Young’s modulus (kPa). Feasibility of both techniques was good, with acceptable to good Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (0.7 < ICC < 0.9) (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between left and right limb, or between intraoperator measurements (Wilcoxon test). No correlation was observed between SE variables (EI and SR) or SWE variables (m/s and kPa) and IPL diameter/thickness ratio (Pearson correlation). SE was able to differentiate between GS and GL, with an EI of the IPL that was statistically higher in GS in transverse scan (respectively, 1.9 and 1.7; p = 0.001). Equine IPL can be efficiently investigated using SE and 2D-SWE. It exhibits elastosonographic characteristic of a hard, non-deformable structure, with increased stiffness in cases of chronic injuries.

Real-time kinematic magnetic resonance imaging (kMRI) is an imaging technique that records a structure's movement in real time. This study on cadavers evaluated the feasibility of real-time kMRI to evaluate shoulder instability before and after surgical medial glenohumeral ligament (MGL) transection. A total of 10 shoulders from 5 canine cadavers were included. Sagittal and dorsal T2W images were used as a baseline. 2D HYCE S sequence was acquired in the dorsal plane during shoulder abduction and adduction before and after MGL transection, with an operator providing continuous movement. Abduction and adduction were measured through the adjacent angle formed by the line connecting the center of the proximal humeral shaft to the middle of the humeral articular surface and the line that from this last point passed through the scapular long axis. Statistical analysis was performed with Jamovi software (Version 2.3). Means of angles before and after surgery in adduction and abduction were compared using the t-test. Sensitivity and specificity for the angle variation were determined with a ROC curve. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean pre-surgery abduction angle was 58.7 degrees +/- 8.16 degrees, and the angle of post-surgical insult shoulders was 76.8 degrees +/- 10.5 degrees (p< 0.05). No significant difference was observed in adduction. The ROC AUC was 0.89 with a cutoff value of >69.8 degrees, indicating a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 100% for instability after MGL transection. Real-time kMRI performed on dogs with an abduction angle >69.8 degrees has a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 100% for surgically induced MGL rupture.

Cryptorchidism consists in the failure of one or both testicles to fully descend into the scrotum. The position of the retained testes can be abdominal or inguinal and may occur unilaterally or bilaterally. This retrospective, multi-center study aimed to describe the computed tomography (CT) features of retained testes in dogs. Nineteen CT scans of dogs, with either unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism, were analyzed with both pre- and post-contrast imaging. The location, size, shape, margins, homogeneous parenchyma, and density calculated were examined with the Hounsfield unit. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the differences between the scrotal (ST) and undescended testes (UT) and to detect any correlation between the features, ages, and size of the dog. CT identified the retained testes and provided enhanced three-dimensional visualization compared to traditional ultrasound. This study revealed that the UT were significantly smaller than ST, with UT measuring around 70% of ST size. Additionally, the UT exhibited increased density in both pre- and post-contrast scans, potentially due to the reduced or absent spermatogenesis or to histological changes occurring in the parenchyma. While CT showed clear advantages, such as three-dimensional spatial resolution and deeper tissue penetration, limitations such as general anesthesia and radiation exposure should also be considered. However, the present study showed that CT could serve as a valuable second step tool in cases where ultrasound fails, particularly in challenging anatomical situations.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into chest radiography (CXR) has greatly impacted both human and veterinary medicine, enhancing diagnostic speed, accuracy, and efficiency. In human medicine, AI has been extensively studied, improving the identification of thoracic abnormalities, diagnostic precision in emergencies, and the classification of complex conditions such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and COVID-19. Deep learning-based models assist radiologists by detecting patterns, generating probability maps, and predicting outcomes like heart failure. However, AI is still supplementary to clinical expertise due to challenges such as data limitations, algorithmic biases, and the need for extensive validation. Ethical concerns and regulatory constraints also hinder full implementation. In veterinary medicine, AI is still in its early stages and is rarely used; however, it has the potential to become a valuable tool for supporting radiologists in the future. However, challenges include smaller datasets, breed variability, and limited research. Addressing these through focused research on species with less phenotypic variability (like cats) and cross-sector collaborations could advance AI in veterinary medicine. Both fields demonstrate AI’s potential to enhance diagnostics but emphasize the ongoing need for human expertise in clinical decision making. Differences in anatomy structure between the two fields must be considered for effective AI adaptation.

