bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary Renal Neoplasia of Dogs
Authors: Bryan Jeffrey N. , Henry Carolyn J. , Turnquist Susan E. , Tyler Jeff W. , Liptak Julius M. , Rizzo Scott A. , Sfiligoi Gabriella , Steinberg Steven J. , Smith Annette N. , Jackson Tarraca
Published: March 2010

Background:Primary renal tumors are diagnosed uncommonly in dogs.

Hypothesis:Signs and survival will differ among different categories of primary renal tumors.

Animals:Data were collected from the medical records of 82 dogs with primary renal tumors diagnosed by examination of tissue obtained by ultrasound‐guided biopsy, needle aspiration, surgery, or at postmortem examination.

Methods:This was a multi‐institutional, retrospective study.

Results:Forty‐nine dogs had carcinomas, 28 had sarcomas, and 5 had nephroblastomas. The dogs were geriatric (mean 8.1 years; range: 1–17) with a weight of 24.9 kg (range: 4.5–80). Tumors occurred with equal frequency in each kidney with 4% occurring bilaterally. Initial signs included one or more of hematuria, inappetance, lethargy, weight loss, or a palpable abdominal mass. Pain was reported more frequently in dogs with sarcomas (5/28). The most common hematologic abnormalities were neutrophilia (22/63), anemia (21/64), and thrombocytopenia (6/68). Polycythemia was present in 3 dogs and resolved with treatment. Hematuria (28/49), pyuria (26/49), proteinuria (24/50), and isosthenuria (20/56) were the most frequently observed abnormalities on urinalysis. Pulmonary metastases were noted on thoracic radiographs in 16% of dogs at diagnosis. Seventy‐seven percent of dogs had metastatic disease at the time of death. Median survival for dogs with carcinomas was 16 months (range 0–59 months), for dogs with sarcomas 9 months (range 0–70 months), and for dogs with nephroblastomas 6 months (range 0–6 months).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Primary renal tumors in dogs are generally highly malignant with surgery being the only treatment that improves survival.
Diagnosis of Mediastinal Masses in Dogs by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Lana Susan , Plaza Susan , Hampe Kerri , Burnett Rob , Avery Anne C.
Published: March 2010

Background:Biopsy of mediastinal masses can be invasive, but the procedure may be necessary if cytology of a mass aspirate is inconclusive. The 2 most common mediastinal masses, lymphoma and thymoma, may both be comprised of small lymphocytes. We investigated the ability of flow cytometry to distinguish between these 2 neoplasms.

Hypothesis:Flow cytometry of mediastinal mass aspirates may provide a definitive diagnosis of thymoma or lymphoma, reducing the need for biopsy.

Animals:Dogs with mediastinal masses presenting to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital/Animal Cancer Center were included in the study.

Methods:Aspirates obtained over 2 years that met the inclusion criteria (i.e. sufficient viable cells and a definitive diagnosis by means other than flow cytometry) were analyzed by flow cytometry to determine the percentage of cells expressing B‐and T‐cell markers, and co‐expressing CD4 and CD8.

Results:All cases of thymoma (n = 6) consisted of ≥10% lymphocytes coexpressing CD4 and CD8, a phenotype that is characteristic of thymocytes, whereas 6 of 7 lymphomas contained <2% CD4+CD8+ lymphocytes. The CD4+CD8+ lymphoma could be readily distinguished flow cytometrically from thymoma by light scatter properties. The phenotypes of the remaining lymphomas were CD4+ T cell (4), CD34+ (1) and B cell (1).

Conclusions: Our studies demonstrate that flow cytometry is a useful tool for discriminating mediastinal masses. Lymphocyte‐rich mediastinal masses could be unambiguously identified by flow cytometry in 13/13 cases.
Phase I Evaluation of Low‐Dose Suramin as Chemosensitizer of Doxorubicin in Dogs with Naturally Occurring Cancers
Authors: Kosarek Carrie E. , Hu Xiao , Couto C. Guillermo , Kisseberth William C. , Green Eric M. , Au Jessie L. S. , Wientjes M. Guillaume
Published: March 2010

Background:Low and nontoxic concentrations (10–50 μM) of suramin, which is a nonspecific inhibitor of multiple growth factors, including fibroblast growth factors, enhances the activities of cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, such as doxorubicin and paclitaxel, both in vitro and in vivo. Suramin has not been evaluated as a chemosensitizing agent in dogs with cancer.

Hypothesis:Nontoxic suramin can be used safely as a chemosensitizer in dogs.

Animals:Sixteen dogs of various breeds with measurable tumors were treated; 1 dog that had undergone amputation for osteosarcoma received adjuvant therapy.

Methods:The dogs received 53 courses of treatment with suramin in combination with doxorubicin. The suramin dosage was 6.75 mg/kg IV 3 h before standard doxorubicin administration every 2 weeks. The pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy were determined.

