bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inheritance, Mode of Inheritance, and Candidate Genes for Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Keeshonden
Authors: Goldstein Richard E. , Atwater Daniel Z. , Cazolli Dava M. , Goldstein Orly , Wade Claire M. , Lindblad‐Toh Kerstin
Published: March 2010

Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is caused by inappropriate secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by autonomously functioning neoplastic or hyperplastic parathyroid “chief cells. Keeshonden are thought to be over‐represented in studies on canine PHPT, but no proof of heritability or mode of inheritance has been published. The canine disease clinically resembles human familial isolated hyperparathyroidism (FIHP).

Hypothesis: Primary hyperparathyroidism in Keeshonden is genetically transmitted and is caused by a mutation in 1 of 4 genes implicated in human FIHP:MEN1, CASR, HRPT2, orRET.

Animals: Pedigrees consisting of 1647 Keeshonden were created including 219 Keeshonden with known PHPT phenotypes (69 positive). DNA samples were obtained from 176 of the 219 Keeshonden (34 positive).

Methods: Heritability and mode of inheritance were determined by segregation analysis. Canine homologs to the human genes were identified. Exons and surrounding intron regions were sequenced and scanned for sense‐altering polymorphisms or polymorphisms that segregated with the disease. Messenger RNA from a parathyroid tumor of an affected Keeshond was analyzed for polymorphisms and splice alterations.

Results: PHPT follows an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance in Keeshonden with possible age‐dependent penetrance. No polymorphisms identified in the genes analyzed were associated with a change in predicted protein or in hypothesized splice sites.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: PHPT is an autosomal dominant, genetically transmitted disease in Keeshonden. Once the mutation locus is identified, genetic testing should quickly decrease the incidence of PHPT in this breed. It is unlikely that mutations inMEN1, CASR, HRPT2, orRETcause PHPT in Keeshonden.
Breed Associations for Canine Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Authors: Batchelor Daniel J. , Noble Peter‐John M. , Cripps Peter J. , Taylor Rebecca H. , McLean Lynn , Leibl Marion A. , German AIexander J.
Published: March 2010

Background:Knowledge of breed associations is valuable to clinicians and researchers investigating diseases with a genetic basis.

Hypothesis:Among symptomatic dogs tested for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) by canine trypsin‐like immunoreactivity (cTLI) assay, EPI is common in certain breeds and rare in others. Some breeds may be overrepresented or underrepresented in the population of dogs with EPI. Pathogenesis of EPI may be different among breeds.

Animals:Client‐owned dogs with clinical signs, tested for EPI by radioimmunoassay of serum cTLI, were used.

Methods:In this retrospective study, results of 13,069 cTLI assays were reviewed.

Results:An association with EPI was found in Chows, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS), Rough‐Coated Collies (RCC), and German Shepherd Dogs (GSD) (allP< .001). Chows (median, 16 months) were younger at diagnosis than CKCS (median, 72 months,P< .001), but not significantly different from GSD (median, 36 months,P= .10) or RCC (median, 36 months,P= .16). GSD (P< .001) and RCC (P= .015) were younger at diagnosis than CKCS. Boxers (P< .001), Golden Retrievers (P< .001), Labrador Retrievers (P< .001), Rottweilers (P= .022), and Weimaraners (P= .002) were underrepresented in the population with EPI.

Conclusions and Clinical Implications: An association with EPI in Chows has not previously been reported. In breeds with early‐onset EPI, immune‐mediated mechanisms are possible or the disease may be congenital. When EPI manifests later, as in CKCS, pathogenesis is likely different (eg, secondary to chronic pancreatitis). Underrepresentation of certain breeds among dogs with EPI has not previously been recognized and may imply the existence of breed‐specific mechanisms that protect pancreatic tissue from injury.
Chordae tendineaeRupture in Dogs with Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease: Prevalence, Survival, and Prognostic Factors (114 Cases, 2001–2006)
Authors: Serres François , Chetboul Valerie , Tissier Renaud , Sampedrano Carolina Carlos , Gouni Vassiliki , Nicolle Audrey P. , Pouchelon Jean‐Louis
Published: March 2010

Background:Degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD) is the most common heart disease in small breed dogs, andchordae tendineaerupture (CTR) is a potential complication of this disease. The survival time and prognostic factors predictive of survival in dogs with CTR remain unknown.

Hypothesis:The prevalence and prognosis of CTR in dogs with MVD increases and decreases, respectively, with heart failure class.

Animals:This study used 706 dogs with MVD.

Methods:The diagnosis of CTR was based on a flail mitral leaflet with the tip pointing into the left atrium during systole, which was confirmed in several 2‐dimension imaging planes using the left and right parasternal 4‐chamber views.