Although lens diseases are uncommon in horses, they can be disabling in advanced stages. The B-mode ultrasound is useful for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of ocular diseases such as cataracts. Elastography is an ultrasonographic technique that allows the detection and measurement of tissue stiffness. This observational cohort prospective study aimed to determine the feasibility, reproducibility, and repeatability of 2D-shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) of lenses in horses. Forty-six eyes of 23 horses with no evidence of ocular disease were included in this study. The horses underwent an ophthalmic examination to ensure that they were healthy. After the B-mode ultrasound examination, 2D-SWE was performed by two operators with different levels of experience in diagnostic imaging. Elastographic images were independently analyzed quantitatively by two observers by measuring the shear wave velocity (m/s) and Young's modulus (kPa). Considering both right and left eyes, the mean shear wave velocity was 4.08 ± 0.71 m/s, and the mean Young's modulus was 51.30 ± 19.02 kPa. Interoperator and intraoperator agreements were excellent. The intra-observer agreement was good, with only one value for each observer that presented statistically significant differences. No statistically significant differences were observed between the right and left eyes. The excellent reliability, reproducibility, and good repeatability between evaluators make 2D-SWE a practical and reproducible technique that can be applied in clinical settings, where different sonographers often obtain images on multiple separate occasions. Our findings support the future clinical application of 2D-SW elastography as a noninvasive imaging modality for normal lens evaluation in horses.

Sonoelastography is a rapid and non-invasive ultrasound-based technique to assess tissue elasticity. Interest in this technique’s application in veterinary medicine is progressively increasing, with preliminary reports also available to assess canine testicular parenchyma abnormalities. Since elastographic techniques are different and it is of paramount importance to standardize procedures, this work aimed to compare two different elastographic techniques, SE and 2D SWE, on the same testes and compare the data with the current literature. Thirty healthy canine testes were included, and complete B-mode, color and power Doppler examinations were performed on each one. SE was performed qualitatively through an elastogram evaluation and semiquantitatively comparing the parenchyma with peripheral skin. 2D SWE was performed and m/s measurements were taken. Each measurement was collected in the cranial, middle and caudal portions, considering the sections above and below the mediastinum separately. The healthy testes appeared to be intermediate in stiffness with differences in the various portions for SE and expressed a mean value from 1.3 m/s to 1.4 m/s for 2D SWE, consistent with the previous literature. Considering the technical specifics of the software for the two elastography methods, both of them are valuable in assessing canine testis stiffness and are potentially clinically appliable.

2D shear wave elastography (2D SWE) is an emerging technique in veterinary medicine able to assess tissue stiffness in a non-invasive way. Nowadays no report is yet available about its application in assessing the mechanical properties of canine lenses. This study aimed to evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of 2D SWE in assessing normal lens elasticity in healthy and ageing dogs. Trans-corneal lens 2D SWE was performed under physical restraint on 33 dogs by two operators who collected triplicate kPa and m/s measures, with the aim to assess reproducibility and reliability of the technique, followed by the evaluation of eventual difference of stiffness in different ages (G1 < 1.5 years, G2 1.5 years-7 years and G3 > 7 years). The project has been approved by the CEISA Ethical Committee (Prot. N. 12/2019 361 CEISA). Written informed consent was obtained by all the owners. Mean elasticity values were respectively 4.78 ± 1.48 m/s and 74.9 ± 43.7 kPa for the left eye and 4.45 ± 0.98 m/s and 75.9 ± 43.6 kPa for the right eye. Despite a slight difference observed in the measurements obtained in m/s between the two operators, the intra-observer assessment was excellent in the overall population of dogs for both values in KPa and m/s, as well as the inter-observer one (ICC > 0.75). All the sCV

