bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resting and Dobutamine Stress Echocardiographic Factors Associated with the Development of Occult Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Healthy Doberman Pinscher Dogs
Authors: Minors Sandra L. , O'Grady Michael R.
Published: March 2010

In 29 healthy Doberman Pinschers, echocardiographic parameters evaluating systolic and diastolic function were examined prospectively at rest and during dobutamine constant rate infusion (5 μg/kg/minute) to determine if any parameters were associated with the development of occult dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). A resting echocardiogram was repeated 1 year later to determine which dogs had met our criteria for occult DCM. Six dogs developed occult DCM during the follow‐up period. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that at rest, an increased left ventricular internal dimension in systole (LVID‐S) (P= .02), preejection period (PEP) (P= .03), ratio of PEP to left ventricular ejection time (P= .02), and isovolumic relaxation time (P= .02) were significantly associated with the development of occult DCM. During dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE), high LVID‐S (P= .02) and systolic wall stress index (P= .04) and reduced fractional shortening (P= .02) and ratio of peak early to late diastolic mitral filling velocity (E/A) (P= .05) were associated with the development of occult DCM. Multiple logistic regression showed that LVID‐S (P= .002) and E/A (P= .002) measured during dobutamine infusion also were associated with the development of occult DCM. Reclassification based on the DSE data was not significantly different than reclassification based on the resting echocardiographic data. Resting echocardiography and DSE have the potential to be clinically applicable screening tests for very early systolic and diastolic dysfunction in Doberman Pinschers, heralding the onset of occult DCM as it is currently defined.
Survey of the Large Animal Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Regarding Percutaneous Lung Biopsy in the Horse
Authors: Savage Catherine J. , Traub‐Dargatz Josie L. , Mumford Elizabeth L.
Published: March 2010

A survey designed to obtain information on the indications, contraindications, complications, and methodology of percutaneous lung biopsy in the horse was sent to large animal diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Sixty‐five of 190 diplomates returned the survey (response rate: 34%) and 59 of these 65 respondents (91%) indicated that they worked with horses. Forty‐four diplomates had performed a percutaneous lung biopsy in 1 or more horses (ie 75% of those diplomates working with horses and 68% of total respondents). Clinical and radiologic diagnoses that prompted diplomates to perform percutaneous lung biopsy in the horse included a pulmonary miliary pattern (93%), suspicion of pulmonary infiltrative disease (91%), suspicion of pulmonary neoplasia (91%), suspicion of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (20%), and suspicion of exercise‐induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) (7%). Only one of the respondents reported the use of percutaneous lung biopsy in the diagnostic workup if pneumonia was suspected, but 11% of respondents reported that suspicion of pulmonary abscessation would prompt them to perform a percutaneous lung biopsy. In contrast, a variable percentage of respondents felt there were contraindications to performance of this technique, which included neonatal septicemia (68%), pulmonary abscessation (65%), pleuropneumonia (55%) and pneumonia (42%), EIPH (41%), and COPD (26%). No respondent indicated that suspicion of neoplasia was a contraindication to percutaneous biopsy. Most common complications observed by respondents were epistaxis (68% of respondents), putative pulmonary hemorrhage (52%), tachypnea (39%), and respiratory distress (32%). Ten of 44 respondents (23%) had not seen any complications with percutaneous lung biopsy. Forty‐two of 44 respondents (96%) warned owners about possible complications before performing percutaneous lung biopsy. All respondents to this question reported that they would perform percutaneous lung biopsies in horses in the future, but 4 of 41 would use the procedure only as a last resort.
A Combination Chemotherapy Protocol (VELCAP‐L) for Dogs with Lymphoma
Authors: Zemann Barbara I. , Moore Antony S. , Rand William M. , Mason Gail , Ruslander David M. , Frimberger Angela E. , Wood Carrie A. , L'Heureux Deborah A. , Gliatto John , Cotter Susan M.
Published: March 2010

Ninety‐eight dogs with lymphoma treated with a 5‐drug combination chemotherapy regimen (vincristine, L‐asparaginase. cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone [VELCAP‐L]) were evaluated for pretreatment characteristics predictive for response and remission duration. The complete remission rate was 69%, with a median remission duration of 55 weeks. Dogs with advanced stage of disease, constitutional signs, dogs that were older, and dogs that were dyspneic were less likely to achieve remission. Once in remission, small dogs and dogs without pretreatment thrombocytopenia were likely to have longer remission duration. Toxicoses were frequent, but rarely fatal, and no predictitive factors were found for a dog developing toxicoses. VELCAP‐L is an effective treatment for dogs in stage I‐III lymphoma, particularly in young, small animals.
Current Concepts in the Management of Acute Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Olby Natasha
Published: March 2010

Acute injury to the spinal cord initiates a sequence of vascular, biochemical, and inflammatory events that result in the development of secondary tissue damage. Experimental studies and clinical trials in humans have demonstrated that the extent of this secondary tissue damage can be limited by pharmacologic intervention at appropriate intervals after injury. High doses of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) improve the outcome of acute spinal cord injury in humans if treatment is initiated within 8 hours of injury. Starting therapy more than 8 hours after injury is detrimental to outcome. The clinical efficacy of methylprednisolone in improving the outcome of canine spinal cord injuries has not yet been demonstrated and its use by veterinarians is controversial. Many dogs are not seen by a veterinarian within the 8‐hour window after injury, and these dogs frequently are treated with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs or large doses of dexamethasone or prednisone before methylprednisolone treatment can be initiated, thus increasing the risk of severe adverse effects. Other drugs that may provide safer and more effective alternatives to methylprednisolone include thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH), the 21‐aminosteroids, and kappa opioid agonists. Recent studies suggest that modulation of the influx of inflammatory cells and activation of endogenous microglial cells may provide another means of improving the outcome of acute spinal cord injuries. Many drugs being developed to treat acute spinal cord injury have shown promising results when evaluated experimentally. However, any proposed therapeutic strategy should be evaluated in prospective blinded clinical trials before being adopted in clinics.
Combination Allopurinol and Antimony Treatment versus Antimony Alone and Allopurinol Alone in the Treatment of Canine Leishmaniasis (96 Cases)
Authors: Denerolle Philippe , Bourdoiseau Gilles
Published: March 2010

