bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recombinant Bactericidal/Permeability‐Increasing Protein (rBPI21) for Treatment of Parvovirus Enteritis: A Randomized, Double‐Blinded, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Otto Cynthia M. , Jackson C. Bisque , Rogell Emily J. , Prior Richard B. , Ammons W. Steve
Published: March 2010

We evaluated the ability of an antimicrobial and endotoxin‐neutralizing agent, the recombinant amino terminal fragment of bactericidal permeability‐increasing protein (rBPI21), to decrease plasma endotoxin concentration and severity of clinical signs of canine parvovirus and to improve survival. This randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial included 40 client‐owned dogs and 9 normal puppies from a closed research colony. Dogs weighing >5 kg (11 lb) with fecal antigen‐confirmed parvovirus and clinical signs of vomiting and diarrhea were randomly assigned to receive placebo or rBPI21infusion over 6 hours. Plasma endotoxin concentration was measured at 0, 3, and 6 hours of infusion. Owners chose continued medical care with either the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Internal Medicine Service or a local veterinarian. Telephone follow‐up was conducted at 14 days. Surviving dogs were reevaluated at >30 days (recovered group), at which time plasma samples for measurement of endotoxin concentration were obtained. Plasma endotoxin concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with parvovirus than in normal or recovered dogs. Despite 90% survival, the rBPI21treatment did not have a significant effect on outcome, duration of hospitalization, or plasma endotoxin concentrations. Treatment in a tertiary care hospital, however, significantly improved survival but resulted in a significantly increased duration of hospitalization. Endotoxemia occurs in dogs with parvovirus enteritis, but rBPI21is not associated with improved survival.
Cystinuria in the Dog: Clinical Studies during 14 Years of Medical Treatment
Authors: Hoppe A. , Denneberg T.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study was to summarize 14 years of clinical experience with medical treatment of 88 cystinuric dogs. Of special interest was evaluation of recurrence rate of cystine uroliths and adverse effects during long‐term tiopronin treatment. Twenty‐six different breeds were recognized, and the most common breeds were Dachshunds, Tibetan Spaniels, and Basset Hounds. In 76 of 88 treated dogs (86%), re‐formation of cystine uroliths was prevented. Recurrence rate of cystine uroliths changed from 7 months before to 18 months during tiopronin treatment. On 28 occasions, bladder stones were found, and in about 60% of the dogs, the uroliths dissolved. Quantitative measurement of the urinary excretion of cystine showed a significantly (P< .03) higher excretion of cystine in dogs with recurrent urolith formation than in dogs with only 1 urolith episode. Another finding was a significant (P= .02) decrease in urinary cystine excretion in older (>5 years) than in younger (<5 years) dogs. Adverse effects were found in 11 dogs, and the most severe signs were aggressiveness and myopathy. All signs disappeared when tiopronin treatment was stopped. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of an individual strategy for lifelong treatment of cystinuria. In addition to increasing water intake, chemical modification of the cysteine molecule into a more soluble form by means of tiopronin is useful. In dogs with re‐formed cystine uroliths, dissolution may be induced by increasing the tiopronin dosage to 40 mg/kg body weight per day. In dogs with a low urolith recurrence rate and low urinary cystine excretion, the tiopronin dosage may be decreased or treatment discontinued.
Relationship between Plasma Iohexol Clearance and Urinary Exogenous Creatinine Clearance in Dogs
Authors: Finco Delmar R. , Braselton W. Emmett , Cooper Tanya A.
Published: March 2010

The objective of this study was to determine if plasma iohexol clearance, computed by a 1‐compartment model defined by 3 plasma samples, was an accurate measure of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in dogs. Twenty‐two adult Beagle dogs of both genders were studied. Ten dogs had intact kidneys, and 12 dogs had surgically reduced renal mass. A bolus injection of iohexol was made, and blood was obtained for plasma iohexol assay after 120, 180, and 240 minutes. Plasma was analyzed for iohexol concentration by means of 3 assay methods: chemical, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP). Urinary clearance of exogenous creatinine was used to measure GFR for three 30‐minute periods occurring between 150 and 240 minutes after iohexol injection. Plasma clearance of iohexol and renal clearance of creatinine were compared by linear regression analysis and by limits of agreement techniques. Plasma iohexol clearance and urinary exogenous creatinine clearance were significantly correlated (chemicalR2= .90; HPLCR2= .96; and ICPR2= .96). The 1‐compartment iohexol clearance: exogenous creatinine clearance ratios were 1.04 ± 0.17, 1.05 ± 0.14, and 1.10 ± 0.15 for the chemical, HPLC, and ICP methods of assay, respectively, indicating that plasma iohexol clearance slightly overestimated GFR. Assuming a ±2 standard deviation interval for error, corrected plasma iohexol clearance measured GFR with ±34% accuracy for the chemical, ±26% accuracy for the HPLC, and ±27% accuracy for the ICP method. These results indicate that plasma iohexol clearance should have utility for detection of renal dysfunction earlier in the course of progressive renal disease than is possible with measurement of plasma creatinine or urea concentrations.
The Roles ofClostridium difficileand EnterotoxigenicClostridium perfringensin Diarrhea in Dogs
Authors: Weese J. Scott , Staempfli Henry R. , Prescott John F. , Kruth Steven A. , Greenwood Spencer J. , Weese Heather E.
Published: March 2010

