bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vasopressin Response to Osmotic Stimulation in 18 Young Dogs with Polyuria and Polydipsia
Authors: van Vonderen Ilse K. , Kooistra Hans S. , Timmermans‐Sprang Elpetra P.M. , Meij Björn P. , Rijnberk Ad
Published: March 2010

Common disorders of water homeostasis leading to polyuria include a variety of endocrine, metabolic, and renal disturbances. After exclusion of most of these conditions, the diagnostic dilemma of differentiating between central diabetes insipidus, primary polydipsia, and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus may remain. Here, we report on 18 young dogs with polyuria that had been present in most cases since the dogs were puppies. The conditions were categorized according to the plasma vasopressin (VP) response to hypertonicity. The VP response to osmotic stimulation was tested by IV infusion of 20% NaCl for 2 hours. The VP response in all dogs was abnormal. Three categories could be distinguished: an exaggerated response (n = 3), a subnormal response (n = 4), and a nonlinear response with high plasma VP concentrations unrelated to increases in plasma osmolality (n = 11). The VP response to hypertonicity did not consistently distinguish among different clinical entities. In the 9 dogs with variations in urine osmolality compatible with primary polydipsia, exaggerated, subnormal, and nonlinear responses were observed. Examination of the present data questions the generally accepted notion that VP measurements during hypertonic saline infusion are the “gold standard” for the diagnostic interpretation of causes of polydipsia and polyuria. Studies of the peripheral reflection in plasma of the pulsatile VP release in healthy and polyuric individuals, with and without osmotic provocation, should be performed.
Measurements of Plasma Endothelin Immunoreactivity in Healthy Cats and Cats with Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Prošek Robert , Sisson D. David , Oyama Mark A. , Biondo AIexander W. , Solter Philip F.
Published: March 2010

Plasma concentrations of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), the most potent endogenous pressor substance discovered to date, are abnormally high in humans with congestive heart failure (CHF), and they correlate with the degree of functional impairment. We sought first to validate a human sandwich ELISA kit that targets that portion of the amino acid sequence that is identical in cats. The assay demonstrated linearity (R2= .9968) and parallelism (P= .5339), recovery of spiked human ET‐1 in cat plasma averaged 98.7%, and intraassay precision had a coefficient of variation <10%. We subsequently determined ET‐1 immunoreactivity in healthy cats and in cats with myocardial disease with and without CHF, systemic thromboembolism (STE), or both. Plasma ET‐1 immunoreactivity was measured in 12 healthy cats and in 28 cats with primary myocardial disease, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), or restrictive or unclassified cardiomyopathy (RCM and UCM), respectively. Plasma ET mean (95% CI) concentrations were 0.777 (0.6536‐0.924) fmol/mL in the control cats, 1.427 (0.922‐2.209) fmol/mL in 12 cats with cardiomyopathy (HCM = 11, RCM/UCM = 1) but without CHF or evidence of STE, and 2.360 (1.666‐3.343) fmol/mL in 16 cats with cardiomyopathy (HCM = 8, RCM/UCM = 7, DCM = 1) and CHF (n = 15) or STE (n = 4). Plasma immunoreactivity of ET‐1 was significantly higher in cats with myocardial disease without CHF/STE versus normal cats (P <.05) and in cats with myocardial disease with CHF/STE versus normal cats (P <.001).
Cardiac Troponin‐I Concentration in Dogs with Cardiac Disease
Authors: Oyama Mark A. , Sisson D. David
Published: March 2010

Cardiac troponin‐I (cTnI) is a highly sensitive and specific marker of myocardial injury and can be detected in plasma by immunoassay techniques. The purpose of this study was to establish a reference range for plasma cTnI in a population of healthy dogs using a human immunoassay system and to determine whether plasma cTnI concentrations were high in dogs with acquired or congenital heart disease, specifically cardiomyopathy (CM), degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD), and subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS). In total, 269 dogs were examined by physical examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and plasma cTnI assay. In 176 healthy dogs, median cTnI was 0.03 ng/mL (upper 95th percentile = 0.11 ng/mL). Compared with the healthy population, median plasma cTnI was increased in dogs with CM (0.14 ng/mL; range, 0.03‐1.88 ng/mL;P<.001; n = 26), in dogs with MVD (0.11 ng/mL; range, 0.01–9.53 ng/mL;P<.001; n = 37), and in dogs with SAS (0.08 ng/mL; range, 0.01‐0.94 ng/mL;P<.001; n = 30). In dogs with CM and MVD, plasma cTnI was correlated with left ventricular and left atrial size. In dogs with SAS, cTnI demonstrated a modest correlation with ventricular wall thickness. In dogs with CM, the median survival time of those with cTnI >0.20 ng/mL was significantly shorter than median survival time of those with cTnI <0.20 ng/mL (112 days versus 357 days;P= .006). Plasma cTnI is high in dogs with cardiac disease, correlates with heart size and survival, and can be used as a blood‐based biomarker of cardiac disease.
Diagnostic Potential of Natriuretic Peptides in the Occult Phase of Golden Retriever Muscular Dystrophy Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chetboul Valérie , Tessier‐Vetzel Dominique , Escriou Catherine , Tissier Renaud , Carlos Carolina , Boussouf Maya , Pouchelon Jean‐Louis , Blot Stéphane , Derumeaux Geneviève
Published: March 2010

