Browsing by Author "Levine D"

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Cryotherapy Improves Limb Use But Delays Normothermia Early After Stifle Joint Surgery in Dogs
(Frontiers Media S A, 2020-07-03) Szabo SD; Levine D; Marcellin-Little DJ; Sidaway BK; Hofmeister E; Urtuzuastegui E; Steagall P
Objective: To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of cold compression therapy (CCT) relative to a soft padded bandage (SPB) in dogs undergoing surgery to manage cranial cruciate ligament injury. Methods: Dogs were randomized into groups that received CCT or SPB after surgery. Weight bearing was measured using a weight distribution platform before and the day after surgery. Stifle joint flexion and extension were measured using a goniometer before and the day after surgery. Rectal temperatures were measured every 15 min for 2 h after surgery and the morning after surgery. Mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT) were measured using an algometer the day after surgery. Findings in both groups were compared using a mixed model ANOVA. Results: 20 dogs were enrolled: 10 in the CCT and 10 in the SPB group. Dogs undergoing CCT had more stifle joint flexion (P = 0.008) and weight bearing (P < 0.001) after surgery than dogs with SPB. MNT after surgery correlated statistically with stifle joint flexion after surgery (r = −0.315, P = 0.014), extension after surgery (r = 0.310, P = 0.016), and weight bearing after surgery (r = 0.314, P = 0.003). Return to normothermia was delayed in the CCT group, with temperatures ~0.5°C (1.0°F) lower 105 (P = 0.018) and 120 min (P = 0.013) after surgery. Conclusion: Relative to bandaging, CCT had a positive short-term impact on stifle flexion and weight bearing. CCT delayed warming after surgery but dogs were only mildly hypothermic [0.5°C [1.0°F]].
Survey of Handlers of 158 Police Dogs in New Zealand: Functional Assessment and Canine Orthopedic Index.
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2019-04-16) Baltzer WI; Owen R; Bridges J; Levine D
Objectives: To determine the functional assessment (FA) of fitness and Canine Orthopedic Index (COI) scores of 158 police dogs. The hypothesis was the dogs would have excellent fitness and no evidence of orthopedic disease regardless of age as reported by the handlers. Study Design: Observational, prospective study. Sample Population: Handlers of dogs >1 year of age in active duty or breeding/active duty. Methods: COI and FA questionnaires were completed via e-mail. Fisher's Exact test for count data assessed scores by age group (<2 years, 2–5 years, >5 years); Wilcoxon Signed-rank test correlated COI parameters (stiffness, function, gait, quality of life) to FA. Results: The dogs were 3.2 ± 2.4 (mean ± standard deviation) years-old, 96% were German Shepherds and 111 were male. 32% of dogs could hold the “Hup” position for no longer than 4 s and 8% frequently had difficulty with this task. Difficulty jumping into vehicles occurred in 1/3 of the dogs. Overall FA was impaired in 20% (score >8), abnormal in 15% (score = 5–7), and reduced (score = 1–4) in 36% of dogs. Only 29% had normal function (FA score = 0) and these were significantly younger (2.8 ± 1.7 years, p < 0.05) than impaired dogs (6.6 ± 2.2 years). COI stiffness score was abnormal in 37% (3.3 ± 2.2) and gait was abnormal in 41% (5.4 ± 4.0). Quality of life (QOL) was excellent in 69% of dogs. Stiffness for the <2 year-old group was 0.2 ± 0.8, for the 2–5 year-old group was 1.1 ± 2.0 and for the >5 year-old group was 3.2 ± 2.4. Gait score for the <2 year group was 0.8 ± 2.2, and for the 2–5 year group was 1.9 ± 3.2 and for the >5 year group was 6.0 ± 4.3. Quality of life was close to excellent for the <2 year-olds (0.3 ± 1.1) and 2–5 year-olds (0.8 ± 2.0) but the >5 year-olds scored higher (3.0 ± 2.5). Only the COI gait score correlated with the FA score (p = 0.30). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Police dogs were reported by handlers to have good to excellent QOL, however, increasing age was associated with declining FA and COI scores.