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long‐term clinical outcome for dogs with leishmaniasis that were treated with 3 different protocols: combined treatment with antimony and allopurinol, antimony alone, or allopurinol alone. Ninety‐six dogs included in this study were determined to have leishmaniasis on the basis of (1) clinical features, (2) identification of the parasite in smears of lymph node, bone marrow aspirates, or skin biopsies, and (3) specific immunofluorescent assay. Three groups of dogs were defined: 45 dogs (group 1) were treated with antimony (100 mg/kg SC q24h) given concurrently for 1 month with allopurinol (15 mg/kg PO q12h), and then allopurinol alone for 8 months at the same dosage; 40 dogs (group 2) were treated with antimony alone according to the manufacturer's instructions (200 mg/kg SC q24h at 2‐day intervals for 3–6 months); and 11 dogs (group 3) were treated with allopurinol alone (15 mg/kg PO q12h for 1–20 months). Information concerning signalment, history, physical examination findings, serologic testing and number of dogs becoming seronegative, outcome for each treated dog (clinical cure versus failure), and long‐term survival were recorded. The numbers of the clinical cures versus failures were significantly different among the 3 groups (χ2= 17.77,P< .001), between groups 1 and 2 (χ2= 8.02,P< .01), between groups 2 and 3 (χ2= 11.00,P< .01), and between groups 1 and 3 (χ2= 16.52,P< .001). No significant difference between groups 1 and 2 was noted in the type of failure (relapse or death), serologic test results, and number of survival years (χ2= 2.79,P> .05). The results of the present study indicate that antimony in combination with allopurinol produces better results than antimony alone or allopurinol alone for the treatment of the canine leishmaniasis. With combination treatment, duration of treatment with antimony is shorter and long‐term administration of allopurinol is well tolerated.
The Prognostic Significance of Angiogenesis in Canine Mammary Tumors
Authors: Graham Joanne C. , Myers Ronald K.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of the study was to determine if neovascularization, a measure of angiogenesis, is correlated with metastasis of mammary tumors in dogs. Forty‐six paraffin‐embedded tissue blocks of benign and malignant canine mammary tumors obtained from 42 clinical cases at the Iowa State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital were retrieved from the archives of the Department of Veterinary Pathology. Of the dogs with malignant tumors, cases with and without lymph node metastasis were chosen. Neovascularization was quantified by light microscopy on formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded sections of canine mammary tumors using an avidin‐biotin immunoperoxidase assay for factor VIII‐related antigen. Mean microvessel counts for each group were statistically evaluated using analysis of variance. The mean number of microvessels was highest in the malignant tumors of dogs with lymph node metastasis (44). This number was significantly different from the mean number of microvessels in the benign tumors (28; P= .03) and a trend occurred toward higher microvessel counts in malignant tumors with lymph node metastasis versus malignant tumors of dogs without metastasis (32; P= .1). No significant difference was found between the number of microvessels found in malignant tumors without metastasis versus benign tumors. The trend toward higher microvessel counts in mammary tumors that have metastasized supports the premise that angiogenesis may be an independent and significant prognostic indicator in dogs with malignant mammary tumors, as it is in women with breast cancer.
Serum Trypsinlike Immunoreactivity Measurement for the Diagnosis of Subclinical Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Authors: Wiberg Maria E. , Nurmi Anna‐Kaisa , Westermarck Elias
Published: March 2010

Dogs (n = 158) with serum trypsinlike immunoreactivity (TLI) concentrations ≤ 5.0 μg/L were studied. The diagnosis of clinical exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) was made in 114 of 158 dogs based on TLI concentration < 2.5 μg/L and clinical signs typical of EPI (eg, polyphagia, voluminous feces, weight loss). In 44 of 158 dogs, a single TLI measurement and clinical signs were not diagnostic. In 9 of 44 dogs, TLI was <2.5 μg/L, indicating EPI, but the gastrointestinal signs were atypical or the dogs were asymptomatic. In 35 of 44 dogs, TLI was 2.5–5.0 μg/L. All 44 dogs were retested for TLI within 1–27 months (mean, 11.9 months). In 20 of 44 dogs, the retested TLI was normal (>5.0 μg/L). In 4 of 44 dogs with clinically diagnosed EPI, the retested TLI was <2.5 μg/L. In the remaining 20 of 44 dogs, TLI was persistently <5.0 μg/L (range, 1.0–4.9 μg/L; mean, 3.1 μg/L). Of these dogs, 15 had no clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease, and 5 had occasional clinical signs atypical for EPI. Gross examination of the pancreas (12 dogs) showed that the amount of normal pancreatic tissue was remarkably diminished. These dogs were diagnosed with subclinical EPI. The TLI‐stimulation test, in which TLI is measured before and after stimulation with secretin and cholecystokinin, showed a significant response (P< .05) both in dogs with subclinical EPI and in control dogs, but showed no response in dogs with clinical EPI. In this study, EPI was diagnosed in its subclinical phase by TLI concentrations persistently < 5.0 μg/L, and a single TLI concentration < 5.0 μg/L was not diagnostic. Retesting after TLI concentrations < 5.0 μg/L is recommended even in clinically normal dogs, because of the possibility of subclinical EPI.
Familial Ventricular Arrhythmias in Boxers
Authors: Meurs Kathryn M. , Spier Alan W. , Miller Matthew W. , Lehmkuhl Linda , Towbin Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2010

