About

Sarah Ho is the CVM Director of Student Engagement at the College of Veterinary Medicine at NC State University. Her role involves fostering student development and engagement within the college community. The page highlights her contact information and her position as a key figure in student involvement, but does not provide specific details about her research focus, academic background, or key contributions in the field of veterinary medicine.

Research topics

• Surgery
• Medicine
• Internal medicine
• Anesthesia
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Mechanical engineering

Selected publications

• An update on practice patterns of North American and European veterinary neurology and surgery specialists for surgical management of acute canine thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion

  Journal of Small Animal Practice · 2025-09-10

  article

  OBJECTIVES: A thorough understanding of common practice patterns in a particular specialty can help identify and design new interventions to improve care delivery and access to care. The goals of this study were to document current practice patterns among veterinary "neurologists" and small animal "surgeons" in the surgical management of acute canine thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion, to compare approaches between these two groups and to discuss current results compared to those published in 2016. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web-based survey was distributed in October 2024 to collect responses from board-certified and regionally recognised neurology and surgery specialists in North America and Europe. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics. Chi-squared analysis assessed differences in response distribution between "neurologists" and "surgeons" for specific questions. RESULTS: A total of 385 survey responses were received. There was a significant difference in the distribution of responses related to caseload between specialties, where "surgeons" most reported 1 to 25 cases per year and "neurologists" most reported managing >100 cases per year. "Surgeons" and "neurologists" did not differ with respect to surgical recommendations based on the severity of neurologic signs. Eighty per cent of "neurologists" and 47% or "surgeons" reported performing concurrent fenestration at the time of surgical decompression. Compared to 2016, utilisation of methylprednisolone sodium succinate and performance of after-hours surgery were reduced in both groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Results of the present survey indicate substantial shifts in practice patterns for surgical management of this disease, some in alignment with current literature and some not. Future work should focus on the comparison of clinical outcomes in dogs imaged with CT versus MRI. Results also suggest a continued lack of clinical equipoise around prognostic factors for recovery and risk factors for progressive myelomalacia, such that future prospective studies could help improve clinician confidence in these areas.

  PublisherDOI

• Case Report: 3D-CISS and PC-MRI in the diagnosis and surgical planning of hydrocephalus secondary to presumptive lateral aperture obstruction in a dog

  Frontiers in Veterinary Science · 2025-10-10

  articleOpen access

  Introduction: This report describes the use of three-dimensional constructive interference in steady state (3D-CISS) and phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) sequences to investigate the etiology of severe hydrocephalus, and the subsequent surgical management and long-term outcome. Case presentation: A 5-month-old male Rhodesian Ridgeback presented with acute, progressive neurological signs culminating in non-ambulatory tetraparesis. Clinical and imaging findings were consistent with non-communicating tetraventricular hydrocephalus with concurrent severe syringomyelia, but conventional MRI failed to identify the cause of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow obstruction. Following failure of medical management, advanced MRI sequences were performed to clarify the underlying etiology and guide surgical planning. These included 3D-CISS for high-resolution anatomical assessment and PC-MRI for dynamic evaluation of CSF flow. The findings demonstrated patent intraventricular CSF flow and no evidence of arachnoid septations within the fourth ventricle, thereby excluding a fourth ventricle arachnoid diverticulum. Instead, the imaging findings supported a presumptive diagnosis of hydrocephalus secondary to lateral aperture occlusion. A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was placed, resulting in substantial clinical improvement, although mild residual cerebellar deficits persisted. Five months later, the dog experienced acute deterioration. Computed tomography revealed fracture of the distal catheter at the level of its abdominal wall anchoring site, likely due to progressive tension as the dog grew, resulting in the catheter snapping into two segments. Revision surgery restored CSF diversion and led to rapid clinical recovery. The patient remains neurologically stable at 28 months of age, 15 months post-revision. Conclusion: Advanced MRI sequences, particularly 3D-CISS and PC-MRI, were instrumental in supporting the presumptive diagnosis of lateral aperture obstruction as the underlying cause of hydrocephalus and in guiding an individualized, effective surgical strategy. This case highlights the diagnostic and clinical value of advanced MRI techniques in managing complex hydrocephalus.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous ketamine administration via the Omnipod® system in dogs

  Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics · 2024-03-27 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessCorresponding

  Ketamine is an injectable anesthetic agent with analgesic and antidepressant effects that can prevent maladaptive pain. Ketamine is metabolized by the liver into norketamine, an active metabolite. Prior rodent studies have suggested that norketamine is thought to contribute up to 30% of ketamine's analgesic effect. Ketamine is usually administered as an intravenous (IV) bolus injection or continuous rate infusion (CRI) but can be administered subcutaneously (SC) and intramuscularly (IM). The Omnipod® is a wireless, subcutaneous insulin delivery device that adheres to the skin and delivers insulin as an SC CRI. The Omnipod® was used in dogs for postoperative administration of ketamine as a 1 mg/kg infusion bolus (IB) over 1 hour (h). Pharmacokinetics (PK) showed plasma ketamine concentrations between 42 and 326.1 ng/mL. The median peak plasma concentration was 79.5 (41.9-326.1) ng/mL with a Tmax of 60 (30-75) min. After the same infusion bolus, the corresponding norketamine PK showed plasma drug concentrations between 22.0 and 64.8 ng/mL. The median peak plasma concentration was 43.0 (26.1-71.8) ng/mL with a median Tmax of 75 min. The median peak ketamine plasma concentration exceeded 100 ng/mL in dogs for less than 1 h post infusion. The Omnipod® system successfully delivered subcutaneous ketamine to dogs in the postoperatively.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Surgical management of a lumbar far lateral intervertebral disc extrusion in a cat

  Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports · 2024-07-01 · 3 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Case summary: A 9-year-old male castrated domestic shorthair cat was presented with a 2-week history of acute, progressive left pelvic limb lameness. Gait evaluation revealed a grade 3/5 left pelvic limb lameness with no apparent orthopedic cause for the lameness based on orthopedic examination or radiographs. The neurological examination was otherwise normal. MRI revealed a left-sided L6-7 far lateral intervertebral disc extrusion with possible secondary neuritis of the L6 spinal nerve. A left-sided L6-7 foraminotomy was performed to remove the extruded disc material and provide additional space for the significantly enlarged nerve root. An L6-7 fenestration was also performed. The patient made an excellent recovery with near-complete resolution of lameness at 26 days postoperatively. Relevance and novel information: This case report contributes to the growing body of literature on lateral intervertebral disc extrusion as an etiological factor in pelvic limb lameness in cats, particularly when neurological deficits are absent. Furthermore, the case report highlights the diagnostic utility of cross-sectional advanced imaging for cats with lameness for which an orthopedic or radiographic cause cannot be identified. Finally, this case underscores the efficacy of surgical intervention as a treatment option for cats with lumbar far lateral intervertebral disc extrusions that do not improve with medical management alone. This finding could have implications for future surgical approaches in cats with similar findings.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Clinical and imaging findings in dogs with nerve root signature associated with cervical intervertebral disc herniation

  Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine · 2024-01-12 · 11 citations

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) is the most common spinal cord disease in dogs. Little information is available regarding the clinical presentation of nerve root signature (NRS) associated with cervical IVDH. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE: To detail the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in dogs with NRS associated with cervical IVDH. ANIMALS: Forty-seven client-owned dogs presenting with thoracic limb NRS and MRI confirmed IVDH. METHODS: Medical records from 2010 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed for dogs that met inclusion criteria. Imaging studies were evaluated by 2 individuals to characterize location and severity of neural tissue compression. RESULTS: Chondrodystrophoid dogs comprised the majority of the study cohort, with dachshund the most common breed (n = 10). Three-quarters of dogs were ≥7 years of age. Interobserver agreement was moderate or good for all of the imaging variables evaluated. The C6-C7 intervertebral disc space was significantly overrepresented (P = .01), comprising 32% (15/47) of the affected discs. However, 42% (20/47) of cases involved C2-C3 though C4-C5 disc sites. Disc material was more frequently located laterally compared to medially within the vertebral canal (P = .0005), and to be associated with compression of the nerve root at the level of the intervertebral foramen (P = .012). CONCLUSION/CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: NRS is most commonly associated with lateralized or foraminal cervical disc herniations. It is most prevalent with C6-C7 intervertebral disc involvement, suggesting that there might be unique anatomic factors that contribute to development of NRS at this site, but can be a clinical manifestation of IVDH occurring anywhere along the cervical spine.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Quantification of metallic artifact on CT associated with titanium pedicle screws

