The study has began in summer 2025. Dogs undergoing surgery for gallbladder disease at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital are eligible to participate, provided they do not have other serious concurrent underlying illnesses (such as advanced heart or kidney failure). Dogs acutely ill with suspected or confirmed gallbladder rupture or bile duct obstruction are excluded. The goal is to recruit 80 dogs between 2025 and 2029. The study is conducted in collaboration with the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, the Internal medicine unit of Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, and the Department of Veterinary Pathology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
Gallbladder removal surgeries in dogs have significantly increased due to the treatment of gallbladder mucocele The etiology of the disease is still poorly understood, and medical management does not always prevent disease progression or the eventual need for surgery. The disease can cause significant concern and emotional and financial stress for dog owners.
Some gallbladder changes are monitored over years with regular ultrasound examinations, and surgery is performed only once the disease has progressed significantly. In other cases, surgery is carried out in the early stages of the disease. Gallbladder mucocele can progress to rupture or bile duct obstruction, both life-threatening conditions with a guarded prognosis. To prevent this, there is an increasing trend toward recommending preventive gallbladder removal in cases with early signs of disease progression despite medical treatment, even when symptoms are mild or absent.
However, the gallbladder plays an important physiological role in digestion, and little is known about the effects of its removal on gastrointestinal symptoms, bile reflux from the small intestine to the stomach, bile acid concentrations in the colon, or intestinal microbiota in dogs. Although short-term surgical outcomes are generally good and most dogs recover well, long-term prospective studies are lacking. Existing research on the long-term outcomes after gallbladder removal is limited and retrospective.
The main objective of this prospective follow-up study is to evaluate the long-term treatment outcomes in dogs that undergo gallbladder removal due to gallbladder disease.
Specific aims include:
The study is supported by University of Helsinki research funds, Finnish Veterinary Foundation and Finnish Kennel Club
The main objective of the study is to determine the effect of postoperative antimicrobial treatment on the incidence of urinary tract and surgical site infections in dogs diagnosed with pyometra. Pyometra is one of the most common reproductive system diseases in female dogs. The most effective treatment is surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. Veterinary textbooks also recommend postoperative antimicrobial treatment for 5–14 days, but there are no clinical studies on the necessity or effectiveness of such treatment. Instead of routinely administering antimicrobials to all patients, it is important to identify which patients benefit from postoperative medication and which do not. The aim of the study is to reduce unnecessary use of antimicrobials and the resulting development of bacterial resistance, which has a significant impact on the health of both animals and humans.
Patient recruitment for the study has ended, and the results have been analyzed. Two studies have been completed, and the entire doctoral dissertation is expected to be finished in early 2025.
This research has been funded by AKC Canine Health Foundation, Finnish Foundation of Veterinary Research, Anna and Karl Eklund Foundation, Finnish Veterinary Foundation and Finnish Kennel Club.
Ylhäinen A, Rantala M, Thomson K, Grönthal T, Junnila J, Laitinen-Vapaavuori O, Mölsä S. Placebo is non-inferior to postoperative antimicrobial treatment in ucomplicated canine pyometra – a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Submitted for peer review.
Ylhäinen A, Mölsä S, Thomson K, Laitinen-Vapaavuori O, Rantala M, Grönthal T. Bacteria associated with canine pyometra and concurrent bacteriuria: a prospective study. Veterinary microbiology 301,110362, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110362
Ylhäinen A, Mölsä S, Grönthal T, Junnila J, Rantala M, Laitinen-Vapaavuori O, Thomson K. A double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled non-inferiority trial protocol for postoperative infections associated with canine pyometra. BMC Vet Res. 2023; 19:77. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-023-03629-w
The main objective of the study is to determine the biocompatibility of cellulose as a mesh material and as a urethral bulking agent and to evaluate its potential in the management of incontinent dogs. Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) is the most common cause of acquired urinary incontinence in neutered female dogs. It worsens not only the quality of life of the dogs, but also the owners. Surgical treatment or cystoscopy-aided urethral bulking agent implantation is indicated in refractory patients. Urethral bulking agents support the urethral wall and allow a more effective urethral muscle closure. According to literature, the procedure is effective and safe, but often require repeated injections to maintain continence. The aim of the study is to evaluate, whether cellulose could be used as a urethral bulking agent in dogs and as such, provide a long-term effect. There are no previous studies on the use of cellulose as a urethral bulking agent. As veterinary science evolves, it is important to offer also minimally invasive treatment methods along with surgery. This is the first time bulking agent implantations are used for dogs in Finland.
Patient recruitment for the study has ended, and most of the results have been analyzed. Two studies have been completed, and the entire doctoral dissertation is expected to be finished by the end of 2026.
The research has been funded by Business Finland, the Finnish Veterinary Foundation and the Finnish Foundation of Veterinary Research.
