bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of shigellosis and other enteric pathogens in a zoologic collection of primates
Authors: Banish Linda D. , Sims Robert , Sack David , Montali Richard J. , Phillips Lyndsay , Bush Mitchell
Published: December 2023

An epidemiologic study of shigellosis was the preliminary step in the formulation of a plan for the control of devastating infectious diseases in nonhuman primates at the National Zoological Park. Data were collected from primate groups with enzootic shigellosis and included the following species: white-cheeked and siamang gibbons (Hylobates concolor and H syndactylies); lion-tailed, celebes, and Barbary macaques (Macaca silenus, M nigera, and M sylvanus); black and white colobus monkeys (Colobus guerzea); grey-cheeked mangabeys (Cerecocebus albigena); spider monkeys (Ateles susciceps robusuts); ruffed lemurs (Lemur varrigatus); lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla); and orangutans (pongo pygmaeus). Data included results of physical examination, proctoscopy with biopsy, fecal parasitologic and cytologic examinations, and bacteriologic culturing of swabbed specimens of rectum and gingiva. Repetitive fecal examinations were subsequently performed and included bacteriologic culturing of fecal specimens for enteropathogenic bacteria and parasites and cytologic examination of feces. Data were collected for a 1-year period from 82 primates, and 14 gibbons were studied intensively. White-cheeked and siamang gibbons shed Shigella flexneri sporadically, but persistently. All gibbons were affected with a mean point prevalence of 30.7% (range 0 to 71%). Shigella flexneri also was isolated from feces of lion-tailed macaques. Shigella sonnei was isolated from feces of grey-cheeked mangabeys, celebes macaques, and spider monkeys. Of 180 colonic mucosal biopsy specimens from 60 primates, 3 contained Shigella spp. Most S flexneri isolates were serotype Y.

Our findings substantiated that enzootic shigellosis was more widespread at the National Zoological Park than signs of disease and results of a few bacteriologic cultures suggested. Those primate species affected were pinpointed, and the heterogeneity of Shigella spp involved was elucidated. Supportive diagnostic techniques were investigated and an unconventional protocol for performing bacteriologic culturing of fecal specimens was found useful in decreasing false-negative results. Epidemiologic findings and shedding patterns defined appropriateness of clinical management options.
Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of positive-contrast arthrography and arthrotomy in evaluation of osteochondrosis lesions in the scapulohumeral joint in dogs
Authors: van Bree Henri
Published: December 2023

During a 6-year-period (1985-1991), 120 positive-contrast arthrograms were made in 70 dogs to evaluate osteochondrosis lesions in the scapulohumeral joint. In 76 shoulders, the arthrographic findings were compared with surgical or histopathologic findings to evaluate the accuracy of the arthrographic technique. Positive-contrast arthrography was found to be accurate in evaluation of the status of the articular cartilage. In revealing discontinuity of the articular cartilage, the results of arthrography were false-negative in 4 shoulders (58/66; accuracy, 88%). In detecting thick cartilage covering a subchondral defect, the results of positive-contrast arthrography were false-positive in 4 joints (6/11; accuracy, 55%). In detecting fragmentation of the cartilage, arthrography provided false-negative results in 4 joints (7/11; accuracy, 64%). This technique enabled detection of joint mice, especially within the bicipital tendon sheath (no false-positive results). Arthrography failed to reveal joint mice within the caudal pouch in 2 joints (15/17; accuracy, 88%). Joint effusion also could be evaluated and was correlated with synovitis, degenerative joint disease, and loose or detached cartilage flaps. Postarthrography complications were not observed with this technique.
Endoparasitism in dogs: 21,583 cases (1981–1990)
Authors: Jordan Helen E. , Mullins Sandra T. , Stebbins Martha E.
Published: December 2023

Prevalence of endoparasites (particularly ascarids) in dogs examined at the Oklahoma State University veterinary medical teaching hospital during 1981 to 1990 was determined by fecal and blood examinations. Approximately 1,250 fecal and 900 blood specimens were examined each year. In 1981, 55% of dogs harbored 1 or more parasites, compared with 36% in 1990. Percentages of all endoparasitic species decreased, except Giardia spp, which increased. The greatest decrease in prevalence was for Ancylostoma spp, which changed from 39% in 1981 to 15% in 1990. Prevalence of Toxocara spp and Trichuris spp also significantly decreased from 1981 (8% and 12%, respectively) through 1990 (4% and 9%, respectively). Although there appeared to be a downward trend in these ascarid infections, considerable environmental contamination probably existed and continues to exist because of high fecundity and long survival of eggs in the environment. Prevalence of Dipetalonema spp had a downward trend from a high of 4% in 1981 to < 1% by 1991. Prevalence of Dirofilaria spp decreased from 12% in 1982 to 6% in 1985, but by 1990, it was 11%.
Analysis of hemostasis in horses with colic
Authors: Prasse Keith William , Topper Michael Joseph , Moore James Neil , Welles Elizabeth Galt
Published: December 2023

