bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of dietary n-6 and n-3 fatty acids and vitamin E on the immune response of healthy geriatric dogs
Authors: Hall Jean A. , Tooley Katie A. , Gradin Joseph L. , Jewell Dennis E. , Wander Rosemary C.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To determine the effect of dietary n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratios and α-tocopheryl acetate concentration on immune functions and T cell subpopulations in healthy dogs.

Animals—Thirty-two 7- to 10-year old female Beagles.

Procedure—For 17 weeks, dogs were fed food that contained low (1.4:1) or high (40:1) ratios of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in combination with 3 concentrations of allrac-α-tocopheryl acetate (low, 17 mg/kg of food; medium, 101 mg/kg; high, 447 mg/kg). Dogs were inoculated twice with a keyhole limpet hemocyanin suspension at 13 and 15 weeks.

Results—After 12 weeks, dogs consuming low concentrations of α-tocopheryl acetate had lower percentages of CD8+ T cells, compared with dogs consuming medium or high α-tocopheryl acetate concentrations. Also, dogs consuming low α-tocopheryl acetate concentrations had higher CD4+ to CD8+ T cell ratios. On day 4 of week 15, the percentage of CD8+ T cells was highest in dogs fed medium concentrations of α-tocopheryl acetate, compared with other dogs; however, the CD4+ to CD8+ T cell ratio was higher only in dogs fed low concentrations of α- tocopheryl acetate with high concentrations of n-3 fatty acids. Dogs consuming low concentrations of n- 3 fatty acids with medium concentrations of α-tocopheryl acetate had the largest delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test response.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—An optimum amount of dietary α-tocopheryl acetate concentration, regardless of the dietary n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratio, stimulates the CD8+ T cell population. Effects of an optimum amount of dietary α-tocopheryl acetate concentration on the DTH response are blunted by dietary n-3 fatty acids. (Am J Vet Res2003;64:762–772)
Benefit-cost analysis of vaccination and preemptive slaughter as a means of eradicating foot-and-mouth disease
Authors: Bates Thomas W. , Carpenter Tim E. , Thurmond Mark C.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To assess relative costs and benefits of
vaccination and preemptive herd slaughter to control
transmission of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus
(FMDV).

Sample Population—2,238 herds and 5 sale yards
located in Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties of
California.

Procedure—Direct costs associated with indemnity,
slaughter, cleaning and disinfecting livestock premises,
and vaccination were compared for various eradication
strategies. Additional cost, total program cost,
net benefit, and benefit-cost value (B/C) for each supplemental
strategy were estimated, based in part on
results of published model simulations for FMD.
Sensitivity analyses were conducted.

Results—Mean herd indemnity payments were estimated
to be $2.6 million and $110,359 for dairy and
nondairy herds, respectively. Cost to clean and disinfect
livestock premises ranged from $18,062 to
$60,205. Mean vaccination cost was $2,960/herd.
Total eradication cost ranged from $61 million to $551
million. All supplemental strategies involving use of
vaccination were economically efficient (B/C range,
5.0 to 10.1) and feasible, whereas supplemental
strategies involving use of slaughter programs were
not economically efficient (B-C, 0.05 to 0.8) or feasible.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Vaccination
with a highly efficacious vaccine may be a cost-effective
strategy for control of FMD if vaccinated animals
are not subsequently slaughtered and there is no
future adverse economic impact, such as trade
restrictions. Although less preferable than the baseline
eradication program, selective slaughter of highest-risk herds was preferable to other preemptive
slaughter strategies. However, indirect costs can be
expected to contribute substantially more than direct
costs to the total cost of eradication programs. (Am J Vet Res 2003;64:805–812)
Development of a solid-phase assay for measurement of sulfated glycosaminoglycan concentrations in equine synovial fluid
Authors: Oke Stacey L. , Hurtig Mark B. , Keates Robert A. , Wright Jen R.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To develop a new 1,9-dimethylmethylene
blue (DMMB) assay for measurement of sulfated
glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) concentrations in
equine synovial fluid (SF) by use of membrane technology
and to compare the assay's ability to measure
sGAG concentrations with that of 2 other established
DMMB assays.

Sample Population—25 samples of SF collected
from affected joints of 14 horses and 13 samples of
SF collected from nonaffected (control) joints of 4
horses.

Procedure—A solid-phase DMMB assay was developed
to measure sGAG concentrations in SF. Results for
the assay were then compared with results obtained by
use of the direct spectrophotometric method (ie,
Farndale method) and microplate DMMB assay.

Results—The solid-phase assay and direct spectrophotometric
assay measured the same sGAG concentrations
in identical equine SF, but those concentrations differed
significantly from results obtained by use of the
microplate DMMB assay. All other aspects of the solidphase
DMMB assay were comparable to both the direct
spectrophotometric and microplate DMMB assays.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The new
solid-phase assay can be used interchangeably with
the direct spectrophotometric method to measure
sGAG concentrations in equine SF samples, but it
cannot be interchanged with the microplate DMMB
assay. Results can be rapidly obtained with the solidphase
assay. Also, the solid-phase assay can detect
nanogram quantities of sGAGs in SF, circumvent the
problem of premature precipitation of sGAG-dye complexes,
and provide quantitative or qualitative results.
The solid-phase assay may replace other DMMB
assays for measuring sGAG concentrations in SF
obtained from horses. ( Am J Vet Res 2003;
64:894–899)
Pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus after multidose oral administration and efficacy in the prevention of allograft rejection in cats with renal transplants
Authors: Kyles Andrew E. , Gregory Clare R. , Craigmill Arthur L. , Griffey Stephen M. , Jackson Joshua , Stanley Scot D.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To describe pharmacokinetics of multidose oral administration of tacrolimus in healthy cats and evaluate the efficacy of tacrolimus in the prevention of allograft rejection in cats with renal transplants.