This study investigates the usefulness of extemporaneous cytological examination performed during imaging-guided biopsies in dogs and cats. In veterinary diagnostics, imaging techniques such as ultrasound and computed tomography are essential for identifying lesions, but they cannot distinguish between inflammatory and neoplastic processes. Biopsies are therefore required, and this study explores whether immediate cytological evaluation of tissue cores, rolled onto slides and examined under a microscope, can help determine sample adequacy and reduce the number of biopsies needed. Seventy-nine animals with soft tissue or bone masses underwent ultrasound or CT-guided biopsies, followed by extemporaneous cytology and histopathological analysis. Cellular material representative of the lesion was identified in 81.1% of cases, allowing clinicians to conclude the procedure without further sampling. The diagnostic accuracy of cytology compared to histology was 68.3%, with particularly high accuracy for lipomas, melanomas, and mast cell tumors. When excluding non-diagnostic samples due to poor preparation or lesion characteristics, the accuracy reaches 92.1%. These findings suggest that extemporaneous cytology is a useful tool for verifying sample adequacy in real time, potentially reducing procedural risks and improving diagnostic efficiency. While histology remains the gold standard, this method offers immediate feedback and may enhance clinical decision-making in veterinary interventional diagnostics.

Hepatic sarcomas are rare and aggressive tumors in veterinary medicine, with limited reports in the literature. This case report describes a canine hepatic myofibroblastic sarcoma in a 5-year-old spayed female Dobermann. The dog presented with abdominal enlargement and was diagnosed with a large hepatic mass following comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, including blood tests, imaging, and histopathology. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the tumor’s myofibroblastic origin, characterized by positivity for markers such as vimentin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR), alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA), and muscular actin (HHF35). Treatment involved a combination of intense-dose chemotherapy using doxorubicin and a subsequent metronomic chemotherapy protocol, which resulted in prolonged survival of over 690 days at the time this manuscript was written. This case highlights the importance of extensive diagnostic and immunohistochemical profiling in the accurate classification of and treatment planning for hepatic sarcomas, and emphasizes the role of advanced veterinary diagnostics in improving patient outcomes. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to enhance understanding of the biological behavior and optimal therapeutic strategies for such rare tumors.

The Martina Franca (MF) donkey breed (Equus asinus) primarily inhabits the rural areas surrounding the homonymous municipality, as well as neighboring municipalities in the provinces of Bari and Brindisi, all located in the Apulia region of Italy. The objective of this study was to assess the current phenotype through the evaluation of 27 morphologic measurements. The study was conducted on 73 female and 18 male breeding animals from eight different herds located in central and southern Italy. Statistical analysis was performed in order to demonstrate statistical differences between males and females, as well as sexual dimorphism and uniformity of all measurements in both genders. The results demonstrated that the mean of three parameters used for the evaluation of an MF donkey (height at withers, circumference of thorax, and shin circumference) are highly representative of the population, with minimal dispersion Cv^ = 0.05–0.06 up to a maximum of 10%, as evidenced by relatively low standard deviations across observed measurements in both genders. Regarding sexual dimorphism, a statistically significant difference was found between males and females. This dimorphism is linked to reproductive activity and is useful during gestation. Overall, our findings suggest that the MF donkey phenotype has been largely preserved over time with high uniformity in males, slight inhomogeneity in the female population, and less variability in both genders.

Subcutaneous lesions in dogs are common in clinical practice. This prospective clinical study aims to compare B-flow and CEUS for the characterization of subcutaneous lesions evaluating their usefulness to distinguish benign subcutaneous lesions from malignant ones. Dogs were enrolled and ultrasound cine-loops were achieved in B-mode, Colour Doppler, Power Doppler, B-flow and CEUS. Lesions vascularisation highlighted through B-flow and CEUS were classified into five patterns: P1, absence of contrast uptake; P2, enhancement only in the peripheral area of the lesion; P3, thin (<2 mm) and few vessels (<5/field); P4, thicker (>2 mm) and more numerous vessels (>5/field); P5 enhancement with a reticular aspect and both thick and thin bands inside. Patterns highlighted with B-flow and CEUS were compared to a histological diagnosis of subcutaneous lesions. A total of 24 dogs and 30 subcutaneous nodules were included and divided into three groups: 3 non-neoplastic, 16 benign tumours and 11 malignant tumours. There was a statistically significant difference for B-flow and CEUS to differentiate benign tumours from malignant tumours. B-flow and CEUS had an excellent agreement. B-flow and CEUS displayed similar ability to evaluate different patterns and could be helpful in the evaluation of subcutaneous nodules.