Results:The pharmacokinetics of low‐dose suramin followed a 2‐compartment model with half‐lives of 2 h and 6 days. The distribution volume was a 0.34 ± 0.12 L/kg, and clearance was 1.86 ± 0.76 mL/kg/h. During the time interval that doxorubicin was present at therapeutically active concentrations (ie, from the start of infusion to 24 hours), the plasma concentrations were maintained within 20% of the target range (8–60 μM) in 72% of the treatments. The toxicity of the suramin/doxorubicin combination was mild and comparable to the toxicity expected for doxorubicin monotherapy. Objective partial responses were observed in 2 out of 16 evaluable dogs (13%). All 5 dogs that previously received doxorubicin showed improved responses to the suramin/doxorubicin combination.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: A fixed, low‐dose suramin regimen yields the desired target plasma concentrations in most dogs, and appears to enhance the activity of doxorubicin without enhancing toxicity.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) Leaf Toxicosis in Horses: A Retrospective Study of 32 Cases
Authors: Alward Ashley , Corriher Candice A. , Barton Michelle H. , Sellon Debra C. , Blikslager Anthony T. , Jones Samuel L.
Published: March 2010

Background:Ingestion of wilted red maple leaves by horses can result in severe hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia. Little is known about what factors influence the outcome of red maple leaf toxicosis in horses.

Hypothesis:Our hypothesis was that physical examination findings, clinicopathologic variables or therapeutic modalities may predict outcome in horses with red maple leaf toxicity.

Animals:Horses with red maple leaf toxicosis presented to referral hospitals in the southeast region of the United States.

Methods:A multi‐institutional retrospective study was designed to identify factors that predict mortality in horses with red maple toxicosis.

Results:Thirty‐two horses with red maple toxicosis were identified, 19 of which died. Twenty‐nine horses presented with anemia and 24 had clinicopathologic evidence of systemic inflammation. Renal insufficiency was identified in 12/30 (41%) horses. Laminitis (9/28) and colic (13/30) also were identified in horses with red maple toxicosis, but development of these 2 conditions did not have a negative effect on short‐term survival. Horses with red maple toxicosis that survived to discharge were likely to have developed pyrexia during hospitalization (P= .030). Horses that were treated with a corticosteroid had a significantly increased likelihood of death (P= .045). There was no significant relationship between initial serum hemoglobin concentration, methemoglobin concentration, or percentage methemoglobin and mortality in this horse series.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: This study suggests that information obtained on initial examination cannot be used to accurately predict survival in horses with red maple toxicosis, but horses that receive corticosteroids are unlikely to survive.
Effects of Intravenously Administrated Omeprazole on Gastric Juice pH and Gastric Ulcer Scores in Adult Horses
Authors: Andrews Frank M. , Frank Nicholas , Sommardahl Carla S. , Buchanan Benjamin R. , Elliott Sarah B. , Allen Vern A.
Published: March 2010

The study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of omeprazole powder in sterile water, administered intravenously, on gastric juice pH in adult horses with naturally occurring gastric ulcers. Omeprazole (0.5 mg/kg, IV) was administered once daily for 5 days to adult horses with gastric ulcers. Gastric juice was aspirated through the biopsy channel of an endoscope and pH was measured before and 1 hour after administration of omeprazole on day 1, and then before and after administration of omeprazole on day 5. Gastric ulcer scores were recorded on day 1 before administration of omeprazole and on day 5, 23 hours after the 4th daily dose. Gastric juice pH and ulcer scores were compared between the times. When compared with the pre‐injection value (2.01 ± 0.42), mean ± SD gastric juice pH was significantly higher when measured 1 hour after administration of the initial dose (4.35 ± 2.31), and before (5.27 ± 1.74) and 1 hour after (7.00 ± 0.25) administration of omeprazole on day 5. Nonglandular gastric ulcer number score significantly decreased from a mean ± SD of 3.2 ± 0.80 to 2.0 ± 1.1, but nonglandular gastric ulcer severity score remained the same. Few glandular ulcers were seen in the study, and scores did not change. Because of its potent and long duration of action on gastric juice pH, this intravenous formulation of omeprazole may show promise for treatment of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) in horses with dysphagia, gastric reflux, or other conditions that restrict oral intake of omeprazole paste.a Aspiration of gastric juice and measurement of pH can be of use to determine whether the desired pH > 4.0 has been reached after omeprazole treatment.
High Complication Rate of an Automatic Tru‐Cut Biopsy Gun Device for Liver Biopsy in Cats
Authors: Proot S.J.M. , Rothuizen J.
Published: March 2010

Background:Liver biopsies taken with an automatic Tru‐Cut biopsy gun device caused unexpected fatal shock reactions in cats. The goal of the present study was to determine if this biopsy device caused more frequent fatal complications than did a semiautomatic device.

Animals: All cats referred to the Utrecht University, between October 1, 2002, and October 31, 2004, in which ultrasound‐guided Tru‐Cut liver biopsies were taken. The indications for liver biopsy were increased liver enzyme activity, increased bile acid concentrations, ultrasonographic abnormalities of the liver, ultrasonographic abnormalities of the bile ducts, or some combination of these findings. Coagulation parameters were normal.

Methods: From October 1, 2002, until October 31, 2003, 26 cats were biopsied with an automatic biopsy device. Between November 1, 2003, and October 31, 2004, 19 cats underwent liver biopsy with a semiautomatic biopsy device.

