bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatic Abscesses in Cats: 14 Cases (1985–2002)
Authors: Sergeeff Jennifer S. , Armstrong P. Jane , Bunch Susan E.
Published: March 2010

In this retrospective study, we describe 14 cats diagnosed with hepatic abscesses. The objective of the study was to report the clinical signs, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic findings, and outcomes in affected cats. These findings were then compared with those previously reported in dogs and humans. Clinical signs were vague and included anorexia, lethargy, and weight loss. Only 23% of cats had fever, whereas 31% were hypothermic. Increases in serum activities of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were found in 45 and 18%, respectively, of the 11 cats that had laboratory work performed. Abdominal ultrasound examinations were performed in 7 cats, and abnormalities were found in 71% of them. Four cats had solitary abscesses, all of which were located in the right liver lobes. The other 10 cats had multifocal small abscesses or microabscesses, and all of these cats had clinical signs suggestive of sepsis. Cytologic evaluation of samples obtained by abdominocentesis indicated septic inflammation in 67% of cats in which peritoneal fluid was analyzed. Hepatic abscess cultures yielded polymicrobial growth in 66% of the cats;Escherichia coliwas the most commonly cultured organism. Overall mortality rate was 79%. All survivors underwent exploratory laparotomy for partial hepatectomy to resect the abscess followed by medical management. Hepatic abscesses should be considered in cats with signs consistent with sepsis. More routine use of ultrasonography may aid in earlier diagnosis of hepatic abscesses, potentially improving prognosis and outcome.
Molecular Investigation ofEscherichia coliStrains Associated with Apparently Persistent Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs
Authors: Drazenovich Nicole , Ling Gerald V. , Foley Janet
Published: March 2010

PersistentEscherichia coliurinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs is a frustrating clinical problem. Affected dogs often appear to fail to respond to therapy or to reacquire infection shortly after therapy is completed. Urovirulence factors (UVFs) of the infectingE coli,antibiotic resistance, and tissue colonization may be contributory but have not been evaluated in dogs with persistentE coliUTI. In this study, the strain types ofE coliin dogs with persistent UTI were evaluated with pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to determine whether persistence was due to acquisition of new isolates or failure to eradicate existing isolates. UVFs in these isolates, assessed by polymerase chain reaction, and antibiograms were correlated with treatment outcome in these dogs. Results documented a mixed pattern: 9 dogs remained chronically infected with 1 or 2 strains, each with distinct reproducible UVFs, but 1 dog was infected with numerous unrelatedE colistrains over time. Two dogs had a mixed pattern, consisting of 1 or more episodes of persistentE coliinfection attributable to a single strain in addition to episodes caused by unrelated strains. Many isolates had no detectable UVFs, highlighting the likely importance of impaired colonization resistance in the affected dogs. Antibiotic resistance was common, often in response to previous treatments, especially with trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole. Antibiotic resistance patterns differed significantly within PFGE strain types, suggesting lateral acquisition of resistance plasmids or integrons. These results can be used to help guide testing for and management of persistentE coliUTI in dogs.
Transarterial Coil Embolization of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Small Dogs with 0.025‐Inch Vascular Occlusion Coils: 10 Cases
Authors: Hogan Daniel F. , III Henry W. Green , Gordon Sonya , Miller Matthew W.
Published: March 2010

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the most common congenital cardiac disease in the dog and generally leads to severe clinical signs, including left‐sided congestive heart failure. Historically, definitive treatment consisted of surgical ligation; however, the use of vascular occlusion devices by minimally invasive techniques has gained popularity in veterinary medicine during the past decade. Adequate vascular access is a major limiting factor for these minimally invasive techniques, precluding their use in very small dogs. The clinical management of PDA with 0.025‐in vascular occlusion coils in a minimally invasive transarterial technique in 10 dogs is described. The dogs were small (1.38 ± 0.22 kg), were generally young (6.70 ± 5.74 months), and had small minimal ductal diameters (1.72 ± 0.81 mm from angiography). Vascular access was achieved, and coil deployment was attempted in all dogs with a 3F catheter uncontrolled release system. Successful occlusion, defined as no angiographic residual flow, was accomplished in 8 of 10 (80%) dogs. Successful occlusion was not achieved in 2 dogs (20%), and both dogs experienced embolization of coils into the pulmonary arterial tree. One of these dogs died during the procedure, whereas the other dog underwent a successful surgical correction. We conclude that transarterial PDA occlusion in very small dogs is possible with 0.025‐in vascular occlusion coils by means of a 3F catheter system and that it represents a viable alternative to surgical ligation. The risk of pulmonary arterial embolization is higher with this uncontrolled release system, but this risk may decrease with experience.
Dietary Risk Factors and Colonic pH and Mineral Concentrations in Horses with Enterolithiasis
Authors: Hassel Diana M. , Rakestraw Peter C. , Gardner Ian A. , Spier Sharon J. , Snyder Jack R.
Published: March 2010