  Frontiers in Veterinary Science · 2024-07-31 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Background In dogs undergoing vertebral column stabilization, post-operative computed tomography (CT) evaluates implant placement. The impact on the interpretation of metallic artifact associated with titanium implants in dogs remains to be established. Our objective was to quantify metallic artifact on CT associated with titanium pedicle screws. Methods The study design included an in vitro model and a retrospective review of 11 dogs with vertebral column stabilization. Twenty four titanium pedicle screws (6 each: 2.0 mm, 2.7 mm, 3.5 mm, and 4.5 mm) were inserted into a 20% ballistic gel, and CT scan of the construct was performed. Three blinded raters used a bone window to measure the maximum width (effective size) of each screw, one rater measured effective size using an ultrawide window and 45 titanium pedicle screws (3×2.0 mm, 5×2.7 mm, 30×3.5 mm, and 7×4.5 mm) in 11 clinical cases. Effective size measurements were compared to actual screw sizes. Results The effective size was 26.9–43.8%, 9.2–18.5%, and 21.1–30.5% larger than the actual size for the in vitro system (bone window), in vitro system (ultrawide window), and clinical cases, respectively. The mean gross difference for the in vitro measurements varied by implant size ( p < 0.001) and was positively correlated with implant size ( r = 0.846), but the mean percentage difference was negatively correlated with implant size ( p < 0.001). Overestimation was larger for the in vitro model bone window compared to the ultrawide window ( p < 0.001) and clinical cases ( p = 0.001). Conclusion Metallic artifact associated with titanium pedicle screws on CT resulted in an overestimation of screw size. This information might aid in the interpretation of implant placement on post-operative imaging.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Presumed pituitary apoplexy in 26 dogs: Clinical findings, treatments, and outcomes

  Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine · 2023-04-21 · 7 citations

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Pituitary apoplexy refers to hemorrhage or infarction within the pituitary gland resulting in acute neurological abnormalities. This condition is poorly described in dogs. OBJECTIVES: To document presenting complaints, examination findings, endocrinopathies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), treatments, and outcomes of dogs with pituitary apoplexy. ANIMALS: Twenty-six client-owned dogs with acute onset of neurological dysfunction. METHODS: Retrospective case series. Dogs were diagnosed with pituitary apoplexy if MRI or histopathology documented an intrasellar or suprasellar mass with evidence of hemorrhage or infarction in conjunction with acute neurological dysfunction. Clinical information was obtained from medical records and imaging reports. RESULTS: Common presenting complaints included altered mentation (16/26, 62%) and gastrointestinal dysfunction (14/26, 54%). Gait or posture changes (22/26, 85%), mentation changes (18/26, 69%), cranial neuropathies (17/26, 65%), cervical or head hyperpathia (12/26, 46%), and hyperthermia (8/26, 31%) were the most frequent exam findings. Ten dogs (38%) lacked evidence of an endocrinopathy before presentation. Common MRI findings included T1-weighted hypo- to isointensity of the hemorrhagic lesion (21/25, 84%), peripheral enhancement of the pituitary mass lesion (15/25, 60%), brain herniation (14/25, 56%), and obstructive hydrocephalus (13/25, 52%). Fifteen dogs (58%) survived to hospital discharge. Seven of these dogs received medical management alone (median survival 143 days; range, 7-641 days) and 8 received medications and radiation therapy (median survival 973 days; range, 41-1719 days). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Dogs with pituitary apoplexy present with a variety of acute signs of neurological disease and inconsistent endocrine dysfunction. Dogs that survive to discharge can have a favorable outcome.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of atlanto-axial subluxation in 42 dogs: Analysis of joint cavity size, subluxation distance, and craniocervical junction anomalies