Results: In the first period, 5 of the 26 cats (19%) developed severe shock within 15 minutes. Resuscitation was not successful. In the second period, none of the 19 cats experienced any major adverse effect. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to diagnosis, clinical signs, clinicopathologic findings, or the use of anesthetics.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: We conclude that the difference in complication rate is explained by the biopsy technique used. The pressure wave, which occurs when firing the automatic device, may have caused intense vagotonia and shock. Use of this automatic biopsy device should be avoided in cats because of the high risk of fatal complications.
Myeloma‐Related Disorders in Cats Commonly Present as Extramedullary Neoplasms in Contrast to Myeloma in Human Patients: 24 Cases with Clinical Follow‐up
Authors: Mellor Paul J. , Haugland Sean , Murphy Sue , Smith Ken C. , Holloway Andrew , Archer Joy , Powell Roger M. , Polton Gerry A. , Tasker Severine , McCormick David , Tempest Michelle E. , McNeil Pauline E. , Scase Timothy J. , Knott Chris D. , Bonfanti Ugo , Villiers Elizabeth J. , Argyle David J. , Herrtage Michael E. , Day Michael J.
Published: March 2010

Background:Myeloma‐related disorders (MRD) are rare neoplasms of plasma cells. Published case reports describe a diversity of clinical presentations with confusing terminology and diagnostic criteria as a consequence of the assumption that MRD in cats are analogous to those in dogs or humans.

Objective: The aim of the study was to describe clinical, clinicopathologic and imaging findings, response to treatment, survival and possible associations with other diseases or vaccination in a large case series. A priori hypotheses were that cats with MRD commonly present with extramedullary involvement and uncommonly have radiographic bone lesions, in contrast to human patients.

Animals:Twenty‐four cats with MRD confirmed by cytology or histopathology and immunohistochemistry.

Method: A multicenter retrospective study was performed.

Results:Two types of clinical presentation were observed. The first group (n = 17) had neoplasia involving abdominal organs, bone marrow, or both. All developed systemic clinical signs and paraproteinemia. Five of 7 cats that received chemotherapy improved clinically or had decreased serum globulin concentration (median survival, 12.3 months; range, 8.5–22 months). The second group comprised 7 cats with skin masses, 2 of which were paraproteinemic and developed rapidly worsening systemic signs. In cats without systemic signs, excision of the skin masses appeared to be associated with prolonged survival (up to 2.4 years). Cats with MRD commonly presented with extramedullary involvement (67%), versus humans with MRD (5%) (P< .001), and uncommonly presented with radiographic bone lesions (8%) versus humans with MRD (80%) (P< .001).

Conclusions: Radiographic bone lesions are uncommon in cats with MRD and extramedullary presentation is common, relative to human myeloma.
Single Agent Gemcitabine Chemotherapy in Dogs with Spontaneously Occurring Lymphoma
Authors: Turner Avenelle I. , Hahn Kevin A. , Rusk Anthony , Gamblin Ranee M. , Cosgrove Sallie B. , Griffice Kelly , Khanna Chand
Published: March 2010

Background:Gemcitabine has been shown to be effective as a single agent in a variety of tumors including nonHodgkin's lymphoma. Its use in veterinary medicine has been limited and to date this drug has not been used as a first‐line therapy in dogs with lymphoma.

Hypothesis:Gemcitabine as a single agent may be efficacious in dogs presented for the first time with lymphoma.

Animals:Twenty‐four dogs with spontaneously occurring lymphoma.

Methods:All dogs were clinically staged and given gemcitabine at 400 mg/m2over a 30‐minute intravenous infusion weekly for 3 weeks and then given 1 week off treatment before starting a second cycle.

Results:A single dose of gemcitabine lowered both neutrophil count (decrease in mean neutrophil count from 10,640 cells/μL to 3,140 cells/μL) and platelet count (decrease in mean platelet count from 201,290 cells/μL to 139,190 cells/μL) 7 days after administration. Consequently gemcitabine dosage was reduced at the second treatment in 8 of 21 dogs or a dose delay of 1–7 days and a reduction of dosage was used in 7 of 21 dogs. Seven dogs completed the assigned 4‐week cycle. Two of these dogs had progressive disease and 5 had stable disease. No objective responses were seen in dogs treated with a second cycle of gemcitabine.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Gemcitabine administration as a single agent resulted in hematologic toxicity and did not reduce lymphoma burden. If gemcitabine is to be used in veterinary medicine, additional prospective pharmacologic studies should be done to determine the appropriate dosage, regimen, and schedule of use before it can be recommended for use in the treatment of dogs with lymphoma as a single agent.
The Effects of Feeding and Fasting on Gastrointestinal Sounds in Adult Horses
Authors: Naylor Jonathan M. , Poirier Kristin L. , Hamilton Donald L. , Dowling Patricia M.
Published: March 2010

The effect of changes in feed intake on auscultatable gastrointestinal sounds has not been systematically studied. Disagreement also is present in the literature about variation in sounds according to the quadrant of auscultation. Gastrointestinal sounds were recorded over the center of the left dorsal, left ventral, right ventral, and right dorsal quadrants and over the middle of the right abdominal flank. During 24 hours (n = 4) or 48 hours (n = 5) of fasting, there was a reduction in the intensity of gastrointestinal sounds as assessed by analysis of sound recordings. There was also a reduction in the number of mixing‐like and propulsive‐like sounds heard by 2 blinded observers. After refeeding, there was a marked increase in sound. Sound intensity varied among abdominal quadrants, but blinded observers did not notice significant differences in the number of mixing‐like sounds. The left dorsal quadrant was quieter than others during fasting and refeeding. The right ventral quadrant appeared to be least affected by fasting, and sounds were louder over the right ventral and right middle quadrants than over the others. The blinded observers' perceptions of sound correlated poorly with one another and with objective measures of sound intensity. This experiment demonstrates the effectiveness of computerized analysis of abdominal sound in detecting a reduction in the intensity of gastrointestinal sounds during fasting and their return during refeeding. The left dorsal quadrant was quieter than other quadrants, likely because of its position over the small colon. There was considerable observer variation in the number of intestinal sounds heard.
Fall Panicum (Panicum dichotomiflorum) Hepatotoxicosis in Horses and Sheep
Authors: Johnson A.L. , Divers TJ. , Freckleton M.L. , McKenzie H.C. , Mitchell E. , Cullen J.M. , McDonough S.P.
Published: March 2010

Background:Fourteen horses at a boarding stable in Virginia were diagnosed with hepatic disease and locally grown hay was implicated as the cause.

