bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor Necrosis Factor and Interleukin‐6 Activity and Endotoxin Concentration in Peritoneal Fluid and Blood of Horses with Acute Abdominal Disease
Authors: Barton Michelle Henry , Collates Chrysann
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) activities and endotoxin concentration in blood and peritoneal fluid of 155 adult horses with acute abdominal disease (colic). Samples also were obtained from 20 healthy adult horses. Blood and peritoneal fluid supernatant TNF and IL‐6 activities and endotoxin concentration were significantly greater in horses with colic, compared with healthy horses. In horses with colic, the peritoneal fluid endotoxin concentration and TNF and IL‐6 activities were significantly greater than those in blood. Within the colic group, peritoneal fluid IL‐6 activity was the analyte that was most frequently increased. Blood and peritoneal fluid supernatant TNF and IL‐6 activities were significantly greater when endotoxin was detected in the same sample. Blood and peritoneal fluid IL‐6 activity was significantly greater in horses with inflammatory or strangulating lesions, compared with horses having nonstrangulating or noninflammatory lesions. Compared with all other data categories, diagnostic accuracy for nonsurvival was greatest (80%) when blood IL‐6 activity exceeded 60 units/mL. The results of this study indicate that endotoxin was present in the peritoneal cavity of at least one third of horses with any acute disease of the abdomen. In horses presented for colic, blood or peritoneal fluid IL‐6 activity was more useful than either TNF activity or endotoxin concentration for distinguishing lesion type. Although diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of nonsurvival was good for all of the analytes, negative values were more useful in the prediction of a favorable outcome than were abnormally increased values in the prediction of mortality.
The Gastroduodenal Effects of Buffered Aspirin, Carprofen, and Etodolac in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Reimer Michele E. , Johnston Spencer A. , Leib Michael S. , Duncan Robert B. , Reimer David C. , Marini Michele , Gimbert Kimberly
Published: March 2010

Twenty‐four healthy mixed‐breed dogs were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 received a placebo PO q12h, group 2 received an average of 16.5 (15.1–17.8) mg/kg buffered aspirin PO q12h, group 3 received an average of 2.2 (2.0–2.4) mg/kg carprofen PO q 12h, and group 4 received an average of 12.8 (11.7–13.8) mg/kg etodolac PO q24h (with a placebo in the PM). All treatments continued for 28 consecutive days. Gastroduodenal endoscopy was performed on days —9, 0, 5, 14, and 28. Multiple gastric biopsies were obtained endoscopically on day —9 to determine each dog'sHelicobacterinfection status. Four regions in the stomach and 1 region in the proximal duodenum were evaluated endoscopically, and each was assigned a score from 1 to 11. Scores for each region then were summed to give a total score for each endoscopic evaluation. Erosions and submucosal hemorrhages were seen in all dogs receiving aspirin. Only minor gastric lesions were observed in the carprofen, etodolac, and control groups. No adverse clinical signs were noted in any dog given any treatment. Median total score on days 0, 5, 14, and 28, respectively, were as follows: group 1: 5.0, 5.0, 5.0, 5.0; group 2: 5.0, 27.0, 26.0, 27.5; group 3: 5.0, 5.0, 6.0, 5.0; group 4: 5.0, 7.0, 5.0, 5.0. There was no significant difference among dogs receiving carprofen, etodolac, or placebo. The administration of carprofen, etodolac, or placebo to healthy dogs resulted in significantly less gastroduodenal lesion development than in dogs receiving buffered aspirin.
Clinical Assessment of Left Ventricular Relaxation
Authors: Constable Peter , III William Muir , Sisson David
Published: March 2010

Ventricular relaxation is altered in a number of cardiac disorders affecting domestic animals. Clinical determination of the ventricular relaxation rate can provide useful information regarding disease severity and response to therapy. We believe that the current gold standard for assessing left ventricular relaxation requires measurement of ventricular luminal pressure at end‐expiration using a high‐fidelity catheter. Ventricular pressure should be digitized at ≥200 Hz for the period of pressure fall between the minimum rate of change of ventricular pressure and 10 mm Hg above left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure of the preceding beat. The rate of relaxation then should be determined from the digitized data by Marquardt nonlinear least squares parameter estimation using an exponential decay model with nonzero asymptote. The major disadvantage in using an invasive method for evaluating left ventricular relaxation is that it requires general anesthesia in animals that frequently are categorized as high‐risk anesthetic patients. Noninvasive estimates of ventricular relaxation using echocardiographic parameters such as isovolumic relaxation time, peak early filling rate, and time from end‐systole to peak filling rate provide a crude and nonspecific assessment of ventricular relaxation that can be obtained from conscious animals. Determinations of these echocardiographic indices are of limited usefulness in assessing changes in ventricular relaxation associated with disease progression or therapeutic intervention, unless concurrent estimates of left atrial pressure, mitral valve characteristics, and left ventricular compliance are available.
Epilepsy and Seizure Classification in 63 Dogs: A Reappraisal of Veterinary Epilepsy Terminology
Authors: Berendt Mette , Gram Lennart
Published: March 2010