Peltokallio N, Noël S, Bolen G, Kuure S, Raussi-Lehto E, Reyes G, Ajdary R, Kuula J, Hamaide A, Laitinen-Vapaavuori O. In vivo biocompatibility and long-term durability of nanofibrillated cellulose as a urethral bulking agent in rats and Beagle dogs. PLOS ONE Feb 24, 2025 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0317859
Peltokallio N, Ajdary R, Reyes G, Kankuri E, Junnila J, Kuure S, Meller A, Kuula J, Raussi-Lehto E, Sariola H, Laitinen-Vapaavuori O, Rojas O. Comparative in vivo biocompatibility of cellulose-derived and synthetic meshes in subcutaneous transplantation models. Biomacromolecules 2024, 25, 7298-7310. 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00984
Perineal hernia, resulting from the atrophy of the pelvic floor muscles, is a condition that occurs almost exclusively in middle-aged or older male dogs. In perineal hernia, the rectum, prostate, or bladder may herniate under the skin next to the anus. The etiology of the disease is still unclear, but hormonal, neurological, and structural factors, as well as gastrointestinal diseases, have been suspected as predisposing factors. Prostatic diseases have also been suspected to play a role in the development of perineal hernia, but they have not been systematically assessed in affected dogs.
Surgical intervention is the primary treatment for perineal hernia. Several surgical techniques exist, but comparative studies on their outcomes are scarce. Surgical treatment carries a moderately high risk of recurrence and postoperative defecation difficulties may persist in some dogs even if the hernia repair is deemed successful.
The aim of the study was to assess and compare the long-term outcomes of two surgical techniques and to identify potential risk factors that may predispose dogs to the disease or affect treatment outcomes.
The doctoral dissertation was completed in summer 2024. A total of 66 dogs participated in the study and underwent surgery at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Each dog was randomly assigned to one of two surgical techniques. Postoperative outcome was monitored for one year. The study found that dogs with perineal hernia had significantly larger prostates and more cysts in the prostate compared to the control group. No association was found between perineal hernia and the dogs’ neurological, orthopedic, or gastrointestinal conditions.
Regarding surgical techniques, hernia recurrence was observed in 8.8% of dogs treated with internal obturator muscle transposition and in 10.3% of those treated with fascia lata grafting. Both methods were equally effective in preventing recurrence. The defecation sign index significantly decreased after surgery, and complications were rare. However, a small number of dogs continued to experience mild defecation problems after surgery.
Our study suggests that enlarged, cystic prostates are likely associated with the development of perineal hernia. Future research should focus on further investigating the causal relationship between the prostate and perineal hernia. This could help slow the disease progression and potentially even prevent its development.
Funding: This study was supported by the Finnish Veterinary Foundation and the Finnish Foundation of Veterinary Research.
Åhlberg T, Salla K, Laitinen-Vapaavuori O, Mölsä S. Treatment of canine perineal hernia with a fascia lata graft is noninferior to the elevation of the internal obturator muscle: a prospective randomized trial of 66 dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2024. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.23.11.0650
Åhlberg T, Jokinen T, Salonen H, Vapaavuori O, Mölsä S. Exploring the association between canine perineal hernia and neurological, orthopedic, and gastrointestinal diseases. Acta Vet Scand. 2022;64:39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13028-022-00655-w
Åhlberg T, Salonen H, Laitinen-Vapaavuori O, Mölsä S. CT imaging of dogs with perineal hernia reveals large prostates with morphological and spatial abnormalities. Vet Radiol & Ultrasound, 2022;1-9.
Perineal hernia is a relatively rare condition in dogs, typically affecting older, intact male dogs. The disease results from progressive weakening and separation of the pelvic diaphragm muscles, allowing abdominal or pelvic organs to herniate into the perineal area. The rectum is almost always dilated and kinked. Diagnosis is made through clinical examination and digital rectal palpation, and treatment is surgical.
Associated issues such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and abnormal positioning of pelvic organs may explain persistent postoperative symptoms. These associated problems have previously been assessed using ultrasound and radiography, but the location of the organs within the bony pelvis complicates imaging. Computed tomography (CT) is superior for visualizing changes in pelvic organs, but its use in perineal hernia cases has been limited.
The doctoral thesis was completed in autumn 2024. The study investigated the associated problems of perineal hernia from a diagnostic imaging perspective. First, we evaluated the reliability of measuring prostate volume using CT images analyzed with the OsiriX® image viewer software. We assessed reproducibility by repeating measurements both by the same and by different observers. Additionally, we examined the impact of imaging parameters (slice thickness and contrast enhancement) on the measurement results, and compared them to true volume obtained using the water displacement method.
Our results showed that prostate volume measurements from CT images are reproducible with our method, and measurement results were not affected by the operator, CT parameters, or contrast enhancement. Furthermore, the volumes obtained from CT were consistent with those measured using the water displacement method.