In this prospective study, feces of dogs with diarrhea were compared with feces of normal dogs for the presence ofClostridium difficile, C difficiletoxins A and B,C perfringens, andC perfringensenterotoxin (CPE).C difficiletoxins A, B, or both were present in feces of 18 of 87 (21%) dogs with diarrhea and 4 of 55 (7%) normal dogs (P= 0.03), whereas CPE was present in the feces of 24 of 87 (28%) dogs with diarrhea and 3 of 55 (5%) normal dogs (P= 0.01).C difficilewas isolated from 2 of 87 (2%) dogs with diarrhea but was not isolated from the feces of 55 normal dogs, possibly because of poor survival of the organism in fecal samples.C perfringenswas isolated from the feces of 23 of 24 (96%) CPE‐positive dogs with diarrhea, 52 of 63 (83%) CPE‐negative dogs with diarrhea, and 39 of 55 (71%) CPE‐negative dogs with normal feces. No correlation was found betweenC perfringensspore number and the presence of CPE.
Oral Chromium Picolinate and Control of Glycemia in Insulin‐Treated Diabetic Dogs
Authors: Schachter Sara , Nelson Richard W. , Kirk Claudia A.
Published: March 2010

Chromium is an essential dietary trace mineral involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Chromium is required for cellular uptake of glucose, and chromium deficiency causes insulin resistance. Chromium supplementation may improve insulin sensitivity and has been used as adjunct treatment of diabetes mellitus in humans. In this study, 13 dogs with naturally acquired diabetes mellitus were treated with insulin for 3 months, then with insulin and chromium picolinate for 3 months. Dogs weighing <15 kg (33 lb; n = 9) were administered 200 μg of chromium picolinate PO once daily for 1 month, then 200 μg of chromium picolinate twice daily for 2 months. Dogs weighing >15 kg (n = 4) received 200 μg of chromium picolinate once daily for 2 weeks, then 200 μg twice daily for 2 weeks, then 400 μg twice daily for 2 months. Type of insulin, frequency of insulin administration, and diet were kept constant, and insulin dosage was adjusted, as needed, to maintain optimal control of glycemia. Mean body weight, daily insulin dosage, daily caloric intake, 10‐hour mean blood glucose concentration, blood glycated hemoglobin concentration, and serum fructosamine concentration were not markedly different when dogs were treated with insulin and chromium picolinate, compared with insulin alone. Adverse effects were not identified with chromium picolinate administration. Results of this study suggest that, at a dosage range of 20–60 μg/kg/d, chromium picolinate caused no beneficial or harmful effects in insulin‐treated diabetic dogs.
Ability of Hematologic and Serum Biochemical Variables to Differentiate Gram‐Negative and Gram‐Positive Mastitis in Dairy Cows
Authors: Smith Geoffrey W. , Constable Peter D. , Morin Dawn E.
Published: March 2010

Medical records of 142 dairy cows with clinical mastitis were examined to determine whether hematologic or serum biochemical results could be used to distinguish between mastitis episodes caused by gram‐negative bacteria (n = 78) from those caused by gram‐positive bacteria (n = 64). Signalment, historic information, hematologic and serum biochemical results, milk culture results, and outcome (discharged from hospital or died) were obtained from the medical records. Cows with gram‐negative mastitis had significantly (P< .01) lower blood leukocyte, segmented neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte counts and had higher blood hemoglobin concentrations and hematocrits than did cows with gram‐positive mastitis. Serum urea nitrogen was the only serum biochemical result associated with pathogen type, and it was higher in cows with gram‐negative mastitis than in those with gram‐positive mastitis. Mortality rate (25% overall) did not differ between groups. Logistic regression indicated that routine hematologic analysis (segmented neutrophil count, monocyte count, and hemoglobin concentration) was an accurate predictor of gram‐negative mastitis, with a sensitivity of .93, a specificity of .89, and an overall accuracy of 91%. The values for sensitivity and specificity were higher than those previously reported for clinical tests differentiating mastitis episodes caused by gram‐negative bacteria from those caused by gram‐positive bacteria. Our results indicate that routine hematologic analysis is useful for predicting pathogen type in dairy cows with clinical mastitis, thereby facilitating treatment decisions.
Effects of a Polymerized Ultrapurified Bovine Hemoglobin Blood Substitute Administered to Ponies with Normovolemic Anemia
Authors: Belgrave Rodney L. , Hines Melissa T. , Keegan Robert D. , Wardrop K. Jane , Bayly Warwick M. , Sellon Debra C.
Published: March 2010

The development of ultrapurified hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers has eliminated many problems associated with whole‐blood transfusions in other species. We hypothesized that the administration of polymerized ultrapurified bovine hemoglobin (PUBH) would result in improved hemodynamic parameters in ponies with normovolemic anemia without adverse effects on renal function or coagulation times. Normovolemic anemia was induced in 6 healthy adult ponies. Over a 3‐day period, at least 45 mL/kg of whole blood was withdrawn from each pony until a target PCV of < 12% was attained. Plasma was separated from the red blood cells via centrifugation and readministered to the ponies on each day. After the final plasma transfusion, 15 mL/kg of hetastarch (control, n = 6) or 15 mL/kg of PUBH (treatment, n = 6) was administered at 10 mL/kg/h IV. Administration of PUBH at a rate of 10 mL/kg/h was not associated with any adverse effects in 5 of the 6 ponies. One pony experienced an anaphylactoid reaction during infusion of PUBH. The reaction, characterized by intense pruritus, tachycardia, and tachypnea resolved shortly after stopping the infusion. Ponies receiving PUBH had significantly lower cardiac indices (P= .03) and heart rates (P= .002) than control animals. A significantly greater increase in central venous pressure was observed in the PUBH group compared to the hetastarch group (P= .02). No adverse renal or coagulation effects were observed with PUBH infusion. These results suggest that PUBH improves hemodynamics and oxygen transport parameters in horses experiencing normovolemic anemia. Patients should be monitored closely during infusion for any adverse reactions.
Flow Cytometry: Clinical Applications in Equine Medicine
Authors: Davis Elizabeth G. , Wilkerson Melinda J. , Rush Bonnie R.
Published: March 2010