The objective of the study was to determine whether the plasma concentrations of atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP, respectively) could be reliable markers of cardiac alterations during occult cardiomyopathy in Golden Retriever Muscular Dystrophy (GRMD). Fifty Golden Retrievers without any clinical or radiographic sign of heart disease were included in this study (21 GRMD dogs and 29 controls). Controls and GRMD dogs were divided into 2 subgroups according to age (< and ≥ 12 months old, respectively). All dogs underwent echocardiography and determination of BNP and ANP plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. No ventricular dilatation or dysfunction was observed in either control or GRMD dogs. ANP plasma concentration did not differ significantly between controls and GRMD dogs (mean ± SD = 72±49 versus 58±23 pg/mL, respectively,P= .21). This finding was confirmed in both subgroups of dogs (ie, those < and ≥12 months old). In contrast, BNP plasma concentrations were significantly higher in GRMD dogs than in controls (mean ± SD = 117±92 versus 46±22 pg/mL, respectively,P< .05). In dogs > 12 months old, sensitivity and specificity of BNP for identifying GRMD with a cutoff of 65 pg/mL were 78 and 86%, respectively. For the same cutoff value, sensitivity dropped to 42%, whereas specificity reached 100% in dogs <12 months old. In conclusion, BNP may be a useful biochemical marker of asymptomatic cardiomyopathy. However, this peptide does not allow very early detection because its optimal discriminatory power was observed in adult dogs (ie, ≥ 12 months of age).
Prevalence of Diseases of the Spinal Cord of Cats
Authors: Marioni‐Henry Katia , Vite Charles H. , Newton AIisa L. , van Winkle Thomas J.
Published: March 2010

A retrospective review of records of 205 cats with histologically confirmed disease of the spinal cord was performed to identify the prevalence of disease in this nonrandomly selected population of cats. Clinical records were reviewed, and age, duration of neurologic illness, and clinical and histopathologic findings in cats with spinal cord disease were abstracted. Disease processes were classified into 7 categories and 23 groups. The most common diseases affecting the spinal cord of cats were feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), lymphosarcoma (LSA), and neoplasia of the vertebral column secondarily affecting the spinal cord. Information on age, onset and duration of clinical signs, and lesion localization at the postmortem examination in cats belonging to the 7 categories of disease were analyzed to create a practical list of differential diagnoses. Cats were also subcategorized into 3 groups based on their age at death. FIP was the most common disease of cats younger than 2 years of age. LSA and vertebral column neoplasia were the most common diseases affecting cats between 2 and 8 years of age. Vertebral column neoplasia was the most common disease affecting cats older than 8 years of age. Results of this histopathologic study showed that FIP and LSA were the most common disease processes affecting the spinal cord of cats. However, at least 21 other groups of diseases and their relative prevalence were identified.
The Effect of Varying Dietary Starch and Fat Content on Serum Creatine Kinase Activity and Substrate Availability in Equine Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy
Authors: Ribeiro W.P. , Valberg S.J. , Pagan J.D. , Gustavsson B. Essen
Published: March 2010

The effect of dietary starch and fat content on serum creatine kinase (CK) activity and substrate availability was evaluated in 4 mares of Quarter Horse‐related breeds with polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM). Four isocaloric diets ranging in digestible energy (DE) from 21.2% (diet A), 14.8% (B), 8.4% (C), to 3.9% (D) for starch, and 7.2% DE (diet A), 9.9% (B), to 12.7% DE (diet C and D) for fat were fed for 6‐week periods (4 weeks with exercise) using a 4×4 Latin square design. Postprandial glucose and insulin responses were measured, and 4 hours postexercise, serum CK activity, glucose, insulin, free fatty acids (FFA), and β‐hydroxybutyrate (β‐HBA) were analyzed. Glycogen, glucose‐6‐phosphate, citrate synthase, 3‐hydroxy‐acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase as well as abnormal polysaccharide and lipid content were measured in middle gluteal muscle samples. Postprandial insulin and glucose response was higher for diet A versus D. Log CK activity was higher with diets A, B, and C versus D. Daily insulin was higher and FFA lower on diet A versus B, C, and D, whereas glucose varied only slightly with diet. Muscle oxidative capacity and lipid stores were low in PSSM horses and muscle glycogen and abnormal polysaccharide content high on both diets A and D. Individual variation occurred in the response of PSSM horses to diets differing in starch and fat content. However, for those horses with clinical manifestations of PSSM, a diet with <5% DE starch and >12% DE fat can reduce exertional rhabdomyolysis, potentially by increasing availability of FFA for muscle metabolism.
Plasma Pro‐opiomelanocortin, Pro‐adrenocorticotropin Hormone, and Pituitary Adenoma Size in Dogs with Cushing's Disease
Authors: Granger Nicolas , de Fornel Pauline , Devauchelle Patrick , Segond Sophie , Delisle Françoise , Rosenberg Dan
Published: March 2010

It is difficult to predict the size of pituitary corticotroph tumors in dogs with Cushing's disease (pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism [PDH]) without pituitary imaging techniques. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between plasma adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) precursor concentration and pituitary size in dogs with Cushing's disease. Plasma concentrations of ACTH precursors (pro‐opiomelanocortin [POMC]/pro‐ACTH) and pituitary tumor height/brain area were measured in 36 dogs with pituitary corticotroph adenomas of various sizes. There was a correlation between tumor size (measured as the pituitary tumor height/brain area ratio [P/B]) and POMC/pro‐ACTH concentration (r= .70;P< .0001). Dogs with P/B < 0.40 × 10‐2mm‐1had higher concentrations of ACTH precursors than dogs with P/B < 0.40 × 10‐2mm‐1(median concentration 85 pmol/L, range 15‐1,350 pmol/L, n = 14 versus 15 pmol/L, range 15–108 pmol/L, n = 22;P< .0001). With a threshold of 35 pmol/L of POMC/pro‐ACTH concentration, the estimated sensitivity and specificity of the kit were 93% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79–100%) and 86% (95% CI, 73–100%), respectively. We interpret these data as indicating that measurement of POMC and pro‐ACTH might be of value in the characterization of tumor size in dogs with Cushing's disease. Low POMC/pro‐ACTH concentrations make it unlikely that a large pituitary tumor exists in dogs with PDH.
Uses and Effectiveness of Pamidronate Disodium for Treatment of Dogs and Cats with Hypercalcemia
Authors: Hostutler Roger A. , Chew Dennis J. , Jaeger Jordan Q. , Klein Susan , Henderson Deborah , DiBartola Stephen P.
Published: March 2010