Eight tests of hemostasis were measured in 233 horses with colic. Blood samples were obtained at admission and for 4 consecutive days of hospitalization. Data were analyzed retrospectively by outcome, by broad-category diagnosis group, by small intestinal disorder, and by smaller categories for comparing specific diseases. Nonsurviving horses and horses with the most severe forms of intestinal ischemia had changes interpreted as hypercoagulative, the intensity of which was increased on the first and second mornings (sample times 2 and 3) after admission, when most significant differences for results of specific tests were detected. Nonsurvivors had decreased antithrombin III activity and prolonged prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times; those with strangulating obstructions also had decreased protein C and plasminogen activities. During hospitalization and with survival, these changes tended to reverse. In most horses, regardless of diagnosis or outcome, concentration of fibrin degradation products and fibrinogen, and α2-antiplasmin activity increased over time. Whether these changes reflected specific effects of colic or of the acute-phase response was not determined. In comparisons of small intestinal disorders (proximal enteritis, strangulations, and impactions), diagnostically distinguishing features were not found. Likewise, in comparisons of specific diseases (small vs large intestinal impaction, proximal enteritis vs colitis, small vs large intestinal obstruction), diagnostically distinguishingfeatures were not found.
Hypocalcemia at parturition as a risk factor for left displacement of the abomasum in dairy cows
Authors: Massey Cynthia Doyle , Wang Changzheng , Donovan G. Arthur , Beede David K.
Published: December 2023

Total and ionized serum calcium concentrations were measured in 510 Holstein cows at the time of parturition. Cows that subsequently developed left displacement of the abomasum (lda) were compared with those that did not. Cows that were hypocalcemic at parturition had a 4.8 times greater risk of developing lda than did normocalcemic cows. Hypocalcemia was associated with the development of lda whether ionized serum calcium concentration or total serum calcium concentration was used to determine whether cows were hypo- or normocalcemic. The proportion of cows developing lda was not significantly different between cows that had clinical signs of hypocalcemia and were treated for parturient paresis and cows that were hypocalcemic but did not have clinical signs and were not treated.
Causes of abortion, stillbirth, and perinatal death in horses: 3,527 cases (1986–1991)
Authors: Giles R. C. , Donahue J. M. , Hong C. B. , Tuttle P. A. , Petrites-Murphy M. B. , Poonacha K. B. , Roberts A. W. , Tramontin R. R. , Smith B. , Swerczek T. W.
Published: December 2023

Pathology case records oj 3,514 aborted fetuses, stillborn foals, or foals that died < 24 hours after birth and of 13 placentas from mares whose foals were weak or unthrifty at birth were reviewed to determine the cause of abortion, death, or illness. Fetoplacental infection caused by bacteria (n = 628), equine herpesvirus (143), fungi (61), or placentitis (351), in which an etiologic agent could not be defined, was the most common diagnosis. Complications of birth, including neonatal asphyxia, dystocia, or trauma, were the second most common cause of mortality and were diagnosed in 19% of the cases (679). Other common diagnoses were placental edema or premature separation of placenta (249), development of twins (221), contracted foal syndrome (188), other congenital anomalies (160), and umbilical cord abnormalities (121). Less common conditions were placental villous atrophy or body pregnancy (81), fetal diarrhea syndrome (34), and neoplasms or miscellaneous conditions (26). A diagnosis was not established in 16% of the cases seen (585). The study revealed that leptospirosis (78) was an important cause of bacterial abortion in mares, and that infection by a nocardioform actinomycete (45) was an important cause of chronic placentitis.
Decision analysis in the evaluation of diagnostic tests
Authors: Smith Ronald D.
Published: December 2023

Decision analysis was used to evaluate the clinical usefulness of 2 diagnostic tests: one for canine heartworm disease and the other for bovine traumatic reticuloperitonitis. Several clinically relevant measures of test performance are introduced, including expected utility, risk profile, testing band, threshold analysis, and the relative cost of misdiagnosis. One of the principal benefits of decision analysis of diagnostic tests is that the technique can be used to determine how changes in underlying assumptions will affect clinical decisions. If clinicians can identify and assign values to relevant variables, then decision analysis can provide clinically meaningful guidelines for interpreting the results of diagnostic tests. To take advantage of these techniques, clinicians must become comfortable with quantitative expressions for test performance, risk, and prognosis.
Neonatal toxoplasmosis in littermate cats
Authors: Dubey J. P. , Carpenter James L.
Published: December 2023

Toxoplasmosis was diagnosed histologically in 9 kittens and 1 queen from 5 litters. In litter 1, four 3-month-old Siamese kittens and the queen were affected. The queen died of generalized toxoplasmosis, and her kittens died or were euthanatized 20, 22, or 28 days later. In litter 2, two of 3 Abyssinian 4- and 4.5-month-old kittens died of toxoplasmosis. In litter 3, an Abyssinian, delivered by cesarean section, became ill 17 days after delivery, and died 2 days later because of toxoplasmic hepatitis and pneumonia. In litter 4, three kittens, approximately 1 month old, were shedding Toxoplasma gondii-like oocysts, and the organism was identified histologically in tissues of 1 of them. In litter 5, one 3-week-old kitten out of 4 became ill. Toxoplasma gondii-like oocysts were found in feces and T gondii organisms were found in histologic sections of tissues.
Seasonal flank alopecia in Boxers and Airedale Terriers: 24 cases (1985–1992)
Authors: Miller Maria A. , Dunstan Robert W.
Published: December 2023

Clinical and histologic features of seasonal flank alopecia in 12 Airedale Terriers and 12 Boxers were reviewed. Most of the affected dogs were spayed females; however, sexually intact females as well as sexually intact and neutered male dogs with the disease were identified. Mean (±sd) age of onset was 3.6 ± 2.4 years.
Use of prostaglandin products by dairy cattle owners, beef cattle owners, and veterinarians
Authors: Wenzel James G. W. , Wright James C. , Carson Robert L.
Published: December 2023

Questionnaires regarding the use of prostaglandin F2α and its analogues (hereafter referred to as pg) were sent to 332 Alabama beef cattle owners and to 279 Alabama dairy cattle owners after attempting to contact them by telephone to request their participation in the survey. Questionnaires concerning the use of pg in their clients’ herds were likewise sent to 147 food animal and mixed animal practitioners in Alabama after attempting telephone contact. Response among beef cattle owners, dairy cattle owners, and veterinarians to whom questionnaires were mailed was 64.5, 61.6, and 75.5%, respectively.