A prospective, unmatched case control study was performed to identify dietary and environmental risk factors for enterolithiasis in horses in California and to determine whether colonic ingesta analyses differed between horses with and without enteroliths. Forty‐three horses with enterolithiasis were compared with 19 horses with surgical colic attributable to nonstrangulating obstruction of the colon without enteroliths. Colonic ingesta samples were collected at surgery from horses with enteroliths and control horses. Colonic pH and colonic concentrations of magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, sodium, calcium, potassium, and nitrogen were measured. Questionnaires were distributed to owners to determine diet and management practices. Student'st‐test and Mann‐Whitney tests were used to evaluate differences in pH, dry matter content, percent nitrogen, and mineral content. Associations between dietary and management risk factors and enterolith occurrence were quantified by odds ratios. Mean pH of colonic contents from horses with enterolithiasis was significantly higher than for control horses. Horses with enterolithiasis had significantly lower percent dry matter in colonic fecal samples and higher mean mineral concentrations than controls. On the basis of reported feeding and management practices, horses with enterolithiasis were fed a significantly higher proportion of alfalfa in their diet and were less likely to have daily access to pasture grass than horses without enteroliths. Results suggest that decreasing alfalfa consumption and allowing daily access to pasture grazing might reduce the risk of enterolithiasis. Dietary modifications promoting acidification of colonic contents and dilution of minerals might be beneficial as preventive measures for enterolithiasis in horses. Key words: Alfalfa hay; Colic; Colon mineral content; Enteroliths.
Postanesthetic Cerebellar Dysfunction in Cats
Authors: Shamir Merav , Goelman Gadi , Chai Orit
Published: March 2010

Eleven cats with signs of cerebellar dysfunction, developed on recovery from a brief and uneventful general anesthesia, were examined at the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital (KSVMTH) between 1998 and 2002. Neurological signs included mild to severe ataxia of all 4 limbs, intentional tremor, lack of menace response, and delayed hopping. The cats were of different ages when anesthetized and none had shown any prior signs of neural disease. They were examined 1 day to 4 years after onset of clinical signs, and the neurological deficits remained unchanged in a follow‐up period of 6 months to 8 years. Medical and anesthetic records showed that all were Persian cross cats, 7 of them originating in the same city in Israel. Ketamine was the only anesthetic drug that had been used with all cats. It might be that a genetic component predisposes Persian cross cats to nonreversible cerebellar damage after exposure to an anesthetic dose of ketamine.
Dietary NaCl Does Not Affect Blood Pressure in Healthy Cats
Authors: Luckschander Nicole , Iben Christine , Hosgood Giselle , Gabler Cornelia , Biourge Vincent
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of dietary salt intake on systolic blood pressure, water intake, urine output, and urine concentration in cats. Ten healthy young adult cats (mean age 2.5 years) were randomly divided into 2 groups and fed either a control diet (0.46% Na and 1.33% Cl on a dry matter [DM] basis) or a diet with a moderately increased salt content (1.02% Na and 2.02% Cl on a DM basis) for 2 weeks. After a 1‐week wash‐out period, each group was switched to the opposite diet for 2 weeks. During each 2‐week study period, food and water intake, urine volume, urine specific gravity, and urine osmolality were measured daily. Systolic blood pressure (calculated as the mean of 5 readings measured with a Doppler flow detector) was assessed twice daily. No significant effect of diet composition was found on systolic blood pressure, and blood pressure measurements remained within reference limits throughout the study in all 10 cats. However, animals fed the higher salt diet had significantly increased water intake and urine osmolality, and significantly decreased urine specific gravity in comparison to animals fed the control diet. Examination of results of this preliminary study suggests that feeding a diet with moderately increased salt content increases water intake and causes diuresis without increasing systolic blood pressure in healthy adult young cats.
Prognostic Value of Blood Lactate, Blood Glucose, and Hematocrit in Canine Babesiosis
Authors: Nel Mirinda , Lobetti Remo G. , Keller Ninette , Thompson Peter N.
Published: March 2010

Canine babesiosis typically causes hemolytic anemia but also can result in multiple organ dysfunction. Human patients with severe disease often have persistent hyperlactatemia, and blood lactate concentration is correlated with survival rate. In dogs, blood lactate concentration has been shown to be of prognostic value in patients with gastric dilatation‐volvulus and in dogs admitted to intensive care units. Serial blood lactate and glucose concentrations and hematocrit on admission were determined in 90 dogs with naturally occurring, severe or complicated canine babesiosis. Forty‐five dogs (50%) had hyperlactatemia (blood lactate concentration >22.5 mg/dL) and 20 (22.2%) had hypoglycemia (blood glucose concentration < 59.4 mg/dL) at presentation. Measurements significantly associated with mortality were hypoglycemia on admission, blood lactate concentration 45 mg/dL on admission, blood lactate concentration >22.5 mg/dL at 8, 16, and 24 hours after admission, and increase or < 50% decrease in blood lactate concentration within 8 and 16 hours after admission. Blood lactate concentration persistently 40 mg/dL indicated a very poor prognosis. We conclude that serial blood lactate measurements are useful in predicting survival in dogs with severe and complicated canine babesiosis.
Therapeutic Effects of Recombinant Feline Interferon‐co on Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)‐Infected and FeLV/Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)‐Coinfected Symptomatic Cats
Authors: de Mari Karine , Maynard Laurence , Sanquer Annaelle , Lebreux Bernard , Eun Hyone‐Myong
Published: March 2010

