BackgroundCell‐free DNA (cfDNA) comprises short, double‐stranded circulating DNA sequences released from damaged cells. In people, cfDNA concentrations correlate well with disease severity and tissue damage. No reports are available regarding cfDNA kinetics in dogs.Objectives/HypothesisCell‐free DNA will have a short biological half‐life and would be able to stratify mild, moderate, and severe tissue injury. Our study aims were to determine the kinetics and biological half‐life of cfDNA and to contrast them with those of creatine kinase (CK).AnimalsThree groups of 10 dogs undergoing open ovariohysterectomy, surgery for cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR), or hemilaminectomy.MethodsPlasma for cfDNA and CK analysis was collected at admission, at induction of anesthesia, postsurgery (time 0) and at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours after surgery.ResultsThe biological half‐life of plasma cfDNA and CK were 5.64 hours (95% confidence interval [CI 95], 4.36–7.98 hours) and 28.7 hours (CI95, 25.3–33.3 hours), respectively. In the hemilaminectomy group, cfDNA concentrations differed significantly from admission at 6–12 hours after surgery. Creatine kinase activity differed among the surgical groups and reached a peak 6 hours after surgery. In the ovariohysterectomy and CCLR groups, plasma CK activity 72 hours after surgery did not differ from admission activity of the ovariohysterectomy group. In contrast, in the hemilaminectomy group, plasma CK activity after 72 hours did not return to the ovariohysterectomy group admission activity.Conclusions and Clinical ImportancePlasma CK activity has a longer biological half‐life than previously thought. In contrast to plasma CK activity, cfDNA has a short half‐life and could be a useful marker for peracute severe tissue injury.

A 4-mo-old French bulldog was presented with acute onset pain and reluctance to move. A tubular structure arising in the dorsal thoracic midline and extending from a cutaneous orifice into deeper tissues was palpated on physical examination. Computed tomography with sinography revealed a dermoid sinus associated with spina bifida at the level of T3-T4. On surgical exploration, the dermoid sinus was found to communicate with the dura. Histology confirmed the diagnosis and classification as a type VI dermoid sinus. The pain response and hyperesthesia were suspected to be the result of tethered cord syndrome. Complete resolution of clinical signs was appreciated post-surgery, with the patient still free of clinical signs 3 mo later.

CASE DESCRIPTION A 13-year-old neutered male Abyssinian cat with a 4-month history of right forelimb edema and multifocal crusting lesions at the distal aspect of the antebrachium was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital for evaluation. Extensive hemorrhage from the lesions had been observed after self-grooming, and findings on histologic examination of a skin biopsy sample prior to referral were consistent with atypical dermal hemodynamics and inflammation. CLINICAL FINDINGS Diffuse pitting edema and multifocal, 3- to 4-mm-diameter sanguineous crusting lesions affecting the antebrachium were observed distal to a pulsatile subcutaneous mass in the right elbow joint region that had a palpable thrill and auscultable bruit. No systemic abnormalities were detected. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Contrast-enhanced CT angiography with 3-D reconstruction identified an arteriovenous fistula with a large aberrant vessel coursing distally. Surgical ligation of an arterialized vein distal to the fistula without en bloc resection led to resolution of all clinical signs. The vascular anomaly was no longer patent when diagnostic imaging was repeated 5 months after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Acquired arteriovenous fistulas can lead to bleeding skin lesions affecting the antebrachium in cats. Surgical ligation of an aberrant reverse-shunting vein distal to the fistula successfully resolved clinical signs in the cat of this report and may warrant investigation as a treatment option in cats with this condition.

A 2‐year 10‐month‐old French bulldog presented with a history of intermittent yelping episodes and low head carriage. Examination revealed cervical hyperaesthesia and grade I brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography of the cervical vertebral column demonstrated a malformation of the atlas and atlantoaxial subluxation causing spinal cord compression. Ventral atlantoaxial stabilisation was performed, aided by three‐dimensional printed, patient‐specific drill guides, bicortical bone screws and polymethylmethacrylate. Four months later, the patient re‐presented being pain free but for deterioration of upper respiratory noise, distress and exercise intolerance. Grade III brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome was evident on examination. Assessment of the post‐stabilisation computed tomography images and recent radiographs suggested that the rapid progression of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome had been caused by the stabilisation construct causing further narrowing of the nasopharynx by ventral and rostral displacement of the dorsocaudal nasopharyngeal wall. A folded flap palatoplasty was performed leading to excellent short‐ and long‐term outcome.

Objective: To describe and evaluate the feasibility of a transdiaphragmatic (TD) approach for open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OCCPR) as an alternative to a traditional lateral thoracotomy (LT) in a canine cadaver model. Study design: Randomized noninferiority ex vivo study.Animals: Fourteen canine cadavers weighing 17.4-30.2 kg. Methods: An LT and a TD approach to the heart were performed in each cadaver.The order of procedures as well as an assignment to specific operators were randomized before starting the study. Data recorded included the time between incision and initiation of cardiac compressions; time between initiation of the first suture placement and closure of the intrapleural space; time between initiation of the first suture placement and final skin suture; trauma to pulmonary, cardiac, hepatic and neurovascular structures; distance between the caval foramen and diaphragmatic incision; the intercostal space entered during LT; and appropriate closure. Results: The mean time between incision and initiation of cardiac compressions for the TD approach (85 ± 35 seconds) was noninferior to the LT (84 ± 28 seconds).The pleural space was closed faster after the TD approach (531 ± 276 seconds) than after the lateral approach (817 ± 294 seconds, P = .03). Total duration of closure did not differ between techniques (P = .11). There was no difference between the complication rates of each approach. Conclusion: The TD approach did not prolong the procedure or increase the complication rate compared with an LT. Clinical significance: This study provides evidence to support additional investigation of the TD approach for OCCPR to determine its efficacy and safety in live animals.