ORCID Profile
0000-0002-0477-1780
Current Organisations
Cornell University
,
Veterinary Information Network
,
University of Melbourne
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Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-07-2007
DOI: 10.1007/S10974-007-9112-Y
Abstract: Following initial patterning as differentiated smooth muscle (SM) cells, the muscularis externa of the murine esophagus is replaced by skeletal muscle, but the mechanism underlying this process is controversial. The hypothesis that committed SM cells transdifferentiate into striated muscle is not consistent with fate mapping studies. Similarly, apoptosis does not fully explain the process. Using immunohistochemical techniques and transgenic mice that express eGFP and Cre-recombinase exclusively in SM, we have identified a population of remnant SM cells that persist throughout the developing and mature murine esophagus. These cells display an atypical phenotype, are not associated with microvasculature, but are often apposed to cKit positive, interstitial cells of Cajal. The absolute length of the SM component of the developing esophagus remains constant during a period when total esophageal length increases 4-fold, resulting in a small maintained distal segment of smooth muscle. Esophageal SM cells fail to express myogenin during development, and striated muscle cell precursors expressing myogenin fail to express specific SM cell markers, indicating that they did not transdifferentiate from SM cells. Moreover, smooth muscle-specific myogenin inactivation has no effect on esophageal skeletal myogenesis. Taken together, our results provide an alternative hypothesis regarding the fate of SM cells in the developing murine esophagus, which does not invoke apoptosis or transdifferentiation.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1155/2015/165463
Abstract: Objective . To establish signalment and phenomenology of canine idiopathic head tremor syndrome (IHTS), an episodic head movement disorder of undetermined pathogenesis. Design . Retrospective case series. Animals . 291 dogs with IHTS diagnosed between 1999 and 2013. Procedures . Clinical information was obtained from an online community of veterinary information aggregation and exchange (Veterinary Information Network, 777 W Covell Boulevard, Davis, CA 95616) and conducted with their approval. Information on breed, sex, age of onset, tremor description, mentation during the event, effect of distractions and drugs, diagnostics, presence of other problems, and outcome was analyzed. Results . IHTS was found in 24 pure breeds. Bulldogs, Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, and Doberman Pinschers comprised 69% mixed breeds comprised 17%. Average onset age was 29 months (range: 3 months to 12 years). First episode occurred before 48 months of age in 88%. Vertical (35%), horizontal (50%), and rotational (15%) movements were documented. Possible trigger events were found in 21%. Mentation was normal in 93%. Distractions abated the tremor in 87%. Most dogs did not respond to antiepileptic drugs. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance . This retrospective study documents IHTS in many breeds including Labrador Retrievers, Boxers, and mixed breeds.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 12-05-2017
Abstract: The Catalyst One Chemistry Analyzer (IDEXX Laboratories) is a point-of-care instrument that can measure total thyroxine (TT4) by immunoassay. The aims of this study were to evaluate the analytic performance of the Catalyst TT4 assay in feline sera and to examine agreement of the Catalyst TT4 results with those measured by immunoassay at a veterinary reference laboratory. Assay precision, reproducibility and linearity were evaluated for the Catalyst TT4 assay. For method comparison, TT4 concentrations in serum s les from 157 cats (127 hyperthyroid, 30 radioiodine-treated cats) were analyzed by both in-clinic and reference laboratory methods. The Catalyst TT4 demonstrated good precision and reproducibility (coefficients of variation ⩽8.5%) and excellent linearity in the diagnostic range of 6–150 nmol/l. Differences between the two TT4 methods showed no proportional or fixed bias (Bland–Altman plots) but did demonstrate greater spread of values at higher TT4 concentrations. Statistical analysis of percent differences between methods indicated 95% limits of agreement of ± 30%. When serum TT4 concentrations were classified as low, high or within the reference interval (12–50 nmol/l) for each assay, there was strong agreement (96.8%) in classification between methods. The Catalyst TT4 assay provided precise serum TT4 concentrations in the 157 s les analyzed, which agreed well with results provided by a reference laboratory. Cats with Catalyst TT4 concentrations near decision thresholds (eg, normal vs high) should either have TT4 concentration repeated a few weeks later and/or undergo further testing (eg, free T4, serum thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroid scintigraphy) to determine thyroid status.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2011
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-10-2016
DOI: 10.1111/VEC.12546
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-10-2014
DOI: 10.1111/VCP.12202
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2012.02.010
Abstract: Interventional cardiac procedures are traditionally performed using fluoroscopy, or, more recently, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Neither modality is widely available to practicing cardiologists worldwide. We examined whether balloon valvuloplasty of pulmonic stenosis (PS) and transarterial occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in dogs could be performed safely with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). A prospective consecutive case series of 26 client-owned dogs with PS (n = 10) and PDA (n = 16). The cardiovascular procedures were performed using TTE. Each dog was positioned on a standard echocardiography table in right lateral recumbency (dogs with PS) or left lateral recumbency (dogs with PDA). Guide wires, balloon catheters, Amplatz(®) Canine Ductal Occluder (ACDO) delivery sheaths, and ACDO were imaged by standard echocardiographic views optimized to allow visualization of the defects and devices. Procedures were performed successfully without major complications in 20 dogs. In 2 dogs (German shepherds) with Type III PDA, ACDO placement was unsuccessful 2 other German Shepherds were excluded from the procedure because their ductal diameters, measured echocardiographically, exceeded the limits of the maximal ACDO size. Two dogs weighing ≤3.5 kg had suboptimal echocardiographic visualization of the PDA and were considered too small for safe ACDO deployment. All intravascular devices at the level of the heart and great vessels appeared hyperechoic on TTE image and could be clearly monitored and guided in real-time. We have demonstrated that TTE monitoring can guide each step of pulmonic balloon valvuloplasty and PDA occlusion without fluoroscopy.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-09-2016
DOI: 10.1111/JVIM.14591
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-04-2016
DOI: 10.1111/VRU.12360
Abstract: Thyroid scintigraphy is commonly used for evaluation of cats with hyperthyroidism, with the thyroid-to-salivary ratio (T/S) being the most common method to quantify the degree of thyroid activity and disease. Calculation of thyroid-to-background ratios (T/B) or percent thyroidal uptake of (99m) TcO(-) 4 (TcTU) has only been reported in a few studies. The purpose of this prospective, cross-sectional study was to evaluate a number of quantitative scintigraphic indices as diagnostic tests for hyperthyroidism, including the T/S, three different T/B, TcTU, and estimated thyroid volume. Of 524 cats referred to our clinic for evaluation of suspected hyperthyroidism, the diagnosis was confirmed (n = 504) or excluded (n = 20) based on results of a serum thyroid panel consisting of thyroxine (T4 ), triiodothyronine (T3 ), free T4 (fT4 ), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations. In the hyperthyroid cats, median values for TcTU, T/S, and three T/B ratios were all significantly higher (P < 0.001) than values in euthyroid suspect cats or clinically normal cats. All scintigraphic parameters were relatively sensitive and specific as diagnostic tests for hyperthyroidism, but the T/S ratio had the highest test accuracy. The T/S ratio correlated strongly with the TcTU (r = 0.85). However, the TcTU had a higher and more significant correlation (P < 0.01) with serum T4 (r = 0.76 vs. 0.64), T3 (r = 0.77 vs. 0.64), and estimated thyroid volume (r = 0.62 vs. 0.38). Overall, calculation of TcTU is an accurate diagnostic test, but also appears to be the best parameter to predict the functional volume and metabolic activity of the feline adenomatous thyroid gland.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 29-10-2013
Abstract: Sleeping and resting respiratory rates are commonly measured variables in patients with cardiac disease. However, little information is available on these variables in healthy client-owned cats or cats with subclinical heart disease (SHD). Therefore, we examined and characterized the sleeping respiratory rate (SRR) and resting respiratory rate (RRR) in 59 echocardiographically normal (EN) and 28 apparently healthy (AH) cats, and 54 SHD cats acquired by the cat owners in the home environment on eight to 10 separate occasions. The within-cat mean sleeping respiratory rate (SRR mean ) in EN cats, AH cats and SHD cats with mild or moderate left atrial (LA) enlargement (as defined by quantiles of the ratio of the LA to the aorta [LA:AO]) was consistently breaths/min median SRR mean approximated 21 breaths/min. The SRR mean of SHD cats with severe LA enlargement sometimes exceeded 30 breaths/min, and was higher than SRR mean of other SHD cats ( P .05). The within-cat mean resting respiratory rate was consistently higher than SRR mean ( P .05). Age and geographic location, but not bodyweight, affected SRR mean in EN and AH cats. Within-cat SRR and within-cat RRR did not vary markedly from day-to-day, as evidenced by a low within-cat coefficient of variation. Data acquisition was considered easy or non-problematic by most participants. Our data provide useful guidelines for SRR and RRR, obtained in the home environment, in healthy cats and cats with SHD, and might prove useful in managing cats with clinical heart disease. Cats with SRR mean breaths/min and cats with multiple SRR measurements breaths/min likely warrant additional evaluation.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-01-2019
DOI: 10.1111/VDE.12716
Abstract: The availability of direct-to-consumer medical testing for human and veterinary health conditions has increased in recent years. For allergies, several companies market proprietary hair and saliva tests directly to pet owners. These tests have not been validated and there is limited regulatory oversight for such tests in veterinary medicine. To examine the accuracy and reproducibility of a commercial direct-to-consumer hair and saliva allergen test. Seven healthy animals (six dogs, one cat) six animals (five dogs, one cat) with atopic dermatitis 11 s les of synthetic fur and sterile saline. Duplicate animal hair and saliva, and 11 synthetic fur and saline s les were collected (total s les 35) and submitted to the company for analysis, yielding 12,075 outcomes for statistical analysis. Positive test results were provided by the direct-to-consumer pet allergy for all submitted s les, including synthetic fur and saline. The test results for healthy and atopic animal s les were no different from each other or from synthetic fur and saline s les. Reproducibility for paired s les was not different from random chance. The results for real animals correlated strongly with results for synthetic fur and saline s les (r = 0.71, P < 0.05). The direct-to-consumer hair and saliva test for pet allergies examined in this study performed no better than chance and the results were not reproducible.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2023
DOI: 10.1111/VCP.13251
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2012.04.004
Abstract: To determine two-dimensionally-guided (2D-guided) M-mode and pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler echocardiographic reference intervals range of healthy non-sedated cats. Fifty-three healthy, unsedated domestic cats. Cats were interrogated via standard imaging planes with 2D-guided PW Doppler, using 5.0 and 7.5 MHz duplex imaging transducers. Left ventricular (LV) M-mode measurements and intracardiac PW Doppler data were acquired using ACVIM guidelines for echocardiography. Doppler variables of the same region, measured from different views, were compared for agreement where appropriate. Descriptive statistics were provided for all measured variables. Statistical comparisons of selected M-mode and PW Doppler echocardiographic variables and correlations with weight or age were made, with significance set at P < 0.01. Most cats (42/51) had diastolic LV septal and posterior wall diastolic dimensions <4.5 mm (maximum = 5.7 mm). Only septal diastolic wall dimension correlated weakly with body weight (ρ = 0.36). Median peak transvalvular velocities (m/s) were: aorta 1.04 (range: 0.77-1.40) LV inflow 0.60 (range: 0.43-0.95) (E wave), 0.47 (range: 0.32-0.76) (A wave), RV inflow 0.56 (range: 0.37-0.85), pulmonic valve (right) 0.96 (range: 0.65-1.21). For mitral valve inflow, the E and A waves were usually separately measurable at heart rates ≈ 190/min. Peak E wave velocity correlated with heart rate. No variables correlated with age. Our study provides comprehensive 2D-guided echocardiographic M-mode and PW Doppler reference data for apparently healthy cats.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-01-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2004
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1111/JVIM.15036
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2010
Publisher: American Society for Microbiology
Date: 08-2006
DOI: 10.1128/IAI.00067-06
Abstract: The mucosa-associated microflora is increasingly considered to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. This study explored the possibility that an abnormal mucosal flora is involved in the etiopathogenesis of granulomatous colitis of Boxer dogs (GCB). Colonic biopsy s les from affected dogs ( n = 13) and controls ( n = 38) were examined by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with a eubacterial 16S rRNA probe. Culture, 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing, and histochemistry were used to guide subsequent FISH. GCB-associated Escherichia coli isolates were evaluated for their ability to invade and persist in cultured epithelial cells and macrophages as well as for serotype, phylogenetic group, genome size, overall genotype, and presence of virulence genes. Intramucosal gram-negative coccobacilli were present in 100% of GCB s les but not controls. Invasive bacteria hybridized with FISH probes to E. coli . Three of four GCB-associated E. coli isolates adhered to, invaded, and replicated within cultured epithelial cells. Invasion triggered a“ splash”-type response, was decreased by cytochalasin D, genistein, colchicine, and wortmannin, and paralleled the behavior of the Crohn's disease-associated strain E. coli LF 82. GCB E. coli and LF 82 were erse in serotype and overall genotype but similar in phylogeny (B2 and D), in virulence gene profiles ( fyuA , irp1 , irp2 , chuA , fepC , ibeA , kpsM II, iss ), in having a larger genome size than commensal E. coli , and in the presence of novel multilocus sequence types. We conclude that GCB is associated with selective intramucosal colonization by E. coli. E. coli strains associated with GCB and Crohn's disease have an adherent and invasive phenotype and novel multilocus sequence types and resemble E. coli associated with extraintestinal disease in phylogeny and virulence gene profile.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2017.09.003
Abstract: To provide reference intervals for 2-dimensional linear and area-based estimates of left atrial (LA) function in healthy dogs and to evaluate the ability of estimates of LA function to differentiate dogs with subclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and similarly affected dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF). Fifty-two healthy adult dogs, 88 dogs with MMVD of varying severity. Linear and area measurements from 2-dimensional echocardiographs in both right parasternal long and short axis views optimized for the left atrium were used to derive estimates of LA active emptying fraction, passive emptying fraction, expansion index, and total fractional emptying. Differences for each estimate were compared between healthy and MMVD dogs (based on ACVIM classification), and between MMVD dogs with subclinical disease and CHF that had similar LA dimensions. Diagnostic utility at identifying CHF was examined for dogs with subclinical MMVD and CHF. Relationships with bodyweight were assessed. All estimates of LA function decreased with increasing ACVIM stage of mitral valve disease (p<0.05) and showed negative relationships with increasing LA size (all r Estimates of LA function worsen with worsening MMVD but fail to discriminate dogs with CHF from those with subclinical MMVD any better than simple estimates of LA size.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JFMS.2011.06.007
Abstract: This study describes signalment, history, antibiotic administered, clinical signs observed, therapy, and outcome of anaphylactic events within 4 h following ophthalmic administration of an antibiotic to cats. Data came from survey responses (45 cats) or Federal Drug Administration reports (16 cats). Cat age (7 weeks—19 years), breed, and gender ranged widely. Most were healthy (87%) prior to anaphylaxis. Ophthalmic antibiotics commonly were administered for conjunctival (65%) or corneal (11%) disease, or ocular lubrication (7%) and contained bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B (44%), or oxytetracycline and polymyxin B (21%). Polymyxin B was present in all cases. Vaccines or other drugs were also administered to 51% of cats. In 56% cases, anaphylaxis occurred within 10 min of drug application. Most (82%) cats survived. Although a causal association was not proved, ophthalmic antibiotic administration preceded anaphylaxis in all cats. Like other drugs, ophthalmic antibiotics should be used only when indicated.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-1998
DOI: 10.1111/J.1740-8261.1998.TB00339.X
Abstract: Hydrothorax was identified in a 14-year-old Siamese cat with a pre-existent perinephric pseudocyst. The pleural fluid was classified as a low-protein transudate. Intrapseudocystic scintigraphy confirmed a direct communication between the pseudocyst and the pleural space. The hydrothorax resolved following pseudocystectomy and unilateral nephrectomy, demonstrating that the pseudocyst caused the hydrothorax.