Uncorrected hypercalcemia can cause clinical signs such as polyuria, polydipsia, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and depression and contributes to the development of primary renal failure and soft tissue mineralization. Treatment of hypercalcemia includes diagnosis and treatment of the underlying disease process and some combination of extracellular fluid volume expansion by administration of fluids intravenously and administration of glucocorticosteroids, salmon calcitonin, and furosemide. Bisphosphonates such as pamidronate disodium also may be safe and effective in the treatment of hypercalcemia. The purpose of our study was to characterize the efficacy and safety of pamidronate in the treatment of hypercalcemia attributable to several different disease processes in the dog and cat. Seven dogs and 2 cats were administered pamidronate at a dose of 1.05‐2.0 mg/kg IV for a variety of disease processes, including neoplasia (n = 4), calcipotriene toxicity (n = 3), nocardiosis (n = 1), and idiopathic hypercalcemia with chronic renal failure (n = 1). In all the animals, IV pamidronate administration rapidly decreased serum calcium concentrations without evident toxicosis. Two animals received pamidronate several times without obvious toxicosis. On the basis of the findings in our retrospective study, pamidronate may be a safe and effective drug with which to lower both serum total and ionized calcium concentrations in patients with hypercalcemia arising from a wide variety of underlying disease processes.
Sustained Strenuous Exercise Increases Intestinal Permeability in Racing Alaskan Sled Dogs
Authors: Davis Michael S. , Willard Michael D. , Williamson Katherine K. , Steiner Jörg M. , Williams David A.
Published: March 2010

We assessed gastric and intestinal permeability and performed gastroscopy to evaluate the effects of sustained strenuous exercise on the gastrointestinal tract in racing sled dogs. Three teams of racing Alaskan sled dogs were examined approximately 1 week before and 24 hours after the 2003 Iditarod sled dog race (1,100 miles in 10 days). Each examination consisted of the administration of a solution of sucrose, lactulose, and rhamnose to evaluate gastric and intestinal permeability, as well as gastroscopy to visually inspect the gastric mucosa. Of the 54 dogs examined before the race, 16 completed the course and contributed data to the analysis. Sustained strenuous exercise was associated with an increased frequency of gastric erosions or ulcerations seen endoscopically (0% prerace versus 61% postrace). A significant postrace increase occurred in the median lactulose to rhamnose ratio in both serum and urine (0.11 versus 0.165,P= .0363; 0.11 versus 0.165,P= .0090, respectively). No significant differences were found in median serum or urinary sucrose concentrations when pre‐ and postrace values were compared. No correlation was found between visible gastric lesions and the concentration of sucrose in serum or urine samples obtained 4–5 hours after administration of the sugar solutions. We conclude that sustained strenuous exercise is associated with increased intestinal permeability, but the sucrose permeability test as we performed it did not correlate with visible gastric lesions.
A Variant Form of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis in American Bulldogs
Authors: Evans Jason , Katz Martin L. , Levesque Donald , Shelton G. Diane , de Lahunta Alexander , O'Brien Dennis
Published: March 2010

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are inherited neurodegenerative diseases characterized by accumulations of autofluorescent lipopigments within cells of the nervous system. Nine related American Bulldogs demonstrated dysmetria in all limbs and paraparesis. Nonambulatory tetraparesis was observed only in the later stages of the disease. The clinical signs developed between 1 and 3 years of age and were slowly progressive over several years, which is inconsistent with most reports in other breeds. Results from blood tests for 8 different lysosomal storage diseases on 4 affected and 6 related but unaffected dogs were negative. Four affected dogs were euthanized and histopathologic examinations showed diffuse accumulations of periodic acid‐Schiff‐positive inclusions in neurons and axonal spheroids along the entire neuraxis and retinae. The most severe lesions were in the brainstem proprioceptive nuclei and spinal cord, consistent with clinical signs. The storage material was autofluorescent and immunohistochemically positive for products of lipid peroxidation. Ultrastructural analysis was consistent with NCL. Pedigree analysis supports an autosomal‐recessive mode of inheritance. NCL has not been previously reported in the American Bulldog and these findings suggest a variant form of the canine disease.
Clinical Characteristics of Mammary Carcinoma in Male Cats
Authors: Skorupski Katherine A. , Overley Beth , Shofer Frances S. , Goldschmidt Michael H. , Miller Carrie A. , Sørenmo Karin U.
Published: March 2010