The use of flow cytometry in veterinary diagnostics is becoming a valuable clinical tool with a broad range of applications. Physical characteristics of cells can be determined by the flow cytometer laser and electronics through the measurement of changes in light scatter properties. Other components and functions of cells can be defined through the application of fluorochrome dyes that have an affinity for cellular components. Traditionally, common clinical applications are immunophenotyping of cells of the hemato‐poietic system with fluorescent‐labeled antibodies raised against specific cell surface proteins. Other approaches have been used to elucidate changes in cell function and DNA content. This review is intended to provide the reader with the fundamental uses of flow cytometry. Examples of clinical applications in equine patients include immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia, immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT), chronic inflammatory disease, and neoplasia.
Echocardiographic and Radiographic Changes Associated with Systemic Hypertension in Cats
Authors: Nelson O. Lynne , Reidesel Elizabeth , Ware Wendy A. , Christensen William F.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of systemic hypertension (SHT) on echocardiographic and radiographic cardiovascular variables in affected cats compared with healthy geriatric cats. Secondary objectives were to determine whether there were any relationships between these findings and age or systolic blood pressure (SBP). Fifteen healthy cats (<8 years of age with normal SBP) and 15 hypertensive cats (SBP > 180 mm Hg) were studied. Each cat was evaluated for standard echocardiographic parameters and 4 different aortic root dimensions. Seventeen variables were measured from right lateral and dorsoventral radio‐graphic views. Left ventrical wall thickness was greater in the SHT group (5.1 ± 0.9 mm) than in the healthy cats (4.2 ± 0.5 mm). Left ventricular hypertrophy in the SHT cats often was not severe, and mean measures were considered normal. Some cats had asymmetrical septal hypertrophy (ASH) in the basilar portion of the septum as determined from the 2‐dimensional view of the left ventricular outflow tract. ASH was greater in cats with SHT. Comparisons of the proximal ascending aorta indicated the presence of dilatation in the SHT cats, and comparison of the ascending aorta to the aortic annulus was helpful in differentiating between the 2 groups. The distal aortic root measurements and ratios evaluated by echocardiography were significantly different between the 2 groups of cats (P= .0001) and were significantly correlated with SBP (P= .0001) but not age (P > .3).
The Use of 17‐Hydroxyprogesterone in the Diagnosis of Canine Hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Ristic J.M.E. , Ramsey I.K. , Heath EM. , Evans H.J. , Herrtage M.E.
Published: March 2010

A number of dogs are seen with clinical signs consistent with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC), supporting CBC and biochemical findings, but the disease cannot be confirmed with either the ACTH stimulation test or the low‐dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST). Therefore, another screening test is required to aid diagnosis in these atypical cases of HAC. The aim of this study was to investigate whether measuring 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (OHP) concentrations could be used in this role. Plasma cortisol and OHP concentrations were measured in dogs with clinical signs suggestive of HAC before and after administration of exogenous ACTH. In dogs with HAC, plasma OHP showed an exaggerated response to ACTH stimulation. This was seen in both typical cases of HAC with a positive cortisol response to ACTH administration and in atypical cases with negative screening test results. The test can be performed on plasma already taken for a conventional ACTH stimulation test. Post‐ACTH OHP concentrations decreased after treatment with mitotane or adrenalectomy. These results suggest that OHP measurements can be used as an aid to diagnose and manage canine HAC.
Effects of Dietary Flaxseed Oil Supplementation on Equine Plasma Fatty Acid Concentrations and Whole Blood Platelet Aggregation
Authors: Hansen Rodney A. , Savage Catherine J. , Reidlinger Karen , Traub‐Dargatz Josie L. , Ogilvie Gregory K. , Mitchell Denise , Fettman Martin J.
Published: March 2010

An 18‐week feeding trial was performed to investigate the effects of an omega‐3 (n‐3) fatty acid‐enriched ration on plasma fatty acid concentrations and platelet aggregation in healthy horses. Flaxseed oil served as the source of the n‐3 fatty acid alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA). Twelve horses were fed dietary maintenance requirements using a complete pelleted ration (80%) and timothy grass hay (20%) for a 2‐week acclimation period before being randomly assigned either to a treatment (group 1) or control (group 2) group. Group 2 horses (n = 6) were fed the diet described in the acclimation period, whereas group 1 horses (n = 6) were fed a 10% flaxseed oil‐enriched complete pellet (80%) and grass hay (20%). Biological samples and physical measurements were collected at one point during the acclimation period (week 0) and every 4 weeks thereafter (weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16). Body weight, CBC (including platelet count), plasma fibrinogen, electrolyte (Na, K, and Cl) concentrations, and biochemical profile enzyme activities (aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma‐glutamyltransferase, and creatine kinase) did not change markedly with diet. Platelet aggregation was not altered by the supplementation of flaxseed oil in these healthy horses, although increases in plasmacis‐polyunsaturated 18‐carbon fatty acids C18:3; n‐3 (ALA) and C18:2; n‐6 (linoleic acid), biologically active C20:5; n‐3 (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evident. There were no marked decreases in C20:4; n‐6 (arachidonic acid [AA]) or increases in C22:6; n‐3 (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]), signifying that flaxseed oil may have had a high percentage of omega‐6 (n‐6) fatty acids as well as n‐3 fatty acids, and this relatively high n‐6: n‐3 fatty acid ratio may have affected the biochemical effect of n‐3 fatty acids. In healthy horses supplemented with flaxseed oil, platelet aggregation was not altered, which may have been due to the limited biologic effect in healthy subjects or the inability of flaxseed oil to induce the necessary biochemical effect of replacing n‐6 fatty acids with n‐3 types.
Actinobacillus sp. Bacteremia in Foals: Clinical Signs and Prognosis
Authors: Stewart Allison J. , Hinchcliff Kenneth W. , Saville William J.A. , Jose‐Cunilleras Eduard , Hardy Joanne , Kohn Catherine W. , Reed Stephen M. , Kowalski Joseph J.
Published: March 2010