Only 7.4% (13 of 175) of respondent beef cattle owners reported use of pg in their herds, and this use was predominantly for artificial insemination and embryo transfer. In contrast, 66.5% (109 of 164) of respondent dairy cattle owners reported use of pg, generally with satisfactory results, for some of the following conditions: unobserved estrus (n = 77), uterine infections (n = 74), retained placenta (n = 65), cystic ovaries (n = 56), estrus synchronization (n = 45), and induction of parturition (n = 13).

Although 94.9% of respondent veterinarians treated cattle with pg, those attending beef herds thought that more important strategies were available for improvement of beef cattle productivity than increased use of pg. Among these strategies were shorter calving seasons, improved nutrition, better record keeping, more frequent herd health visits, improved animal identification, and increased use of bull breeding soundness examinations. Likewise, dairy practitioners thought that improved estrus detection, more frequent herd health visits, improved nutrition, better artificial insemination technique, and improved record keeping were more important for improved production than was increased use of pg.
Is your hospital really safe?
Authors: Seibert Philip J.
Published: December 2023

The large number of responses to our first Practitioners’ Exchange question (see Sept 1, 1993 issue of the JAVMA) suggests that veterinarians are concerned about complying with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, but that many veterinarians are uncertain how best to set up an OSHA compliance program in their own hospitals. With this issue, we present the first in a series of articles dealing with OSHA regulations and giving practical ways for veterinarians to comply with the OSHA standards. In future articles, the author will discuss some of the common hazards in veterinary hospitals, implementation of a hazard communication plan, and development of a hospital emergency action plan.

While reading these articles, remember that, although they represent the best information available at the time they were written, they cannot be considered definitive. Regulations are subject to change, and, in the end, only personnel from OSHA can tell you exactly how to comply with the OSHA guidelines. However, we believe that by following the suggestions in this and future articles, veterinarians will be able to create a hospital safety program that will substantially comply with OSHA guidelines and that will ensure a safe workplace for themselves and their employees.— Kurt J. Matushek, Assistant Editor.
Prognosis for treatment of adult-onset demodicosis in dogs: 34 cases (1979-1990)
Authors: Duclos David D. , Jeffers James G. , Shanley Kevin J.
Published: December 2023

Medical records of 41 dogs with adultonset generalized demodicosis diagnosed between 1979 and 1990 were reviewed. Of the 41 dogs, 8 had hyperadrenocorticism, 5 were suspected or confirmed to have hypothyroidism, 10 had allergic disease and had been treated with corticosteroids, and 6 were receiving chemotherapy because of a neoplastic or immune-mediated condition. In the remaining 12, a concurrent underlying condition was not identified. Thirty-four of the dogs were treated with amitraz dips: 7 were cured, 22 were clinically improved but still had Demodex canis mites in skin scrapings and needed amitraz dips on a maintenance basis, and 5 did not improve with treatment and were euthanatized. Of the 13 dogs with a definitively treatable underlying disease (hyperadrenocorticism or hypothyroidism), 9 were treated for the underlying disease and for demodicosis: 4 were cured, 3 were improved but still had D canis mites in skin scrapings and required maintenance amitraz dips, and 2 did not improve and were euthanatized. Of the 16 dogs that were receiving chemotherapy or had allergic disease, 15 were treated for the demodicosis while still receiving treatment for their underlying disease: 1 was cured, 13 were improved but needed maintenance amitraz dips, and 1 did not improve and was euthanatized. Of the 12 dogs without an identifiable underlying problem, 10 were treated: 2 were cured, 6 improved, but needed maintenance amitraz dips, and 2 did not improve and were euthanatized.
Diagnostic testing for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in horses
Authors: Dybdal Noël O. , Hargreaves Kenneth Μ. , Madigan John E. , Gribble David H. , Kennedy Peter C. , Stabenfeldt George H.
Published: December 2023