The clinical efficacy of a recombinant feline interferon, rFeIFN‐M, was evaluated for the treatment of cats presented with clinical signs associated with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection and FeLV/feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) coinfection in the field. In this multicentric, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 81 cats meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly placed into 2 groups and treated subcutaneously with rFeIFN‐ω (1 million [M]U/kg per day) or placebo once daily for 5 consecutive days in 3 series (day 0, 14, 60). The cats were monitored for up to 1 year for clinical signs and mortality. During the initial 4‐month period, interferon (IFN)‐treated cats (n = 39) had significantly reduced clinical scores compared with placebo (n = 42), with all cats having received concomitant supportive therapies. Compared with the control, the IFN‐treated group showed significantly lower rates of mortality: 39% versus 59% (1.7‐fold higher risk of death for controls) at the 9‐month time point and 47% versus 59% (1.4‐fold higher risk of death for controls) at the 12‐month time point. The IFN treatment was associated with minor but consistent improvement in abnormal hematologic parameters (red blood cell count, packed cell volume, and white blood cell count), apparently underlying the positive effects of IFN on clinical parameters. These data demonstrate that rFeIFN‐ωinitially has statistically significant therapeutic effects on clinical signs and later on survival of cats with clinical signs associated with FeLV infection and FeLV/FIV coinfection.
Antibiotic‐Responsive Histiocytic Ulcerative Colitis in 9 Dogs
Authors: Hostutler Roger A. , Luria Brian J. , Johnson Susan E. , Weisbrode Steven E. , Sherding Robert G. , Jaeger Jordan Q. , Guilford W. Grant
Published: March 2010

Canine histiocytic ulcerative colitis (HUC) is characterized by colonic inflammation with predominantly periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS)‐positive macrophages. The inflammation results in colonic thickening, ulcerations, and distortion of normal glandular architecture. Resultant clinical signs consist of chronic large bowel diarrhea, tenesmus, and marked weight loss, and the disease frequently results in euthanasia. Conventional therapy consists of some combination of prednisone, azathioprine, sulfasalazine, and metronidazole. Nine dogs (8 Boxers and 1 English Bulldog) with histologic confirmation of HUC were treated with antibiotic therapy (either with enrofloxacin alone or in combination with metronidazole and amoxicillin). Clinical signs, physical examination findings, laboratory abnormalities, and the histologic severity of the disease were evaluated. Four of the 9 dogs had been treated previously with conventional therapy and had failed to respond favorably; then, these dogs were placed on antibiotic therapy (enrofloxacin, n = 1; enrofloxacin, metronidazole, and amoxicillin, n = 3) and had resolution of clinical signs within 3–12 days. Five dogs were treated solely with antibiotic therapy (enrofloxacin, n = 1; enrofloxacin and metronidazole, n = 1; enrofloxacin, metronidazole, and amoxicillin, n = 3), and clinical signs resolved in 2–7 days. Repeated biopsy specimens were obtained from 5 dogs after treatment, and all showed marked histologic improvement. The increase in body weight after treatment was statistically significant (P= .01). Three dogs currently are not on any treatment and have had resolution of clinical signs for up to 14 months. These observations suggest that an infectious agent responsive to antibiotics plays an integral role in the clinical manifestation of canine HUC, and they support the use of antibiotics in its treatment.
Lymphocyte Subpopulations and Hematologic Variables in Dogs with Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Farabaugh Andrew E. , Freeman Lisa M. , Rush John E. , George Katherine L.
Published: March 2010

Alterations in lymphocyte subpopulations and in other hematologic variables have been documented in people with heart failure. The purpose of the current study was to compare flow cytometric and hematologic variables in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF) to healthy controls. CD4+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and CD8+ lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry, and white blood cell count, platelet count, hematocrit, and hemoglobin were determined by a complete blood count. Twenty‐five dogs with CHF (International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council [ISACHC] class 2 [n = 12] and ISACHC class 3a [n = 13]) and 13 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Compared with the controls, dogs with CHF had markedly lower percentages of CD4+ PBMC, CD8+ lymphocytes, hematocrit, and hemoglobin, but markedly higher leukocytes, neutrophils, and platelets. There were no differences in these variables between dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 6) and those with chronic valvular disease (n = 19). Dogs in ISACHC class 3a had a markedly lower total lymphocyte number, CD4+ and CD8+ cells, and hematocrit, but markedly higher leukocyte and neutrophil numbers relative to the control group. CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations and other blood cell variables are altered in dogs with CHF. Future studies to determine possible clinical implications of these changes are warranted.
Hereditary Ataxia in the Jack Russell Terrier– Clinical and Genetic Investigations
Authors: Wessmann Annette , Goedde Thomas , Fischer Andrea , Wohlsein Peter , Hamann Henning , Distl Ottmar , Tipold Andrea
Published: March 2010

