bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Idiopathic Hypercalcemia in Cats
Authors: Midkiff A.M. , Chew D.J. , Randolph J.F. , Center S.A. , DiBartola S.P.
Published: March 2010

Unexplained hypercalcemia has been increasingly recognized in cats since 1990. In some instances, hypercalcemia has been associated with calcium oxalate urolithiasis, and some affected cats have been fed acidifying diets. We studied the laboratory findings, clinical course, and treatment of 20 cats with idiopathic hypercalcemia. Eight (40%) of the cats were longhaired and all 14 cats for which adequate dietary history was available had been fed acidifying diets. Clinical signs included vomiting (6 cats), weight loss (4 cats), dysuria (4 cats), anorexia (3 cats), and inappropriate urinations (3 cats). Hypercalcemia was mild to moderate in severity, and serum parathyroid hormone concentrations were normal or low. Serum concentrations of phosphorus, parathyroid hormone‐related peptide, 25‐hydroxycholecalciferol, and calcitriol were within the reference range in most cats. Diseases commonly associated with hypercalcemia (eg, neoplasia, primary hyperparathyroidism) were not identified despite thorough medical evaluations and long‐term clinical follow‐up. Azotemia either did not develop (10 cats) or developed after the onset of hypercalcemia (3 cats), suggesting that renal failure was not the cause of hypercalcemia in affected cats. Seven of 20 cats (35%) had urolithiasis, and in 2 cats uroliths were composed of calcium oxalate. Subtotal parathyroidectomy in 2 cats and dietary modification in 11 cats did not result in resolution of hypercalcemia. Treatment with prednisone resulted in complete resolution of hypercalcemia in 4 cats.
Thyrotropin‐Releasing Hormone Stimulation Test to Assess Thyroid Function in Severely Sick Cats
Authors: Tomsa Kamil , Glaus Tony M. , Kacl Georg M. , Pospischil Andreas , Reusch Claudia E.
Published: March 2010

Basal serum thyroxine (T4) concentration and the thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test were used to assess thyroid function in 36 critically ill cats examined between July 1996 and October 1998. Of the 36 cats, hyperthyroidism (as underlying or complicating disease) was suspected in 22 based on clinical signs, palpable thyroid nodules, and abnormal thyroid gland histology (study group). Hyperthyroidism was not suspected in the remaining 14 cats, which served as the control group. Based on serum T4concentrations, suppression of thyroid function was documented in 14 (64%) cats of the study group and in 10 (71%) cats of the control group. The TRH stimulation test revealed an increase in serum T4of less than 50% of the baseline concentration in 18 (82%) cats of the study group, and in 6 (43%) cats of the control group. In conclusion, based on the results of serum T4determinations and the TRH stimulation tests, it was not possible to differentiate between cats with clinical and histologic evidence of thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism) and cats with severe nonthyroidal illnesses.
Retrospective Analysis of Axial Skeleton Osteosarcoma in 22 Large‐Breed Dogs
Authors: Dickerson Margaret E. , Page Rodney L. , LaDue Tracy A. , Hauck Marlene L. , Thrall Donald E. , Stebbins Martha E. , Price G. Sylvester
Published: March 2010

Medical records of 22 large‐breed dogs (>15 kg) with osteosarcoma (OSA) of the axial skeleton were reviewed to determine prevalence of metastasis and survival associated with this neoplasm. All dogs were treated with more than 1 mode of therapy including palliative radiation (n = 12), definitive radiation (n = 8), surgery (n = 7), chemotherapy (n = 12), or some combination of these therapies. Metastasis was documented in 10 of 22 dogs (46%), and the median survival for all dogs was 137 days. Primary cause of death was local tumor recurrence (54%). Breed (retriever versus purebred versus mixed‐breed survival was 100, 182, and 264 days, respectively) and radiation therapy protocol (survival in dogs treated with palliative radiation therapy versus those treated with definitive radiation therapy was 79 and 265 days, respectively) were significantly related to survival (P< .05) Prevalence of metastasis and median survival for large‐breed dogs with axial skeleton OSA seems to be similar to that reported for large‐breed dogs with appendicular skeleton OSA. Definitive radiation therapy may have a role in the treatment of axial skeleton osteosarcoma.
Idiopathic Hypereosinophilic Syndrome in 3 Rottweilers
Authors: Sykes Jane E. , Weiss Douglas J. , Buoen Lance C. , Blauvelt Melissa M. , Hayden David W.
Published: March 2010

Three Rottweilers with marked peripheral eosinophilia and infiltration of the liver, spleen, lungs, and bone marrow with eosinophils were diagnosed with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (IHES). Mean serum immunoglobulin E concentrations were markedly high. On cytogenetic analysis, no evidence of karyotypic abnormalities was found in bone marrow aspirates. Despite an extensive search, no underlying cause for the eosinophilia could be identified. In this study, cytogenetic analysis and measurement of serum IgE concentrations were used to differentiate IHES and eosinophilic leukemia.
The Prognostic Value of the Modified Glasgow Coma Scale in Head Trauma in Dogs
Authors: Platt Simon R. , Radaelli Simona T. , McDonnell John J.
Published: March 2010

A clinical coma scale modified from the Glasgow Coma Scale used for humans has been suggested as a useful predictor of outcome in the head trauma patient. The objective of this study was to correlate the modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) score of dogs with head trauma with their probability of survival. Thirty‐eight dogs with head trauma were selected and retrospectively evaluated. The information retrieved from the medical record of each dog included signalment, body weight, cause of head trauma, MGCS, presence of concurrent neck pain, and outcome (dead or alive) after 48 hours. Logistic regression was used to model survival in the 1st 48 hours as a function of MGCS, gender, weight, and calvarial fractures. The MGCS ranged from 5 to 18. Seven dogs died within 48 hours of the head trauma. The MGCS could predict the probability of survival in the 1st 48 hrs after head trauma with 50% probability in a patient with a score of 8. Gender, weight, and presence of skull fractures did not predict survival. In conclusion, the MGCS is a useful index for prediction of outcome in dogs with head trauma.
Flow Cytometric and Immunophenotypic Evaluation of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in Dog Bone Marrow
Authors: Weiss Douglas J.
Published: March 2010