There is little information regarding mammary tumors in male cats. The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical characteristics of mammary carcinoma in male cats, compare this malignancy to the disease in female cats, and identify prognostic factors. Thirty‐nine male cats with mammary carcinoma were identified. One pathologist reviewed the biopsies from all cats, and complete follow‐up information regarding outcome was available for 27 cats. Information collected included signalment, age at neutering, history of progestin therapy, age at tumor diagnosis, size of tumor, type of surgery (lumpectomy, simple mastectomy, or radical mastectomy), results of clinical staging, adjunctive therapies, time to local recurrence, survival, and cause of death. The mean age at tumor diagnosis (12.8 years) was slightly older than that reported in female cats. The incidence of local tumor recurrence in 9 of 20 (45%) cats was similar to that reported in females. A history of progestin therapy was present in 8 of 22 (36%) cats for which this information was known. The median time to local recurrence was 310 days (range 127‐1,363 days), and overall median survival was 344 days (range 14‐2,135 days). Tumor size and lymphatic invasion were identified as negative prognostic factors. This study indicates that mammary carcinoma in the male cat has many similarities to the disease in females, with an aggressive clinical course in most cats.
Clinical, Biochemical, and Hematological Characteristics, Disease Prevalence, and Prognosis of Dogs Presenting with Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Toxicity
Authors: Aroch Itamar , Klement Eyal , Segev Gilad
Published: March 2010

Neutrophil cytoplasmic toxicity is manifested as an abnormality in cell size or the cytoplasmic content upon examination of Romanowsky‐stained blood smears, and is traditionally associated with infection and inflammation. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the association of such changes with clinical and clinicopathologic characteristics, diseases, and prognoses in dogs. Dogs with neutrophil toxicity (n = 248) were compared with negative controls (n = 248). Statistical analyses included chi‐square tests, independent t‐tests, nonparametric Mann‐Whitney tests, the chi‐square trend test, and survival analysis. Dogs with neutrophil toxicity had a significantly higher prevalence of pale mucous membranes, tachycardia, fever, abdominal organomegaly, icterus, melena, and hematuria. Most mean hematologic variables were significantly different between groups. Dogs with neutrophil toxicity had a significantly (P < .05) higher prevalence of leukocytosis, leukopenia, neutrophilia, neutropenia, anemia, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypocalcemia. The prevalence of pyometra, parvovirus infection, acute renal failure, peritonitis, immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, pancreatitis, septicemia, and neoplastic disorders was significantly higher among these dogs. Case fatality, hospitalization length, and treatment cost were significantly (P < .001) higher in dogs with neutrophil toxicity. Neutrophil toxicity severity was significantly (P < .0035) and positively associated with neutropenia, and negatively associated with leukocytosis and neutrophilia. A significant trend (P= .05) toward increasing case fatality with an increase of neutrophil toxicity was observed. In the neutrophil toxicity group, dogs with leukopenia (<5.0 × 103/mm3) had a significantly (P < .0001) higher case fatality compared to dogs with normal or high leukocyte counts. We conclude that evaluation of blood smears for neutrophil cytoplasmic toxicity provides useful clinical information and can serve as a good prognostic predictor.
Evaluation of Intravenous Pamidronate Administration in 33 Cancer‐Bearing Dogs with Primary or Secondary Bone Involvement
Authors: Fan Timothy M. , de Lorimier Louis‐Philippe , Charney Sarah C. , Hintermeister John G.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical safety of pamidronate when administered at a mean dosage of 1.0 mg/kg IV q28d in 33 tumor‐bearing dogs. Biochemical tests of renal function were evaluated before each successive pamidronate treatment. Of 33 dogs treated with pamidronate, 1 dog had clinically relevant increases in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen concentrations. The biologic activity of IV pamidronate was assessed prospectively in 10 dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma and was assessed on reductions in urine N‐telopeptide excretion (P= .042) and enhanced bone mineral density of the primary tumor measured with dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (P= .024). Additionally, in these 10 dogs, pamidronate's therapeutic activity was supported by subjective improvement in pain control in 4 of the 10 dogs treated. IV pamidronate appears clinically safe in tumor‐bearing dogs and may possess modest biologic activity for managing neoplastic complications associated with pathologic bone resorption.
D‐Lactic Acidosis Secondary to Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in a Cat
Authors: Packer Rebecca A. , Cohn Leah A. , Wohlstadter David R. , Shelton G. Diane , Naylor Jonathan M. , Zello Gordon A. , Ewaschuk Julia B. , Williams David A. , Ruaux Craig G. , O'Brien Dennis P.
Published: March 2010

An indoor, 2‐year‐old, spayed female domestic cat was referred to the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (UMC‐VMTH) for evaluation of weight loss and polyphagia of 1‐year duration, with recent episodes of generalized weakness and lethargy. These episodes occurred approximately once per month over the past 4 months. The cat produced frequent stools, which were occasionally poorly formed. A CBC and serum biochemistry were performed 1 and 5 months before referral, and leukopenia (1,200/μL; reference interval, 3,500‐16,000/μL; no differential provided), hypocholesterolemia (64 mg/dL and 46 mg/dL; reference interval, 75–220 mg/ dL), and hypotriglyceridemia (22 mg/dL and 16 mg/dL; reference interval, 26–160 mg/dL) were identified. The most recent serum biochemistry results disclosed mild hypercalcemia (11.3 mg/dL; reference interval, 8.2–10.8 mg/ dL) and hypernatremia (163 mg/dL; reference interval, 145–158 mg/dL). Antibody titers forToxoplasmawere consistent with past exposure (immunoglobulin M [IgM] negative; IgG 1:256).
Serum Hepatitis Associated with Commercial Plasma Transfusion in Horses
Authors: Aleman Monica , Nieto Jorge E. , Carr Elizabeth A. , Carlson Gary P.
Published: March 2010