Hereditary ataxia in the Jack Russell Terrier (JRT) is characterized by a gait disturbance with symmetric generalized ataxia and hypermetric and spastic movements. Histopathology shows a disease of the entire central nervous system, predominantly an axonopathy. In the present study, 35 clinically affected dogs were examined. Gait abnormalities began at 2–9 months of age. Generalized seizures occurred in 13 dogs in addition to the ataxia, and 7 dogs developed respiratory distress. Brain stem auditory‐evoked potentials (BAEPs) were abnormal in 4 of 8 examined dogs, in which only waves I and II were detected. Abnormal BAEPs suggest the possibility of hereditary ataxia in the JRT. Investigations regarding the mode of inheritance were performed by complex segregation analyses on 3 pedigrees with a total of 115 JRTs (27 clinically affected dogs and 88 unaffected littermates and ancestors). Different modes of inheritance were tested, including monogenic, mixed, and polygenic models, as well as a model with environmental effects only. Models with genetic effects explained the data significantly better than the environmental model. The monogenic model had to be rejected in this study because of an insufficient match of data when compared to that of the most general model. The polygenic and mixed major gene models explained the pedigree data best and therefore have to be regarded as possible hypotheses for the mode of inheritance of hereditary ataxia in the JRT. The polygenic model proved best suited to explain the segregation pattern in the JRT, because it had the fewest number of parameters.
Toxicity, Dosage, and Efficacy of Vinorelbine (Navelbine) in Dogs with Spontaneous Neoplasia
Authors: Poirier Valerie J. , Burgess Kristine E. , Adams William M. , Vail David M.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate short‐term adverse effects and determine a safe dosage for vinorelbine (Navelbine)–a new semisynthetic vinca alkaloid–in dogs with malignant tumors. Nineteen dogs were treated with vinorelbine as a 5‐minute IV infusion every 7 days at starting dosages ranging from 10 to 20 mg/m2. The median number of treatments per dog was 7 (range, 1–11). The maximum tolerated dosage varied between 15 and 18 mg/m2, and a starting dosage of 15 mg/m2 is recommended. Neutropenia was the dose‐limiting toxicity. Although efficacy was a secondary endpoint of this dosage‐finding study, 2 dogs with metastatic bronchoalveolar carcinoma experienced a partial response for an overall response rate of 12.5% in 16 dogs with gross measurable disease. Three dogs with microscopic disease were treated (incompletely excised bronchoalveolar carcinoma or lymph node metastatic disease). Two died of pulmonary metastatic disease 113 and 196 days posttreatment, and 1 is still alive after at least 730 days. The well‐tolerated toxicity profile and clinical activity observed in dogs with bronchoalveolar carcinoma warrants further investigation
Effect of Dietary Corn Oil Supplementation on Equine Gastric Fluid Acid, Sodium, and Prostaglandin E2Content before and during Pentagastrin Infusion
Authors: Cargile Jana L. , Burrow James A. , Kim Inyoung , Cohen Noah D. , Merritt A.M.
Published: March 2010

The effect of corn oil (approximately 60% [wt/vol] linoleic acid) dietary supplementation on various components of equine gastric secretion was studied by use of a repeated‐measures experimental design. Four healthy adult ponies were surgically fitted with gastric cannulas. The ponies were then fed a free‐choice hay diet for 5 weeks, which was followed by 5 weeks of the same diet supplemented with 45 mL of corn oil daily. Gastric contents were analyzed under basal and pentagastrin‐stimulated conditions once weekly during the latter 2 weeks on each diet. Gastric contents were collected at 30‐minute intervals, and volume, hydrogen ion concentration, sodium content, and prostaglandin E2(PGE2) content were measured. Data were analyzed by a linear fixed‐effect modeling procedure. During the diet supplemented with corn oil, the ponies had, under basal and pentagastrin‐stimulated conditions, significantly decreased acid output and significantly increased PGE2and sodium outputs compared to those measured before corn oil supplementation. We conclude that corn oil supplementation may be an effective and inexpensive way to increase the protective properties of equine glandular gastric mucosa. This could be particularly helpful in reducing the chances of ulceration associated with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) administration.
Effects of Continuous Rate Intravenous Infusion of Butorphanol on Physiologic and Outcome Variables in Horses after Celiotomy
Authors: Sellon Debra C. , Roberts Malcolm C. , Blikslager Anthony T. , Ulibarri Catherine , Papich Mark G.
Published: March 2010

A randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trial was performed to determine whether butorphanol administered by continuous rate infusion (CRI) for 24 hours after abdominal surgery would decrease pain and surgical stress responses and improve recovery in horses. Thirty‐one horses undergoing exploratory celiotomy for abdominal pain were randomly assigned to receive butorphanol CRI (13 |xg/kg/h for 24 hours after surgery; treatment) or isotonic saline (control). All horses received flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg IV q12h). There were no significant differences between treatment and control horses in preoperative or operative variables. Treatment horses had significantly lower plasma cortisol concentration compared with control horses at 2, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after surgery. Mean weight loss while hospitalized was significantly less for treatment horses than control horses, whether expressed as total decrease in body weight (13.9 ± 3.4 and 27.9 ± 4.5 kg, respectively) or as a percentage decrease in body weight (2.6 ± 0.7 and 6.3 ± 1.1%, respectively). Treatment horses were significantly delayed in time to first passage of feces (median times of 15 and 4 hours, respectively). Treatment horses had significantly improved behavior scores during the first 24 hours after surgery, consistent with the conclusion that they experienced less pain during that time. Butorphanol CRI during the immediate postoperative period significantly decreased plasma cortisol concentrations and improved recovery characteristics in horses undergoing abdominal surgery.
Prevalence of Endotoxemia in Healthy Postparturient Dairy Cows and Cows with Abomasal Volvulus or Left Displaced Abomasum
Authors: Wittek Thomas , Fürll Manfred , Constable Peter D.
Published: March 2010

