@article{lewis_williams_langley_jarvis_sawicki_olby_2019, title={Development of a Novel Gait Analysis Tool Measuring Center of Pressure for Evaluation of Canine Chronic Thoracolumbar Spinal Cord Injury}, volume={36}, ISSN={0897-7151 1557-9042}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/neu.2019.6479}, DOI={10.1089/neu.2019.6479}, abstractNote={Gait evaluation after spinal cord injury (SCI) is an important component of determining functional status. Analysis of center of pressure (COP) provides a dynamic reflection of global locomotion and postural control and has been used to quantify various gait abnormalities. We hypothesized that COP variability would be greater for SCI versus normal dogs and that COP would be able to differentiate varying injury severity. Our objective was to investigate COP, COP variability, and body weight support percentage in dogs with chronic SCI. Eleven chronically non-ambulatory dogs after acute severe thoracolumbar SCI were enrolled. COP measurements in x (right-to-left, COPx) and y (craniocaudal, COPy) directions were captured while dogs walked on a pressure-sensitive treadmill with pelvic limb sling support. Root mean square values (RMS_COPx and RMS_COPy) were calculated to assess variability in COP. Body weight support percentage was measured using a load cell. Gait also was quantified using an open field scale (OFS) and treadmill-based stepping and coordination scores (SS, RI). Mean COPx, COPy, RMS_COPx, and RMS_COPy were compared between dogs with SCI and previously evaluated healthy controls. RMS measurements and support percentage were compared with standard gait scales (OFS, SS, RI). Mean COPy was more cranial and RMS_COPx and RMS_COPy were greater in SCI versus normal dogs (p < 0.001). Support percentage moderately correlated with SS (p = 0.019; R2 = 0.47). COP analysis and body weight support measurements offer information about post-injury locomotion. Further development is needed before consideration as an outcome measure to complement validated gait analysis methods in dogs with SCI.}, number={21}, journal={Journal of Neurotrauma}, publisher={Mary Ann Liebert Inc}, author={Lewis, Melissa J. and Williams, Kimberly D. and Langley, Taylor and Jarvis, Leighanne M. and Sawicki, Gregory S. and Olby, Natasha J.}, year={2019}, month={Nov}, pages={3018–3025} }
 @article{sparks_gorney_williams_griffith_cerda-gonzalez_lascelles_olby_2018, title={Investigation of sensory thresholds in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with and without Chiari-like malformations and syringomyelia}, volume={32}, ISSN={0891-6640}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15297}, DOI={10.1111/jvim.15297}, abstractNote={BackgroundCavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) suffer pain associated with Chiari‐like malformation and syringomyelia (CMSM). People suffer from a similar condition and describe numerous sensory abnormalities. Sensory changes have not been quantified in affected CKCS.ObjectivesTo use quantitative sensory testing (QST) to quantify thermal and mechanical thresholds in CKCS and to compare QST in dogs with and without syringomyelia (SM).AnimalsForty‐four CKCS.MethodsProspective study. Dogs underwent neurological examinations and craniocervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thermal testing was performed over the humerus and thorax (n = 32); mechanical testing was performed on the paw and neck (n = 44). Latencies, thresholds, and response rates were compared with presence and severity of SM on MRI, presence of pain reported by the owner and pain identified on examination.ResultsThirty dogs had SM, 30 were painful on examination, 29 were owner‐reported symptomatic. Thermal and mechanical variables were not significantly different based on presence or severity of SM. Dogs with pain on examination had decreased mechanical thresholds on the paw (0.38 kg, SD = 0.18) and neck (2.05 kg, SD = 0.74) compared to thresholds of dogs without pain on examination on the paw (0.60 kg, SD = 0.30) and neck (2.72 kg, SD = 0.57; P = .021).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceMechanical and thermal sensitivity does not appear to be related to the presence of SM, but mechanical sensitivity appears to be related to the presence of pain and clinical signs. Mechanical testing may be useful for assessing sensory abnormalities during clinical trials.}, number={6}, journal={Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Sparks, Courtney R. and Gorney, Angela and Williams, Kim and Griffith, Emily H. and Cerda-Gonzalez, Sofia and Lascelles, B. Duncan X. and Olby, Natasha J.}, year={2018}, month={Oct}, pages={2021–2028} }
 @article{fenn_laber_williams_rousse_early_mariani_munana_decker_volk_olby_et al._2017, title={Associations Between Anesthetic Variables and Functional Outcome in Dogs With Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disk Extrusion Undergoing Decompressive Hemilaminectomy}, volume={31}, ISSN={0891-6640}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jvim.14677}, DOI={10.1111/jvim.14677}, abstractNote={BackgroundOutcome of acute experimental spinal cord injury is strongly associated with tissue perfusion and oxygenation. Cardiopulmonary depression could affect outcome in dogs undergoing general anesthesia for surgical treatment of thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusion (IVDE).Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of general anesthesia on functional outcome in dogs undergoing surgery to treat thoracolumbar IVDE.AnimalsEighty‐four client‐owned dogs with acute thoracolumbar IVDE treated by decompressive hemilaminectomy.MethodsExploratory, retrospective observational study. Medical records were reviewed for clinical presentation and anesthetic monitoring variables, including duration of anesthesia and surgery, hypotension, bradycardia, temperature, and respiratory parameters. Multivariable regression tree analysis was performed to explore associations between anesthetic variables and functional outcome scores after 6 weeks, as well as return to ambulatory status.ResultsEpisodes of bradycardia (69%) and hypotension (57%) were frequent. Across all outcome measures, regression tree analysis highlighted functional grade at presentation as the primary determining factor, and among pain perception negative dogs, there was a possible association between increased duration of surgery and poorer outcome. In dogs with intact pain perception, duration of bradycardia, mean body temperature, and mean end‐tidal carbon dioxide were highlighted.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceExploratory statistical methods can facilitate hypothesis‐generating studies to inform prospective investigations in veterinary medicine. Although the mechanism is uncertain, increased duration of surgery might be associated with poorer outcome in pain perception negative dogs with thoracolumbar IVDE.}, number={3}, journal={Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Fenn, J. and Laber, E. and Williams, K. and Rousse, C. A. and Early, P. J. and Mariani, C. L. and Munana, Karen and Decker, S. De and Volk, H. A. and Olby, N. J. and et al.}, year={2017}, month={Mar}, pages={814–824} }
 @article{blau_davis_gorney_dohse_williams_lim_pfitzner_laber_sawicki_olby_2017, title={Quantifying center of pressure variability in chondrodystrophoid dogs}, volume={226}, ISSN={1090-0233}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.07.001}, DOI={10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.07.001}, abstractNote={The center of pressure (COP) position reflects a combination of proprioceptive, motor and mechanical function. As such, it can be used to quantify and characterize neurologic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to describe and quantify the movement of COP and its variability in healthy chondrodystrophoid dogs while walking to provide a baseline for comparison to dogs with spinal cord injury due to acute intervertebral disc herniations. Fifteen healthy adult chondrodystrophoid dogs were walked on an instrumented treadmill that recorded the location of each dog’s COP as it walked. Center of pressure (COP) was referenced from an anatomical marker on the dogs’ back. The root mean squared (RMS) values of changes in COP location in the sagittal (y) and horizontal (x) directions were calculated to determine the range of COP variability. Three dogs would not walk on the treadmill. One dog was too small to collect interpretable data. From the remaining 11 dogs, 206 trials were analyzed. Mean RMS for change in COPx per trial was 0.0138 (standard deviation, SD 0.0047) and for COPy was 0.0185 (SD 0.0071). Walking speed but not limb length had a significant effect on COP RMS. Repeat measurements in six dogs had high test retest consistency in the x and fair consistency in the y direction. In conclusion, COP variability can be measured consistently in dogs, and a range of COP variability for normal chondrodystrophoid dogs has been determined to provide a baseline for future studies on dogs with spinal cord injury.}, journal={The Veterinary Journal}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Blau, S.R. and Davis, L.M. and Gorney, A.M. and Dohse, C.S. and Williams, K.D. and Lim, J-H. and Pfitzner, W.G. and Laber, E. and Sawicki, G.S. and Olby, N.J.}, year={2017}, month={Aug}, pages={26–31} }
 @article{olby_vaden_williams_griffith_harris_mariani_muñana_early_platt_boozer_et al._2016, title={Effect of Cranberry Extract on the Frequency of Bacteriuria in Dogs with Acute Thoracolumbar Disk Herniation: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial}, volume={31}, ISSN={0891-6640}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jvim.14613}, DOI={10.1111/jvim.14613}, abstractNote={BackgroundDogs with spinal cord injury are at increased risk of developing bacteriuria due to increased residual urine volume. Cranberry extract inhibits binding of E. coli to uroepithelial cells, potentially reducing risk of bacteriuria.HypothesisCranberry extract reduces risk of bacteriuria in dogs after acute TL‐IVDH.AnimalsClient‐owned dogs with acute onset TL‐IVDH causing nonambulatory status.MethodsRandomized, placebo‐controlled, blinded, prospective clinical trial. Dogs with acute TL‐IVDH were recruited 48 hours postoperatively and randomized to receive cranberry extract or placebo in a masked fashion. Urine cultures and neurological examinations were performed 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively. The number of dogs with bacteriuria (all bacterial species) and bacteriuria (E. coli) were primary and secondary outcome measures and were evaluated using chi‐squared test. Urine antiadhesion activity (AAA) was measured in a subset (N = 47) and examined in a secondary analysis evaluating additional risk factors for bacteriuria.ResultsBacteriuria was detected 17 times in 94 dogs (6 placebo, 11 cranberry, P = .12). There were 7 E. coli. positive cultures (1 placebo, 6 cranberry, P = .09). Dogs in both groups had positive urine AAA (14/21: placebo, 16/26: cranberry), and dogs with urine AAA had significantly fewer E. coli positive cultures (n = 1) than dogs without it (n = 4) (P = .047).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThis clinical trial did not show a benefit of oral cranberry extract but had low power. Cranberry extract supplementation did not impact urine AAA, but a possible association between urine AAA and lower risk of E. coli bacteriuria was identified. Other doses could be investigated.}, number={1}, journal={Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Olby, N.J. and Vaden, S.L. and Williams, K. and Griffith, E.H. and Harris, T. and Mariani, C.L. and Muñana, K.R. and Early, P.J. and Platt, S.R. and Boozer, L. and et al.}, year={2016}, month={Dec}, pages={60–68} }