Medical records of 101 blood culture‐confirmed bacteremic foals were reviewed to determine whether foals withActinobacillussp. bacteremia are affected at an earlier age, have more severe signs of disease, and have a worse prognosis than do foals with bacteremia of other causes. Thirty percent (30/101) of bacteremic foals hadActinobacillussp. cultured, and these were 2 times more likely to die (crude odds ratio [ORCR] 0.8, 4;P= . 14), with a survival rate of 43% (13/30) compared to the overall survival rate of 55% (56/101). When compared to other bacteremic foals, foals with actinobacillosis were 7 times more likely to have been sick from birth (adjusted odds ratio [ORADJ2, 26;P= .003) and 6 times more likely to have diarrhea (ORADJ1, 22;P= .009). By bivariate analysis, foals withActinobacillussp. bacteremia were 5 times more likely to have a sepsis score >11 (ORCR1, 18;P= .007), 6 times more likely to be obtunded (ORCR2, 20;P= .005), and 3 times more likely to have pneumonia (ORCR1, 7;P= .03). Furthermore,Actinobacillussp. bacteremic foals were 27 times more likely to have a segmented neutrophil count <3.3 × 109cells/L (ORadj 4, 166;P< .0001) and were 4.5 times more likely to have a band neutrophil count >0.46 × 109cells/L (ORADJ1, 17;P= .02) when compared to foals that had bacteremia caused by either gram‐negative enteric or gram‐positive organisms. Sepsis score was ≤ 11 in 49% (29/59) of bacteremia foals aged <13 days for which a discernible sepsis score was calculable. Results of this study should improve the diagnostic sensitivity of clinical examinations of neonatal foals, thereby facilitating treatment decisions.
Factors Related to In‐House Agricultural Animal Caseloads in US Veterinary Teaching Hospitals
Authors: Tyler Jeff W. , Miller Robert B. , Constable Peter D. , Hostetler Douglas E. , Lakritz Jeff , Hardin David K. , Angel Kenneth L. , Wolfe Dwight F.
Published: March 2010

A retrospective observational study was conducted to determine whether agricultural animal caseloads at veterinary teaching hospitals declined between 1995 and 1998. Thereafter, the effect of organizational and demographic factors on 1998 in‐house agricultural animal caseloads was examined. Caseload data were obtained from the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. Demographic and organizational data were obtained by surveys, telephone interviews, and web‐based resources. Complete data were available from 25 veterinary colleges, and data from these schools were used in subsequent analyses. In 1998, in‐house food animal caseload decreased relative to 1995 in 17 schools and increased relative to 1995 in 8 schools. This trend was not significant (P= .053); however, the power of the test was limited (.50). Mean 1998 caseload was 886± 504. Among schools with a discipline‐based organizational structure, annual mean caseload was 464 ± 220. Among schools with a species‐based organizational structure, mean caseload was 1,167 ± 463. The regression model that best predicted caseload was a forward‐stepping model that included only organizational structure as an independent variable. No additional independent variable was significantly associated with caseload.
Plasma Exogenous Creatinine Clearance Test in Dogs: Comparison with Other Methods and Proposed Limited Sampling Strategy
Authors: Watson A.D.J. , Lefebvre Hervé P. , Concordet Didier , Laroute Valérie , Ferré Jean‐Pierre , Braun Jean‐Pierre , Conchou Fabrice , Toutain Pierre‐Louis
Published: March 2010

Plasma clearance of creatinine was evaluated for assessment of glomerular nitration rate (GFR) in dogs. In 6 healthy dogs (Experiment 1), we determined 24‐hour urine clearance of endogenous creatinine, plasma, and urine clearances of exogenous creatinine administered at 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg in a crossover design (linearity study), plasma iothalamate clearance, and plasma and urine clearances of14C‐inulin. In Experiment 2, plasma creatinine and iothalamate clearances were compared, and a linearity study was performed as for Experiment 1 in 6 dogs with surgically induced renal impairment. Experiment 3 compared plasma creatinine clearance with plasma iothalamate clearance before and 3 weeks after induction of moderate renal impairment in 6 dogs. Plasma creatinine clearances were calculated by both noncompartmental and compartmental analyses. In Experiment 1, plasma inulin clearance was higher (P< .001) than other clearance values. Plasma creatinine clearances at the 3 dose rates did not differ from urine inulin clearance and each other. In Experiment 2, plasma creatinine clearances were about 14% lower than plasma iothalamate clearance (P< .05). In Experiment 3, decreases in GFR assessed by plasma clearances of iothalamate and creatinine were similar. Renal failure decreased the daily endogenous input rate of creatinine by 25%. Limiting sampling strategies for optimizing GFR calculation were proposed, allowing an error lower than 6.5% with 4 blood samples. These results suggest that determination of plasma creatinine clearance by a noncompartmental approach offers a reliable, inexpensive, rapid, and convenient means of estimating GFR in routine practice.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Juvenile Portuguese Water Dogs
Authors: Sleeper Margaret M. , Henthorn Paula S. , Vijayasarathy C. , Dambach Donna M. , Bowers Tim , Tijskens Pierre , Armstrong Clara F. , Lankford Edward B.
Published: March 2010