The purposes of this study were to evaluate families of Boxers with ventricular arrhythmias to determine whether this disorder is a familial trait and, if so, to determine the mode of inheritance. Eighty‐two Boxers were evaluated by physical examination, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and 24‐hour ambulatory electrocardiogram. Dogs were considered affected if at least 50 premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) were observed during a 24‐hour period. All dogs were at least 6 years of age at evaluation. Complete cardiovascular examinations were performed on dogs from 6 extended families. The 2 most complete pedigrees were used to determine the pattern of inheritance. The number of PVCs observed during a 24‐hour period in affected dogs ranged from 112 to 4,894 (mean ± SD, median; 1,309 ± 2,609, 1,017). The number of PVCs observed during a 24‐hour period in the unaffected dogs ranged from 0 to 16 (7 ± 10, 12). Pedigree evaluation was performed to determine pattern of inheritance. An autosomal dominant pattern was determined to be most likely because a sex predisposition was not observed, affected individuals were observed in every generation, and 2 affected individuals produced unaffected offspring. We conclude that familial ventricular arrhythmias is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait in some Boxers.
Epidemiology and Inheritance of Mitral Valve Prolapse in Dachshunds
Authors: Olsen Lisbeth H. , Fredholm Merete , Pedersen Henrik D.
Published: March 2010

One hundred ninety consecutive Dachshunds >2 years of age, including 18 families consisting of both parents and 4 or more offspring, were examined clinically and echocardiographically to study the epidemiology and inheritance of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and other signs of myxomatous mitral valve disease in the dog. From video‐recorded echocardiograms, MVP severity, jet size (color Doppler), and leaflet thickness were assessed. With regard to murmur intensity and each of these 3 echocardiographic measurements, the inheritance and the influence of age, gender, coat type, body weight, degree of obesity, heart rate, and thorax dimensions were evaluated. MVP severity correlated positively with age (P< .0001) and heart rate (P= .002), negatively with thorax circumference (P= .0005), and was related to coat type (P= .006). MVP severity progressed faster in males than in females (P= .0002). The other measures of disease severity (jet size, leaflet thickness, and murmur intensity) also correlated positively with age (allP< .0001). When compared in pairs, all 4 measures of disease severity correlated significantly with one other. Pedigree analyses did not disclose agreement with simple Mendelian models, but high disease prevalence made interpretation difficult. Mean parental MVP severity correlated significantly with MVP severity in the offspring (P= .03). The epidemiology of MVP in Dachshunds resembles that of MVP in humans, MVP severity correlates significantly with other measures of the degree of myxomatous mitral valve disease, and MVP is an inherited condition in Dachshunds. A polygenic mode of inheritance is suggested.
Glomerular Filtration Rate and Renal Volume in Dogs with Congenital Portosystemic Vascular Anomalies before and after Surgical Ligation
Authors: Deppe Todd A. , Center Sharon A. , Simpson Kenneth W. , Erb Hollis N. , Randolph John F. , Dykes Nathan L. , Yeager Amy E. , Reynolds Arleigh J.
Published: March 2010

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal volume were evaluated in dogs with confirmed portosystemic vascular anomalies (PSVA) before and after surgical ligation of their PSVA. Pre‐ and postligation CBC, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, abdominal ultraso‐nography with measurement of renal volume, and per rectal scintigraphy were performed to document resolution of abnormalities consistent with portosystemic shunting. GFR was estimated by plasma99mTc‐diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (99mTc‐DTPA) clearance before (n = 21) and after (n = 12) surgical correction of PSVA. Preligation99mTc‐DTPA GFR was increased (median, 5.64 mL/minute/kg; range, 3.53–8.49 mL/minute/kg; reference range, 2.83–4.47 mL/minute/kg) in 81% (17/21) of dogs. Postligation99mTc‐DTPA GFR decreased in all 12 evaluated dogs (median change =—42%;P< .001). Preligation renal volume was above the reference range for the left and right kidneys in 71% (10/14) and 69% (11/16) of dogs evaluated, respectively. Right renal volume decreased significantly (n = 5; median change, —45%;P= .03) after surgical ligation of PSVA. These findings document increased GFR and renal volume in dogs with PSVA, which may explain in part the low blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine concentrations encountered in these dogs. Knowledge of changes in GFR associated with PSVA ligation may prove helpful in the anesthetic, drug, and dietary management of affected dogs.
Evaluation of Kits for the Detection of Fibrin(ogen) Degradation Products in Dogs
Authors: Stokol Tracy , Brooks Marjory , Erb Hollis , Mauldin Glenna E.
Published: March 2010

