bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiorespiratory effects of epidural administration of morphine and fentanyl in dogs anesthetized with sevoflurane
Authors: Naganobu Kiyokazu , Maeda Noriaki , Miyamoto Toru , Hagio Mitsuyoshi , Nakamura Tadashi , Takasaki Mayumi
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine the cardiorespiratory effects of epidural administration of morphine alone and in combination with fentanyl in dogs anesthetized with sevoflurane.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—6 dogs.

Procedure—Dogs were anesthetized with sevoflurane and allowed to breathe spontaneously. After a stable plane of anesthesia was achieved, morphine (0.1 mg/kg [0.045 mg/lb]) or a combination of morphine and fentanyl (10 µg/kg [4.5 µg/lb) was administered through an epidural catheter, the tip of which was positioned at the level of L6 or L7. Cardiorespiratory variables were measured for 90 minutes.

Results—Epidural administration of morphine alone did not cause any significant changes in cardiorespiratory measurements. However, epidural administration of morphine and fentanyl induced significant decreases in diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures and total peripheral resistance. Stroke volume was unchanged, PaCO2 was significantly increased, and arterial pH and base excess were significantly decreased. Heart rate was significantly lower after epidural administration of morphine and fentanyl than after administration of morphine alone. None of the dogs had any evidence of urine retention, vomiting, or pruritus after recovery from anesthesia.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that epidural administration of morphine at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg in combination with fentanyl at a dose of 10 µg/kg can cause cardiorespiratory depression in dogs anesthetized with sevoflurane. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;224:67–70)
Efficacy of radiation therapy for incompletely resected grade-III mast cell tumors in dogs: 31 cases (1987–1998)
Authors: Hahn Kevin A. , King Glen K. , Carreras Janet K.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine the efficacy (durations of remission and survival) of an alternating-day radiation protocol for incompletely excised histologic grade-III solitary mast cell tumors (MCTs) in dogs.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—31 dogs.

Procedure—Radiation (52 Gy in an 18-fraction alternating-day protocol) was delivered to an area bordered by margins ≥ 3 cm around the surgical scar and to the associated local-regional lymph nodes. Dogs were not given chemotherapeutic agents concurrently or after radiation. Information on signalment, duration of remission, and survival time was obtained from medical records.

Results—Median and mean durations of remission were 27.7 and 17.0 months, respectively (range, 1 to 47 months). Median and mean durations of survival were 28 and 20 months, respectively (range, 3 to 52 months). Dogs with tumors located on the skin of the pinna, perineum, and prepuce had a median duration of remission greater than dogs with tumors located at other sites (27.7 and 14.4 months, respectively). Dogs with tumors ≤ 3 cm in maximum diameter before surgery survived longer than dogs with tumors > 3 cm (31 and 24 months, respectively). The remission rate was 65% and survival rate was 71% at 1 year after treatment. Sixteen dogs that were euthanatized had complications associated with local-regional tumor progression. Systemic metastases to liver, spleen, intestine, and bone marrow were detected in 1 dog.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Without further treatment, incompletely excised grade-III mast cell tumors have high local-regional recurrence; local-regional treatment with radiation may effectively be used to manage many such tumors. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;224:79–82)
Scintigraphic abnormalities of the pelvic region in horses examined because of lameness or poor performance: 128 cases (1993–2000)
Authors: Davenport-Goodall Celia L. M. , Ross Michael W.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To identify scintigraphic abnormalities in
the pelvic region of horses examined because of hind
limb lameness or poor performance and determine
the clinical relevance of areas of abnormal radiopharmaceutical
uptake (ARU) in these horses.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—128 horses.

Procedure—Medical records were reviewed, and
information on signalment, history, admitting complaints,
physical examination findings, and results of
lameness examinations was recorded. Clinical relevance
of areas of ARU was determined by comparison
with results of other diagnostic tests. For horses
with clinically relevant areas of ARU, follow-up information
was obtained through telephone interviews
with owners and trainers and analysis of race records.

Results—Areas of ARU were identified in the tuber
coxae (25 horses), ischiatic tuber (9), hip joint (10),
third trochanter (10), ilium (5), sacral tuber region (22),
greater trochanter (1), cranial femoral cortex (1), skeletal
muscle surrounding the pelvis (34), or multiple
areas (11). In 44 horses, areas of ARU were associated
with the primary cause of lameness; in 51, areas
of ARU were not associated with the primary cause
of lameness; and in 33, the primary cause of lameness
was not determined. Thirty-six of the 44 horses
with clinically relevant areas of ARU were available for
follow-up; 15 (42%) had a good outcome.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest
that pelvic scintigraphy may be useful in identifying
abnormalities in horses with hind limb lameness
or poor performance. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004;224:
88–95)
Liposarcomas in dogs: 56 cases (1989–2000)
Authors: Baez Jennifer L. , Hendrick Mattie J. , Shofer Frances S. , Goldkamp Carrie , Sorenmo Karin U.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine the biological behavior of liposarcomas in dogs and identify clinical signs, the effect of treatment on survival time, and potential prognostic factors.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—56 dogs with histologically confirmed liposarcoma.