 @article{gorney_blau_dohse_griffith_williams_lim_knazovicky_lascelles_olby_2016, title={Mechanical and Thermal Sensory Testing in Normal Chondrodystrophoid Dogs and Dogs with Spinal Cord Injury caused by Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniations}, volume={30}, ISSN={0891-6640}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jvim.13913}, DOI={10.1111/jvim.13913}, abstractNote={BackgroundIntervertebral disc herniation is a common cause of spinal cord injury (SCI) causing paralysis and sensory loss. Little quantitative information is available on the loss and recovery of sensation in dogs with SCI.ObjectivesTo determine whether quantitative sensory testing (QST) can be used to establish thermal and mechanical sensory thresholds in chrondrodystrophoid dogs and compare thresholds among normal dogs and dogs with different grades of SCI.AnimalsThirty‐three client‐owned chondrodystrophoid dogs: 15 normal and 18 SCI dogs.MethodsThermal testing was performed by placing a hot (49°C) and cold (5°C) probe on the dorsal metatarsus and mechanical thresholds were tested using calibrated forceps to apply force to the lateral digit. Stimuli were applied until acknowledged, and response rate, latency, and force applied to response were recorded. Test‐retest repeatability was determined by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients. Response rates were compared using logistic regression and thresholds were compared using Kaplan–Meier Survival curves.ResultsTesting was feasible with moderate repeatability. Thresholds and response rates were significantly different between normal and SCI dogs for all modalities (P < .001). When dogs were grouped by their clinical grade, each grade was significantly different from normal dogs, and cold stimuli differentiated among all grades.Conclusion and clinical importanceSensory thresholds can be measured reliably in chondrodystrophoid dogs and are altered by SCI. The differences in sensation among neurologic grades indicate that these techniques can be used to further characterize recovery of SCI dogs.}, number={2}, journal={Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Gorney, A.M. and Blau, S.R. and Dohse, C.S. and Griffith, E.H. and Williams, K.D. and Lim, J.-H. and Knazovicky, D. and Lascelles, B.D.X. and Olby, N.J.}, year={2016}, month={Mar}, pages={627–635} }
 @article{rousse_olby_williams_harris_griffith_mariani_muñana_early_2016, title={Recovery of stepping and coordination in dogs following acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniations}, volume={213}, ISSN={1090-0233}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.04.002}, DOI={10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.04.002}, abstractNote={Prospective data on the recovery of coordination in dogs suffering acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniations (TL-IVDH) are limited. The purpose of this study was to use treadmill based and open field scores (OFS) to quantify recovery of stepping ability and forelimb, hindlimb coordination in the 6 weeks following surgical decompression of dogs with TL-IVDH. Sixty-three dogs were grouped at presentation as grades 3 (non-ambulatory paraparetic), 4 (paraplegic) or 5 (paraplegic without pain sensation) and were evaluated 2, 4, and 6 weeks post-operatively. Stepping scores and Regularity Index (RI), a measure of coordination, were calculated from treadmill walking, and an OFS incorporating supported and unsupported walking was assigned. Outcomes for the three measures were compared between groups and correlation between scoring methods was assessed. Grade 3 and 4 dogs recovered ambulation by 2 weeks, reaching median stepping scores of 96 and 90% by 6 weeks, respectively. Recovery of coordination differed between groups 3 and 4 with median RI scores of 93.9% and 63%, respectively, by 6 weeks. Eight grade 5 dogs failed to recover independent ambulation by 6 weeks. Nine dogs recovered with scores that were significantly worse than the grade 3 and 4 dogs at 6 weeks for stepping score (P < 0.001) and RI (P < 0.001). OFS correlated closely with stepping and RI scores and each group was significantly different using this ordinal scale. In conclusion, recovery of coordination was incomplete in dogs that showed good recovery of stepping. The data generated could be used for clinical trial design.}, journal={The Veterinary Journal}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Rousse, C.A. and Olby, N.J. and Williams, K. and Harris, T.L. and Griffith, E.H. and Mariani, C.L. and Muñana, K.R. and Early, P.J.}, year={2016}, month={Jul}, pages={59–63} }
 @article{olby_lim_babb_bach_domaracki_williams_griffith_harris_muguet-chanoit_2014, title={Gait scoring in dogs with thoracolumbar spinal cord injuries when walking on a treadmill}, volume={10}, journal={BMC Veterinary Research}, author={Olby, N. J. and Lim, J. H. and Babb, K. and Bach, K. and Domaracki, C. and Williams, K. and Griffith, E. and Harris, T. and Muguet-Chanoit, A.}, year={2014} }