The sensitivities and specificities of 3 commercial serum fibrin(ogen) degradation product (FDP) kits and 1 plasma FDP kit for the detection of FDPs in dogs were determined. Blood was collected for measurement of serum and plasma FDP concentrations from 30 healthy dogs and from 20 dogs that fulfilled clinical and laboratory criteria for disseminated intravascular coagulation. To determine the effect of hemolysis on FDP results, blood was collected simultaneously intoBothrops atroxvenom‐based and thrombin‐based serum collection tubes for measurement of FDPs using a single serum FDP kit. The sensitivity (80–95%) and specificity (90–100%) for a positive or negative FDP result, regardless of concentration, was similar for all kits. Kits yielded discordant results in individual dogs and FDP concentrations obtained from 1 serum FDP kit were consistently higher than those from the other kits. Serum prepared from venom‐based collection tubes was significantly more hemolyzed than serum prepared from thrombin‐based collection tubes or citrated plasma. Hemolysis did not affect the FDP results. On the basis of these results, we conclude that commercial latex agglutination kits for detection of FDPs in serum and plasma samples from human patients are valid for use in dogs. The plasma FDP assay is a viable alternative to currently used serum FDP assays and has the advantage of using a single (citrated plasma) sample for measuring coagulation parameters and FDP concentration.
Hemodynamic and Electrocardiographic Effects of Magnesium Sulfate in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Nakayama Tomohiro , Nakayama Hitomi , Miyamoto Mutsumi , Hamlin Robert L.
Published: March 2010

We investigated the effects of graded dosages of magnesium given IV to anesthetized dogs on blood pressure, cardiac output, and electrophysiology. Magnesium was infused at 0.12 mEq/kg/minute until ventricular fibrillation occurred naturally or was provoked by programmed electrical stimulation or until arrest of the sinuatrial node in 8 dogs. Plasma total magnesium concentrations doubled in 1 minute of that infusion rate, and a hemodynamically safe plasma concentration of 12.2 mEq/L was achieved after 16 minutes of infusion. Heart rate, inotropy, lusitropy, and cardiac output increased up to a cumulative infusion dosage of magnesium of 1.0–2.0 mEq/kg, which produced plasma magnesium concentrations of 8.5–12.2 mEq/L (n = 5). Above the cumulative infusion dosage, inotropy decreased and lusitropy increased until death occurred between cumulative infusion dosages of 5.9 mEq/kg and 10.9 mEq/kg. Arterial pressure and vascular resistance decreased, and PQ interval and QRS complex increased, in a dose‐dependent fashion. The relationship between ionized and total magnesium wasy= 0.624x— 0.542 (r2= .986), whereyis ionized and x is total magnesium in mEq/L in 3 dogs. In conclusion, a cumulative infusion dosage of 0.1–0.2 mEq/kg of magnesium may be given without changing hemodynamic parameters, but with higher cumulative infusion doses heart rate accelerates. Hemodynamic parameters except those related to blood pressure continued to increase to a cumulative infusion dosage of 2.0 mEq/kg. At higher cumulative infusion dosages dogs became hypotensive and the PQ interval was prolonged. However, dangerous arrhythmias were not provoked until a total dosage of 3.9 mEq/kg.
Transient Clinical Diabetes Mellitus in Cats: 10 Cases (1989–1991)
Authors: Nelson Richard W. , Griffey Stephen M. , Feldman Edward C. , Ford Sara L.
Published: March 2010

Medical records of 10 cats with transient clinical diabetes mellitus were reviewed. At the time diabetes was diagnosed, clinical signs included polyuria and polydipsia (10 cats), weight loss (8 cats), polyphagia (3 cats), lethargy (2 cats), and inappetence (1 cat). Mean (± SD) fasting blood glucose concentration was 454 ± 121 mg/dL, mean blood glucose concentration during an 8‐hour period (MBG/8 hours) was 378 ± 72 mg/dL, and glycosuria and trace ketonuria were identified in 10 and 5 cats, respectively. Baseline serum insulin concentration was undetectable (6 cats) or within the reference range (4 cats) and serum insulin concentration did not increase after IV glucagon administration in any cat. Insulin‐antagonistic drugs were being administered to 5 cats and concurrent disorders were identified in all cats. Management of diabetes included administration of glipizide (6 cats), insulin (3 cats), or both (1 cat), discontinuation of insulin‐antagonistic drugs, and treatment of concurrent disorders. Insulin and glipizide treatment was discontinued 4–16 weeks (mean, 7 weeks) after the initial diagnosis of diabetes was confirmed. At the time treatment for diabetes was discontinued, clinical signs had resolved, mean fasting blood glucose concentration was 102 ± 48 mg/dL, MBG/ 8 hours was 96 ± 32 mg/dL, glycosuria and ketonuria were not identified in any cat, and concurrent disorders (except mild renal insufficiency in 1 cat) had resolved. Significant (P< .05) increases occurred in postglucagon serum insulin concentrations, insulin peak response, and total insulin secretion, compared with values obtained when clinical diabetes was diagnosed. Histologic abnormalities were identified in pancreatic islets of 5 cats in which pancreatic biopsies were obtained and included decreased number of islets (4 cats), islet amyloidosis (3 cats), and vacuolar degeneration of islet cells (3 cats). Mean beta cell density was significantly (P< .001) decreased in diabetic cats compared with control cats (1.4 ± 0.7 versus 2.6 ± 0.5%, respectively). Cells within islets stained positive for insulin, however, the number of insulin‐staining cells per islet and the intensity of insulin staining were decreased in 5 and 2 cats, respectively. Clinical diabetes had not recurred in 1 cat after 6 years, in 4 cats lost to follow‐up after 1.5, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 years, and in 2 cats that died 6 months and 5.5 years after clinical diabetes resolved. Clinical diabetes recurred in 3 cats after 6 months, 14 months, and 3.4 years, respectively. These findings suggest that cats with transient clinical diabetes have pancreatic islet pathology, including decreased beta cell density, and that treatment of diabetes and concurrent disorders results in improved beta cell function, reestablishment of euglycemia, and a transition from a clinical to subclinical diabetic state.
Effect of Passive Transfer Status and Vaccination with Escherichia coli (J5) on Mortality in Comingled Dairy Calves
Authors: Tyler Jeff W. , Hancock Dale D. , Wilson Leilani , Muller Fred , Krytenberg Denise , Bradish Susan
Published: March 2010