Results:CTR was diagnosed in 114 of the 706 dogs with MVD (16.1%) and most of these (106/114, 93%) had severe mitral valve regurgitation as assessed by color Doppler mode. CTR prevalence increased with International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council (ISACHC) clinical class (i.e., 1.9, 20.8, 35.5, and 69.6% for ISACHC classes Ia, Ib, II, and III, respectively [P< .05]). Long‐term follow‐up was available for 57 treated dogs (angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and diuretics) and 58% of these (33/57) survived > 1 year after initial CTR diagnosis (median survival time, 425 days). Clinical class, the presence of ascites or acute dyspnea at the time of diagnosis, heart rate, plasma urea concentration, and left atrial size were predictors of survival.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: CTR is associated with a higher overall survival time than previously supposed. Its prognosis mostly depends on a combination of clinical and biochemical factors.
Canine Dal Blood Type: A Red Cell Antigen Lacking in Some Dalmatians
Authors: Blais Marie‐Claude , Berman Lisa , Oakley Donna A. , Giger Urs
Published: March 2010

Background:Based upon alloantibodies produced after sensitizing dogs with transfused blood, more than a dozen blood group systems have been recognized thus far, and some have been classified as dog erythrocyte antigens (DEA).

Hypothesis:A new canine red cell antigen was suspected, based on the development of specific alloantibodies in a Dalmatian previously sensitized by blood transfusions.

Animals:Twenty‐six Dalmatians (including 1 Dalmatian in need of blood compatibility studies); 55 canine blood donors.

Methods:Serologic tests, including blood typing, crossmatching, and direct Coombs' test were performed by standard tube techniques and a novel gel column technology adapted from human blood banking.

Results:By day 40 after transfusion of an anemic Dalmatian, all major crossmatch tests to 55 non‐Dalmatian dogs were incompatible. The 2 initial donors, who were compatible before transfusion, were also now incompatible, suggesting the development of an alloantibody to a common red cell antigen. No siblings were available, but 4 of 25 unrelated Dalmatians were crossmatch compatible, suggesting that they were missing the same red cell antigen. The patient was blood typed DEA 1.1, 3, 4, and 5 positive, but DEA 7 negative. Further blood typing and crossmatching results did not support an association to any of these known blood types. The alloantibodies produced were determined to be of the immunoglobulin G class.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Based upon the identification of an acquired alloantibody in a Dalmatian, a presumably new common blood type namedDalwas identified. Dalmatians lacking the Dal antigen are likely at risk of delayed and acute hemolytic transfusion reactions.
A Newly Recognized Blood Group in Domestic Shorthair Cats: TheMikRed Cell Antigen
Authors: Weinstein Nicole M. , Blais Marie‐Claude , Harris Kimberly , Oakley Donna A. , Aronson Lillian R. , Giger Urs
Published: March 2010

Background:Naturally occurring alloantibodies produced against A and B red cell antigens in cats can cause acute hemolytic transfusion reactions. Blood incompatibilities, unrelated to the AB blood group system, have also been suspected after blood transfusions through routine crossmatch testing or as a result of hemolytic transfusion reactions.

Hypothesis:Incompatible crossmatch results among AB compatible cats signify the presence of a naturally occurring alloantibody against a newly identified blood antigen in a group of previously never transfused blood donor cats. The associated alloantibody is clinically important based upon a hemolytic transfusion reaction after inadvertent transfusion of red cells expressing this red cell antigen in a feline renal transplant recipient that lacks this red cell antigen.

Methods: Blood donor and nonblood donor cats were evaluated for the presence of auto‐and alloantibodies using direct antiglobulin and crossmatch tests, respectively, and were blood typed for AB blood group status. Both standard tube and novel gel column techniques were used.

Results: Plasma from 3 of 65 cats and 1 feline renal transplant recipient caused incompatible crossmatch test results with AB compatible erythrocytes indicating these cats formed an alloantibody against a red cell antigen they lack, termedMik.The 3 donors and the renal transplant recipient were crossmatch‐compatible with one another. Tube and gel column crossmatch test results were similar.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The absence of this novelMikred cell antigen can be associated with naturally occurring anti‐Mikalloantibodies and can elicit an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction after an AB‐matched blood transfusion.
Determination of Lactate Concentrations in Blood Plasma and Peritoneal Fluid in Horses with Colic by an Accusport Analyzer
Authors: Delesalle Cathérine , Dewulf Jeroen , Lefebvre Romain A. , Schuurkes Jan A.J. , Proot Joachim , Lefere Laurence , Deprez Piet
Published: March 2010

Background:Intestinal hypoperfusion can lead to increased lactate concentrations in plasma and peritoneal fluid of horses with colic.

Hypothesis: The purposes of this study were to (1) evaluate the reliability of the Accusport analyzer to assess peritoneal fluid lactate (PFL) concentrations in healthy horses and those with colic, (2) identify clinical features associated with abnormal blood plasma lactate (BPL) and PFL concentrations, and (3) evaluate the prognostic value of BPL and PFL.

Animals:BPL and PFL were determined in 20 healthy horses and in 106 horses with colic.

Results: The Accusport was reliable for determining BPL concentrations, 13 mM and PFL concentrations, 20 mM. Multivariate analysis indicated that PCV and the need for intestinal resection were independently associated with the BPL; pulse, PCV, venous pO2, the presence of necrotic intestine, an increased amount of peritoneal fluid, and fluid total protein content were independently associated with PFL. With a 1 mM increase in BPL or PFL, the respective odds ratios for required abdominal surgery increase to 1.23 (BPL) and 1.58 (PFL), odds ratios for a required intestinal resection increase to 1.20 (BPL) and 1.41 (PFL), and odds ratios for developing ileus increase by 1.33 (BPL) and 1.36 (PFL). PFL concentrations of 1, 6, 12, and 16 mM correspond to a probability of death of 11, 29, 63, and 82%, respectively, in horses without strangulating obstruction and of 25, 52, 82, and 92%, respectively, in horses with strangulating obstruction.