The human definitions of epilepsy and seizure classification were applied rigidly to epileptic dogs to investigate whether the distribution of the seizure types and epilepsies of dogs is comparable to that of human beings. Sixty‐three dogs were referred because of recurrent (>2) epileptic seizures. Only dogs without previous or ongoing antiepileptic treatment were included. All dogs had a physical and neurologic examination and blood work that included a CBC and a biochemical profile. All owners were asked to complete a questionnaire, focusing on seizure development. In addition, video recordings of suspected seizure episodes were analyzed if available. In the majority of dogs where an intracranial lesion was suspected, a computerized tomography scan was performed. Sixty‐five percent of the dogs experienced partial seizures with or without secondary generalization and 32% exhibited primary generalized seizures; in 3% of the dogs the seizures could not be classified. Twenty‐five percent of these cases were classified as idiopathic, 16% as symptomatic, and 45% as cryptogenic epilepsy; in 14% of these a classification was not possible. Applying human definitions, the distribution of seizure types and epilepsy classifications in these dogs differed widely from those in previous reports of canine epilepsy, where generalized seizures and idiopathic epilepsy were most frequently reported. However, our findings are consistent with the results of several large studies of human epilepsy patients. In dogs with epilepsy, closer attention must be given to the detection of a partial onset of seizures. In this study, detailed questioning of the owners and when possible analysis of video recorded seizures, proved to be sufficient for diagnosing seizures with a partial onset in a significant number of dogs. Partial onset of seizures may be an indication of underlying cerebral pathology. Some adjustments of veterinary epilepsy terminology are suggested.
Detection of Low Serum Immunoglobulin Concentrations in Clinically Ill Calves
Authors: Tyler Jeff W. , Parish Steven M. , Besser Thomas E. , Van Metre David C. , Barrington George M. , Middleton John R.
Published: March 2010

The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of classification of 4 tests for failure of passive transfer (FPT) were examined in clinically ill neonatal calves. Comparisons were made with serum IgG1concentrations determined by radial immunodiffusion. Serum samples were obtained from 27 clinically ill calves ≤ 21 days of age. The results of 4 commonly used assays, the sodium sulfite turbidity test, the zinc sulfate turbidity test, refractometry, and the serum gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity test, were compared with radial immunodiffusion determinations of serum IgG1concentration. Serum GGT activity using a 50 IU/L threshold resulted in correct classification of the highest percentage of calves (93%) with regard to their passive transfer status. The sodium sulfite test with a 1 + end point and refractometry using a 5.5 g/dL end point resulted in correct classification of 85% of the calves studied. When using the sodium sulfite test, the 2 + and 3 + test end points had lower specificity, 0.58 and 0.00, respectively, than the 1 + end point. This loss in specificity resulted in misclassification of calves with adequate serum immunoglobulin concentrations as having FPT. The zinc sulfate turbidity test was inadequately specific (0.33) and resulted in misclassification of 33% of calves.
Increased Splenic Capacity in Response to Transdermal Application of Nitroglycerine in the Dog
Authors: Parameswaran Narayanan , Hamlin Robert L. , Nakayama Tomohiro , Rao Shobha S.
Published: March 2010

This study was conducted to determine if application of transdermal 2% nitroglycerine ointment (TDNG) to dogs anesthetized with alpha chloralose would produce splenic dilatation by relaxation of venous smooth muscle. Sonomicrometer crystals were applied to the spleen in each of 15 dogs, and a pressure‐measuring catheter was inserted into a splenic vein. The sonomicrometer crystals permitted measurement of splenic dimension, which is known to correlate with splenic volume. Ten dogs were given 2.5 cm TDNG/10 kg, and 5 dogs (vehicle controls) were given only petrolatum, both applied to the inner surface of the auricular pinna. Splenic dimension in all dogs receiving TDNG increased significantly (P < .05) by 7.0 ± 4.8%, whereas splenic dimension in dogs receiving petrolatum did not increase. Splenic venous pressures did not change significantly in either group. Spleens began to dilate 482 ± 652 seconds after application of TDNG and achieved maximal dilatation at 861 ± 632 seconds. Splenic dilatation occurred in the absence of elevation of splenic venous pressure, indicating that the dilatation probably resulted from relaxation of splenic smooth muscle. TDNG was absorbed transdermally and produced splenic dilatation in healthy dogs anesthetized with alpha chloralose. If the spleen is a sentinel for peripheral veins, then TDNG may increase venous capacity, retaining blood from the lungs and thereby functioning to reduce pulmonary congestion and edema in dogs with left‐sided heart failure.
Auscultation in Mild Mitral Regurgitation in Dogs: Observer Variation, Effects of Physical Maneuvers, and Agreement with Color Doppler Echocardiography and Phonocardiography
Authors: Pedersen Henrik D. , Häggström Jens , Falk Torkel , Mow Tomas , Olsen Lisbeth H. , Iversen Lars , Jensen Asger L.
Published: March 2010

Observer variation in diagnosing mild mitral regurgitation in dogs by cardiac auscultation was assessed by having 6 veterinarians with different levels of experience examine 57 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Comparisons with color Doppler echocardiography and phonocardiography were made, and the effects of 2 physical maneuvers on the auscultatory findings were evaluated. Using mildly diseased dogs, interobserver agreement in diagnosing the presence or absence of left‐sided murmurs ranged from 63% to 88%. The agreement with phonocardiography (range, 53–91%) increased with the amount of observer experience. The 2 most experienced observers could discern soft ejection murmurs from regurgitant murmurs and were able to diagnose 89% of the dogs with regurgitant jets larger than 30% of the left atrial area. In general, less experienced observers diagnosed most jets larger than 50%. In many dogs with small jets, no murmur was found by auscultation and phonocardiography. The audibility of mild regurgitation was significantly reduced in dogs that were difficult to auscultate. Early systolic murmurs were typical of mild regurgitation, whereas holosystolic murmurs typified severe regurgitation. In a few dogs, late systolic murmurs alternated with holosystolic murmurs. Systolic clicks were found phonocardiographically in 18 dogs with mild to moderate regurgitation, but the audibility apparently was low. In many mildly affected dogs, physical maneuvers increased murmur intensity. Thus, some form of dynamic auscultation might facilitate the diagnosis of mild regurgitation. Auscultatory findings in mild regurgitation appear to depend on observer experience, circulatory status, and how difficult the dog is to auscultate.
The Molecular Basis of Canine Melanoma: Pathogenesis and Trends in Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Modiano Jaime F. , Ritt Michelle G. , Wojcieszyn John
Published: March 2010