The effect of vaccination with a commercially available R‐mutant coliform mastitis vaccine on the survival of comingled dairy calves on a farm with endemic salmonellosis was examined. A total of 864 calves were randomly assigned to either vaccine (n= 435) or control (n= 429) groups. Passive transfer status of each calf was determined using refractometer determination of serum total protein concentration. Logistic models were developed to determine the effects of vaccine group and passive transfer status on calf survival to 100 days of age. In a model in which serum protein concentration was treated as a categorical variable, increasing serum total protein concentrations were associated with decreased mortality until these concentrations exceeded 6.0 g/dL. Calves with serum protein concentrations > 6.0 g/dL had increased risk for mortality compared with calves with serum protein concentrations >5.5 g/dL but ≤6.0 g/dL. This increased risk for mortality was supported by the results of a logistic model in which serum protein concentration was treated as a continuous variable. The increased risks associated with high serum protein concentration probably reflect the effect of dehydration in calves with occult disease. Neither model demonstrated any significant association between vaccination status and survival to 100 days of age. Based on these results, the routine immunization of calves cannot be recommended as a strategy to prevent mortality on farms with endemic salmonellosis. Key words: Failure of passive transfer;Salmonella dublin; Salmonellosis; Vaccines.
Perinephric Pseudocysts in the Cat: A Retrospective Study and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ochoa Victoria B. , DiBartola Stephen P. , Chew Dennis J. , Westropp Jodi , Carothers Marcia , Biller Dave
Published: March 2010

Perinephric pseudocysts (PNPs) are fluid‐filled fibrous sacs that surround the kidney and are not lined by an epithelium. In cats, PNPs are idiopathic, but they usually occur in association with chronic renal failure (CRF). Thirteen cats with PNPs were examined. PNPs occurred in mixed breed cats of either sex with a median age of 16 years. The PNP was palpable on physical examination and usually was interpreted as renomegaly. Clinicopathologic findings reflected CRF, and urinary tract infection was common. Rarely, a primary renal disease was diagnosed concurrent with PNPs and CRF. Diagnosis of PNPs was made by ultrasound examination and fine‐needle aspiration, and treatment was by surgical removal of the PNP or ultrasound‐guided drainage. Compared to previous reports of PNPs, this series of cats tended to be older and no sex predilection was found, but other findings were similar to those in the literature. Cats with PNPs may have a favorable prognosis if CRF is not severe and no other concurrent diseases are present.
Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy of Young Portuguese Water Dogs
Authors: Dambach Donna M. , Lannon Anne , Sleeper Meg M. , Buchanan James
Published: March 2010

A novel dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in 12 related Portuguese Water Dogs was identified by retrospective analysis of postmortem and biopsy case records. Male and female puppies born to clinically healthy parents typically died at 13 (± 7.3) weeks of age (range, 2–32 weeks) because of congestive heart failure. Puppies died suddenly without previous signs or with mild depression followed by clinical signs of congestive heart failure 1–5 days before death. There was no sex predilection. The hearts were enlarged and rounded, with marked left ventricular and atrial dilation. No other significant structural cardiac defects were noted. The histologic changes in the myocardium were diffuse and characterized by myofibers of irregular sizes separated by an edematous interstitium. The myofibers had multifocal swollen, cleared segments often involving perinuclear areas that contained granular, phosphotungstic‐acid‐hematoxylin‐positive material consistent with mitochondria. There was loss of the cross‐striation pattern, and intercalated discs were difficult to identify. There was no evidence of concurrent myocardial fibrosis; rare chronic inflammatory infiltrates were noted in one dog. Noncardiac skeletal muscles were not affected. The underlying cause is unknown. From the pedigree analysis, an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance is suspected. Based on the histologic findings, this DCM is most likely due to an underlying molecular (biochemical or structural) defect. The early onset and rapid progression of the disease makes this a clinically distinctive form of canine DCM.
Comparison of the Polymerase Chain Reaction and Culture for the Detection of FelineChlamydia psittaciin Untreated and Doxycycline‐Treated Experimentally Infected Cats
Authors: Sykes Jane E. , Studdert Virginia P. , Browning Glenn F.
Published: March 2010