Conclusion: PFL is more useful and sensitive than BPL for prognostic purposes in horses with colic.
Genotypic Analysis of Giardia Duodenalis in Domestic Cats
Authors: Vasilopulos Robert J. , Rickard Lora G. , Mackin Andrew J. , Pharr G. Todd , Huston Carla L.
Published: March 2010

Background:Giardia duodenalis is an intestinal flagellated protozoan that affects many mammalian species often causing severe diarrheal disease. Several different genotypes have been identified (Assemblages A‐G). Most isolates recovered from domestic cats have been assigned to either Assemblage A, the zoonotic form of the parasite, or Assemblage F, identified thus far only in cats. Genotypic variation within G. duodenalis may influence clinical presentation and course of disease. Therefore, host‐adapted genotypes may not be responsible for diarrheal disease (eg, Assemblage F in cats).

Hypothesis:Multiple Giardia genotypes will be present in domestic cats, including Assemblage F, which will not be correlated with clinical signs.

Animals:250 domestic cats from eastern Mississippi and northwestern Alabama.

Methods:Prevalence survey. Fecal samples evaluated for cysts using a centrifugation concentration technique and a commercially available direct immunoflourescent antibody kit. Giardia isolates were characterized by PCR amplification and sequencing of the glutamate dehydrogenase gene.

Results:Both Assemblage A‐I (6/17) and Assemblage F (11/17) were identified. Although Assemblage was significantly associated with age and housing, no association was detected between Assemblage and a variety of other factors including the presence of gastrointestinal signs (acute vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The presence of diarrhea in domestic cats with Giardia cannot be used as a predictor of the presence of zoonotic genotypes in animals within the study area. Although Assemblage A was associated with age and housing, veterinarians should consider any isolation of Giardia from domestic cats as potentially zoonotic.
Cyclooxygenase (COX) Inhibitors and the Intestine
Authors: Little Dianne , Jones Samuel L. , Blikslager Anthony T.
Published: March 2010

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have long been used for the treatment of pain and inflammation because of their inhibitory effects on cyclooxygenase (COX). For almost as long as NSAIDs have been in use, multiple adverse effects have been noted. Assessment of many of these adverse effects have been complicated because of the discovery of multiple splice variants of the cox gene, and a greater array of COX inhibitors, especially the COX‐2 selective inhibitors have become available. Some of these adverse effects cannot be readily explained by the effect of these drugs on COX. This has sparked a new field of investigation into the COX‐independent effects of the COX inhibitors. The major noncyclooxygenase targets of the COX inhibitors of particular relevance to inflammation and the gastrointestinal tract are phosphatidylinositol 3'‐kinase Akt signaling, uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, PPARγ, nuclear factor kB, mitogen activated protein kinases, and heat shock proteins.
Evaluation of Client‐Specific Outcome Measures and Activity Monitoring to Measure Pain Relief in Cats with Osteoarthritis
Authors: Lascelles B. Duncan X. , Hansen Bernie D. , Roe Simon , DePuy Venita , Thomson Andrea , Pierce Courtney C. , Smith Eric S. , Rowinski Elizabeth
Published: March 2010

Background:There are no validated systems for measuring pain from osteoarthritis in cats.

Hypothesis:Owner subjective assessments and an activity monitor (AM) can be used to detect pain in cats with osteoarthritis and to assess efficacy of treatments.

Animals:Thirteen cats older than 10 years old, with owner‐assessed decreases in activity, painful arthritic joints, and clinically normal blood work were included and evaluated for 3 weeks.

Methods:A collar‐mounted AM measured activity and a client‐specific outcome measure (CSOM) questionnaire characterized the severity of impairment. Overall global quality of life was also evaluated for each treatment. In weeks 2 and 3, meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg, day 1; 0.05 mg/kg, days 2–5) or a placebo was administered in a blinded, randomized, cross‐over manner to test the assessment systems.

Results:The cats had a median of 4 arthritic appendicular joints. Activity counts for the week when cats (complete data on activity; n = 9) were administered meloxicam were significantly higher than at baseline (P= .02) but not after placebo (P= .06). Baseline activity counts were not significantly different from placebo (P= .6). The CSOM data (n = 13) showed that owners considered their cats to be more active on meloxicam compared with baseline (P= .001) and placebo (P < .004), and more active on placebo than at baseline (P < .01). Global quality of life improved significantly with meloxicam (P < .042).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Both an AM and a CSOM system can detect behavior associated with pain relief in cats that are arthritic. Objective activity data might allow subjective assessment systems to be validated for use in clinical studies.
Bacterial Culture Results from Liver, Gallbladder, or Bile in 248 Dogs and Cats Evaluated for Hepatobiliary Disease: 1998–2003
Authors: Wagner Karin A. , Hartmann Faye A. , Trepanier Lauren A.
Published: March 2010

Background:Information is lacking on the prevalence and susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates in dogs and cats with suspected hepatobiliary disease.

Objectives: To characterize the prevalence, identity, and antimicrobial susceptibility of common hepatobiliary isolates from such patients.

Animals:Dogs and cats presented to the University of Wisconsin‐Madison Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for which samples of bile, gallbladder, or liver were submitted for culture from 1998 to 2003, including 190 dogs (192 culture episodes) and 58 cats (61 culture episodes).