Animals—6 healthy research cats.

Procedure—Cats received tacrolimus (0.375 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) for 14 days. Blood tacrolimus concentrations were measured by a high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry assay. Each cat received an immunogenically mismatched renal allograft and native kidney nephrectomy. Tacrolimus dosage was modified to maintain a target blood concentration of 5 to 10 ng/mL. Cats were euthanatized if plasma creatinine concentration exceeded 7 mg/dL, body weight loss exceeded 20%, or on day 50 after surgery. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted for 6 cats treated with tacrolimus and for 8 cats with renal transplants that did not receive immunosuppressive treatment.

Results—Mean (± SD) values of elimination half-life, time to maximum concentration, maximum blood concentration, and area under the concentration versus time curve from the last dose of tacrolimus to 12 hours later were 20.5 ± 9.8 hours, 0.77 ± 0.37 hours, 27.5 ± 31.8 ng/mL, and 161 ± 168 hours × ng/mL, respectively. Tacrolimus treated cats survived longer (median, 44 days; range, 24 to 52 days) than untreated cats (median, 23 days; range, 8 to 34 days). On histologic evaluation, 3 cats had evidence of acute-active rejection, 1 cat had necrotizing vasculitis, and 2 cats euthanatized at study termination had normal appearing allografts.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Tacrolimus may be an effective immunosuppressive agent for renal transplantation in cats. (Am J Vet Res2003;64:926–934)
Insulin resistance and abomasal motility disorders in cows detected by use of abomasoduodenal electromyography after surgical correction of left displaced abomasum
Authors: Pravettoni Davide , Doll Klaus , Hummel Markus , Cavallone Elena , Re Michela , Belloli Angelo G.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To determine the correlation between insulin concentrations and myoelectrical activity of the abomasum in cows with a left displaced abomasum (LDA).

Animals—14 dairy cows with an LDA at the onset of lactation.

Procedure—During surgical correction of an LDA, 3 pairs of electrodes were placed in the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract (abomasal body, pars pylorica, and duodenum) of each cow. Electromyographic recordings were obtained once per day for 7 days. Samples were collected and tested to determine concentrations of insulin, glucagon, cortisol, glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, and nonesterified fatty acids.

Results—All 14 cattle had high glucose and insulin concentrations at the time of admission, independent of ketosis. Concentrations of glucose and insulin decreased slowly after surgical treatment and were associated with a progressive increase in abomasoduodenal myoelectric activity. The 14 cows were allocated into 2 groups (suspected insulinresistant cattle, n = 7; suspected non–insulin-resistant cattle, 7) on the basis of persistent hyperinsulinemia during the postoperative period. Seven days after surgery, the abomasoduodenal myoelectric patterns were still significantly lower for the insulinresistant cows, compared with patterns for the non–insulin-resistant cows.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Insulin resistance appears to be common in cows with an LDA. Analysis of results of this study reveals that abomasal atony in cows with an LDA depends on persistence of high serum concentrations of insulin. Results of this study could provide an explanation for a pathogenetic factor of LDAs and the frequent relapses of cattle affected by this condition. (Am J Vet Res2004;65:1319–1324)
Effects of intracameral injection of preservative-free lidocaine on the anterior segment of the eyes in dogs
Authors: Gerding Paul A. , Turner Terri L. , Hamor Ralph E. , Schaeffer David J.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To evaluate effects of intracameral injection of preservative-free 1% and 2% lidocaine hydrochloride solution on the anterior segment of the eyes in dogs.

Animals—16 adult healthy dogs (8 male and 8 female) judged to be free of ocular disease.

Procedure—Dogs were randomly assigned to 2 groups of 8 dogs each. Group 1 dogs received an intracameral injection of 0.10 mL of preservative-free 1% lidocaine solution in the designated eye, and group 2 dogs received 0.10 mL of preservative-free 2% lidocaine solution in the designated eye. After injection, intraocular pressure was measured every 12 hours for 48 hours and then every 24 hours until 168 hours after injection. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy was performed preceding intracameral injection, 8 hours after injection, and then every 24 hours until 168 hours after injection. Ultrasonic pachymetry and specular microscopy were performed preceding intracameral injection and 72 and 168 hours after injection. Corneal thickness and endothelial cell density and morphology were compared with baseline measurements.

Results—No significant differences were found in intraocular pressure, corneal thickness, endothelial cell density, and morphologic features in either group, compared with baseline. A significant difference in aqueous flare was found for treated and control eyes 8, 24, and 48 hours after injection, compared with baseline. No significant difference in aqueous flare was found between treated and control eyes within either group.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—No adverse ocular effects were detected after intracameral injection of preservative-free 1% or 2% lidocaine solution; thus, its use would be safe for intraocular pain management in dogs. (Am J Vet Res2004;65:1325–1330)
Effects of α2-adrenergic receptor agonists on urine production in horses deprived of food and water
Authors: Nuñez Enrique , Steffey Eugene P. , Ocampo Luis , Rodriguez Alejandro , Garcia Alma A.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To quantitate the dose- and time-related
effects of IV administration of xylazine and detomidine
on urine characteristics in horses deprived of
feed and water.