The diagnostic sensitivity of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was compared with that of culture on conjunctival swabs over the course of infection in 4 doxycycline‐treated and 4 untreated cats that were experimentally infected with felineChlamydia psittaci. Treated cats were given 25 mg (5 mg/kg) of doxycycline orally twice daily for 3 weeks from day 6 after challenge. Clinical signs improved within 3 days of institution of treatment. Culture remained positive for 1 day and PCR remained positive for up to 5 days after treatment was commenced. No recurrence of clinical signs occurred and the organism could not be detected by either PCR or culture for 2 weeks after cessation of therapy. In the 4 untreated cats, conjunctival swabs were taken daily to day 14 and every 2nd weekday to day 64 after challenge. PCR was significantly more sensitive than culture in untreated cats overall (PCR 85.7%, culture 72.9%,P= 0) and for cats with clinical signs (PCR 89.2%, culture 79.2%,P= .008). PCR and culture had equivalent sensitivity (100%) for cats showing clinical signs in the 1st month of infection, whereas PCR was considerably more sensitive than culture for cats showing clinical signs in the 2nd month (PCR 72.9%, culture 47.9%,P= .028). Organisms were not detected by PCR in blood or any tissue collected from treated or untreated cats at postmortem. Thus, effective treatment of chlamydiosis in cats is possible with much shorter treatment regimens than currently recommended, and PCR is the more sensitive diagnostic method in chronically infected cats.
Endoscopic Aspiration of Intestinal Contents in Dogs and Cats: 394 Cases
Authors: Leib Michael S. , Dalton M. Nell , King Susan E. , Zajac Anne M.
Published: March 2010

Medical records from 394 dogs and cats that had endoscopic aspiration of intestinal contents for identification ofGiardiasp. trophozoites were retrospectively reviewed. The most common indications for endoscopy were chronic vomiting (152), chronic diarrhea (108), chronic vomiting and diarrhea (58), and acute vomiting (33). Metronidazole had been previously administered to 111 animals (28.2%), and to 58.6% of those with chronic diarrhea. Six aspirate samples (1.5%) were positive forGiardiasp. In 3 of these cases a single fecal flotation identifiedGiardiacysts before endoscopy. The authors conclude that intestinal aspiration in animals from a primarily referral population undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy rarely identifiesGiardiaand should not be routinely performed. However, animals in which zinc sulfate flotation was not performed or those that did not previously receive metronidazole might benefit from intestinal aspiration.
A Retrospective Study of Ehrlichiosis in 62 Dogs from North Carolina and Virginia
Authors: Frank Johanna R. , Breitschwerdt Edward B.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this retrospective study is to report the clinical signs, clinicopathological findings, and response to therapy of 62 dogs from North Carolina and Virginia. Ehrlichiosis was diagnosed in all of these dogs, and previous retrospective studies of ehrlichiosis in dogs were used as a basis for comparison. In this study, the clinical signs commonly associated with ehrlichiosis were observed less frequently than in earlier studies, although previously reported laboratory abnormalities were similar. Flow cytometry revealed an inverted CD4 : CD8 ratio in 3 of 4 dogs tested. This finding is suggestive of potential immune dysregulation that could predispose infected dogs to additional disease processes. Concurrent diseases were frequently reported and often contributed to death. Response to therapy was variable, with timely, complete recovery reported in only 27% of dogs; a slow, gradual, but complete recovery in 18% of dogs; an incomplete treatment response in 25% of dogs; and a presumed treatment failure in 16% of dogs.
The Efficacy of L‐Deprenyl in Dogs with Pituitary‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Reusch Claudia E. , Steffen Thomas , Hoerauf Angelika
Published: March 2010

Ten dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) received 2 mg/kg of L‐Deprenyl once daily for 6 months. Monthly patient assessment consisted of evaluation of the owner's daily observation protocol, a standardized owner questionnaire, physical examination, CBC, biochemical profile, determination of the urine cortisol/creatinine ratio (UC/C), low‐dose dexamethasone suppression (LDDS) test, corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) test, and adrenal ultrasonography. At the beginning and the end of the study, an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test and computed tomography also were performed. Two dogs developed neurologic signs and 2 dogs developed acute pancreatitis. An increase in activity, decrease in polyphagia, and decrease in panting were reported by 6, 4, and 2 owners, respectively. Seven owners believed that water intake decreased, but this was confirmed in only 3 dogs. Water intake increased in 2 dogs and remained unchanged in 5 dogs. The condition of the hair coat and skin improved in 2 dogs, worsened in 3, and remained unchanged in 5. Urine specific gravity, urine osmolality, ACTH test results, UC/C, and adrenal gland size did not change significantly throughout the study. In 4 of 8 dogs, LDDS was abnormal at the start of the study but normal at the end of the study, and in 2 dogs, the opposite occurred. Marked individual variation was noted in the CRH test, with a tendency for smaller increases in ACTH toward the end of the study. A marked increase in hypophyseal tumor size occured in 4 dogs. Treatment with L‐Deprenyl resulted in improvement, deterioration, and stagnation of clinical signs in 2, 4, and 4 dogs, respectively. The results of this study indicate that L‐Deprenyl cannot be recommended as the sole treatment for canine PDH.
An Overview of Proteinase Inhibitors
Authors: Hibbetts Kristen , Hines Brad , Williams David
Published: March 2010

Proteinase inhibitors are proteins in the body that regulate the catalytic activity of proteinases. They are important in a large variety of physiologic processes including coagulation, digestion, tumor metastasis and immunity. Proteinase inhibitors are categorized as either nonspecific proteinase inhibitors or class‐specific proteinase inhibitors. Nonspecific proteinase inhibitors are comprised soley of the alpha macroglobulins, most notably alpha2‐macroglobulin. Class‐specific proteinase inhibitors are subcategorized as serine proteinase inhibitors, aspartic proteinase inhibitors, metalloproteinase inhibitors, and cysteine proteinase inhibitors. Each subcategory is made up of numerous inhibitors. As the roles of individual proteinase inhibitors are determined, the therapeutic use of natural and synthetic proteinase inhibitors is also being investigated. The purpose of this article is to review the history and classification of proteinase inhibitors and their relevance to veterinary medicine.
Pancreatic Pseudocysts in 4 Dogs and 2 Cats: Ultrasonographic and Clinicopathologic Findings
Authors: VanEnkevort Bruce A. , O'Brien Robert T. , Young Karen M.
Published: March 2010