Hypothesis:Panicum dichotomiflorum, the predominant grass species in the hay, is hepatotoxic to horses.

Animals:Naturally occurring cases were adult horses of various breeds. Two healthy adult horses and 2 healthy adult sheep were used in feeding trials.

Methods:Blood and liver specimens collected from affected animals during the outbreak were analyzed. Some of the affected animals were treated supportively; the main intervention was hay withdrawal. Feeding trials were not blinded and no treatments were provided. Blood and liver specimens were collected and analyzed throughout the trials.

Results:Five affected animals were euthanized, whereas the others recovered. One research horse was euthanized for postmortem examination, and the other research animals recovered after hay withdrawal. All affected animals had evidence of hepatic disease with abnormally high aspartate aminotransferase (AST), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Evaluation of liver biopsy specimens disclosed mild lymphocytic and histiocytic inflammation, mild vacuolar change (hydropic degeneration), prominently clumped chromatin, and necrosis of individual hepatocytes.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Severe hepatotoxicosis developed rapidly afterPanicumhay exposure. Patchy hepatocyte necrosis was observed, implicating apoptosis as the mechanism of hepatotoxicosis. Absence of fibrosis in the research animals indicates that immediate withdrawal ofPanicumhay should allow all but severely affected animals to recover from acute exposure.
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Effects of Hetastarch Plus Hypertonic Saline Solutions during Experimental Endotoxemia in Anesthetized Horses
Authors: Pantaleon Lucas G. , Furr Martin O. , II Harold C. McKenzie , Donaldson Lydia
Published: March 2010

Background:Small volume resuscitation has been advocated as a beneficial therapy for endotoxemia in horses but this therapy has not been investigated in a prospective manner. The objective of this study was to determine the cardiopulmonary effects of small‐volume resuscitation using hypertonic saline solution (HSS) plus Hetastarch (HES) during experimental endotoxemia in anesthetized horses.

Hypothesis:Treatment of horses with induced endotoxemia using HES‐HSS does not alter the response of various cardiopulmonary indices when compared to treatment with either small‐or large‐volume isotonic crystalloid solutions.

Animals:Eighteen healthy horses were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups. Anesthesia was maintained with halothane. Endotoxemia was induced by administering 50 μg/kg ofEscherichia coliendotoxin IV. The horses were treated over 30 minutes with 15 mL/kg of balanced polyionic crystalloid solution (control), 60 mL/kg of balanced polyionic crystalloid solution (ISO), or 5 mL/kg of HSS followed by 10 mL/kg of HES (HSS‐HES).

Methods:Prospective randomized trial.

Results:Cardiac output (CO) after endotoxin infusion increased significantly (P< .05) from baseline in all groups, whereas mean central venous pressure increased significantly (P< .05) in the ISO group only. Mean pulmonary artery pressure increased from baseline (P< .05) in horses treated with isotonic fluids and HSS‐HES. There was no effect of treatment with HSS‐HES on CO, systemic vascular resistance (SVR), mean arterial pressure, blood lactate concentrations, or arterial oxygenation.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The use of HSS‐HES failed to ameliorate the deleterious hemodynamic responses associated with endotoxemia in horses. The clinical value of this treatment in horses with endotoxemia remains unconfirmed.
Effect of Rapid Intravenous Administration of 50% Dextrose Solution on Phosphorus Homeostasis in Postparturient Dairy Cows
Authors: Grünberg Walter , Morin Dawn E. , Drackley James K. , Constable Peter D.
Published: March 2010

Background:Dextrose is commonly administered to postparturient dairy cows, which often have low plasma phosphorus concentration ([P]) as a result of anorexia and sudden onset of lactation. Intravenous (IV) dextrose administration causes hypophosphatemia in other species.

Hypothesis:Bolus administration of dextrose to postparturient dairy cows results in a transient decrease in plasma [P].

Animals:Six healthy postparturient dairy cows.

Methods:Using a crossover design, cows were administered 500 mL of 50% dextrose solution IV or a sham treatment. Plasma concentrations of glucose ([glucose]), immunoreactive insulin ([IRI]), and phosphorus were monitored for 12 hours after each treatment. Urine [P], [glucose], and volume and salivary [P] were also determined.