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction is a slowly progressive disorder that afflicts most breeds of horses. Because it shares features with human Cushing disease, it has been referred to as equine Cushing disease. A variety of tests of pituitary-adrenocortical function were performed on horses with evidence of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, and results were compared with those in healthy control horses. Diurnal variations in plasma cortisol concentration were not statistically different between control horses and those with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. An ACTH stimulation (1 U of natural ACTH gel/kg of body weight, IM) test or a combined dexamethasone suppression test (10 mg, IM) and ACTH stimulation (100 mg of synthetic ACTH, IV) test also failed to distinguish horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction from control horses. A significant (P < 0.001) dose-related suppression of cortisol concentration in response to increasing doses (5, 10, 20, and 40 μg/kg) of dexamethasone was observed in control horses but not in those with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. On the basis of plasma cortisol concentration, the dexamethasone suppression test, using 40 μg/kg, whether initiated at 5 PM with sample collection at 15 (8 AM) and 19 (12 PM) hours after dexamethasone administration, or initiated at 12 AM with sample collection at 8 (8 AM), 12 (12 PM), 16 (4 PM), 20 (8 PM), and 24 (12 AM) hours after dexamethasone administration, reliably distinguished between control horses and those with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Several horses did not have clinical evidence of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, but did have abnormal dexamethasone suppression test results. In these horses, adenomatous hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the pars intermedia of the pituitary gland was confirmed at necropsy.
99mTc-pertechnetate imaging of thyroid tumors in dogs: 29 cases (1980-1992)
Authors: Marks Stanley L. , Koblik Philip D. , Hornof William J. , Feldman Edward C.
Published: December 2023

Thyroid gland scintigraphy was performed in 29 dogs with histologically confirmed thyroid tumors. Twenty dogs were female, and 9 were male. Median age was 10 years. Of the 29 dogs, 21 were initially examined because of cervical swelling or a cervical mass. Of the 29 tumors, 24 were thyroid adenocarcinomas, 1 was a C-cell carcinoma, 3 were undifferentiated carcinomas, and 1 was a thyroid adenoma. Serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine concentrations were determined in 25 dogs. Sixteen dogs were euthyroid, 6 were hyperthyroid, and 3 were hypothyroid.

In all 29 dogs, results of scintigraphy were abnormal. The most common scintigraphic appearance (13 dogs) was a unilateral thyroid mass with increased radionuclide uptake, relative to that of the parotid salivary glands. There did not appear to be an association between distribution of radionuclide uptake and histologic diagnosis, although there appeared to be an association between distribution of uptake and histologic degree of capsular invasion. All 4 dogs with extensive capsular invasion and 11 of 17 dogs with limited capsular invasion had poorly circumscribed, heterogeneous uptake of pertechnetate by the tumor. All hyperthyroid dogs had intense uptake, and 5 of 6 hyperthyroid dogs had well-circumscribed, homogenous uptake. Scintigraphy did not appear to offer any additional benefit, compared with thoracic radiography, for detection of pulmonary metastases.
Risk factors for development of foot abscess in neonatal pigs
Authors: Gardner Ian A. , Hird David W.
Published: December 2023

Factors associated with foot abscess were evaluated in a cohort of 3,322 suckling pigs reared on a woven-wire floor (wire diameter, 0.5 cm; size of openings, 1 × 3.8 cm). In bivariate analysis, foot abscess was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with post-partum sow illness, number of pigs born alive, and parity, but not with birthweight (P = 0.31) or time spent on wire flooring (P = 0.89). One oxytetracycline treatment (100 mg, im) at birth or 1 treatment at birth and a second 5 to 7 days later reduced (P < 0.05) the risk of lesions by about half. Multivariate analyses indicated that pigs in large litters (> 10 pigs at birth) born to sows with postpartum illnesses had an increased risk (relative risk [rr], 3.77) of developing foot abscess, compared with pigs in small litters (≤ 10 pigs) born to unaffected sows. For sows without evidence of postpartum illness, pigs in large litters had a slightly increased risk (rr, 1.32) of developing foot abscess, compared with pigs in small litters. Pigs born to multiparous sows also had an increased risk (rr, 1.69) of developing foot abscess, compared with pigs born to primiparous sows. Similar risk estimates were obtained when logistic regression models included location farrowed (crate number) as fixed effect, and when litter was a random effect in a logistic-binomial regression.
Equine self-mutilation syndrome (57 cases)
Authors: Dodman Nicholas H. , Normile Jo Anne , Shuster Louis , Rand William
Published: December 2023

Owners who believed they had a horse with self-mutilating behavior were asked to complete a questionnaire to obtain information on the signalment, clinical history, clinical signs, management, and treatment of the condition. Fifty-two owners of 59 horses responded; 2 cases were omitted because an organic cause was determined. Owners also were ashed to complete information for unaffected horses on the same farm. Various breeds were affected, and of the 57 horses, 20 were stallions, 31 were geldings, and 6 were mares. Affected horses tended to develop the condition prior to sexual maturity. Clinical signs included glancing or biting at the flank or pectoral areas, bucking, kicking, vocalizing, rubbing, spinning, or rolling. Several management and environmental factors were examined, but none were found to be exclusively related to expression of the disorder. Castration was associated with improvement in 7 of 10 stallions. Medications and changes in management reduced or prevented the behavior in some horses. The syndrome appears to be similar to Tourette’s syndrome of human beings.
Effects of storage time and temperature on ionized calcium concentration in equine blood, plasma, and serum
Authors: Szenci Ottó , Németh Ferenc , Stollár Zsuzsanna , Brydl Endre
Published: December 2023

Stability of ionized calcium (Ca2+) concentrations and pH values in equine venous samples (n = 12 in each group) stored at 4 C for 3, 9, 24, and 48 hours (blood, plasma, and serum) or for 240 hours (plasma and serum), and at −20 C for 240 hours (plasma and serum), was studied. Storage of equine blood, plasma, and serum samples at 4 C for up to 48 hours and of serum samples at 4 C for up to 240 hours, despite appreciable pH changes, was associated with < 1.5% change in blood, plasma, and serum Ca2+ concentrations. Therefore, Ca2+ concentration in equine blood, plasma, and serum samples stored up to 48 hours and in serum samples stored up to 240 hours at 4 C is of diagnostic use.
Risk factors for development of chronic superficial keratitis in dogs
Authors: Chavkin Matthew J. , Roberts Steven M. , Salman Mowafak D. , Severin Glenn A. , Scholten Nathan J.
Published: December 2023

Proportional hospital accession ratios for chronic superficial keratitis (csk) of dogs were determined for 16 US veterinary teaching hospitals participating in the Veterinary Medical Data Base between Jan 1, 1976 and Dec 31, 1991. The prevalence of csk was significantly correlated (r = 0.90) with altitude of residence, but not with latitude, longitude, mean annual solar radiation, or mean annual relative humidity.