Left displaced abomasum (LDA) and abomasal volvulus (AV) occur most commonly in postparturient dairy cows. Our main hypothesis was that endotoxemia occurred more frequently in the peripheral blood of cows with LDA or AV than in healthy cows because increased luminal pressure in AV or LDA, or the presence of a hemorrhagic strangulating obstruction in AV, may have injured the abomasal mucosa, thereby facilitating translocation of luminal endotoxin into the circulation. Therefore, our main objective was to compare the prevalence and magnitude of endotoxemia in healthy postparturient cows with the prevalence and magnitude of endotoxemia in cows with AV and LDA. We examined 60 adult dairy cows in early lactation that were diagnosed with AV (n = 15) or LDA (n = 15) or were healthy on physical examination (control group, n = 30). Jugular venous blood was obtained from cows in all 3 groups, and right gastroepiploic venous blood was obtained during surgical correction of AV and LDA immediately after repositioning of the abomasum. Platelet‐rich plasma endotoxin concentrations were measured with a chromogenic limulus amoebocyte lysate assay. Endotoxin was detected in jugular vein plasma in 50% (15/30) of control cows; however, the prevalence of endotoxemia was significantly lower (P< .05) in cows with AV (7%, 1/15) or LDA (20%, 3/15). Endotoxin was detected simultaneously in right gastroepiploic and jugular vein plasma in only 1 cow with LDA and 0 cows with AV. Contrary to our hypothesis, we conclude that endotoxemia is infrequently present in postparturient dairy cows with AV or LDA.
Serum Thymidine Kinase Activity: An Alternative to Histologic Markers of Cellular Proliferation in Canine Lymphoma
Authors: Madewell Bruce R.
Published: March 2010

Thymidine kinase (TK) is a cellular enzyme which is involved in a salvage pathway of DNA synthesis. It is activated in the G1/S phase of the cell cycle, and its activity has been shown to correlate with the proliferative activity of tumor cells⃜Clin‐ical studies have reported high serum TK concentrations in a variety of neoplasias. The majority of these studies concerned hematological malignancies. TK seems to be a useful marker in non‐Hodgkins lymphoma, where it correlates with clinical stag‐ing and provides marked prognostic information on (progres‐sion‐free) survival.
Bisphosphonates and Cancer
Authors: Milner Rowan J. , Farese James , Henry Carolyn J. , Selting Kim , Fan Timothy M. , de Lorimier Louis‐Philippe
Published: March 2010

Bisphosphonates form a family of drugs characterized pharmacologically by their ability to inhibit bone resorption and pharma‐cokinetically by similar intestinal absorption, skeletal distribution, and renal elimination. Two groups of bisphosphonates exist chemically, non‐amino‐bisphosphates and amino‐bisphosphonates. The amino‐bisphosphonates have greater antiresorptive capabilities and represent a newer generation of bisphosphonates. The primary mechanism of action of bisphosphonates is inhibition of osteoclastic activity. Non‐amino‐bisphosphonates are incorporated into the energy pathways of the osteoclast, resulting in disrupted cellular energy metabolism leading to apoptosis. Amino‐bisphosphonates exert their effect on osteoclasts via their inhibition of the mevalonate pathways, resulting in disruption of intracellular signaling and induction of apoptosis. Bisphosphonates also inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis in in vitro cultures, inhibit angiogenesis, inhibit matrix metalloproteinase, have effects on cytokine and growth factors, and are immunomodulatory. Clinical applications in oncology could include therapy for hypercalcemia of malignancy, inhibition of bone metastasis, and therapy for bone pain. Although bisphosphonates are regarded as metabolically inert in the body, adverse effects do occur and include esophagitis, gastritis, suppression of bone repair, and allergic reactions. Little is published on the effects of bisphosphonates in dogs with cancer. Further research into the role of bisphosphonates in veterinary oncology is needed to identify clinical efficacy and safety of these potentially beneficial drugs.
Evaluation of Plasma‐Ionized Magnesium Concentration in 122 Dogs with Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Fincham Suzanne C. , Drobatz Kenneth J. , Gillespie Tracey N. , Hess Rebecka S.
Published: March 2010