Results:Plasma [glucose], [IRI], and [P] were stable during sham treatment. Plasma [P] decreased rapidly after dextrose administration, dropping by 35% in 1 hour and remaining below baseline for 90 minutes. Salivary [P], urine [P], and urine volume per hour remained stable after dextrose administration, but glucose was detected in urine for up to 6 hours. The amount of glucose excreted in urine in 12 hours (11.9 ± 4.5 g) was less than 5% of the administered dose. Regression analysis revealed a stronger association between plasma [P] and [IRI] than between plasma [P] and [glucose], suggesting that hyperinsulinemia drove the hypophosphatemia.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Results indicate that low plasma [P] should be expected in cows that have received IV dextrose within 1 hour before blood sampling. Caution is advised when administering dextrose solution to cows already at risk of hypophosphatemia.
Effect of Storage of Reconstituted Recombinant Human Thyroid‐Stimulating Hormone (rhTSH) on Thyroid‐Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Response Testing in Euthyroid Dogs
Authors: Roover K. De , Duchateau L. , Carmichael N. , van Geffen C. , Daminet S.
Published: March 2010

Bovine thyrotropin (bTSH) stimulation testing has long been considered the gold standard for diagnosis of canine hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, bTSH is no longer commercially available. Recently, the use of recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) to perform thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulation testing in dogs was described. The cost of an rhTSH vial (1.1 mg) limits the practical use of this product. The study reported here was performed to determine the effects of storing rhTSH on the post‐TSH increase of serum total (TT4) and free (FT4) thyroxine concentrations during TSH stimulation testing in 12 euthyroid Beagles in a crossover trial. Three TSH tests with recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH; 91.5 μg IV) were performed on each dog during 3 different periods: 1 with freshly reconstituted rhTSH (fresh); 1 with rhTSH, reconstituted and stored at 4°C for 4 weeks (refrigerated); and 1 with rhTSH, reconstituted and frozen at‐20°C for 8 weeks (frozen). Blood samples for determination of TT4and FT4concentrations were collected before and 4 and 6 hours after rhTSH administration. There was no significant difference in TT4or FT4concentration after stimulation with fresh, refrigerated, and frozen rhTSH. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between TT4or FT4serum concentration observed 4 and 6 hours after rhTSH administration. In conclusion, reconstituted rhTSH can be stored at 4°C for 4 weeks and at‐20°C for 8 weeks without loss of biological activity, allowing clinicians to perform more TSH response tests per vial.
Lack of Association between Repeated Vaccination and Thyroiditis in Laboratory Beagles
Authors: Scott‐Moncrieff J. Catharine , Glickman Nita W. , Glickman Lawrence T. , HogenEsch Harm
Published: March 2010

Background: Intensive vaccination protocols have been suggested as partially responsible for an increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases in dogs in recent years. The aim of this study was to determine whether repeated routine vaccination in dogs is associated with an increased prevalence of thyroiditis.

Methodology/principal findings: We conducted a prospective experimental study with 20 healthy purpose‐bred Beagles. Five dogs were vaccinated with a multivalent vaccine and a rabies vaccine. Five dogs received only the multivalent vaccine, and 5 dogs received only the rabies vaccine. Five dogs were unvaccinated controls. The multivalent vaccine was administered at 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 26, and 52 weeks of age and every 6 months thereafter. The rabies vaccine was administered at 16 and 52 weeks of age and then once a year. Blood samples were collected 1 week before euthanasia for evaluation of thyroid profiles and measurement of antibodies directed against canine thyroglobulin. Dogs were euthanized at 5.5 years of age, and the thyroid glands were evaluated histopathologically.

Thyroiditis was present in 8 of 20 (40%) dogs at postmortem examination. No association was found between a dog being vaccinated and the prevalence of thyroiditis at postmortem examination. However, the power of the study to detect such an association was low because of the unexpected high prevalence of thyroiditis in the unvaccinated control dogs. Thyroid function tests were abnormal in 2 of 8 dogs with thyroiditis but were normal in all dogs without thyroiditis.

Conclusions/significance: There was no evidence to support an association between routine vaccination and thyroiditis at postmortem examination in beagle dogs after repeated vaccination.
Temporal Relationship between Gastrointestinal Protein Loss, Gastric Ulceration or Erosion, and Strenuous Exercise in Racing Alaskan Sled Dogs
Authors: Davis Michael , Willard Michael , Williamson Katherine , Royer Chris , Payton Mark , Steiner Jörg M. , Hinchcliff Kenneth , McKenzie Erica , Nelson Stuart
Published: March 2010

Background: Alterations in the appearance and function of gastrointestinal mucosa are common after strenuous exercise. However, the duration of exercise required to alter the gastrointestinal mucosa has not been reported.

Hypothesis: We used 42 sled dogs to test the hypothesis that the magnitude of exercise‐induced gastrointestinal mucosal dysfunction is related to exercise duration.

Animals: Six dogs served as conditioned controls, and the remaining dogs were randomly chosen for examination after 1–5 consecutive days of running at 100 miles/d.

Methods: Gastroduodenoscopy and measurement of gastric permeability were performed 24 hours after cessation of exercise. Intestinal protein loss (represented by fecal alpha‐1 protease inhibitor concentration) was measured within 6 hours of cessation of exercise. Twelve of the 42 dogs were examined again after 5 months of detraining to determine the effect of training on gastrointestinal mucosal function.

