Initial Psychometric Evaluation of the Portuguese Version of the Canine Orthopedic Index

Alves et al.

Objective The aim of this study was to perform the initial psychometric evaluation of the Portuguese version of the Canine Orthopaedic Index (COI).

Study Design In a prospective, randomized study, a group of 50 police working dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis was assessed. A copy of the translated Portuguese version of the COI was completed by canine handlers, native Portuguese speakers. This result was compared with that of 50 sound dogs. Construct validity was determined by comparing sound dogs and dogs with osteoarthritis scores with the Mann–Whitney test. Additionally, the Kaiser–Meyer–Olin measure of sampling adequacy, eigenvalue, and scree-plot analysis were performed. Internal consistency was tested with Cronbach's α.

Results A significant difference was observed between osteoarthritis and sound dogs in all dimensions of the COI (p < 0.01 for all), indicating construct validity. Two factors accounted for 87.8% of the total variance. Cronbach's α was 0.98, with a high interitem correlation, accounting for strong internal consistency.

Conclusion We presented criterion and construct validity of the Portuguese version of the COI. It is a step in providing clinicians with a validated and accessible tool to evaluate orthopaedic patients. Further studies are required.

ntraoperative Distraction Device for Open Reduction of Nascent Lateral Humeral Condylar Fractures in Five Dogs

Cornell et al.

Lateral humeral condylar (LHC) nascent malunion fractures are challenging to treat because of extensive callus formation, scar tissue and contracture of surrounding tissues. The objective of this retrospective case series is to describe the novel procedural use of an intraoperative distraction device to aid in the reduction and anatomical alignment of nascent malunion LHC fractures along with long-term functional outcomes in these cases. Medical records of five consecutive cases of dogs with seven nascent malunion LHC fractures that were treated between 2015 and 2018 with the aid of an intraoperative distraction device were reviewed. Relevant clinical and radiographic data, forelimb circumference, elbow goniometry and clinical outcome were evaluated. Anatomic reduction and fixation with complete healing were achieved in all seven cases. Implants were removed in four cases to resolve persisting lameness. Three dogs (4 cases) were available for long-term follow-up: mean circumference and range of motion were decreased in the operated limbs as compared with the contralateral normal limbs. One dog (with bilateral fractures) was euthanized due to poor outcome. In the other five elbows, outcome was acceptable. Based on the results of this case series, use of an intraoperative distraction device to aid in anatomical reduction and fixation of nascent malunion LHC fractures should be considered.