Melanoma is a common neoplastic disease of dogs with variable presentation and biological behavior. Canine malignant melanoma is a rapidly metastatic disease that generally is incurable. The loss of function of cellular safeguards built into the genetic program and of immune surveillance systems that cooperate to prevent tumor formation and progression appear to be important underlying causes of canine malignant melanoma. In effect, many existing cancer treatments restore the function of 1 or the other of these mechanisms. For example, chemotherapy and radiotherapy often kill tumor cells by initiating a genetic suicide mechanism (apoptosis), and immunotherapy initiates or enhances a response by the body's immune cells to identify and destroy cancer cells by mechanisms that rely on direct cytotoxicity or apoptotic cell death. Nevertheless, standard therapeutic approaches have not proved effective in treatment of canine malignant melanoma, with only marginal improvement in the outcome of dogs with this disease. The advantages of an improved understanding of the molecular basis of canine cancer are underscored by recent promising advances in diagnosis and in immunologic and genetic therapies that may help reduce the mortality of dogs affected with malignant melanoma.
Twenty‐Four‐Hour Ambulatory Electrocardiography in Normal Cats
Authors: Ware Wendy A.
Published: March 2010

Twenty‐four‐hour ambulatory electrocardiograms were recorded in two age groups of 10 normal cats each: group 1 (1 to 4 years) and group 2 (8 to 14 years), with equal numbers of males and females in each group. Average heart rates over the 24‐hour recording period ranged from 114 to 202 beats/minute (bpm). The mean 24‐hour average rate did not differ between group 1 and group 2 (157.6 vs. 156.3 6 5.3 bpm, respectively); however, females (both groups combined) had higher average heart rates than males (166.8 vs. 147.1 6 5.3 bpm, respectively). Females also had a higher mean minimum heart rate than males (116.9 vs. 96.5 6 4.2 bpm, respectively); but there were no gender or age group differences in maximum heart rate. Results of hourly analyses of average, minimum, and maximum heart rates were similar. Mean heart rates rose from mid‐afternoon to about 9:00PM and were lowest just after midnight. Although regular sinus rhythm predominated, periods of sinus arrhythmia were evident in most cats, especially in early morning hours. Supraventricular extrasystoles were uncommon. Isolated ventricular extrasystoles occurred more frequently in group 2 cats; multiform configuration was observed in both groups. Repetitive ventricular extrasystoles, which usually consisted of occasional couplets, occurred more frequently in group 2 cats. One older cat had 2 short runs of ventricular tachycardia. Another older cat appeared to have a recurrent accelerated idioventricular rhythm.
Cervical Myelopathy Associated with Extradural Synovial Cysts in 4 Dogs
Authors: Levitski Robin E. , Chauvet Anne E. , Lipsitz David
Published: March 2010

Three Mastiffs and 1 Great Dane were presented to the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for cervical myelopathy based on history and neurologic examination. All dogs were males and had progressive ataxia and tetraparesis. Degenerative arthritis of the articular facet joints was noted on survey spinal radiographs. Myelography disclosed lateral axial compression of the cervical spinal cord medial to the articular facets. Extradural compressive cystic structures adjacent to articular facets were identified on magnetic resonance imaging (1 dog). High protein concentration was the most important finding on cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Dorsal laminectomies were performed in all dogs for spinal cord decompression and cyst removal. Findings on cytologic examination of the cystic fluid were consistent with synovial fluid, and histopathologic results supported the diagnosis of synovial cysts. All dogs are ambulatory and 3 are asymptomatic after surgery with a follow‐up time ranging from 1 to 8 months. This is the 1st report of extradural synovial cysts in dogs, and synovial cysts should be a differential diagnosis for young giant breed dogs with cervical myelopathy.
Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte Subpopulations and Immunoglobulin Concentrations in Healthy Foals and Foals with Rhodococcus equi Pneumonia
Authors: Flaminio M. Julia B.F. , Rush Bonnie R. , Shuman Wilma
Published: March 2010

Infectious diseases are common in foals aged 1–5 months. The objectives of this investigation were to evaluate immunologic parameters in foals from birth to weaning to establish reference values for the proportion of circulating lymphocytes that were helper (CD41) or cytotoxic (CD81) T cells, or B cells; to measure serum immunoglobulin (IgM and IgG) concentrations; and to compare these immunologic parameters to values in foals with naturally occurringRhodococcus equipneumonia and in adult horses. Peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations were determined by flow cytometric analysis, and serum IgG and IgM concentrations were determined by radial immunodiffusion. Flow cytometric analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations suggested agerelated changes in the cell‐mediated immune system in horses. Absolute circulating CD41 and CD81 T lymphocytes and B cells increased linearly up to 3 months of age. Circulating B cell concentrations from birth to 6 months of age were greater than values in adult horses and the lymphocyte differences among the age groups are mainly due to variation in B lymphocytes. Both absolute and proportional B cell concentrations were greater in foals withR equipneumonia than in healthy foals at the same age. The increase in absolute cell counts of each subpopulation was dependent on the increase of absolute peripheral blood lymphocyte count. Serum IgG concentration increased linearly from 1 to 3 months of age, and serum IgM concentrations increased from 1 to 6 months of age. These data suggest age‐dependent cell‐mediated and humoral development in young foals.
Interand Intraindividual Variation in Doppler Ultrasonic Indirect Blood Pressure Measurements in Healthy Cats
Authors: Sparkes A.H. , Caney S.M.A. , King M.C.A. , Gruffydd‐Jones T.J.
Published: March 2010