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Date: 08-2017
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To determine effects of oral administration of Yunnan Baiyao on platelet activation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis in healthy horses. ANIMALS 12 healthy adult horses. PROCEDURES In a randomized blinded crossover study that included a 4-week washout period between treatments, horses were orally administered a paste containing Yunnan Baiyao (15 mg/kg) or placebo at 12-hour intervals for 3 days. Blood s les were collected before start of treatment (time 0) and at 24 and 72 hours for a CBC, measurement of fibrinogen concentration, coagulation screening tests, and a panel of assays to assess platelet activation (including ADP- and collagen-induced aggregation and closure times, flow-cytometric variables of platelet-leukocyte aggregates, platelet membrane P-selectin and phosphatidylserine expression, and microparticle release), von Willebrand factor (vWF) concentration, and cofactor activity. In addition, thrombelastography was used to evaluate fibrin formation in tissue factor–activated whole blood and plasma and to assess tissue plasminogen activator–induced plasma fibrinolysis. For each treatment, values obtained before and 72 hours after start of administration were compared by use of Wilcoxon signed rank tests. RESULTS Yunnan Baiyao treatment had no significant effect on any hemostatic variable, compared with results for the placebo treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Administration of Yunnan Baiyao at a dosage typically used in clinical practice had no effect on in vitro measures of platelet or vWF function and no enhancement of fibrin-clot formation or stability. Any hemostatic actions of Yunnan Baiyao may require higher dosages or result from cell-surface interactions at sites of vascular and tissue injury not examined in this study.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.1111/JSAP.12869
Abstract: To characterise the signalment, clinical presentation and therapy of pemphigus foliaceus in cats treated by primary care practitioners. Retrospective evaluation of patient and treatment factors with the following case outcomes: remission (achieving remission, time to remission), treatment-related adverse effects (number, severity) and final disease outcome (medical control, cure, death or euthanasia). Data were obtained from 48 cats with biopsy-confirmed pemphigus foliaceus managed by practitioners from six countries and 47 hospitals. Clinicians prescribed oral prednisolone most commonly for immunosuppression (median dose 2·2 mg/kg/day). Disease remission information was available in 40 cats 90% achieved disease remission, which did not appear related to the doses of oral glucocorticoid administered in this study. Disease relapse occurred in 29 (73%) cats after achieving remission, necessitating medication adjustments. Severe treatment-related adverse effects occurred in eight cases, including both cats treated with long-acting injectable glucocorticoids. Of 31 cats treated with glucocorticoid monotherapy, 27 achieved remission, as did eight of 11 ciclosporin plus glucocorticoid-treated cats. Eleven cats experienced adverse effects: five receiving ciclosporin plus glucocorticoid and six receiving glucocorticoid monotherapy. Pemphigus foliaceus remission with treatment is highly likely in cats but relapse is common, necessitating close monitoring and in idualised therapy modifications. Clinicians should focus on the judicious use of glucocorticoids to minimise treatment-related adverse effects, such as avoiding injectable glucocorticoids, combining glucocorticoids with steroid-sparing medications, and regularly rechecking patients to adjust drug dosages in response to disease status.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2013.02.002
Abstract: To compare two echocardiographic methods of measuring aortic diameter in short-axis projections. Right-parasternal short-axis 2-dimensional projections of the left atrium and aorta were obtained from dogs and cats undergoing routine cardiac evaluation. Two investigators measured the aortic valve linear dimension using 2 methods: along the commissure between the non-coronary and right-coronary cusps and along the commissure between the non-coronary and left-coronary cusps. Inter-observer and intra-observer variability and agreement were assessed by comparing blinded measurements with each method by 4 trained observers on a standardized set of images. Measurements were compared for agreement using the limits of agreement analysis. Variability between observers was compared by examining residuals and intraclass correlation. 274 canine and 100 feline aortic valve images were measured in the first part of the study. One observer demonstrated slight proportional bias, while the other observer showed more variability (less agreement). When results were pooled for both investigators, no bias was identified, and 95% limits of agreement were ±10% of the mean measurement for both species. In the second part of the study, 106 images were measured. Intraobserver variability was <4% for all observers. Inter-observer agreement was very high. In idual bias was identified in some observers, but was considered clinically inconsequential. Normalized differences between the 2 methods of measurement were below ±15% of the measured value for all observers. Our results show sufficient agreement between two common methods used to measure aortic linear dimensions to suggest that these methods are interchangeable.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.RVSC.2019.05.018
Abstract: Evaluate accuracy and utility of a smartphone-based ECG device compared to a standard base-apex lead ECG in horses. ECGs were acquired prospectively from 28 client-owned horses at 2 equine referral hospitals. Twenty-five pairs of 30-s ECG recordings were acquired simultaneously from 23 horses with a smartphone ECG device (a bi-polar single lead recorder coupled to a smartphone with an ECG application) and with a standard base-apex lead ECG 2 horses provided two pairs of simultaneously acquired ECGs. In one horse, the ECGs pairs were recorded immediately sequentially. An additional 7 smartphone ECGs were recorded from 5 horses without contemporaneous reference ECGs. Three observers independently evaluated all ECGs without knowledge of ECG pairing. Inter- and intra-observer agreement between the 2 ECG modalities was evaluated for rhythm diagnosis and QRS polarity. Heart rate agreement was also evaluated. Intra-observer agreement for rhythm assessment was very high one observer diagnosed the same cardiac rhythm on both recordings in 24/26 instances and two observers agreed in 25/26 instances. The polarity of the QRS complex was similar on ECGs acquired simultaneously by both systems. Heart rates calculated from ECG pairs were within 1 beat of each other. The smartphone-acquired ECG accurately identified cardiac rhythm and heart rate in most horses. In one case, small size of the complexes precluded identification of P waves on smartphone-acquired ECGs, resulting in a misdiagnosis. The smartphone-acquired ECG device might allow veterinarians to evaluate and monitor cardiac arrhythmias relatively inexpensively in field or hospital settings.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2010.06.001
Abstract: To determine the spontaneous variability of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and evaluate anti-arrhythmic efficacy of mexiletine, sotalol, and a mexiletine-sotalol combination in German shepherd dogs (GSD) with inherited arrhythmias. 12 affected GSD, median age 20 weeks, received mexiletine (8 mg/kg PO q8 h), sotalol (2.5 mg/kg PO q12 h), and combination therapy for 6 days in random order. Pre- and post-treatment 24 h Holter recordings were acquired, allowing determination of VA variability and reduction in 24 h VA for each treatment. Drug concentrations during each arm were measured. An anti-arrhythmic effect could be inferred if ventricular premature complexes (VPC), ventricular couplets (V(cpl)), ventricular tachycardia runs (VT(runs)) and total ventricular ectopy (VE(tot)) frequency were reduced by 61%, 97%, 98%, and 63% (1 control Holter model), by 53%, 94%, 95%, and 54% (4 control Holter model) and by 54%, 95%, 96% and 56% (3 control Holter model). Combination therapy reduced VPC and VE(tot) in more dogs (5/12 and 6/12) than mexiletine (1/11 and 2/11) or sotalol (2/9 and 1/9) (p < 0.05). The combination therapy reduced the mean number of VPC, V(cpl), and VE(tot). Sotalol monotherapy produced an increase in VT(runs). Plasma mexiletine concentration was higher during combination therapy than with monotherapy. Combination therapy reduced VPC in affected GSD. Sotalol monotherapy increased VT(runs). Combination therapy increased plasma mexiletine concentrations.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-10-2016
DOI: 10.1111/VCP.12398
Abstract: A previous study provided information regarding the quality of in-clinic veterinary biochemistry testing. However, no similar studies for in-clinic veterinary hematology testing have been conducted. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of hematology testing in veterinary in-clinic laboratories using results obtained from testing 3 levels of canine EDTA blood s les. Clinicians prepared blood s les to achieve measurand concentrations within, below, and above their RIs and evaluated the s les in triplicate using their in-clinic analyzers. Quality was assessed by comparison of calculated total error with quality requirements, determination of sigma metrics, use of a quality goal index, and agreement between in-clinic and reference laboratory instruments. Suitability for statistical quality control was determined using adaptations from the computerized program, EZRules3. Evaluation of 10 veterinary in-clinic hematology analyzers showed that these instruments often fail to meet quality requirements. At least 60% of analyzers reasonably determined RBC, WBC, HCT, and HGB, when assessed by most quality goal criteria platelets were less reliably measured, with 80% deemed suitable for low platelet counts, but only 30% for high platelet counts, and automated differential leukocyte counts were generally considered unsuitable for clinical use with fewer than 40% of analyzers meeting the least stringent quality goal requirements. Fewer than 50% of analyzers were able to meet requirements for statistical quality control for any measurand. These findings reflect the current status of in-clinic hematology analyzer performance and provide a basis for future evaluations of the quality of veterinary laboratory testing.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-03-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.2042-3306.2012.00554.X
Abstract: To date, no information is available on the true biological elimination half-life (T(1/2) ) of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in the equine species. Such data are required to better evaluate the optimal time to acquire the cTnI s le following acute myocardial injury. To determine the T(1/2) of equine cTnI. Four healthy ponies received i.v. injections of recombinant equine cTnI. Plasma cTnI concentrations were measured with a point-of-care cTnI analyser at multiple time points after injection. Standard pharmacokinetic analysis was performed to establish the T(1/2) of cTnI. The average T(1/2) of cTnI was determined to be 0.47 h using a single rate elimination model. The elimination of recombinant equine cTnI following i.v. administration is very rapid. Establishing the T(1/2 ) of troponin provides critical information in understanding the clinical application of this cardiac biomarker in equine practice.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.VETPAR.2005.10.013
Abstract: Canine dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria immitis is usually diagnosed by specific antigen testing and/or identification of microfilariae. However, D. immitis and at least six other filariae can produce canine microfilaremias with negative heartworm antigen tests. Discriminating these can be of clinical importance. To resolve discordant diagnoses by two diagnostic laboratories in an antigen-negative, microfilaremic dog recently imported into the US from Europe we developed a simple molecular method of identifying different microfilariae, and subsequently validated our method against six different filariae known to infect dogs by lifying ribosomal DNA spacer sequences by polymerase chain reaction using common and species-specific primers, and sequencing the products to confirm the genotype of the filariae. We identified the filaria in this dog as D. repens. This is the first case of D. repens infection in the United States. Additionally, we examined microfilariae from five additional antigen-negative, microfilaremic dogs and successfully identified the infecting parasite in each case. Our diagnoses differed from the initial morphological diagnosis in three of these cases, demonstrating the inaccuracy of morphological diagnosis. In each case, microfilariae identified morphologically as A. reconditum were identified as D. immitis by molecular methods. Finally, we demonstrated that our PCR method should lify DNA from at least two additional filariae (Onchocerca and Mansonella), suggesting that this method may be suitable for genotyping all members of the family Onchocercidae.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.VAA.2022.07.010
Abstract: To acquire information about anesthesia and analgesia protocols used by United States (US) veterinarians in primary care practices when performing routine ovariohysterectomy in dogs. Cross-sectional survey. Primary care veterinarians in the US. An online anonymous survey, originally created in New Zealand, was modified with permission and made available to Veterinary Information Network (VIN) members. The survey asked questions about performing ovariohysterectomy in healthy adolescent dogs in the categories of preanesthetic evaluation, premedication and induction protocols, maintenance protocols and monitoring equipment, and postoperative analgesic and sedation protocols and pain assessments. A total of 1213 US veterinarians completed the survey. Respondents (n %) reported performing preoperative laboratory tests [packed cell volume (135 11%), complete blood cell count (889 73%) and biochemistry panels (1057 87%)] and preanesthetic examinations on the morning of surgery (1083 90%). The most commonly administered drugs for premedication were acepromazine (512 42%), hydromorphone (475 39%) or butorphanol (463 38%), with propofol (637 67%) for induction of anesthesia and isoflurane (882 73%) for maintenance of anesthesia. Most veterinarians reported placing intravenous catheters (945 78%), administering electrolyte solutions (747 67%) and providing heat support (1160 96%). Perioperative and postoperative analgesia included local anesthetics (545 45%), opioids (844 70%) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (953 79%) NSAIDs were dispensed for home use (985 81%). Dogs were most frequently discharged on the day of surgery (1068 88%) and the owners were contacted (914 75%) for follow-up within 1-2 days. Anesthetic management for routine ovariohysterectomy in dogs varies among US veterinary VIN members. Information from this study is useful for all veterinarians for comparison with their practice management and for teachers of veterinary anesthesia to continue to emphasize options for analgesia.
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Date: 04-2017
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To determine small animal veterinarians’ opinions and actions regarding costs of care, obstacles to client education about veterinary care costs, and effects of economic limitations on patient care and outcome and professional career satisfaction and burnout. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SAMPLE 1,122 small animal practitioners in the United States and Canada. PROCEDURES An online survey was sent to 37,036 veterinarians. Respondents provided information regarding perceived effects of client awareness of costs and pet health insurance coverage on various aspects of practice, the influence of client economic limitations on professional satisfaction and burnout, and proposals for addressing those effects. RESULTS The majority (620/1,088 [57%]) of respondents indicated that client economic limitations affected their ability to provide the desired care for their patients on a daily basis. Approximately half (527/1,071 [49%]) of respondents reported a moderate-to-substantial level of burnout, and many cited client economic limitations as an important contributing factor to burnout. Only 31% and 23% of respondents routinely discussed veterinary costs and pet insurance, respectively, with clients before pets became ill, and lack of time was cited as a reason for forgoing those discussions. Most respondents felt improved client awareness of veterinary costs and pet health insurance would positively affect patient care and client and veterinarian satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested most small animal practitioners believe the veterinary profession needs to take action at educational and organizational levels to inform pet owners and educate and train veterinary students and veterinarians about the costs of veterinary care.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1939-1676.2009.0369.X
Abstract: Whether electrical cardioversion of cardiac arrhythmias results in cardiomyocyte damage is unknown. To describe effect of transvenous electrical cardioversion (TVEC) on plasma cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentration in horses. All horses presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation between May 2006 and October 2008 were eligible for inclusion in the study. Owners of 14 horses elected for TVEC and each horse was then enrolled (16 procedures). Prospective observational study measuring concentrations of plasma cTnI before and after TVEC. Median cTnI concentration increased from 0.045 ng/mL at baseline (range 0.0-0.20 ng/mL) to 0.11 ng/mL after TVEC (range 0.0-3.73 ng/mL) (P= .036). This increase was not associated with the number of shocks delivered, maximal energy delivered, cumulative energy delivered, chronicity of atrial fibrillation before cardioversion, or positioning of the pulmonary artery catheter. The increase in cTnI is unlikely to be clinically important. The increase might be correlated with persistent atrial dysfunction after TVEC, suggesting that a longer convalescent period after the procedure could be warranted.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 02-2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.JFMS.2008.06.011
Abstract: Single-dose pharmacokinetics and genotoxicity of metronidazole in cats were evaluated. Cats received either 5 mg/kg metronidazole intravenously, or 20 mg/kg metronidazole benzoate (12.4 mg/kg metronidazole base) orally in a single dose. Serial plasma s les were collected and assayed for metronidazole using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Genotoxicity was assessed in vitro in feline peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and a feline T-cell lymphoma line incubated with metronidazole, and in vivo in PBMC collected before, during and 7 days after oral metronidazole, by use of the COMET assay. Systemic absorption of metronidazole was variable (mean=65±28%) with a peak of 8.84±5.4 μg/ml at 3.6±2.9 h. The terminal half-life was 5.34 h from the intravenous dose and 5.16 h from the oral dose. Systemic clearance was low (mean=91.57 ml/h/kg [1.53 ml/kg/min]), and the apparent volume of distribution (steady state) was 0.650±0.254 l/kg. Genotoxicity was detected at all concentrations of metronidazole in feline PBMC and the T-cell lymphoma line in vitro. Genotoxicity was also observed in PBMC collected from cats after 7 days of oral metronidazole but resolved within 6 days of discontinuing metronidazole.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 19-07-2019
DOI: 10.7287/PEERJ.PREPRINTS.27868V1
Abstract: The objective of this study was to compare specific brain MRI anatomic measurements between three groups of geriatric ( 8yrs) dogs: 1) neurologically impaired dogs with presumptive spontaneous brain microhemorrhages and no clinical evidence of canine cognitive dysfunction 2) dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction 3) dogs without clinical evidence of cognitive impairment or abnormalities on neurologic examination (control dogs). MR images from 46 geriatric dogs were reviewed and measurements were obtained of interthalamic adhesion height (thickness) and mid-sagittal interthalamic adhesion area for all dogs, in addition to total brain volume. Interthalamic adhesion measurements, either absolute or normalized to total brain volume were compared between groups. Signalment (age, breed, sex), body weight, presence and number of SBMs, as well as other abnormal MRI findings were recorded for all dogs. All interthalamic adhesion measurement parameters were significantly (p .05) different between control dogs and affected dogs. Both dogs with cognitive dysfunction (12/13 92 %) and dogs with isolated brain microhemorrhages had more microhemorrhages than control dogs (3/19 16%). Affected dogs without cognitive dysfunction had more microhemorrhages than dogs with cognitive dysfunction. In addition to signs of cognitive impairment for the CCD group, main clinical complaints for SBM and CCD dogs were referable to central vestibular dysfunction, recent-onset seizure activity, or both. Geriatric dogs with spontaneous brain microhemorrhages without cognitive dysfunction have similar MRI abnormalities as dogs with cognitive dysfunction but may represent a distinct diseasecategory.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-08-2013
DOI: 10.1111/JVIM.12156
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Date: 15-03-2017
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To survey practicing veterinarians regarding their perceptions of and experiences with cases of suspected or confirmed animal abuse and related state laws. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. POPULATION Members of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN n = 34,144) who were in veterinary practice at the time of the survey. PROCEDURES A survey was designed and distributed online to all VIN members from January 26 to February 28, 2015. Responses were compiled, and binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors that influenced decisions or perceptions regarding animal abuse encounters and related legislation. RESULTS 1,209 completed surveys were received (3.5% response rate) 1,155 (95.5%) surveys were submitted by currently practicing veterinarians. One thousand five (87.0%) practicing veterinarians reported having encountered at least 1 case of animal abuse while in practice 561 (55.8%) of these veterinarians indicated that they had reported at least 1 case. The most common reasons selected for reporting abuse were to protect the animal, ethical beliefs, and to protect other animals in the household. The most common reasons selected for not reporting the abuse were uncertainty that the animal had been abused, belief that client education would be better, and belief that the injury or illness was accidental versus intentional. Most respondents were unaware of the current status of laws in their state regarding animal abuse reporting. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested a need for state and national veterinary and humane-law enforcement organizations to increase communication and education efforts on recognition and reporting by veterinarians of animal abuse and the related laws.
Publisher: University of Toronto Press Inc. (UTPress)
Date: 11-2019
Abstract: The stress of veterinary school and the high prevalence of psychological distress among veterinary students have been well documented. Pet ownership is known to improve overall health and reduce stress among the public. Yet, for veterinary students, owning a pet (especially a dog) can offer both rewards and challenges. The academic schedule for veterinary students often comprises long hours that can make caring for a dog challenging. This study explores the area of veterinary students’ dog care options and perspectives by examining two aspects of this issue: (a) currently available options, as reported by academic administrators, and (b) perceived need for these options, as reported by veterinary students. A survey of associate deans for academic affairs ( n = 30) found that routine on-site kenneling options for student-owned dogs are available at eight (26.6%) veterinary schools. Simultaneously, results of a student survey ( n = 768) revealed a great desire for on-c us services. Among students who did not have access to on-c us kenneling facilities, 71.5% (453 of 634) felt that creating these options would be important or very important. Across all students surveyed, 76% (581 of 764) felt it would be important to have on-site dog housing/care available. Students experience considerable stress over having to find accommodations or care for their dogs while engaged in academic activities. Thus, providing on-site boarding and care options for student-owned dogs can play an important role in both recruiting prospective veterinary students and enhancing the well-being of those currently in the program.