Animals—6 horses.

Procedure—Feed and water were withheld for 24
hours followed by IV administration of saline (0.9%
NaCl) solution, xylazine (0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg), or detomidine
(0.03 mg/kg). Horses were treated 4 times, each
time with a different protocol. Following treatment,
urine and blood samples were obtained at 15, 30, 60,
120, and 180 minutes. Blood samples were analyzed
for PCV and serum concentrations of total plasma
solids, sodium, and potassium. Urine samples were
analyzed for pH and concentrations of glucose, proteins,
sodium, and potassium.

Results—Baseline (before treatment) urine flow was
0.30 ± 0.03 mL/kg/h and did not significantly change
after treatment with saline solution and low-dose
xylazine but transiently increased by 1 hour after treatment
with high-dose xylazine or detomidine. Total
urine output at 2 hours following treatment was 312
± 101 mL versus 4,845 ± 272 mL for saline solution
and detomidine, respectively. Absolute values of
urine concentrations of sodium and potassium also
variably increased following xylazine and detomidine
administration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Xylazine and
detomidine administration in horses deprived of feed
and water causes transient increases in urine volume
and loss of sodium and potassium. Increase in urine
flow is directly related to dose and type of α2-adrenergic
receptor agonist. Dehydration in horses may be
exacerbated by concurrent administration of α2-adrenergic
receptor agonists. (Am J Vet Res
2004;65:1342–1346)
Evaluation of the induction and recovery characteristics of anesthesia with desflurane in cats
Authors: Barter Linda S. , Ilkiw Janet E. , Pypendop Bruno H. , Steffey Eugene P.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate
the characteristics of desflurane with regard to
the induction of and recovery from anesthesia in cats.

Animals—6 cats.

Procedure—Anesthesia was induced and maintained
with desflurane in oxygen. Individual minimum alveolar
concentration (MAC) values were determined;
anesthesia was maintained at 1.25 × MAC for a total
anesthesia time (including MAC determination) of 5
hours. Cats were allowed to recover from anesthesia.
Induction and recovery periods were video recorded
and later scored by use of a grading scale from 0 to
100 (100 being the best outcome). Timing of events
was recorded.

Results—The MAC of desflurane was 10.27 ± 1.06%,
and mean dose was 5.6 ± 0.2 MAC-hours. Times to
loss of coordination, recumbency, and endotracheal
intubation were 1.3 ± 0.4, 2.3 ± 0.3, and 6.4 ± 1.1 minutes,
respectively. Median score for quality of anesthetic
induction was 93 (range, 91 to 94). Times to
first movement, extubation, standing, and ability to
jump and land with coordination were 2.8 ± 1.0,
3.8 ± 0.5, 14.3 ± 3.9, and 26.4 ± 5.1 minutes, respectively.
Alveolar washout of desflurane was rapid.
Median score for quality of anesthetic recovery was
94 (range, 86 to 96).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Desflurane
was associated with rapid induction of and recovery
from anesthesia in cats; assessors rated the overall
quality of induction and recovery as excellent. Results
appear to support the use of desflurane for induction
and maintenance of anesthesia in healthy cats. (Am J
Vet Res 2004;65:748–751)
Long-term delivery of ivermectin by use of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic)acid microparticles in dogs
Authors: Clark Steven L. , Crowley Angela J. , Schmidt Paul G. , Donoghue Ann R. , Piché Claude A.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To evaluate the potential utility of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic)acid (PLGA) as a long-acting biodegradable drug delivery matrix for ivermectin used in the prevention of heartworm disease in dogs.

Animals—30 adult female dogs.

Procedure—Microparticle formulations containing 25 weight percent (wt%), 35 wt%, and 50 wt% ivermectin were prepared by an oil-in-water emulsion technique with solvent extraction into excess water. A fourth formulation, consisting of a mixture of 15 wt% and 50 wt% ivermectin microparticles, was blended in a 1:1 ratio to result in a 32.5 wt% ivermectin formulation. Formulations were administered once on Day 0 to groups of 6 dogs at a dose of 0.5 mg of ivermectin/ kg, SC. Half of the dogs in each treatment group and 3 untreated control dogs were infected withDirofilaria immitislarvae 121 and 170 days after treatment. Six months after infection, dogs were euthanatized and necropsies were performed. Pharmacokinetics and efficacy were investigated.

Results—Analysis of pharmacokinetic data revealed sustained release of ivermectin during at least 287 days in 3 distinct phases: a small initial peak, followed by release of drug through diffusion, and polymer degradation. Untreated control dogs were all infected with heartworms. Heartworms were not found in any of the dogs in the ivermectin-PLGA treated groups. Adverse clinical signs were not observed.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—All formulations were 100% effective in preventing development of adult heartworms. Results indicate that PLGA microparticles are a promising drug delivery matrix for use with ivermectin for the prevention of heartworm disease for at least 6 months after treatment. (Am J Vet Res2004;65:752–757)
Development of a simulation model to evaluate the effect of vaccination against Tritrichomonas foetus on reproductive efficiency in beef herds
Authors: Villarroel Aurora , Carpenter Tim E. , BonDurant Robert H.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To develop a model to evaluate the effect of vaccination againstTritrichomonas foetusonreproductive efficiency in beef herds.