Procedure—Information was obtained on signalment, tumor size, location of the tumor, stage of disease, remission duration, overall survival time, cause of death, type of surgery (incisional biopsy, marginal excision, or wide excision), and any additional treatments given.

Results—Surgery consisted of incisional biopsy in 6 dogs, marginal excision in 34, and wide excision in 16. Twenty-five dogs had histologic evidence of tumor cells at the surgical margins and 28 did not (status of the margins was unknown in 3 dogs). Twelve of 43 dogs had local recurrence. Median survival time was 694 days, and the only factor significantly associated with survival time was type of surgery performed. Median survival times were 1,188, 649, and 183 days, respectively, for dogs that underwent wide excision, marginal excision, and incisional biopsy. Factors that were not found to be significantly associated with survival time included tumor size, status of the margins, tumor location, and histologic subtype.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that in dogs, liposarcomas are locally invasive neoplasms that rarely metastasize and occur primarily in appendicular or axial locations and that wide excision is preferred to marginal excision when feasible. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;224:887–891)
Reproductive capacity of free-roaming domestic cats and kitten survival rate
Authors: Nutter Felicia B. , Levine Jay F. , Stoskopf Michael K.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine reproductive capacity of naturally breeding free-roaming domestic cats and kitten survival rate.

Design—Prospective cohort and retrospective crosssectional study.

Animals—2,332 female cats brought to a trap-neuterreturn clinic for neutering and 71 female cats and 171 kittens comprising 50 litters from a cohort study of feral cats in managed colonies.

Procedure—Data collected for all cats included pregnancy, lactation, and estrus status and number of fetuses for pregnant cats. Additional data collected for feral cats in managed colonies included numbers of litters per year and kittens per litter, date of birth, kitten survival rate, and causes of death.

Results—Pregnant cats were observed in all months of the year, but the percentage of cats found to be pregnant was highest in March, April, and May. Cats produced a mean of 1.4 litters/y, with a median of 3 kittens/litter (range, 1 to 6). Overall, 127 of 169 (75%) kittens died or disappeared before 6 months of age. Trauma was the most common cause of death.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results illustrate the high reproductive capacity of free-roaming domestic cats. Realistic estimates of the reproductive capacity of female cats may be useful in assessing the effectiveness of population control strategies. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:1399–1402)
Time and financial costs of programs for live trapping feral cats
Authors: Nutter Felicia B. , Stoskopf Michael K. , Levine Jay F.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine the time and financial costs of programs for live trapping feral cats and determine whether allowing cats to become acclimated to the traps improved trapping effectiveness.

Design—Prospective cohort study.

Animals—107 feral cats in 9 colonies.

Procedure—15 traps were set at each colony for 5 consecutive nights, and 5 traps were then set per night until trapping was complete. In 4 colonies, traps were immediately baited and set; in the remaining 5 colonies, traps were left open and cats were fed in the traps for 3 days prior to the initiation of trapping. Costs for bait and labor were calculated, and trapping effort and efficiency were assessed.

Results—Mean ± SD overall trapping effort (ie, number of trap-nights until at least 90% of the cats in the colony had been captured or until no more than 1 cat remained untrapped) was 8.9 ± 3.9 trap-nights per cat captured. Mean overall trapping efficiency (ie, percentage of cats captured per colony) was 98.0 ± 4.0%. There were no significant differences in trapping effort or efficiency between colonies that were provided an acclimation period and colonies that were not. Overall trapping costs were significantly higher for colonies provided an acclimation period.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that these live-trapping protocols were effective. Feeding cats their regular diets in the traps for 3 days prior to the initiation of trapping did not have a significant effect on trapping effort or efficiency in the present study but was associated with significant increases in trapping costs. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:1403–1405)
Surgical management of gallbladder mucoceles in dogs: 22 cases (1999–2003)
Authors: Worley Deanna R. , Hottinger Heidi A. , Lawrence Howard J.
Published: December 2005

Objectives—To describe preoperative, surgical, and
postoperative findings and determine prognostic indicators
and treatment recommendations in dogs treated
surgically for gallbladder mucocele.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—22 client-owned dogs.

Procedures—Medical records of dogs with gallbladder
mucoceles that were treated surgically
were reviewed. History, clinical signs, results of
selected clinicopathologic analyses and abdominal
ultrasonography, surgical procedure performed,
results of histologic examination of a liver biopsy
specimen, and survival time were recorded. Followup
information was obtained via telephone interview
with owners and referring veterinarians.