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Date: 03-2018
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of medical errors (specifically, near misses [NMs] and adverse events [AEs]) and their personal and professional impact on veterinarians. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SAMPLE Members of the Veterinary Information Network (n = 46,481). PROCEDURES An electronic survey regarding veterinarians' experiences with NMs and AEs was distributed via email to an online veterinary community between September 24 and October 21, 2015. Responses were summarized and compared between genders by means of the χ 2 test. RESULTS 606 veterinarians completed the survey (1.3% response rate). Overall, 447 (73.8%) respondents reported involvement in ≥ 1 NM (n = 389 [64.2%]) or AE (179 [29.5%]). The NMs had a short-term (≤ 1 week) adverse impact on professional life for 68.0% (261/384) of respondents and longer-term negative impact for 36.4% (140/385). The impact on respondents' personal lives was similar (63.6% [245/385] and 33.5% [129/385], respectively). For AEs, these numbers were 84.1% (148/176), 56.2% (99/177), 77.8% (137/176), and 50.6% (89/175), respectively. Both NMs and AEs were more likely to negatively impact female veterinarians than male veterinarians. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE These findings suggested that many veterinarians experience emotional distress after a medical error. Support should be provided to mitigate this adverse impact on the wellbeing of veterinarians and, potentially, their future patients.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-04-2019
DOI: 10.1111/JSAP.13015
Abstract: To determine whether breed affects the ability of murmur intensity to predict the severity of stenosis in dogs with pulmonic stenosis or subaortic stenosis. Retrospective multi-investigator study of dogs with pulmonic stenosis or subaortic stenosis. Murmur intensity, assessed by a four-level classification scheme, was compared with echocardiographically-determined pressure gradient across the affected valve. Breeds represented by at least 10 dogs at any murmur intensity were compared to determine the effect, if any, of breed. A total of 1088 dogs (520 with pulmonic stenosis and 568 with subaortic stenosis, representing 106 breeds and the mixed breed group) were included 208 dogs had soft, 210 had moderate, 283 had loud and 387 had palpable murmurs. Fifteen breeds were represented by at least 10 dogs: five breeds with at least 10 dogs had soft murmurs (132 dogs), nine breeds had moderate murmurs (149 dogs), 10 breeds had loud murmurs (188 dogs), and 11 breeds had palpable murmurs (286 dogs). No breeds differed in stenosis severity from any other breeds within any murmur grade. Post hoc power calculations suggested that we would have been able to detect at least a moderate or large effect size, had one existed. Several dogs with soft murmurs had more-than-mild disease severity. Despite anecdotally perceived differences in the detection of heart murmurs between breeds, which have been proposed to potentially affect the interpretation of stenosis severity, we found no obvious breed effect in the ability to predict severity of stenosis.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.VETPAR.2007.11.018
Abstract: Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae were found in the synovial fluid of two dogs. One dog had clinical and cytological evidence of polyarthritis at the time of presentation. The second dog presented with severe effusion in a single joint and was later diagnosed with synovial sarcoma of the affected joint. These patients were not protected with heartworm prophylaxis and lived in heartworm endemic areas. Though there is documentation of D. immitis microfilaria in the synovial fluid of several clinically normal research dogs with cytologically normal synovial fluid, to our knowledge these are the first documented cases of intraarticular microfilaria in a dog with cytologically confirmed polyarthritis. Based on these unique cases, D. immitis infection should be considered a differential diagnosis in patients with polyarthropathies. Interpretive caution must be used when intraarticular microfilaria are present, as concurrent etiologies may also be present.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 06-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JFMS.2010.12.015
Abstract: The effect of probiotic therapy in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats is poorly defined, but gaining in popularity. However, cat owners often prefer to administer probiotics by combining them with food, rather than administering capsules intact, as is prescribed by the manufacturer. The efficacy of such non-recommended administration is unknown. In this double-blinded, controlled clinical trial, 10 cats with naturally-occurring CKD were randomized to receive either a probiotic–prebiotic combination (synbiotic) or psyllium husk (prebiotic only) for 2 months. Medications were sprinkled and mixed into food or given as a slurry. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were measured twice prior to administration of medication, and then monthly for 2 months during the medication administration. Owners and clinicians were masked as to treatment. The maximal percentage change in BUN and creatinine was calculated for each cat. No differences in percentage change were detected between groups ( P=0.8 for both BUN and creatinine). The synbiotic supplement used in this study, when applied to food or administered as a slurry fails to reduce azotemia in cats with CKD. Therefore, owners should not administer this synbiotic in this manner.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2011.08.002
Abstract: Myocardial disease in camelids is poorly characterized. Nutritional (selenium deficiency) and toxic (ionophore toxicity) myocardial disease have been reported in camelids. Diagnosis and management of these and other myocardial diseases might be enhanced by evaluating cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations. No information about cTnI reference intervals in camelids is currently available. (A) To determine cTnI concentrations obtained using a point of care i-STAT(®)1 analyzer (Heska Corporation) in healthy alpacas (B) to compare alpaca cTnI concentrations between heparinized whole blood and plasma s les and between 2 different storage conditions (4 °C for 24 h or -80 °C for 30 days) (C) to examine assay reproducibility using the i-STAT(®)1. 23 healthy alpacas were evaluated. Blood and plasma s les were analyzed by the i-STAT(®)1 within 1 h of collection. Aliquots of plasma were stored at either 4 °C for 24 h or -80 °C for 30 days, and then analyzed. Assay reproducibility was determined by comparing 2 plasma or whole blood cTnI concentrations measured on the same s le over a 10 min period. Analyzer-specific plasma cTnI concentrations in clinically normal alpacas had a median of <0.02 ng/mL (range: 0.75). Plasma cTnI concentrations had coefficient of repeatability of 0.02 ng/mL. The i-STAT(®)1 can measure cTnI in alpacas on both plasma and whole blood and provides similar values for both s les. Storage at 4 °C for 24 h or -80 °C for 30 days does not affect estimates of plasma cTnI. Evaluation of cTnI might be of value in assessing cardiac disease in this species.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2018.07.007
Abstract: To create reference intervals for right ventricular outflow tract fractional shortening (RVOT-FS) in healthy dogs and examine diagnostic performance of this index in dogs with pulmonary hypertension (PH). In addition, we examine the impact of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) without PH on RVOT-FS. The study population included 52 healthy adult dogs, 51 dogs with MMVD but without PH, and 51 dogs with PH. This is a prospective study. Complete echocardiographic evaluations were performed on all dogs. Right ventricular outflow tract fractional shortening was obtained by two-dimensional guided M-mode recordings from the right parasternal short axis view. Right ventricular outflow tract fractional shortening was evaluated in healthy dogs of various breeds, and reference intervals were generated. We examined the effect of PH on RVOT-FS with receiver operating characteristic analysis and evaluated the effect of MMVD on RVOT-FS in dogs without PH. Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility was calculated. Healthy dogs had RVOT-FS > 44%. Right ventricular outflow tract fractional shortening values of healthy dogs and MMVD dogs without PH did not differ (p=0.84). In dogs with PH, RVOT-FS decreased with increasing tricuspid regurgitation velocity (p<0.0001). Pimobendan use in dogs with PH increased RVOT-FS as PH worsened. Right ventricular outflow tract fractional shortening was acquired with clinically acceptable intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility. Right ventricular outflow tract fractional shortening is a novel, easy applicable, and repeatable index for evaluating RV systolic function. Studies comparing this index with common echocardiographic indices used to assess RV function in dogs are needed.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2019.12.001
Abstract: Recognition of congestive heart failure (CHF) in dyspnoeic cats is crucial for correct intervention. The pulmonary vein (PV) to pulmonary artery (PA) ratio (PV/PA) has been proposed as an index that might help discriminate dogs suffering from CHF but has never been studied in cats. We sought to determine reference intervals for various PV and PA variables in healthy cats. We then examined these variables in cats with subclinical and clinical cardiomyopathies to determine their diagnostic utility in identifying CHF. We took a s le of 114 cats: 51 healthy cats, 32 subclinical cardiomyopathy affected cats and 31 cardiomyopathic cats with CHF. PV and PA were measured at the minimal and maximal diameters using M-mode images obtained from a modified right parasternal long axis view. The aorta (Ao) and left atrium were measured using two-dimensional imaging employing the right parasternal short axis view. median PV Our study provides reference values for PV and PA variables in cats. Moreover, PV/PA variables were better factors than LA:Ao for discriminating cardiomyopathic cats with and without CHF.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2006
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2015
DOI: 10.1111/VSU.12340
Abstract: To report clinical features and outcomes of cats undergoing excision of intracranial meningiomas. Retrospective, multicenter case series. One hundred and twenty-one cats. Signalment, clinical signs, duration of clinical signs, preoperative drug therapy, diagnostic imaging reports, surgery, histopathology, and outcome were collected from records of cats undergoing excision of intracranial meningiomas. Survival estimates were made using Kaplan-Meier analysis. There were 76/121 neutered males and 83/121 domestic short-hairs. Body weight ranged from 1.5-8.7 kg (median 5.0 kg). Age at diagnosis ranged from 3-18 years (median 12 years). Clinical signs included changes in behavior, ataxia, seizures, visual deficits, circling, and paresis. Duration of neurologic signs ranged from <1-23 months (median 1.25 months). At the time of writing, 13 cats were alive, 54 were dead or euthanatized, and 54 were lost to followup. Seven cats (13% of cats that died 6% of all cats) died or were euthanatized in the immediate postoperative period (<1 month post-surgery) and 9 cats (17% of all cats that died 7% of all cats) died from causes related to the meningioma but outside the immediate perioperative period. The median survival time for all cats was 37 months (95% confidence interval 28-54 months). Cats undergoing excision of intracranial meningiomas had a low perioperative mortality and a long-term prognosis of more than 3 years.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-07-2013
DOI: 10.1111/JVIM.12152
Abstract: Serum cobalamin concentration [CBL] suggests CBL deficiency in cats but serum methylmalonic acid concentration [MMA] more accurately indicates CBL deficiency. To examine the ability of [CBL] to predict CBL deficiency defined by increased [MMA], and relationships of [CBL] and [MMA] with select clinical and clinicopathological variables. One hundred sixty-three client-owned cats with [CBL] measurements, 114 cats with simultaneous [MMA] measurements 88 cats with medical information. Prospectively collected [CBL] and [MMA] were compared using scatter plots, receiver operating characteristic and correlative analyses with historical [CBL] thresholds and those identified in the study. [CBL] and [MMA] were compared retrospectively to specific clinical and clinicopathological variables. [CBL] correlated negatively with [MMA] (τ = -0.334, P 900 pg/mL and 290 pg/mL (historical thresholds). [CBL] correlated with mean corpuscular volume (τ = -0.199, P = .013) and [MMA] with hematocrit (τ = -0.28, P = .006). Cobalamin deficiency ([MMA] ≥ 1,343 nmol/L) occurred in 42% of cats and is predicted with high specificity by [CBL] ≤ 209 pg/mL. CBL status correlates with microcytosis and anemia. Discordance between [CBL] and [MMA] cautions against relying on any single marker for determining CBL status.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 16-06-2017
DOI: 10.1136/BMJ.J2882
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 10-01-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-08-2016
DOI: 10.1111/JVIM.14569
Abstract: Echocardiography is a cost-efficient method to screen cats for presence of heart disease. Current reference intervals for feline cardiac dimensions do not account for body weight (BW). To study the effect of BW on heart rate (HR), aortic (Ao), left atrial (LA) and ventricular (LV) linear dimensions in cats, and to calculate 95% prediction intervals for these variables in normal adult pure-bred cats. 19 866 pure-bred cats. Clinical data from heart screens conducted between 1999 and 2014 were included. Associations between BW, HR, and cardiac dimensions were assessed using univariate linear models and allometric scaling, including all cats, and only those considered normal, respectively. Prediction intervals were created using 95% confidence intervals obtained from regression curves. Associations between BW and echocardiographic dimensions were best described by allometric scaling, and all dimensions increased with increasing BW (all P<0.001). Strongest associations were found between BW and Ao, LV end diastolic, LA dimensions, and thickness of LV free wall. Weak linear associations were found between BW and HR and left atrial to aortic ratio (LA:Ao), for which HR decreased with increasing BW (P<0.001), and LA:Ao increased with increasing BW (P<0.001). Marginal differences were found for prediction formulas and prediction intervals when the dataset included all cats versus only those considered normal. BW had a clinically relevant effect on echocardiographic dimensions in cats, and BW based 95% prediction intervals may help in screening cats for heart disease.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 16-07-2014
Abstract: Evidence suggests that apparently healthy cats presenting for routine evaluation should have a randomly s led urine specific gravity (USG) .035. A USG .035 might reflect inappropriate concentrating ability warranting further investigation. We measured the USG of 1040 apparently healthy cats presenting to first opinion practice in an observational study, using either in-clinic refractometers or measurements provided by reference laboratories, and examined factors that might affect USG. In-clinic refractometers were calibrated using distilled water (specific gravity = 1.000). The USG was .030 in 91% of cats and .035 in 88% of cats 121 adult cats (⩾6 months old) and five young cats ( months old) had USGs of .035. Of these 126 cats, a pathological cause was identified in 27 adult cats – of these, 26 were years old – but no young cats. No cause was identified in 43 adult cats, and further investigation was not pursued in 51 adult cats. Factors that affected USG included age, diet type, sex, fasting status, drinking avidity, refractometer type, and the interaction between sex and diet – increasing dietary moisture content lowered USG only in female cats. Most factors minimally affected USG. The odds of having a USG .035 without apparent pathology included age and dietary moisture content. Drinking avidity decreased with increasing dietary moisture content. Our results show that most apparently healthy cats presenting to first-opinion practice should have a USG .035. Dietary management strategies to lower USG might be less effective than anticipated, and warrant monitoring of USG to determine efficacy. Older cats with USG .035 are more likely to have pathological causes identified, although clinicians are more likely to examine these cats for possible pathology. A lack of stringent refractometer calibration could have caused some errors in estimates of USG by some observers, but would be unlikely to alter markedly the findings.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1002/IBD.22971
Abstract: Escherichia coli is increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of ileal Crohn's disease (ICD), offering a potential therapeutic target for disease management. Empirical antimicrobial targeting of ileal E. coli has advantages of economy and speed of implementation, but relies on uniform susceptibility of E. coli to routinely selected antimicrobials to avoid apparent treatment failure. Therefore, we examined the susceptibility of ileal E. coli to such antimicrobials. E. coli from 32 patients with ICD and 28 with normal ileum (NI) were characterized by phylogroup, pathotype, antimicrobial susceptibility, and presence of antimicrobial resistance genes. In all, 17/32 ICD and 12/28 NI patients harbored ≥ 1 E. coli strain 10/24 E. coli strains from ICD and 2/14 from NI were nonsuscepti-ble to ≥ 1 antimicrobial in ≥ 3 categories (multidrug-resistant). Resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic-acid, cefoxitin, chlor henicol, ciprofloxa-cin, gentamicin, and rifaximin was restricted to ICD, with 10/24 strains from 8/17 patients resistant to ciprofloxacin or rifaximin (P < 0.01). Adherent-invasive E. coli (AIEC) were isolated from 8/32 ICD and 5/28 NI, and accounted for 54% and 43% of E. coli strains in these groups. In all, 8/13 AIEC strains from ICD (6/8 patients) versus 2/6 NI (2/5 patients) showed resistance to the macrophage-penetrating antimicrobials ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, rif icin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Resistance was associated with tetA, tetB, tetC, bla-(TEM), bla(oxa)-1, sulI, sulII, dhfrI, dhfrVII, ant(3″)-Ia, and catI genes and prior use of rifaximin (P < 0.01). ICD-associated E. coli frequently manifest resistance to commonly used antimicrobials. Clinical trials of antimicrobials against E. coli in ICD that are informed by susceptibility testing, rather than empirical selection, are more likely to demonstrate valid outcomes of such therapy.
Publisher: University of Toronto Press Inc. (UTPress)
Date: 03-2019
Abstract: Studies of US animal shelters consistently indicate that behavior is often a major reason for relinquishment and, thereby, euthanasia of millions of dogs and cats annually. Even though this is an area in which veterinarians can intervene to support the human–animal bond, prior research has documented that they frequently do not bring the topic up during appointments. This study explored veterinarians’ training in animal behavior and behavioral medicine, along with their level of comfort in treating common behavioral problems. An online survey of practicing veterinarians ( N = 1,085) found that only 42.8% felt they’d received a significant amount of training in this field during veterinary school, but the majority reported participating in continuing education sessions about behavior. Almost all respondents reported seeing patients with behavioral issues (99.6%), even when the initial appointment was made for other reasons. Participants felt most comfortable discussing inappropriate elimination and begging for food but were least comfortable treating issues involving aggression. Most veterinarians treat their own behavior cases, using a combination of behavior modification techniques and medication. Only 22.1% refer cases needing behavioral therapy to a specialist. Given the prevalence of behavioral problems in companion animals and the potential for early veterinary intervention to play a significant role in animal health, it is important for veterinary schools to include this topic in their curricula. At present, 73% of schools require a course in animal behavior. The release of the new Competency-Based Veterinary Education framework is anticipated to support a greater teaching emphasis in this area.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-06-2017
DOI: 10.1111/JSAP.12695
Abstract: The objectives of this study were to determine which serum thyroid hormone test best identifies iatrogenic hypothyroidism in cats that develop azotaemia after radioiodine treatment and to determine which thyroid test best differentiates these azotaemic, hypothyroid cats from azotaemic, radioiodine-treated euthyroid cats, as well as from azotaemic cats with chronic kidney disease and no history of thyroid disease. A total of 42 hyperthyroid cats that developed azotaemia (serum creatinine ê220 µmol/L) after radioiodine treatment had serum concentrations of thyroxine and free thyroxine by dialysis and thyroid--stimulating hormone measured at 3, 6 and 12 months. Iatrogenic hypothyroidism was confirmed (n=28) or excluded (n=14) on the basis of thyroid scintigraphy. A total of 14 cats with chronic kidney disease and 166 clinically normal cats underwent similar serum thyroid testing and scintigraphy. Concentrations of thyroxine and free thyroxine were lower and thyroid-stimulating hormone higher in hypothyroid cats than in all three groups of euthyroid cats (P<0·0001). Of the hypothyroid cats, thyroxine and free thyroxine concentrations were low in 15 (53·6%) and seven (25%), respectively. Low serum thyroxine and free thyroxine concentrations were also detected in seven (50%) and two (14·3%) of the cats with chronic kidney disease. Thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations were elevated in all hypothyroid cats but remained within the reference interval in all three groups of euthyroid cats. Serum thyroid--stimulating hormone had a higher test sensitivity and specificity than either thyroxine or free thyroxine concentration. The finding of high serum thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations best identifies feline iatrogenic hypothyroidism and differentiates it from non-thyroidal illness syndrome in cats that develop azotaemia after treatment.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-11-2017
DOI: 10.1111/JSAP.12732
Abstract: To determine the underlying disease prevalence in acute feline dyspnoea and to examine whether historical and clinical examination findings can differentiate between acute cardiac and non-cardiac dyspnoea in cats in primary practice. We prospectively enrolled cats presenting with dyspnoea for the first time to primary practice between June 1, 2011 and October 31, 2016. We collected signalment, historical and clinical data at presentation using a standard form. Cases were investigated by primary clinicians, and the final diagnosis was confirmed by the authors. Records lacking critical data were excluded. Relationships between historical or clinical variables and dyspnoea aetiology were examined. Diagnostic test performance analyses were used to find optimal cut-off values for select historical or clinical variables that could differentiate cardiac and non-cardiac dyspnoea. Participants included 108 cats. A definitive diagnosis was reached in 92 cases 60 were cardiac (65%), 15 respiratory (16%), 10 neoplastic (11%) and 7 traumatic (8%). Of cats with cardiac dyspnoea, 25% had a history of cough. A gallop sound, rectal temperature less than 37·5°C, heart rate of greater than 200 bpm and respiratory rate greater than 80 per minute were all useful to predict cardiac-associated dyspnoea. A triage algorithm using these findings in combination was designed to optimise the rapid diagnosis of probable cardiac dyspnoea. Dyspnoeic cats presenting in practice with hypothermia, tachycardia, gallop sounds or profound tachypnoea are likely to have a cardiac cause underlying their dyspnoea. Although diagnosis requires confirmation, clinicians may be able to stratify risk and prioritise further investigation based on these findings.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-08-2021
DOI: 10.1111/JVIM.16228
Abstract: Radioiodine ( 131 I) is the treatment of choice for hyperthyroidism in cats, but current 131 I‐dosing protocols can induce iatrogenic hypothyroidism and expose azotemia. To develop a cat‐specific algorithm to calculate the lowest 131 I dose to resolve hyperthyroidism, while minimizing risk of iatrogenic hypothyroidism and subsequent azotemia. One thousand and four hundred hyperthyroid cats treated with 131 I. Prospective case series (before‐and‐after study). All cats had serum concentrations of thyroxine (T 4 ), triiodothyronine (T 3 ), and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) measured (off methimazole ≥1 week). Using thyroid scintigraphy, each cat's thyroid volume and percent uptake of 99m Tc‐pertechnatate (TcTU) were determined. An initial 131 I dose was calculated by averaging dose scores for T 4 /T 3 concentrations, thyroid volume, and TcTU 80% of that composite dose was administered. Twenty‐four hours later, percent 131 I uptake was measured, and additional 131 I administered, as needed, to deliver an adequate radiation dose to the thyroid tumor(s). Serum concentrations of T 4 , TSH, and creatinine were determined 6 to 12 months later. The median calculated 131 I dose was 1.9 mCi (range, 1.0‐10.6 mCi) 1380 cats required additional 131 I administration on day 2. Of the cats, 1047 (74.8%) became euthyroid, 57 (4.1%) became overtly hypothyroid, 240 (17.1%) became subclinically hypothyroid, and 56 (4%) remained hyperthyroid. More overtly (71.9%) and subclinically (39.6%) hypothyroid cats developed azotemia than euthyroid cats (14.2% P .0001). Our algorithm for calculating in idual 131 I doses resulted in cure rates similar to historical treatment rates, despite much lower 131 I doses. This algorithm appears to lower prevalence of both 131 I‐induced overt hypothyroidism and azotemia.