This report describes 4 fatal cases of serum hepatitis associated with the administration of commercial plasma in the horse. Serum hepatitis in the horse is characterized by acute hepatic central lobular necrosis, and it has been associated with the administration of biological products of equine origin. None of these horses had a recent history of equine biologic‐origin vaccination; however, they had received 1.5‐5 L of commercial plasma, and in 1 horse, an additional 8 L of fresh blood. Acute, severe colic unresponsive to medical therapy, lethargy, or sudden death developed in these 4 horses 41 to 60 days later. Two of the horses developed encephalopathy, confirmed in 1 horse by the presence of severe diffuse Alzheimer type II astrocytes in the brain. Although the prevalence of serum hepatitis associated with the administration of commercial plasma appears to be low in the horse, it should be considered an uncommon but potentially fatal risk factor.
Effect of Levothyroxine Administration on Hemostatic Analytes in Doberman Pinschers with von Willebrand Disease
Authors: Heseltine Johanna C. , Panciera David L. , Troy Gregory C. , Monroe William E. , Brooks Marjory B. , Feldman Bernard F.
Published: March 2010

Levothyroxine administration has been suggested to be an effective treatment for canine von Willebrand disease (vWd), but evidence supporting this treatment is lacking. Effects of levothyroxine administration were evaluated in 8 euthyroid Doberman Pinschers with plasma von Willebrand factor (vWf) concentrations <15%, characteristic of type 1 vWd. Levothyroxine (0.04 mg/kg PO q12h) and placebo were administered for 30 days in a 2‐period, 2‐treatment, double‐blinded, crossover design with a 30‐day washout period between treatments. Buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT), plasma vWf concentration (vWf: Ag), vWf collagen binding activity (vWf:CBA), factor VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C), and serum concentrations of total thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (fT4), 3,5,3′‐triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured on days 0, 2, and 30 of each treatment period. The 8 dogs (1 male, 7 females) had markedly low plasma vWf:Ag (mean, 8.9%; reference range, 70–180%) and vWf:CBA (mean, 11.1%; reference range, >70%). Response to placebo versus levothyroxine treatment was not significantly different between groups at day 0, 2, or 30 for BMBT, vWf: Ag, vWf: CBA, and FVIII: C. Serum T4, fT4, and T3 concentrations were significantly higher and serum TSH significantly lower in the levothyroxine‐treated group than in the placebo group at days 2 and 30. Administration of levothyroxine at 0.04 mg/kg caused laboratory evidence of hyperthyroidism but did not affect plasma FVIII:C and vWf: Ag concentrations or vWf‐dependent collagen binding and BMBT. The results of this study failed to identify a direct action of levothyroxine supplementation on plasma vWf concentration or activity in euthyroid Doberman Pinschers with vWd.
Circulating Concentrations of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐1 in Dogs with Naturally Occurring Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Pedersen Henrik D. , Falk Torkel , Häggström Jens , Tarnow Inge , Olsen Lisbeth H. , Kvart Clarence , Nielsen Mette O.
Published: March 2010

Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), which mediates most effects of growth hormone, has effects on cardiac mass and function, and plays an important role in the regulation of vascular tone. In humans, an inverse relationship between degree of heart failure (HF) and circulating IGF‐1 concentrations has been found in several studies. In dogs with HF, few studies have focused on IGF‐1. We examined circulating IGF‐1 concentrations in dogs with mitral regurgitation (MR) caused by myxomatous mitral valve disease. Study 1 included 88 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs) with a broad range of asymptomatic MR (median serum IGF‐1:76.7 μg/L; 25–75 percentile, 59.8–104.9 μg/L). As expected, standard body weight and percentage under‐or overweight correlated directly with IGF‐1. MR (assessed in 4 different ways) did not correlate with IGF‐1. In study 2, 28 dogs with severe MR and stable, treated congestive HF had similar serum IGF‐1 concentrations (median, 100.8 g/L; 25–75 percentile, 74.9–156.5 μg/L) as 11 control dogs (79.6 μg/L; 25–75 percentile, 64.1–187.4 μg/L; (P= .84). In study 3, the plasma IGF‐1 concentration of 15 untreated CKCSs with severe MR was 16.4±24.2 μg/L lower (P= .02) at the examination when decompensated HF had developed (80.8±30.9 μg/L) than at a visit 1–12 months earlier (97.2±39.8 μg/L), possibly in part due to an altered state of nutrition. The studies document that circulating IGF‐1 concentrations are not altered before development of congestive HF in dogs with naturally occurring MR, but decrease by approximately 20% with the development of untreated HF. In treated HF, circulating IGF‐1 concentrations apparently return to within the reference range.
Accuracy of Indirect Measurement of Blood Pressure in Neonatal Foals
Authors: Giguère Steeve , Knowles Harvey A. , Valverde Alexander , Bucki Eric , Young Linda
Published: March 2010

The objectives of this study were to assess, in anesthetized neonatal foals, the accuracy of 2 automated indirect oscillometric monitors for measurement of mean arterial pressure (MAP), to determine the optimal site of cuff placement for MAP monitoring, and to determine the relationship between arterial blood pressure and cardiac output. Ten neonatal foals were anesthetized and instrumented with a catheter in the metatarsal artery for direct MAP monitoring and measurement of cardiac output by lithium dilution. Concurrent MAP measurements were obtained with Cardell and Dinamap oscillometric monitors with cuffs placed at 3 different sites (coccygeal, metatarsal, and median arteries). Blood pressure was manipulated by varying the depth of anesthesia and by administration of dobutamine or phenylephrine. A statistically significant (P= .025) interaction was found between the type of monitor and cuff placement site. With the Cardell monitor, placement of the cuff over the coccygeal artery resulted in a significantly lower bias than placement over the median or dorsal metatarsal artery (P< .0001 andP= .0149, respectively). No significant difference in bias was found with cuff placement site when using the Dinamap monitor. The correlation coefficient (r) between MAP and cardiac output was 0.47. Indirect oscillometry with a cuff placed over the coccygeal artery or dorsal metatarsal artery is an acceptable method for measuring MAP in foals. Blood pressure does not correlate well with cardiac output in anesthetized foals.
Biochemical Markers of Cardiac Injury in Normal, Surviving Septic, or Nonsurviving Septic Neonatal Foals
Authors: Slack Jo Ann , McGuirk Sheila M. , Erb H.N. , Lien Laura , Coombs Dane , Semrad Susan D. , Riseberg Ase , Marques Fernando , Darien Benjamin , Fallon Luke , Burns Phil , Murakami Mary Ann , Apple Fred S. , Peek Simon F.
Published: March 2010