Sample Population—A beef herd of 300 cows and 12 bulls (8 bulls ≤ 3 years old and 4 bulls > 3 years old).

Procedure—The model was developed by use of data for various risk factors and vaccine efficacy. The reference herd was considered to be one in whichT foetushad been diagnosed and bulls were tested forT foetusbefore the breeding season. Five thousand iterations were run for each of 13 simulations, with each simulation representing a separate combination of risk factors.

Results—In all simulations, vaccination resulted in significantly higher calving incidence than nonvaccination. Shared grazing was found to be the most significant risk factor for a decrease in calving incidence attributable toT foetusinfection, followed in importance by lack of testing before the breeding season and a higher proportion of old bulls. Combinations of risk factors contributed to a loss of income of up to 22%, some of which could be blunted by vaccination.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Highest calving incidence is achieved when all bulls are tested forT foetusbefore the breeding season and all bulls with positive culture results are culled. Avoiding all risk factors is better than vaccinating, but when this is not feasible for a given herd, the results of this simulation indicate that proper vaccination can decrease economic losses attributable to abortions caused byT foetus. (Am J Vet Res2004;65:770–775)
Use of ambulatory electrocardiography for detection of ventricular premature complexes in healthy dogs
Authors: Meurs Kathryn M. , Spier Alan W. , Wright Nicola A. , Hamlin Robert L.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To evaluate the use of 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiography (AECG) for the detection of ventricular premature complexes (VPC) in healthy dogs.

Design—Case series.

Animals—50 healthy mature dogs.

Procedure—A 24-hour AECG was performed on each dog and evaluated for the presence of VPC.

Results—Fifty dogs weighing between 18.2 to 40.9 kg (40 and 90 lb) representing 13 breeds were evaluated; there were 4 sexually intact females, 21 spayed females, 4 sexually intact males, and 21 castrated males. Ages ranged from 1 to 12 years. Thirty-four dogs had no VPC; 16 dogs had between 1 and 24 VPC. The grade of arrhythmia ranged from 1 to 4, with 4 dogs having an arrhythmia with a grade > 1. Significant differences were not detected between the group of dogs with VPC and those without VPC with regard to sex, age, and minimum, maximum, or mean heart rate.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—We conclude that healthy mature dogs have infrequent VPC, as detected by use of 24-hour AECG. The presence of numerous or sequential VPC may be suggestive of cardiac or systemic disease and may indicate the need for thorough clinical evaluation. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;218:1291–1292)
Sensitivity and specificity of methods of assessing the regional lymph nodes for evidence of metastasis in dogs and cats with solid tumors
Authors: Langenbach Anke , McManus Patricia M. , Hendrick Mattie J. , Shofer Frances S. , Sorenmo Karin U.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To determine sensitivity and specificity of physical examination, fine-needle aspiration, and needle core biopsy of the regional lymph nodes for evidence of metastasis in dogs and cats with solid tumors.

Design—Case series.

Animals—37 dogs and 7 cats.

Procedure—Regional lymph nodes were evaluated by means of physical examination (palpation), fineneedle aspiration, and needle core biopsy. Results were compared with results of histologic examination of the entire lymph node, the current standard.

Results—Tumors included 18 sarcomas, 16 carcinomas, 7 mast cell tumors, and 3 other tumors. Carcinomas were more likely to have metastasized to the regional lymph node (7/16 animals) than were sarcomas (2/18). Sensitivity and specificity of physical examination were 60 and 72%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of cytologic examination of fine-needle aspirates were 100 and 96%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of histologic examination of needle core biopsy specimens were 64 and 96%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that fine-needle aspiration may be a sensitive and specific method of evaluating the regional lymph nodes in dogs and cats with solid tumors, because results correlated well with results of histologic examination of the entire lymph node. Physical examination alone was not a reliable method and should not be used to decide whether to aspirate or biopsy the regional lymph nodes. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;218:1424—1428)
Effects of hydrochlorothiazide and diet in dogs with calcium oxalate urolithiasis
Authors: Lulich Jody P. , Osborne Carl A. , Lekcharoensuk Chalermpol , Kirk Claudia A. , Allen Timothy A.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To determine whether hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) reduces urinary calcium excretion in dogs with calcium oxalate urolithiasis.

Design—Original study.

Animals—8 dogs with calcium oxalate urolithiasis.

Procedure—4 treatment protocols were evaluated in each dog (a low calcium, low protein diet designed to prevent calcium oxalate urolith formation with and without administration of HCTZ [2 mg/kg (0.9 mg/lb) of body weight, PO, q 12 h] and a maintenance diet with higher quantities of protein and calcium with and without administration of HCTZ). At the end of each 2-week treatment period, 24-hour urine samples were collected. Blood samples were collected during the midpoint of each urine collection period. Analysis of variance was performed to evaluate the effects of HCTZ and diet on urine and serum analytes.