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Date: 15-05-2018
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To describe ultrasonographic findings and outcomes for dogs with suspected migrating intrathoracic grass awns. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 43 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES Records for dogs with suspected migrating intrathoracic grass awns examined between 2010 and 2013 were reviewed. Ultrasonographic images and additional information such as signalment and pleural fluid analysis, radiographic, bronchoscopic, and CT findings were collected. Surgical treatments and outcomes were also reviewed. RESULTS Transthoracic or transesophageal ultrasonography revealed grass awns in the pleural space (n = 13) or pulmonary parenchyma (10) of 23 dogs. Surgical removal of grass awns was successful on the first attempt in 21 of these 23 dogs (including 11/23 that had intraoperative ultrasonography performed to aid localization and removal of the awn). In the remaining 2 dogs, a second surgery was required. Twenty dogs with evidence of migrating intrathoracic grass awns had no foreign body identified on initial ultrasonographic evaluation and were treated medically 16 developed draining fistulas, and awns identified ultrasonographically at follow-up visits were subsequently removed from the sublumbar region (n = 10) or thoracic wall (6). The remaining 4 dogs had no grass awn visualized. Clinical signs resolved in all dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Transthoracic, transesophageal, and intraoperative ultrasonography were useful for localization and removal of migrating intrathoracic grass awns. Ultrasonography may be considered a valuable and readily available diagnostic tool for monitoring dogs with suspected migrating intrathoracic grass awns.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-02-2018
DOI: 10.1111/VRU.12601
Abstract: Gall-bladder diseases are common in dogs and two-dimensional ultrasonography is a current standard method for diagnosis and treatment planning. However, findings from this modality can be nonspecific. The aim of this retrospective, case series study was to describe conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (using SonoVue
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-07-2020
DOI: 10.1111/EVE.13141
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 04-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JFMS.2010.12.007
Abstract: The objective of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence of echocardiographic evidence of heart disease in apparently healthy cats with heart murmurs. Thirty-two privately owned domestic cats were examined. All cats were considered healthy on the basis of history and physical examination, except for the finding of a heart murmur on auscultation. Cats on any medications (besides regular flea, tick and heartworm preventative) or that were pregnant or lactating were excluded from this study. The prevalence of echocardiographic evidence of heart disease in this population of cats was 53%. Therefore, identification of a heart murmur on routine physical examination in apparently healthy cats warrants further investigation.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-07-2007
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 08-11-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2000
Publisher: American Animal Hospital Association
Date: 07-2012
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to review the medical records of dogs that were either suspected or known to have ingested large doses of pimobendan and to describe the clinical signs associated with pimobendan toxicosis. The database of Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control center located in Minneapolis, MN, was searched for cases involving pimobendan toxicosis from Nov 2004 to Apr 2010. In total, 98 cases were identified. Of those, seven dogs that ingested between 2.6 mg/kg and 21.3 mg/kg were selected for further evaluation. Clinical signs consisted of cardiovascular abnormalities, including severe tachycardia (4/7), hypotension (2/7), and hypertension (2/7). In two dogs, no clinical signs were seen. Despite a wide safety profile, large overdoses of pimobendan may present risks for in idual pets. Prompt decontamination, including emesis induction and the administration of activated charcoal, is advised in the asymptomatic patient. Symptomatic and supportive care should include the use of IV fluid therapy to treat hypotension and address hydration requirements and blood pressure and electrocardiogram monitoring with high-dose toxicosis. Practitioners should be aware of the clinical signs associated with high-dose pimobendan toxicosis. Of the dogs reported herein, all were hospitalized, responded to supportive care, and survived to discharge within 24 hr of exposure.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-02-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1939-1676.2008.0098.X
Abstract: Arterial thromboembolism (ATE) is a common complication of feline cardiomyopathy however, the pathogenesis of ATE is unknown. Systemic activation of the coagulation cascade (hypercoagulability) and endothelial injury promote ATE in cardiomyopathic cats. Healthy cats (n = 30) and 3 groups of cardiomyopathic cats: Group (1) left atrial enlargement only (LAE [n = 11]), ie, left atrial to aortic ratio >1.4 Group (2) LAE with spontaneous echocardiographic contrast, atrial thrombi or both (SEC-T [n = 16]) and Group (3) acute ATE with LAE (n = 16). Hypercoagulability was defined by 2 or more laboratory abnormalities reflecting coagulation factor excess (high fibrinogen concentration or Factor VIII coagulant activity), inhibitor deficiency (low antithrombin activity), or thrombin generation (high thrombin-antithrombin complex [TAT] and d-dimer concentrations). High von Willebrand factor antigen concentration (vWF : Ag) was considered a marker of endothelial injury. Data were analyzed using nonparametric statistics. The 3 groups of cats with cardiac disease had higher median fibrinogen concentrations than did the healthy cats. Criteria of hypercoagulability were found exclusively in cats with SEC-T (50%) and ATE (56%). Hypercoagulability was not associated with left atrial size or congestive heart failure (CHF). ATE cats had significantly higher median vWF : Ag concentration than did the other groups. Systemic hypercoagulability is evident in many cardiomyopathic cats, often without concurrent CHF or overt ATE. Hypercoagulabilty may represent a risk factor for ATE. High vWF : Ag in ATE cats was attributed to downstream endothelial injury from the occlusive thrombus.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-04-2020
DOI: 10.1111/JVIM.15769
Abstract: Subclinical bacteriuria is defined as a positive bacterial urine culture in the absence of clinical evidence of urinary tract infection (UTI). Studies have reported that hyperthyroid cats have UTIs (mostly subclinical) with prevalence rates of 12%‐22%. Consequently, clinicians consider hyperthyroidism a risk factor for development of subclinical bacteriuria, and many recommend urine culture when evaluating hyperthyroid cats. To compare the prevalence of subclinical bacteriuria (based on positive urine culture) in untreated hyperthyroid cats to that in euthyroid cats of similar age and sex. Three hundred and ninety‐three hyperthyroid cats presented for radioiodine treatment and 131 euthyroid cats (≥7 years of age) presented for routine examination. Cats with signs of lower urinary tract disease were excluded. Prospective cohort study. Both hyperthyroid and euthyroid cats had urine collected by cystocentesis for complete urinalysis and culture. Data pertaining to age, sex, body condition, and serum thyroxine and creatinine concentrations also were acquired. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate for potential risk factors for subclinical bacteriuria. Hyperthyroid cats showed a low prevalence of subclinical bacteriuria (4.3%), which did not differ from that found in euthyroid cats (4.6%). Of the signalment factors evaluated, only female sex was a significant risk factor (odds ratio [OR], 6.9 P = .002). Furthermore, positive urine cultures were more likely in specimens with dilute urine concentration ( .035), pyuria, or microscopic bacteriuria. Hyperthyroid cats are not at risk for subclinical bacteriuria. In the absence of lower urinary tract signs, no clinical benefit exists in routinely performing urine cultures when evaluating hyperthyroid cats.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2016.01.004
Abstract: Feasibility, intra- and inter-observer variability of measuring left atrial (LA) longitudinal strain and strain rate (SR) variables using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) have not been reported in the dog. Reference intervals for these variables which can be useful to estimate LA function have been provided. Forty-eight healthy adult dogs. Left atrial longitudinal deformation was evaluated in each dog by STE, and different combinations of STE variables were used to describe the 3 phases (reservoir, conduit and booster pump phase) of the LA function. Left atrial STE was possible in 40/48 dogs (83%). Strain and SR curves in healthy dogs were characterized, and reference intervals for several strain and SR variables are provided. Intra- and inter-observer variability, expressed as percent difference between observations or observers, was 3.58%-10.8% for indices of the LA reservoir function, 10.48%-15.82% for indices of the LA conduit function and 14.1%-34% for indices of the LA contractile function. Strain rate in early diastole and strain rate at atrial contraction variables were correlated significantly with age. No other relationships (body weight, heart rate or LA size) with any STE variables could be identified. Speckle tracking echocardiography provides quantitative measurements of LA longitudinal deformation and can be used to assess LA phasic function in healthy dogs. Further studies of these variables in dogs with cardiac diseases are needed to determine the clinical applicability and utility.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2022.06.002
Abstract: To report on transvenous detachable coiling in small dogs deemed ineligible for traditional transarterial patent ductus arteriosus occlusion and compare transthoracic echocardiographic and angiographic measurements to determine their equivalence. A retrospective study of 35 dogs that underwent transvenous coiling of a patent ductus arteriosus. Demographic information, echocardiographic and angiographic studies, surgery reports, and follow-up evaluation of residual flow were obtained. A Bland-Altman analysis was used to compare echocardiographic and angiographic measurements of the minimal ductal diameter (Echo-MDD, Ang-MDD) and ulla diameter (Echo-A, Ang-A). Thirty-four of 35 dogs had successful deployment of a coil, with one dog undergoing occlusion with a different device after the exteriorized coil pulled through the ductus. Complete occlusion was achieved in 18 dogs within 24 h four dogs were lost to follow-up, and the remaining 12 dogs had no residual flow or a significant reduction in shunting with normalization in cardiac chamber dimensions by a median of 99 days. Thirty percent of dogs (11/35) experienced perioperative complications of which 10 were minor complications. The analysis of 26 dogs with both echocardiographic and angiographic ductal measurements showed a -0.14 mm mean difference (95% limits of agreement -1.08 to 0.8 mm) in minimal ductal diameter and -0.68 mm mean difference (95% limits of agreement -2.73 to 1.37 mm) in ulla diameter. Dogs less than 3 kg deemed too small for transarterial occlusion can successfully undergo transvenous coil embolization of patent ductus arteriosus.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1939-1676.2009.0301.X
Abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) with excessively high ventricular rates (VR) occurs in dogs with advanced heart disease. Rate control improves clinical signs in these patients. Optimal drug therapy and target VR remain poorly defined. Digoxin-diltiazem combination therapy reduces VR more than either drug alone in dogs with high VR AF. Eighteen client-owned dogs (>15 kg) with advanced heart disease, AF, and average VR on 24-hour Holter > 140 beats per minute (bpm). After baseline Holter recording, dogs were randomized to digoxin or diltiazem monotherapy, or combination therapy. Repeat Holter evaluation was obtained after 2 weeks dogs were then crossed over to the other arm (monotherapy or combination therapy) for 2 weeks and a third Holter was acquired. Twenty-four hour average VR, absolute and relative VR changes from baseline, and percent time spent within prespecified VR ranges (>140, 100-140, and <100 bpm) were compared. Correlations between serum drug concentrations and VR were examined. Digoxin (median, 164 bpm) and diltiazem (median, 158 bpm) decreased VR from baseline (median, 194 bpm) less than the digoxin-diltiazem combination (median, 126 bpm) (P < .008 for each comparison). With digoxin-diltiazem, VR remained 140 bpm for 88% of the recording period with either monotherapy. Serum drug concentrations did not correlate with VR. At the dosages used in this study, digoxin-diltiazem combination therapy provided a greater rate control than either drug alone in dogs with AF.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2003
DOI: 10.1002/GENE.10198
Abstract: To determine the developmental history of murine esophageal skeletal muscle, smooth muscle cells were fate mapped by lineage-specific recombination and phenotypically marked by eGFP. Examination of embryonic and postnatal tissues revealed that esophageal skeletal muscle does not arise from transdifferentiation of committed smooth muscle cells.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2022.06.004
Abstract: To determine how frequently the current criteria for left ventricular enlargement in dogs misclassify healthy dogs as having left ventricular enlargement to examine the effect of breed on diastolic left ventricular normalized dimensions (LVIDDN) to propose appropriate scaling exponents and reference limits for dogs. Echocardiographic data from 1,124 healthy adult dogs, including 454 dogs weighing <20 kg. We calculated power regression parameters (allometric scaling), including exponents and proportionality constants, for various subsets of the dogs (all dogs, dogs 10 observations) and derived upper reference limits for LVIDDN. We determined the proportions of dogs that would be identified as having left ventricular enlargement with each regression model compared to previously published reference limits or guidelines. We then identified breeds failing to conform to generic dog models. The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine-recommended scaling exponent (0.294) and criterion for identifying left ventricular enlargement (1.7) identified >10% of apparently healthy dogs as having left ventricular enlargement, with specific breeds being misclassified up to 50% of the time. However, with a scaling exponent of 0.33, a constant of 1.7 represented a normal left ventricular size in 97.5% of healthy dogs in both generic and non-conforming breeds. Left ventricular internal dimension in diastole normalized to bodyweight is breed-dependent. A constant of 1.7 with a scaling exponent of 0.294 does not always represent ventricular enlargement a scaling exponent of 0.33, with breed-specific reference limits for breeds that fail to conform to allometric models of generic dogs, reduces the misclassification of healthy dogs as having left ventricular enlargement.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 07-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.JFMS.2011.05.006
Abstract: Practical relevance Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cardiac disease of cats. Treatment of HCM is usually directed at controlling signs of congestive heart failure (CHF), preventing occurrence or recurrence of systemic thromboembolism or delaying reventing/reversing progression of subclinical disease. Study objective and design Despite the laudable goals of therapy, however, little objective evidence supporting therapeutic decisions has been published. We, therefore, hypothesized that cardiologists base their treatment strategies on information other than published clinically relevant science. To gain insight into therapeutic decisions that cardiologists and clinicians with an interest in cardiology (n = 99) make for cats with HCM, and on what information they base these decisions, we presented participants with, and asked them to select therapy for, 12 hypothetical scenarios of HCM (± CHF). Responses and justifications for treatment choices were compiled and compared with the results of a comprehensive literature search for published information about treatment of feline HCM. Findings Evaluation of the therapeutic strategies chosen for these hypothetical cases of HCM suggests that cardiologists or clinicians with a strong interest in cardiology often prescribe treatments knowing that little documented evidence supports their decisions.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1939-1676.2009.0283.X
Abstract: Giardiasis is a common, potentially zoonotic disease, and dogs often harbor and shed cysts without showing clinical signs. Treatment with the probiotic Enterococcus faecium SF68 has been shown to stimulate mucosal and systemic immunity in a variety of animal models and in young dogs, and to reduce giardial cyst and antigen shedding in rodents. Adult dogs with chronic naturally acquired giardiasis will have decreased giardial fecal cyst and antigen shedding and increased innate and adaptive immunity after 6 weeks probiotic treatment with E. faecium SF68. Twenty adult dogs. After a 6-week dietary equilibration period, dogs were randomized to receive E. faecium SF68 or placebo for 6 weeks, and then crossed over to the alternate treatment. We measured cyst shedding, fecal giardial antigen, fecal immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration, and circulating leukocyte phagocytic activity at multiple timepoints to determine the effect of E. faecium SF68 on giardiasis and immune responses in these dogs. No differences were observed between placebo or E. faecium SF68 treatment for giardial cyst shedding, fecal antigen shedding, fecal IgA concentration, or leukocyte phagocytic activity. Short-term treatment with E. faecium SF68 of dogs with chronic naturally acquired subclinical giardiasis fails to affect giardial cyst shedding or antigen content and does not alter innate or adaptive immune responses.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-07-2015
DOI: 10.1111/JVIM.13585
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2018.01.005
Abstract: To evaluate whether tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) can be normalized to aortic valve (Ao) measurements in dogs. To determine TAPSE:Ao reference intervals for healthy dogs and examine diagnostic performance of TAPSE:Ao in dogs with pulmonary hypertension (PH). One hundred and thirty-seven healthy adult dogs 115 dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) but no PH 91 dogs with PH. A combined prospective and retrospective study. Full echocardiographic evaluations were performed on all dogs TAPSE was indexed to Ao to produce a unitless TAPSE:Ao. Reference intervals for TAPSE:Ao were generated, and TAPSE:Ao was regressed on tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity in dogs with PH and on LA:Ao in dogs with MMVD without PH. Diagnostic test analysis was used to examine the ability of TAPSE:Ao to identify severe PH. An adjusted TAPSE:Ao (TAPSE:Ao The ratio, TAPSE:Ao, removed the effect of bodyweight from TAPSE measurements. Healthy dogs had TAPSE:Ao > 0.65. The ratio, TAPSE:Ao, showed a linear negative relationship with tricuspid regurgitation velocity and positive relationship with LA:Ao. The adjusted ratio, TAPSE:Ao The ratios, TAPSE:Ao and TAPSE:Ao
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-09-2014
DOI: 10.1111/JSAP.12265
Abstract: To determine whether murmur intensity in small-breed dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease reflects clinical and echocardiographic disease severity. Retrospective multi-investigator study. Records of adult dogs Ä20 kg with myxomatous mitral valve disease were examined. Murmur intensity and location were recorded and compared with echocardiographic variables and functional disease status. Murmur intensities in consecutive categories were compared for prevalences of congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and cardiac remodelling. 578 dogs [107 with "soft" (30 Grade I/VI and 77 II/VI), 161 with "moderate" (Grade III/VI), 160 with "loud" (Grade IV/VI) and 150 with "thrilling" (Grade V/VI or VI/VI) murmurs] were studied. No dogs with soft murmurs had congestive heart failure, and 90% had no remodelling. However, 56% of dogs with "moderate", 29% of dogs with "loud" and 8% of dogs with "thrilling" murmurs and subclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease also had no remodelling. Probability of a dog having congestive heart failure or pulmonary hypertension increased with increasing murmur intensity. A 4-level murmur grading scheme separated clinically meaningful outcomes in small-breed dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease. Soft murmurs in small-breed dogs are strongly indicative of subclinical heart disease. Thrilling murmurs are associated with more severe disease. Other murmurs are less informative on an in idual basis.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.RVSC.2013.02.004
Abstract: Influence of body condition (over-conditioned vs. normal-conditioned) on plasma glucocorticoid concentrations after single dose oral prednisolone or prednisone in 11 cats (5 normal-conditioned and 6-over-conditioned) was investigated using a two-drug crossover trial (3-week washout interval). Body condition was determined using criterion-referenced bioelectrical impedance together with plasma drug concentrations (prednisolone [active drug] and prednisone [pro-drug]) measured by HPLC. Although interconversion of each drug to the other was confirmed, a single 2mg/kg body weight oral dose of prednisolone produced significantly higher plasma prednisolone concentration (∼4-fold higher AUC) compared to prednisone. Significantly higher plasma drug concentrations in over-conditioned cats (∼2-fold) compared to normal-conditioned cats might explain their perceived increased risk for glucocorticoid associated side effects (hepatic lipidosis, diabetes mellitus). Findings suggest low comparative bioavailability of oral prednisone compared to prednisolone in cats and consideration of lean body mass or ideal body weight for dosing practices.
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Date: 2017
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To determine attitudes of small animal practitioners toward veterinary clinical trials and variables influencing their likelihood of participating in such trials. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SAMPLE Small animal practitioners with membership in 1 of 2 online veterinary communities (n = 163 and 652). PROCEDURES An online survey was developed for each of 2 veterinary communities, and invitations to participate were sent via email. Each survey included questions designed to collect information on the respondents’ willingness to enroll their patients in clinical trials and to recommend participation to clients for their pets. RESULTS More than 80% of respondents to each survey indicated that they spend no time in clinical research. A high proportion of respondents were likely or extremely likely to recommend clinical trial participation to clients for their pets when those trials involved treatments licensed in other countries, novel treatments, respected investigators, or sponsoring by academic institutions, among other reasons. Reasons for not recommending participation included distance, time restrictions, and lack of awareness of ongoing clinical trials 28% of respondents indicated that they did not usually learn about such clinical trials. Most respondents (79% to 92%) rated their recommendation of a trial as important to their client's willingness to participate. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Participation in veterinary clinical trials by small animal practitioners and their clients and patients appeared low. Efforts should be increased to raise practitioner awareness of clinical trials for which patients might qualify. Specific elements of trial design were identified that could be modified to increase participation.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2018.01.002
Abstract: Left atrial (LA) function can provide useful information in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Recently, we have demonstrated the feasibility of measuring LA longitudinal deformation using speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) to estimate LA function in healthy dogs. Whether LA strain and strain rate variables provide additional information about LA function and clinical cardiac status in dogs with MMVD remains unexplored. Ninety-six client-owned dogs of different breeds with MMVD were prospectively enrolled. LA longitudinal deformation was evaluated in each dog by STE and different STE variables were used to assess LA function. No STE variables differed between American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Stage B1 and B2 dogs but were lower in Stage C dogs. Peak atrial longitudinal average strain 2.2 and peak atrial contraction average strain < 7.25% discriminated symptomatic MMVD dogs by receiver operating characteristic analysis with sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] 91-100%), 92% (95% CI 78-98%) and 98% (95% CI 87-100%), 100% (95% CI 91-100%) and 95% (95% CI 83-99%), respectively. In 12 dogs with similar left-atrial-to-aortic ratio, peak atrial longitudinal average strain and peak atrial contraction average strain differentiated dogs with subclinical disease from those with congestive heart failure (CHF). Dogs with MMVD in CHF appear to have lower LA longitudinal strain and strain rate variables compared with dogs with subclinical disease. Further studies are needed to establish if our initial findings can provide useful information for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of dogs with MMVD.