In veterinary medicine, the use of loco-regional anesthesia techniques is increasing. The Quadratus Lumborum block (QL) is an interfascial loco-regional technique that involves the release of local anesthetic (LA) between the Quadratus Lumborum and the Small Psoas (Pm) muscle. The study aims to evaluate the effect of the QL block on reducing the total amount of opioids in dogs undergoing pre-scrotal orchiectomy. A group of 36 dogs was enrolled in a randomized blinded study. The animals were divided into two groups: 18 in the experimental group (QL) and 18 in the control group (C). The QL group received 0.4 mL kg−1 of ropivacaine 0.5% for each hemiabdomen (total amount of 3 mg kg−1 of ropivacaine, 1.5 mg kg−1 per side). The C group was brought into the operating room (OR) after receiving the same clipping as the QL group. In the intraoperative period, opioid consumption in the QL group was significantly lower than in the C group. No differences were found in the post-operative phase. No side effects were reported when performing the QL technique. The QL block performed at the level of L6 appears to be a valid approach to reducing opioid use in dogs undergoing orchidectomy with a pre-scrotal surgical approach.

The metastrongyloids Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior are primary causes of feline clinical respiratory disease. The present field trial evaluated the clinical efficacy of a spot-on formulation containing eprinomectin, esafoxolaner and praziquantel (NexGard® Combo) administered per label recommendations to cats affected with aelurostrongylosis and/or troglostrongylosis. Overall, 36 naturally infected cats were randomly assigned to Group 1 (G1) or Group 2 (G2) of 18 cats each. The two groups included 6 cats with A. abstrusus, T. brevior and mixed infection, each. All cats completed the study. Cats in G1 were treated on study Days (SDs) 0 and 28±2. Cats in G2 served as negative control until SD 56±2 and were then treated on SD 56±2 and 84±2. On SD 0/-7, 28±2 and SD 56±2 all cats were subjected to parasitological (quali-quantitative Baermann) and clinical examinations (physical exams and thoracic X-rays). Hematology and biochemistry analyses were performed on SD 0/-7 and SD 56±2. On SD 84±2 quali-quantitative Baermann, clinical examination and thorax radiography were performed on all G2 cats and on two G1 cats that still had radiographic alterations on SD 56±2. On SD 112±2 all G2 cats were subjected to parasitological and clinical evaluations and one cat from G1 that still had radiographic signs at SD 84±2 was clinically and radiographically evaluated. Efficacy criteria were the reduction of larval shedding in faeces and the clinical response in terms of pathological and radiographic scores after treatment compared to the baseline. An efficacy of 100% based on LPG reduction was recorded after one (20/24 cats) or two (all 24 cats) treatments in cats with single infection by A. abstrusus or T. brevior. For cats with mixed infections, larval shedding was stopped after one (11/12 cats) or two (all 12 cats) treatments. Statistically significant clinical and radiographic improvement was evident in all study cats after 2 treatments. The present data show that two monthly treatments with NexGard® Combo stopped larval shedding and led to a significant clinical recovery and a complete resolution of radiographic abnormalities in cats infected with A. abstrusus and/or T. brevior.