Dilated cardiomyopathy recently has been recognized in juvenile Portuguese Water Dogs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate unaffected and affected puppies by physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, specific biochemical assays, and ultrastructure to document disease progression and to develop a method of early detection. Results of segregation analysis were consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance. Of 124 puppies evaluated clinically and echocardiographically, 10 were affected. No significant differences were found between unaffected and affected puppies for blood and myocardial carnitine or taurine concentrations, serum chemical variables, results of ophthalmological examinations, ECGs, or measurement of urine metabolites. Ultrastructural examination of myocardium from affected dogs revealed myofibrillar atrophy and small regions of myo‐fibrillar degeneration, most prominently at the region of the intercalated discs. Only echocardiography allowed detection of affected puppies before clinical signs became evident. Echocardiography revealed a significant difference in the shortening fraction, E point to septal separation, and the end systolic and diastolic left ventricular internal diameters. Affected puppies were detected 1–4 weeks before the development of acute congestive heart failure.
Ivermectin Toxicity in 17 Collies
Authors: Hopper Kate , Aldrich Janet , Haskins Steve C.
Published: March 2010

Ivermectin is widely used in veterinary medicine as an anthelminthic and generally has a wide margin of safety, but Collies are prone to ivermectin toxicity. Two groups of Collies were presented to the University of California Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) with ivermectin toxicity. The medical records of the 2 groups of Collies were reviewed retrospectively. Group I comprised 5 adult Collies that received at least 400 μg/kg ivermectin PO and were presented to the VMTH 3 hours after intoxication. These Collies showed marked clinical signs on presentation. Three of these dogs required mechanical ventilation and were euthanized for financial reasons; the remaining 2 dogs were comatose but recovered in 5–7 days. Group II was comprised of 12 adult Collies presented to the VMTH 2 days (n = 10) and 5 days (n = 2) after subcutaneous injection of 200–250 μg/kg ivermectin. These animals showed greater variation in severity of illness among individuals; 5 animals progressed to stupor or coma, whereas 4 animals remained ambulatory. Most of these dogs' clinical signs deteriorated from the day of intoxication until approximately day 6, from which time they showed gradual but steady improvement. All of the Collies in this group survived, but it took 3 weeks for most of them to recover. Collies suffering from ivermectin toxicity can have a severe and prolonged clinical course requiring intensive nursing care. Respiratory, cardiovascular, and nutritional support may all be required. With appropriate care, however, the prognosis for complete recovery is good.
Absence of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Pathology in Dogs with Medically Intractable Epilepsy
Authors: Buckmaster Paul S. , Smith Mary O. , Buckmaster Christine L. , LeCouteur Richard A. , Dudek F. Edward
Published: March 2010

Epilepsy is a common neurological problem in dogs. In some dogs, seizures cannot be controlled adequately with anticonvulsant medication. Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common type of epilepsy in adult humans, it is frequently resistant to anticonvulsant therapy, and it is commonly associated with characteristic neuropathological abnormalities in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. We sought to test the hypothesis that dogs with medically intractable epilepsy have temporal lobe epilepsy. The hippocampi of 6 dogs that were euthanized because of chronic, recurrent seizures were compared with those of 8 nonepileptic controls. In control and epileptic dogs, stereological cell counting showed similar numbers of neurons in the hilus of the dentate gyrus, somatostatin immunoreactivity identified numerous immunopositive neurons in the hilus, and Timm staining showed the normal pattern of granule cell axon projections. These findings demonstrate a lack of hilar neuron loss and granule cell axon reorganization, suggesting that temporal lobe epilepsy is not a common cause of medically intractable epilepsy in dogs.
The 1st Balloon Valvuloplasty: An Historical Note
Authors: Buchanan James W. , Anderson James H. , White Robert I.
Published: March 2010

Balloon valvuloplasty (BV) is currently the treatment of choice for pulmonic stenosis in humans and dogs. Before permission was obtained to attempt the 1st BV in a child in 1982, the safety and efficacy of the procedure were tested in 1980 in an English Bulldog with spontaneous pulmonic stenosis. A fatal outcome would have caused indefinite postponement of BV in human patients, a procedure that currently benefits over 25,000 patients a year worldwide. This article describes the initial test procedure and its fortunate outcome in spite of unrecognized coronary anomalies in the bulldog. A small balloon was used in the test procedure, and fatal disruption of the anomalous left coronary artery (CA) did not occur as it has in several bulldogs since that time.
Acute Stress Hyperglycemia in Cats Is Associated with Struggling and Increased Concentrations of Lactate and Norepinephrine
Authors: Rand Jacqueline S. , Kinnaird Emily , Baglioni Anthony , Blackshaw Judith , Priest Jan
Published: March 2010