Results: Exercise increased gastric permeability (P= .04) and endoscopic severity of gastric lesions (P< .0001), but neither variable was significantly affected by distance traveled. Acute exercise had no effect on intestinal protein loss. Untrained dogs had significantly lower fecal alpha‐1 protease inhibitor concentrations compared with trained, unexercised dogs. Training had no effect on gastric permeability to sucrose or the endoscopic appearance of the stomach.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: These data suggest that relatively modest exercise is required to increase intestinal protein loss, but more substantial exercise is required to cause alterations in the proximal gastrointestinal tract. However, none of these alterations appear to progress with increasing exercise duration.
Oral Amiodarone Therapy in Dogs with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Saunders Ashley B. , Miller Matthew W. , Gordon Sonya G. , Wiele Carrie M. Van De
Published: March 2010

The medical records of client‐owned dogs in which amiodarone was used to manage atrial fibrillation (AF) were reviewed. Data analyzed included signalment, history of heart failure, presenting complaint, clinical diagnosis, prescription drug history, number of re‐examinations, outcome, and laboratory analysis including serum biochemical analysis, CBC, and thyroid function testing. Specific data for amiodarone included loading and maintenance dose, duration of loading dose, adverse effects, and reason for decreasing dose or discontinuation of amiodarone therapy. Follow‐up data for 17 dogs were included in the analysis. Various cardiac diseases including cardiomyopathy, valvular endocardiosis, and congenital heart disease were diagnosed in the dogs. Median loading and maintenance dosages of amiodarone were 16.5 and 9.0 mg/kg of body weight/d, respectively. A > 20% decrease in heart rate was achieved in 13 dogs (76%). Conversion to sinus rhythm was achieved and maintained in 6 dogs (35%). Amiodarone was discontinued in 5 dogs, and the dose was decreased because of symptomatic bradycardia (n = 1), asymptomatic (n = 1) and symptomatic (n = 3) increases in hepatic enzyme activities, and for unknown reason (n = 1). On the basis of > 20% decrease in heart rate in 76% of the dogs and conversion to sinus rhythm in 35%, it was concluded that amiodarone may be useful in managing AF in dogs. The use of amiodarone in the medical management of AF in dogs warrants further investigation.
Variations in Equid SLC11A1 (NRAMP1) Genes and Associations with Rhodococcus equi Pneumonia in Horses
Authors: Halbert Natalie D. , Cohen Noah D. , Slovis Nathan M. , Faircloth Jay , Martens Ronald J.
Published: March 2010

Rhodococcus equi is an important intracellular pathogen of horses, most commonly causing chronic, suppurative bronchopneumonia in foals. Although most foals likely are exposed to environmental R equi within the 1st few days of life, only some develop R equi pneumonia, and the basis of differences in susceptibility among foals currently is unknown. In this study, we investigated solute carrier family 11 member 1 (SLC11A1) gene sequences in the 5' untranslated region, exon 1, and a portion of intron 1 for variations in 3 equid species (horse, donkey, zebra) and compared variants within 3 independent horse breeding farms for associations with R equi pneumonia by use of an age‐matched case‐control design. Seven novel variants in the 5' untranslated region were identified as specific for one or both of the non‐horse equid species sampled. In addition, a single novel horse variant in the 5' untranslated region, ‐57C/T, was identified in 4 breeds. The ‐57C/T variant was found on 2 of the 3 farms with endemic R equi pneumonia, representing 2 different horse breeds. Significant allelic and genotypic associations with susceptibility to R equi pneumonia were observed for the ‐57C/T variant in foals from these farms. Although the functional impact of this novel variant remains to be determined, this study represents an important step in our understanding of natural resistance to R equi foal pneumonia and other intracellular bacterial diseases affecting equids.
Persistence of Serum Antibodies to Sarcocystis neuvona in Horses Moved from North America to India
Authors: Brown Christopher M. , Morrow Jennifer K. , Carleton Carla L. , Ramanathan Balachandran , Reddy Ravinder , Vaidya Vijay , Karthikeyan Salem M. , Zulfikar Ali A. , Kannadkar Vasant S.
Published: March 2010

Background: The study reported here was undertaken to assess the presence of antibodies to Sarcocystis neurona in the serum of horses of North American origin that had been relocated for 1 year or more to India (ie, outside of the known endemic areas for S neurona).

Hypothesis: The presence or absence of such antibodies should provide information concerning the persistence of such antibodies, or support the presence of chronic infection, or both.

Animals: A total of 228 Thoroughbred horses were sampled in India, of which 86 were of North American origin that had been in India between 1 and 13 years, 124 were Indian‐born horses that had never been out of India, 8 were of Irish origin, 8 were of English origin, and 2 were originally from France.

Methods: Sera were tested using established western blot analysis.

Results: Of the Indian‐born horses, 0.8% were test positive, and of the North American horses, 42% were test positive. All of the English and Irish horses were test negative, and the 2 French horses were test positive.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: These data indicate that antibodies against S neurona can be detected for many years after horses have been removed from an endemic area and that this may be attributable to long half‐life of the antibodies or to chronic infection and ongoing antibody production, or both.
Rattlesnake Envenomation in 12 New World Camelids
Authors: Dykgraaf Susanne , Pusterla Nicola , Hoogmoed Linda M. Van
Published: March 2010

Background: Rattlesnake envenomation of New World camelids is a seasonal problem with often dramatic clinical signs.

Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical signs, laboratory results, treatment methods, and outcome for rattlesnake envenomation in New World camelids.

Animals: Medical records from 1988 to 2004 were searched for New World camelids presented for rattlesnake bite or clinical signs suspected to be related to recent envenomation. Twelve records were identified.

Methods: From these records a retrospective study was performed.

Results: Nine camelids presented for acute disease (2/9 arrived dead), whereas 3 presented for subacute onset of disease. Swelling of the lips, head and neck, tachypnea, dyspnea, tachycardia, and lethargy were the most common presenting signs. Snake bites were most commonly located to the muzzle (10/12). Common complete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemical abnormalities were neutrophilia, lymphopenia, increased muscle enzyme activity, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, and thrombocytopenia. Treatment included combinations of intravenous fluid therapy, antimicrobials, anti‐inflammatory drugs, tetanus prophylaxis, tracheostomy, supplemental oxygen, antivenom, total parenteral nutrition, and nursing care. Five of the 10 animals with acute onset of clinical signs survived, and all animals with subacute presentation died. The mortality rate for New World camelids with severe local tissue reaction and systemic signs of envenomation was 58%.