Results—Dogs were 7 to 15 years of age and had nonspecific
clinical signs (vomiting, anorexia, and lethargy).
Physical examination findings included icterus, signs of
depression, and signs of discomfort on palpation of the
abdomen . Sixteen dogs had a definitive diagnosis and
6 dogs were strongly suspected of having a gallbladder
mucocele on the basis of results of abdominal ultrasonography.
Fifteen dogs survived after surgery; 3 of
these dogs had bile-induced peritonitis, and 4 had pancreatitis.
One dog was euthanatized as a result of
severe pancreatitis, and 1 was euthanatized because of
acute renal failure; 5 dogs died as a result of pancreatitis,
cholecystitis, or bile-induced peritonitis. Hepatic
abnormalities were detected histologically in all dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—No predictors
of survival were identified. No associations
between outcome of surgical treatment (survival vs
nonsurvival) and preoperative findings, biliary rupture,
surgical procedure performed, results of histologic
examination of the liver, or development of pancreatitis
were found. Cholecystoduodenostomy and
cholecystectomy appear to be acceptable treatments
for gallbladder mucocele. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004;225:1418–1422)
Impact of the Texas Beef Partnership in Extension Program on profitability of beef cow-calf herds
Authors: Wikse Steven E. , McGrann James M. , Herd Dennis B. , Falconer Lawrence L. , Holland Patricia S. , Abello Francisco J. , Rogers Glenn M. , Richardson Douglas C. , Yoder Darwin R. , Ramachandran Satheesh
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine whether beef herds could increase profitability by reducing production cost per 100 lb (hundredweight [CWT]; ie, 45.4 kg) of calf through implementation of advice from teams of veterinarians and county extension agents supported by university specialists.

Design—Longitudinal study.

Sample Population—6 commercial cow-calf herds comprising 1,927 cows.

Procedure—Teams of veterinarians and county extension agents provided advice on 25 profitable ranch management practices to herd owners for 3 years. Use of each practice in herds was measured on a scale of 1 to 5 for baseline year 1999. Similar measurements were made at the end of each year for comparison with baseline values. Outcomes were measured by standardized performance analysis.

Results—Mean weaning weight of calves per exposed cow of the 6 herds increased significantly from 1999 (2000, 26.8 kg [59 lb; 17%]; 2001, 49.1 kg [108 lb; 31%]; and 2002, 43.2 kg [95 lb; 27%]). Mean cost per CWT of calf decreased significantly from the 1999 value (2000, −$20.04 [−18%]; 2001, −$33.40 [−29%]; and 2002, −$22.52 [−20%]). Additional profits for the 6 herds were $54,407 in 2000, $135,695 in 2001, and $116,089 in 2002 (3-year total of $306,191). Mean increase in management score of herds was positively correlated with increase in net income and accounted for > 60% of increased profits.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Profitability of beef cow-calf operations can be substantially increased through a team approach by identifying opportunities for improvements in management and helping ranch managers implement profitable practices. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:210–220)
Outcome of and prognostic indicators for dogs and cats with pneumoperitoneum and no history of penetrating trauma: 54 cases (1988–2002)
Authors: Smelstoys Jennifer A. , Davis Garrett J. , Learn Amy E. , Shofer Frances F. , Brown Dorothy Cimino
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine the outcome of and prognostic indicators for dogs and cats with pneumoperitoneum and no history of penetrating trauma.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—43 dogs and 11 cats.

Procedure—Medical records of dogs and cats with radiographic evidence of pneumoperitoneum and no history of penetrating trauma were reviewed. Information collected included signalment, previous medical problems, initial complaint, duration of illness, physical examination findings, radiographic findings, laboratory abnormalities, abdominocentesis results, bacterial culture results, concurrent diseases, hospitalization time, and outcome. Abdominal radiographs were reviewed, and radiographic severity of pneumoperitoneum was classified. For those animals that underwent exploratory laparotomy, time from admission to surgery and results of histologic examination of biopsy specimens were recorded.

Results—24 (44%) animals survived and were discharged from the hospital, but none of the variables examined was associated with whether animals survived. Rupture of the gastrointestinal tract was the cause of pneumoperitoneum in 40 animals. However, cause and location of gastrointestinal tract rupture was not associated with whether animals survived. Twenty-three of 40 (58%) animals that underwent exploratory laparotomy survived, compared with only 1 of 14 animals that did not undergo surgery.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that pneumoperitoneum in dogs and cats without any history of penetrating trauma is most commonly associated with rupture of the gastrointestinal tract and requires immediate surgical intervention. Even when appropriate treatment is instituted, the shortterm prognosis is only fair. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:251–255)
Atrial fibrillation in cats: 50 cases (1979–2002)
Authors: Côté Etienne , Harpster Neil K. , Laste Nancy J. , MacDonald Kristin A. , Kittleson Mark D. , Bond Betsy R. , Barrett Kirstie A. , Ettinger Stephen J. , Atkins Clarke E.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic findings, treatment, and outcome for cats with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—50 cats.

Procedure—Medical records of cats that met criteria for a diagnosis of AF (ECG consisting of at least 2 leads, clear absence of P waves, supraventricular rhythm, and convincingly irregularly irregular rhythm) and had undergone echocardiography were reviewed.