This study was undertaken to evaluate reference ranges for systolic blood pressure (SBP) in cats under conditions mimicking a clinical setting. SBP was measured in 50 healthy adult cats of various ages (range, 1.5–16 years) and body weights (range, 2.2–6.1 kg) by Doppler ultrasonic sphygmomanometry. A cuff width of 2.5 cm was used, placed on the left antebrachium, and this represented a mean cuff width of 35% limb circumference (range, 31–42%). The mean (6SD) SBP in the 50 cats was 162 ± 19 mm Hg (range 124–210), with only 1 cat having a SBP ≤ 200 mm Hg. No significant difference (P> .05) in SBP was found between male and female cats, and no significant correlation was found between SBP and age (rs= 0.075) or body weight (rs= 0.007). Further studies in some of these cats indicated that allowing a period of 10 minutes for acclimatization to the environment where SBP was recorded resulted in a significant decrease in SBP from 176 ± 17 to 157 ± 21 mm Hg (n = 7) and that use of a 3.3‐cm‐width cuff resulted in a significant decrease in measured SBP from 168 ± 13 to 164 ± 13 mm Hg (n = 10). Reproducibility of SBP measurements was evaluated in 7 cats by assessing SBP 7 times at intervals of ≤24 hours over a 10‐day period. These 7 cats had a low intraindividual coefficient of variation of SBP measurements (CV ≥ 7.9%) although 2 of the 7 cats had SBP values .200 mm Hg on at least 1 occasion.
Partitioning the Mortality Risk Associated with Inadequate Passive Transfer of Colostral Immunoglobulins in Dairy Calves
Authors: Tyler Jeff W. , Hancock Dale D. , Thorne James G. , Gay Clive C. , Gay John M.
Published: March 2010

This study developed a method to partition the risk of mortality in dairy calves in the 1st 16 weeks of life. Observed population mortality and the relative risk of mortality in each serum protein concentration stratum were used to determine the population baseline mortality rate and the mortality rate due to inadequate passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulin. A total of 3,479 calves were studied, 8.2% of which died before 16 weeks of age. The population baseline mortality rate was 5.0% and the mortality rate due to inadequate passive transfer was 3.2%. Thirty‐nine percent of the observed mortality was attributed to inadequate passive transfer. This partitioning of risk between passive transfer–related and unrelated sources should prove useful in conducting investigations of calf mortality problems in dairy herds.
The Prevalence of Aeromonas Species in Feces of Horses with Diarrhea
Authors: Hathcock Terri L. , Schumacher John , Wright James C. , Stringfellow Joyce
Published: March 2010

Feces collected from 40 horses with diarrhea and 34 horses without diarrhea were examined to determine if an association existed between isolation of Aeromonas spp. and diarrhea. Samples were also examined for Salmonella spp., and identification of viruses and parasite ova. Neither Salmonella spp. nor Aeromonas spp. were isolated from the feces of 34 control horses. Aeromonas spp. were isolated from feces of 22 of 40 (55%) horses with diarrhea. Salmonella spp. were isolated from feces of 8 (20%) horses, and of these, 5 (12.5%) were also positive for Aeromonas spp. Twenty‐nine isolates of Aeromonas spp. were recovered from the feces of 22 diarrheic horses. Of these isolates, more than 80% were susceptible on in vitro testing to amikacin, ceftiofur, chloramphenicol, and gentamicin. All isolates were susceptible to enrofloxacin. Diarrheic horses positive for Aeromonas were significantly (P= .04) older than diarrheic horses negative for Aeromonas spp. A significantly greater number of fecal samples were positive for Aeromonas spp. during March through August than samples examined in other months (P= .014). Results of this study indicate that Aeromonas spp. should be considered as a cause of diarrhea in horses.
Gastric Function in Dogs with Naturally Acquired GastricHelicobacterspp. Infection
Authors: Simpson Kenneth W. , Strauss‐Ayali Dalit , McDonough Patrick L. , Chang Yung‐Fu , Valentine Beth A.
Published: March 2010