Monoclonal antibodies provide powerful tools for detection of lineage‐specific markers on hematopoietic cells. We used the combination of cell morphology, cytochemistry, flow cytometric scatter plot analysis, and labeling of cells with 6 monoclonal antibodies to detect and subclassify lymphocytic leukemia in bone marrow from 5 dogs. Antibodies included anti‐CD18 (a panleukocyte marker), anti‐MHC class II (detects most B and T lymphocytes and monocyte/macrophages), anti‐Thy‐1 (a pan‐T‐lymphocyte and monocyte/macrophage marker), anti‐CD3 (a pan‐T‐lymphocyte marker), anti‐CD21 (a B‐lymphocyte marker), and anti‐CD14 (a monocyte/macrophage marker). Of the 5 dogs evaluated, 2 were categorized as acute T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia, 2 as acute non‐T, non‐B lymphoblastic leukemia, and 1 as acute B‐cell lymphoblastic leukemia. Results of this study indicate marked variation in the morphology and immunophenotype of canine lymphocytic leukemia.
Immune Cell Populations within the Duodenal Mucosa of Dogs with Enteropathies
Authors: German A.J. , Hall E.J. , Day M.J.
Published: March 2010

The mucosal immune system may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of small intestinal enteropathies. The aim of the current study was to assess mucosal immune cell populations in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), idiopathic antibiotic‐responsive diarrhea (ARD), and adverse reactions to food (FR). Endoscopic biopsies were performed of the duodenum of dogs with these conditions and from a group of dogs without enteric disease. Additional control samples were collected after death from other dogs that did not have evidence of enteric disease. Immunohistochemistry and computer‐aided morphometry were used to assess the distribution of immune cell subsets in both lamina propria and intestinal epithelium. Compared with controls, dogs with ARD had increased numbers of lamina propria immunoglobulin (Ig) A+ plasma cells and CD4+ cells. More marked alterations were noted in dogs with IBD, with significant increases in lamina propria IgG+ plasma cells, T cells (CD3+), CD4+ cells, macrophages, and neutrophils, but with reduced mast cell numbers. Increased intraepithelial CD3+ T cells were also present in the dogs with IBD, compared with controls. However, lamina propria and epithelial populations were unaltered in dogs with FR when compared with controls. The altered mucosal immune cell populations observed in dogs with ARD or IBD may reflect an underlying immunologic pathogenesis in these disorders.
Comparison of the Sensitivity of Different Diagnostic Tests for Pancreatitis in Cats
Authors: Gerhardt Annette , Steiner Jörg M. , Williams David A. , Kramer Sabine , Fuchs Christiane , Janthur Martin , Hewicker‐Trautwein Marion , Nolte Ingo
Published: March 2010

The objective of this study was to compare the sensitivity of different diagnostic tests for pancreatitis in cats. Twenty‐one cats with confirmed pancreatitis were evaluated at the Small Animal Clinic of the School of Veterinary Medicine in Hannover, Germany, between September 1997 and January 1999. Clinical signs of affected cats were nonspecific, with 95% of the cats showing anorexia and 86% lethargy. Also, hematologic and biochemical abnormalities of affected cats were nonspecific. Serum feline trypsin‐like immunoreactivity (fTLI) in these 21 cats with pancreatitis was 127.5 ± 109.5 μg/L (mean ± SD; range, 24–500 μg/L). Fourteen of the 21 cats with pancreatitis had complicating conditions. Their serum fTLI was 153.9 ± 124.3 μg/L (mean ± SD; range, 29–500 μg/L). In this study, abdominal ultrasound showed a sensitivity for pancreatitis of 24%, and abdominal computed tomography had a sensitivity of 20%. Serum fTLI had a sensitivity between 86% when a cut‐off value of 49 μg/L was used (upper limit of the control range) and 33% when a cut‐off value of 100 μg/L was used. We conclude that in this group of cats with pancreatitis, measurement of serum fTLI was the most sensitive diagnostic test of those evaluated. Abdominal ultrasound, however, may be a valuable diagnostic tool in some cats with pancreatitis.
Diagnostic Validity of Electroencephalography in Equine Intracranial Disorders
Authors: Lacombe V.A. , Podell M. , Furr M. , Reed S.M. , Oglesbee M.J. , Hinchcliff K.W. , Kohn C.W.
Published: March 2010

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a valuable diagnostic test to identify functional disturbances in brain activity. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of EEG as a diagnostic indicator of intracranial diseases in horses. The validity of EEG was estimated by comparing clinical, clinicopathologic, and histopathologic findings to EEG findings in 20 horses examined for seizures, collapse, or abnormal behavior between 1984 and 1997. A bipolar left‐to‐right, back‐to‐front montage and a bipolar circular montage were recorded from sedated (4) and anesthetized (16) horses. Visual and semiquantitative masked analysis of EEG recording 1st was validated on 10 horses presented for problems other than intracranial diseases. EEG pattern was normal in 7 of the 20 clinically affected horses. Abnormal EEG patterns included high‐voltage slow waves and discrete paroxysmal activity with or without generalized activity in 13 horses. Histopathologic diagnoses in 10 horses included meningoencephalitis, neuronal necrosis, congenital anomalies, cerebral edema, and abscess. All of these horses had abnormal EEG patterns (sensitivity, 100%) with a positive neuroanatomic correlation in 7 animals. Localization of histopathologic and EEG abnormalities did not correlate in 15% of the horses (3/20). The cause of neurologic signs could not be explained at postmortem examination in 10 animals and the EEG pattern was normal in 7 of these horses (specificity, 70%). In conclusion, equine EEG was a sensitive tool in the diagnosis of intracranial disorders.
Host Responses to Cryptosporidium Infection
Authors: Gookin Jody L. , Nordone Shila K. , Argenzio Robert A.
Published: March 2010