Publisher: American Physiological Society
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1152/AJPREGU.00078.2008
Abstract: Dysregulation in central nervous system (CNS) signaling that results in chronic sympathetic hyperactivity is now recognized to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF) following myocardial infarction (MI). We recently demonstrated that adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of cytoplasmic superoxide dismutase (Ad-Cu/ZnSOD) to forebrain circumventricular organs, unique sensory structures that lack a blood-brain barrier and link peripheral blood-borne signals to central nervous system cardiovascular circuits, inhibits both the MI-induced activation of these central signaling pathways and the accompanying sympathoexcitation. Here, we tested the hypothesis that this forebrain-targeted reduction in oxidative stress translates into amelioration of the post-MI decline in myocardial function and increase in mortality. Adult C57BL/6 mice underwent left coronary artery ligation or sham surgery along with forebrain-targeted gene transfer of Ad-Cu/ZnSOD or a control vector. The results demonstrate marked MI-induced increases in superoxide radical formation in one of these forebrain regions, the subfornical organ (SFO). Ad-Cu/ZnSOD targeted to this region abolished the increased superoxide levels and led to significantly improved myocardial function compared with control vector-treated mice. This was accompanied by diminished levels of cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the Ad-Cu/ZnSOD but not the control vector-treated group. These effects of superoxide scavenging with Ad-Cu/ZnSOD in the forebrain paralleled increased post-MI survival rates compared with controls. This suggests that oxidative stress in the SFO plays a critical role in the deterioration of cardiac function following MI and underscores the promise of CNS-targeted antioxidant therapy for the treatment of MI-induced HF.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-12-2021
DOI: 10.1111/VDE.12918
Abstract: A recent pilot study of primary care veterinarians' attitudes regarding canine atopic dermatitis and initiation of allergen‐specific immunotherapy (ASIT) revealed several barriers to specialist referral (in the USA) and use of ASIT as a treatment modality. The primary objective was to collect data on referral habits and ASIT practices among a much larger cohort of primary care veterinarians located around the world, and to explore barriers to referral and management of atopic diseases of dogs and cats with ASIT. An online survey, administered through the Veterinary Information Network (VIN, Davis, CA, USA), asked participants to self‐report their referral habits and immunotherapy recommendations, and rate barriers and motivating factors using Likert‐scale responses. Of 827 survey responses, 97.6% identified as primary care practitioners. A larger number of practitioners (84.5%) reported seeing atopic dogs often, compared with atopic cats (9.7%). Fewer of these veterinarians (56.6%) referred atopic cats for specialist care, compared to atopic dogs (73.5%). Timely communication, sharing long‐term management of the case, and provision of local continuing education were identified as factors associated with increased willingness to refer. A higher proportion of practitioners reported recommending ASIT for dogs (44.3%) than for cats (16.0%). Only 56.0% of respondents considered success rates of ASIT to be acceptable, while 27.9% were neutral on the topic. Dermatology specialists might build stronger relationships with referring veterinarians through timely case follow‐up and provision of continuing education regarding the long‐term benefits of ASIT and symptomatic management practices.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-1997
DOI: 10.1111/J.1740-8261.1997.TB00858.X
Abstract: Eight healthy, adult cats were examined with biplane transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Cats were sedated with a combination of diazepam and propofol and were examined using a 5 mm x 80 cm pediatric biplane TEE probe. Consistent images were obtained at three imaging depths within the esophagus. The caudal position provided satisfactory short-axis images of the left ventricle and heart base. The middle position provided the best long-axis views of the left atrium, left ventricle, and aorta and allowed Doppler examination of transmitral left ventricular inflow. The cranial position provided satisfactory imaging of the aorta and pulmonary artery and allowed Doppler examination of right ventricular and left ventricular outflow. Biplane TEE provides an additional method of imaging the feline heart which is complimentary to other imaging techniques and the images obtained were similar to those reported for dogs. Although TEE offers a slight advantage over transthorcic imaging for Doppler examination, the quality of the images of heart base structures was not as consistently superior to transthoracic images in cats as reported in dogs.
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Date: 15-07-2016
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To evaluate the diagnostic utility of ECGs acquired with a smartphone-based device, compared with reference 6-lead ECGs, for identification of heart rate and rhythm in dogs and cats. DESIGN Prospective study. ANIMALS 51 client-owned dogs and 27 client-owned cats. PROCEDURES Patients examined by a small animal referral cardiology service between April 2012 and January 2013 were enrolled consecutively. In each patient, a 30-second ECG was simultaneously acquired with a smartphone-based device (a bipolar, single-lead recorder coupled to a smartphone with an ECG application) and a standard 6-lead ECG machine. Recordings were evaluated by 3 board-certified cardiologists, and intra- and interobserver agreement were evaluated for both rhythm diagnosis and QRS polarity identification. RESULTS Values for instantaneous and mean heart rates for the smartphone-acquired and reference ECGs were within 1 beat of each other when mean heart rates were calculated. Intraobserver agreement for rhythm assessment was very high, with maximum disagreement for any observer for only 2 of 51 dogs and only 4 of 27 cats. There was minimal disagreement in the polarity of depolarization between the smartphone-acquired and reference ECGs in dogs but frequent disagreement in cats. Interobserver agreement for smartphone-acquired ECGs was similar to that for reference ECGs. with all 3 observers agreeing on the rhythm analysis and minimal disagreement on polarity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that ECGs acquired with the smartphone-based device accurately identified heart rate and rhythm in dogs and cats. Thus, the device may allow veterinarians to evaluate and manage cardiac arrhythmias relatively inexpensively at the cage side and could also allow clinicians to rapidly share information via email for further consultation, potentially enhancing patient care.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-06-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1939-1676.2012.00951.X
Abstract: Pancreas-specific lipase is reported to aid in diagnosing acute pancreatitis (AP) in dogs but has not been rigorously evaluated clinically. To describe variability of disease in dogs with suspected clinical AP, and to evaluate accuracy of 2 pancreatic-specific lipase immunoassays, Spec cPL (SPEC) and SNAP cPL (SNAP), in diagnosing clinical AP. We hypothesized that SPEC and SNAP provide better diagnostic accuracy than serum amylase or total lipase. A total of 84 dogs 27 without AP and 57 with clinical signs associated with AP. Multicenter study. Dogs were prospectively enrolled based upon initial history and physical examination, then retrospectively classified into groups according to the likelihood of having clinical AP by a consensus of experts blinded to SPEC and SNAP results. Bayesian latent class analyses were used to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of SPEC and SNAP. The estimates for test sensitivities and specificities, respectively, ranged between 91.5-94.1% and 71.1-77.5% for SNAP, 86.5-93.6% and 66.3-77.0% for SPEC (cutoff value of 200 μg/L), 71.7-77.8% and 80.5-88.0% for SPEC (cutoff value of 400 μg/L), and were 52.4-56.0% and 76.7-80.6% for amylase, and 43.4-53.6% and 89.3-92.5% for lipase. SNAP and SPEC have higher sensitivity for diagnosing clinical AP than does measurement of serum amylase or lipase activity. A positive SPEC or SNAP has a good positive predictive value (PPV) in populations likely to have AP and a good negative predictive value (NPV) when there is low prevalence of disease.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-08-2016
DOI: 10.1111/JSAP.12536
Abstract: To establish transthoracic echocardiographic reference intervals in adult English springer spaniel dogs. Forty-two healthy adult English springer spaniels were prospectively recruited from a general practice population in the UK. Animals were examined twice, at least 12 months apart, to exclude dogs with progressive cardiac disease. Reference intervals were calculated using Box-Cox transformations and specific variables were depicted within an expert consensus range. Relationships of body mass, age and heart rate with cardiac structure and function were examined and functional assessments were compared with previous reports. Reference intervals were compared against published ratiometric indices and allometric scaling models. Thirty-nine dogs contributed to create the reference intervals. Significant relationships with bodyweight, age and heart rate were detected, although low coefficients of determination were found. Fractional shortening values were lower than has been reported in many breeds but Simpson-derived ejection fractions were similar to previously published breed-specific values. Breed-specific reference intervals are reported allowing for more appropriate interpretation of echocardiographic assessments in the English springer spaniel.
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Date: 06-2014
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Date: 15-09-2014
Abstract: Objective —To evaluate the clinical course of dogs with hemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency) and to determine whether factor VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C) was associated with severity of clinical signs and outcome. Design —Survey study. S le —Respondent information for 39 client-owned dogs with FVIII deficiency. Procedures —Information was obtained via a survey distributed to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care email list serves and to the Veterinary Information Network community to identify dogs with hemophilia A (FVIII:C ≤ 20%). Severity of FVIII deficiency was classified as mild (FVIII:C, 6% to 20%), moderate (FVIII:C, 2% to 5%), or severe (FVIII:C, 2%). Results —Data for 39 dogs (38 males and 1 female) were compiled. Mixed-breed dogs, German Shepherd Dogs, and Labrador Retrievers were most commonly affected. In most (34/39) dogs, disease was diagnosed at 1 year of age. Bleeding associated with teething, minor trauma, vaccination, and elective surgical procedures most commonly prompted FVIII:C testing. Affected dogs had similar signs of spontaneous hemorrhage regardless of the magnitude of FVIII deficiency. Four dogs were euthanized without treatment at the time of diagnosis. Thirty dogs received ≥ 1 blood transfusion FVIII:C did not appear to influence transfusion requirements. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance —Results indicated that dogs with hemophilia A have variations in clinical course of the disease and may have a good long-term prognosis. Residual FVIII:C may not be useful for predicting severity of clinical signs, transfusion needs, or long-term prognosis.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-12-2021
DOI: 10.1111/VEC.13039
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 13-04-2020
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.9012
Abstract: Spontaneous brain microhemorrhages in elderly people are present to some degree in Alzheimer’s disease patients but have been linked to brain atrophy in the absence of obvious cognitive decline. Brain microhemorrhages have recently been described in older dogs, but it is unclear whether these are associated with brain atrophy. Diminution of interthalamic adhesion size-as measured on MRI or CT-has been shown to be a reliable indicator of brain atrophy in dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) in comparison with successfully aging dogs. We hypothesized that aging dogs with brain microhemorrhages presenting for neurologic dysfunction but without obvious features of cognitive decline would have small interthalamic adhesion measurements, like dogs with CCD, compared with control dogs. The objective of this study was to compare interthalamic adhesion size between three groups of aging ( years) dogs: (1) neurologically impaired dogs with presumptive spontaneous brain microhemorrhages and no clinical evidence of cognitive dysfunction (2) dogs with CCD (3) dogs without clinical evidence of encephalopathy on neurologic examination (control dogs). MR images from 52 aging dogs were reviewed and measurements were obtained of interthalamic adhesion height (thickness) and mid-sagittal interthalamic adhesion area for all dogs, in addition to total brain volume. Interthalamic adhesion measurements, either absolute or normalized to total brain volume were compared between groups. Signalment (age, breed, sex), body weight, presence and number of SBMs, as well as other abnormal MRI findings were recorded for all dogs. All interthalamic adhesion measurement parameters were significantly ( P 0.05) different between control dogs and affected dogs. Both dogs with cognitive dysfunction (12/15 80%) and dogs with isolated brain microhemorrhages had more microhemorrhages than control dogs (3/25 12%). Affected dogs without cognitive dysfunction had significantly more microhemorrhages than dogs with cognitive dysfunction. In addition to signs of cognitive impairment for the CCD group, main clinical complaints for SBM and CCD dogs were referable to central vestibular dysfunction, recent-onset seizure activity, or both. Geriatric dogs with spontaneous brain microhemorrhages without cognitive dysfunction have similar MRI abnormalities as dogs with cognitive dysfunction but may represent a distinct disease category.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2021
DOI: 10.1111/VDE.12999
Abstract: Papillomavirus infections in dogs have a variety of manifestations and involve multiple viral genera. Canine pedal papillomas have been infrequently studied and reported in the literature. To report the signalment, history, treatment and outcome of biopsy‐confirmed cases of canine pedal papillomatosis, collected from veterinarians across the United States and Canada Medical records from 44 dogs were submitted by North American veterinarians. Surveys were submitted through the Veterinary Information Network for biopsy‐confirmed cases of canine pedal papillomatosis. Submissions included information on patient signalment, history, biopsy report, treatment and outcome. Forty‐four cases were reviewed. The median age of presentation was four years old. Dogs most commonly presented with lameness and/or paw licking/chewing. Only one paw was affected in 35 cases, and front paws were more often affected than back paws. Twenty‐eight dogs presented with one mass. Histopathological evaluation documented 33 cases of noninverted papillomas and 11 cases of inverted papillomas. Thirty‐four papillomas resolved in total 25 resolved within three weeks after biopsy collection. Twenty‐one dogs received no additional treatment and 15 of those cases resolved. Azithromycin was the most commonly reported treatment initiated after biopsy was collected. The biological behaviour of canine pedal papillomas in this case series was similar to oral papillomas, and most lesions resolved with or without additional treatment. Further research is needed to better characterise the causative papillomavirus types and genera involved in the development of canine pedal papillomas.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.RVSC.2011.12.014
Abstract: Respiratory rate monitoring of cardiac patients is recommended by many cardiologists. However, little objective data exist about respiratory rates in apparently healthy dogs when collected in the home environment. We measured sleeping respiratory rates (SRR) in apparently healthy dogs and compared sleeping and resting respiratory rates (RRR) with a cross-sectional prospective study. Participants collected 12-14 one-minute SRR over a period ranging from 1 week to 2 months on 114 privately owned adult dogs. Selected participants simultaneously collected RRR. Mean within-dog average SRR (SRR(mean)) was 13breaths per minute (breaths/min). No dog had SRR(mean) >23 breaths/min three dogs had instantaneous SRR measurements >30 breaths/min. Dogs had higher RRR(mean) (19 breaths/min) than SRR(mean) (15 breaths/min) (P<0.05). Canine SRR(mean) was unaffected by age, bodyweight or geographic location. Data acquisition was considered relatively simple by most participants. This study shows that apparently healthy adult dogs generally have SRR(mean) <30 breaths/min and rarely exceed this rate at any time.
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Date: 2019
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To develop and validate a Burden Transfer Inventory (BTI) of stressful client behaviors and to evaluate whether those behaviors are associated with client caregiver burden and contribute to veterinarian stress and burnout. DESIGN 3-stage cross-sectional psychometric validation study. SAMPLE 1,151 small animal veterinarians and 372 dog and cat owners. PROCEDURES During stage 1, a pool of 34 items representing stressful client behaviors was created through open-ended surveys of practicing veterinarians and 3 phases of pilot testing. During stage 2, 1,151 veterinarians recruited through the Veterinary Information Network completed a survey including those behavior items and validated measures of stress and burnout. Completed surveys were randomly assigned to either a measure development or validation database for factor and item analyses. Data were then combined to determine whether the BTI was correlated with measures of stress and burnout. During stage 3, owners of dogs and cats with a serious illness completed an online survey to assess how frequently they engaged in each BTI item as well as a validated measure of caregiver burden. RESULTS For dog and cat owners, there was a significant positive correlation between caregiver burden and the frequency that those owners reported engaging in BTI items. The frequency that veterinarians reported encountering BTI items was positively correlated with measures of stress and burnout, which suggested burden transfer from owners to veterinarians. The extent to which veterinarians reported being bothered by BTI items was a more robust predictor of stress and burnout than the frequency with which those items occurred. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated the BTI can be used to understand how client behaviors associated with caregiver burden affect veterinarian stress and burnout. The BTI may be useful to identify specific stressors affecting in idual veterinarians and how they react to those stressors.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-08-2020
Abstract: Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a novel, angle-independent imaging technique useful to assess myocardial function by strain and strain rate analysis in human and veterinary medicine. Commonly, the left apical four-chamber (LAP4Ch) view is used to assess left ventricular (LV) longitudinal deformation in dogs and cats. However, the right parasternal four-chamber (RP4Ch) view is often more easily obtained than the LAP4Ch view in cats. No studies exist comparing longitudinal strain and strain rate values using STE from different echocardiographic views in cats. Therefore, we examined the agreement between RP4Ch and LAP4Ch for assessment of LV longitudinal strain and strain rate in cats. We acquired 2D echocardiographic cineloops from RP4Ch and LAP4Ch views and analyzed LV longitudinal strain and strain rate in 50 cats (31 healthy cats and 19 cats with different disease states) using XstrainTM software. Peak systolic strain and strain rate values of endocardial and epicardial border were used for the analysis. The two echocardiographic views were compared using limits-of-agreement analyses and intra-observer measurement variability was assessed. We could obtain longitudinal strain and strain rate from the RP4Ch view in all cats. Strain, but not strain rate, had good intra-observer measurement variability ( % vs. %). However, only endocardial strain values obtained with the two views agreed sufficiently to be used interchangeably (95% limits of agreement: −3.28, 2.58). Epicardial strain/strain rate and endocardial strain rate values did not agree sufficiently to be used interchangeably (95% limits of agreement: −11.58, 9.19 −2.28, 1.74 −1.41, 1.36, respectively). Our study suggests that RP4Ch view was feasible for assessment of the LV longitudinal deformation analysis by STE in cats, but only endocardial longitudinal strain values obtained from the two different views were interchangeable.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-07-2014
DOI: 10.1111/JVIM.12401
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2021
DOI: 10.1016/J.TVJL.2021.105762
Abstract: Echocardiographic guidance provides an alternative method when fluoroscopy is unavailable, equipment or power failure of fluoroscopic equipment during a procedure occurs or to decrease radiation risk. Recently, transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography were reported as an alternative method to guide interventional procedures in dogs. Therefore, we hypothesized that TTE could be used as an alternative method to visualize endocardial leads during pacemaker implantation in dogs, largely avoiding the use of fluoroscopy. A prospective consecutive case series of pacemaker implantation was performed using TTE guidance. The endocardial lead was imaged by TTE during its intracardiac advancement until the lead tip was positioned at the right ventricular apex. Echocardiographic right parasternal views, optimized to visualize the pacing lead, were used, starting with a short axis image of the right atrium and ending with a long axis view of the right ventricle (RV) optimized to image the RV apex. Proper lead placement was confirmed by both capture threshold, impedance and fluoroscopy. Twenty-one pacemaker implantation procedures by TTE monitoring were successfully performed. The TTE guidance provided images of a quality sufficient to clearly monitor implantation in real-time and allowed for immediate corrections to pacing lead malpositioning or excessive looping. Fluoroscopy was used to confirm the correct placement of the lead that was guided echocardiographically in the initial three procedures, after which a single radiographic image (no cine-mode) was used to identify lead placement and redundancy in the remaining eighteen cases. Static imaging (radiography using the fluoroscope) was used to assess the proper lead redundancy in all procedures because this cannot be evaluated echocardiographically. Pacemaker leads were successfully implanted in the RV of dogs using TTE monitoring. A larger cases series is needed for validation of safety and effectiveness of TTE during this interventional procedure in dogs.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-09-2023
