Objective To compare the detection of gaps in jejunal continuous anastomoses by probing (PT) versus leak testing (LT). Study Design Experimental study. Animals Normal jejunal segments (n = 24) from two fresh canine cadavers. Methods Intestinal segments were randomly selected by four volunteers who created six simple continuous anastomoses: two constructs using standard technique with 2–3 mm suture spacing (ST, 8 total), and four constructs with one 4‐mm gap (IG, 16 total). All 24 anastomoses were examined with PT (1 volunteer) prior to LT (3 volunteers). LT was performed within a maximal peristaltic pressure range (34–54 cmH2O). The presence and location of anastomotic leaks (LA) detected with LT were compared with gaps detected with PT. Results Nineteen out of twenty‐four (79.2%) samples had at least one probe drop, and four out of twenty‐three (17.4%) samples leaked. LT results from one sample were excluded due to iatrogenic suture failure. PT was 100% sensitive (95% CI: 51.01, 100%) with a 100% negative predictive value (95% CI: 56.55, 100%) at detecting gaps compared with LT. The location of all LA was accurately identified with PT and confirmed during LT. Conclusion PT was highly sensitive at detecting gaps compared with LT. All LA were accurately detected by PT. None of the segments negative during PT leaked. Clinical Significance The diagnostic value of PT appears adequate to recognize gaps in cadaveric small intestinal anastomoses. PT offers surgeons an alternative to detect suture gaps that may contribute to postoperative dehiscence of intestinal anastomoses.

No abstract

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of jump height on the landing forces of dogs.AnimalsClient-owned Border Collies experienced in agility competition, n = 9.ProceduresThe study involved client owned border collies with the same AKC standard jump height of 20 inches and preferred height of 16 inches. Standard height is based upon the height of the dog at the withers, with preferred height referred to as reduction in jump height by one level due to injury or age. An AKC regulation bar jump was placed over a previously validated pressure sensitive walkway (PSW). The peak force (%BW) and peak contact pressure (kPa) of the leading and trailing forelimbs were evaluated for all dogs.ResultsThere was no significant difference in landing force between the two jump heights for either peak force as a percentage of body weight or peak contact pressure when evaluated in both leading and trailing forelimbs.Conclusions and clinical relevanceOur findings demonstrated no significant difference in active landing forces of peak contact pressure and peak force on the forelimbs of dogs when jumping at a standard jump height vs. a preferred jump height when controlling for velocity in dogs performing a single running bar jump. These results suggest that the recommendation of decreasing jump height for older animals or injured animals may not provide a significant decrease in the impact on the forelimbs. It is likely that other factors contribute to the total forelimb kinematics picture during competition. Veterinarians and trainers should consider additional ways to decrease impact for canine athletes as they recover from injury.