Cryptosporidiumis a clinically and economically important infection whose pathogenic effect begins with colonization of the intestinal epithelium. Despite intensive efforts, a consistently effective therapy for the infection has yet to be identified. Morbidity and mortality results from ongoing loss of absorptive epithelium, which leads to villous atrophy and malabsorption and release of inflammatory mediators that stimulate electrolyte secretion and diarrhea. With further clarification of the mechanisms underlying enterocyte malfunction inCryptosporidiuminfection, it should be possible to design rational nutritional and pharmacologic therapies to enhance nutrient and water absorption, promote the clearance of infected enterocytes, and restore normal villus architecture and mucosal barrier function.
First‐Pass Nuclear Angiocardiography in the Evaluation of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Dogs
Authors: Bahr Anne , Miller Matthew , Gordon Sonya
Published: March 2010

First‐pass nuclear angiocardiography (FPNA) was performed in 5 normal dogs and in 19 dogs with left‐to‐right shunting patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Affected dogs were evaluated before and after an occlusion procedure (surgical ligation or transarterial coil embolization). Two methods of analysis were used to evaluate the pulmonary time‐activity curves and assess the magnitude of the shunt. One method involved the calculation of a simple count ratio (C2: C1). The other method used gamma variate modeling to estimate the ratio of pulmonary to systemic blood flow (QP:QS). Values for normal dogs (mean ± SD) were C2:C1 = 0.39 ± 0.11 and QP:QS = 1.10 ± 0.03. Values for affected dogs were C2:C1 = 0.59 ± 0.17, QP:QS = 2.01 ± 0.46 before intervention and QP:QS = 1.21 ± 0.17, C2:C1 = 0.42 ± 0.12 after intervention. Both methods detected significant differences between normal and affected dogs (QP:QS,t‐test,P< .001; C2:C1;t‐test;P= .018) and between affected dogs pre‐ and postocclusion (QP: QS, pairedt‐test,P< .001; C2 : C1, pairedt‐test,P= .002). However, QP : QS was a better separator of normal from affected animals. First‐pass nuclear angiocardiography, by the gamma variate method, may be a useful, adjunct diagnostic test in evaluation of animals with left‐to‐right shunting PDA, particularly in animals with residual shunting after an occlusion procedure.
Development of a Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for the Detection and Identification ofPythium insidiosum
Authors: Grooters Amy M. , Gee Melaney K.
Published: March 2010

Pythium insidiosumis an important cause of cutaneous and gastrointestinal disease in horses and dogs in the southeastern United States. Culture‐based diagnosis of pythiosis is rarely definitive because production and identification of reproductive structures is difficult. The purpose of this study was to develop a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based assay for the identification ofP insidiosum. Genomic DNA was extracted from 3 clinical isolates ofP insidiosumand 1 isolate each ofPythium graminicolaandPythium arrhenomanes. The ITS 1 region of the ribosomal RNA gene of each isolate was amplified and sequenced, and the resultant sequences were aligned with published sequences forPythium aphanidermatum, P acanthicum, andP myriotylum. A pair ofP insidiosum— specific primers (PI‐1 and PI‐2) were designed from variable regions within the ITS1 region. A nested PCR assay was developed in which the 1st round amplified the ITS 1 region by use of universal fungal primers. Second‐round amplification utilized the internalP insidiosum‐specific primers PI‐1 and PI‐2. Specificity of the assay was tested with DNA extracted from cultures of the following: 10 clinical isolates ofP insidiosumand 1 isolate each ofP graminicola, P irregulare, P arrhenomanes, P myriotylum, P deliense, Basidiobolus ranarum, Conidiobolus coronatus, Aspergillus terreus, Lagenidium giganteum, and a canine‐pathogenicLagenidiumspecies. Nested PCR produced a single 105‐base pair amplicon for each of theP insidiosumisolates, but did not produce amplicons for any of the other isolates. Results of this study suggest that PCR is a useful tool for the identification ofP insidiosum.
A Retrospective Study of 19 Cases of Canine Myelofibrosis
Authors: Weiss Douglas J. , Smith Stephanie A.
Published: March 2010

Nineteen cases of myelofibrosis were identified among 456 canine bone marrow specimens submitted for analysis. Myelofibrosis was classified as primary in 1 dog and as secondary in 18 dogs. Clinical conditions associated with secondary myelofibrosis included immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (n = 5), neoplasia (n = 4), and long‐term drug treatment (n = 4). Drugs administered included phenobarbital, phenytoin, phenylbutazone, and colchicine. Bone marrow necrosis was observed in 5 dogs. Eight dogs were treated with immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone, and 3 were treated with erythropoietin. Half of the dogs with secondary myelofibrosis recovered from their cytopenias and were alive from 4 months to 5 years after diagnosis.
Role of the Enteric Nervous System in the Pathophysiology of Secretory Diarrhea
Authors: Jones Samuel L. , Blikslager Anthony T.
Published: March 2010