The goal of this study was to evaluate plasmaionized magnesium (iMg2+) concentration in a large group of dogs with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus and to determine whether dogs with diabetes mellitus have hypomagnesemia, as reported in diabetic humans and cats. Plasma iMg2+concentrations were retrospectively evaluated at the time of initial examination of 122 diabetic dogs at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Diabetic dogs were defined as having uncomplicated diabetes mellitus (DM, 78 dogs) diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA, 32 dogs), or ketotic nonacidotic diabetes mellitus (DK, 12 dogs) on the basis of presence or absence of metabolic acidosis or ketonuria. Twenty‐two control dogs were used to determine reference values for plasma iMg2+concentration in healthy dogs. Plasma iMg2+concentration also was evaluated in 19 nondiabetic dogs with acute pancreatitis because many of the dogs with DKA had concurrent acute pancreatitis. Plasma iMg2+concentration was significantly higher in dogs with DKA (median 0.41 mmol/L, reference range 0.14‐0.72 mmol/L) than in dogs with DM (0.33 mmol/L, 0.17‐0.65 mmol/L;P= .0002) or the control group (0.32 mmol/L, 0.26‐0.41 mmol/L;P= .006). There were no significant differences between plasma iMg2+concentrations in dogs with DM or DK compared with control dogs. We conclude that dogs with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus do not have marked hypomagnesemia on initial examination at a tertiary care center.
Free Light‐Chain Proteinuria and Normal Renal Histopathology and Function in 11 Dogs Exposed to Leishmania infantum, Ehrlichia canis, and Babesia canis
Authors: Bonfanti Ugo , Zini Eric , Minetti Emanuele , Zatelli Andrea
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the relationship among proteinuria consisting of immunoglobulin free light chains (FLCs), renal histopathologic findings, and routine markers of renal function in 11 dogs exposed toLeishmania infantum(n = 8),Ehrlichia canis(n = 2), andBabesia canis(n = 1). FLC proteinuria was suspected based on identification of a 22‐ to 27‐kDa band by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐agarose gel electrophoresis (SDS‐AGE) and later confirmed by immunofixation electrophoresis. SDS‐AGE identified an isolated band of 22–27 kDa in 8 dogs, whereas the remaining 3 had a 22‐ to 27‐kDa band and an additional band of 67–72 kDa. The median urine protein‐to‐urine creatinine ratio was 0.37 (range, 0.11‐2.24) and increased ratios were found in 6 dogs (54.5%) (reference value, <0.7). All dogs underwent histologic examination of renal percutaneous biopsy specimens and determination of serum creatinine and urea concentrations. Tissue samples for light microscopy were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin, periodic acid‐Schiff, Goldners trichrome, and methenamine silver. In the study group, the glomerular tufts, mesangium, tubulointerstitium, and vessels appeared unaffected. The median serum creatinine concentration in these 11 dogs was 1.3 mg/dL (range, 0.8‐1.5 mg/dL; reference range, 0.6‐1.5 mg/dL), whereas the concentration for urea was 28 mg/dL (range, 22–52 mg/dL; reference range, 20–50 mg/dL). All dogs had normal renal morphology and had normal serum creatinine and urea concentrations, suggesting that immunoglobulin FLC may be detected in the urine of dogs exposed toL infantum, E canis,andB caniswithout any apparent structural or functional renal derangement.
Identification and Characterization of an Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis‐Like Condition in Cats
Authors: Cohn Leah A. , Norris Carol R. , Hawkins Eleanor C. , Dye Janice A. , Johnson Cheri A. , Williams Kurt J.
Published: March 2010

Interstitial lung diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders with a variety of causes. In veterinary medicine, such lung diseases with a prominent fibrotic component of unknown etiology are often called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In human medicine, this term is reserved for a distinct disease entity with specific histologic findings labeled as usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). We identified 23 cats displaying histologic criteria of UIP. The purpose of this retrospective study is to describe the presentation and response to therapy of these cats to better define this disease entity. All but 2 cats were middle aged to older (median 8.7 years), with no apparent sex or breed predisposition. Complaints included respiratory distress (n = 18) and cough (13). Duration of signs was less than 6 months in 17 cats. Physical‐examination abnormalities included tachypnea, inspiratory or mixed inspiratory and expiratory effort, and adventitial lung sounds. No consistent hematologic or biochemical abnormalities, parasites, or positive serologic results for feline retroviruses, heartworms, or toxoplasmosis were present. Radiographic changes included dense patchy or diffuse interstitial, bronchiolar, and alveolar infiltrates. Analysis of bronchial lavage fluid revealed mild neutrophilic inflammation (n = 6) with no consistent pathogen growth. Clinical condition of 5 cats worsened after lavage. Coincident pulmonary neoplasia was identified in 6 cats. Response to therapy (corticosteroids, antibiotics, bronchodilators, and diuretics) was poor, and most cats died within days to months. Cats with histologic changes compatible with UIP had signs that mimicked many of the clinical findings of human IPF, and treatment response was similarly unrewarding.
Association between Liver Copper Concentration and Subclinical Hepatitis in Doberman Pinschers
Authors: Mandigers P.J.J. , van den Ingh T.S.G.A.M. , Bode P. , Teske E. , Rothuizen J.
Published: March 2010

The prevalence of subclinical hepatitis was investigated in a group of 106 randomly selected 3‐year‐old Doberman Pinschers. Histopathologic examination of liver samples from 65 dogs (52 dogs with high bile acids, alkaline phosphatase activity, or alanine aminotransferase activity or with copper granules in hepatocytes in a liver aspirate and 13 normal dogs) revealed subclinical hepatitis in 22 dogs (19 females and 3 males). Liver copper concentrations measured by instrumental neutron activation analysis was significantly higher (mean ± SD; 419 ± 414 μg/g dry matter) in dogs with hepatitis than those without liver disease (197 ± 113 μg/g; P= .0008). At 2.6 ± 0.6 years hepatitis persisted in 5 of 16 dogs available for examination. One dog with a high copper concentration but normal liver subsequently developed subclinical hepatitis after 3 years. During the follow‐up period, the average copper concentration of the 6 dogs with persistent subclinical hepatitis was 939 ± 299 μg/g and had continued to rise significantly (P= .02). The hepatitis in these dogs was associated with apoptotic hepatocytes and copper‐laden Kupffer cells in centrolobular regions. The results of this study suggest that there is a relationship among copper storage, hepatocellular damage, and hepatitis in Doberman Pinschers.
Efficacy and Safety of Transdermal Methimazole in the Treatment of Cats with Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Sartor Laura Lee , Trepanier Lauren A. , Kroll Mandy M. , Rodan Ilona , Challoner Laura
Published: March 2010