DOI: 10.1111/JVIM.16849
Publisher: Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Date: 2014
Abstract: Objective: To describe veterinarians’ treatment recommendations and decision-making factors for dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD). Methods: An online survey of American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS)-Diplomates (surgeon group) and primary care veterinarians (practitioner group) was performed. The survey included questions on treatment recommendations for common case scenarios (small or large breed dog with complete or partial CCLD), treatment decision factors, non-surgical treatment options, and actual treatment, if any, provided for a client-owned dog as well as one owned by their family or close friend. Results: The response rate was 42% for the surgeon group (n = 305/723) and four percent for the practitioner group (n = 1145/ 27,771). Extracapsular stabilization (ES) was the most common treatment recommendation for CCLD in small (9.1 kg) breed dogs amongst surgeons and practitioners. Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) was the most common treatment recommendation for CCLD in large (27.2 kg) breed dogs amongst both groups. The two most important treatment decision factors were dog size (78% of practitioners, 69% of surgeons) and activity level (63% of practitioners, 52% of surgeons). The most common treatment provided for a dog of their own or close relation in the surgeon group was TPLO (64%) followed by ES (15%), whereas in the practitioner group it was ES (38%) followed by TPLO (30%). Clinical significance: Extracapsular stabilization and TPLO are the most commonly employed surgical procedures in the surveyed population dog size and activity level (but not age) are the major factors influencing treatment decisions.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2001
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-0813.2001.TB14572.X
Abstract: Cor Triatriatum Dexter is a rare, congenital cardiac defect in which the right atrium is partitioned into two compartments, effectively creating a triatrial heart. The clinical signs exhibited by the patient usually relate to impeded venous return via the caudal vena cava. The two dogs in this report both displayed ascites from a young age and grew poorly. In both cases the diagnosis was made during echocardiographic examination and was confirmed by angiography. Both dogs were successfully treated by resection of the partitioning membrane within the right atrium, using hypothermia and inflow occlusion to achieve a clear surgical field. Both dogs recovered well, their clinical signs resolved and they have grown to normal adult size.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-02-2015
Abstract: Hyperthyroidism is common in cats, but there are no reports that evaluate its severity or underlying thyroid tumor disease based on disease duration (ie, time from original diagnosis). The objective of this study was to compare serum thyroxine (T4) concentrations and thyroid scintigraphic characteristics of cats referred for radioiodine treatment based on disease duration. This was a cross-sectional study of 2096 cats with hyperthyroidism. Cats were ided into five groups based on time from diagnosis: ⩽1 year (n = 1773) –2 years (n = 169) –3 years (n = 88) –4 years (n = 35) and –6.1 years (n = 31). Methimazole, administered to 996 (47.5%) cats, was stopped at least 1 week prior to examination to allow for serum T4 testing. Each thyroid scintiscan was evaluated for pattern (unilateral, bilateral, multifocal), location (cervical, thoracic inlet, chest) and size (small, medium, large, huge) of the thyroid tumor, as well as features suggesting malignancy. Median serum T4 concentration increased with increasing disease duration from 100 nmol/l (⩽1 year) to 315 nmol/l ( –6.1 years) ( P .001). Prevalence of unilateral thyroid disease decreased, whereas multifocal disease (three or more tumor nodules) increased ( P .001) with increasing disease duration. Median tumor volume in the five groups increased from 1.6 cm 3 (⩽1 year) to 6.4 cm 3 ( –6.1 years). Prevalence of large (4–8 cm 3 ) and huge ( cm 3 ) thyroid tumors increased from 5.1% (⩽1 year) to 88.6% ( –6.1 years), while the prevalence of intrathoracic tumor tissue increased from 3.4% (⩽1 year) to 32.3% ( –6.1 years). Prevalence of suspected thyroid carcinoma (characterized by severe hyperthyroidism huge, intrathoracic, multifocal tumors refractory to methimazole treatment) increased with increasing disease duration from 0.4% (⩽1 year) to 19.3% ( –6.1 years). Our results indicate that the prevalence of severe hyperthyroidism, large thyroid tumors, multifocal disease, intrathoracic thyroid masses and suspected malignant disease all increase with disease duration in cats referred for radioiodine therapy.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2020
DOI: 10.1111/JVIM.15917
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2000
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Date: 2017
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To describe the occurrence and management of reflex epilepsy (ie, seizure activity triggered by exposure to specific locations or situations) in dogs. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 43 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES Discussions by veterinarians participating in the Veterinary Information Network online community for the years 2000 through 2014 were reviewed to identify dogs with a diagnosis of reflex epilepsy and seizure activity in response to stimuli. History, signalment (including age at onset), the specific stimulus or stimuli that provoked seizures, treatments, and any concurrent neurologic diagnoses were recorded. RESULTS A variety of breeds were affected. Median age at onset was 5 years (range, 3 months to 11 years). Reflex seizures were reported as being repeatedly triggered by visits to a veterinary clinic (35/43 dogs), grooming facility (24/43 dogs), or boarding facility (13/43 dogs) and, less commonly, by other situations (eg, pet store or car ride). Over half of the dogs (24/43) had multiple triggers. Eight (19%) dogs had seizures at other times that were not induced by location or a specific situation. A variety of sedatives and maintenance antiepileptic drugs administered to affected dogs failed to prevent the stimulus-specific seizure activity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of the present study suggested that seizures provoked by specific situations or locations occur in dogs with reflex epilepsy and that common triggers were visits to veterinary and grooming facilities. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the characteristics of reflex epilepsy in dogs and to determine the most effective means to manage these patients.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-04-2017
DOI: 10.1111/JVIM.14706
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-09-2023
DOI: 10.1111/JVIM.16844
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.VETMIC.2012.03.033
Abstract: Escherichia coli infection is one of the most common causes of bovine mastitis in well managed dairies. Although E. coli infections are usually transient, E. coli can also cause persistent intramammary infections. We sought to determine whether E. coli isolates recovered from either transient or persistent intramammary infections differed both genetically and in their ability to invade mammary epithelial cells. E. coli isolates from transient (EC(trans), n=16) and persistent (EC(pers), n=12) mastitis cases were compared for differences in overall genotype, virulence genes, serotype, phylogroup (A, B1, B2, D), and invasion of bovine mammary epithelial cells, MAC-T by microarray analysis, suppressive subtractive hybridization, PCR and gentamicin protection assays. EC(trans) and EC(pers) were erse in overall genotype and serotype, and were predominantly of phylogroups A and B1. Both EC(trans) and EC(pers) contained genes encoding type II, IV and VI secretion systems, long polar fimbriae (lpfA) and iron acquisition, and lacked genes associated with virulence in diarrheagenic E. coli. EC(trans) had fewer virulence genes than EC(pers) (p<0.05), but no in idual virulence genes were unique to either group. In phylogroup A, EC(pers) were more invasive than EC(trans) (p<0.05), but no difference was observed between them in phylogroup B1. Enhanced epithelial cell invasion was associated with lpfA (p<0.05). Our findings indicate that a genetically erse group of E. coli is associated with transient and persistent mastitis. We did not identify a set of bacterial genes to account for phenotypic differences. However, we found that mastitis phenotype, phylogroup and presence of lpfA were associated with the ability to invade cultured bovine mammary epithelial cells.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-06-2012
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-10-2018
DOI: 10.1111/JVIM.15239
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Date: 15-10-2008
Abstract: Objective —To determine whether plasma cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations can be used to discriminate cardiac from noncardiac causes of dyspnea in cats. Design —Prospective, multicenter study. Animals —Client-owned cats with dyspnea attributable to congestive heart failure (D-CHF n = 31) or to noncardiac causes (D-NCC n = 12). Procedures —For each cat, plasma cTnI concentration was analyzed by use of a solid-phase radial partition immunoassay values in cats with D-CHF and D-NCC were compared. A receiver operating characteristic curve was analyzed to determine the accuracy of plasma cTnI concentration for diagnosis of D-CHF. Results —Median plasma concentration of cTnI in cats with D-CHF (1.59 ng/mL range, 0.20 to 30.24 ng/mL) was significantly higher than in cats with D-NCC (0.165 ng/mL range, 0.01 to 1.42 ng/mL). With regard to the accuracy of plasma cTnI concentration for diagnosis of D-CHF, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.84. At plasma concentrations ≥ 0.2 ng/mL, cTnI had 100% sensitivity but only 58% specificity for identification of CHF as the cause of dyspnea. At plasma concentrations ≥ 1.43 ng/mL, cTnI had 100% specificity and 58% sensitivity for identification of CHF as the cause of dyspnea. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance —On the basis of the derived diagnostic limits, CHF as the cause of dyspnea could be ruled in or ruled out without additional diagnostic testing in 50% of the study cats. Measurement of plasma cTnI concentration may be clinically useful for differentiation of cardiac from noncardiac causes of dyspnea in cats.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2012.11.001
Abstract: To characterize the electrocardiogram (ECG) of anesthetized adult emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae). Ten clinically healthy adult emus anesthetised for routine physical examination and an electrocardiogram, for both monitoring and investigation into any evidence of cardiac disease. The ECGs for each emu were obtained in right lateral recumbency, using a modified electrode placement that replicated the standard bipolar leads used in small mammals. Lead II was used for waveform analysis. Median P wave litude was 0.55 mV (range: 0.2-0.92 mV) and P wave duration was 0.06 s (0.04-0.09 s). S wave litude measured 1.42 mV (0.92-2.12 mV), T wave litude 0.67 mV (0.16-0.83 mV) and QRS duration was 0.07 s (0.07-0.12 s). Ninety percent of the QRS complexes were of rS type. Our study provides electrocardiographic baseline data for anesthetized adult emus.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-05-2021
DOI: 10.1111/JVIM.16162
Abstract: Laryngeal paralysis commonly affects older Labrador retrievers. Currently, dogs with severe disease require surgical intervention, most commonly arytenoid lateralization. Anecdotally, doxepin has been proposed to help dogs with laryngeal paralysis. Doxepin will improve quality of life measures assessed by owners of Labrador retrievers with laryngeal paralysis not requiring emergency surgery. Twenty‐two Labrador retrievers with laryngeal paralysis. Dogs were randomized to receive doxepin (3‐5 mg/kg q12h PO) or placebo for 28 days. Owners completed quality‐of‐life assessments before and after completing the study. Data were compared between groups using Rank‐Sum tests or Fisher's exact tests. The 2 groups of dogs did not differ at baseline except for owner‐perceived degree of ataxia (owners of dogs receiving doxepin considered them more ataxic than owners of dogs receiving placebo). After 28 days, owner‐assessed quality of life measures did not differ between dogs receiving doxepin or placebo (dogs worsening: doxepin = 2, placebo = 1 dogs unchanged: doxepin = 6, placebo = 7 dogs improved: doxepin = 4, placebo = 2 P = .84). Dogs receiving placebo had a greater improvement in client‐assessed overall health than dogs receiving doxepin (mean ranks: doxepin = 4.36, placebo = 6.64 P = .04). The study was terminated at this interim analysis. Doxepin did not appear to improve any measures of owner‐assessed quality of life in Labrador retrievers with laryngeal paralysis.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECOENV.2017.04.010
Abstract: During the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment, gross morphologic cardiac abnormalities, including softer, more distensible musculature, were noted upon gross necropsy in hearts from laughing gulls and double-crested cormorants exposed to weathered MC252 crude oil. A species specific, echocardiographic technique was developed for antemortem evaluation of function that was used to evaluate and better characterize cardiac dysfunction. Control (n=12) and treated (n=13) cormorant groups of similar sex-ratio and ages were dermally treated with approximately 13ml of water or weathered MC252 crude oil, respectively, every 3 days for 6 dosages. This resulted in a low to moderate external exposure. Upon visualization and clinical assessment of the hearts of all test subjects, comprehensive diagnostic cardiographic measurements were taken twice, prior to oil application and after a 21day dermal oil exposure. Oil-treated birds showed a decrease in cardiac systolic function, as characterized by an increased left ventricular internal dimension-systole and left ventricular stroke volume as well as concurrent decreased left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening when compared to both control birds' and the treated birds' time zero values. These changes are indicative of a possible dilative cardiomyopathy induced by oil exposure, although further elucidation of possible collagen damage is recommended. Arrhythmias including tachycardia in two treated birds and bradycardia in all treated birds were documented, indicating further clinically significant abnormalities induced by MC252 oil that warrant further investigation. A statistically significant increase in free calcium concentration, important to muscular and neurologic function in treated birds was also noted. This study documents that weathered MC252 oil caused clinically significant cardiac dysfunction that could result in mortality and decrease recruitment.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-02-2020
DOI: 10.1111/JSAP.13119
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-09-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-0813.2008.00345.X
Abstract: To determine if dogs and cats with renal failure, or other severe non-cardiac disease, and no antemortem evidence of cardiac disease on basic clinical evaluation, have elevated levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI). Cross-sectional study using 56 dogs and 14 cats with primary non-cardiac disease (39 dogs with azotaemic renal failure, 14 cats with azotaemic renal failure, 17 dogs with non-cardiac systemic disease) 7/25 dogs and 6/14 cats had murmurs detected on physical examination. Serum or heparinised plasma was collected and analysed for cTnI. Cardiac troponin I concentrations were elevated above reference intervals in 70% of dogs and 70% of cats with azotaemic renal failure and in 70% of dogs with a variety of systemic non-cardiac diseases. Cardiac troponin I concentrations did not correlate with the degree of azotaemia, presence of murmurs, hypertension or type of non-cardiac illness. Cardiac troponin I concentration is often elevated in dogs and cats with azotaemic renal failure and in dogs with other systemic non-cardiac illness, suggesting that these conditions often result in clinically inapparent myocardial injury or possibly altered elimination of cTnI.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2018.06.001
Abstract: Cardiac murmurs were first described approximately 200 years ago. Subsequently, various clinicians, starting with Samuel Levine, have proposed grading schemes, depicting intensity, or other murmur characteristics, in an attempt to differentiate pathological and physiological murmurs or different degrees of pathology. In the 1960s, these schemes were adapted by veterinary cardiologists and have been used over the last 50 years. However, the clinical utility of these schemes has only recently been examined in veterinary medicine (and never examined in humans), and these studies suggest that the current, commonly used murmur grading scheme is unnecessarily complex and contains redundant information. A simpler, more intuitive grading scheme might achieve the same desired outcome as the more complex scheme, potentially with less confusion. This review examines the history of murmur grading and proposes a reconsideration of the current grading scheme to improve clinical communication.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 29-09-2016
Abstract: Persistent bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal mucosa are causally linked to gastric carcinoma and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in people and laboratory animals. We examined the relationship of mucosa-associated bacteria to alimentary lymphoma in cats. Intestinal biopsies from 50 cats with alimentary lymphoma (small cell, n = 33 large cell, n = 17) and 38 controls without lymphoma (normal to minimal change on histopathology, n = 18 lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis, n = 20) were evaluated. The number and spatial distribution of bacteria (ie, in luminal cellular debris, villus-associated mucus, adherent to epithelium, mucosal invasion, intravascular, or serosal) were determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization with the eubacterial probe EUB-338. Mucosa-invasive bacteria were more frequently observed in cats with large cell lymphoma (82%, P ≤ .001) than in cats with small cell lymphoma (18%), normal to minimal change on histopathology, and lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis (3%). Intravascular bacteria were observed solely in large cell lymphoma (29%), and serosal colonization was more common in cats with large cell lymphoma (57%) than with small cell lymphoma (11%, P ≤ .01), normal to minimal change (8%, P ≤ .01), and lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis (6%, P ≤ .001). The high frequency of invasive bacteria within blood vessels and serosa of cats with large cell lymphoma may account for the sepsis-related complications associated with large cell lymphoma and inform clinical management. Further studies are required to determine the role of intramucosal bacteria in the etiopathogenesis of feline alimentary lymphoma.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-07-2023
DOI: 10.1111/VCP.13284
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-11-2022
DOI: 10.1111/JVIM.16319
Abstract: Radioiodine ( 131 I) is the treatment of choice for cats with hyperthyroidism. After 131 I, however, euthyroidism is not always achieved, with 5% to 10% of cats remaining persistently hyperthyroid and 20% to 50% developing iatrogenic hypothyroidism. To identify pretreatment factors that may help predict persistent hyperthyroidism and iatrogenic hypothyroidism after treatment of cats using a novel 131 I dosing algorithm. One thousand and four hundred hyperthyroid cats treated with 131 I. Prospective, before‐and‐after study. Pretreatment predictors (clinical, laboratory, scintigraphic, 131 I dose, 131 I uptake measurements) of treatment failure or iatrogenic hypothyroidism were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Cats that developed iatrogenic hypothyroidism were more likely to be older (odds ratio [OR] = 1.10 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04‐1.17 P = .001), female (OR = 2.04 95% CI, 1.54‐2.70 P .001), have detectable serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations (OR = 4.19 95% CI, 2.0‐8.81 P .001), have bilateral thyroid nodules (OR = 1.57 95% CI, 1.19‐2.08 P .001), have homogeneous, bilateral distribution of 99m Tc‐pertechnetate uptake (OR = 2.93 95% CI, 2.05‐4.19 P .001), have milder severity score (OR = 0.62 95% CI, 0.49‐0.79 P .001), and have higher 131 I uptake (OR = 2.40 95% CI, 1.75‐3.28 P .001). In contrast, cats remaining persistently hyperthyroid were more likely to be younger (OR = 0.81 95% CI, 0.72‐0.92 P .001), have higher severity score (OR = 1.87 95% CI, 1.51‐2.31 P .001), and have lower 131 I uptake (OR = 3.50 95% CI, 1.8‐6.80 P .001). Age, sex, serum TSH concentration, bilateral and homogeneous 99m Tc‐pertechnetate uptake on scintigraphy, severity score, and percent 131 I uptake are all factors that might help predict outcome of 131 I treatment in hyperthyroid cats. Cats with persistent hyperthyroidism had many predictive factors that directly contrasted those of cats that developed 131 I‐induced hypothyroidism.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 11-09-2008
DOI: 10.1159/000155225
Abstract: Esophageal striated myogenesis progresses differently from appendicular myogenesis, but the mechanism underlying this process is incompletely understood. Early theories of transdifferentiation of smooth muscle into striated muscle are not supported by transgenic fate-mapping experiments however, the origin of esophageal striated muscle remains unknown. To better define the process of striated myogenesis, we examined myogenesis in murine fetal cultured esophageal whole-organ explants. Embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5) esophagi maintained a functional contractile phenotype for up to 7 days in culture. Striated myogenesis, as evidenced by myogenin expression, proceeded in a craniocaudal direction along the length of the esophagus. Esophageal length did not change during this process. Complete, but not partial, mechanical disruption of the rostral esophagus inhibited myogenesis distally. Addition of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) to the culture media failed to inhibit striated myogenesis, but attenuated smooth muscle actin expression and reduced peristaltic activity. Inhibition of c-kit failed to inhibit peristalsis. These results suggest that striated myogenic precursors are resident along the entire length of the esophagus by day 14.5 and do not migrate along the esophagus after E14.5. Induction of myogenesis craniocaudally appears to require physical continuity of the esophagus and is not inhibited by FGF-2. Finally, peristalsis in E14.5 esophagi appears not to be regulated by interstitial cells of Cajal.