Pancreatic pseudocysts were diagnosed in 4 dogs and 2 cats based on ultrasonographic and clinicopathologic findings. All 6 animals had a clinical diagnosis of pancreatitis. Five of 6 pseudocysts were in the left pancreatic limb, and in 1 cat the pseudocyst was in the pancreatic body region. Cyst size ranged from 2 × 2 cm to 7 × 6 cm. All pseudocysts had anechoic regions that were aspirated using ultrasound guidance for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. No morbidity was associated with the aspiration procedures. Cytologically the pseudocyst fluid was aseptic in all patients and had low numbers of inflammatory cells in 5 of 6 patients. All animals had high lipase activity in the pseudocyst fluid and in 2 dogs and 1 cat the lipase activity in the fluid was greater than in serum. Three of the 4 dogs were managed medically. In the 1 dog that had long‐term follow‐up ultrasound examination, the pseudocyst persisted for several days following aspiration and had disappeared 8 months after diagnosis. All 3 of these dogs were clinically normal 1.5–4 years after presentation. The 4th dog underwent surgical exploration and was euthanized shortly thereafter because of bronchopneumonia and chronic pancreatitis. The 2 cats died 10 days and 2 months, respectively, following initial diagnosis of the pseudocyst, but necropsies were not performed in either case. Ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration of pancreatic pseudocysts and clinicopathologic evaluation of cystic fluid are useful for diagnosis of pancreatic pseudocysts.
Platelet Aggregation and Adenosine Triphosphate Secretion in Dogs with Untreated Multicentric Lymphoma
Authors: Thomas Jennifer S. , Rogers Kenita S.
Published: March 2010

Whole‐blood platelet aggregation and adenosine triphosphate secretion were measured in 15 dogs with untreated multicentric lymphoma and 10 normal control dogs to determine if dogs with lymphoma have altered platelet function. Dogs with quantitative platelet disorders (ie, thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis) or with clinical evidence of a bleeding disorder were excluded from the study. Platelets from affected dogs had significantly greater maximum aggregation than those from control dogs, suggesting that platelets from dogs with lymphoma are hyperactive. Platelet hyperactivity may play a role in the development of hemostatic disorders (eg, disseminated intravascular coagulation) or in tumor metastasis. Further investigation is needed to determine if modification of platelet function in patients with lymphoma affects disease progression or outcome.
Evaluation of Environmental, Nutritional, and Host Factors in Cats with Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Kass Philip H. , Peterson Mark E. , Levy Julie , James Katherine , Becker David V. , Cowgill Larry D.
Published: March 2010

The pathologic changes associated with hyperthyroidism (adenomatous hyperplasia, adenoma of the thyroid gland) have been well characterized in cats, but the pathogenesis of these changes remains unclear. In this research, we undertook a case–control study to search for potential risk factors for this disease. Owners of 379 hyperthyroid and 351 control cats were questioned about their cats' exposure to potential risk factors including breed, demographic factors, medical history, indoor environment, chemicals applied to the cat and environment, and diet. The association between these hypothesized risk factors and outcome of disease was evaluated by conditional logistic regression. Two genetically related cat breeds (ie, Siamese and Himalayan) were found to have diminished risk of developing hyperthyroidism. Cats that used litter had higher risk of developing hyperthyroidism than those that did not. Use of topical ectoparasite preparations was associated with increased risk of developing hyperthyroidism. Compared with cats that did not eat canned food, those that ate commercially prepared canned food had an approximate 2‐fold increase in risk of disease. When these 4 variables (breed, use of cat litter, consumption of canned cat food, and use of topical ectoparasite preparations) from the univariate analysis were selected for further study as candidate risk factors and analyzed by multivariate conditional logistic regression, a persistent protective effect of breed (ie, Siamese or Himalayan) was found. In addition, results suggested a 2to 3‐fold increase in risk of developing hyperthyroidism among cats eating a diet composed mostly of canned cat food and a 3‐fold increase in risk among those using cat litter. In contrast, the use of commercial flea products did not retain a strong association. The results of this study indicate that further research into dietary and other potentially important environmental factors (eg, cat litter) is warranted.
Clinical, Serologic, and Parasitologic Follow‐Up after Long‐Term Allopurinol Therapy of Dogs Naturally Infected with Leishmania infantum
Authors: Cavaliero Tanja , Arnold Pierre , Mathis Alexander , Glaus Tony , Hofmann‐Lehmann Regine , Deplazes Peter
Published: March 2010

