In cancer gene therapy there are basic elements that need to be accomplished in order to produce an effective therapy. These are specifi c targeting of cancer cells, high expression of trans-genes and low toxicity.We have used the telomerase promoter which is shown to be active in 85-90% of canine cancers and combined this with a two-step amplifi cation mechanism. In this system the telomerase promoter drives the transcription of a transcriptional activator protein which in turn activates a strong minimal promoter to transcribe the trans-gene of interest. We have tested this system in cell culture using telomerase positive and negative cell lines and have shown the ability of this system to be very active in telomerase positive cells. We have also compared our system with the GAL4-VP16 system which is commonly used in gene therapy.Results: Our system shows a high level of specifi city and sensitivity and it is superior to the GAL4-VP16 system. Conclusion:We have developed a system with a unique potential to target cancer cells and express trans-genes at a high level and believe that this system will be able to improve gene therapy mechanisms. Prospect:We are working on developing a conditionally replicative adenovirus using CAV-1 making it capable of replicating and inducing lysis in telomerase positive cells. Simultaneously we are on using the TRAIL gene for cancer cell killing.

Fracture of the lateral aspect of the humeral condyle in growing dogs can be successfully treated by multiple transcondylar convergent or parallel Kirschner wires, resulting in adequate fracture healing.

Objective To describe a temporary end‐on colostomy to treat the dehiscence of a transanal rectal pull‐through in a dog. Study design Case report Animal A 7‐year‐old intact female Australian shepherd dog that was treated for a rectal adenocarcinoma with a transanal rectal pull‐through. Methods Partial dehiscence of the previous end‐to‐end colorectal anastomosis and formation of a perianal sinus tract were diagnosed 4 days after surgery. A pararectal approach was used to revise the surgery with debridement of the sinus tract, rectal wall reconstruction with single interrupted sutures, and placement of a passive drain. Dehiscence occurred 2 days later. The colon was transected cranial to the pelvic brim, and each stump was oversewn prior to salvage temporary end‐on colostomy. Postoperative care included analgesia, antibiotic therapy, and local care of the perineal/perianal area and colostomy site. After 90 days, the perineal/perianal sinus tract had healed, the colostomy was eliminated, and an end‐to‐end anastomosis of the colon was performed. Results Management of postoperative complications focused on dermatitis of the stoma and perineal/perianal area, stoma incontinence, and perineal/perianal medications of the sinus tract. One year after the final surgery, the dog had occasional episodes of fecal incontinence and a good quality of life without other complications. Conclusion Use of a temporary end‐on colostomy prior to revision surgery led to a satisfactory outcome but required long and challenging postoperative management. Clinical significance Temporary end‐on colostomy may be an option to manage dehiscence and potential recurrent stenosis after transanal rectal pull‐through in dogs.

Objective To describe the technique and outcomes after placement of sutures around the sacrotuberous ligament during perineal hernia (PH) repair in dogs. Study design Retrospective single‐center study. Animals Dogs (n = 47) with PH. Methods Medical records of dogs treated for PH between 2002 and 2020 were reviewed. Dogs were included when sutures had been placed around the sacrotuberous ligament. Short‐term outcomes and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Long‐term outcome was assessed with a questionnaire completed by owners. Results Twenty‐eight of 47 dogs were medium or large breeds. The primary clinical sign was tenesmus in 43 dogs and dysuria‐stranguria in four dogs. Bilateral hernias were detected in 17 dogs. No intraoperative complications occurred. Median surgical time was 50 minutes for unilateral PH and 120 minutes for bilateral PH. Minor postoperative complications consisting of surgical wound swelling (9), wound dehiscence (4), and temporary tenesmus (2) occurred in 10 dogs. No major complications or recurrence were reported. The only factors associated with an increased risk of complications included increasing age (P = .019) and surgical treatment of a recurrent PH (P = .043). Owners consistently reported good long‐term outcomes. Conclusion The PH repair described in this study resulted in good long‐term outcomes without major complications. Clinical significance Placement of sutures around the sacrotuberous ligament represents an alternative during PH, but anatomical knowledge of the sciatic nerve and caudal gluteal vessels is required.

Objective To compare complications of dogs treated with mandibular and sublingual sialoadenectomy for sialocele using a lateral (LAT) or ventral paramedian (VPM) approach. Study design Retrospective multicenter study. Animals Dogs (140) with mandibular and sublingual sialocele. Methods Medical records of dogs that underwent mandibular and sublingual sialoadenectomy through a LAT or VPM approach from 2004 to 2020 were reviewed. Clinical and histopathological findings were analyzed to compare the groups. Results Seventy dogs were included in each group. The most represented breed was crossbreed (26%), and males (99/140 [71%], intact/neutered) were overrepresented. Dogs in the VPM approach group were more likely to undergo digastricus tunnelization and placement of a drain or a bandage. Dogs in the LAT approach group were heavier and more likely to undergo excision of an inflammatory pseudocapsule. No difference was detected in complication rates between groups (LAT [20%], VPM [31%], P = .116). Recurrences were more likely after LAT approach (5/70 vs 0/70, respectively; P = .029), whereas wound‐related complications were more likely after VPM approach (20/70 vs 9/70, respectively; P = .018). Prolonged duration of surgery was associated with an increased risk of recurrence, and none of the other variables affected the complication rate. Conclusion Ventral paramedian approach for mandibular and sublingual sialoadenectomy was associated with a lower risk of recurrence but a higher risk of wound‐related complications compared with LAT approach. Clinical significance Ventral paramedian approach for mandibular and sublingual sialoadenectomy may be preferred to reduce recurrence in dogs with sialoceles, but wound‐related complications are common.