The cardiac biomarkers cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and I (cTnI) and the cardiac isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CKMB) are used extensively in human medicine to diagnose and provide valuable prognostic information in patients with ischemic, traumatic, and septic myocardial injury. We designed a study to establish normal values for these markers in healthy, neonatal foals and to compare them with values obtained from septic neonates in a referral hospital population. The 25th, 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles for cTnI and CKMB in the healthy‐foal population were 0.08, 0.14, 0.25, 0.49 ng/mL and 1.4, 2.3, 4.0, 7.4 ng/mL, respectively. The values obtained for cTnT were frequently (43/52 foals; 83%) below the lower limit of detection of the assay (0.009 ng/mL), but the median and range were 0.009 and 0.009‐0.041 ng/mL, respectively. In the septic foal population, the 25th, 50th, 75th, and 95th percentile values for cTnI and CKMB were 0.05, 0.12, 0.22, and 1.10 ng/mL and 2.0, 4.4, 7.8, and 24 ng/mL, respectively. The values obtained for cTnT were less frequently below the lower limit of detection (23/38 foals; 60%) compared with the healthy foal population, and the median and range were 0.009 and 0.009–0.20 ng/mL, respectively. Significantly higher values were observed for cTnT and CKMB in septic foals compared with the healthy neonatal foal population, but there were no differences among septic foals in survivors compared with nonsurvivors. These findings suggest that myocardial injury occurs during septicemia in neonatal foals but that the injury is not associated with survival among septic foals.
Efficacy of Azithromycin Dihydrate in Treatment of Cryptosporidiosis in Naturally Infected Dairy Calves
Authors: Elitok Bülent , Elitok Özgül M. , Pulat Hüseyin
Published: March 2010

The objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of azithromycin treatment of cryptosporidiosis in naturally infected calves under field conditions. Fifty Holstein calves with cryptosporidiosis infection were divided into 5 groups: 1 group (10 calves) was unmedicated and served as the control group and was given distilled water only, whereas the other groups (10 animals per group) were medicated orally with azithromycin at the doses of 500 (group 1), 1,000 (group 2), 1,500 (group 3), and 2,000 mg (group 4) PO once daily for 7 days. The animals were examined clinically and fecal samples were collected on the 1st (inclusion day), 7th, 14th, and 21st days of the study. Drug efficacy was assessed by evaluating diarrhea, oocyst shedding, and weight gains from days 1 to 21 (4 assessments). Significant differences were observed in reductions of oocyst shedding (P< .05) and the fecal diarrhea incidence (P< .05) in groups 3 and 4 when compared with groups 1 and 2 and the control group. Weight gain of medicated calves was significantly higher than that of the unmedicated calves throughout the study (P< .05). The drug significantly suppressed oocyst shedding and resulted in significant improvements in clinical signs. Therefore, this suppression may have significant effect on the reduction of environmental contamination by cryptosporidial oocysts. From the economic point view, authors suggest that the most effective dose of azithromycin for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis in calves should be at 1,500 mg/d for 7 days.
Giant Unruptured Aneurysm of the Left Sinus of Valsalva in the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract of a Young Dog
Authors: Jandrey Karl E. , Smarick Sean D. , Burkitt Jamie M. , Labelle Philippe , Mohr F. Charles , Kittleson Mark D.
Published: March 2010

A young adult, 28 kg, intact female Siberian husky‐mixed breed dog was presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) Emergency Service for evaluation of a dysrhythmia and an abnormal cardiac structure. The dog had been adopted from an animal shelter approximately 3 months before presentation. The dog occasionally showed exercise intolerance, and the owners suspected that she had impaired vision. Initial clinical signs appeared 2 days before presentation during strenuous activity—the dog uncharacteristically stopped and lay down while tachypneic. The dog produced dark liquid feces and was lethargic and anorexic overnight.
Primary Orthostatic Tremor in Great Danes
Authors: Garosi Laurent S. , Rossmeisl John H. , de Lahunta Alexander , Shelton G. Diane , Lennox Graham
Published: March 2010

Two Great Danes were presented for an investigation of 6‐month histories of incessant tremor of all 4 limbs and trunk occurring only when the dogs were standing at rest. Dog 1 was a 2‐year‐old intact female harlequin Great Dane living in the UK, and dog 2 was a 2‐year‐old castrated male fawn Great Dane living in the United States. The owners described both dogs as having constant quivering of the limbs while standing, suggestive of an involuntary dance, since the age of 18 months. The intensity of the tremors was reported in both dogs to have steadily increased since onset. In dog 1, tremors were noticed to be more pronounced in the fore limbs when she was eating and more pronounced in the hind limbs when she was trying to sit. The owner of dog 1 also reported that the dog could no longer assume a position of recumbency without manual assistance because of the severity of the tremors. Intermittently, tremors were reported to involve the facial musculature of dog 2. Vaccinations were current, and the owners of both dogs did not report any previous medical history, exposure to natural or manufactured toxins, or concurrent treatment. No familial relationship was identified between these 2 dogs.
Perianal Malignant Melanoma in a Dog
Authors: Kim Dae Young , Mauldin Glenna E. , Hosgood Giselle , Cho Doo‐Youn
Published: March 2010