Methods:Cases were identified from the microbiology laboratory database. Data from patient medical records were extracted, including the history of antimicrobial administration, the presence of fever, the results of CBC and serum biochemistry, the presence of biliary obstruction or hepatobiliary inflammation, and the results of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures and aerobic antimicrobial susceptibilities.

Results:Biliary cultures yielded a significantly higher percentage of positive results overall (30% [18 of 60]) than did hepatic cultures (7% [15 of 215]). In patients with cholecystitis, 62% (8 of 13) had positive biliary cultures. In patients with hepatic inflammation, 23% (7 of 30) had positive bile cultures, whereas only 6% (6 of 103) had positive hepatic cultures.Escherichia coli, Enterococcusspp.,Bacteroidesspp.,Streptococcusspp., andClostridiumspp. were the most common true‐positive isolates. More than 80% of Enterobacteriaceae were susceptible to ciprofloxacin or aminoglycosides, with only 30–67% susceptible to first‐generation aminopenicillins and cephalosporins. Liver samples obtained by surgery or laparoscopy were more likely to yield positive cultures than those obtained by percutaneous needle biopsy.
Single‐Agent Pamidronate for Palliative Therapy of Canine Appendicular Osteosarcoma Bone Pain
Authors: Fan Timothy M. , de Lorimier Louis‐Philippe , O'Dell‐Anderson Kristen , Lacoste Hugues I. , Charney Sarah C.
Published: March 2010

Background:Canine appendicular osteosarcoma (OSA) causes focal bone destruction, leading to chronic pain and reduced quality‐of‐life scores. Drugs that inhibit pathologic osteolysis might provide additional treatment options for managing cancer‐induced bone pain. Aminobisphosphonates induce osteoclast apoptosis, thereby reducing pain associated with malignant osteolysis in human patients with cancer.

Hypothesis:Treatment of dogs with pamidronate administered intravenously will alleviate bone pain and reduce pathologic bone turnover associated with appendicular OSA in dogs.

Animals:Forty‐three dogs with naturally occurring appendicular OSA administered pamidronate intravenously.

Methods:Prospective study. Therapeutic responses in dogs treated with pamidronate administered intravenously and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) were evaluated by using a numerical cumulative pain index score (CPIS), and by quantifying urine N‐telopeptide (NTx) excretion and relative primary tumor bone mineral density (rBMD) assessed with dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry. In addition, variables, including pamidronate dose, skeletal mass, baseline and change for CPIS, urine NTx andrBMD during treatment, and baseline tumor volume and radiographic pattern were compared between dogs clinically responsive and nonresponsive to pamidronate therapy.

Results:Twelve of 43 dogs (28%) had pain alleviation for > 4 months, lasting a median of 231 days. Changes in CPIS andrBMD during treatment were statistically different between responders and nonresponders (P= .046 and .03, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Substantiated by reductions in CPIS and increases inrBMD, single‐agent pamidronate administered intravenously with NSAID therapy relieves pain and diminishes pathologic bone turnover associated with appendicular OSA in a subset of dogs.
Effects of 4 Classes of Cardiovascular Drugs on Ventricular Function in Dogs with Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Nakayama Tomohiro , Nishijima Yoshinori , Miyamoto Mutsumi , Hamlin Robert L.
Published: March 2010

Background:There have been few trials in which dogs with mitral regurgitation (MR) have been treated with various cardioactive drugs to determine effects on left ventricular (LV) function.

Hypothesis:Four classes of cardiovascular drugs may improve LV function in dogs with MR without increasing MR.

Animals:Nine mature dogs were included in the study.

Methods:MR was produced in 9 dogs. Five months later under butorphanol narcosis, parameters of LV function and left atrial dimension (LAD) were monitored by LV micromanometry and echocardiography/Doppler. Dogs were given (in random order) enalaprilat, nitroglycerine, ouabain, milrinone, and placebo.

Results:Nitroglycerin produced no significant change; milrinone and ouabain increased contractility; ouabain decreased heart rate; and there was evidence that enalaprilat and milrinone decreased LAD. Milrinone and ouabain decreased isovolumetric contraction time and therefore the time available for MR. There was no evidence that a positive inotrope increased MR despite increasing LV contractility and stroke volume.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance: This study contradicts the hypotheses that (1) strengthening the left ventricle may increase MR and (2) treatment of MR (even before symptoms of heart failure develop) may decrease LAD. It is reasonable that strengthening the force of LV contraction should increase the driving pressure for MR; however, this effect did not appear to increase MR. Although some investigators believe that treating dogs with MR with afterload reducers and decreasing hindrance to ejection of blood from the LV to aorta may lengthen life by decreasing MR, there did not appear to be a reduction in MR, at least in response to the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.
Hemostatic Biomarkers in Dogs with Chronic Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Tarnow Inge , Falk Torkel , Tidholm Anna , Martinussen Torben , Jensen Asger L. , Olsen Lisbeth H. , Pedersen Henrik D. , Kristensen Annemarie T.
Published: March 2010

Background:Chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) in humans is associated with abnormal hemostasis, and abnormalities in hemostatic biomarkers carry a poor prognosis. Alterations in hemostatic pathways can be involved in the pathogenesis of CHF in dogs, and microthrombosis in the myocardium could contribute to increased mortality.