Feline pulmonary capillariosis is a significant disorder due to its distribution and clinical impact. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of two administrations 28 days apart of a topical solution containing esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel (NexGard® Combo) in treating Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) infection in naturally infected cats. Cats were allocated to two groups: G1 cats (n = 23) received two treatments at study days (SDs) 0 and 28 (±2) and were evaluated for 6 weeks, and G2 cats (n = 17) served as a negative control for 6 weeks and were then treated twice on SDs 42 (±2) and 70 (±2), allowing for an additional 6-week assessment of efficacy. Each cat was subjected to McMaster coproscopy at SDs −7/0, 28 (±2) and 42 (±2) for both groups, 70 (±2) and 84 (±2) only for G2. Clinical examination and chest radiographic images were performed at SDs 0, 28 (±2) and 42 (±2) for G1 and G2, 70 (±2) and 84 (±2) only for G2. The comparison of EPG (eggs per gram of feces), clinical (CS), and radiographic scores (RS) at each time-point was used as a criterion. The efficacy based on the EPG reduction was 99.5% (G1) and 100% (G2) after two administrations of NexGard® Combo 2 weeks apart. At SD 0, no significant differences for CS and RS were recorded between G1 and G2, while a significant reduction (p < 0.05) was observed post-treatment for CS, RS, oculo-nasal discharge, auscultation noises, and cough. Two doses of NexGard® Combo 28 days apart stopped egg shedding and significantly improved clinical alterations in cats infected by E. aerophilus.

An 11-year-old spayed female Beagle presented with tenesmus and was identified with a rectal wall mass. Diagnostic imaging (abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography) localised the mass in the right rectal wall and documented no evidence of metastatic disease. Subsequently, the dog underwent surgery for tumour excision. A histopathological diagnosis of melanoma was performed. To confirm the tumour histotype, immunohistochemistry was performed using anti-Melan A and anti-Ki67. Neoplastic cells exhibited focal Melan A immunoreactivity and widespread nuclear immunoreactivity for Ki67 with a Ki67 index of 27%. Adjuvant immunotherapy with APAVAC® was initiated. After APAVAC administration, no local or systemic acute adverse events were observed. Four pre- and post-contrast computed tomography (CT) studies were performed in an 18-month follow-up period every 4–5 months. Follow-up rectal palpation and conscious visualisation of the surgical site have also resulted in no macroscopic signs of tumour recurrence. The dog remains alive and with no clinical evidence of tumour recurrence and/or distant progression at the time of writing, therefore, surviving over 540 days from the diagnosis.

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the perioperative analgesic effect of a quadratus lumborum (QL) block in queens undergoing ovariectomy. Methods A total of 37 healthy queens admitted for elective ovariectomy were randomised into two groups: control (CTRL, n = 19) and QL block (QL, n = 18). All cats were premedicated with dexmedetomidine 0.005 mg/kg, alfaxalone 1 mg/kg and methadone 0.1 mg/kg IM. Under general anaesthesia, cats allocated to the QL group received a bilateral ultrasound-guided QL block with 0.4 ml/kg of ropivacaine 0.4% (3.2 mg/kg). No treatment was administered to cats in the CTRL group. Intraoperative rescue fentanyl boluses were administered if haemodynamic and/or respiratory parameters exceeded 30% of the pre-incisional values. Postoperative methadone boluses were administered based on Feline Grimace Scale scores. Demographics, baseline vital parameter values, requirement for rescue analgesia, incidence of hypotension, sialorrhoea, vomiting and dysphoria, and number of cats accepting food at 6 h after extubation were compared between groups. Results A higher number of queens required intraoperative fentanyl in the CTRL group (14/18, 77.8%) compared with the QL group (1/19, 5.3%) ( P <0.001). The median total fentanyl dose was 4 µg/kg (range 0–4) in the CTRL group and 0 µg/kg (range 0–4) in the QL group ( P <0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between groups when comparing the number of animals requiring postoperative methadone, total methadone dose, episodes of hypotension, sialorrhoea, vomiting and dysphoria, and number of queens accepting food at 6 h postoperatively. No adverse effect or complication potentially related to the block was recorded. Conclusions and relevance The QL block resulted in a lower intraoperative fentanyl requirement in queens undergoing ovariectomy. Further studies are needed to clarify the postoperative analgesic effect of this technique in cats.