Publisher: ScopeMed
Date: 30-01-2019
DOI: 10.4314/OVJ.V9I4.9
Publisher: American Physiological Society
Date: 05-2016
Abstract: Membrane-associated receptors for rapid, steroidal neuromodulation remain elusive. Estradiol has been reported to facilitate activation of voltage- and Ca 2+ -dependent BK potassium channels encoded by Slo, if associated with β1 subunits. We show here that 1) multiple members of the β family confer sensitivity to multiple steroids on BK channels, 2) that β subunits differentiate between steroids, and 3) that different βs have distinct relative preferences for particular steroids. Expressed in HEK 293 cells, inside-out patches with channels composed of Slo-α alone showed no steroid sensitivity. Cells expressing αβ4 exhibited potent, rapid, reversible, and dose-dependent potentiation by corticosterone (CORT a glucocorticoid), and were potentiated to a lesser degree by other sex and stress steroids. In contrast, αβ2 channels were potentiated more strongly by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA an enigmatic, stress-related adrenal androgen), and to a lesser extent by CORT, estradiol, testosterone, and DHEA-S. Cholesterol had no effect on any BK channel compositions tested. Conductance–voltage plots of channels composed of α plus β2 or β4 subunits were shifted in the negative direction by steroids, indicating greater activation at negative voltages. Thus our results argue that the variety of Slo-β subunit coexpression patterns occurring in vivo expands the repertoire of Slo channel gating in yet another dimension not fully appreciated, rendering BK gating responsive to dynamic fluctuations in a multiple of steroid hormones.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 14-08-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-10-2017
DOI: 10.1111/JSAP.12760
Abstract: The aims of this study were to determine whether murmur intensity in adult dogs with pulmonic stenosis or subaortic stenosis reflects echocardiographic disease severity and to determine whether a six-level murmur grading scheme provides clinical advantages over a four-level scheme. In this retrospective multi-investigator study on adult dogs with pulmonic stenosis or subaortic stenosis, murmur intensity was compared to echocardiographically determined pressure gradient across the affected valve. Disease severity, based on pressure gradients, was assessed between sequential murmur grades to identify redundancy in classification. A simplified four-level murmur intensity classification scheme ('soft', 'moderate', 'loud', 'palpable') was evaluated. In total, 284 dogs (153 with pulmonic stenosis, 131 with subaortic stenosis) were included 55 dogs had soft, 59 had moderate, 72 had loud and 98 had palpable murmurs. 95 dogs had mild stenosis, 46 had moderate stenosis, and 143 had severe stenosis. No dogs with soft murmurs of either pulmonic or subaortic stenosis had transvalvular pressure gradients greater than 50 mmHg. Dogs with loud or palpable murmurs mostly, but not always, had severe stenosis. Stenosis severity increased with increasing murmur intensity. The traditional six-level murmur grading scheme provided no additional clinical information than the four-level descriptive murmur grading scheme. A simplified descriptive four-level murmur grading scheme differentiated stenosis severity without loss of clinical information, compared to the traditional six-level scheme. Soft murmurs in dogs with pulmonic or subaortic stenosis are strongly indicative of mild lesions. Loud or palpable murmurs are strongly suggestive of severe stenosis.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 06-2008
DOI: 10.1017/S0022149X0896079X
Abstract: We estimated the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in domestic dogs in five Turkish provinces – Sakarya, Kocaeli, Ankara, Elazig and Mersin – using a commercial ELISA kit for detecting circulating antigen and a PCR test for detecting circulating microfilarial DNA. A total of 211 whole-blood and serum s les were collected from dogs of various breeds, ages and life status (owned or stray). S le population characteristics were recorded and examined for differences in prevalence. Additionally, we collected 15 blood s les from cats (14 owned and 1 stray) from Ankara province and used PCR to detect D. immitis infection. Twenty-seven (12.8%) of 211 dog s les were positive for D. immitis antigen by ELISA. No differences in prevalence were observed by sex (female: 14.4% male: 10.7% P .05). The prevalence of D. immitis infection varied with age: 11.8% in younger dogs (0.5–2 years) and 17.5% in older dogs (3–5 years). Prevalence between stray dogs (15.2%) and owned dogs (9.3%) did not differ ( P .05). Prevalence rates were highest in Kocaeli province (18.3%), followed by Ankara (14.8%), Sakarya (12.3%) and Mersin (10.5%) provinces. Prevalence in Elazig province was 0%. No dogs or cats had microfilarial DNA detectable by PCR.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-04-2015
DOI: 10.1111/JSAP.12363
Abstract: To determine if the in-clinic ECG-derived heart rate could predict the at-home Holter-derived 24-hour average heart rate (Holter24h ), and whether it is useful to identify slow versus fast atrial fibrillation in dogs. 82 pairs of 1-minute ECGs and 24-hour Holter recordings were acquired in 34 dogs with atrial fibrillation. The initial 24-hour Holter was used to test if the ECG heart rate can identify dogs with "slow" versus "fast" atrial fibrillation based on a Holter24h threshold value of 140 bpm. ECG heart rate overestimated Holter24h by 26 bpm (95% CI: 3 bpm, 48 bpm P < 0 · 015) with a 95% limit of agreement of -21 to 83 bpm. The in-clinic ECG-derived heart rate Ä155 bpm had a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 100% for identifying a Holter24h HR Ä140 bpm an in-clinic ECG-derived HR <160 bpm had a sensitivity and specificity of 91% each. In-clinic ECG assessment of heart rate in dogs with atrial fibrillation does not reliably predict the heart rate in their home environment. However, an in-clinic heart rate greater than 155 bpm is useful in identifying "fast" atrial fibrillation, allowing clinicians to stratify which case may benefit from antiarrhythmic therapy.
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Date: 15-09-2013
Abstract: Objective —To characterize sleeping respiratory rates (SRRs) and resting respiratory rates (RRRs), collected in the home environment, of dogs with subclinical heart disease that could result in left-sided congestive heart failure. Design —Prospective cross-sectional study. Animals —190 adult dogs with subclinical left-sided heart disease. Procedures —Most dogs had mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy of various severities. Clients collected ten 1-minute SRRs or RRRs during a period ranging from 1 week to 6 months. Clinicians provided echocardiographic and medical data on each patient. Results —The within-dog mean SRR (SRR mean 16 breaths/min) was significantly lower than the within-dog mean RRR (RRR mean 21 breaths/min). Seven dogs had SRR mean and 33 dogs had RRR mean 25 breaths/min 1 dog had SRR mean and 12 dogs had RRR mean 30 breaths/min these dogs mostly had a left atrial (LA)-to-aortic ratio 1.8. Dogs with moderate LA enlargement had a significantly higher SRR mean than did other dogs. However, median SRR mean for each of 4 levels of LA enlargement was 20 breaths/min median RRR mean for each of 4 levels of LA enlargement was 25 breaths/min. Both within-dog SRR and RRR remained stable for 10 consecutive measurements. Treatment with cardiac medications or presence of pulmonary hypertension was not associated with SRR mean or RRR mean . Conclusions and Clinical Relevance —Results suggested that dogs with confirmed subclinical left-sided heart disease of various severities generally had SRR mean 25 breaths/min, which was infrequently exceeded at any time, and that SRR and RRR remained stable, regardless of in idual within-dog SRR mean or RRR mean . ( J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013 :839–843)
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2016.07.004
Abstract: The size of the pulmonary veins (PVs) and pulmonary arteries (PAs) changes in response to hemodynamic alterations caused by physiological events and disease. We sought to create standardized echocardiographic methods for imaging the right ostium of the pulmonary veins (RPVs) and the right pulmonary artery (RPA) using specific landmarks and timing to quantify vessel diameters and phasic changes during the cardiac cycle. Fifty client-owned healthy dogs prospectively recruited. M-mode and 2-dimensional images were obtained from modified right parasternal long and short axis views. Right ostium of the pulmonary veins and RPA measurements were timed with electrical [peak of the QRS complex (RPV In normal dogs regardless of the echocardiographic view or time in the cardiac cycle, the RPV/RPA ratio approximated 1.0. Mechanically timed fractional changes (distensibility indices) in RPV and RPA diameters did not differ (p=0.99 36.9% and 36.8%, respectively). ECG-timed fractional changes (distensibility indices) in RPV and RPA diameter were at least 50% smaller than mechanically timed changes (p<0.05). RPV:Ao and RPA:Ao ranged between 0.3 and 0.6, with lower values obtained in diastole and larger values in systole (p<0.0001). Multiple positive and negative deflections were identified on the RPV and RPA M-mode tracings. This study provides detailed methodology and 2D and M-mode reference intervals for the RPV and RPA dimensions and the phasic changes during the cardiac cycle of the dog using echocardiography.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-02-2017
DOI: 10.1111/JSAP.12636
Abstract: To describe, in a cohort of dogs with presumed primary immune-mediated neutropenia, the presenting clinical characteristics, haematology results, bone marrow characteristics, therapies used (drugs and doses), clinical response to treatment, relapse and outcome at six months and one year. Multi-institutional recruited retrospective descriptive case series with voluntary submissions. Presumed immune-mediated neutropenia was diagnosed based on a neutrophil concentration <1·5×10 Information on 35 dogs was included. Neutropenia was less than 0·5×10 Initial response of presumed primary immune-mediated neutropenia cases to corticosteroid therapy can be excellent. Long-term monitoring for relapse is warranted because 34% of cases relapsed during or after taper of immunosuppressive medications.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-07-2019
DOI: 10.1111/VRU.12785
Abstract: Complete assessment of vertebral trauma in dogs currently requires CT and MRI for evaluation of the osseous and soft tissue structures that contribute to vertebral stability. Some studies in people have suggested that MRI may be sensitive and specific at detecting vertebral fractures making this potentially a single modality that could be used in spinal trauma evaluation. This study aimed to assess the ability for observers to evaluate vertebral fractures using MRI when compared to CT, which was used as the reference standard. Twenty-nine dogs with previously diagnosed acute vertebral fractures and four dogs with no vertebral fracture that had undergone sequential CT and MRI were included into the study. One hundred twenty-eight vertebrae were evaluated for the presence of fractures. Imaging studies were read by two observers blinded to the history. While both observers had similarly high sensitivity and specificity for simple detection of any fractured vertebrae, interobserver agreement was only moderate (κ = 0.584). When evaluations were specifically limited to detection of structurally unstable fractured vertebrae both observers showed improved specificity and interobserver agreement became substantial (κ = 0.650). Complete agreement for exact fracture location between MRI and CT results was only achieved in 14.3-32.6% of fractured vertebra with up to 79% of fractures being missed in some vertebral structures. This suggests that although MRI may be able to detect the presence of fractured vertebrae, it is not able to replace CT for the complete evaluation of the traumatized spine and documentation of fracture morphology.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2001
DOI: 10.1111/J.1740-8261.2001.TB00968.X
Abstract: Systolic aortic valve flutter was identified by M-mode echocardiography in 6 large-breed dogs without evidence of structural cardiac disease. It ranged in litude, timing, and frequency. Systolic aortic valve flutter is considered an incidental and normal finding in some dogs, similar to the situation in humans.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-07-2007
Abstract: Intestinal bacteria are implicated increasingly as a pivotal factor in the development of Crohn's disease, but the specific components of the complex polymicrobial enteric environment driving the inflammatory response are unresolved. This study addresses the role of the ileal mucosa-associated microflora in Crohn's disease. A combination of culture-independent analysis of bacterial ersity (16S rDNA library analysis, quantitative PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization) and molecular characterization of cultured bacteria was used to examine the ileal mucosa-associated flora of patients with Crohn's disease involving the ileum (13), Crohn's disease restricted to the colon (CCD) (8) and healthy in iduals (7). Analysis of 16S rDNA libraries constructed from ileal mucosa yielded nine clades that segregated according to their origin (P<0.0001). 16S rDNA libraries of ileitis mucosa were enriched in sequences for Escherichia coli (P<0.001), but relatively depleted in a subset of Clostridiales (P<0.05). PCR of mucosal DNA was negative for Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, Shigella and Listeria. The number of E. coli in situ correlated with the severity of ileal disease (rho 0.621, P<0.001) and invasive E. coli was restricted to inflamed mucosa. E. coli strains isolated from the ileum were predominantly novel in phylogeny, displayed pathogen-like behavior in vitro and harbored chromosomal and episomal elements similar to those described in extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli and pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae. These data establish that dysbiosis of the ileal mucosa-associated flora correlates with an ileal Crohn's disease (ICD) phenotype, and raise the possibility that a selective increase in a novel group of invasive E. coli is involved in the etiopathogenesis to Crohn's disease involving the ileum.
Publisher: American Society of Parasitologists
Date: 06-2012
DOI: 10.1645/12-10.1
Abstract: An examination was made of Giemsa-stained microfilariae in thin blood films from (n = 9) dogs naturally or experimentally infected with Dirofilaria immitis or Dirofilaria repens. Morphological measurements (total length, length of cephalic space, anterior end to nerve ring and last body nucleus, and nucleus-free tail tip) were made on 2-6 microfilariae from each dog with the use of digitally captured images and imaging software. The microfilariae of D. repens were significantly greater (P < 0.001) in all measured dimensions except for the length of the cephalic space, which was significantly shorter (P < 0.001) than that of D. immitis. The cephalic space of D. repens was characterized by being short and routinely being terminated by a distinct pair of nuclei that were separate from the remaining somatic nuclei of the microfilaria. The cephalic space of the smaller microfilaria of D. immitis was longer and did not have the distinct nuclei separated from the somatic column nuclei near the anterior end. The character of the cephalic space seems to be a criterion that could be routinely used for the easy differentiation of these 2 microfilariae in stained blood films.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-1999
DOI: 10.1111/J.1751-0813.1999.TB13193.X
Abstract: Right atrioventricular valve insufficiency and bilateral congestive heart failure were identified in a carpet python (Morelia spilota variegata) with the aid of colour Doppler echocardiography, electrocardiography and radiography. The snake failed to respond to diuretic therapy and was euthanased. Based on this case, it appears that bilateral congestive failure is feasible in univentricular animals with lesions restricted to one side of the heart. Loop diuretic therapy may be inappropriate in non-crocodilian reptiles because reptiles lack a loop of Henle.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-2005
DOI: 10.1177/104063870501700611
Abstract: The analysis of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in the diagnosis of myocardial injury in domestic animals is gaining popularity. In this study, equine cTnI was sequenced and compared with previously characterized cTnI from other species. A 6-amino-acid N-terminal deletion unique to the horse was identified. This deletion was outside the epitope region of cTnI recognized by most commercial immunoassays and did not affect the ability of a commercial analyzer system to detect recombinant equine cTnI. No function could be ascribed to the deleted portion. These data support the use of commercial analyzers in measuring equine cTnI.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 20-07-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2017.04.003
Abstract: To establish reference intervals for echocardiographic measures of longitudinal left ventricular function in adult English Springer spaniel (ESS) dogs. This study involved 42 healthy adult ESS. Animals were prospectively recruited from a general practice population in the United Kingdom. Dogs were examined twice, at least 12 months apart, to exclude dogs with progressive cardiac disease. Mitral annular plane systolic excursion, tissue Doppler imaging mitral annular velocities and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic left ventricular longitudinal strain and strain rate were measured. Intraoperator and intraobserver variability were examined and reference intervals were calculated. The potential effects of body weight, age and heart rate on these variables were examined. Intraoperator and intraobserver variability was <10% for all parameters except tissue Doppler imaging E' (the peak velocity of early diastolic mitral annular motion as determined by pulsed wave Doppler) and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic variables, which were all <20%. Thirty-nine dogs were used to create reference intervals. Significant (but mostly weak) effects of age, heart rate and body weight on were detected. Reference intervals were similar to previously published values in different breeds. Breed specific reference intervals for measures of longitudinal left ventricular function in the ESS are presented.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 04-07-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2018
DOI: 10.1136/VR.104716
Abstract: The internet has been found to be a popular source for human health information. However, there is a lack of information on pet owners' use of the internet to source pet health information and implications for the owner-veterinarian relationship. Therefore, the aim of this study was to address this gap in knowledge by focusing on UK pet owners' general use of the internet to find online pet health information and the impact of this behaviour on the owner-veterinarian relationship. An online survey targeting UK pet owners resulted in 571 respondents. Respondents reported the most frequently used source for pet health information was the internet (78.6 per cent), followed by their veterinarian (72 per cent). Veterinarians and other pet owners, however, were rated as the most trustworthy sources. The topics searched for most often online were specific medical problems (61.3 per cent) and diet/nutrition (58.5 per cent). Regarding the owner-veterinarian relationship, 42.1 per cent of participants reported discussing information they found online 'sometimes' with their veterinarian. When asked if their veterinarian recommended specific websites, nearly half (49.6 per cent) stated that their veterinarian 'never' made such recommendations, yet over 90 per cent said they would visit veterinarian-recommended websites.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-09-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1476-4431.2010.00571.X
Abstract: To characterize the provision of CPCR by small animal veterinarians in clinical practice and to assess how this practice varies among different levels of expertise. Internet-based survey. Academia, referral practice, and general practice. Six hundred and two small animal veterinarians in clinical practice. Respondents were grouped a priori according to level of expertise: board-certified (ACVECC, ACVA, ECVAA) specialists general practitioners in emergency clinics general practitioners in general practice (GPG). Email invitations to the online questionnaire were disseminated via a veterinary internet platform and mailing list server discussion groups. Questions explored respondent characteristics, CPCR preparedness, infrastructural and personnel resources, and techniques of basic and advanced life support. In this group of practitioners, the majority (65%) were in general practice. GPG were more likely to perform CPCR <5 times per year and to have 3 or fewer members on their resuscitation team. Most practitioners have a crash cart and drug-dosing chart available. GPG were less likely to obtain resuscitation codes on their patients, and less likely to use end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring or defibrillation. Intubation, oxygen supplementation, vascular access, and external thoracic compressions were widely used, however, GPG were more likely to use lower chest compression rates. Drugs used for CPCR differed among the groups with GPG more likely to use doxapram and glucocorticoids. CPCR is heterogeneously performed in small animal veterinary medicine differences exist, both among and within different types of veterinarians with varying levels of expertise, in respect to available infrastructure, personnel and CPCR techniques used.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-04-2014
DOI: 10.1111/VCP.12142
Abstract: While there have been ASVCP meeting discussions regarding quality assurance plans and lack thereof for in-clinic analyzers, there are little published data regarding in-clinic quality assurance and control practices. The purpose of this study was the identification of the common equipment used in hematologic, biochemical, urinalysis, and other testing, and assessment of quality control and assurance programs currently being performed in-clinic. All members of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) were solicited to participate in an online survey between July and September 2007. In total, 452 complete or partial responses were received. Eighty-nine percent of respondents (361/404) said that veterinary technicians (unlicensed, licensed, and registered) performed the majority of analyses. Eighty-eight percent (366/417) of respondents performed some quality assurance on their laboratory equipment, most commonly on chemistry (91%, 324/357), and hematology (84%, 292/347) analyzers, and least commonly on fecal analyses (57%, 148/260) and ELISA assays (25%, 65/256). Ignorance of how to perform quality assurance was the most commonly stated reason (49%, 25/51) for lack of a quality assurance program. The majority of practices (316/374) utilized manufacturer-provided reference intervals without further adjustment or assessment. Roughly one-third of respondents (126/374) used reference intervals from textbooks, which is discouraged by ASVCP guidelines. This study found that the majority of respondents were not in compliance with ASVCP guidelines, illustrating the need for improved education of technical staff, veterinary students, and veterinarians regarding limitations of in-clinic laboratory equipment and the importance of regular quality control, maintenance, training, and reference interval development.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-02-2017
DOI: 10.1111/JVIM.14646
Abstract: Radioiodine ( 131 I) is effective treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats, but optimal dose to restore euthyroidism without inducing hypothyroidism is unclear. Treatment‐induced hypothyroidism can lead to azotemia and reduced duration of survival. To compare efficacy and short‐term outcomes of low‐dose 131 I versus higher, standard‐dose 131 I as treatment for hyperthyroidism. A total of 189 client‐owned cats undergoing 131 I treatment for mild‐to‐moderate hyperthyroidism (serum T 4 ≥ 4.0 μg/ dL and .0 μg/ dL ). Prospective, nonrandomized, cohort study comparing treatment with either low‐dose (2 mC i, n = 150) or standard‐dose (4 mC i, n = 39) 131 I. Serum T 4 , thyroid‐stimulating hormone ( TSH ), and creatinine concentrations were measured after 1, 3, and 6 months to determine persistent hyperthyroidism, overt hypothyroidism (low T 4 , high TSH ), subclinical hypothyroidism (normal T 4 , high TSH ), and azotemia. There was no significant difference in prevalence of cats with persistent hyperthyroidism between standard‐ and low‐dose treatment groups at 3 (0% versus 5.3% P = .34) and 6 (0% versus 3.3% P = .51) months. Overt (18% versus 1% P = .0005) or subclinical (46% versus 21% P = .004) hypothyroidism was more common in cats at 6 months after standard‐dose 131 I. No difference in incidence of azotemia existed between groups, but cats treated with standard‐dose 131 I had higher creatinine concentrations ( P .05) and higher percent rises in creatinine ( P .0001). Low‐dose 131 I is safe and effective for cats with mild‐to‐moderate hyperthyroidism, as evidenced by a cure rate of % with reduced frequency of iatrogenic hypothyroidism and azotemia.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-05-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1523-5378.2009.00674.X