Hypothesis:That plasma concentration or activity of hemostatic biomarkers is altered in dogs with CHF and that these factors predict mortality.

Animals:Thirty‐four dogs with CHF caused by either dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, n = 14) or degenerative valvular disease (CDVD, n = 20) compared with 23 healthy age‐matched control dogs were included in this study. Dogs with CHF were recruited from 2 referral cardiology clinics, and control dogs were owned by friends or colleagues of the investigators.

Methods:Clinical examination and echocardiography were performed in all dogs. Plasma fibrinogen and D‐dimer concentrations, antithrombin and protein C activity, and thrombin‐antithrombin complex (TAT) were measured in all dogs.

Results:Dogs with CHF had significantly higher fibrinogen (P= .04), D‐dimer (P= .002), and TAT concentration (P< .0001), lower antithrombin (P< .0001) and protein C activity (P< .001) compared with control dogs. None of the hemostatic biomarkers were associated with risk of death.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: There is evidence of a procoagulant state in dogs with CHF. The lack of predictive value for survival might be due to the small number of dogs examined. Further studies are necessary to investigate the presence and importance of microthrombosis in dogs with CHF.
Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy in Lagotto Romagnolo Dogs
Authors: Jokinen T.S. , Metsähonkala L. , Bergamasco L. , Viitmaa R. , Syrjä P. , Lohi H. , Snellman M. , Jeserevics J. , Cizinauskas S.
Published: March 2010

Background:Idiopathic childhood epilepsies with benign outcomes are well recognized in human medicine, but are not reported in veterinary literature. We recognized such a neurologic syndrome in Lagotto Romagnolo dogs.

Animals: Twenty‐five Lagotto Romagnolo puppies from 9 different litters examined because of simple or complex focal seizures and 3 adult Lagotto Romagnolo dogs exhibiting similar clinical signs were used.

Methods: Clinical and diagnostic evaluations of affected dogs were conducted, including electromyography, electroencephalography, and other testing.

Results: Seizures in puppies began at 5 to 9 weeks of age and usually resolved spontaneously by 8 to 13 weeks. Those with the most severe seizures also had signs of neurologic disease between these seizures, including generalized ataxia and hypermetria. There were no abnormalities in routine laboratory screenings of blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. Electromyography, brainstem auditory‐evoked potentials, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed no specific and consistent abnormalities. Fourteen of 16 (87.5%) affected puppies and 2 of 3 (67%) adult dogs revealed epileptiform activity in the electroencephalogram. Histopathologic examination in 1 puppy and 1 adult dog revealed lesions of Purkinje cell inclusions and vacuolation of their axons restricted to the cerebellum. Pedigree analysis suggests an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: This disorder, with simple or complex focal seizures and cerebellar lesions, represents a newly recognized epileptic syndrome in dogs.
Suspected Immune‐Mediated Myositis in Horses
Authors: Lewis Susannah S. , Valberg Stephanie J. , Nielsen Ian L.
Published: March 2010

Background:Although immune‐mediated myositis (IMM) is commonly reported in other species, this condition is poorly described in horses.

Hypothesis:IMM occurs in horses.

Animals:Thirty‐seven horses with suspected IMM were included in the study.

Methods:The database of the Neuromuscular Diagnostic Laboratory was reviewed to identify 37 horses with muscle biopsies characterized by lymphocytic infiltrates. A retrospective standardized questionnaire regarding clinical signs and response to treatment was answered by horse owners.

Results:Horses with suspected IMM were predominantly of Quarter Horse bloodlines (33/37 horses) and primarily either 8 years or 17 years of age. Clinical signs included rapid atrophy, particularly of the epaxial and gluteal muscles, depression, and stiffness. Creatine kinase (CK) activity (mean 9,746; range 260–139,183 U/L: reference range 119–287 U/L) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activity (mean 2880; range 350–9,009 U/L: reference range 138–409 U/L) were high. Exposure to horses with infectious respiratory disease occurred in 39% (9/23) of horses before clinical signs and 47% (9/19) had recurrence of atrophy. Variation in dosage and time elapsed before administration of corticosteroids confounded assessment of treatment efficacy. Macrophages and CD4+ T lymphocytes were the prominent mononuclear cellular infiltrates with lesser numbers of CD8+ cells and small clusters of B lymphocytes in some samples. Myofibers did not stain for equine immunoglobulin G (IgG).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: IMM appears to be a distinct cause of rapid muscle atrophy, particularly in Quarter Horses that may be amenable to treatment with corticosteroids. Diagnosis is best achieved by identifying lymphocytic infiltrates in atrophied muscles.
Thoracic Percussion to Determine the Caudal Lung Border in Healthy Horses
Authors: Bakos Zoltán , Vörös Károly
Published: March 2010

Background:The application of equine thoracic percussion has been ignored because of the availability of modern imaging techniques. Ultrasonography is a reliable tool in determining the caudal lung border of horses. The aim of the study was to compare percussion with ultrasonography to determine lung borders in horses.

Hypothesis:That thoracic percussion can detect the caudal lung border and that its accuracy is comparable with thoracic ultrasonography.

Animals:Fifteen randomly chosen, healthy, Warmblood horses.