Results—Hydrochlorothiazide significantly decreased urine calcium and potassium concentration and excretion. Hydrochlorothiazide also significantly decreased serum potassium concentration. Compared with the maintenance diet, the urolith prevention diet significantly decreased urine calcium and oxalic acid concentration and excretion. Dogs consuming the urolith prevention diet had significantly lower serum concentrations of albumin and urea nitrogen.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Administration of HCTZ decreased urine calcium excretion in dogs with a history of calcium oxalate urolith formation. The greatest reduction in urine calcium concentration and excretion was achieved when dogs received HCTZ and the urolith prevention diet. Results of this study suggest that the hypocalciuric effect of HCTZ will minimize recurrence of calcium oxalate urolith formation in dogs; however, long-term controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of HCTZ. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;218:1583–1586)
Outcome of and postoperative complications in dogs undergoing surgical treatment of laryngeal paralysis: 140 cases (1985–1998)
Authors: MacPhail Catriona M. , Monnet Eric
Published: January 2006

Objective—To compare outcomes of various surgical techniques for treatment of laryngeal paralysis in dogs and determine incidence and risk factors for development of postoperative complications.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—140 dogs undergoing surgical treatment for laryngeal paralysis at a veterinary teaching hospital between 1985 and 1998.

Procedure—Data were analyzed to determine outcome and factors influencing outcome and development of complications. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed for survival analysis.

Results—Postoperative complications were documented in 48 (34.3%) dogs; 20 (14.3%) dogs died of related causes. Aspiration pneumonia was the most common complication (33; 23.6%). Seven dogs died of aspiration pneumonia > 1 year after surgery. Dogs that underwent bilateral arytenoid lateralization were significantly more likely to develop complications and significantly less likely to survive than were dogs that underwent unilateral arytenoid lateralization or partial laryngectomy. Factors that were significantly associated with a higher risk of dying or of developing complications included age, temporary tracheostomy placement, concurrent respiratory tract abnormalities, concurrent esophageal disease, postoperative megaesophagus, concurrent neoplastic disease, and concurrent neurologic disease.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that surgical repair of laryngeal paralysis may be associated with high postoperative complication and mortality rates. Surgical technique and concurrent problems or diseases increased the risk of complications. Dogs appeared to have a life-long risk of developing respiratory tract complications following surgical correction. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;218:1949–1956)
Efficacy of salmeterol xinafoate in horses with recurrent airway obstruction
Authors: Henrikson Sarah L. , Rush Bonnie R.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To determine the onset, magnitude, and duration of bronchodilation after administration of aerosolized salmeterol xinafoate in horses with recurrent airway obstruction.

Design—Randomized controlled study

Animals—6 horses with recurrent airway obstruction.

Procedure—Horses received aerosolized salmeterol (210 µg) or no treatment, using a crossover design. Salmeterol was administered, using a mask designed for aerosol delivery in horses. Subjective rating of airway obstruction (RAO), maximal change in pleural pressure (ΔPplmax), and pulmonary resistance (RL) were determined at baseline; 5, 15, and 30 minutes; and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 hours after administration of salmeterol and in horses that did not receive treatment.

Results—The ΔPpl and RLwere improved 15 minutes through 6 hours after administration of salmeterol, compared with values obtained from horses receiving no treatment. The RAO was improved 15 minutes through 2 hours after administration of salmeterol. The maximal response to salmeterol was evident 30 to 60 minutes after administration and was characterized by a 59 ± 19% decrease in ΔPpl and a 56 ± 13% decrease in RL. The ΔPpl and RLwere not different from baseline values 8 hours after salmeterol administration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Duration of action of salmeterol in these horses was approximately 6 hours. Maximal bronchodilation was somewhat delayed (30 to 60 minutes), and the magnitude of response was similar to that of short-acting β2-adrenergic agonists. Salmeterol provides moderately sustained bronchodilation in horses with recurrent airway obstruction and may be an effective drug for long-term control of this condition. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;218:1961–1965).
Steroidogenic response of adrenal tissues after administration of ACTH to dogs with hypercortisolemia
Authors: Frank Linda A. , Schmeitzel Lynn P. , Oliver Jack W.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To evaluate adrenal sex hormone concentrations in neutered dogs with hypercortisolemia.

Design—Case series.

Animals—11 neutered dogs with hypercortisolemia.

Procedure—Serum samples obtained before and 1 hour after administration of ACTH were evaluated for concentrations of cortisol, progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate or androstenedione or both, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone.

Results—For all dogs, concentrations of 1 or more adrenal sex hormones were substantially greater than reference range values before or after administration of ACTH. Testosterone concentration was not greater than reference range values in any of the dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results emphasize the importance of ruling out hypercortisolemia before measuring adrenal sex hormone concentrations as a means of diagnosing adrenal hyperplasia syndrome (alopecia X) in dogs. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;218:214–216)
Radiographic patterns of periodontitis in cats: 147 cases (1998–1999)
Authors: Lommer Milinda J. , Verstraete Frank J. M.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To determine patterns of alveolar bone loss (periodontitis) and other lesions evident on fullmouth survey radiographs of cats.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—147 cats.

Procedure—Full-mouth radiographs were evaluated for evidence and severity of alveolar bone loss, odontoclastic resorption lesions (ORL), retained roots, missing teeth, signs of endodontic disease secondary to periodontitis, and apical resorption.

