We propose standardized definitions and criteria for documenting subjective results for clinical orthopedic studies in veterinary medicine. To our knowledge, no common terminology or basis for describing results in this manner has been published. This lack of standardization limits our abilities to communicate study results in a consistent manner, interpret data appropriately, and compare results across studies, centers, and techniques. An initial step toward addressing these deficiencies is to provide clear definitions and criteria for time frames of data collection, subjective outcomes, and complications. These definitions and criteria are recommended for use based on consensus among the authors who have experience and expertise in small animal and equine orthopedic clinical research. Our hope is that this terminology will be implemented so that data collection and reporting are more consistent and effective in veterinary orthopedic reports. BACKGROUND

The pharmacokinetics and thermal antinociceptive effects of buprenorphine after intravenous (i.v.) or oral transmucosal (OTM) administration were studied in six adult cats. Plasma buprenorphine concentrations were measured using radioimmunoassay in a crossover study after a dose of 20 microg/kg given by the i.v. or OTM route. Oral pH was measured. Blood for drug analyses was collected before, and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 15, 30, and 60 min and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h after treatment. Thermal thresholds were measured before treatment, then following treatment every 30 min to 6 h, every 1 hour to 12 h and at 24 hours postadministration. Plasma buprenorphine concentration effect relationships were analyzed using a log-linear effect model. Oral pH was 9 in each cat. Peak plasma buprenorphine concentration was lower and occurred later in the OTM group but median bioavailability was 116.3%. Thermal thresholds increased significantly between 30 and 360 min in both groups. Peak effect was at 90 min and there was no difference at any time between the two groups. There was distinct hysteresis between plasma drug concentration and effect in both groups. Overall, OTM administration of buprenorphine is as effective as i.v. treatment and offers a simple, noninvasive method of administration which produces thermal antinociception for up to 6 h in cats.

ObjectiveTo test the ‘Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs’ (LOAD) questionnaire for construct and criterion validity, and to similarly test the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index (HCPI) and the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI).DesignProspective Study.Animals222 dogs with osteoarthritis.ProcedureOsteoarthritis was diagnosed in a cohort of dogs on the basis of clinical history and orthopedic examination. Force-platform analysis was performed and a “symmetry index” for peak vertical force (PVF) was calculated. Owners completed LOAD, CBPI and HCPI instruments. As a test of construct validity, inter-instrument correlations were calculated. As a test of criterion validity, the correlations between instrument scores and PVF symmetry scores were calculated. Additionally, internal consistency of all instruments was calculated and compared to those previously reported. Factor analysis is reported for the first time for LOAD, and is compared to that previously reported for CBPI and HCPI.ResultsSignificant moderate correlations were found between all instruments, implying construct validity for all instruments. Significant weak correlations were found between LOAD scores and PVF symmetry index, and between CBPI scores and PVF symmetry index.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceLOAD is an owner-completed clinical metrology instrument that can be recommended for the measurement of canine osteoarthritis. It is convenient to use, validated and, as demonstrated here for the first time, has a correlation with force-platform data.

Thermal thresholds were measured in eight cats after the intramuscular administration of morphine (0.2 mg/kg), buprenorphine (0.01 mg/kg) or butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg), doses commonly used in clinical practice; 0.9 per cent saline (0.3 ml) was injected as a control. Groups of six cats were used and each cat participated in at least two treatments, according to a randomised design. The investigator was blinded to the treatments. The thermal thresholds were measured with a testing device developed specifically for cats, and measurements were made before and five, 30, 45 and 60 minutes and two, four, six, 12 and 24 hours after the injections. There was no significant change in thermal threshold after the injection of saline. With butorphanol, the threshold was increased only at five minutes after the injection and was decreased two hours after the injection; with morphine it was increased from between four and six hours after the injection, and with buprenorphine it was increased from between four and 12 hours after the injection.

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Values for GRFs varied between the FP and PSW. However, data derived by use of PSW were consistent and could be used to evaluate kinetic variables over time in the same dog.

DJD is a common disease of domesticated cats that requires further investigation of its associated clinical signs.

The aim of this systematic review was to identify, assess, and critically evaluate the quality of evidence of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced adverse effects in dogs. Original prospective studies published in peer-reviewed journals in English (1990English ( -2012 that reported data on the safety of NSAIDs administration in dogs were searched. For each study, design type (I, II, III, or IV) and assessment of quality (+, Ø, À) were rated. For each drug, quantity and consistency rating (***, **, *) and strength of evidence (high, moderate, low, or extremely low) were identified and evaluated. The strength of evidence was defined in terms of how applicable and relevant the conclusions were to the target population. Sixty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-five (55%) research studies and 29 (45%) clinical trials were identified. A high strength of evidence existed for carprofen, firocoxib, and meloxicam; moderate for deracoxib, ketoprofen, and robenacoxib; and low for etodolac. Quality and consistency rating were as follows: carprofen (***/***), deracoxib (**/***), etodolac (*/unable to rate), firocoxib (***/**), ketoprofen (**/***), meloxicam (***/***), and robenacoxib (**/ **), respectively. Adverse effects were detected in 35 studies (55%) and commonly included vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. Three studies (5%) reported a power analysis related to adverse effects of ≥80%. In randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded studies (n = 25, 39%), the incidence of adverse effects was not statistically different between treated and control dogs. Finally, most studies were not appropriately designed to determine the safety of NSAIDs, and involved a healthy nongeriatric population of research dogs.