Methods:The caudal lung border was detected by percussion and ultrasonography at the end of inspiration and expiration on both sides of the thorax. A reference point close to the withers was determined, allowing standardized measurements. The distance between this point and the caudal lung border in different intercostal spaces (ICS) was measured by a tape measure.

Results:No significant difference was found between percussional and ultrasonographic results. Greater differences were found between inspiration and expiration by ultrasonography compared with percussion in all intercostal spaces on both sides of the thorax. It was significant (P= .028) in the 12th ICS in the right hemithorax.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Percussion is a reliable tool to determine the caudal lung border in healthy horses. Differences caused by the displacement of the lung during respiration should be taken into consideration when applying either method.
Chronic Enteropathies in Dogs: Evaluation of Risk Factors for Negative Outcome
Authors: Allenspach K. , Wieland B. , Gröne A. , Gaschen F.
Published: March 2010

Hypothesis: Certain variables that are routinely measured during the diagnostic evaluation of dogs with chronic enteropathies will be predictive for outcome and a new clinical disease activity index incorporating these variables can be applied to predict outcome of disease.

Animals: Seventy dogs were entered into a sequential treatment trial with elimination diet (FR, food‐responsive group) followed by immunosuppressive treatment with steroids if no response was seen with the dietary trial alone (ST, steroidtreatment group). A 3rd group consisted of dogs with panhypoproteinemia and ascites (PLE, protein‐losing enteropathy) that were treated with immunosuppressive doses of steroids.

Methods: Three years of follow‐up information was available for all dogs. Clinicopathologic variables were tested for their ability to predict negative outcome, defined as euthanasia due to refractoriness to treatment. Different scoring systems including different combinations of these variables were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results: Thirteen of 70 (18%) dogs were euthanized because of intractable disease. Univariate analysis identified a high clinical activity index, high endoscopic score in the duodenum, hypocobalaminemia (<200 ng/L) and hypoalbuminemia (<20 g/L) as risk factors for negative outcome.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Based on the factors identified by logistic regression and ROC curve analysis, a new clinical scoring index (CCECAI) was defined that predicts negative outcome in dogs suffering from chronic enteropathies.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Electrocardiography and Thoracic Radiography in the Assessment of Left Atrial Size in Cats: Comparison with Transthoracic 2‐Dimensional Echocardiography
Authors: Schober Karsten E. , Maerz Imke , Ludewig Eberhard , Stern Joshua A.
Published: March 2010

Background: Left atrial (LA) enlargement (LAE) is a morphologic expression of the severity and chronicity of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, volume overload, and increased atrial pressure and has diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic importance in cats. The noninvasive gold standard for assessing LA size is 2‐dimensional echocardiography (2DE).

Hypothesis: ECG and thoracic radiography may be used to predict LAE in cats.

Animals: Twenty‐one healthy control cats and 31 cats with cardiomyopathy were prospectively studied.

Methods: 2DE studies, including determination of the maximum LA dimension (LAD) and area (LAA), were performed prospectively in all cats and compared to the assessment of LA size based on thoracic radiography and indices obtained from a 6‐lead ECG. Results obtained from healthy cats were used to generate discrimination limits suggestive of LAE as defined by LAD >1.57 cm and LAA >2.75 cm2.

Results: In cats with LAE, P wave duration and PR interval were prolonged and radiographic LA vertebral heart size (LA‐VHS) was increased (P< .05). P wave‐related indices had low sensitivity (Se; range, 0.12 to 0.60) but high specificity (Sp; range, 0.81 to 1.00) for the prediction of LAE. Radiographic indices had low Se (range, 0.28 to 0.72) and high Sp (range, 0.74 to 0.95) for the prediction of LAE. Correlation analyses identified correlations between LAA and P wave duration (r= 0.47,P= .003) and LAD and LA‐VHS (r= 0.70,P< .001).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance: ECG and thoracic radiography are reasonably specific but less sensitive predictors of LAE in cats.
Comparative Adverse Cardiac Effects of Pimobendan and Benazepril Monotherapy in Dogs with Mild Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease: A Prospective, Controlled, Blinded, and Randomized Study
Authors: Chetboul Valérie , Lefebvre Hervé P. , Sampedrano Carolina Carlos , Gouni Vassiliki , Saponaro Vittorio , Serres François , Concordat Didier , Nicolle Audrey P. , Pouchelon Jean‐Louis
Published: March 2010

Background: Pimobendan (PIMO) is an inodilator that may have some beneficial effects in canine degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD). However, little information is available about its cardiac effects in dogs without systolic myocardial dysfunction.

Hypothesis: Compared to benazepril (BNZ), an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, PIMO may worsen valve regurgitation in early canine MVD.

Animals: Twelve Beagles with asymptomatic MVD were randomized into 2 groups (n = 6) receiving BNZ or PIMO at dosages of 0.25 mg/kg PO q24h and q12h respectively, for 512 days.

Methods: The study followed a blinded, randomized, prospective, and parallel group design. After day 512, the dogs were necropsied, and cardiac histopathology was performed in a blinded manner.