Details of the physiology and pathophysiology of epithelial secretion in the gastrointestinal tract are becoming clear, leading to new models of the mechanisms underlying diarrhea. The enteric nervous system is a critical component of the mechanism regulating fluid secretion in the normal gut and a key element in the pathophysiology of diarrhea. Neural reflex pathways increase epithelial fluid secretion in response to several enteric pathogens of veterinary importance such asSalmonellaspp.,Cryptosporidium parvum, rotavirus, andClostridium difficile. Moreover, the enteric nervous system has an important role in epithelial secretion triggered by products of activated leukocytes during inflammation. New approaches targeting the enteric nervous system show promise for the treatment of secretory diarrhea.
Urine Sulfated and Nonsulfated Bile Acids as a Diagnostic Test for Liver Disease in Cats
Authors: Trainor D. , Center S.A. , Randolph J.F. , Balkman C.E. , Warner K.L. , Crawford M.A. , Adachi K. , Erb H.N.
Published: March 2010

Urine bile acid (UBA) tests reflecting “average” serum bile acid (SBA) concentrations may have greater practical utility than paired SBA samples in cats. This study evaluated whether urine sulfated bile acids (USBAs), urine nonsulfated bile acids (UNS‐BAs), or a combined approach had a clinical utility equivalent to SBAs. Routine serum biochemistry tests, SBA concentrations, and urine samples were collected from 54 cats with hepatobiliary disease, 17 cats with nonhepatic disorders, and 8 healthy cats. UBAs were measured by a quantitative enzymatic colorimetric method, and results were normalized with urine creatinine (UCr) concentrations. Significantly higher values occurred in cats with liver disease than in cats without liver disease for USBA: UCr, UNSBA: UCr, and (USBA and UNSBA): UCr,P< .05 each. UBA tests with diagnostic performance (sensitivity [SS], specificity [SP], and positive and negative predictive values [PV+ and PV–]) equivalent to SBAs were the UNSBA:UCr and the combined test (SS: 87, 87 versus 85; SP: 88, 88 versus 88; PV+: 96, 96 versus 96; PV–: 68, 65 versus 68; UNSBA: UCr, [USBA, and UNSBA]: UCr versus SBA, respectively). Clinical applications of the UNSBA: UCr or the combined (USBA and UNSBA): UCr test should be useful as convenient diagnostic tests for identifying cats with liver disease and high SBA concentrations.
Brain Natriuretic Peptide Concentration in Dogs with Heart Disease and Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: MacDonald Kristin A. , Kittleson Mark D. , Munro Coralie , Kass Philip
Published: March 2010

Plasma brain natriuretic peptide concentration ([BNP]) is high in humans with cardiac disease and is further increased with congestive heart failure (CHF). The hypotheses of this study were that dogs with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation due to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MVD) would have increased plasma [BNP] compared to normal dogs, that plasma [BNP] would be higher in dogs with CHF, and that plasma [BNP] would predict premature death from cardiovascular disease. The study population consisted of 34 dogs: 9 normal dogs and 25 dogs with MVD. Patients were divided into 4 groups: group I–10 dogs with moderate to severe MVD and no radiographic evidence of CHF; group II–6 dogs with severe MVD and mild CHF; group III–7 dogs with severe MVD and moderate CHF; and group IV–2 dogs with severe MVD and severe CHF. Diagnostic tests included thoracic radiographs, an echocardiogram, a serum chemistry profile, and the measurement of plasma [BNP] by a canine‐specific radioimmunoassay. There was a significant positive correlation between the plasma [BNP] and heart disease/failure groups(P= .0036). Plasma [BNP] increased with progressively increasing severity of MVD and CHF. Group I dogs had higher plasma [BNP] than did control dogs(P< .0001), and plasma [BNP] was higher in dogs with CHF (groups II‐IV versus group I;P =.012). Plasma [BNP] was also weakly positively correlated with left atrial size (r= 0.43,P= .04). For every 10‐pg/mL increase in plasma [BNP], the mortality rate over 4 months' time increased approximately 44%.
Decreased Plasma Concentration of Nitric Oxide Metabolites in Dogs with Untreated Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Pedersen Henrik D. , Schutt Trine , Søndergaard Rikke , Qvortrup Karen , Olsen Lisbeth H. , Kristensen Annemarie T.
Published: March 2010

Endothelium‐dependent (nitric oxide [NO]‐mediated) vasodilation is impaired in humans with heart failure. This dysfunction is an important therapeutic target. The plasma concentration of the NO metabolites nitrate and nitrite (collectively referred to as NOx) is a measure of whole‐body NO production, provided that the dietary intake of the ions is low. Fifty clinically healthy dogs older than 1 year (median 5.0 years; interquartile interval 2.6–8.2 years) were studied, including 9 controls of various breeds, 23 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs) with no or minimal mitral regurgitation (MR), 9 CKCSs with mild MR (regurgitant jet occupying 15–50% of the left atrial area), and 9 CKCS with moderate to severe MR (jet ± 50%) due to myxomatous valve disease. None of the dogs received medication. The dogs were given NOx‐free water and a diet with a low concentration of NOx for 96 hours before blood sampling. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that dog group, but not gender, age, serum creatinine concentration, and platelet count, was associated with NOx concentrations. Control dogs had the same NOx concentration (median 20.0 μM; interquartile interval 15.1–25.5 μM) as CKCSs without MR (median 18.7 μM; interquartile interval 15.5–25.9 μM). Compared to CKCSs without MR, the NOx concentration was lower in CKCSs with mild (median 12.9 μM; interquartile interval 11.0–13.5 μM;P= .04) and moderate to severe (median 11.2 μM; interquartile interval 6.9–17.1 μM;P= .02) MR. In conclusion, CKCSs with mild to severe, clinically silent MR have decreased plasma NOx concentrations, suggesting that endothelial dysfunction develops early in the course of developing MR in dogs.
Cyclophosphamide Exerts No Beneficial Effect over Prednisone Alone in the Initial Treatment of Acute Immune‐Mediated Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Mason Nicola , Duval Derek , Shofer Frances S. , Giger Urs
Published: March 2010