Medical records of dogs with (n = 595) and without (n = 72,877) csk examined at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital between Jan 1, 1976 and Oct 28, 1991 were also reviewed. Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd Dogs, Border Collies, Greyhounds, Siberian Huskies, and Australian Shepherds were disproportionately affected. Dogs between 4 and 7 years old were 2.36 times more likely to develop lesions than were dogs < 4 years old (P < 0.05). Among dogs < 4 years old, spayed females, sexually intact males, and castrated males were more likely to develop the condition (P < 0.05) than were sexually intact females. Altitude of residence was a significant risk factor in the development of csk among dogs in Colorado. Dogs living at altitudes > 7,000 ft above sea level were 7.75 times more likely to develop lesions than were dogs living at elevations between 3,000 and 5,000 ft.
Postoperative racing performance in Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds with osteochondrosis of the tarsocrural joint: 109 cases (1984-1990)
Authors: Beard W. L. , Bramlage L. R. , Schneider R. K. , Embertson R. M.
Published: December 2023

Medical records for 64 Thoroughbred and 45 Standardbred horses with osteochondrosis dissecans (ocd) of the tarsocrural joint that were treated by means of arthroscopic removal of the fragments before 2 years of age and before beginning racing were reviewed. Lesion site was recorded for all horses. The other foals from the dams of these surgically treated horses (siblings) were identified from mare progeny records. Racing data, including number of starts and money won during the 2- and 3-year-old racing years were obtained from the Jockey Club and the United States Trotting Association for affected horses and their siblings. Statistical analysis was performed to test the hypothesis that there was no difference between the racing performance of horses with ocd of the tarsocrural joint that were surgically treated by means of arthroscopic removal of the fragments prior to racing and that of their siblings.

One hundred and seventy-four lesions were recorded in 109 horses. The distribution of lesions was similar to that previously reported. For the Standardbreds, 22% of those that had surgery raced as 2 year olds and 43% raced as 3 year olds, compared with 42 and 50% of the siblings that raced as 2 year olds and 3 year olds, respectively. For the Thoroughbreds, 43% of those that had surgery raced as 2 year olds and 78% raced as 3 year olds, compared with 48% and 73% of the siblings that raced as 2 year olds and 3 year olds, respectively. The median number of starts for surgically treated horses was decreased, compared with median number of starts for siblings, for all groups except 3-year-old Thoroughbreds. The distribution of starts was different between surgically treated and sibling horses only for 2-year-old Standardbreds. Median earnings were lower for affected horses than for siblings for both breeds and both age groups. Among affected horses, ability to start at least 1 race was not associated with lesion location or unilateral vs bilateral involvement. There was a tendency for horses with multiple lesions to be less likely to start a race than horses with only a single lesion; however, the difference was significant only for 2-year-old Standardbreds. Affected Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds were less likely to race as 2 year olds than were their siblings.
Epidemiologic observations on infection with Rochalimaea species among cats living in Baltimore, Md
Authors: Childs James E. , Rooney Jane A. , Cooper Judy L. , Olson James G. , Regnery Russell L.
Published: December 2023

Cats from several sources in Baltimore, Md, were tested for seropositivity to Rochalimaea henselae and R quintana. Co-infection with Toxoplasma gondii or feline immunodeficiency virus was assessed as a risk factor for infection with Rochalimaea spp.

Of 592 cats tested, 87 (14.7%) were seropositive for one or both Rochalimaea spp, although titers to R henselae were significantly higher than those to R quintana. Prevalence of seropositivity increased significantly with cat age and weight and was associated with seropositivity to T gondii but was not associated with gender. Prevalence of seropositivity was similar (12.5 to 14.4%) among groups of cats with some history of human contact but was higher among feral cats (44.4%). Whether cats are reservoirs or mechanical vectors of Rochalimaea spp that can cause diseases in people is still uncertain, but these findings indicated widespread infection of cats and suggested possible modes of transmission for Rochalimaea spp among cats.
Owner complaints about canine behavior
Authors: Beaver Bonnie V.
Published: December 2023

Behavioral complaints reported from surveys of dog owners were compared with those from owners whose dogs were examined in referral behavior practices. Types of behaviors that dog owners considered to be problems varied from those only mentioned in surveys to those considered serious enough to seek professional help. The most common complaints listed by owners in surveys included territorial aggression, excessive protection of the owner, and excessive vocalization. Problems reported for referred behavior cases were aggression, especially dominance-related, and house soiling. Types of referral cases reported in the literature were similar to those examined at a university behavior clinic, but distribution of problems varied.
Competence of dogs as reservoirs for Lyme disease spirochetes (Borrelia burgdorferi)
Authors: Mather Thomas N. , Fish Durland , Coughlin Richard T.
Published: December 2023

