Spay simulation has gained attention at colleges of veterinary medicine that seek to utilize low-cost models in lieu of more cost-prohibitive high-fidelity devices or cadaveric specimens. A spay simulator was developed to provide veterinary students at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine a reusable, inexpensive, and error-enabled device for self-practice in anticipation of a live canine ovariohysterectomy. Seventy-four students were recruited, half of whom participated in spay simulation training. A survey was designed to capture students’ state and trait anxiety, as well as their self-assessed perceived levels of competence, confidence, and knowledge of anatomy, before and after their live animal surgery. During the live surgical laboratories, surgical competencies were assessed using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) for operative performance. We hypothesized that the spay simulation training group would have higher reported levels of competence, confidence, and knowledge of anatomy. Additionally, students enrolled in spay simulation training were expected to exhibit a lower level of post-operative anxiety and higher OSATS scores compared with the control group. Results demonstrated a significant increase in perceived anatomical knowledge and improvement in perceived competence level following spay simulation training as compared with the control group. Areas of no difference included perceived confidence, OSATS scores, and overall level of anxiety. The results of this study demonstrate that this low-fidelity spay simulator has a unique place in student surgical training, producing novice surgeons with increased perceived competence and knowledge of anatomy following spay simulation training and live animal surgery.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to quantify three-dimensional (3D) stifle kinematics during walking in dogs with complete cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency (CCL-I) treated with a CORA-based leveling osteotomy (CBLO).Study designFour client-owned dogs with unilateral complete CCL-I were prospectively enrolled. Custom digital 3D models of the femora and tibiae were created from pre-and postoperative computed tomographic scans for each dog. Lateral view fluoroscopic images were collected during treadmill walking preoperatively and 6 months after CBLO. Results were generated using a 3D-to-2D image registration process. Pre-and postoperative stifle kinematics (craniocaudal translation, extension angle) were compared to that of the unaffected contralateral (control) stifle. Force plate gait analysis was performed, and symmetry indices (SI) were calculated for peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI).ResultsAfter CBLO, craniocaudal femorotibial motion was reduced by a median (range) of 43.0 (17.0–52.6) % over the complete gait cycle. Median (range) PVF SI was 0.49 (0.26–0.56) preoperatively and 0.92 (0.86–1.00) postoperatively, and VI SI was 0.44 (0.20–0.48) preoperatively and 0.92 (0.82–0.99) postoperatively.ConclusionCBLO mitigated but did not fully resolve abnormal craniocaudal translation; lameness was substantially improved at 6 months.

Objective This study aimed to compare the biomechanical characteristics of two conical coupling plate (CCP) constructs in an ex vivo feline tibial fracture gap model. Study Design Paired tibiae harvested from eight recently euthanatized cats were alternately assigned to one of two stabilization groups. One tibia was stabilized with a standard, 6-hole, 2.5-mm CCP and the contralateral tibia was stabilized with a 6-hole, 2.5-mm prototype CCP (pCCP). Non-destructive cyclic four-point craniocaudal bending, mediolateral bending and axial compression testing were performed, and stiffness was recorded. The specimens were then loaded to failure in axial compression, and yield and failure loads were recorded. Results During non-destructive testing, the pCCP constructs were significantly stiffer than the CCP constructs in both modes of bending and axial loading. Both constructs demonstrated significantly greater craniocaudal bending stiffness compared with mediolateral bending. Yield load and failure load were significantly greater for the pCCP constructs. Conclusion The augmented design of the pCCP yielded superior mechanical characteristics during both non-destructive and destructive testings compared with constructs employing standard CCP. The more rigid design of the pCCP suggests that this implant may be better at withstanding greater loads, particularly when applied in a bridging fashion, during the postoperative convalescence. Further investigations are warranted to prospectively evaluate the clinical performance of the pCCP.

An 18-week-old Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy that was hit by a car sustained a Salter-Harris type III fracture of the left proximal tibial physis and ipsilateral diaphyseal femoral and tibial fractures. The diaphyseal fractures were successfully stabilized with bone plate fixation. Premature closure of the caudal aspect of the proximal tibial physis, secondary to the proximal physeal fracture, resulted in an excessively high tibial plateau angle (TPA) of 50° with a limb length discrepancy of 13% by 24 weeks of age. The deformity was addressed by performing a proximal tibial osteotomy and subsequent distraction osteogenesis to reduce the TPA while concurrently lengthening the crus. A radial osteotomy was performed in the proximal metaphyseal region and the hinged fixator was applied. Distraction was initiated the day following surgery at a rate of 1 mm per day as measured along the caudal cortex of the tibia with a rhythm of three distractions daily. Distraction was terminated 19 days postoperatively. Sequential distraction of the osteotomy resulted in 17 mm of tibial lengthening and a final TPA of 3°. The fixator was removed 52 days after application. Complications included wire tract inflammation involving the wires securing the proximal segment and a calcaneal fracture which required bone plate stabilization. The left pelvic limb was only 8% shorter than the right pelvic limb and the dog had only a subtle lameness 12 months after surgery. The hinged circular fixator construct allowed for both the reduction of the TPA and limb segment lengthening in this dog.

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