Results—There were 41 males (37 castrated) and 9 females (7 spayed). Forty-one were of mixed breeding; 9 were purebred. Mean ± SD age was 10.2 ± 3.7 years. The most common chief complaints were dyspnea, aortic thromboembolism, and lethargy. In 11 cats, AF was an incidental finding. Mean ± SD ventricular rate was 223 ± 36 beats/min. The most common echocardiographic abnormalities were restrictive or unclassified cardiomyopathy (n = 19), concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (18), and dilated cardiomyopathy (6). Mean ± SD left atrial-to-aortic diameter ratio (n = 39) was 2.55 ± 0.80. The most common thoracic radiographic findings were cardiomegaly, pleural effusion, and pulmonary edema. Median survival time (n = 24) was 165 days (range, 0 to 1,095 days). Eight of 24 cats lived for ≥ 1 year after a diagnosis of AF was made.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that AF occurs primarily in older adult male cats with structural heart disease severe enough to lead to atrial enlargement. Atrial fibrillation in these cats was most commonly first detected when signs of decompensated cardiac disease were evident, but also was commonly identified as an incidental finding. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:256–260)
Outcome of equids with clinical signs of West Nile virus infection and factors associated with death
Authors: Salazar Patricia , Traub-Dargatz Josie L. , Morley Paul S. , Wilmot Delwin D. , Steffen David J. , Cunningham Wayne E. , Salman M. D.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine outcome of equids in the
western United States with clinical signs of West Nile
virus (WNV) infection and identify factors associated
with risk of death in infected equids.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Animals—484 equids in Nebraska and Colorado.

Procedure—Owners of 484 equids with laboratoryconfirmed
West Nile virus infection in Nebraska and
Colorado were contacted by telephone, and a questionnaire
was used to obtain information on signalment,
management, clinical signs, date of disease
onset, duration of disease, WNV vaccination status,
and health status at the time of the interview.

Results—137 of 482 (28.4%) animals died or were
euthanatized. Ataxia, lethargy, muscle fasciculations,
and weakness were the most common clinical signs
of disease. Animals ≥ 3 years old were more likely to
die than were animals ≤ 2 years old. Unvaccinated
equids were twice as likely to die as were animals
that had been vaccinated at least once prior to the
onset of disease. Animals that were recumbent and
unable to rise were 78 times as likely to die as were
animals that never lost the ability to rise. Females
were 2.9 times as likely to die as males. Two hundred
seventy-one of 339 (79.9%) animals that survived
recovered fully; mean duration of disease for these
animals was 22.3 days.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Among equids
with WNV infection, age, vaccination status, an inability
to rise, and sex were associated with the risk of
death. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004;225:267–274)
Risk factors associated with fecal Salmonella shedding among hospitalized horses with signs of gastrointestinal tract disease
Authors: Ernst Nicolas S. , Hernandez Jorge A. , MacKay Robert J. , Brown Murray P. , Gaskin Jack M. , Nguyen An D. , Giguere Steeve , Colahan Patrick T. , Troedsson Mats R. , Haines Gregory R. , Addison Iva R. , Miller Ben J.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To estimate prevalence of and identify risk factors for fecalSalmonellashedding among hospitalized horses with signs of gastrointestinal tract disease.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Animals—465 hospitalized horses with gastrointestinal tract disease.

Procedure—Horses were classified as positive or negative for fecal Salmonella shedding during hospitalization by means of standard aerobic bacteriologic methods. The relationship between investigated exposure factors and fecalSalmonellashedding was examined by means of logistic regression.

Results—The overall prevalence of fecalSalmonellashedding was 13%.Salmonellaserotype Newport was the most commonly isolated serotype (12/60 [20%]), followed by Anatum (8/60 [13%]), Java (13%), and Saint-paul (13%). Foals with gastrointestinal tract disease were 3.27 times as likely to be sheddingSalmonellaorganisms as were adult horses with gastrointestinal tract disease. Adult horses that had been treated with antimicrobial drugs prior to hospitalization were 3.09 times as likely to be sheddingSalmonellaorganisms as were adult horses that had not been treated with antimicrobial drugs prior to hospitalization. Adult horses that underwent abdominal surgery were 2.09 times as likely to be sheddingSalmonellaorganisms as were adult horses that did not undergo abdominal surgery.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that a history of exposure to antimicrobial drugs prior to hospitalization and abdominal surgery during hospitalization were associated withSalmonellashedding in adult horses with gastrointestinal tract disease. Foals with gastrointestinal tract disease were more likely to shedSalmonellaorganisms than were adult horses with gastrointestinal tract disease. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:275–281)
Comparison of the standard predictive equation for calculation of resting energy expenditure with indirect calorimetry in hospitalized and healthy dogs
Authors: O'Toole Elizabeth , Miller Craig W. , Wilson Brian A. , Mathews Karol A. , Davis Clive , Sears William
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine the level of clinical agreement between 2 methods for the measurement of resting energy expenditure (REE).

Design—Prospective case series.

Animals—77 dogs.

Procedure—Oxygen consumption (O2) and CO2production (CO2) were measured with an open-flow indirect calorimeter in healthy (n = 10) and ill (67) dogs. Measurements were collected at 3 time periods on 2 days. TheO2and theCO2measurements were then used to calculate the REE values.