The main aim was to evaluate CT images from 66 male dogs with perineal hernia. Of these, 46 were intact at the time of recruitment and were neutered during surgical hernia repair. Dogs were CT scanned before surgery and again three months after. Compared to the control group, dogs with perineal hernia had significantly larger and more frequently cystic prostates. The prostates were also more rotated and located more caudally. Prostate volume and the number of cysts significantly decreased after surgery, but the location of the prostate did not return to normal.
Interestingly, we observed that the prostates moved in random directions between the scans, suggesting a permanent loosening of surrounding tissues. The rectum was most commonly kinked before surgery, and its diameter was wider in the distal section compared to the portion inside the pelvic cavity. Although the kink resolved in many dogs postoperatively, it remained in some. Straightened rectums tended to remain dilated or even became more dilated than before surgery. This is likely due to persistent weakness of the surrounding supportive tissues and reduced elasticity of the rectal wall.
The study showed that CT imaging is a useful and accurate method for evaluating the pelvic cavity in dogs with perineal hernia. It helped clarify the phenomenon of tissue laxity and allowed for monitoring of pelvic organ changes post-surgery. Our research was the first to assess the reproducibility and reliability of CT-based prostate volume measurements using the OsiriX® software, and to compare CT findings in dogs with perineal hernia versus a control group, as well as before and after corrective surgery.
This research has been funded by Finnish Foundation of Veterinary Research and Finnish Veterinary Foundation
Salonen H, Åhlberg T, Laitinen-Vapaavuori O, Mölsä S. Dimensional and spatial computed tomographic abnormalities of the rectum and prostate are only partly reversible after surgical repair of perineal hernia in dogs. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2024;1-13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/vru.13341
Salonen H, Åhlberg T, Laitinen-Vapaavuori O, Mölsä S. CT measurement of prostate volume using OsiriX® viewer is reliable, repeatable, and not dependent on observer, CT protocol, or contrast enhancement in dogs. Vet Radiol & Ultrasound, 2022;63:729-738
Åhlberg T, Salonen H, Laitinen-Vapaavuori O, Mölsä S. CT imaging of dogs with perineal hernia reveals large prostates with morphological and spatial abnormalities. Vet Radiol & Ultrasound, 2022;1-9.
The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of liver shunts in Miniature Schnauzers born in Finland. Miniature Schnauzers are known to have a predisposition to liver shunts, but exact incidence of this disease had not been previously investigated. In dogs, a liver shunt is typically a congenital malformation, where blood that would normally flow through the portal vein into the liver is instead diverted past the liver into the general circulation via an abnormal vessel. As a result, the liver does not receive the blood flow it needs, its function is impaired, and it becomes atrophied.
Patient recruitment for the study took place from March 2021 to February 2022. In total, 582 Miniature Schnauzer puppies aged 7–12 weeks and born in Finland were screened — accounting for 58% of all puppies born during that year. Of the 216 litters born that year, 121 were included in the study. The screening method used was postprandial serum bile acid concentration.
A peer-reviewed publication based on the study is in preparation.
More information about the study can be found in the research bulletin (in Finnish):
https://sksk.fi/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/TutkimustiedoteMaksashuntti.pdf
Warm thanks to all the litters who participated in the study!
This research has been funded by Finnish Kennel Club, Finnish Miniature Schnauzer Club, Finnish Foundation of Veterinary Research and IVC Evidensia.
The doctoral dissertation was completed in November 2021. Based on the findings, the prevalence of otitis externa is high among American Cocker Spaniels in Finland. The risk of developing severe chronic otitis externa is increased if the first ear infection occurs before the age of one year.
A thick tympanic bulla wall observed in computed tomography (CT) scans may be a normal finding in American Cocker Spaniels. Enlargement and expansion of the ceruminous glands are typical for the breed. The presence of glandular changes even in clinically healthy dogs suggests a genetic background. However, confirming heritability requires further studies with a larger number of dogs.
Kaimio M, Malkamäki S, Kaukonen M, Ahonen S, Hytönen M, Rantala M; Lohi H, Saijonmaa-Koulumies L, Laitinen-Vapaavuori O. Clinical and genetic findings in 28 American Cocker Spaniels with aural ceruminous gland hyperplasia and ectasia. J Comparative Pathology, 2021; 185: 30-44.
Kaimio M, Lappalainen A, Rahman V1, Männikkö S, Laitinen-Vapaavuori O. Aural computed tomography characteristics of American cocker spaniels have features of both mesaticephalic and brachycephalic breeds. Vet Radiol & Ultrasound 2020:1-10.
Kaimio M, Saijonmaa-Koulumies L, Laitinen-Vapaavuori O: Survey of otitis externa in American Cocker Spaniels in Finland. Acta Vet Scand 2017; 59:14.