Dogs become infected with Borrelia burgdorferi after being bitten by infected adult ticks. However, it is not known whether dogs are competent reservoirs of the organism, that is, it is not known whether infected dogs can subsequently transmit the bacterium to feeding immature ticks. To determine reservoir competence of dogs, 11 Beagles were experimentally infected by means of challenge exposure to infected adult deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis). Three weeks later, larval ticks were allowed to feed on the dogs. Engorged larvae were collected, allowed to molt to the nymph stage, and tested, by means of a direct fluorescent antibody assay, to detect the presence of B burgdorferi organisms. Overall, 78% of immature ticks tested were found to have become infected. We concluded that dogs might serve to increase human risk of exposure to B burgdorferi-infected ticks and, therefore, should be protected from exposure to infected ticks as well as immature ticks seeking a blood meal.
Evaluation of anesthetic protocols for neutering 6- to 14-week-old pups
Authors: Faggella Alica M. , Aronsohn Michael G.
Published: December 2023

Ninety-nine 6- to 14-week-old pups were given anesthetic agents according to 10 anesthetic protocols. Mean quality rating scores were determined to compare anesthetic protocols.

In male pups, IV administration of propofol (6.5 mg/kg of body weight) 15 minutes after m administration of atropine (0.04 mg/kg) and oxymorphone (0.22 mg/kg) provided the best quality anesthesia. Intramuscular administration of midazolam (0.22 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.44 mg/kg) instead of oxymorphone provided little sedation, but induced good analgesia. Atropine/oxymorphone/midazolam/xylazine, atropine/butorphanol/midazolam/xylazine, and tiletamine/zolazepam were unsatisfactory combinations for use in castration of 6- to 14-week-old male pups.

In female pups, IV administration of propofol (3.4 mg/kg) 15 minutes after IM administration of atropine (0.04 mg/kg) and oxymorphone (0.11 mg/kg) was the most effective anesthetic protocol. Administration of the drugs according to this protocol enabled a pup to be intubated. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. If inhalational induction was preferred, IM administration of 13.2 mg of tiletamine/zolazepam/kg, 0.04 mg of atropine/kg and 0.11 mg of oxymorphone/kg, or 0.22 mg of midazolam/kg and 0.44 mg of butorphanol/kg may be used prior to mask delivery of inhalational anesthetics. In female pups, it was not advantageous to combine midazolam with oxymorphone, and use of high dosages of oxymorphone (0.22 mg/kg) or midazolam/butorphanol provided little sedation. Time of recovery after use of tiletamine/zolazepam was the longest for the combinations used, but did not adversely affect pups.

Male pups were castrated via scrotal incisions, using hemostatic clips. Ovariohysterectomies were performed via a ventral abdominal midline approach, using hemostatic clips for ligation, five females developed signs of inflammation at the surgical site within 1 to 2 weeks after surgical, and were treated conservatively with warm compresses.
Characteristics of animals adopted from an animal control center whose owners complied with a spaying/neutering program
Authors: Alexander Stephenie A. , Shane Simon M.
Published: December 2023

A study of 137 cats and 567 dogs received by and subsequently adopted from an animal control center was performed to determine characteristics of animals whose new owners subsequently complied with a prepaid spaying/neutering program. Four times as many dogs as cats were adopted. Females were adopted more frequently than males. Owners who adopted female cats were most likely to comply with the prepaid spaying/neutering program, followed, in order, by owners of male cats, owners of female dogs, and owners of male dogs. Most animals returned to the shelter were < 4 months old. Dogs suspected to be of mixed breeding that were > 4 months old were most likely to be adopted. Owners who adopted a female dog suspected to be of mixed breeding were more likely to have the dog spayed than were owners who adopted a female dog that appeared purebred.
Toxicoses associated with the administration of mitoxantrone to dogs with malignant tumors: A dose escalation study
Authors: Ogilvie Gregory K. , Moore Antony S. , Chen Changhua , Ciekot Phyllis A. , Atwater Stephen W. , Bergman Philip J. , Walters Lisa M.
Published: December 2023

Forty-four dogs with histologically confirmed malignant tumors were used in a prospective study to determine the toxicity of the chemotherapeutic agent mitoxantrone, when administered at dosages higher than what has been previously reported for use in dogs. After each dose was administered, dogs were evaluated for signs of toxicosis for 3 weeks or until the dog developed progressive disease, died, or was euthanatized. Forty dogs had been refractory to 1 or more treatment modalities (surgery, n = 26; chemotherapy other than mitoxantrone, n = 17; radiation, n = 2) prior to entering this study. Ten dogs were given mitoxantrone at a dosage of 5.5 mg/m2 of body surface, IV, every 3 weeks (39 total doses); 11 were given mitoxantrone at a dosage of 6.0 mg/m2, IV, every 3 weeks (26 total doses); and 23 were given mitoxantrone at a dosage of 6.5 mg/m2, IV, every 3 weeks (70 total doses).