Abstract: In dogs, the gastric Helicobacter spp. have been well studied, but there is little information regarding the other parts of the alimentary system. We sought to determine the spatial distribution of Helicobacter spp. in the gastrointestinal tract and the hepatobiliary system of dogs using culture-independent methods. S les of stomach, duodenum, ileum, cecum, colon, pancreas, liver, and bile from six dogs were evaluated for Helicobacter spp. by genus, gastric, and enterohepatic Helicobacter spp. Polymerase chain reaction, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In the stomach, Helicobacter spp. DNA was detected in all six dogs, with H. bizzozeronii and H. felis identified by specific polymerase chain reaction. Helicobacter organisms were localized within the surface mucus, the lumen of gastric glands, and inside parietal cells. The small intestine harbored gastric and enterohepatic Helicobacter spp. DNA/antigen in low amounts. In the cecum and colon, Helicobacter spp. DNA, with highest similarity to H. bilis/flexispira taxon 8, H. cinaedi, and H. canis, was detected in all six dogs. Helicobacter organisms were localized at the mucosal surface and within the crypts. Gastric Helicobacter spp. DNA was detected occasionally in the large intestine, but no gastric Helicobacter spp. were present in clone libraries or detected by FISH. This study demonstrates that in addition to the stomach, the large intestine of dogs is also abundantly colonized by Helicobacter spp. Additional studies are necessary to investigate the association between enterohepatic Helicobacter spp. and presence of intestinal inflammatory or proliferative disorders in dogs.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 07-02-2020
Abstract: Right ventricular (RV) strain analysis using 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) permits practitioners to assess regional and global deformation of the myocardium. Recently, assessment of the longitudinal right ventricle (RV) strain and strain rate using 2D STE has been reported in dogs. Although longitudinal deformation is the dominant component of the RV systole, RV myocardial fibers of the superficial layer are oriented circumferentially and these contribute to the RV pump function (radial deformation). Because this strain component has not been investigated in dogs, we have assessed radial RV strain and strain rate using 2D STE in healthy dogs and dogs with pulmonary hypertension (PH). We have recruited 74 dogs (40 healthy dogs and 34 dogs with PH) in which we have analyzed radial RV free wall strain and strain rate using XstrainTM software. We have used the left apical 4-chamber view optimized for the RV for analysis of the radial strain and strain rate variables (XstrainTM software denoted radial strain as “transverse”). Seven dogs were excluded during the analysis for low quality images. Transverse strain and strain rate obtained in healthy dogs showed no relationship with heart rate, body weight or age (r2 0.09 and p 0.05 for all variables). Moreover, no relationship between transverse strain/strain rate variables and left atrial-to-aortic ratios was observed (r2 0.06 and p = 0.2, for both). Transverse strain and strain rate obtained in dogs with PH, showed weak negative relationships with tricuspid regurgitation velocity (r2 0.25 and p = 0.006, for both). Transverse RV strain and strain rate using 2D STE is feasible in most dogs and decrease with worsening of the PH, but these advanced echocardiographic indices do not help in identifying dogs with PH.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-08-2023
DOI: 10.1111/JVIM.16829
Abstract: Antemortem diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy (DM) in dogs is presumptive and there are no accepted guidelines for the management of this condition. Describe current practices of neurology clinicians and physical rehabilitation professionals in the diagnosis and management of DM. None. Online surveys examining diagnosis and management of DM were constructed and distributed via neurology and rehabilitation listservs. One hundred ninety neurology and 79 rehabilitation professionals from 20 countries participated. Most neurology (142/189) and rehabilitation (23/39) respondents required genetic testing for the superoxide dismutase 1 ( SOD1 ) mutation and 82/189 neurologists also required spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for presumptive DM diagnosis. Most neurology respondents recommended exercise (187/190) and physical rehabilitation (184/190). Over 50% (102/190) of neurology respondents perform rechecks on dogs diagnosed with DM. Rehabilitation respondents reported preservation or improvement of strength (78/79) and coordination (77/79) as therapeutic goals. At‐home exercises (75/79), underwater treadmill (64/79), gait training (55/79), and strength building exercises (65/79) were used to maintain strength (58/79), coordination (56/79), muscle mass (56/79), and improve overall wellbeing (54/79). Neurology respondents reported that owners elect euthanasia when dogs become nonambulatory paraparetic whereas rehabilitation respondents report euthanasia when paraplegia and incontinence develop. The majority of dogs diagnosed with DM have not undergone advanced imaging, the combination of history, neurological findings, and genetic testing is heavily relied upon. Whereas the diagnosis of DM is frequently made by veterinary neurologists, continued care is often performed by rehabilitation professionals or primary veterinarians.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-10-2019
Abstract: Dog aggression directed towards humans is a common and serious behavioral and public health issue. This cross-sectional study was designed to gain insights into U.S. small animal veterinarians’ views and experiences with the most common dog breeds in the U.S., dog aggression, and breed-specific legislation. An electronic survey was distributed via email to an online veterinary community, and responses were summarized and compared by means of χ2 and Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel tests. Most respondents were concerned about the risks of dog bite injuries, but the majority were not in favor of banning specific breeds of dogs in order to enhance public safety. When participants rated the perceived bite risk associated with popular dog breeds, Chow Chows were perceived as the highest risk, with pit bull types categorized as a moderate risk. Golden Retrievers were seen as the most appropriate for families with children. Public education about animal behavior was the most frequently endorsed policy intervention to increase public safety. These findings suggest that most veterinarians feel that banning an entire dog breed is not an effective way to ensure human safety. Instead, most respondents endorsed alternative initiatives, such as public education and stricter leash laws, to reduce the risk of dog bites.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.DOMANIEND.2019.106389
Abstract: Thyroid disease is common in cats, but little is known about the biologic variability of serum thyroid hormone concentrations and its impact on diagnostic utility in either healthy cats or cats with thyroid disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the biological variation, index of in iduality, and reference change values for thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in clinically healthy cats. Serum s les for analysis of total thyroxine (T
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2019.11.001
Abstract: Left atrial-to-aortic ratios (LA:Ao) provide a body weight independent estimate of left atrial size. However, reference intervals were established with small s le populations and for only single points in the cardiac cycle. More robust reference intervals are warranted. Two hundred and thirty eight apparently healthy adult dogs. LA:Ao measurements were obtained at 3 points in the cardiac cycle - maximal dimension, at the closing of the aortic valve (or just before opening of the mitral valve) (LA:Ao Upper LA:Ao reference limits mostly agreed with previously published limits, although 10% of dogs had LA:Ao Reference limits were either confirmed or established for the common two-dimensional methods of assessing relative left atrial size in healthy dogs. Clinicians should use caution when diagnosing mild left atrial enlargement in certain dog breeds and should examine the weight-based aortic dimensions in such cases.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-01-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1476-4431.2010.00605.X
Abstract: To evaluate the effects of noncardiac disease on c-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (cBNP) concentrations in dogs. Prospective observational study. Urban university veterinary hospital. Thirty-eight apparently healthy dogs, 28 dogs with cardiac disease (14 CHF, 14 non-CHF), and 81 dogs with primary noncardiac diseases. none. Plasma was collected from each dog and analyzed for active (cBNP) B-type natriuretic peptide using an assay that is being investigated for commercial use (Biosite). Dogs with CHF had significantly higher plasma cBNP concentrations than dogs with subclinical cardiac disease, apparently healthy dogs, or dogs with primary noncardiac disease. However, 21% (28/133) of dogs without CHF (including healthy dogs, dogs with primary noncardiac disease, and dogs with subclinical cardiac disease) had cBNP concentrations above previously identified diagnostic thresholds for CHF, reiterating the importance of reestablishing new diagnostic cutoffs when considering comorbidities affecting B-type natriuretic peptide levels. A clinically relevant proportion of nondyspneic dogs with primary noncardiac diseases have increased cBNP concentrations that exceed previously identified diagnostic thresholds, potentially limiting the ability of this test to identify CHF when noncardiac comorbidities exist. Interpretation of increased cBNP concentrations in such cases must be appropriately interpreted with further diagnostic investigation.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-08-2016
DOI: 10.1111/VRU.12404
Abstract: Gall bladder necrosis and rupture are life-threatening conditions in dogs requiring surgical intervention and early diagnosis is essential. Human patients with suspected gall bladder necrosis/rupture are commonly evaluated with contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), however this procedure has not been described in dogs with suspected gall bladder necrosis/rupture. In a prospective diagnostic cohort study, CEUS (using SonoVue contrast medium) was performed in 93 dogs with gallbladder lesions identified by abdominal conventional ultrasonography. Necrosis/rupture was identified by CEUS as a focal lack of enhancement of the gallbladder wall. Dogs with positive CEUS finding for necrosis/rupture (complete lack of regional wall enhancement) underwent immediate surgery as did dogs with other biliary disorders requiring surgery. Dogs with negative CEUS findings or those not requiring surgery were managed medically. In cases undergoing surgery, necrosis/rupture was confirmed intraoperatively (and via histopathology). Absence of necrosis/rupture was confirmed either intraoperatively (via histopathology) or was assumed to be absent by complete recovery with medical management. Forty-nine dogs underwent surgery and cholecystectomy: 24 had necrosis/rupture. CEUS was more accurate (100% sensitive and specific) in diagnosing gallbladder wall necrosis/rupture than conventional ultrasonography (75% sensitive and 81% specific) (P < 0.03). In conclusion, CEUS provides accurate characterization of gallbladder wall integrity that can impact decisions regarding clinical management, either surgical or medical.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.TVJL.2015.08.017
Abstract: Sleeping and resting respiratory rates (SRR and RRR, respectively) are commonly used to monitor dogs and cats with left-sided cardiac disease and to identify animals with left-sided congestive heart failure (L-CHF). Dogs and cats with subclinical heart disease have SRRmean values 40 breaths/min. Median feline RRRmean was 24 breaths/min (15-45 breaths/min) five cats had RRRmean ≥25 breaths/min one had ≥30 breaths/min, and two had ≥40 breaths/min. These data suggest that most dogs and cats with CHF that is medically well-controlled and stable have SRRmean and RRRmean <30 breaths/min at home. Clinicians can use these data to help determine how best to control CHF in dogs and cats.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1136/VR.105377
Abstract: Authors commonly use the term 'Pilot Study' in the veterinary literature. The term has a specific definition in medical literature, but is not defined in veterinary literature. Therefore, we sought to examine the frequency of the use of the term and the characteristics of studies using the term in the article title, and derive the intended meaning of the term. We identified all articles in veterinary literature using the term in the article title between 2008 and 2017. We then examined specific characteristics of articles published between 2008 and 2012. We found use of the term is increasing (P<0.0001). Of articles using the term between 2008 and 2012, only 20 per cent led to a larger, more comprehensive verifying study. Most garnered few citations, but 75 per cent were cited in review articles. Pilot studies had a median s le size of 10 subjects. We found comparable studies for each pilot study that did not incorporate the term into their titles. None of the authors of any of the pilot studies defined the term or explained why their study was termed a 'pilot study'. Journals and authors used the term haphazardly. Our findings indicate that the term 'Pilot Study' is meaningless because it meets no specific, consistently adhered-to criteria. We believe that authors use the term as a means of 'Deficiency signaling' to editors, reviewers and readers. We recommend that authors and journals abandon the term in veterinary literature because it serves no purpose, is not used consistently and might harm veterinary medicine.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 23-07-2018
Abstract: Despite the high prevalence and increasing awareness of chronic musculoskeletal pain in cats, approved treatment options are completely lacking in the USA, and few other options have sufficient safety and efficacy data. Knowledge of current prescribing practices should inform future research of putative therapies. We aimed to determine which drug and non-drug therapies were being used by general practitioners for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain in cats and to understand demographic influences on prescribing practices. We distributed a survey to 36,676 veterinarians who were members of the Veterinary Information Network in January 2017. Within 3 weeks, 1056 practitioners completed the survey. The survey included demographic and background information, questions on prescribing frequency and dosing regimen of 13 drug and non-drug therapies and questions on preferred medication formulations and dosing frequencies. Descriptive statistics were used, as well as χ 2 testing to evaluate relationships between demographic variables and prescription practices. Gabapentin was prescribed most frequently (71% of respondents), followed by joint supplements (67.8%), meloxicam (64.0%), opioids (62.6%), fish oil (62.1%) and polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (61.9%). Years in practice appeared to influence prescribing habits, with practitioners graduated for years prescribing glucocorticoids more frequently than other age groups ( P = 0.0002), whereas recent graduates ( year) reported prescribing therapies less frequently across all categories. These results show a contrast between therapies prescribed by practitioners and what is supported by evidenced-based literature. Future research evaluating the safety and efficacy of gabapentin should be prioritised.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JVC.2015.11.001
Abstract: Diastolic aortic valve measurements are used to obtain weight-independent cardiac ratiometric indices. However, whether clinically important variations in valve measurements occur during diastole remains undetermined. One hundred sixty-three dogs and 40 cats a mixture of healthy animals and patients with heart disease. Aortic valve diameter and area were measured at three time-points: early diastole {AoMAX}, during the P-wave {AoP} and at end-diastole {AoMIN}. Measurement beat-to-beat variability was determined. Difference plots were generated for each measurement pair. Aortic measurements were compared by repeated measures analysis of variance. In dogs, normalised aortic diameters showed a fixed bias of approximately 14% for AoMAX-AoMIN, 6% for AoMAX-AoP and 8% for AoP-AoMIN. In cats, the aortic diameter and area biases were all less than 2.5% and less than 7% respectively. AoMAX was the largest measurement in 78% patients and AoMIN was the smallest measurement in 73% patients. In dogs, AoMAX > AoP > AoMIN (p Ao(A)P > Ao(A)MIN. These differences could clinically impact cardiac ratiometric indices. The difference in cats is less than the within-patient measurement variability and unlikely to be of clinical significance. Operators should adopt a single diastolic time-point for measurement of the aorta to ensure consistency in measuring and reporting in echocardiography.
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Date: 15-01-2013
Abstract: Quality assurance is an implied concept inherent in every consumer's purchase of a product or service. In laboratory testing, quality assurance encompasses preanalytic (s ling, transport, and handling prior to testing), analytic (measurement), and postanalytic (reporting and interpretation) factors. Quality-assurance programs require that procedures are in place to detect errors in all 3 components and that the procedures are characterized by both documentation and correction of errors. There are regulatory bodies that provide mandatory standards for and regulation of human medical laboratories. No such regulations exist for veterinary laboratory testing. The American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) Quality Assurance and Laboratory Standards Committee was formed in 1996 in response to concerns of ASVCP members about quality assurance and quality control in laboratories performing veterinary testing. Guidelines for veterinary laboratory testing have been developed by the ASVCP. The purpose of this report was to provide an overview of selected quality-assurance concepts and to provide recommendations for quality control for in-clinic biochemistry testing in general veterinary practice.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.RVSC.2012.06.011
Abstract: Sex ratios in invertebrates commonly deviate from parity (1:1). Various genetic and epigenetic factors distort sex ratios to favor males or females. We examined sex ratios in Dirofilaria immitis (heartworms) obtained from naturally-infected dogs. Dirofilaria from 84 naturally-infected pound-source dogs were extracted at necropsy, counted and sexed. Dogs had a median worm intensity of 15 filariae. Overall, sex ratios equaled 1. However, at low worm intensities, dogs were more likely to have female than male worms. Of eight unisex infections, seven were all-female (range 1-11 worms), while only one dog had a single male worm. Similarly, in mixed-sex infection at worm intensities<20 worms, dogs were more likely to have more female worms than male worms. Our results suggest that sex disequilibrium exists in D. immitis at lower worm intensities, but disappears with higher worm intensities. Reasons for this disequilibrium are unknown, but presumably confer a species survival advantage.
Publisher: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Date: 2004
Abstract: Objective —To determine the gene sequences of canine and feline cardiac troponin I (cTnI), express the protein from the cloned gene in vitro, and validate the use of a commercial cTnI serum analyzer in these species via detection of the expressed protein or comparison of sequence homology. S le Population —S les of ventricular myocardium from 5 healthy adult mixed-breed dogs and 5 healthy adult domestic shorthair cats. Procedure —The RNA was extracted from myocardial s les, and cDNA was synthesized via reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. The canine cDNA for the coding region was expressed in cell culture and analyzed by western blot and sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results —Canine and feline cTnI genes were cloned and sequenced. Homology of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the canine and feline cTnI genes with human and rodent cTnI genes were high the greatest homology was detected between canine and feline genes (95% and 96%, respectively). Recombinant canine cTnI protein was detected by a commercial serum cTnI analyzer and by western blot analysis. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance —Results indicated that commercial cTnI analyzers can be used to measure serum cTnI concentration from dogs and cats. Additionally, our preliminary characterization of the feline cTnI gene may facilitate further investigation of cTnI and its role in familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. ( Am J Vet Res 2004 :53–58)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2006
DOI: 10.1892/0891-6640(2006)20[822:AOHWCI]2.0.CO;2
Abstract: Infection with Helicobacter spp. is increasingly linked with hepatobiliary inflammation and neoplasia in people and in a variety of animals. We sought to determine if Helicobacter species infection is associated with cholangiohepatitis in cats. Deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted from tissue blocks from cats with cholangiohepatitis (32), noninflammatory liver disease (13), and cats with normal liver histology (4). Deoxyribonucleic acid was polymerase chain reaction- lified with 2 sets of Helicobacter genus-specific primers, gel purified, and sequenced. Polymerase chain reaction-positive hepatic tissue was further examined with Steiner's stain, immunocytochemistry for Helicobacter species, and eubacterial fluorescent in situ hybridization. Gastric tissues of cats with known Helicobacter infection status served as controls for deoxyribonucleic acid extraction and sequence comparison. Helicobacter species were detected in 2/32 cats with cholangiohepatitis, and 1/17 controls. Sequences had 100% identity with Helicobacter species liver, Helicobacter pylori, and Helicobacter fenelliae/cinaedii in a cat with suppurative cholangitis, Helicobacter species liver, Helicobacter pylori, and Helicobacter nemistrineae in a cat with mild lymphocytic portal hepatitis, and Helicobacter bilis in a cat with portosystemic vascular anomaly. In contrast, sequences from gastric biopsies showed highest homology (99-100%) to "Helicobacter heilmannii," Helicobacter bizzozeronii, Helicobacter felis, and Helicobacter salomonis. Fluorescent in situ hybridization revealed a semicurved bacterium, with Helicobacter-like morphology, in an intrahepatic bile duct of the cat with suppurative cholangitis. This study has identified Helicobacter deoxyribonucleic acid in 2/32 cats with cholangiohepatitis and 1/13 cats with noninflammatory liver disease. Deoxyribonucleic acid sequences of hepatic Helicobacter species were distinct from those found in the stomach and are broadly consistent with those identified in cat intestine and bile, and hepatobiliary disease in people and rodents.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1939-1676.2010.0475.X
Abstract: The performance of Giardia diagnostic tests that detect either cysts or fecal antigens has not been thoroughly examined. We examined the concordance and agreement among 4 Giardia diagnostic tests (2 cyst and 2 coproantigen detection methods) in a colony of dogs chronically and subclinically infected with Giardia. Twenty dogs with chronic, subclinical Giardia infection. Giardia diagnostic tests were performed repeatedly on each dog over 120 days. Fecal cyst detection methods (ZnSO4 flotation and fluorescent antibody [FAB] coproscopy) were performed 3 times per week. Coproantigen methods (Giardia SNAP test and quantitative ELISA) were performed weekly. Results were analyzed and compared among methods. When compared with FAB coproscopy, all of the in-house diagnostic tests had excellent positive predictive values (PPVs, 95-99%) at the study prevalence (89%). At lower prevalence rates, ZnSO4, SNAP, and ELISA tests all had good negative predictive values (NPVs), but poor PPVs. There was poor to good agreement among tests by kappa analysis. Our findings show that most commonly used in-house Giardia diagnostic tests have poor agreement with the gold standard method (FAB coproscopy). The in-house tests have good NPVs, but poor PPVs, at prevalence rates common in most clinical settings.
No related grants have been discovered for Mark Rishniw.