Results—106 (72%) cats had some degree of periodontitis, 100 (68%) were missing teeth, 98 (67%) had ORL, 78 (53%) had expansion of the buccal alveolar bone at 1 or more canine teeth, 75 (51%) had retained roots, 48 (33%) had apical resorption, and 12 (8%) had signs of endodontic disease secondary to periodontitis. Cats < 4 years old were not significantly more likely than the general population to have normal alveolar bone height. Prevalence of ORL increased with age, but cats ≥ 13 years old were less likely than the general population to have moderate or severe generalized periodontitis. Purebred cats were not significantly more likely to have periodontitis or ORL than mixed-breed cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that periodontitis is common in cats and that horizontal bone loss is the most common radiographic pattern of alveolar bone loss. Purebred cats were not more likely than mixed-breed cats to have ORL or periodontitis, but when they did have periodontitis, it was more likely to be moderate to severe. Cats with ORL were less likely than cats without ORL to have normal alveolar bone height and more likely to have severe focal vertical bone loss. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;218:230—234)
Use of medetomidine and ketamine for immobilization of free-ranging giraffes
Authors: Bush Mitchell , Grobler Douw G. , Raath Jacobus P. , Phillips Lyndsay G. , Stamper M. Andrew , Lance William R.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To develop a dosage correlated with shoulder height (SH) in centimeters for effective immobilization of free-ranging giraffes, using a combination of medetomidine (MED) and ketamine (KET) and reversal with atipamezole (ATP)

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—23 free-ranging giraffes.

Procedure—The drug combination (MED and KET) was administered by use of a projectile dart. Quality of induction, quality of immobilization, and time to recovery following injection of ATP were evaluated. Physiologic variables measured during immobilization included PaO2, PaCO2, oxygen saturation, end-tidal CO2, blood pH, indirect arterial blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates, and rectal temperature.

Results—Sixteen giraffes became recumbent with a dosage (mean ± SD) of 143 ± 29 µg of MED and 2.7 ± 0.6 mg of KET/cm of SH. Initially, giraffes were atactic and progressed to lateral recumbency. Three giraffes required casting with ropes for data collection, with dosages of 166 ± 5 µg of MED and 3.2 ± 0.6 mg of KET/cm of SH. Four giraffes required administration of etorphine (n = 2) or were cast with ropes (2) for capture but remained dangerous to personnel once recumbent, precluding data collection. In giraffes successfully immobilized, physiologic monitoring revealed hypoxia and increased respiratory rates. Values for PaCO2, end-tidal CO2, and heart rate remained within reference ranges. All giraffes were hypertensive and had a slight increase in rectal temperature. Atipamezole was administered at 340 ± 20 µg/cm of SH, resulting in rapid and smooth recoveries.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Medetomidine and KET was an effective immobilizing combination for free-ranging giraffes; however, at the dosages used, it does not induce adequate analgesia for major manipulative procedures. Quality of induction and immobilization were enhanced if the giraffe was calm. Reversal was rapid and complete following injection of ATP. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2000;218:245–249)
Measurement of serum concentrations of free thyroxine, total thyroxine, and total triiodothyronine in cats with hyperthyroidism and cats with nonthyroidal disease
Authors: Peterson Mark E. , Melián Carlos , Nichols Rhett
Published: January 2006

Objective—To determine the usefulness of measuring serum free thyroxine (T4) concentration as a diagnostic test for hyperthyroidism in cats, and to determine the influence of nonthyroidal disease on free T4concentration in cats without hyperthyroidism.

Design—Prospective case series.

Animals—917 cats with untreated hyperthyroidism, 221 cats with nonthyroidal disease, and 172 clinically normal cats.

Procedure—Serum free T4, total T4, and total triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations were measured in cats with untreated hyperthyroidism and cats with nonthyroidal disease. Serum total T4and T3concentrations were determined by use of radioimmunoassay, and free T4concentration was measured by use of direct equilibrium dialysis. Reference ranges for hormone concentrations were established on the basis of results from the 172 clinically normal cats.

Results—Sensitivity of serum free T4concentration as a diagnostic test for hyperthyroidism was significantly higher than the test sensitivity of either total T4or T3concentration. Of the 221 cats with nonthyroidal disease, 14 had a high free T4concentration (ie, falsepositive result). Therefore, calculated specificity of measuring serum free T4concentration as a diagnostic test for hyperthyroidism was significantly lower than test specificity of measuring either the total T4or T3concentration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicate that determination of free T4concentration is useful in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, especially in cats in which hyperthyroidism is suspected but total T4and T3concentrations are within reference ranges. However, because some cats with nonthyroidal disease have high serum free T4concentrations, hyperthyroidism should not be diagnosed solely on the finding of high free T4concentration. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;218:529–536)
Influence of drug treatment on survival of dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia: 88 cases (1989–1999)
Authors: Grundy Sophie A. , Barton Claudia
Published: January 2006

Objective—To evaluate association of various treatments for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia with survival to discharge in dogs.

Design—Retrospective cross-sectional analysis.

Animals—88 dogs with idiopathic immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.

Procedure—Medical records of dogs with immunemediated hemolytic anemia treated between August 1989 and August 1999 were examined. Survival to discharge, PCV at referral, autoagglutination, and drug treatment and dosage were recorded.