The most common signs of toxicosis were vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, lethargy, and sepsis secondary to myelosuppression. Two dogs, both of which received the highest dosage, died of complications attributable to mitoxantrone administration. The prevalence of toxicoses was not associated with age, breed, sex, tumor type, number of doses, or dosage. Dogs did develop myelosuppression 7 days after they were given mitoxantrone. Median neutrophil count for dogs that received mitoxantrone at a dosage of 6.5 mg/m2 was 2,800 cells/μl (range, 300 to 4,600 cells/μl); median neutrophil count for dogs that received mitoxantrone at a dosage of 6.0 mg/m2 was 3,800 cells/μl (range, 600 to 10,400 cells/μl); and median neutrophil count for dogs that received mitoxantrone at a dosage of 5.5 mg/m2 was 4,500 cells/μl (range, 1,700 to 16,100 cells/μl).
Evaluation of mesenteric lymphangiography and thoracic duct ligation in cats with chylothorax: 19 cases (1987–1992)
Authors: Kerpsack Stephen J. , McLoughlin Mary A. , Birchard Stephen J. , Smeak Daniel D. , Biller David S.
Published: December 2023

Mesenteric lymphangiography and thoracic duct ligation were performed on 19 cats with chylothorax between 1987 to 1992. Chylothorax was diagnosed on the basis of detection of chylomicrons in the pleural effusion or determination of a cholesterol concentration:triglyceride concentration ratio of < 1 in the pleural fluid. Preoperative medical treatment consisted of thoracentesis (19 of 19 cats) and feeding a fat-restricted diet (14 of 19 cats). Positive-contrast mesenteric lymphangiography was performed before thoracic duct ligation to identify an underlying cause for the effusion. Lymphangiectasia was diagnosed by use of radiography in 17 cats, none of which had evidence of a thoracic duct rupture. Thoracic duct ligation was performed via an incision made through the left 10th intercostal space. Lymphangiography was repeated immediately after ligation of the thoracic duct to document occlusion of all branches.

Follow-up monitoring was done for 12 to 47 months (median, 28 months) and consisted of physical examination, evaluation for clinical signs related to pleural effusion, and thoracic radiography. Ten of 19 (53%) cats had complete resolution of pleural effusion. Nonchylous effusion, localized in the right hemithorax, was detected in 1 cat 2 months after thoracic duct ligation, but resolved after thoracotomy, breakdown of thoracic adhesions, and expansion of the right cranial lung lobe. Chylous effusion resolved 3 to 7 days (mean, 5.4 days) after surgery in the 10 cats that survived > 12 months after surgery. Four cats died between 2 and 13 days after thoracic duct ligation, but pleural effusion had resolved in 3 of these 4 cats at the time of death. Five cats were euthanatized 8 to 36 days after surgery because of persistent chylous effusion after thoracic duct ligation.
Risk factors for behavior-related euthanasia among dominant-aggressive dogs: 110 cases (1989–1992)
Authors: Reisner Ilana R. , Erb Hollis N. , Houpt Katherine A.
Published: December 2023

Establishing a prognosis for dogs with dominance-related aggression is difficult. Some dominant-aggressive dogs respond well to treatment; others continue to be serious risks for their owners. A study was performed to identify characteristics of dominance-related aggression and to identify risk factors associated with whether the aggressive behavior led to euthanasia. Medical records of 110 dogs with dominance-related aggression were examined retrospectively; characteristics of owner-directed aggression and eventual outcome of the dogs were recorded. By means of logistic regression, 2 different models were found to describe the association between behavior characteristics and outcome. In the first model, severe aggression in response to benign dominance challenges and body weight > 18.2 kg were associated with outcome. In the second model, unpredictability of aggression and a history of being purchased were associated with outcome. We concluded that dominance-related aggressive behavior can be subclassified according to severity and type and that outcome (ie, euthanasia) may be predictable in some cases.
Stringhalt secondary to trauma to the dorsoproximal region of the metatarsus in horses: 10 cases (1986–1991)
Authors: Crabill Mark R. , Honnas Clifford M. , Taylor D. Scott , Schumacher James , Watkins Jeffrey P. , Snyder Jack R.
Published: December 2023

A review of medical records was used to identify 10 horses in which stringhalt developed subsequent to trauma to the dorsal metatarsus. Six horses developed stringhalt within 3 months after injury, 3 horses developed stringhalt > 3 months after injury, and time from injury to stringhalt was unknown for 1 horse. Horses were treated with exercise, including daily hand-walking with pasture turnout, followed by lunging; or surgically, using lateral digital extensor myotenectomy. Of the horses treated with exercise, 1 had resolution of stringhalt, 2 improved but had residual stringhalt, and 1 had no change. Two of the horses having lateral digital extensor myotenectomy had resolution of stringhalt. Two of the remaining 3 horses treated surgically had varying degrees of improvement, and in 1 horse there was no change. Stringhalt is a potential complication following trauma to the dorsal metatarsal region. Potential causes include tendon adhesions enhancing tarsocrural joint flexion or abnormalities in the myotatic reflex caused by tendon injury that result in abnormal flexion of the tarsocrural joint.
Comparison of fibrosarcomas that developed at vaccination sites and at nonvaccination sites in cats: 239 cases (1991–1992)
Authors: Hendrick Mattie J. , Shofer Frances S. , Goldschmidt Michael H. , Haviland Jean C. , Schelling Scott H. , Engler Stephen J. , Gliatto John M.
Published: December 2023

Questionnaires were sent to veterinarians who had submitted a fibrosarcoma from a cat to the surgical pathology services of the veterinary schools of the University of Pennsylvania and Tufts University between Jan 1, 1991 and June 30, 1992. Questionnaire items included signalment, FeLV and feline immunodeficiency virus status, site of sarcoma, vaccination site, vaccines used, treatment, biologic behavior of the tumor, and final outcome. Data were analyzed, using Student’s t-test for continuous data, χ2 test for categoric data, and log-rank test for survival estimates. Comparing results for cats with vaccination-site (vs) tumors and nonvaccination-site (nvs) tumors, we determined that vs tumors developed in younger cats and were larger than nvs tumors. Although vs sarcomas were biologically aggressive and redeveloped more often than nvs sarcomas, metastasis was not detected, and cats with vs tumors survived longer than cats with nvs tumors.