Cyclophosphamide is commonly used with prednisone in the initial treatment of severe idiopathic immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) in dogs because retrospective reports suggest its benefit. This randomized controlled prospective clinical trial evaluated whether combined cyclophosphamide and prednisone therapy is more efficacious than prednisone therapy alone in the initial treatment of IMHA. Eighteen dogs with acute, severe idiopathic IMHA were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups. The P group received prednisone therapy alone (1–2 mg/kg PO q12h), and the PC group received prednisone (1–2 mg/kg PO q12h) and cyclophosphamide (50 mg/m2PO q24h for 4 consecutive days a week) for 4 weeks. The mortality rate in the P group was 20% (2 of 10), and in the PC group, the mortality rate was 38% (3 of 8). There was no difference in sequential CBC evaluations between the 2 groups. However, whereas dogs in the P group showed increases in reticulocyte count, reticulocytosis was suppressed in dogs in the PC group during the 1st week of therapy. Spherocytosis resolved more quickly in the P group (day 21) than in the PC group (day 28), but the time taken to achieve a negative Coombs' test result was comparable between groups. No difference was observed in the volume of packed red blood cells (pRBCs) given per transfusion between treatment groups, but more dogs in the PC group required a 2nd transfusion. The results of this limited study suggest that cyclophosphamide plus prednisone has no benefit over prednisone alone in the initial treatment of acute, severe idiopathic IMHA in dogs.
Pharmacokinetics and Clinical Utility of Sodium Bromide (NaBr) as an Estimator of Extracellular Fluid Volume in Horses
Authors: Fielding C. Langdon , Magdesian K. Gary , Elliott Denise A. , Craigmill Arthur L. , Wilson W. David , Carlson Gary P.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetics of bromide in horses and to evaluate the corrected bromide space as an indicator of extracellular fluid volume (ECFV) in horses after the administration of a single dose of bromide by intravenous infusion. Sodium bromide (30 mg/kg of body weight, IV) was administered to 6 clinically healthy mares over a period of 3 minutes. Blood samples were collected before infusion and at intervals between 0.5 hours and 53 days after infusion. Mean elimination half‐life (harmonic mean) was 126 hours (5.2 days), clearance was 1.4 ± 0.09 mL/kg h, area under the curve was 17,520 ± 1,100 |jug h/mL, and volume of distribution (steady state) was 0.255 ± 0.015 L/kg. The mean corrected bromide space was determined from the volume of distribution (steady state) and the serum concentrations of bromide at equilibration. Corrected bromide space, an estimate of ECFV, was 0.218 ± 0.01 L/kg. The conclusion was made that ECFV of horses can be estimated by measuring bromide concentrations in a preinfusion serum sample and a sample obtained 5 hours after the administration of bromide. Key words: Fluid balance; Pharmacology.
Prevalence of Gastric Lesions in Racing Alaskan Sled Dogs
Authors: Davis M.S. , Willard M.D. , Nelson S.L. , Mandsager R.E. , McKiernan B.S. , Mansell J.K. , Lehenbauer T.W.
Published: March 2010

Human and equine athletes are reported to have a high prevalence of gastric disease, and anecdotal evidence suggests a similar phenomenon applies to racing sled dogs. To investigate the prevalence of gastric disease in racing sled dogs, we conducted 2 gastroscopy studies on dogs competing in the annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race. A pilot study of dogs that were either dropped from the 2000 Iditarod Sled Dog Race because of illness or that finished the race indicated that, approximately 5 days after competing, 10 of 28 dogs (35%) had endoscopic evidence of gastric ulceration, erosion, or hemorrhage. The next year, an endoscopic study of 73 dogs participating in the 2001 Iditarod race was performed in order to evaluate a larger population of dogs. Data from 70 of these dogs could be used; 34 (48.5%) had ulceration, erosion, gastric hemorrhage, or some combination of these findings. When this group of 70 dogs was compared retrospectively to a control group of 87 dogs presented to the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, the Iditarod sled dogs had a significantly higher prevalence (P= .049) of gastric lesions. These findings suggest that, similar to athletes of other species, elite canine athletes have an increased prevalence of gastric disease compared to the canine population at large.
Hemostatic Changes in Dogs with Naturally Occurring Sepsis
Authors: de Laforcade Armelle M. , Freeman Lisa M. , Shaw Scott P. , Brooks Marjory B. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Rush John E.
Published: March 2010

Sepsis is a frequent source of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. The goal of this case control study was to measure hemostatic changes in dogs with naturally occurring sepsis. Blood was collected within 24 hours of admission from 20 dogs that fulfilled the criteria for sepsis. Sepsis was defined as histologic or microbiological confirmation of infection and 2 or more of the following criteria: hypo‐ or hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, or leukopenia, leukocytosis, or >3% bands. Culture and sensitivities were performed on appropriate samples from all septic dogs. Twenty‐eight control dogs were enrolled on the basis of normal results of physical examination, CBC, serum biochemistry, and coagulation profile. Plasma samples were analyzed for prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), fibrin(ogen) degradation products (FDP), D‐dimer (DD) concentrations, antithrombin (AT) activity, and protein C (PC) activity. Data were compared between groups by chi‐square or independentt‐tests. PC(P< .001) and AT(P< .001) activities were significantly lower in dogs with sepsis compared to controls. Dogs with sepsis had significantly higher PT(P=.007), PTT(P=.005), D‐dimer(P=.005), and FDP(P=.001) compared to controls. Platelet counts were not significantly different between groups. Ten of the 20 septic dogs (50%) died, but no association was identified between any of the measured variables and outcome. These findings are consistent with previous studies in animals with experimentally induced disease and in clinical studies of humans. On the basis of these results, further investigation of the role of AT and PC in canine sepsis is warranted.
Mechanical Ventilation in Foals with Botulism: 9 Cases (1989–2002)
Authors: Wilkins Pamela A. , Palmer Jonathan E.
Published: March 2010