OBJECTIVES:In cats affected by severe thoracolumbar spinal cord pathologies, paraplegia and paraparesis, often accompanied by urinary retention, pose significant challenges, impacting both the cats' welfare and owners' lives. This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) of cats affected by these conditions, and to evaluate the social and familial implications for caregivers. METHODS:The study was structured into two parts. The first part comprised direct observations of aspects of QoL in cats both in household and shelter settings, while the second part involved the distribution of questionnaires to cat owners and shelter operators. RESULTS:Cats with paraplegia/paraparesis and urinary retention can maintain a good QoL, with hindlimb mobility significantly influencing QoL scores. Shelter cats showed a comparable QoL to household cats, challenging the anecdotal beliefs that shelter cats with severe neurological impairments are destined to lead substandard lives. Operator surveys highlighted the feasibility of managing these cats in shelter environments, emphasising the importance of collaboration between caregivers and veterinary professionals. Likewise, owner surveys revealed a manageable time commitment for care, with most owners achieving proficiency in manual bladder expression within 1 month. Despite challenges, most of the owners reported positive experiences and did not contemplate euthanasia for their cats. Regular veterinary visits and occasional physiotherapy were common practices among caregivers. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:Owners who respond to the questionnaire and shelter operators have a high commitment to cats with paraplegia/paraparesis. Although the study acknowledges this potential bias, it suggests that dedicated care can ensure a good QoL for cats with severe spinal injuries, both in shelter and household settings. Effective communication between caregivers and veterinary professionals is essential for accurate information dissemination and optimal care provision. This research contributes to raising awareness of managing these conditions and emphasises the importance of collaborative care approaches in veterinary medicine.

Strain elastography (SE) evaluates tissue stiffness, providing qualitative and semiquantitative evaluation, with a strain ratio (SR) > 1 indicating that the target lesion is stiffer than the reference tissue. The patellar tendon has been described as soft in healthy dogs and hard in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture, but SR usefulness has not been assessed. Dogs were divided into healthy (G1) and at least 1 month after surgery (G2) groups. Thickness was recorded, and a B-mode score of 0–3 was determined based on the abnormality’s severity. SE was qualitatively performed with a score of 1–4, and EI was recorded on the whole ligament and in proximal, intermediate and distal areas; SR was collected with the fat pad and cutis/subcutis. G1 was significantly thinner, with a lower score than G2 and a more elastic pattern. EI for G1 was significantly lower than G2 for the whole tendon and the single portions, and EI for the distal portion was significantly lower than the proximal and intermediate one in G2. SR was <1 in G1 and >1 in G2 for both the fat pad and cutis/subcutis. These data suggest that after surgery, the tendon may become non-uniformly stiffer. The cutis/subcutis appears to be a more reliable reference tissue than the infrapatellar fat pad.

Cats are often easily stressed and uncooperative. The use of sedative agents in the feline species is widely used to perform even minor clinical and diagnostic procedures. The aim of this study is to assess the impact on tear film production of the intrarectal route (IR) administration of a mixture of dexmedetomidine, ketamine and midazolam in comparison with the intramuscular (IM) one. A group of twenty cats were involved in a randomized and blinded clinical trial. A clinical and ophthalmological examination was conducted on the cats. The IR group received dexmedetomidine 0.003 mg kg−1, ketamine 4 mg kg−1 and midazolam 0.4 mg kg−1; the IM group received dexmedetomidine 0.003 mg kg−1, ketamine 2 mg kg−1 and midazolam 0.2 mg kg−1. A Shirmer tear test I (STT- I) was conducted 1 h before sedation and 2′, 10′, 20′, 30′, 40′, and 80′ post drug administration. The reaction to STT-I administration was also evaluated. The IM group has a lower mean tear production than the IR group for all time points evaluated. Cats in the IM group showed less reaction to STT-I administration. This study may suggest that the effect of sedative agents administered by the IR route has a lower incidence on tear production than the IM one. The use of eye lubricant is recommended in any case.