Results—Mean values of measured (MREE) and predicted (PREE) REEs in healthy dogs and a dog with medical illnesses or trauma were not significantly different. There was a significant difference on day 2 between the MREE and PREE in the group of dogs recovering from major surgery. More importantly, there was significant variation between the PREE and MREE on an individual-dog basis. The PREE only agreed to within ± 20% of the MREE in 51% to 57% of the dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The level of agreement between these two methods for determining the 24-hour REE was poor in individual dogs. The level of disagreement between the 2 methods indicates that these methods may not be used interchangeably in a clinical setting. Measurement of REE by use of indirect calorimetry may be the only reliable method of determining REE in an individual ill or healthy dog. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:58–64)
Evaluation of laparoscopic-assisted placement of jejunostomy feeding tubes in dogs
Authors: Hewitt Saundra A. , Brisson Brigitte A. , Sinclair Melissa D. , Foster Robert A. , Swayne Seanna-Lynn
Published: December 2005

Objective—To evaluate feasibility of performing laparoscopic-assisted placement of a jejunostomy feeding tube (J-tube) and compare complications associated with placement, short-term feedings, and medium-term healing with surgically placed tubes in dogs.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—15 healthy mixed-breed dogs.

Procedure—Dogs were randomly allocated to undergo open surgical or laparoscopic-assisted J-tube placement. Required nutrients were administered by a combination of enteric and oral feeding while monitoring for complications. Radiographic contrast studies documented tube direction and location, altered motility, or evidence of stricture.

Results—Jejunostomy tubes were successfully placed in the correct location and direction in all dogs. In the laparoscopic group, the ileum was initially selected in 2 dogs, 2 dogs developed moderate hemorrhage at a portal site, and 2 J-tubes kinked during placement but were successfully readjusted postoperatively. All dogs tolerated postoperative feedings. All dogs developed minor ostomy site inflammation, and 1 dog developed bile-induced dermatitis at the ostomy site. Despite mild, transient neutrophilia, no significant difference was noted in WBC counts between groups. No dog had altered gastric motility or evidence of stricture, although the jejunopexy site remained identifiable in several dogs at 30 days.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Requirements for successful J-tube placement were met by use of a laparoscopic-assisted technique, and postoperative complications were mild and comparable to those seen with surgical placement. Laparoscopic-assisted J-tube placement compares favorably to surgical placement in healthy dogs and should be considered as an option for dogs requiring enterostomy feeding but not requiring a celiotomy for other reasons. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:65–71)
Evaluation of environmental risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs: 36 cases (1997–2002)
Authors: Ward Michael P. , Guptill Lynn F. , Wu Ching Ching
Published: December 2005

Objective—To identify environmental risk factors for leptospirosis.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—36 dogs with leptospirosis and 138 dogs seronegative for leptospirosis as determined by microscopic agglutination test for antibodies againstLeptospiraspp.

Procedure—Medical records of dogs evaluated for leptospirosis from 1997 though 2002 were identified. Owner address was used to geocode locations of dogs, and location-specific environmental risk factor data were obtained by use of a geographic information system. Risk of leptospirosis was estimated by odds ratios, controlling for potential confounding by dog age, sex, and breed.

Results—Leptospirosis in 19 of the 30 dogs in which an infectingLeptospiraserovar could be identified was associated withLeptospira kirschneriserovar grippotyphosa infection. Dogs in which a diagnosis of leptospirosis was made, and dogs with leptospirosis caused byL kirschneriserovar grippotyphosa, were more likely to have addresses located in areas classified as rural in 1990 but urban in 2000. By use of information on recent urbanization and a logistic regression model, the status of 81.6% and 89.8% of dogs with leptospirosis and leptospirosis caused by serovar grippotyphosa, respectively, were correctly classified. Other environmental variables (proximity to streams, recreational areas, farmland, wetlands, areas subject to flooding, and areas with poor drainage; annual rainfall; and county cattle or pig population) did not significantly improve accuracy of classification.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dogs in periurban areas are at greater risk of leptospirosis. Vaccination of dogs in these areas to protect against leptospirosis should be considered. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:72–77)
Investigation of an outbreak of encephalomyelitis caused by West Nile virus in 136 horses
Authors: Ward Michael P. , Levy Michel , Thacker H. Leon , Ash Marianne , Norman Sandra K. L. , Moore George E. , Webb Paul W.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To describe an outbreak of encephalomyelitis
caused by West Nile virus (WNV) in horses in
northern Indiana.

Design—Case series.

Animals—170 horses.

Procedure—Horses with clinical signs suggestive of
encephalomyelitis caused by WNV were examined.
Date, age, sex, breed, and survival status were recorded.
Serum samples were tested for anti-WNV antibodies,
and virus isolation was attempted from samples of
brain tissue. Climate data from local weather recording
stations were collected. An epidemic curve was constructed,
and case fatality rate was calculated.