  Open Veterinary Journal · 2023-01-01 · 6 citations

  articleOpen access

  Background: Atlanto-axial (AA) subluxation can be a complex syndrome in dogs. Accurate identification and assessment of this condition is key to providing treatment and resolution. Aim: The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of AA subluxation and associated neurologic deficits. Methods: A multicenter review of dogs with a diagnosis of AA subluxation was conducted, evaluating signalment, neurologic grade, duration of signs, and MRI characteristics. MRI characteristics included degree of spinal cord compression and joint subluxation, integrity of odontoid ligaments, presence of a dens, spinal cord signal intensity, and presence of syringohydromyelia, hydrocephalus, and Chiari-like malformation. A control population with normal AA joints was also evaluated. MR images of 42 dogs with AA subluxation were compared to 26 age and breed-matched control dogs. Results: Affected dogs had a median age of 27 months and median weight of 2.7 kg, and the most commonly affected breed was Yorkshire terrier (47.5%). Spinal cord signal hyperintensity, increased AA joint size, and cross-sectional cord compression at the level of the dens and mid-body C2 were associated with AA subluxation. No associations were found between cord compression, appearance of the dens, or cord signal intensity and neurologic grade. Affected dogs did not have a higher incidence of Chiari-like malformation, syringohydromyelia, or hydrocephalus than control dogs, and their neurologic grade was not associated with MRI findings. Lack of a dens and/or odontoid ligaments was associated with larger subluxations. Conclusion: Dogs with clinical signs of AA subluxation were significantly more likely to have intramedullary hyperintensity at the level of compression (p=0.0004), an increased AA joint cavity size (p=0.0005), and increased spinal cord compression at the level of dens and mid-body C2 (p=<0.05). The authors suggest an AA joint cavity size >1.4mm and a subluxation distance >2.5mm as cutoffs for MRI diagnosis of AA subluxation in dogs. No differences were noted between dogs with AA subluxation and control dogs regarding syringohydromyelia, hydrocephalus, and Chiari-like malformation.

  PublisherDOI

• Craniectomies for Dogs With Skull Multilobular Osteochondrosarcoma Using the Misonix Bone Scalpel: Cadaveric Evaluation and Retrospective Case Series

  Topics in companion animal medicine · 2023-03-01 · 4 citations

  articleOpen access

  To evaluate the Misonix bone scalpel (MBS) for craniotomies in dogs and describe clinical findings and surgical experience in 3 dogs with large multilobular osteochondrosarcoma (MLO) of the skull. Cadaver evaluation and retrospective case series. One canine cadaver; 3 client-owned dogs. Craniotomies of different sizes and at different locations were performed with MBS. Dural tear and bone discoloration were recorded. Clinical, imaging, and surgical findings of dogs diagnosed with MLO and where MBS was used for craniectomies were retrospectively included. Cadaveric evaluation identified MBS as an efficient tool for rapid craniectomies (>5minutes) albeit dural tears and some small foci of bone discoloration were observed. Craniectomies could be performed without complications in 3 dogs with MLO without dural tear or bone discoloration. .Excision was in complete in all cases. The short-term outcome was good, and the long-term outcome was fair to good. Piezoelectric bone surgery with the Misonix bone scalpel is an alternative technology to perform craniectomies in dogs. It was not associated with complications in 3 dogs diagnosed and surgically treated for MLO. Dural tears and suspected bone necrosis can occur. Great care should be taken when using CT to establish disease free surgical osteotomy.

  PublisherDOI

• Chronic, progressive paraparesis and acute paraplegia in an 8-year-old Australian Shepherd mixed-breed dog

  Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association · 2023-01-13

  articleSenior author
  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Karen R. Muñana

  North Carolina State University

  45 shared

• Natasha J. Olby

  North Central State College

  40 shared

• Christopher L. Mariani

  North Carolina State University

  39 shared

• Julien Guevar

  10 shared

• Emily H. Griffith

  9 shared

• Kristen M. Messenger

  North Carolina State University

  8 shared

• Aude Castel

  Université de Montréal

  7 shared

• Simon C. Roe

  North Carolina State University

  7 shared

Labs

• CVM Clinical SciencesPI

Awards & honors

• Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine…