Background In the literature, no studies describe the use of laparoscopic techniques for inguinal hernia repair in canine clinical patients. The surgical technique-Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing (PIRS) presented in this article is the world's first minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical technique for inguinal canal closure in dogs. Aim The aim of the presented study is to evaluate the possibility of employment of the laparoscopic PIRS technique in clinical practice as well as to technically evaluate its usefulness in the treatment of the inguinal hernia in dogs. The presented study describes the procedure and the results of laparoscopic treatment of 11 inguinal hernias in nine dogs (two bilateral). Methods The whole procedure is performed under camera control introduced through one umbilical trocar. The very closure of the inner inguinal ring is done with the injection needle by a small puncture over the inguinal canal with the help of which the suture material is inserted, and the canal of the operated inguinal hernia is closed. Each operated dog underwent a thorough clinical examination before surgery which was combined with ultrasound examination of the inguinal canals before, immediately after and three months after surgery. Results There was no hernia recurrence in the study period in the operated dogs and all individuals returned to full mobility immediately after recovery from anesthesia. Conclusions Due to the low invasiveness and simplicity of performance, the PIRS technique described in the study should be taken into account when choosing a treatment method for non-traumatic

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Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the remodeling of extracellular matrix in various tissues. Their functioning could be related to the formation of complexes, containing MMP9, MMP2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases type 1 (TIMP1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). Such complexes have not been investigated in either myocardial or skeletal muscles. We examined 20 male pigs with heart failure (HF), and 5 sham-operated animals. There were no differences in the mRNA expression of MMP9, MMP2, TIMP1, and NGAL between diseased and healthy animals, in either left ventricle (LV) myocardium or skeletal muscles. In LV from both diseased and healthy animals, in nonreducing and nondenaturing conditions, we demonstrated the presence of high molecular weight (HMW) complexes (130, 170, and 220 kDa) containing MMP9, TIMP1, and NGAL (also MMP2 in 220 kDa complex) without proteolytic activity, and a proteolytically active 115 kDa MMP9 form together with 72 and 68 kDa bands (proMMP2 and MMP2). Proteolytically active bands were also spontaneously released from HMW complexes. In skeletal muscles from both diseased and healthy animals, in nonreducing and nondenaturing conditions, we found no HMW complexes, and proteolytic activity was associated with the presence of 72 and 68 kDa bands (proMMP2 and MMP2).

ABSTRACT:The paper describes a double symmetrical aortic arch in a dog trapping the oesophagus. Thoracotomy was performed in the fourth inter-costal space under general, isoflurane-maintained, anaesthesia. Cutting of the arterial ligament failed to free the oesophagus. Dissection of further vascular structures revealed the left and right aortic arches to be of similar diameter. A vascular clamp was put on the left arch for 10 min, while the patient's cardiovascular parameters were monitored. The lack of significant cardio-respiratory symptoms indicated the necessity of ligating and cutting the left aortic arch. Removal of additional tissue from the region of the cut on the left arch completely released the oesophagus which was continuously monitored by video-oesophagoscopy. The chest was closed according to a standard thoraco-surgical procedure. The cutting of the left aortic arch and the release of the surrounding tissue restored the normal position of the oesophagus. After surgery, the animal was returned to its owners in a very good condition. Control examination showed complete amelioration of clinical symptoms and subsequent normal development of the dog. Intra-operative clamping of the left aortic arch with simultaneous monitoring by oesophagoscopy ensured a positive outcome of the surgery of the intra-operatively diagnosed double aortic arch.