The association ofHelicobacter pyloriwith gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric neoplasia has led to fundamental changes in the understanding of gastric disease in humans. The relationship ofHelicobacterspp. infection to gastric disease in dogs is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine ifHelicobacterinfection affects the gastric secretory axis of dogs. Eight Beagle dogs with naturally acquiredHelicobacterspp. infection were studied before and after (4 and 29 days) the attempted eradication ofHelicobacterspp. with a combination of amoxicillin, metronidazole, and famotidine (AMF). Six specific‐pathogen‐free,Helico‐bacter‐freeBeagle dogs served as controls. The electron microscopic appearance of spiral organisms in infected dogs indicated coinfection withHelicobacter felis‐ andH bizzozeronii‐liks organisms. Unstimulated gastric pH and fasting, postprandial, and bombesin‐stimulated plasma gastrin were similar in both infected and uninfected dogs, although a trend (P= .09) toward higher meal‐stimulated gastrin was observed in infected dogs at 60 minutes. Pentagastrin‐stimulated maximal acid output (mmol HC1/ kg0 75/hour) and titratable acidity (mmol HCl/mL) were similar in both infected and uninfected dogs, but gastric pH during maximal acid output was lower (P< .01) in uninfected dogs. Mild gastric inflammation was present in both infected and uninfected dogs. Gastric spiral organisms were undetectable in 6/8 infected dogs 4 days after AMF but had recurred in 8/8 dogs 29 days after AMF. Analysis of gastric DNA withHelicobacter‐specificprimers indicated persistence ofHelicobacterDNA at 4 and 29 days after antibiotic therapy. Acid secretion, plasma gastrin, and mucosal inflammation were not affected by the transient suppression ofHelicobacterspp. by AMF. These findings suggest that gastric secretory function in dogs is not markedly perturbed by naturally acquiredHelicobacterspp. infection and that treatment with amoxicillin, metronidazole, and famotidine causes suppression rather than eradication of gastricHelicobacterspp. in dogs.
Coccygeal Muscle Injury in English Pointers (Limber Tail)
Authors: Steiss Janet , Braund Kyle , Wright James , Lenz Stephen , Hudson Judith , Brawner William , Hathcock John , Purohit Ram , Bell Leighton , Home Robert
Published: March 2010

A condition colloquially referred to as “limber tail” and “cold tail” is familiar to people working with hunting dogs, primarily Pointers and Labrador Retrievers. The typical case consists of an adult dog that suddenly develops a flaccid tail. The tail either hangs down from the tail base or is held out horizontally for several inches from the tail base and then hangs straight down or at some degree below horizontal. Initially, the hair on the dorsal aspect of the proximal tail may be raised and dogs may resent palpation of the area 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) from the tail base. Most dogs recover spontaneously within a few days to weeks. Anecdotal reports suggest that anti‐inflammatory drugs administered within 24 hours after onset hasten recovery. Less than one half of affected dogs experience a recurrence. Affected Pointers almost always have a history of prolonged cage transport, a hard workout the previous day, or exposure to cold or wet weather. Most owners and trainers familiar with the condition do not seek veterinary assistance. In cases where people are not familiar with this disease, other conditions such as a fracture, spinal cord disease, impacted anal glands, or prostatic disease have been incorrectly diagnosed. We examined 4 affected Pointers and found evidence of coccygeal muscle damage, which included mild elevation of creatine kinase early after onset of clinical signs, needle electromyographic examination showing abnormal spontaneous discharges restricted to the coccygeal muscles several days after onset, and histopathologic evidence of muscle fiber damage. Specific muscle groups, namely the laterally positioned intertransver‐sarius ventralis caudalis muscles, were affected most severely. Abnormal findings on thermography and scintigraphy further supported the diagnosis.
Evaluation of the Effect of Pleural Effusion on Central Venous Pressure in Cats
Authors: Gookin Jody L. , Atkins Clarke E.
Published: March 2010

This study was undertaken to determine if pleural effusion (PEF) increases central venous pressure (CVP) in cats, to define any relationship between volume of PEF and CVP, and to ascertain the significance of CVP alterations in cats having PEF and suspected right heart failure (RHF). CVP was measured from a jugular vein before (CVPpre) and after (CVPpost) bilateral thoracentesis in 9 cats with naturally occurring PEF and under experimental conditions in 3 spontaneously breathing anesthetized cats receiving graded intrathoracic infusion of saline. Volumes of introduced and recovered fluid were recorded. A significant decrease occurred in CVP after thoracentesis in cats with naturally occurring PEF (mean difference, 4.5 cm H2O; range, 0–7.0 cm H2O, P > .005). The magnitude of change in CVP was constant (r = 0.36,P> .05) over the range of volumes recovered (range, 95–450 mL or 16.4–90 mL/kg). Five cats had CVPpre suggestive of RHF (range, 8.16–20.4 cm H2O). After thoracentesis, RHF was ruled out in 1 cat (CVPpost, 4.08 cm H2O) and the CVP declined but remained abnormally high (9.52 cm H2O) in 1 cat with a mediastinal mass. In 2 cats with confirmed RHF (CVPpre, 20.4 and 16.3 cm H2O), CVP decreased after thoracentesis but remained abnormally high (CVPpost, 14.96 and 10.88 cm H2O). In 1 cat with noncardiogenic PEF and inadequate removal of fluid, CVPpost (8.16 cm H2O) did not decrease. Experimentally, a positive linear relationship was observed between CVP and volume of PEF. The threshold volume required to increase CVP (17 mL/kg) approximated that suggested by clinical observation (22 mL/kg). PEF increases CVP and can cause abnormally high CVP in the absence of RHF.
Sry‐Negative XX Sex Reversal in a Family of Norwegian Elkhounds
Authors: Melniczek John R. , Dambach Donna , Prociuk Ulana , Jezyk Peter F. , Henthorn Paula S. , Patterson Donald F. , Giger Urs
Published: March 2010