Vaccination-site sarcomas developed in cats after injection of many types of vaccines, administered singularly or in combination. Of the cats in the vs group administered a single vaccine, 37% were given rabies, 33% were given feline viral rhinotracheitis/calicivirus/panleuhopenia virus, and 30% were given FeLV vaccines. Cats with vs tumors were more likely to have received FeLV vaccine and less likely to have received rabies vaccine than those with nvs tumors. Although vaccines produced by certain manufacturers were used most often in cats with vs and nvs sarcomas, it was believed that this probably represented marketing practices and brand popularity. Many of the vaccines used had aluminum and other highly immunogenic adjuvants. We hypothesized that resident fibroblasts and myofibroblasts proliferated in the cats in response to injected adjuvants or other vaccine components, and, in some cats, these cells eventually underwent neoplastic transformation.
Eradication of pseudorabies virus from three large swine herds achieved by management intervention and use of a vaccine with a deletion for glycoprotein I
Authors: Lehman James R. , Weigel Ronald M. , Hall William F. , Taft Arnold C.
Published: December 2023

Three large farrow-to-finish swine herds in Illinois, quarantined because of injection with pseudorabies virus (prv), were enrolled in an intensified prv eradication program, with the goal being release from quarantine within 3 years. The intervention plan primarily relied on vaccination, using a vaccine with a deletion of the genes coding for glycoprotein I, in breeding and growing/finishing pigs and decreases of movement and mixing of growing/finishing pigs. The initial goal was to decrease viral spread in the growing/finishing pigs, thereby enabling production of seronegative replacement gilts. Off-site rearing of replacement gilts was implemented in 1 recently infected herd in which the seroprevalence in the growing/finishing group was high. Results of bimonthly serologic monitoring indicated that there was minimal spread of prv in the growing/finishing pigs after 1 year. Increases in the number of sows culled combined with an increase in the number of seronegative replacement gilts entering the breeding group resulted in a reduction of sow seroprevalence, so that phased test and removal of seropositive breeding stock could commence in all 3 herds at about 18 months after initiation of the program. Persistent use of the test-and-removal procedure and repeated testing for release from quarantine were required for the most recently infected herd. All herds were released from quarantine within 3 years, indicating that a prv eradication program based on vaccination and management changes designed to minimize the spread of prv can be used in conjunction with test-and-removal procedures to effectively eliminate prv from large farrow-to-finish swine herds.
Prognostic factors for treatment of malignant lymphoma in dogs
Authors: Teske Erik , van Heerde Peter , Rutteman Gerard R. , Kurzman Ilene D. , Moore Peter F. , MacEwen E. Gregory
Published: December 2023

Pretreatment characteristics of 138 dogs with malignant lymphoma were analyzed to determine prognostic factors associated with outcome (ie, complete response rate, time to relapse after complete response, survival time). Dogs were all treated for 10 weeks, using a standard induction chemotherapy protocol, and were then given asparaginase weekly. Once the disease became progressive, second-line chemotherapy was instituted.

Age, sex, weight, clinical stage, performance grade, immunophenotype, and malignancy grade assigned according to the National Cancer Institute's Working Formulation were not associated with complete response rate. However, malignancy grade assigned according to the Kiel classification was found to be associated with complete response rate; dogs with high-grade malignancies had a significantly higher complete response rate than did dogs with low-grade malignancies.

By means of multivariate analysis, clinical stage and immunophenotype were found to be prognostic factors for time to relapse (among dogs that had had a complete response) and survival time. In addition, malignancy grade assigned according to the Kiel classification was found to be a prognostic factor for time to relapse; whereas, malignancy grade assigned according to the Working Formulation was determined to be a prognostic factor for survival time.
Evaluation of urinary cortisol:creatinine ratios for the diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism associated with adrenal gland tumors in ferrets
Authors: Gould Willard J. , Reimers Thomas J. , Bell Judith A. , Lawrence Howard J. , Randolph John F. , Rowland Peter H. , Scarlett Janet M.
Published: December 2023

Assays were validated for the measurement of urinary concentrations of cortisol and creatinine in domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). Urinary concentrations of cortisol and creatinine and the calculated urinary cortisol:creatinine ratio (UCCR) values were determined for 29 clinically normal female ferrets, 22 clinically normal male ferrets, and 12 ferrets with adrenal gland tumors. The UCCR values for the 51 clinically normal ferrets ranged from 0.04 × 10-6 to 1.66 × 10-6, with a median value of 0.22 × 10-6. The UCCR values were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher in the 12 ferrets with adrenal tumors, with a range of 0.5 × 10-6 to 60.13 × 10-6 and a median of 5.98 × 10-6. We concluded that determination of UCCR values was useful in the diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism associated with adrenal neoplasia in domestic ferrets.