“Shaker foal” disease, toxicoinfectious botulism of foals, was 1st described as a clinical entity in 1967. The reported mortality rate was 90%, with death occurring within 24–72 hours of the onset of the characteristic clinical signs. The mortality rate decreased when equine‐origin botulism antitoxin became available; however, a certain percentage of foals continued to die of respiratory failure. Mechanical ventilation is an important part of the treatment of infant botulism and is essential to the survival of many affected infants. We report a retrospective study of 9 foals with toxicoinfectious botulism where early mechanical ventilation was employed as part of the treatment. Foals receiving mechanical ventilation were progressively acidemic and had increased PaCO2tensions before mechanical ventilation. These arterial blood gas abnormalities were ameliorated with mechanical ventilation. One foal was euthanized for economic reasons; survival in treated foals was 87.5%. Mechanical ventilation of foals with botulism and respiratory failure appears to be an effective therapy.
Rhinitis/Bronchopneumonia Syndrome in Irish Wolfhounds
Authors: Clercx C. , Reichler I. , Peeters D. , McEntee K. , German A. , Dubois J. , Schynts F. , Schaaf‐Lafontaine N. , Willems T. , Jorissen M. , Day M.J.
Published: March 2010

This study describes the clinical, immunologic, genetic, and pathologic features of Irish Wolfhounds with rhinitis/bronchopneumonia syndrome. The dogs examined were from Belgium, The Netherlands, UK, Canada, Germany, and Switzerland. Signs included transient to persistent mucoid or mucopurulent rhinorrhea, cough, and respiratory dyspnea. Radiographic, rhinoscopic, and bron‐choscopic findings were variable. Analysis of ciliary ultrastructure was performed in 5 affected dogs, but no characteristic primary ciliary defects (primary ciliary dyskinesia) were detected. Serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) concentrations of IgA, IgG, and IgM were determined in some affected dogs and clinically normal Irish Wolfhounds. Serum IgA concentration was below the reference range in 5 of 8 affected dogs tested, whereas BALF IgA concentration was above the normal range in 2 affected adult dogs. The CD4 to CD8 lymphocyte subset ratio (CD4:CD8) in peripheral blood was tested in 3 affected dogs and was within the normal range. BALF CD4:CD8 was tested in 1 affected dog and was higher than the normal range. Decreased neutrophil phagocytosis was observed in 1 of the 4 dogs tested. Analysis of pedigrees of the Belgian, Canadian, German, and Swiss dogs revealed common ancestry, suggesting a heritable syndrome.
Antimicrobial Use in the Treatment of Calf Diarrhea
Authors: Constable Peter D.
Published: March 2010

Calves with diarrhea often have small intestinal overgrowth withEscherichia colibacteria, regardless of the inciting cause for the diarrhea, and 30% of systemically ill calves with diarrhea have bacteremia, predominantly because ofE coli.Antimicrobial treatment of diarrheic calves should therefore be focused againstE coliin the small intestine and blood, the 2 sites of infection. Fecal bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing is not recommended in calves with diarrhea because fecal bacterial populations do not accurately reflect small intestinal or blood bacterial populations and because the break points for susceptibility test results have not been validated. Antimicrobial efficacy is therefore best evaluated by the clinical response of a number of calves to treatment, with calves randomly assigned to treatment groups. Amoxicillin, chlortetracycline, neomycin, oxytetracycline, streptomycin, sulfachloropyridazine, sulfamethazine, and tetracycline administered PO are currently labeled in the United States for the treatment of calf diarrhea. On the basis of published evidence for the oral administration of these antimicrobial agents, only amoxicillin can be recommended for the treatment of diarrhea. Dosage recommendations are amoxicillin trihydrate (10 mg/kg PO q12h) or amoxicillin trihydrate‐clavulanate potassium (12.5 mg combined drug/kg PO q12h) for at least 3 days; the latter constitutes extra‐label drug use. Parenteral administration of broad‐spectrum β‐lactam antimicrobials–eftiofur (2.2mg/kg IM orSCq12h) and amoxicillin or ampicillin (10 mg/kg IM q12h)–rpotentiatedsulfonamides(25 mg/kg IV or IM q24h) is recommended for treating calves with diarrhea and systemic illness; both constitute extra‐label drug use. In calves with diarrhea and no systemic illness (normal appetite for milk, no fever), it is recommended that the health of the calf be monitored and that oral or parenteral antimicrobials not be administered.
The Effects of Exercise on Urinary Albumin Excretion in Dogs
Authors: Gary Anthony T. , Cohn Leah A. , Kerl Marie E. , Jensen Wayne A.
Published: March 2010

Persistent microalbuminuria has been shown to be an indicator of glomerular damage associated with early progressive renal disease in people and dogs. In people, transient or reversible microalbuminuria has been shown to occur with exercise. A semiquantitative test to measure microalbuminuria in the dog recently has become available. The purpose of this study was to determine if mild‐to‐moderate exercise induced microalbuminuria in the dog. Twenty‐six dogs were included in the study after undergoing tests to rule out hyperglycemia, urinary tract infection, azotemia, and a urine protein: creatinine ratio > 1. Exercise consisted of 20 minutes of flat treadmill running. Urine samples were collected on 2 separate days before exercise, the morning of exercise, 3 hours postexercise, 7–9 hours postexercise, and each of the 2 mornings after exercise. For 24 of 26 dogs, this procedure was repeated after a minimum 7‐day interval between exercise sessions. The canine E.R.D. (early renal disease)‐Screen Urine Test (E.R.D.‐Screen test) was used to determine semiquantitative urine albumin concentrations. Microalbuminuria‐positive samples, as determined by the E.R.D.‐Screen test, were further analyzed to determine quantitative albumin concentrations. Four (15%) dogs were microalbuminuria positive. In each of these dogs, microalbuminuria was present both before and after exercise with no quantitative increase in urine albumin concentration postexercise. Twenty‐two (85%) dogs were microalbuminuria negative throughout the study and did not develop microalbuminuria at any time after exercise. On a 95% confidence interval, the proportion of dogs that might be expected to develop microalbuminuria after exercise is between 0 and 15%.
A Prospective Study of Canine Infective Endocarditis in Northern California (1999–2001): Emergence of Bartonella as a Prevalent Etiologic Agent
Authors: MacDonald Kristin A. , Chomel Bruno B. , Kittleson Mark D. , Kasten Rick W. , Thomas William P. , Pesavento Patricia
Published: March 2010