Two related female Norwegian Elkhounds were evaluated at 6 and 8 months of age for enlarged clitori. Both had a 78 XX karyotype. Histology of their internal reproductive tracts demonstrated 1 to be an XX true hermaphrodite with bilateral ovotestes and the other to be an XX male with bilateral aspermatogenic testes. Polymerase chain reaction‐based tests of genomic DNA showed that both dogs lacked Sry, the testis‐determining gene. Pedigree analysis was consistent with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, as has been reported in the American Cocker Spaniel and the German Shorthaired Pointer. This is the 1st reported case of familial Sry‐negative XX sex reversal in the Norwegian Elkhound. A summary of 34 previously unreported cases of dogs with masculinized external genitalia and a normal 78 XX karyotype seen from 1980 to 1997 is given.
Eosinophilic Bronchopneumopathy in Dogs
Authors: Clercx Cécile , Peeters Dominique , Snaps Frédéric , Hansen Pascale , McEntee Kathleen , Detilleux Johann , Henroteaux Marc , Day Michael J.
Published: March 2010

Eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy was diagnosed in 23 young dogs. Clinical signs included cough, gagging, and retching in all dogs, dyspnea in 21 dogs (91%), and nasal discharge in 12 dogs (52%). The most common radiographic findings were a moderate to severe bronchointerstitial pattern (68%, 13 of 19 dogs). Bronchoscopic findings included the presence of abundant yellow‐green mucus or mucopurulent material (70%, 16 of 23 dogs) and severe mucosal thickening with an irregular or polypoid appearance (52%, 12 of 23 dogs), with partial airway closure during expiration in 3 dogs (13%). Peripheral blood eosinophilia was noted in 14 of 23 dogs (61%). Inflammatory cells in brush or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytologic preparations comprised more than 50% eosinophils in 14 of 23 dogs (61%), and 20–50% eosinophils in 6 dogs (26%). Eosinophilic infiltration of the bronchial mucosa was observed in biopsies from 19 dogs and was graded as mild (37%, 7 dogs), moderate (32%, 6 dogs), or severe (32%, 6 dogs). The mean serum immunoglobulin A concentration was almost double that of a population of 20 healthy dogs of various breeds. Oral glucocorticoids were administered on alternate days with progressive tapering of the dose; the dosage at maintenance varied between 0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg every other day. No relationship was found between the duration of clinical signs and the maintenance dosage or the cytologic and histopathologic grades.
Companion Animal Medicine in the Age of Medical Genetics
Authors: Patterson Donald F.
Published: March 2010

We'd like to explain what pathology means, In terms of what's wrong with the structure of genes; Know if a control or a structural locus Constitutes the exact pathological focus.

With the help of the enzymes that slice DNA, And cloning techniques, we now have a way To study the actual sequence of bases; To know when those purines are not in their places.1
Gastric Mucosal Lesions in Dogs with Acute Intervertebral Disc Disease: Characterization and Effects of Omeprazole or Misoprostol
Authors: Neiger Reto , Gaschen Frédéric , Jaggy André
Published: March 2010

We characterized gastric mucosal lesions in dogs with acute degenerative disc disease treated by surgery and corticosteroid administration. The effect of omeprazole and misoprostol on gastric lesions in these dogs was also evaluated. Dogs were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups or to the control group. Treatment consisted of omeprazole at 0.7 mg/kg orally once daily, or misoprostol at 2 μg/kg orally 3 times daily. All 3 groups received dexamethasone at 2 mg/kg on day 0, prednisolone at 2 mg/kg on day 1, prednisolone at 1 mg/kg on day 2, and prednisolone at 0.5 mg/kg on all further days (range, 5–6 days). Endoscopic examination was performed on day 0 and 5–6 days later. Four regions of the stomach were qualitatively scored from 1 to 12 based on the presence of submucosal hemorrhage, erosion, or ulceration, with ulceration receiving the highest numerical score. Nineteen of 25 dogs had gastric mucosal lesions at the beginning of the study. No significant difference was found in the gastric lesion score among the 3 groups at the end of the study. Gastric mucosal lesions were concluded to be common in dogs with acute degenerative disc disease treated with corticosteroids. Neither omeprazole nor misoprostol at the doses used was effective in healing or preventing the further development of gastric mucosal lesions.
Prothrombin, Activated Partial Thromboplastin, and Proteins Induced by Vitamin K Absence or Antagonists Clotting Times in 20 Hyperthyroid Cats Before and After Methimazole Treatment
Authors: Randolph John F. , DeMarco JoAnn , Center Sharon A. , Kantrowitz Lawrence , Crawford Mary Ann , Scarlett Janet M. , Brooks Marjory
Published: March 2010

The effect of daily doses of 5–15 mg of methimazole on the platelet count, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and proteins induced by vitamin K absence or antagonists (PIVKA) clotting time in 20 hyperthyroid cats was determined. No significant (P> .05) difference was found in median platelet count, PT, APTT, or PIVKA clotting time before treatment compared to median values at 2–6 weeks or ≥7–12 weeks of methimazole treatment. No cat had a prolonged APTT at any time. At 2–6 weeks of methimazole treatment, 1 cat each developed thrombocytopenia or prolonged PIVKA clotting time despite initially normal values. Three cats had abnormal coagulation tests (prolonged PT [n = 1] and PIVKA clotting time [n = 3]) before treatment that fluctuated during treatment. Excluding the 3 cats that had abnormal PIVKA clotting time before treatment, prolonged PIVKA clotting time developed in 6% (1/17; 95% confidence interval, 0–28%) cats treated with methimazole for 2–6 weeks. Seemingly, doses of methimazole commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism in cats do not cause alteration in PT and APTT, and only rarely prolong PIVKA clotting time. Nevertheless, abnormal PIVKA clotting time may explain bleeding tendencies unassociated with thrombocytopenia in methimazole‐treated hyperthyroid cats.
Familial Protein‐Losing Enteropathy and Protein‐Losing Nephropathy in Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers: 222 Cases (1983–1997)
Authors: Littman Meryl P. , Dambach Donna M. , Vaden Shelly L. , Giger Urs
Published: March 2010