We characterized the changes in blood glucose concentrations in healthy cats exposed to a short stressor and determined the associations between glucose concentrations, behavioral indicators of stress, and blood variables implicated in stress hyperglycemia (plasma glucose, lactate, insulin, glucagon, cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine concentrations). Twenty healthy adult cats with normal glucose tolerance had a 5‐minute spray bath. Struggling and vocalization were the most frequent behavioral responses. There was a strong relationship between struggling and concentrations of glucose and lactate. Glucose and lactate concentrations increased rapidly and significantly in all cats in response to bathing, with peak concentrations occurring at the end of the bath (glucose baseline 83 mg/dL, mean peak 162 mg/dL; lactate baseline 6.3 mg/dL, mean peak 64.0 mg/dL). Glucose response resolved within 90 minutes in 12 of the 20 cats. Changes in mean glucose concentrations were strongly correlated with changes in mean lactate (r= .84;P<.001) and mean norepinephrine concentrations (r= .81;P< .001). There was no significant correlation between changes in mean glucose concentrations and changes in mean insulin, glucagon, cortisol, or epinephrine concentrations. Struggling and lactate concentrations were predictive of hyperglycemia. Gluconeogenesis stimulated by lactate release is the likely mechanism for hyperglycemia in healthy cats in this model of acute stress. Careful handling techniques that minimize struggling associated with blood collection may reduce the incidence of stress hyperglycemia in cats.
Development and Evaluation of an Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Serodiagnosis of Pythiosis in Dogs
Authors: Grooters Amy M. , Leise Britta S. , Lopez Mae K. , Gee Melaney K. , O'Reilly Kathy L.
Published: March 2010

Pythiosis (caused by the aquatic oomycetePythium insidiosum) is a devastating and often fatal cause of either severe transmural gastroenteritis or locally invasive subcutaneous disease in dogs living in the southeastern United States. Although early diagnosis is essential for successful treatment, tools available for this task are limited. Therefore, we developed and evaluated an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of anti‐P insidiosumantibodies in canine serum. A soluble mycelial extract ofP insidiosumwas utilized as antigen in the ELISA, which was used to evaluate serum from 43 dogs with pythiosis, 8 dogs with lagenidiosis (another canine oomycosis), 16 dogs with nonoomycotic fungal or algal infections, 22 dogs with nonfungal gastrointestinal or skin disease, and 55 healthy dogs. Results were expressed as percent positivity (PP) relative to a strong positive control serum run on each plate. Medians and ranges for each of the 5 groups were as follows: pythiosis (81.7%, 50.6–98.5%), lagenidiosis (17.3%, 11.3–29.2%), other fungal or algal infections (8.2%, 4.7–15.4%), nonfungal gastrointestinal or skin disease (6.2%, 3.9–20.7%), and healthy dogs (6.7%, 3.0–15.2%). When using a cutoff value of 40% PP, the sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA both were 100%. In addition, ELISA values measured after successful surgical therapy in 2 dogs showed a decrease of anti‐P insidiosumantibody concentrations into the normal range as early as 2 months after treatment. We conclude that the ELISA is a sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of canine pythiosis, and may be a useful tool for monitoring response to medical or surgical therapy.
Bacterial Meningoencephalomyelitis in Dogs: A Retrospective Study of 23 Cases (1990‐1999)
Authors: Radaelli Simona T. , Platt Simon R.
Published: March 2010

The clinical records of 23 dogs (1990–1999) with histopathologically confirmed bacterial meningoencephalomyelitis were evaluated retrospectively. No breed, age, sex, or weight predisposition was found. All the dogs presented with clinical signs of a brain lesion, whereas 5 of 23 had neck pain. Pyrexia was detected in 11 of 23 dogs on admission. CBCs revealed neutrophilic leucocytosis in 7 of 21 dogs and thrombocytopenia in 3 of 21 dogs. The serum chemistry profiles were abnormal in 15 of 21 dogs. The results of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis were abnormal in 13 of 14 dogs and aerobic CSF culture was positive for bacteria in 1 of 8 samples. At postmortem examination, the lesions were localized to the central nervous system.Escherichia coli, Streptococcus, andKlebsiellaspp were the most frequently isolated bacteria from cultures collected at postmortem examination. Twelve papers reporting 51 total clinical cases of canine bacterial meningoencephalomyelitis were reviewed. The clinical signs and results of the CBC, serum chemistry, blood culture, and CSF analysis were collated and compared with those of this study. The results of the CSF analysis in this study were similar to those in the literature. CSF cultures documented in the literature were positive forStaphylococcus, Pasteurella, Actinomyces, Nocardiaspp, and various anaerobic species includingPeptostreptococcus, Eubacterium, andBacteroidesspp.
Clinical Syndrome Associated with Zolpidem Ingestion in Dogs: 33 Cases (January 1998‐July 2000)
Authors: Richardson Jill A. , Gwaltney‐Brant Sharon M. , Albretsen Jay C. , Khan Safdar A. , Porter Jessica A.
Published: March 2010

Zolpidem is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic of the imidazopyridine class that is used to treat insomnia in humans. Zolpidem binds selectively to the benzodiazepine omega‐1 receptor and increases the frequency of chloride channel opening, which results in inhibition of neuronal excitation. A retrospective study was conducted of zolpidem ingestion in dogs that were reported to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) between January 1998 and July 2000. Data analysis included amount ingested, clinical effects, and time of onset of signs. Thirty‐three reports of zolpidem ingestion in dogs (ranging in age from 5 months to 16 years) were evaluated. Approximate ingested dosages ranged from 0.24 to 21 mg/kg. Clinical signs reported included ataxia (18 dogs; 54.5%), hyperactivity (10 dogs; 30.3%), vomiting (7 dogs; 21.2%), and lethargy (5 dogs; 15.2%), as well as panting, disorientation, nonspecific behavior disorder, and hypersalivation (4 dogs each sign; 12.1%). Other signs reported include tachycardia, tremors, apprehension, vocalization, hypersalivation, weakness, and hyperesthesia. In 85% percent of reports, clinical signs developed within 1 hour and usually resolved within 12 hours. Although central nervous system (CNS) depression is reported as a primary effect of zolpidem in humans and would also be expected in dogs, information obtained from this study indicates that some dogs may exhibit a paradoxical excitation reaction. This effect appears to vary among individual dogs.
Prevalence and Incidence of Serum Magnesium Abnormalities in Hospitalized Cats
Authors: Toll Jeffrey , Erb Hollis , Bimbaum Nichole , Schermerhorn Thomas
Published: March 2010