Results—The most common clinical signs were ataxia,
hind limb paresis, and muscle tremors and fasciculations.
Eight horses had been vaccinated against WNV from 2 to
21 days prior to the appearance of clinical signs. West
Nile virus was isolated from brain tissue of 2 nonvaccinated
horses, and anti-WNV IgM antibodies were detected
in 132 nonvaccinated horses; in 2 other nonvaccinated
horses, anti-WNV antibodies were detected and WNV
was also isolated from brain tissue. Thirty-one (22.8%)
horses died or were euthanatized. The peak of the outbreak
occurred on September 6, 2002. Ambient temperatures
were significantly lower after the peak of the outbreak,
compared with prior to the peak.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The peak risk
period for encephalomyelitis caused by WNV in northern
Indiana was mid-August to mid-September. Reduction in
cases coincided with decreasing ambient temperatures.
Because of a substantial case fatality rate, owners of
horses in northern Indiana should have their horses fully
protected by vaccination against WNV before June. In
other regions of the United States with a defined mosquito
breeding season, vaccination of previously nonvaccinated
horses should commence at least 4 months
before the anticipated peak in seasonal mosquito numbers,
and for previously vaccinated horses, vaccine
should be administered no later than 2 months before
this time. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004;225:84–89)
Association between race history and risk of superficial digital flexor tendon injury in Thoroughbred racehorses
Authors: Takahashi Toshiyuki , Kasashima Yoshinori , Ueno Yoshiharu
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine whether race history, including the number of races and total race distance, was associated with risk of superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injury in Thoroughbred racehorses in Japan.

Design—Matched case-control study.

Animals—515 Thoroughbred racehorses (case horses) that sustained an SDFT injury during training or racing in Japan during 2002 and 951 horses (control horses) without SDFT injury that were matched with case horses on the basis of age and month of the latest race.

Procedure—Variables related to race history were compared between case and control horses by means of conditional logistic regression.

Results—The odds of SDFT injury increased as mean race distance and mean body weight at race time increased. Compared with females that had never competed in steeplechase races, males regardless of steeplechase race history and females that had competed in steeplechase races had higher odds of SDFT injury.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that longer mean distance per race, heavier mean body weight at race time, steeplechase experience, and sex (male) increased the risk of SDFT injury in Thoroughbred racehorses. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:90–93)
Evaluation of diphenhydramine as a sedative for dogs
Authors: Hofmeister Erik H. , Egger Christine M.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine and compare levels of sedation achieved by IM administration of diphenhydramine, saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, and acepromazine in dogs.

Design—Prospective randomized study.

Animals—56 dogs.

Procedure—Dogs were randomly assigned to receive diphenhydramine at 2, 4, or 8 mg/kg (0.9, 1.8, or 3.6 mg/lb, respectively) IM; acepromazine at 0.1 mg/kg (0.05 mg/lb) IM; or saline solution at 0.05 mL/kg (0.02 mL/lb) IM. Sedation was assessed by use of a 6-category descriptive system based on observation and interaction.

Results—Dogs in the acepromazine group had significantly higher sedation scores than did dogs in the saline solution or diphenhydramine groups at 30 minutes. Dogs in the diphenhydramine groups did not have significantly different sedation scores from dogs in the saline solution group at any time point.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Diphenhydramine did not cause clinically appreciable sedation in healthy dogs. Diphenhydramine is not suitable as a sole sedative prior to general anesthesia in dogs. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2005;226:1092–1094)
Clinical, echocardiographic, and electrocardiographic abnormalities in Boxers with cardiomyopathy and left ventricular systolic dysfunction: 48 cases (1985–2003)
Authors: Baumwart Ryan D. , Meurs Kathryn M. , Atkins Clarke E. , Bonagura John D. , DeFrancesco Teresa C. , Keene Bruce W. , Koplitz Shianne , Fuentes Virginia Luis , Miller Matthew W. , Rausch William , Spier Alan W.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To identify clinical, echocardiographic, and electrocardiographic abnormalities in Boxers with cardiomyopathy and echocardiographic evidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—48 mature Boxers.

Procedure—Medical records were reviewed for information on age; sex; physical examination findings; and results of electrocardiography, 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiography, thoracic radiography, and echocardiography.

Results—Mean age of the dogs was 6 years (range, 1 to 11 years). Twenty (42%) dogs had a systolic murmur, and 9 (19%) had ascites. Congestive heart failure was diagnosed in 24 (50%) dogs. Seventeen (35%) dogs had a history of syncope. Mean fractional shortening was 14.4% (range, 1% to 23%). Mean left ventricular systolic and diastolic diameters were 4.5 cm (range, 3 to 6.3 cm) and 5.3 cm (range, 3.9 to 7.4 cm), respectively. Twenty-eight (58%) dogs had a sinus rhythm with ventricular premature complexes (VPCs), and 20 had supraventricular arrhythmias (15 with atrial fibrillation and 5 with sinus rhythm and atrial premature complexes). Sixteen of the dogs with supraventricular arrhythmias also had occasional VPCs. Morphology of the VPCs seen on lead II ECGs was consistent with left bundle branch block in 25 dogs, right bundle branch block in 8, and both in 11.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that Boxers with cardiomyopathy and left ventricular dysfunction frequently have arrhythmias of supraventricular or ventricular origin. Whether ventricular dysfunction was preceded by electrical disturbances could not be determined from these data, and the natural history of myocardial disease in Boxers requires further study. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2005;226:1102–1104)
Evaluation of factors that affect embryonic loss in dairy cattle
Authors: Moore Dale A. , Overton Michael W. , Chebel Ricardo C. , Truscott Marla L. , BonDurant Robert H.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To identify potential risk factors for embryonic loss before 35 to 42 days of gestation in dairy cattle.