Melanocytic tumors are relatively common in dogs and most often occur in the oral cavity, lip, skin, digit, and eye. There are notable differences in the behavior of these tumors, depending on their anatomical location. The majority of oral melanomas and two‐thirds of melanomas arising from the digit are malignant, whereas most of melanomas originating from the haired skin are benign. The anus and perianal areas are very uncommon sites for melanocytic tumors in domestic animals except horses, and most of those tumors in horses are malignant. To our knowledge, perianal malignant melanoma has not been reported in the dog and its prognosis is unknown.
Vestibular, Vaginal, and Urethral Relations in Spayed Dogs with and without Lower Urinary Tract Signs
Authors: Wang Kelly Y. , Samii Valerie F. , Chew Dennis J. , McLoughlin Mary A. , DiBartola Stephen P. , Masty Jerome , Lehman Amy M.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the urogenital anatomy in female spayed dogs with and without signs of lower urinary tract disease by using conventional vaginourethrography, computed tomography (CT) vaginourethrography, and uroendoscopy. Nineteen dogs with lower urinary tract disease and 12 normal dogs were evaluated prospectively. Measurements made included vaginal length, vaginal height, vaginal width, vestibule length, vestibule height, vestibule width, vestibulovaginal ratios, cingulum height, cingulum width, cingulum area, urethral length, urethral height, urethral width, angle of urethra to vestibule, and angle of vaginal to vestibule. Group comparisons were made between dogs with and without lower urinary tract disease. Comparisons between conventional vaginourethrography and CT vaginourethrography were made when the same anatomical measurement was made by the 2 imaging modalities. There was no significant difference in all of the measurements (P> .01), including vestibulovaginal ratios and cingulum areas, between dogs with and without lower urinary tract disease. There was a larger proportion of dogs with a vestibulovaginal ratio <0.33 in normal dogs (8 of 12) compared with the clinical dogs (8 of 16). A significant difference between vestibulovaginal ratios or cingulum areas between dogs with and without lower urinary tract disease could not be identified. This suggests that a vestibulovaginal ratio of <0.33 may only be an incidental finding and the term “vestibulovaginal stenosis” may need to be redefined.
Computed Tomographic Evidence of Bulla Effusion in Cats with Sinonasal Disease: 2001–2004
Authors: Detweiler David A. , Johnson Lynelle R. , Kass Philip H. , Wisner Erik R.
Published: March 2010

Background:Sinonasal disease is common in cats; chronic inflammatory disease and neoplasia are diagnosed most frequently. Radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) findings in nasal disease have been reported, although involvement of other cranial structures has not been fully described to our knowledge.

Hypothesis:We hypothesized that neoplastic or inflammatory obstruction of the auditory tube associated with sinonasal disease could result in CT evidence of effusive bulla disease in affected cats.

Animals:46 cats with sinonasal disease, 18 control cats.

Methods:CT images acquired in cats with (n= 46) and without (n= 18) sinonasal disease were reviewed for evidence of concurrent bulla effusion. CT findings of soft tissue or fluid opacity within the tympanic bulla or thickening of the bone of the bullae were considered evidence of effusive bulla disease.

Results:The prevalence of bulla effusion in cats with sinonasal disease was 28% (13/46) and was significantly higher than that observed in cats without sinonasal disease (1/18,P= .043). CT findings that were found in association with effusive bulla disease included imaging features of sinusitis and nasopharyngeal disease. The most common neoplasm associated with bulla effusion was nasopharyngeal lymphoma. Bulla effusion was not observed in any cat with nasal carcinoma.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Findings of this study suggest that auditory canal dysfunction may play a larger role in feline sinonasal disease than was previously recognized. The implications of these findings for management of cats with chronic inflammatory or neoplastic sinonasal disease require further investigation.
Copper Metabolism and Oxidative Stress in Chronic Inflammatory and Cholestatic Liver Diseases in Dogs
Authors: Spee Bart , Arends Brigitte , van den Ingh Ted S.G.A.M. , Penning Louis C. , Rothuizen Jan
Published: March 2010

Inherited defects of copper metabolism resulting in hepatic copper accumulation and oxidative‐stress might cause breed‐associated forms of hepatitis. Biliary excretion is the major elimination route of copper, therefore increased hepatic copper concentrations could also be caused by cholestasis. The aim of this study was to find criteria to determine whether copper‐accumulation is primary or occurs secondary to hepatitis. Liver samples of Bedlington Terriers with copper toxicosis (CT), breeds with non‐copper‐associated chronic extrahepatic cholestasis (EC) or chronic hepatitis (CH), and healthy dogs were used. Copper metabolism was analyzed by means of histochemical staining (copper concentration) and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR) on copper excretion/storage (ATOX1, COX17, ATP7A, ATP7B, CP, MT1A, MURR1, XIAP). Oxidative stress was measured by determining GSH/GSSG ratios and gene‐expression (SOD1, CAT, GSHS, GPX1, CCS, p27KIP, Bcl‐2). Results revealed 5+ copper in CT, but no or 1–2+ copper in EC and CH. Most gene products for copper metabolism remained at concentrations similar to healthy dogs. Three clear exceptions were observed in CT: 3‐fold mRNA increase of ATP7A and XIAP and complete absence of MURR1. The only quantitative differences between the diseased and the control groups were in oxidative stress, evidenced by reductions in all GSH/GSSG ratios. We conclude that 3+ or higher histochemical detection of copper indicates a primary copper storage disease. The expression profile of copper‐associated genes can be used as a reference for future studies on copper‐associated diseases. All 3 diseases have reduced protection against oxidative stress, opening a rationale to use antioxidants as possible therapy.
Systolic and Diastolic Myocardial Dysfunction in Cats with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy or Systemic Hypertension
Authors: Sampedrano Carolina Carlos , Chetboul Valerie , Gouni Vassiliki , Nicolle Audrey P. , Pouchelon Jean‐Louis , Tissier Renaud
Published: March 2010

Background:Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and chronic systemic hypertension (SHT) can both lead to left‐ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in cats. Assessment of LVH‐associated myocardial dysfunction could provide new insights in the understanding of the pathophysiology of these diseases.