Introduction: Pacemaker implantation is the only effective symptomatic treatment for life-threatening bradyarrhythmias. Major complications observed after implantation of cardiac pacemakers include lead dislocation, loss of pulse generator function, and inadequate stimulation. The aim of this retrospective single-centre study was to analyse the indications for pacemaker implantation and the incidence and types of complications associated with this procedure in dogs treated for symptomatic bradyarrhythmia. Material and Methods: The retrospective analysis included 31 dogs with symptomatic bradyarrhythmia, implanted with permanent cardiac pacemakers in 1992–2017. The list of analysed variables included patient age, breed, sex, indication for pacemaker implantation, comorbidities, and the incidence of procedure-related complications along with the type thereof. Results: The most common indication for pacemaker implantation was 3rd degree AVB, followed by SSS, advanced 2nd degree AVB, and PAS. Pacemaker implantation was associated with a 35% overall complication rate and 6.45% periprocedural mortality. There were no significant differences in terms of procedure-related complications with regard to age, sex, breed, indications for pacemaker implantation, or comorbidities. Conclusions: Cardiac pacing is the only effective treatment of symptomatic bradycardia, but as an invasive procedure, may pose a risk of various complications, including death.

The implementation of new methods of oseoporotic therapy requires tests on an animal model. One of the best is the sheep, whose numerous advantages over other models are described in the literature. The aim of this study was induction of osteoporosis using steroids and ovariorectomy methods in sheep and description of the change in parameters with regard to healthy sheep. The study was performed on female "merino" breed sheep divided into three groups: Negative control (NC) healthy animals, positive control (PC) ovariorectomised animals and steroid group (SC) where methylprednisolone was implemented. Blood tests, diagnostic arthroscopy, quantitative computed tomography and X-Ray micro-tomography of bone were carried out. Blood tests revealed a decreased level of estrogens, progesterone and increased parathormone and cortisol levels in the SC group. A decrease in bone turnover markers and an increase in bone resorption markers in all groups were also noted. Diagnostic arthroscopy revealed osteoarthrosis in PC and SC groups. Radiological density tests showed a slight decrease in PC and NC groups whereas there was more than a triple decrease in SC. Results obtained from microCT showed quickly developing osteoporosis in the SC group, which is reflected in numerous parameters analysed in this study. The best effects for osteoporosis induction were obtained using ovariorectomised sheep with methylprednisolone injections.

Background: Pneumonectomy is a high-risk radical resection procedure, with bronchopleural fistula (BPF) being its most challenging and severe complication. This study aimed to assess the surgical risk factors and the impact of the bronchial stump closure technique on the incidence of the BPF.Methods: This is a single-center, cross-sectional study of the medical records of 455 post-pneumonectomy patients operated due to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in 2006-2017. We analyzed the following variables and their influence on the occurrence of the BPF: operation side, surgical techniques (i.e., manual suture or the stapler), stump buttressing, the extension of pneumonectomy, comorbidities, and postoperative complications.Results: BPF occurred in 7.47% of post-pneumonectomy patients. BPF was more prevalent in right-sided pneumonectomy versus left-sided (10.98% vs. 5.32%; P=0.026). The use of a stapler or manual suture was not associated with the incidence of the BPF (7.96% vs.7.09%, P=0.72). There were no significant differences in the occurrence of BPF among bronchial stump buttressing with the parietal pleura (P=0.80), intercostal muscle flap (IMF) (P=0.46), and pericardial fat pad (P=0.88). When comparing data from 2006-2012 with those from 2013-2017, we found a steady decrease in the number of performed stump reinforcements, but this was not associated with a higher risk of BPF. Conclusions:The method used for stump closure, additional tissue buttressing of the bronchial stump and year of the surgery had no significant impact on the occurrence of BPF. Only right-sided pneumonectomy was associated with higher BPF occurrence.

The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of new software Pixel Flux (PXFX) for clinical evaluation of tissue perfusion in the field of reproduction in dogs. The experiment was performed on six adult Beagle dogs. Different organs and tissues of the animals were examined with the MyLab25 Gold ultrasound system. Blood flow in the ovary, testicle, prostate, the ramification of the penile artery, and the network of blood vessels of the pampiniform plexus were examined with the use of colour coded Doppler technique, and obtained data was evaluated with the PXFX software. The more objective digital evaluation of data obtained with colour Doppler sonography through the application of dynamic tissue perfusion measurements provides new opportunities for diagnosis, as well as continuous monitoring of the function of the examined tissues and organs. The use of PXFX software is strongly indicated as a tool in small animal practice as an additional method for evaluation of tissue perfusion, especially in the cases when other methods like pulsed wave Doppler techniques are difficult to be performed.