Canine leishmaniasis usually is treated with antimony compounds, but frequent relapses, adverse effects, high costs, and development of resistance to long‐term antimonial therapy emphasize the importance of searching for alternative antileishmanial drugs. Allopurinol was used at a dosage of 10 mg/kg/day PO to treat 10 dogs naturally infected withLeishmania infantumfor a period of 2–24 months. Nine dogs recovered within 2–6 months of chemotherapy, and no relapses were observed during the treatment of up to 20 months. However, 3 of 4 dogs relapsed after treatment was discontinued. These dogs again recovered clinically when therapy was resumed. Parasite‐specific immunoglobulin concentrations (IgG2) were high in all dogs before therapy and remained high even in clinically cured dogs during or after therapy. On the other hand, specific IgG1 reactions, which have been shown to be detectable in symptomatic animals, persisted in 7 dogs for long periods after clinical recovery. Three of these dogs relapsed within 2–4 weeks after interrupting therapy. However, 1 dog with no detectable specific IgG1 reaction at the end of therapy did not relapse in the following 4 months. Parasites could be detected in 8 of 9 dogs after clinical improvement by in vitro cultivation or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of lymph node aspirates. In 4 of these dogs, parasites also were detected in blood samples by PCR. Hence, these clinically cured dogs must be regarded as reservoirs ofLeishmaniaand allopurinol cannot be recommended in endemic areas.
Pulmonary Thromboembolism in 29 Dogs: 1985–1995
Authors: Johnson Lynelle R. , Lappin Michael R. , Baker Dale C.
Published: March 2010

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) occurs as a complication to a number of commonly encountered clinical diseases. Antemortem recognition of this life‐threatening disorder is hampered by nonspecificity of clinical signs. This retrospective study was performed to analyze clinical features, laboratory findings, imaging abnormalities, and concurrent postmortem diagnoses in 29 dogs with confirmed pulmonary embolism. A variety of clinicopathologic and radiographic abnormalities were noted but there were no pathognomonic findings for PTE. Arterial blood gas analyses were performed in 15 (52%) of 29 dogs; 12 (80%) of 15 exhibited hypoxemia and 15 (100%) of 15 had increased alveolar–arterial oxygen gradients. Response to supplemental O2was variable and did not correlate with the presence or absence of additional pulmonary pathology on postmortem. At postmortem, 25 (86%) of 29 dogs had grossly visible emboli, 17 (59%) of 29 dogs had multiple disease processes, and 16 (55%) of 29 dogs had additional pulmonary pathology. PTE was suspected antemortem in 11 (38%) of 29 dogs. In dogs with respiratory signs consistent with PTE, the condition was a differential diagnosis in 11 of 17 animals; all had diseases previously reported to be associated with PTE. Neoplasia, systemic bacterial disease, and immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia were diagnosed most frequently.
Cardiomyopathy in Dystrophin‐Deficient Hypertrophic Feline Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Gaschen Lorrie , Lang Johann , Lin Shuo , Adé‐Damilano Manuele , Busato André , Lombard Christophe W. , Gaschen Frédéric P.
Published: March 2010

A colony of cats affected with hypertrophic feline muscular dystrophy was used to study the occurrence of cardiomyopathy associated with dystrophin deficiency. Affected male and female cats, obligate carrier females, and unaffected healthy littermates were followed from 12 weeks of age into adulthood. Thoracic radiography, 2‐D echocardiography, and 2‐D–derived M‐mode echocardiography were performed at 3‐month intervals until 12 months of age and regularly thereafter. From 9 months of age, all affected cats had larger hearts than normal and carrier animals. Left ventricular wall thickness in systole and in diastole and interventricular septal thickness in systole were greater in affected cats 12 months and older when compared with normal or heterozygous animals (P< .05). The myocardium of affected cats was diffusely hypoechoic and thickened. Multiple hyperechoic foci were in the myocardium and papillary musculature. Shortening fraction was normal in all cats. Changes seen in carrier females included enlargement and hyperechogenicity of the papillary musculature after the age of 2 years. Gross and light microscopic examination revealed left ventricular wall thickening with multiple foci of mineralization in 2 of 5 hearts from dystrophin‐deficient cats. Although approximately 10% of the normal dystrophin amount was present in the skeletal muscle, dystrophin could not be detected in the myocardium. Early onset concentric myocardial hypertrophy was present in all adult cats. Lesions were mainly localized in the myocardium of the left ventricular free wall and interventricular septum, papillary musculature, and the endocardium. Clinical signs of heart failure developed only infrequently in cats with hypertrophic feline muscular dystrophy.
Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrioventricular Accessory Pathways in 3 Dogs with Subsequent Resolution of Tachycardia‐Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wright Kathy N. , Mehdirad Ali A. , Giacobbe Paul , Grubb Tammy , Maxson Tacy
Published: March 2010

Incessant supraventricular tachyarrhythmias are known to result in myocardial dysfunction indistinguishable from idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy by current testing methods. This tachycardia‐induced cardiomyopathy (TICM), however, is uniquely reversible with adequate rhythm control. Two dogs were presented to The Ohio State University for incessant supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and echocardiographic signs of dilated cardiomyopathy, later proven to be TICM. A 3rd dog presented for frequent paroxysms of SVT and syncope had echocardiographic signs of mild myocardial systolic dysfunction. All 3 dogs had inadequate rhythm control with multiple antiarrhythmic agents, and 1 dog suffered from recurrent left‐sided congestive heart failure. Generalized cardiomegaly was found in 1 dog and left‐sided dilatation without concurrent right‐sided enlargement in 1 dog. Mild‐tosevere left ventricular systolic dysfunction was confirmed echocardiographically in all dogs. A total of 4 atrioventricular accessory pathways (APs) were found during invasive electrophysiologic studies in these 3 dogs. All APs were successfully ablated with radiofrequency energy delivered through a thermistor‐tipped catheter. Elimination of AP conduction, and thus orthodromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia, resulted in resolution of all clinical and echocardiographic evidence of TICM in these dogs. This result confirms that the cardiomyopathy was, in fact, reversible TICM. All cardiovascular medications were discontinued, and no complications occurred during a 15–25‐month follow‐up period.