A prospective study was performed (June 1999 to May 2001) to determine the incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) due toBartonellain dogs in northern California and to compare these patients with other dogs with IE. IE was diagnosed antemortem based on clinical signs and echocardiography in 18 dogs. The etiologic agent wasBartonellasp. in 5 dogs (28%) and was diagnosed by high seroreactivity toBartonella(titer>1:512; range, 1: 1,024‐1:4,096); and confirmed postmortem by positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) from the infected valve and partial DNA sequencing of the citrate synthase gene (glt A).Conventional bacteria were causative agents in 7 dogs (39%). An etiologic agent was not identified in 6 dogs (33%).Bartonella vinsonii berkhoffii(n = 3),B clarridgeiae(n = 1), and aB clarridgeiae‐likeorganism (n = 1) were identified. Blood culture was positive only for the IE case due toB clarridgeiae.All dogs with IE due toBartonellawere also seroreactive toAnaplasma phagocytophilum.All dogs with IE due toBartonellahad lesions only on the aortic valve. Of the cases of IE not due toBartonella,31% involved the aortic valve, 61% the mitral valve, and 8% both valves. Dogs with mitral valve IE lived longer than all dogs with aortic valve IE (P= .004) and dogs with IE of the aortic valve due toBartonella(P= .002). In conclusion,Bartonellais a common cause of IE in dogs of northern California. A highBartonellaserologic titer (>1:512) is useful antemortem to diagnose aortic valve IE due toBartonella.
Trilostane Therapy for Treatment of Pituitary‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism in 5 Cats
Authors: Neiger Reto , Witt Angela L. , Noble Ann , German Alexander J.
Published: March 2010

Hyperadrenocorticism is a rare syndrome in cats. Current medical therapy is unsatisfactory and prognosis for long‐term survival with surgical treatment is guarded. We report on 5 cats treated with the 3‐beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor trilostane. Diagnosis was confirmed in all cats by endocrine testing. Three cats had concurrent diabetes mellitus. Trilostane reduced clinical signs and improved endocrine test results in all cats, but insulin requirements did not change and all continued to have some signs of hypercortisolemia. Two died or were euthanized after 16 and 140 days, whereas 3 were still alive 6, 11, and 20 months after the start of trilostane therapy. Trilostane ameliorates clinical signs of feline hyperadrenocorticism, but more research is needed before it can be recommended for treatment.
Middle‐Latency Auditory‐Evoked Potential in Acepromazine‐Sedated Dogs
Authors: Murrell Joanna C. , de Groot H.N.M. , Haagen A.J. Venker‐van , van den Brom W.E. , Hellebrekers L.J.
Published: March 2010

The middle‐latency auditory‐evoked potential (MLAEP) has been investigated as means of monitoring anesthesia in dogs. The goals of this study were to develop a technique to record MLAEPs in awake dogs and to determine the effects of sedation. The MLAEP was recorded in 12 dogs with and without sedation with acepromazine. Three needle electrodes were inserted SC. Click stimuli were delivered biaurally. Signal acquisition, averaging, and analysis were performed by software developed in‐house. Signals were recorded for 128 milliseconds, and the responses to 1,024 stimuli were averaged. The waveforms from 10 recordings were averaged, and the amplitudes and latencies of peaks that could be consistently identified were measured. Data measured were compared by means of a paired 2‐sided Student'st‐test. Interpretable MLAEPs were recorded in 10 of the 12 dogs. Three peaks were consistently identified (Pa, Nb, and Pb). The latencies of these peaks were significantly(P =.032, .035, and .028, respectively) shorter in awake (mean ± SD milliseconds) (Pa = 18.85 ± 1.36, Nb = 30.50 ± 3.55, and Pb = 47.70 ± 5.53) than in sedated (Pa = 22.40 ± 3.88, Nb = 35.75 ± 6.77, and Pb = 55.30 ± 10.55) dogs. The Pb amplitude was not significantly different (2.51 ± 1.30sV awake and 2.19 ± 1.10 μV sedated). This study demonstrates that acepromazine sedation causes changes in MLAEP
Thiopurine Methyltransferase Activity in Red Blood Cells of Dogs
Authors: Kidd Linda Benjamin , Salavaggione Oreste E. , Szumlanski Carol L. , Miller Jackie L. , Weinshilboum Richard M. , Trepanier Lauren
Published: March 2010

Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) is an important enzyme in the metabolism of thiopurine medications such as azathioprine. In humans, activity varies widely among individuals, primarily because of genetic polymorphisms. Low TPMT activity increases the risk of myelosuppression from azathioprine and 6‐mercaptopurine, whereas high TPMT activity is associated with poor drug efficacy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether dogs also show a wide range of TPMT activity. Heparinized blood samples were obtained from 177 dogs associated with a veterinary teaching hospital. Red blood cell (RBC) TPMT activity was measured by means of a modification of a radiochemical method as established for use in people. TPMT activity varied across a 9‐fold range (7.9–71.8 U of RBC per milliliter; median, 21.7). Variation in TPMT activity was not associated with age, sex, or neutering status. Giant Schnauzers had much lower TPMT activity (7.9–20 U of RBC per milliliter; median, 13.1;P< .001) than did other breeds, and Alaskan Malamutes had much higher TPMT activity (22.7–71.8 U of RBC per milliliter; median, 36.0;P< .001) than did other breeds. Such variations in TPMT activity in the canine population and within groups of related dogs could affect thiopurine drug toxicity and efficacy in canine patients.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hypoglycemia in Virulent Canine Babesiosis
Authors: Keller Ninette , Jacobson Linda S. , Nel Mirinda , de Clerq Marizelle , Thompson Peter N. , Schoeman Johan P.
Published: March 2010

Hypoglycemia is a common complication of virulent canine babesiosis. A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of and potential risk factors for hypoglycemia in canine babesiosis fromBabesia canis rossi.Plasma glucose concentration was measured at presentation in 250 dogs with babesiosis, of which 111 were admitted to hospital. The prevalence of hypoglycemia (<60 mg/ dL) was 9% (23/250). Twenty‐two hypoglycemic dogs required admission, making the prevalence of hypoglycemia in admitted dogs 19.8%. Sixteen dogs had severe hypoglycemia (<40 mg/dL), of which 5 had glucose<18 mg/dL. Hyperglycemia (>100 mg/dL) was present in 38 dogs, of which 21 were admitted. Risk factors for hypoglycemia identified by univariate analysis were collapsed state(P <.00001), severe anemia(P=.0002), icterus(P=.003), age<6 months(P=.02), and vomiting(P=.03). After logistic regression analysis, collapsed state (odds ratio [OR]=18; 95% CI, 1.9–171;P=.01) and young age (OR=2.8; 95% CI, 0.8–9.7;P =.1) remained significantly associated with hypoglycemia. Toy breeds and pregnant bitches were not at higher risk for hypoglycemia than other dogs. Blood glucose concentration should ideally be measured in all dogs requiring inpatient treatment for babesiosis but is mandatory in collapsed dogs; puppies; and dogs with severe anemia, vomiting, or icterus. Many dogs have probably been misdiagnosed with cerebral babesiosis in the past, and hypoglycemia should be suspected in any dog with coma or other neurological signs.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Focal Splenic and Hepatic Lesions in the Dog
Authors: Clifford Craig A. , Pretorius E. Scott , Weisse Chick , Sorenmo Karin U. , Drobatz Kenneth J. , Siegelman Evan S. , Solomon Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2010

Focal hepatic and splenic lesions in the dog are common, and approximately half of such lesions are malignant. Both incidentally discovered lesions and lesions in patients with known malignancies represent diagnostic dilemmas. Ultrasound often fails to characterize such lesions adequately. This uncertainty may result in unnecessary splenectomies and liver biopsies for benign lesions or noncurative surgery for advanced‐stage malignancies. In humans, ultrasound largely has been supplanted by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the characterization of focal hepatic and splenic lesions. The inherently high soft tissue contrast of MRI allows the differentiation of benign from malignant hepatic and splenic lesions in the human patients. In this prospective study, 35 focal lesions of either the spleen (n = 8) or the liver (n = 27) were characterized by MRI in 23 dogs. Lesions were presumptively classified as malignant or benign on the basis of MRI findings. Imaging results then were correlated with histopathologic (29) or cytologic (6) evaluation of the lesions. The overall accuracy in differentiating malignant from benign lesions was 94% (33 of 35 lesions). The overall sensitivity and specificity were 100% (95% CI, 78–100%) and 90% (95% CI, 68–99%), respectively. MRI classified malignant hepatic lesions as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in all confirmed cases and correctly predicted the histologic grade of 5 HCC lesions. These results suggest that MRI is a useful modality for abdominal imaging in veterinary patients, and MRI accurately differentiated benign from malignant focal hepatic and splenic lesions in this sample of patients.
Relationship between Red Blood Cell Thiopurine Methyltransferase Activity and Myelotoxicity in Dogs Receiving Azathioprine
Authors: Rodriguez Damon B. , Mackin Andrew , Easley Roger , Boyle Carolyn R. , Hou Weiying , Langston Cory , Walsh Amy M. , Province Michael A. , McLeod Howard L.
Published: March 2010

Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) produces inactive metabolites of azathioprine and, in humans, has a variable amount of activity. Humans with low TPMT activity commonly develop myelotoxicity when receiving azathioprine. Our study sought to characterize the distribution of TPMT activity in a population of dogs and to determine whether the pretreatment knowledge of red blood cell (RBC) TPMT activity could predict myelotoxicity in dogs receiving azathioprine. RBC TPMT activity was measured in 299 healthy dogs, and 9 dogs that represented a wide range of enzyme activity received azathioprine at a standard therapeutic dose for 30 days. TPMT activity in healthy dogs was log normally distributed and varied over an approximately 7‐fold range. Geometric mean, minimum, and maximum RBC TPMT activities were 37.1, 16.3, and 115 nmol per gram of hemoglobin (gHb) per hour, respectively. TPMT deficiency was not identified. Two populations of TPMT activity in dogs were detected by statistical modeling (commingling analysis). Dogs with intermediate TPMT activity (14–38 nmol/gHb/h) receiving azathioprine had significantly lower neutrophil counts during week 4 than during weeks 0–3, whereas those with high activity (>39 nmol/gHb/h) did not have a significant change in neutrophil count. An analysis of TPMT activity in 6 dogs with a history of azathioprine‐associated myelotoxicity in a clinical setting revealed either intermediate or high TPMT enzyme activity in all dogs, suggesting that TPMT activity, as measured in RBCs, is not the sole cause of severe azathioprine‐associated myelosuppression in dogs.