Records and pedigrees of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers (SCWT) with protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE) or protein‐losing nephropathy (PLN) were studied retrospectively. Criteria for inclusion were defined based on analysis of blood (panhypoproteinemia for PLE, hypoalbuminemia for PLN) and urine (proteinuria for PLN) and histopathologic examination of tissue. Two hundred twenty‐two affected dogs (female:male ratio = 1.6,P< .001) were clinically identified. Dogs were diagnosed with PLE earlier (P< .005; mean ± SD age: 4.7 ± 2.6 years, n = 76) than with PLN (6.3 ± 2.0 years, n = 84) or with both diseases (5.9 ± 2.2 years, n = 62). Clinical signs included vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, pleural and peritoneal effusions, and less commonly thrombo‐embolic disease. Dogs with PLE generally had panhypoproteinemia and hypocholesterolemia; intestinal lesions included inflammatory bowel disease, dilated lymphatics, and lipogranulomatous lymphangitis. Dogs with PLN generally had hypoalbuminemia, proteinuria, hypercholesterolemia, and azotemia; renal lesions typically showed chronic glomerulonephritis/glomerulosclerosis, and less commonly endstage renal disease. Dogs with combined PLE/PLN had intermediate mean values (P< .001) for serum total protein, albumin, globulin, and cholesterol but had a higher mean urine protein: creatinine ratio than did PLN dogs (P< .05); intestinal and renal lesions in these dogs were similar to those in the other groups. Two dogs had incidental mild renal dysplasia. Pedigree analysis from 188 dogs demonstrated a common male ancestor, although the mode of inheritance is unknown. Both PLE and PLN are common diseases in this small breed population. The prognosis is poor. Compared with previously reported intestinal and renal diseases in dogs, a new, distinctive familial predisposition for both PLE and PLN has been recognized in the SCWT breed.
Vincristine Impairs Platelet Aggregation in Dogs with Lymphoma
Authors: Grau‐Bassas Enrique Rodriguez , Kociba Gary J. , Couto C. Guillermo
Published: March 2010

Platelet aggregation before and after administration of 0.5 mg/m2of vincristine (VCR) was evaluated in 7 dogs with spontaneously occuring lymphoma. Aggregation on platelet‐rich plasma separated from blood collected in 3.8% sodium citrate was performed using adenosine diphosphate (ADP), arachidonic acid (AA), and collagen (COL) as agonists. The slope for aggregation in response to ADP was significantly lower after administration of VCR (P= .032). Maximal aggregation after administration of VCR was significantly lower in response to ADP, COL, and AA (P= .03,P= .04, andP= .03, respectively).
HelicobacterInfection in Dogs and Cats: Facts and Fiction
Authors: Neiger Reto , Simpson Kenneth W.
Published: March 2010

The discovery of the spiral bacteriumHelicobacter pyloriand its causative role in gastric disease in humans has brought a dramatic change to gastroenterology. Although spiral bacteria have been known for more than a century to infect the stomachs of dogs and cats, recent research has been conducted mainly in the wake of interest inH. pylori. H. pylorihas not been found in dogs and only very rarely in cats and zoonotic risk is minimal. A variety of otherHelicobacterspp. can infect the stomach of pets; however, their pathogenic role is far from clear, and they have a small but real zoonotic potential. The prevalence of gastricHelicobacterspp. in dogs and cats is high, irrespective of clinical signs, and as in human medicine, mode of transmission is unclear. The relationship ofHelicobacterspp. to gastric inflammation in cats and dogs is unresolved, with inflammation, glandular degeneration, and lymphoid follicle hyperplasia accompanying infection in some but not all subjects. Circulating anti‐Helicobacterimmuno‐globulin G antibodies have been detected in 80% of dogs with naturally acquired infection and most dogs and cats with experimental infection. The gastric secretory axis is similar in infected and uninfected cats and dogs and no relationship of infection to gastrointestinal ulcers has been found. Differences in the pathogenicity ofHelicobacterspp. are apparent, because infection withH pyloriis associated with a more severe gastritis than infection with otherHelicobacterspp. in both cats and dogs. Rapid urease test, histopathology, and touch cytology are all highly accurate invasive diagnostic tests for gastricHelicobacter‐like organisms in dogs and cats, whereas culture and polymerase chain reaction are the only means to identify them to the species level. Urea breath and blood tests or serology can be used to diagnoseHelicobacterspp. noninvasively in dogs and cats. Most therapeutic studies in pets have not shown long‐term eradication ofHelicobacterspp. Whether this is due to reinfection or recrudescence has not been established.
Telomerase Enzyme Activity as a Diagnostic Tool to Distinguish Effusions of Malignant and Benign Origin
Authors: Spangler Elizabeth A. , Rogers Kenita S. , Thomas Jennifer S. , Pustejovsky Denise , Boyd Stephanie L. , Shippen Dorothy E.
Published: March 2010