The objective of this study was to determine whether transdermal methimazole was as safe and effective as oral methimazole for the control of hyperthyroidism in cats. Forty‐seven cats with newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism were randomized to receive either transdermal methimazole in pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO; applied to the inner pinna), or oral methimazole (2.5 mg q12h for either route). Cats were evaluated at weeks 0, 2, and 4 with a physical exam, body weight determination, CBC, biochemical panel, urinalysis, measurement of total levothyroxine (T4) concentration, indirect Doppler blood pressure determinaiton, and completion of an owner questionnaire. Data between the 2 groups and over time were compared by nonparametric methods. Forty‐four cats followed the protocol (17 oral and 27 transdermal). Significantly more cats treated with oral methimazole had serum T4 concentrations within the reference range after 2 weeks (14 of 16 cats) compared to those treated by the transdermal route (14 of 25; P = .027). This difference was no longer significant by 4 weeks of treatment (9 of 11 for oral versus 14 of 21 for transdermal), possibly because of inadequate numbers evaluated by 4 weeks. Cats treated with oral methimazole had a higher incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects (4 of 17 cats) compared to the cats treated with transdermal methimazole (1 of 27; P = .04), but no differences were found between groups in the incidence of neutropenia, hepatotoxicity, or facial excoriations. Although the overall efficacy of transdermal methimazole is not as high as that of oral methimazole at 2 weeks of treatment, it is associated with fewer GI adverse effects compared to the oral route.
Pulmonary Embolization of Vascular Occlusion Coils in Dogs with Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Authors: Saunders Ashley B. , Miller Matthew W. , Gordon Sonya G. , Bahr Anne
Published: March 2010

Transcatheter coil embolization of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was performed in 206 dogs between 1994 and 2003 at Texas A&M University, of which 7 (3%) had embolization of coils to the pulmonary vasculature. Thoracic radiographs indicated that coils were located in the right pulmonary artery in 6 of the 7 dogs. Pulmonary perfusion scans were available for review in 5 dogs, and moderate perfusion defects were observed in the right caudal lung lobe in 4 dogs within 24 hours of embolization. Perfusion deficits observed initially in 2 of the dogs resolved on perfusion scans performed at 6 months and 3.1 years. One dog did not have evidence of focal perfusion defects on a perfusion scan performed 4.5 months after embolization. All pulmonary embolizations occurred during the procedure. Attempts at retrieval of coils were unsuccessful in the 2 dogs in which it was attempted. No short‐ or long‐term clinical complications were observed in any of the dogs with pulmonary embolization. We conclude that pulmonary embolization of vascular occlusion coils is an uncommon event and is not typically associated with adverse clinical effects in dogs with PDA.
Echocardiographic Estimation of Mean Left Atrial Pressure in a Canine Model of Acute Mitral Valve Insufficiency
Authors: Oyama Mark A. , Sisson D. David , Bulmer Barret J. , Constable Peter D.
Published: March 2010

High mean left atrial pressure (MLAP) due to canine degenerative mitral valve disease is associated with clinically relevant morbidity and mortality. The ability to noninvasively measure MLAP would assist in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Doppler echocardiography allows measurement of early transmitral blood flow (E) and the velocity of the mitral valve annulus (Ea). The ratio of early mitral inflow velocity to early mitral annular velocity (E: Ea) correlates well with MLAP in human subjects. We sought to determine the ability of E: Ea to predict MLAP in dogs with experimentally induced mitral regurgitation. Nine anesthetized purpose‐bred dogs underwent placement of a Swan‐Ganz catheter into the left atrium and recording of MLAP. Simultaneous transthoracic echocardiographic and hemodynamic studies were performed after acute chordae tendineae rupture and during IV infusion with nitroprusside (2.5‐5.0 μg?kg‐1?min‐1) or hydralazine (1‐1.5 mg/kg). Mitral regurgitant fraction, measured by single‐plane angiography and thermodilution, ranged from 17% to 81%. MLAP increased from 5.4 ± 2.5 mm Hg to 17.4 ± 9.4 mm Hg after creation of mitral valve regurgitation (MR; P= .018). Forty sets of echocardiographic measurements were obtained from 7 dogs, and E, as well as E: Ea, were linearly related to MLAP. The R2 value for the linear regression equation containing E: Ea as the dependent variable (0.83) was greater than that for E (0.73). The 95% confidence intervals were calculated for predicting MLAP = 20 mm Hg from E:Ea, and E:Ea > 9.1 or < 6.0 indicated a 95% probability that MLAP was ≥ 20 mm Hg or ≤20 mm Hg, respectively. Echocardiography can be used to predict MLAP in isoflurane‐anesthetized dogs with experimentally induced acute mitral valve insufficiency.
Inheritance of Occipital Bone Hypoplasia (Chiari Type I Malformation) in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Authors: Rusbridge Clare , Knowler Susan P.
Published: March 2010