Hypothesis:Quantification of left‐ventricular free‐wall (LVFW) motion using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) could permit differentiation of feline HCM from SHT‐related LVH (LVH‐SHT).

Animals:A total of 108 cats of different breeds were enrolled in this study: 35 cats with HCM, 17 with concentric LVH and SHT, and 56 healthy cats as a control group.

Methods:All cats were examined by conventional echocardiography and 2‐dimensional color TDI.

Results:Radial and longitudinal diastolic LVFW velocities were similarly altered in cats with HCM and LVH‐SHT, compared to controls. Systolic velocities were also lower in the groups with hypertrophy than in the controls, for longitudinal but not radial motion. To determine whether these diastolic and systolic alterations could also be observed in cats without LVFW hypertrophy, we performed a subgroup analysis in cats with a normal M‐mode examination, that is, with only a localized subaortic interventricular septum hypertrophy. A significant radial and longitudinal diastolic dysfunction was still observed in both the HCM and LVH‐SHT groups compared to controls, and systolic dysfunction was detected in the longitudinal motion.

Conclusions: LVFW motion is similarly altered in cats with HCM and LVH‐SHT. This dysfunction occurs independently of the presence of myocardial hypertrophy, demonstrating that TDI is capable of detecting systolic and diastolic segmental functional changes in nonhypertrophied wall segments in cats with HCM and SHT.
Effects of Dietary Modification in Dogs with Early Chronic Valvular Disease
Authors: Freeman Lisa M. , Rush John E. , Markwell Peter J.
Published: March 2010

Background:The potential benefits of nutritional modification in early canine cardiac disease are not known.

Hypothesis:We hypothesized that echocardiographic, neuroendocrine, and nutritional variables will differ between dogs with asymptomatic chronic valvular disease (CVD) and healthy controls, and that a moderately reduced sodium diet enriched with antioxidants, n‐3 fatty acids, taurine, carnitine, and arginine will alter these variables in dogs with CVD.

Methods: Echocardiography was performed and blood was collected. After baseline comparison with healthy controls, all dogs with CVD were fed a low‐sodium run‐in diet for 4 weeks, reevaluated, and then randomized to receive either the cardiac diet or a placebo diet for 4 weeks.

Results: At baseline, dogs with CVD (n = 29) had significantly lower circulating sodium, chloride, arginine, and methionine concentrations and higher plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide compared to healthy controls. In dogs with CVD, plasma aldosterone concentration and heart rate increased significantly after 4 weeks of eating the run‐in diet. The cardiac diet group (n = 14) had larger increases in levels of cholesterol (P= .001), triglycerides (P= .02), eicosapentaenoic acid (P< .001), docosahexaenoic acid (P< .001), total omega‐3 fatty acids (P< .001), vitamin C (P= 0.04), alpha‐tocopherol (P< .001), and gamma‐tocopherol (P< .001) compared to the placebo diet group (n = 15). The cardiac diet group also had larger reductions in maximal left‐atrial dimension (P= .003), left‐ventricular internal dimension in diastole (P= .03), and weight‐based maximal left‐atrial dimension (P= .03).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Observed changes in both blood variables and echocardiographic measurements warrant additional studies on dietary modifications in dogs with early CVD.
Echocardiographic Estimation of Systemic Systolic Blood Pressure in Dogs with Mild Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Tou Sandra P. , Adin Darcy B. , Estrada Amara H.
Published: March 2010

Background:Systemic hypertension is likely underdiagnosed in veterinary medicine because systemic blood pressure is rarely measured. Systemic blood pressure can theoretically be estimated by echocardiography. According to the modified Bernoulli equation (PG = 4v2), mitral regurgitation (MR) velocity should approximate systolic left ventricular pressure (sLVP), and therefore systolic systemic blood pressure (sSBP) in the presence of a normal left atrial pressure (LAP) and the absence of aortic stenosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of echocardiography to estimate sSBP by means of the Bernoulli equation.

Hypothesis:Systemic blood pressure can be estimated by echocardiography.

Animal: Seventeen dogs with mild MR. No dogs had aortic or subaortic stenosis, and all had MR with a clear continuous‐wave Doppler signal and a left atrial to aorta ratio of ≤ 1.6.

Methods:Five simultaneous, blinded continuous‐wave measurements of maximum MR velocity (Vmax) and indirect sSBP measurements (by Park's Doppler) were obtained for each dog. Pressure gradient was calculated from Vmaxby means of the Bernoulli equation, averaged, and added to an assumed LAP of 8 mm Hg to calculate sLVP.

Results:Calculated sLVP was significantly correlated with indirectly measured sSBP within a range of 121 to 218 mm Hg (P= .0002,r= .78). Mean ± SD bias was 0.1 ± 15.3 mm Hg with limits of agreement of‐29.9 to 30.1 mm Hg.

Conclusion: Despite the significant correlation, the wide limits of agreement between the methods hinder the clinical utility of echocardiographic estimation of blood pressure.