Results—Treatments included administration of prednisone, dexamethasone, azathioprine, danazol, cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, bovine hemoglobin solution, and human immunoglobulin. Overall mortality rate was 50.5%. Significant associations with death were not detected for use of azathioprine, cyclosporine, danazol, or human immunoglobulin. A significant difference in mortality rate was not detected between use of multiple immunosuppressive drug treatments and use of single immunosuppressive drugs. Use of cyclophosphamide and bovine hemoglobin solution were associated with significant increases in relative risk of death.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that use of cyclophosphamide and bovine hemoglobin solution in treatment of idiopathic immunemediated hemolytic anemia may be associated with increased risk of death. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;218:543–546)
Factors associated with Salmonella shedding among equine colic patients at a veterinary teaching hospital
Authors: Kim Lisa'Marie , Morley Paul S. , Traub-Dargatz Josie L. , Salman M. D. , Gentry-Weeks Claudia
Published: January 2006

Objective—To evaluate factors potentially associated with fecalSalmonellashedding among equine patients hospitalized for colic at a veterinary teaching hospital and to determine the effects of probiotic treatment on fecalSalmonellashedding and clinical signs.

Design—Longitudinal study and controlled trial.

Animals—246 equine colic patients.

Procedure—History and medical information were obtained from patient records. Fecal and environmental samples were submitted for aerobic bacterial culture forSalmonella enterica. Fifty-one patients were treated with a commercially available probiotic; 46 were treated with a placebo. Logistic regression was used to evaluate data.

Results—Salmonellaorganisms were detected in feces from 23 (9%) patients at least once during hospitalization. Patients were more likely to shedSalmonellaorganisms if diarrhea was evident ≤ 6 hours after hospitalization and duration of hospitalization exceeded 8 days (odds ratio [OR], 20.3), laminitis developed during hospitalization (OR, 12.0), results of nasogastric intubation were abnormal (OR, 4.9), leukopenia was evident ≤ 6 hours after hospitalization (OR, 4.6), or travel time to the teaching hospital exceeded 1 hour (OR, 3.5). Horses treated with the probiotic did not differ from control horses in regard to likelihood of fecalSalmonellashedding (OR, 1.5) or prevalence of clinical signs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that certain risk factors are associated with fecal shedding ofS entericaamong equine patients hospitalized at a veterinary teaching hospital because of colic and that pathogen monitoring in patients and the hospital environment and use of barrier nursing precautions for equine colic patients are beneficial. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;218:740–748)
Intradermal testing in healthy horses and horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, recurrent urticaria, or allergic dermatitis
Authors: Jose-Cunilleras Eduard , Kohn Catherine W. , Hillier Andrew , Saville William J. A. , Lorch Gwendolen
Published: January 2006

Objective—To compare responses to a variety of intradermally injected allergens among healthy horses and horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), recurrent urticaria (RU), and atopic dermatitis-insect hypersensitivity (allergic dermatitis [AD]).

Design—Case-control study.

Animals—86 horses.

Procedure—Results of intradermal testing for horses with COPD, RU, or AD were compared with results for healthy horses.

Results—Compared with healthy horses, horses with COPD, RU, and AD were significantly more likely to have positive (≥ 3+) reactions to intradermal allergens (molds, weeds, trees, grasses-crops, and insects) 30 minutes (immediate reaction), 4 hours (late-phase reactions), and 24 hours (delayed-phase reactions) after exposure. In addition, diseased horses reacted to a significantly higher number of allergens in each allergen group than did healthy horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Reactions to individual allergens should not be used to determine that horses have hypersensitivity. Overall patterns of reactivity to intradermal allergens may be helpful in management when used in conjunction with a compatible history and evidence of potential exposure to allergens in horses with conditions associated with hypersensitivity to environmental allergens. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;62:1115–1121)
Trends in mortality ratios among cattle in US feedlots
Authors: Loneragan Guy H. , Dargatz David A. , Morley Paul S. , Smith Marty A.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To evaluate trends in feedlot cattle mortality ratios over time, by primary body system affected, and by type of animal.

Design—Retrospective cohort study.

Animals—Approximately 21.8 million cattle entering 121 feedlots in the United States during 1994 through 1999.

Procedures—Yearly and monthly mortality ratios were calculated. Numbers of deaths were modeled by use of Poisson regression methods for repeated measures. Relative risks of death over time and by animal type were estimated.

Results—Averaged over time, the mortality ratio was 12.6 deaths/1,000 cattle entering the feedlots. The mortality ratio increased from 10.3 deaths/1,000 cattle in 1994 to 14.2 deaths/1,000 cattle in 1999, but this difference was not statistically significant (P= 0.09). Cattle entering the feedlots during 1999 had a significantly increased risk (relative risk, 1.46) of dying of respiratory tract disorders, compared with cattle that entered during 1994, and respiratory tract disorders accounted for 57.1% of all deaths. Dairy cattle had a significantly increased risk of death of any cause, compared with beef steers. Beef heifers had a significantly increased risk of dying of respiratory tract disorders, compared with beef steers.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that although overall yearly mortality ratio did not significantly increase during the study, the risk of death attributable to respiratory tract disorders was increased during most years, compared with risk of death during 1994. The increased rates of fatal respiratory tract disorders may also reflect increased rates of non-fatal respiratory tract disorders, which would be expected to have adverse production effects in surviving animals. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;219:1122–1127)
Effects of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor on urine spraying behavior in cats
Authors: Pryor Patricia A. , Hart Benjamin L. , Cliff Kelly D. , Bain Melissa J.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To determine the effectiveness of a readily available selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine hydrochloride, on reducing problem urine spraying in cats.