Results: A significant treatment effect was observed as soon as day 15 with increased systolic function in the PIMO group by comparison to baseline value as assessed by fractional shortening (P< .0001) and tissue Doppler variables (P= .001). Concurrently, the maximum area and peak velocity of the regurgitant jet signal increased (P< .001), whereas these variables remained stable in the BNZ group. Histologic grades of mitral valve lesions were more severe in the PIMO group than in the BNZ group. Moreover, acute focal hemorrhages, endothelial papillary hyperplasia, and infiltration ofchordae tendinaewith glycosaminoglycans were observed in the mitral valves of dogs from the PIMO group but not in those of the BNZ group.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: PIMO has adverse cardiac functional and morphologic effects in dogs with asymptomatic MVD. Additional investigation in dogs with symptomatic MVD is now warranted.
Premature Death, Risk Factors, and Life Patterns in Dogs with Epilepsy
Authors: Berendt Mette , Gredal Hanne , Ersbøll Annette Kjaer , Alving Jørgen
Published: March 2010

Background: Epilepsy in dogs is often difficult to medically control, resulting in premature death of dogs with epilepsy. However, the risks of premature death are not known.

Hypothesis: Dogs with epilepsy have an increased risk of premature death as compared to a general population of dogs.

Animals: Sixty‐three dogs diagnosed with epilepsy between 1993 and 1996 were included in this study.

Methods: A prospective longitudinal study of the population was performed from the diagnosis of epilepsy until the time of euthanasia, death, or a maximum of 12 years to investigate mortality and risk factors. Information about sex, onset, type, frequency, and control of seizures, remission of epilepsy, death, cause of death, and owner's perspective was collected and analyzed.

Results: The median age at death of dogs was 7.0 years. The life span of dogs in which euthanasia or death was directly caused by their epileptic condition was significantly shorter as compared with epileptic dogs that were euthanized because of other causes (P= .001). The median number of years that a dog lived with epilepsy was 2.3 years. Females lived longer with epilepsy than males (P= .036). Seizure type (primary generalized versus focal seizures) was not significantly associated with survival time. The remission rate of epilepsy (spontaneous remission and remission with treatment) was 15%.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance: The diagnosis of epilepsy implies an increased risk of premature death. The prognosis for dogs with epilepsy is dependent on a combination of veterinary expertise, therapeutic success, and the owner's motivation.
Continuous Low‐Dose Oral Chemotherapy for Adjuvant Therapy of Splenic Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs
Authors: Lana Susan , U'ren Lance , Plaza Susan , Elmslie Robyn , Gustafson Daniel , Morley Paul , Dow Steven
Published: March 2010

Background: Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a highly metastatic and often rapidly fatal tumor in dogs. At present, conventional adjuvant chemotherapy provides only a modest survival benefit for treated dogs. Continuous oral administration of low‐dose chemotherapy (LDC) has been suggested as an alternative to conventional chemotherapy protocols. Therefore, we evaluated the safety and effectiveness of LDC using a combination of cyclophosphamide, etoposide, and piroxicam as adjuvant therapy for dogs with stage II HSA.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that oral adjuvant therapy with LDC could be safely administered to dogs with HSA and that survival times would be comparable to those attained with conventional doxorubicin (DOX) chemotherapy.

Animals: Nine dogs with stage II splenic HSA were enrolled in the LDC study. Treatment outcomes were also evaluated retrospectively for 24 dogs with stage II splenic HSA treated with DOX chemotherapy.

Methods: Nine dogs with stage II splenic HSA were treated with LDC over a 6‐month period. Adverse effects and treatment outcomes were determined. The pharmacokinetics of orally administered etoposide were determined in 3 dogs. Overall survival times and disease‐free intervals were compared between the 9 LDC‐treated dogs and 24 DOX‐treated dogs.

Results: Dogs treated with LDC did not develop severe adverse effects, and long‐term treatment over 6 months was well‐tolerated. Oral administration of etoposide resulted in detectable plasma concentrations that peaked between 30 and 60 minutes after dosing. Both the median overall survival time and the median disease‐free interval in dogs treated with LDC were 178 days. By comparison, the overall survival time and disease‐free interval in dogs treated with DOX were 133 and 126 days, respectively.

Conclusions: Continuous orally administered LDC may be an effective alternative to conventional high‐dose chemotherapy for adjuvant therapy of dogs with HSA.
Plasma Adrenocorticotropin, Cortisol, and Adrenocorticotropin/ Cortisol Ratios in Septic and Normal‐Term Foals
Authors: Gold J.R. , Divers T.J. , Barton M.H. , Lamb S.V. , Place N.J. , Mohammed H.O. , Bain F.T.
Published: March 2010

Background: Little information exists on the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis in septic foals.

Hypothesis: The plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol are expected to be higher in septic foals as compared to normal foals. The concentrations of hormones in septic foals also are expected to differ further depending upon survival.

Animals: Twenty‐eight control foals and 46 septic foals < 14 days of age were included in this study.

Methods: Blood was collected in EDTA once from 28 normal foals born in the University of Georgia or Cornell University equine research herds and from 46 septic foals within 12 hours after admission to 1 of the 3 tertiary care referral centers involved in the study. Septic foal selection was based on a sepsis score of >11 or a positive blood culture. The control foals were age matched to the septic foals in the study. ACTH and cortisol concentrations were measured by a chemiluminescent immunoassay system.