Total serum magnesium concentration ([Mg2+]s) was prospectively determined for 57 cats admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Cornell University Hospital for Animals. Data were collected and analyzed to determine the following: prevalence and incidence of [Mg2+]sabnormalities, medical disorders associated with altered [Mg2+]s, association of altered [Mg2+]swith other electrolyte abnormalities, length of hospitalization for cats with abnormalities of [Mg2+]sversus those with normal [Mg2+]s, and survival of cats with abnormal [Mg2+]sversus those with normal [Mg2+]s. The point prevalence of magnesium abnormalities was 26%, the period prevalence was 46%, and the cumulative incidence was 23%. Hypermagnesemia was associated with abnormalities of serum potassium (P= .04) and phosphate (P= .01) concentrations. Abnormalities of [Mg2+]swere not associated with abnormal serum concentrations of Na+, Ca2+, or Cl‐. On admission, hypomagnesemia was detected in cats with gastrointestinal, endocrine, and other disorders; hypermagnesemia was detected only in cats with renal disease, obstructive uropathy, or neoplastic disease. The median hospital stay for cats that developed abnormal [Mg2+]safter admission was longer than for cats that remained nor‐momagnesemic (5 versus 4 days, respectively;P= .03). Despite the longer hospital stay, the survival of these cats was lower than that of normomagnesemic cats (54 versus 77%;P= .05). When all cats were considered, the survival of cats with abnormal [Mg2+]salso was decreased compared with normomagnesemic cats (62 versus 81%;P= .05). We conclude that abnormalities of [Mg2+]smay affect morbidity and mortality of affected cats.
An Immunologic Investigation of Canine Eosinophilic Bronchopneumopathy
Authors: Clercx Cécile , Peeters Dominique , German Alex J. , Khelil Youssef , McEntee Kathleen , Vanderplasschen Alain , Schynts Frédéric , Hansen Pascale , Detilleux Johanne , Day Michael J.
Published: March 2010

Immunologic variables in dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy (EBP) have not been extensively evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations and to perform phenotypic subtyping of lymphocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and peripheral blood (PB) of 12 dogs with EBP at the time of diagnosis (TD) and to compare these data with those obtained in healthy dogs, as well as in EBP dogs after antibiotic therapy (TAB) and during corticosteroid treatment (TM). Matched samples of serum and BALF were used to determine Ig concentrations (IgG, IgM, and IgA) by capture enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), from which a secretory index (SI) was calculated. Lymphocyte subpopulations were studied in the BALF and PB by flow cytometry. Log values of BALF IgM and IgA were significantly higher (0.64 ± 0.05 and 1.06 ± 0.13, respectively) in EBP dogs at TD than in controls and then tended to decrease at TM (0.55 ± 0.03 and 1.02 ± 0.17, respectively). A calculated SI for IgA was not significantly increased. In the BALF of dogs with EBP, the CD4: CD8 was significantly (P< .05) higher (22.6 ± 30.3) than in controls (3.2 ± 1.9), due to significantly higher CD4+ T cells and lower CD8+ T cells. At TM, the BALF T‐cell percentages returned to normal (2.4 ± 0.6). We propose that the influx of eosinophils into the airway of dogs with EBP is at least in part mediated by cytokines derived from CD4+T cells. Further studies of canine cytokines and chemokines will help determine whether canine EBP involves type I hypersensitivity mechanisms regulated by Th2 lymphocytes.
Paecilomycosis in Dogs and Horses and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Foley Janet E. , Norris Carol R. , Jang Spencer S.
Published: March 2010

We reviewed 14 cases of paecilomycosis in a tertiary care veterinary hospital and all reports of the disease in the veterinary literature. Paecilomycosis is a rare disease primarily of dogs, horses, reptiles, and humans. Clinical manifestations in veterinary patients vary but include disseminated disease and diskospondylitis, particularly in dogs; pneumonia in dogs, horses, and reptiles; keratitis in horses; and miscellaneous local infections. It is important to have an appropriate index of suspicion because the diagnosis can be difficult, particularly in localized disease where it is difficult to determine whether a positive culture represents an etiology or a contamination with an environmental saprophyte. Spinal radiographs, transtracheal washes, histopathology, and fungal culture have proven to be valuable diagnostic tools. The prognosis for paecilomycosis is poor, although some treatment success has been reported, and success rates could improve if additional information were available regarding fungal species occurring in veterinary patients and drugs to which these fungi are susceptible.
The Influence of Age on Patellar Reflex Response in the Dog
Authors: Levine Jonathan M. , Hillman Robert B. , Erb Hollis N. , DeLahunta Alexander
Published: March 2010