Occipital bone hypoplasia with foramen magnum obstruction and secondary syringomyelia (SM) is a common condition in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) that is similar to human Chiari type I malformation. A worldwide family tree of more than 5,500 CKCSs spanning a maximum of 24 generations was established by obtaining pedigree information from 120 dogs diagnosed with SM secondary to occipital bone hypoplasia. The ongoing study showed 6 of 8 great grandparents of all affected dogs could be traced back to 2 female ancestors so that all 8 were descended from one or the other or both. The disease appears to be more severe and have an earlier onset with increased inbreeding, especially when breeding from affected dogs. The family tree of idiopathic epilepsy (IE) appears to be a different subset of the CKCS population, although some overlap was observed. Idiopathic epilepsy is more frequent in lines originating from whole‐color dogs. Selection for coat color is believed to have influenced the development of both occipital hypoplasia with secondary SM and IE. In addition, breeding guidelines to reduce the incidence of mitral valve disease have placed further pressures on the gene pool.
Evaluation of Body Condition and Weight Loss in Dogs Presented to a Veterinary Oncology Service
Authors: Michel Kathryn E. , Sorenmo Karin , Shofer Frances S.
Published: March 2010

Cancer cachexia is a well‐recognized syndrome in human patients that is characterized by progressive involuntary weight loss. The prevalence of this syndrome in veterinary cancer patients is unknown. This study's objective was to investigate the occurrence of weight loss and cachexia, as characterized by body condition scoring, in dogs presented to a veterinary oncology service. Information collected on 100 dogs included signalment, diagnosis, weight at time of diagnosis, and, when available, weight from a time approximately 12 months before diagnosis. Body condition was assessed by using a 9‐point system based on body silhouette and palpation of adipose tissue (4–5 = optimal, 1 = extreme cachexia, 9 = extreme obesity). Muscle wasting was scored based on palpation of skeletal muscle (3 = no wasting, 2 = mild, 1 = moderate, 0 = severe). Only 4% of the dogs exhibited cachexia as defined by a body condition score ≤ 3, whereas 29% were classified as markedly overweight (≥7). Fifteen percent had evidence of clinically relevant muscle wasting (≤1). Body weight from a time before the diagnosis of cancer was available for 64 dogs. At the time of diagnosis, 31% had maintained or gained weight, 31% had lost up to 5%, 14% had lost between 5 and 10%, and 23% had lost >10% of body weight. Overall, the percentage of dogs with signs indicating a decline in nutritional status was less than what has been reported for human cancer patients. Future studies should investigate the extent to which weight loss occurs in canine patients on an appropriate plane of nutrition as well as to establish whether an association exists between poor nutritional status and outcome in canine cancer patients.
Chemotherapy Followed by Half‐Body Radiation Therapy for Canine Lymphoma
Authors: Williams Laurel E. , Johnson Jeffrey L. , Hauck Marlene L. , Ruslander David M. , Price G. Sylvester , Thrall Donald E.
Published: March 2010

A protocol of induction chemotherapy followed by half‐body radiation therapy for treatment of lymphoma was used in 94 dogs. Seventy‐three (78%) dogs achieved complete remission. Substage (P= .011) and phenotype (P= .015) were identified as predictors of complete remission rate. Of these, 52 dogs received half‐body irradiation. Cranial and caudal halves received a total dose of 8.0 Gy, given in 2 fractions of 4.0 Gy on consecutive days with cobalt‐60 photons and a 3‐week interval between halves. Median 1st remission for these dogs was 311 days. Anemia was identified as the only predictor for length of 1st remission (P= .024). Toxicoses after half‐body irradiation generally were mild and infrequent and included myelosuppression and gastrointestinal signs. Thirty‐one dogs relapsed and 20 resumed treatment with induction followed by maintenance chemotherapy. Seventeen (85%) dogs achieved a 2nd complete remission. Median overall remission for all 52 dogs was 486 days. Results of this study suggest that half‐body radiation therapy after induction chemotherapy is well tolerated and might increase remission duration compared with conventional protocols that use chemotherapy alone, but this increase might not be long enough to be clinically relevant or to justify application of the method described herein.
Flow Cytometric Immunophenotype of Canine Lymph Node Aspirates
Authors: Gibson D. , Aubert I. , Woods J.P. , Abrams‐Ogg A. , Kruth S. , Wood R.D. , Bienzle D.
Published: March 2010

Increasing availability of reagents able to distinguish subtypes of lymphocytes and other leukocytes has enabled greater understanding of lymphocyte biology and pathology in the dog. Lymphocytes in circulation most commonly are subjected to immuno‐phenotypic assessment by flow cytometry, but needle aspirates of lymph nodes can be similarly suitable for immunophenotypic examination. In this investigation, the feasibility of immunophenotyping samples obtained by needle aspiration of lymph nodes from 32 dogs with no physical abnormalities and 6 dogs with lymphoma was determined. In addition, samples from 6 dogs were stored overnight at 4oC and reanalyzed 24 hours later. For each sample, stained smear preparations were examined microscopically for lymphocyte morphology, neoplasia, and the presence of inflammatory cells. Expression of antigens on a corresponding sample of aspirated cells was determined by flow cytometric detection of antibody binding on a minimum of 10,000 events. The distribution of data was determined with Anderson‐Darling tests, and reference intervals incorporating the central 95% of values were established. Adequate samples were obtained from 30 of 32 clinically normal dogs. Immunophenotypic results after 24 hours of storage were consistent with those obtained immediately after sampling. Reference intervals for lymphocyte subsets from normal dog lymph nodes were similar to the proportions of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD21 + lymphocytes found in blood. Aspirates of enlarged lymph nodes from dogs with lymphoma were readily classified by this technique. Aspiration of lymph nodes from dogs for comprehensive analysis by flow cytometry is feasible and applicable to immunophenotyping of lymphoma.