Results: Cortisol concentrations in control foals did not vary with age. Septic foals had significantly higher mean ACTH, cortisol, and ACTH/cortisol ratios than did normal foals. Within the septic foal group, 28 foals survived to discharge, and 18 were euthanized or died. The mean age was not significantly different between the septic surviving and nonsurviving foals. The mean ACTH/cortisol ratio was significantly higher in the septic nonsurviving foals as compared to the septic surviving foals.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Septic foals had higher hormone concentrations as compared to normal foals, which is an expected endocrine response to critical illness. The increased ACTH/cortisol ratio in nonsurviving septic foals in comparison to surviving septic foals could indicate hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis dysfunction at the level of the adrenal gland in critically ill septic foals.
Humoral Immune Responses in the Horse after Intrathecal Challenge with Ovalbumin
Authors: Furr Martin
Published: March 2010

Background: Diagnosis of neuro‐inflammatory conditions in the horse can be challenging. Current methods include evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for inflammation and determination of specific antibody status. The antibody index (AI) and Goldman‐Witmer coefficient (C‐value) can be used to aid in the interpretation.

Hypothesis: The null hypothesis to be tested was that the AI and C‐values do not change in horses with neuro‐inflammation.

Animals: Twelve horses of various ages (3–17 years) and breeds (Thoroughbred, Thoroughbred cross, draft, and Arabian) were included in the study.

Methods: The study was designed as a prospective randomized study. All horses were immunized with ovalbumin in adjuvant, twice. Horses of Group 1 then were challenged by intrathecal (IT) injection of ovalbumin, whereas horses of Group 2 were challenged IM. The AI and C‐values for ovalbumin and equine herpesvirus were calculated.

Results: The AI for ovalbumin increased up to 5.92 in horses after intrathecal challenge, and remained normal (<1) in horses challenged IM. The C‐value for ovalbumin reached a peak of 7.48, whereas for equine herpesvirus it achieved a value of 2.69. The changes in ovalbumin C‐value and AI were significantly different between days 20 and 30 in horses after intrathecal challenge at day 20 (P= .002 and .0005, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The results confirm the value of the AI and C‐value in the evaluation of neuro‐inflammation in the horse.
Use of Fourier‐Transform Infrared Spectroscopy for the Diagnosis of Failure of Transfer of Passive Immunity and Measurement of Immunoglobulin Concentrations in Horses
Authors: Riley Christopher B. , McClure J.T. , Low‐Ying Sarah , Shaw R. Anthony
Published: March 2010

Background: The economic, accurate, and rapid screening of foals for failure of transfer of passive immunity (FPT) is essential to ensure timely intervention.

Hypothesis: Infrared (IR) spectroscopy of foal sera and pattern recognition may be used to diagnose FPT and quantify serum IgG.

Samples: Sera from 194 foals (24–72 hours) with serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations determined previously by radial immunodiffusion assay (RID) were used.

Methods: IR spectra were recorded for the serum samples, and the data were randomly divided into training and independent test sets, each containing both FPT‐positive (IgG <400 mg/dL) and non‐FPT samples. A genetic optimal region selection algorithm and linear discriminant analysis were used to partition the training spectra, and the resulting classifier was then validated by comparing the IR‐predicted FPT status for each of the test samples to that provided by the RID IgG assay. A quantitative IR‐based assay for IgG was developed using partial least squares (PLS) and validated by testing its ability to predict IgG concentrations.

Results: Specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy for the combined data were 92.5, 96.8, and 95.9%, respectively. Corresponding positive (88.1%) and negative predictive (98.0%) values determined a success rate of 95–97% as compared to RID‐based IgG concentrations. The IR‐based quantitative assay yielded correlation coefficients for IR spectroscopy versus RID‐based IgG concentrations of 0.90 and 0.86 for the training and test sets, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The overall performance of the IR‐based test was similar to that of the colorimetric assay and was superior and more economic than other available tests.
Liver Abscesses in Holstein Dairy Cattle: 18 Cases (1992–2003)
Authors: Doré Elizabeth , Fecteau Gilles , Hélie Pierre , Francoz David
Published: March 2010

Background: The characteristic clinical manifestations, clinicopathologic findings, treatment, and outcome of dairy cattle with liver abscess are poorly defined.

Animals: The study included 18 Holstein cows with liver abscesses.

Methods: A retrospective study of medical records was performed. Cattle with liver abscess were identified by ultrasound examination or exploratory laparotomy.

Results: The most common reason for examination was anorexia (14/18). Five cows had fever, 5 were bradycardic, and 5 were tachycardic. Peritonitis (n = 6) and vagal indigestion (n = 4) were the most frequently associated diseases. Neutrophilia (n = 14), hyperfibrinogenemia (n = 11), and high serum globulin concentration (n = 10) were characteristic of chronic inflammation. Evidence of liver disease on serum biochemistry profile was uncommon. The most common bacterium isolated from the abscess wasArcanobacterium pyogenes(n = 4). Anaerobic bacteria were isolated frequently (n = 7). There were 6 polymicrobial isolates, with both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, out of 8 positive samples. Medical treatment was successful in 5 of 7 cattle. Five cows were euthanized and postmortem examination revealed 2 cattle with thrombosis of caudal vena cava.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Holstein dairy cattle affected by liver abscess exhibit no pathognomonic clinical signs. Clinicopathologic findings were often consistent with a chronic active inflammation. Liver abscesses should be included in the differential diagnosis in cattle with a chronic inflammatory process, cranial peritonitis, or vagal indigestion. Prolonged treatment with antimicrobials might be successful.