Design—Prospective observational study.

Animals—381 cows.

Procedure—Body condition score was determined at the time of artificial insemination (AI; day 0) and on days 20, 23, and 27 and between days 35 and 41; serum progesterone concentration was measured on days 0; 20 or 21; and 23, 24, or 25. Cows were excluded from analyses if day 0 serum progesterone concentration was ≥ 1.0 ng/mL and classified as pregnant on day 23 if serum progesterone was > 1.5 ng/mL on day 20 or 21 and day 23, 24, or 25. Cows were examined via transrectal ultrasonography on day 27 or 28 and rectally palpated for pregnancy on days 35 to 41.

Results—39% of cows that were pregnant on day 23 lost their embryo by day 27, and 18% of cows that were pregnant on day 27 or 28 were not pregnant on days 35 to 41. Breeding a pregnant cow posed the greatest risk for embryonic loss at both time periods. Mean serum progesterone concentrations on day 21 or 22 and day 23, 24, or 25 were lowest for cows that lost an embryo between days 24 and 28. Cows with a linear somatic cell count score > 4.5 before AI were twice as likely to lose the embryo by 35 to 41 days, compared with cows with a score < 4.5.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that embryonic loss could be reduced by more accurate estrus detection, reducing mastitis, and strategies to improve progesterone concentration after breeding. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2005;226:1112–1118)
Milk flow and udder health in cows after treatment of covered teat injuries via theloresectoscopy: 52 cases (2000–2002)
Authors: Bleul Ulrich T. , Schwantag Silvia C. , Bachofner Christine , Hässig Michael R. , Kähn Wolfgang K.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine milk flow, somatic cell counts (SCCs), and the incidence of clinical mastitis in cows that had undergone theloresectoscopy for treatment of teat stenosis caused by mucosal detachment in the region of the streak canal or Fürstenberg's rosette.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—52 cows with teat stenosis that were treated via theloresectoscopy.

Procedure—Medical records of eligible cows were reviewed. Additional data regarding milking ease, SCC, development of clinical mastitis of the affected gland, and whether the cow remained in the herd were collected via owner-completed questionnaires.

Results—49 of 52 questionnaires were completed. At referral, teat sinusitis was diagnosed in 29 of 52 cows. Milk flow was normal in 38 of 41 treated teats at discharge and in 24 of 40 during the next lactation. Thirteen of 49 cows were culled during the next lactation because of abnormal udder health. High SCC and teat sinusitis at referral and development of clinical mastitis during the 10-day period after surgery resulted in high SCCs in the remainder of the current lactation. The incidence of clinical mastitis during the remainder of the current and during the next lactation was higher in cows that had teat sinusitis at the time of surgery, compared with those that did not.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Teat stenoses resulting from mucosal lesions in the region of the streak canal or Fürstenberg's rosette may be successfully treated via theloresectoscopy. Inflammation of the teat sinus and gland at the time of surgery may adversely affect udder health. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2005;226:1119–1123)
Serologic survey of cats and dogs during an epidemic of West Nile virus infection in humans
Authors: Kile James C. , Panella Nicholas A. , Komar Nicholas , Chow Catherine C. , MacNeil Adam , Robbins Brent , Bunning Michel L.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To estimate West Nile virus (WNV) infection
rates, assess environmental variables that correlated
with seropositivity in dogs and cats, and assess whether
pets should be considered as possible sentinels for
WNV and therefore of potential human exposure.

Design—Cross-sectional serosurvey.

Animals—442 dogs and 138 cats.

Procedure—Serum samples were screened for
seropositivity against WNV by use of the plaque
reduction neutralization test.

Results—116 (26%) dogs and 13 (9%) cats yielded positive
results. The odds of seropositivity against WNV for
outdoor-only family dogs were almost 19 times as great
as those for indoor-only family dogs and almost twice as
great for stray dogs as for family dogs. Family dogs not
receiving heartworm medication were 2.5 times as likely
to yield positive results for antibodies against WNV as
family dogs receiving heartworm medication.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Seropositivity
was greater for outdoor family dogs than for indoor
family dogs. Further investigation of the potential use
of stray dogs as sentinel indicators for WNV infection
and the potential risk of human exposure is warranted.
(J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005;226:1349–1353).
Validity of a health-related quality-of-life scale for dogs with signs of pain secondary to cancer
Authors: Yazbek Karina V. B. , Fantoni Denise T.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To develop and validate a health-related quality-of-life scale for dogs with pain secondary to cancer.

Design—Questionnaire development.

Animals—40 healthy dogs with no history or signs of pain, 20 dogs with dermatologic disease but no signs of pain other than mild pruritus, and 20 dogs with cancer.

Procedure—Owners of all dogs completed a questionnaire containing 12 questions with 4 options for each question, and a quality-of-life score ranging from 0 to 36 was calculated. Scores for dogs with cancer were compared with scores for healthy dogs and dogs with dermatologic disease.