Telomerase enzyme activity is high in populations of cells that are dividing, and is low or undetectable in quiescent cell populations. Activation of telomerase in tissues that normally lack the capacity for self‐renewal is strongly correlated with neoplasia. Telomerase activity can be detected in samples containing very small numbers of cells and studies of human patients suggest that measurement of telomerase activity may be useful for the evaluation of samples that can be obtained in a minimally invasive manner. This study compares the presence or absence of telomerase activity with cytologic evaluation of body cavity effusions, to determine if neoplasia is the underlying cause for the effusion in dogs and cats. Detection of telomerase in effusions was no more sensitive than cytologic evaluation for the identification of underlying neoplasia, and was less specific (telomerase assay: sensitivity = 50%, specificity = 83%; cytology: sensitivity = 50%, specificity = 100%). We conclude that although the telomerase assay may constitute a useful adjunctive test for the diagnosis of neoplasia in some dogs and cats with body cavity effusions, the results of this assay are not sufficiently reliable to be used as a sole diagnostic test.
Measurement of Plasma Colloid Osmotic Pressure in Normal Thoroughbred Neonatal Foals
Authors: Runk David T. , Madigan John E. , Rahal Cheryl J. , Allison Dina N. , Fredrickson Kelly
Published: March 2010

A normal plasma colloid osmotic pressure (COP) interval was established for foals and compared to values for adult horses. Plasma samples were obtained from 38 Thoroughbred foals that had normal findings on postfoaling examination and 10 healthy Thoroughbred adult horses. Samples were analyzed using a commercially available colloid osmometer. Fifty samples were obtained from 38 foals. Twelve foals had 2 samples taken, 1 during the 1st 24 hours of life and the 2nd between 24 and 72 hours of life. For foals with 2 samples, only 1 randomly selected value was used in group analysis. Total plasma protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations were measured on all samples from foals. The mean measured plasma COP for foals was 18.8 ± 1.9 mm Hg for the 38 samples analyzed. Measured plasma COP did not differ significantly over the time period examined for either the 12 paired samples (P= .13) or with regression analysis of the 38 samples (P= .13). Calculation of mean COP, based on previously published quadratic equations using total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations, underestimated mean measured foal COP values except for when total protein measured by refractometer was used in the Landis‐Pappenheimer equation. In conclusion, the plasma COP interval (95% CI: 15.0 mm Hg, 22.6 mm Hg) obtained for healthy foals in this study was found to be lower than that of healthy adult Thoroughbreds (20.6 ± 0.7 mm Hg,P= .006).
Treatment of Canine Hemangiosarcoma: 2000 and Beyond
Authors: Clifford Craig A. , Mackin Andrew J. , Henry Carolyn J.
Published: March 2010

Canine hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is an aggressive and malignant neoplasia with a grave prognosis. Surgery and chemotherapy have limited success in prolonging survival times and increasing quality of life in dogs with HSA. Advances in medical oncology are resulting in increased survival rates and a better quality of life for veterinary cancer patients. An understanding of mechanisms of metastasis has led to the development of new treatments designed to delay or inhibit tumor spread. Promising new treatment options include novel delivery systems (inhalation or intracavitary chemotherapy); use of immunomodulators such as liposome‐encapsulated muramyl tripeptide‐phosphatidylethanolamine; antimetastatic agents such as inhibitors of angiogenesis (interferons, thalidomide), matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, and minocycline; dietary modifications; and gene therapy. Inhibitors of angiogenesis seem to be safe and, unlike conventional chemotherapy, do not induce drug resistance. Although many of the newer approaches are still under development and review, the use of multimodality therapy incorporating innovative treatment modalities may offer the best therapeutic option for dogs affected with HSA.
Effects of Enalapril versus Placebo as a Treatment for Canine Idiopathic Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Grauer Gregory F. , Greco Deborah S. , Getzy David M. , Cowgill Larry D. , Vaden Shelly L. , Chew Dennis J. , Polzin David J. , Barsanti Jeanne A.
Published: March 2010

A blinded, multicenter, prospective clinical trial assessed the effects of enalapril (EN) versus standard care in dogs with naturally occurring, idiopathic glomerulonephritis (GN). Twenty‐nine adult dogs with membranous (n = 16) and membranoproliferative (n = 13) GN were studied. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive either EN (0.5 mg/kg PO q12–24h; n = 16) or placebo (n = 14) for 6 months (1 dog was treated first with the placebo and then with EN). All dogs were treated with low‐dose aspirin (0.5–5 mg/kg PO q12–24h) and fed a commercial diet. At baseline, serum creatinine (SrCr), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and glomerular histologic grade were not different between groups, but the urine protein/creatinine ratio (UP/C) was greater in the EN group compared with the placebo group (8.7 ± 4.4 versus 4.7 ± 2.3). After 6 months of treatment, the change in UP/C from baseline was significantly different between groups (EN =—4.2 ± 1.4 versus 1.9 ± 0.9 in the placebo group). When data were adjusted for changes in SrCr (SrCr X UP/C) a similar significant reduction was noted (—2.2 ± 15.2 versus 8.4 ± 10.1). The change in SBP after 6 months of treatment also was significantly different between groups (EN =—12.8 ± 27.3 versus 5.9 ± 21.5 mm Hg in the placebo group). Response to treatment was categorized as improvement (assigned a value of 2), no progression (assigned a value of 1), and progression (assigned a value of 0). Response was significantly better in the EN group (1.4 ± 0.8) compared with the placebo group (0.3 ± 0.5). These results suggest that EN treatment is beneficial in dogs with naturally occurring idiopathic GN.