Background
The Stroke Treatment Academic Industry Roundtable (STAIR) criteria recommend the use of large animal stroke models for translation of certain novel stroke therapies. Our study established a novel endovascular MCAo model in dogs, via endovascular access of the MCA territory through the internal carotid artery (ICA). 
Methods
Fifty-six mongrel hounds (age 12-36 months; BW 22±5 kg), underwent trans-femoral endovascular catheterization and occlusion of the distal ICA-MCA - with a single soft platinum detachable aneurysm embolization coil. We created three groups with different occlusion times: <60, 60-120 and >120 min. MCA recanalization was established by coil retraction. The dogs were survived for 15-60 days. Weekly neurological scoring was performed. Brain MR-MRA images were obtained between 1-60 days post-MCAo. Stroke volumes were measured. Diffusion Tensor imaging/Tractography (DTI-DTT) analysis of the Corticospinal Tract was also acquired for the last 10 dogs, as a new assessment tool in our model. 
Results
Successful MCAo with recanalization was achieved in 39/56 dogs. We were able to achieve control of occlusion time and average stroke volume: <60 min = 3.1cc (+/-5.9 cc), 60-120 min= 4.5cc (+/-7.5 cc) and >120 min= 6.2 cc (+/-6.9 cc) which also correlates with the neurological assessment scores. We observed 52% feasibility on achieving MCAo in the first 12/23 consecutive dogs, then 70% in the subsequent 16/23, and 80% (8/10) in the last 10 dogs. 
Conclusion
We report the successful development of an endovascular reversible MCAo model in the dog by an anterior circulation approach for future stroke translational research.

Development and Feasibility of a Canine Endovascular Reversible Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Stroke Model: a Novel anterior circulation approach