How Many Back Dogs Get Better?

Hello, Summarians!

Old meets new. Today we look at emerging technology and old dogma. What happens when we revisit old beliefs and examine long-held thoughts closely? Well sometimes, surprises….

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Nitric Oxide Bandages in Dogs

This study evaluated the rates of wound healing in surgically created wounds treated with nitric oxide-releasing dressings compared to control dressings in six adult male Beagles. Each dog had four 2 × 2 cm wounds on its trunk, randomized to receive one of four treatments: a nitric oxide wound pad (NP), nitric oxide wound gel (NG), a plain hydrocolloid dressing (HC), or a Telfa pad (T). Wound images were taken daily for eight days and then every other day until day 21, with blinded evaluations of total wound area, contraction percentage, and days until granulation. The results showed that the time to the first appearance of granulation tissue was significantly shorter for the NP group (3.2 days) compared to NG (4 days), HC (4.5 days), and T (5.2 days). Significant differences were observed in total wound area and contraction percentage among the treatments (p < .001). The NG group demonstrated a lower total wound area than the T, HC, and NP groups. The study concluded that nitric oxide wound dressings accelerate wound healing in dogs, evidenced by faster granulation tissue development in the NP group and reduced total wound area with increased contraction in the NG group. These findings suggest that nitric oxide wound dressings are innovative and cost-effective products that can significantly reduce the time and expense required for open or second-intention wound healing in dogs. 

Rodriguez-Diaz JM, Wallace ML, Emond SA, McNabney D, Hodges KM, Howerth EW. Effect of hydrocolloid-nitric oxide wound dressings on wound healing in dogs. Vet Surg. 2024 Aug 16. doi: 10.1111/vsu.14149. PMID: 39149892. 

Bottom line — May be useful and cost-effective.

Success Rate for Conservatively Treated Back Dogs

This study examines the recovery of nonambulatory dogs suffering from thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusion (TL IVDE) when managed conservatively rather than surgically. Despite a prevailing consensus that surgical decompression is necessary for dogs unable to walk, especially those lacking deep pain perception (DPN), the findings indicate that a significant proportion can regain ambulation without surgery. Specifically, nearly all dogs retaining deep pain perception (DPP) recovered, and about 50% of DPN dogs also regained the ability to walk within 12 weeks of the injury. The research observed substantial spontaneous decompression of spinal cord compression over time in many dogs, although recovery did not always correlate with this decompression. The study suggests that conservative management—which includes analgesia, movement restriction, and bladder care—is a valid alternative when surgery is not feasible due to financial or geographical limitations. It emphasizes the need for further research to identify specific clinical and MRI characteristics that could determine which dogs might require surgical intervention, aiming to optimize treatment strategies for affected dogs. 

Khan S, Jeffery ND, Freeman P. Recovery of ambulation in small, nonbrachycephalic dogs after conservative management of acute thoracolumbar disk extrusion. J Vet Intern Med. 2024; 38(5): 2603-2611. doi:10.1111/jvim.17149 

Bottom line — Something to keep in mind in these emotional situations.

Feasibility of “Virtual” Uterus Biopsies in Horses

This study explored the feasibility of using confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) for in-vivo imaging of the equine endometrium and aimed to determine an optimal dosage of intravenous fluorescein sodium for enhanced cellular visualization. CLE is an advanced endoscopic technique that provides real-time microscopic images of tissues through a fiber optic probe, relying on induced fluorescence for image contrast. Forty-four mares of various breeds and ages participated in the study, which received approval from the University of Adelaide Animal Ethics Committee. 

The mares were administered fluorescein sodium intravenously, and CLE was performed to capture images of the endometrial tissue. These images were then compared with routine histopathological analyses of endometrial biopsies. The results indicated that a fluorescein sodium dose of 4 mg/kg was optimal for achieving high-quality image contrast. Importantly, no adverse reactions were observed following the administration of the contrast agent; any fluorescent coloration in the urine was temporary and resolved within six hours. 

CLE enabled rapid assessment of multiple regions of the endometrium, revealing distinct tissue architecture patterns. The technique allowed for the evaluation of the luminal epithelium's integrity, detection of exocytosed inflammatory cells, and assessment of endometrial gland distribution, density, shape, and epithelial height. Blood vessels were clearly delineated, and inflammatory cells and fibrosis within the interstitium were identifiable. While image quality varied between mares—potentially influenced by the stage of the estrous cycle—the overall findings demonstrated that CLE could effectively provide "virtual" biopsies. 

The study concluded that CLE is a valuable tool for the comprehensive assessment of uterine health in mares, offering advantages over the standard single-tissue biopsy by facilitating the examination of multiple uterine regions in real-time. The safe and effective use of intravenous fluorescein sodium as a contrast agent enhances the practicality of this imaging modality. These findings may contribute to the standardization of CLE procedures for research purposes and support its integration into equine reproductive medicine to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. 

K. Gallacher, L. Woolford, L.C. Santos, P.B.S. Serpa, J. Len, R.O. Gilbert, K.L. Kind,Real-time in vivo confocal laser endomicroscopic imaging of equine endometrium: Preliminary observations and feasibility study, The Veterinary Journal Volume 308, 2024,  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106222 

Bottom line — Shows promise.

Just putting things in perspective …