Design—Randomized placebo-controlled doubleblind clinical trial.

Animals—17 neutered cats > 1 year old with objectionable urine spraying behavior.

Procedure—Owners recorded urine-spraying events for 2 weeks (baseline). Cats that vertically marked a mean of ≥ 3 times per week were treated for 8 weeks with fluoxetine or fish-flavored liquid placebo. If urine spraying was not reduced by 70% by weeks 4 through 5, the dosage was increased by 50% for weeks 7 and 8. After discontinuation of treatment at the end of 8 weeks, owners recorded daily urine marks for another 4 weeks.

Results—The mean (± SE) weekly rate of spraying episodes in treated cats was 8.6 (± 2.0) at baseline, decreased significantly by week 2 (1.7 ± 0.6), and continued to decrease by weeks 7 and 8 (0.4 ± 0.2). The mean weekly spraying rate of cats receiving placebo was 7.8 (± 1.5) at baseline, decreased only slightly during week 1 (5.5 ± 1.8), and did not decline further. When treatment was discontinued after 8 weeks, the spraying rate of cats that had received treatment varied. The main adverse reaction to the drug was a reduction in food intake, which was observed in 4 of 9 treated cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Administration of fluoxetine hydrochloride for treatment of urine spraying in cats can be expected to considerably reduce the rate of urine marking. The frequency of spraying before treatment is predictive of the spraying rate when the drug is discontinued. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;219:1557–1561)
Episioplasty for the treatment of perivulvar dermatitis or recurrent urinary tract infections in dogs with excessive perivulvar skin folds: 31 cases (1983–2000)
Authors: Lightner Barbara A. , McLoughlin Mary A. , Chew Dennis J. , Beardsley Stephanie M. , Matthews Hilary K.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To evaluate the effectiveness of episioplasty for the treatment of perivulvar dermatitis or chronic or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) believed to be secondary to excessive perivulvar skin folds in dogs and to document whether a causal relationship exists between the presence of chronic or recurrent UTI and excessive perivulvar skin folds in female dogs.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—31 female dogs.

Procedure—Medical records of dogs with vulvar dermatitis (group 1; n = 15) or UTI (group 2; 16) were reviewed for history, signalment, physical examination findings, hematologic findings, results of urine or vaginal bacteriologic culture, and results of additional diagnostic procedures.

Results—14 of 15 dogs in group 1 had complete resolution of perivulvar dermatitis and associated clinical signs following episioplasty. One dog had a relapse of clinical signs and vulvar dermatitis 2 years after surgery in association with a 9-kg (19.8-lb) weight gain. Sixteen of 16 dogs in group 2 had complete resolution of clinical signs of UTI following episioplasty. Urine samples were obtained via cystocentesis no earlier than 1 month after surgery to confirm resolution of UTI in 13 of 16 of dogs in group 2. Mild-to-moderate incisional swelling was the only surgical complication reported for either group, with the exception of 1 dog in group 2 that had wound dehiscence. All owners were satisfied with surgical outcomes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—All owners reported complete resolution of clinical signs for both groups of dogs. Episioplasty is an effective low morbidity treatment for perivulvar dermatitis and chronic UTI associated with excessive perivulvar skin folds. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;219:1577–1581)
Use of surgery and electron beam irradiation, with or without chemotherapy, for treatment of vaccine-associated sarcomas in cats: 78 cases (1996–2000)
Authors: Cohen Michele , Wright James C. , Brawner William R. , Smith Annette N. , Henderson Ralph , Behrend Ellen N.
Published: January 2006

Objective—To evaluate responses of cats with vaccine- associated sarcomas to treatment with surgery and radiotherapy, with or without adjunctive chemotherapy.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—76 cats (78 tumors).

Procedure—Medical records were reviewed. Factors potentially associated with survival time, time to recurrence, and time to development of metastases were evaluated.

Results—Following excision, electron beam radiation, and, in some cases, chemotherapy, 32 (41%) cats experienced recurrence, and 9 (12%) cats developed metastases. One- and 2-year survival rates were 86 and 44%, respectively. Median survival time from onset of disease was 730 days (range, 30 to 2,014 days). Median disease-free interval was 405 days (range, 30 to 925 days). Cats that underwent only 1 surgery prior to radiotherapy had a lower recurrence rate than did cats that underwent > 1 surgery and had a significantly longer disease-free interval. Survival time and disease-free interval decreased as time between surgery and the start of radiotherapy increased. Cats that developed metastases had significantly shorter survival times and disease-free intervals than did cats that did not develop metastases. Castrated male cats had a significantly shorter survival time than did spayed female cats. Cats with larger tumors prior to the first surgery had shorter survival times. Twenty-six cats received chemotherapy in addition to surgery and radiotherapy. Whether cats received chemotherapy was not associated with recurrence rate, metastasis rate, or survival time.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that excision followed by electron beam irradiation may be beneficial for treatment of cats with vaccine- associated sarcomas. Extent of excision prior to radiotherapy did not seem to be associated with recurrence rate. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;219:1582–1589)