Results—All owners indicated that the questionnaire was easy to complete. Scores for healthy dogs were significantly different from scores for dogs with cancer and scores for dogs with dermatologic disease. Scores for dogs with dermatologic disease were significantly different from scores for dogs with cancer.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that a simple questionnaire may be useful in assessing health-related quality of life in dogs with pain secondary to cancer, in that dogs with cancer had significantly lower scores than did healthy dogs and dogs with dermatologic disease. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2005;226:1354–1358)
Incidence and prognostic importance of lymph node metastases in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma: 228 cases (1986–2003)
Authors: Hillers Kim R. , Dernell William S. , Lafferty Mary H. , Withrow Stephen J. , Lana Susan E.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine the incidence of regional lymph node metastasis in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma and determine whether regional lymph node metastasis was associated with shortened disease-free interval or survival time.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—228 dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma in which regional lymph nodes were examined histologically at the time of limb amputation.

Procedure—Information collected from the medical records included signalment; affected site; initial serum alkaline phosphatase activity; whether treatment involved adjuvant chemotherapy and, if so, chemotherapeutic agents administered and number of treatments; disease-free interval; and survival time.

Results—10 (4.4%) dogs had histologic evidence of regional lymph node metastasis at the time of amputation. Median disease-free interval for dogs without regional lymph node metastasis (238 days; range, 0 to 1,067 days) was significantly longer than median disease-free interval for dogs with regional lymph node metastasis (48 days; range, 2 to 269 days). Median survival time for dogs without lymph node metastasis (318 days; range, 20 to 1,711 days) was significantly longer than median survival time for dogs with lymph node metastasis (59 days; range, 19 to 365 days).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that regional lymph node metastasis is rare in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma but that dogs with lymph node metastasis have a poorer prognosis than do dogs without. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2005;226:1364–1367)
Effects of using retention-pond water for dust abatement on performance of feedlot steers and carriage of Escherichia coli O157 and Salmonella spp
Authors: Loneragan Guy H. , Brashears Mindy M.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To evaluate the effects of using retentionpond
water for dust abatement on performance of
feedlot steers and carriage of Escherichia coli O157
and Salmonella spp.

Design—Matched cohort studies.

Animals—2 groups of feedlot steers comprising
3,510 (pathogen carriage) and 3,737 (performance)
animals housed in a large commercial feedlot in the
Texas Panhandle.

Procedure—Steers were systematically allocated to
treatment pens approximately 60 days after arrival
(pathogen carriage) or at arrival (performance). For
evaluation of pathogen carriage, feces and hide swab
specimens were collected from 25 animals in each
pen within 10 days of slaughter. Samples were submitted
for bacterial culture for E coli O157 and were
tested with a polymerase chain reaction-based assay
for Salmonella spp. For evaluation of performance,
pen weights of animals were obtained at arrival and
slaughter and feed delivered to each pen was recorded.
The exposure of interest for both studies was
application of retention-pond water through fixed
high-pressure sprinklers.

Results—Carriage of E coli O157 and Salmonella spp
and animal performance were not adversely affected
by exposure to retention-pond water. Prevalences of
E coli O157 in feces, on hides, and either in feces or
on hides for those exposed to retention-pond water
were 8.3%, 8.9%, and 15.4%, respectively; prevalences
for those unexposed to retention-pond water
were 11.4%, 15.4%, and 22.6%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest
that use of retention-pond water for dust abatement in
feedlot pens does not adversely affect pathogen carriage
or animal performance. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005;226:
1378–1383)
Accuracy of polymerase chain reaction assays for diagnosis of feline immunodeficiency virus infection in cats
Authors: Crawford P. Cynda , Slater Margaret R. , Levy Julie K.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine the sensitivity, specificity,
and overall diagnostic accuracy of polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) assays offered by commercial diagnostic
laboratories for diagnosis of FIV infection in
cats.

Design—Prospective clinical trial.

Animals—124 cats.

Procedure—Blood was collected from cats that were
neither infected with nor vaccinated against FIV, uninfected
cats that were vaccinated with a licensed FIV
vaccine, and cats experimentally and naturally infected
with FIV representing subtypes A, B, and C. Coded
blood samples were submitted to 3 laboratories in the
United States and Canada offering PCR assays for
diagnosis of FIV infection to veterinary practitioners.
All laboratories tested fresh blood samples, and 1 laboratory
also tested samples submitted as dried blood
smears. The FIV infection status in all cats was confirmed
by virus isolation. Sensitivity, specificity, and
correct results were calculated for each PCR assay.

Results—Sensitivity ranged from 41% to 93%.
Specificity ranged from 81% to 100% in unvaccinated
cats and 44% to 95% in cats vaccinated against FIV.
Correct results were obtained in 58% to 90% of 124
cats tested. All tests misidentified both uninfected
and infected cats. False-positive results by all laboratories
were higher in cats vaccinated against FIV than
in unvaccinated cats, suggesting that vaccination
interferes with the performance or interpretation of
PCR assays used for diagnosis of FIV infection.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—PCR assays
used for diagnosis of FIV infection presently marketed
to veterinary practitioners in North America vary significantly
in diagnostic accuracy and did not resolve the
diagnostic dilemma resulting from vaccination of cats
against FIV. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005;226:1503–1507)