The patellar tendon reflex is a clinical parameter commonly used to assess neurological status. Factors such as quadriceps muscle fiber composition, femur length, and patient age have been reported to influence total and fractionated reflex times in human beings. The purpose of this blinded, cross‐sectional study was to examine the effect of age on the patellar reflex in the dog. Eighty‐six dogs without evidence of neurological impairment or orthopedic disease of the stifle (eg, patellar luxation or cranial cruciate ligament rupture) were assigned to 1 of 2 groups on the basis of age: group 1, <10 years old (n = 72); or group 2, ≥ 10 years old (n = 14). Patellar reflexes were elicited in both pelvic limbs by a reflex hammer while the dog was in lateral recumbency. The reflex was scored as present or absent by a blinded individual. Two dogs in group 1 had reflexes absent in both limbs, 3 dogs in group 2 had reflexes absent in both limbs, and 1 dog in group 2 lacked a response in 1 limb. The proportion of dogs with absent patellar reflexes in group 2 (4 of 14, 95% CI, 8–58%) was significantly higher than the proportion of dogs with absent patellar reflexes in group 1 (2 of 72, 95% CI, 0–10%) (P < .006). Furthermore, dogs lacking at least 1 patellar reflex were older than those having both reflexes present (P= .04). Weight was not related to the presence of both reflexes (P= .49). These findings suggest that neurologically normal dogs may have an age‐dependent decline in patellar reflex magnitude or a prolongation of total reflex time (TRT).
Steroid‐Responsive Meningitis‐Arteritis in Dogs with Noninfectious, Nonerosive, Idiopathic, Immune‐Mediated Polyarthritis
Authors: Webb Aubrey A. , Taylor Susan M. , Muir Gillian D.
Published: March 2010

Signs related to spinal pain are commonly reported in dogs with noninfectious, nonerosive, idiopathic immune‐mediated polyarthritis (IMPA). This study examined the prevalence and etiology of spinal pain in these dogs through a retrospective review of 62 case records of dogs with IMPA. All dogs with IMPA and signs suggestive of spinal pain were described with regard to age, gender, breed, physical stature, location of vertebral pain, rectal temperature, and clinical laboratory findings. The prevalence of spinal pain in these dogs was 29% (18 of 62). Fourteen of the 18 dogs with spinal pain and IMPA were male. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 11 dogs with signs of spinal pain was analyzed. Five of these (46%) had concurrent steroid‐responsive meningitis‐arteritis (SRMA). We concluded that SRMA does occur concurrently in some dogs having IMPA. Meningeal involvement may explain the origin of spinal pain observed in some of these dogs.
Click and Low‐, Middle‐, and High‐Frequency Toneburst Stimulation of the Canine Cochlea
Authors: Ter Haar G. , Haagen A.J. Venker‐van , de Groot H.N.M. , Van den Brom W.E.
Published: March 2010

A method was developed to deliver tonebursts ranging in frequency from 1 to 32 kHz for frequency‐specific assessment of the canine cochlea. Brainstem auditory‐evoked responses (early latency responses, 0–10 ms) to a click (CS) and to 1‐, 2‐, 4‐, 8‐, 12‐, 16‐, 24‐, and 32‐kHz toneburst stimulations (TS) were compared at 80‐dB sound pressure level stimulus (SPL) intensity in 10 adult dogs. All stimulations yielded a 5–7 positive wave pattern, with the exception of the 1‐kHz TS, which evoked a frequency‐following response (FFR). Thresholds were lowest for the CS and the 12‐ and 16‐kHz TS. All individual peak latencies for TS were significantly (P≤ .05) longer than for CS. Peak I latencies were significantly (P≤.05) shorter for the 12‐ and 16‐kHz TS than for the other TS. Interpeak latencies I‐V were significantly (P≤ .05) longer for the 4‐ to 32‐kHz TS than for CS. Differences in interpeak latencies I—III were not significant. Amplitudes of waves I and V were significantly (P≤ .05) lower for TS than for CS, except for higher wave V amplitude (P≤ .05) at 2‐ and 32‐kHz TS. Peak I‐V amplitude ratios were significantly (P≤ .05) higher for the 2‐, 4‐, 16‐, 24‐, and 32‐kHz TS and lower for the 8‐ and 12‐kHz TS, compared to CS. We conclude that reproducible information on frequency specificity of the canine cochlea can be obtained by TS. This report provides a normative database for parameters needed to evaluate frequency‐specific hearing loss in dogs.
Alveolar Macrophage Graded Hemosiderin Score from Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Horses with Exercise‐Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage and Controls
Authors: Doucet Michele Y. , Viel Laurent
Published: March 2010

The objective of this study was to determine if a quantitative scoring system for evaluation of hemosiderin content of alveolar macrophages obtained by bronchoalevolar lavage provides a more sensitive test for the detection of exercise‐induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) in horses than does endoscopy of the lower airways. A sample population composed of 74 Standardbred racehorses aged 2–5 years was used. Horses were grouped as either control (EIPH‐negative) or EIPH‐positive based on history and repeated postexertional endoscopic evaluation of the bronchial airways. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed and cytocen‐trifuge slides were stained with Perl's Prussian blue. Alveolar macrophages were scored for hemosiderin content by a method described by Golde and associates to obtain the total hemosiderin score (THS). Test performance criteria were determined with a contingency table. All subjects had some degree of hemosiderin in the alveolar macrophages, regardless of group. The distribution of cells among the different grades followed a significantly different pattern for the control group versus horses with EIPH (P< .05). When using a THS of 75 as a cutoff point, the THS test was found to have a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 88%. The level of agreement beyond chance, between the EIPH status and the THS test result was very good (Cohen's kappa = 74%). The conclusion was made that careful assessment and scoring of alveolar macrophages for hemosiderin by means of the Golde scoring system shows promise as a more sensitive approach than repeated postexertional endoscopy alone to detect EIPH.