Clinical Importance: New World camelids that sustain rattlesnake envenomation and severe facial swelling precluding prehension and mastication have a guarded prognosis for survival. Aggressive treatment is recommended to optimize the chances of survival. Animals with less severe local tissue reaction and absence of systemic signs have a better prognosis.
Floppy Kid Syndrome Caused by D‐Lactic Acidosis in Goat Kids
Authors: Bleul Ulrich , Schwantag Silvia , Stocker Hans , Corboz Louis , Grimm Felix , Engels Monika , Borel Nicole , Lutz Hans , Schonmann Marietta , Kähn Wolfgang
Published: March 2010

Background: Goat kids with floppy kid syndrome have metabolic acidosis, muscle weakness, and depression but no dehydration.

Hypothesis: D‐Lactate is the major component of acidemia in goat kids with floppy kid syndrome.

Animals: Fifty‐five goat kids with floppy kid syndrome (group F) and 35 clinically healthy goat kids (group C).

Methods: Clinical, biochemical, microbiologic, virologic, parasitologic, and pathologic examinations.

Results: The animals in group F had a blood pH of 7.13 ± 0.11 and a base excess of ‐17.8 ± 3.8 mM, which were both lower than the values in the control animals (pH, 7.32 ± 0.31; base excess, ‐0.1 ± 2.7 mM; P < .001). Floppy kids had a significantly larger anion gap than healthy kids (31.2 ± 3.7 versus 21.5 ± 8.5 mM; P < .001). The concentration of L‐lactate was lower in floppy kids than in healthy kids (0.67 ± 0.49 versus 1.60 ± 1.02 mM), but the concentration of D‐lactate was higher in floppy kids (7.43 ± 2.71 versus 0.26 ± 0.24 mM; P < .001). Intravenous and oral administration of sodium bicarbonate in floppy kids resulted in a significant increase in blood pH and base excess and a decrease in the anion gap (P < .001). In addition, the concentration of L‐lactate increased (P= .039).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Metabolic acidosis in goat kids with floppy kid syndrome is caused by an increase in the plasma concentration of D‐lactate.
Passive Transfer of Naturally Acquired Specific Immunity against West Nile Virus to Foals in a Semi‐Feral Pony Herd
Authors: Wilkins Pamela A. , Glaser Amy L. , McDonnell Sue M.
Published: March 2010

Horses naturally exposed to West Nile Virus (WNV) or vaccinated against WNV develop humoral immunity thought to be protective against development of clinical disease in exposed or infected animals. No reports evaluate the efficacy of passive transfer of naturally acquired specific WNV humoral immunity from dam to foal. The purpose of this study was to investigate passive transfer of naturally acquired immunity to WNV to foals born in a herd of semi‐feral ponies, not vaccinated against WNV, in an endemic area, with many dams having seroconverted because of natural exposure. Microwell serum neutralization titers against WNV were determined in all mares and foals. Serum IgG concentration was determined in foals by serial radial immunodiffusion. Differences in IgG concentration between seropositive and seronegative foals were examined by means of the Mann‐WhitneyU‐test. Linear regression was used to evaluate the association between mare and foal titers. Seventeen mare‐foal pairs were studied; 1 foal had inadequate IgG concentration. IgG concentration was not different between seronegative and seropositive foals (P= .24). Mare and foal titers were significantly correlated in foals with adequate passive transfer of immunity (Spearman's rho = .84;P< .001); >90% of the foal's titer was explained by the mare's titer (R2= 0.91;P< .001). Passive transfer of specific immunity to WNV is present in pony foals with adequate passive transfer of immunity born to seroconverted mares.
Real‐Time Polymerase Chain Reaction: A Novel Molecular Diagnostic Tool for Equine Infectious Diseases
Authors: Pusterla N. , Madigan J.E. , Leutenegger C.M.
Published: March 2010

The focus of rapid diagnosis of infectious disease of horses in the last decade has shifted from the conventional laboratory techniques of antigen detection, microscopy, and culture to molecular diagnosis of infectious agents. Equine practitioners must be able to interpret the use, limitations, and results of molecular diagnostic techniques, as they are increasingly integrated into routine microbiology laboratory protocols. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the best‐known and most successfully implemented diagnostic molecular technology to date. It can detect slow‐growing, difficult‐to‐cultivate, or uncultivatable microorganisms and can be used in situations in which clinical microbiology diagnostic procedures are inadequate, time‐consuming, difficult, expensive, or hazardous to laboratory staff. Inherent technical limitations of PCR are present, but they are reduced in laboratories that use standardized protocols, conduct rigid validation protocols, and adhere to appropriate quality‐control procedures. Improvements in PCR, especially probe‐based real‐time PCR, have broadened its diagnostic capabilities in clinical infectious diseases to complement and even surpass traditional methods in some situations. Furthermore, real‐time PCR is capable of quantitation, allowing discrimination of clinically relevant infections characterized by pathogen replication and high pathogen loads from chronic latent infections. Automation of all components of PCR is now possible, which will decrease the risk of generating false‐positive results due to contamination. The novel real‐time PCR strategy and clinical applications in equine infectious diseases will be the subject of this review.
Pulmonary Lesions in Cats with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Mexas Angela M. , Hess Rebecka S. , Hawkins Eleanor C. , Martin Linda D.
Published: March 2010

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrinopathy of cats and humans. Although few studies have examined the effects of DM on the pulmonary system, changes in pulmonary function and immunology in humans with type I and II diabetes, and pulmonary lesions in a murine diabetic model have been documented. Our objective was to determine whether pulmonary lesions occurred in cats with DM. Medical records and necropsy evaluations of 42 cats with DM were compared with those of 45 age‐matched, nondiabetic cats for the presence of clinical evidence of respiratory disease and pulmonary histopathological findings at the time of necropsy. No statistical difference was noted in the presence of clinical evidence of respiratory disease between cats with diabetes and control cats. Nevertheless, there was a significant association between the presence of abnormal pulmonary histopathology and DM (P= .018, odds ratio = 3 inclusive of all cats; P= .005, odds ratio = 5 when non‐DM cats with overt clinical evidence of respiratory disease were excluded). Pulmonary abnormalities detected by histopathological examination in cats with diabetes included congestion and edema, histiocytosis, pneumonia, smooth muscle hypertrophy, fibrosis, mineralization, neoplasia, and type II pneumocyte hyperplasia. The observed association between DM and pulmonary lesions in cats, independent of clinical evidence of respiratory disease, emphasizes the need for careful assessment of the respiratory tract in sick cats with diabetes.
Inhaled Flunisolide Suppresses the Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Adrenocortical Axis, but Has Minimal Systemic Immune Effects in Healthy Cats
Authors: Reinero Carol R. , Brownlee Lisa , Decile Kendra C. , Seguin Bernard , Berghaus Roy D. , Nelson Richard W. , Gershwin Laurel J.
Published: March 2010

Feline bronchial disease is commonly treated with oral glucocorticoids (OGC), which might be contraindicated in cats with certain infectious, endocrine, renal, or cardiac diseases. Inhalant GC (IGC) maximize local efficacy and minimize systemic bioavailability. We evaluated systemic endocrine and immune effects of IGC (flunisolide, 250 μg/puff q12h) versus OGC (prednisone, 10 mg/d PO) and placebo. Six healthy cats received each drug for 2 weeks followed by a 1‐month washout. Testing included determination of single early morning cortisol concentration, results of ACTH stimulation, the urine cortisol‐to‐creatinine ratio (UC: Cr), lymphocyte phenotype, lymphocyte blastogenesis, serum total IgA and IgM concentrations, and cytokine profiles. Significant differences between treatments were not apparent for serum immunoglobulin concentrations, or expression (mRNA) for the cytokines, interleukin (IL‐) 2, IL‐4, and IL‐10, or gamma interferon. Single early morning cortisol concentration was lower for IGC (0.68 ± 0.74 μg/dL), compared with that associated with placebo (2.82 ± 1.94 μg/dL;P= .033). The ACTH‐stimulated peak cortisol concentrations were lower after treatment in cats receiving IGC (before, 8.5 ± 50.2 μg/dL; after, 2.9 ± 3.3 μg/dL,P= .0004), but not OGC (before, 8.0 ± 6.1 μg/dL; after, 6.0 ± 4.5 μg/dL,P= .07). Similarly, UC: Cr (0.8 ± 0.8) before IGC was lower than the value (5.02 ± 3.62;P= .019) after IGC. Compared with placebo, cats given OGC, but not IGC, had significantly lower total percentages of T and B cells. Lymphocyte proliferation was decreased in cats receiving OGC, but not IGC, in comparison with placebo (6.9 ± 3.3; 24.0 ± 6.5; 18.8 ± 14.0, respectively). Significantly more IL‐10 mRNA transcription was detected in cats administered OGC or IGC, compared with placebo. Although IGC suppress the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenocortical axis, IGC had minimal effects on the systemic adaptive immune system.
Pulsed Tissue Doppler Imaging in Normal Cats and Cats with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Koffas H. , Dukes‐McEwan J. , Corcoran B.M. , Moran C.M. , French A. , Sboros V. , Simpson K. , McDicken W.N.
Published: March 2010

Myocardial motion was quantified in normal cats (n = 25) and cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (n = 23) using the pulsed tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) technique. A physiologic nonuniformity was documented in the myocardial motion of normal cats, which was detected as higher early diastolic velocities, acceleration, and deceleration in the interventricular septum compared with the left ventricular free wall (LVFW). HCM cats exhibited lower early diastolic velocities, acceleration, and deceleration and also prolonged isovolumic relaxation time compared with normal cats. These differences were detected mainly along the longitudinal axis of the heart. A cutoff value of E' in the LVFW along the longitudinal axis >7.2 cm/s discriminated normal from HCM cats with a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 87%. The physiologic nonuniformity of myocardial motion during diastole was lost in affected cats. Systolic impairment (decreased late‐systolic velocities in most segments along the longitudinal axis and decreased early systolic acceleration in both mitral annular sites) was evident in HCM cats irrespective of the presence of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and congestive heart failure. Postsystolic thickening was recorded in the LVFW along the longitudinal axis only in affected cats (n = 6) and was another finding indicative of systolic impairment in the HCM of this species. This study identified both diastolic and systolic impairment in cats with HCM compared with normal cats. The study also documents the normal physiologic nonhomogeneity in myocardial motion in cats and the subsequent loss of this feature in the HCM diseased state.