bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase II Clinical Trial of Carboplatin in Canine Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder
Authors: Chun Ruthanne , Knapp Deborah W. , Widmer William R. , DelNicola Dennis B. , Glickman Nita W. , Kuczek Thomas , Degortari Amalia , Han Connie M.
Published: March 2010

Fourteen dogs with histologically‐confirmed transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder were treated with 300 mg/m2carboplatin every 3 weeks. Response to therapy was assessed with abdominal radiography, double contrast cystography, urinary bladder ultrasonography and thoracic radiography before therapy and at 6–week intervals during therapy. Dogs were monitored for hematologic toxicity with a CBC and platelet count performed immediately before and 10 to 14 days after carboplatin treatment. Tumor responses included progressive disease in 11 dogs and stable disease in 1 dog. Two dogs were euthanized due to carboplatin toxicity before assessment of tumor response. Toxicity included thrombocytopenia with or without neutropenia in 7 dogs and gastrointestinal toxicity in 6 dogs. Carboplatin therapy was not beneficial in the treatment of TCC in the 14 dogs in this study.
Fluoroscopically Guided Percutaneous Disk Aspiration in 10 Dogs With Diskospondylitis
Authors: Fischer Andrea , Mahaffey Mary B. , Oliver John E.
Published: March 2010

Fluoroscopically guided percutaneous fine‐needle aspiration of the intervertebral disk space was performed in 10 dogs with diskospondylitis. Positive bacterial cultures were obtained from 9 of 12 aspirated disk spaces, 1 of 6 blood cultures, and 6 of 10 urine cultures. Positive disk cultures were obtained from 2 dogs with negative blood and urine cultures and from 2 additional dogs with low numbers ofStaphylococcusin urine cultures. Adverse clinical sequelae of the procedure were not noted. Percutaneous fine‐needle aspiration of the intervertebral disk space is an alternative technique to surgical biopsy to obtain positive bacterial cultures from dogs with diskospondylitis.
Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia in a Quarter Horse Foal
Authors: Buechner‐Maxwell Virginia , Scott Michael A. , Godber Leanne , Kristensen Annemarie
Published: March 2010

Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia is recognized as a spontaneous disease of human infants, piglets, and possibly mules, but it has not been previously reported in horses. A 1–day‐old Quarter Horse foal presented to Michigan State University Large Animal Clinic with severe thrombocytopenia of unknown origin. Immunoglobulins that bound to the foal's platelets were identified in the mare's plasma, serum, and milk by indirect assays. The immunoglobulins were further shown to recognize platelets from the foal's full brother, born 1 year earlier. These findings, coupled with the clinical course of the foal during its period of hospitalization, strongly suggest that neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia can spontaneously occur in neonatal horses. This diagnosis should be considered for foals with severe thrombocytopenia when other causes can be excluded, and platelet antibody assays should be used to support this diagnosis.
Signalment, Survival, and Prognostic Factors in Doberman Pinschers With End‐Stage Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Calvert Clay A. , Pickus Cynthia W. , Jacobs Gilbert J. , Brown Jack
Published: March 2010

Congestive heart failure (CHF) was evaluated by retrospective review of case records of 66 Doberman Pinschers presenting with overt signs of 2 weeks' duration or less. Leftsided CHF was predominant, the majority of dogs were male, most were 5 to 10 years of age, and CHF tended to occur in females at an older age. Sudden death occurred in 13 dogs (20%). The mean and median survival times of all dogs were 9.65 and 6.5 weeks, respectively. Both atrial fibrillation and bilateral CHF at the time of presentation were associated with significantly shorter survival times.
Intravenous Human Immunoglobulin for the Treatment of Immune‐Mediated Hemolytic Anemia in 13 Dogs
Authors: Kellerman Dana L. , Bruyette David S.
Published: March 2010

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVGG) was administered to 13 of 37 dogs with immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia. All dogs received concurrent prednisone therapy, 14 dogs also received cyclophosphamide; and a single dog each received cyclosporine, azathioprines, and danazol. Dogs that responded to prednisone therapy without IVGG generally did so within 7 days (mean ± standard deviation = 5.6 ± 2.9 days). Intravenous immunoglobulin was administered after 10.4 ± 6.6 days of prednisone therapy as an intravenous infusion of 0.5 g/kg (range 0.25 to 0.73 g/kg). Eleven dogs received a single treatment, 2 dogs each received 2 treatments. No relevant adverse effects were noted. Eleven dogs had an increase in PCV of at least 4% 2.2 ±1.5 days after IVGG infusion. In 10 of these dogs, the PCV continued to increase until the time of hospital discharge. One responder died 1 hour after the increase in PCV, 1 dog was euthanized within 24 hours of IVGG administration, and 1 dog had no response over a period of 13 days. Results of this study suggest that IVGG therapy may be of value in dogs with immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia that do not respond within 7 days of appropriate corticosteroid therapy.
Nosocomial Transmission ofCryptosporidiumin a Veterinary Hospital
Authors: Konkle Darlene M. , Nelson Kathryn M. , Lunn D. Paul
Published: March 2010

An outbreak of cryptosporidiosis occurred at a veterinary hospital, involving multiple species, including humans. The index case was an infected dairy calf that presented with diarrhea. Several other cases of Cryptosporidial diarrhea subsequently developed during a 1‐month period. The key features of this outbreak were the multiple species affected, the increased morbidity in immunocompromised neonates, and the failure of implemented control measures to contain the disease
Prediction of Serum IgG1 Concentration in Holstein Calves Using Serum Gamma Glutamyltransferase Activity
Authors: Parish Steven M. , Tyler Jeff W. , Besser Thomas E. , Gay Clive C. , Krytenberg Denise
Published: March 2010

We examined the relationship between serum gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity and serum gamma immunoglobulin G (IgG1) concentration in Holstein calves. Blood samples were collected from calves aged 1 to 3 days. A follow‐up sample was obtained from each calf 2, 7, or 15 days after the initial sampling. Serum GGT activity and lgG1 concentration were measured. Regression models were used to predict lgG1 concentration as a function of age and serum GGT activity measured 2, 7, or 15 days later.

Serum GGT activity and calf age at the time of the second sample were directly related to serum IgG1 concentration in the initial sample in calves aged 3 to 17 days (r= .54) and in calves aged 3 to 10 days (r= .63). Models were used to estimate the serum GGT activity equivalent to a serum IgG1 concentration of 1,000 mg/dL. One‐day‐old calves should have serum GGT activities > 200 IU/L. Four‐day‐old calves should have serum GGT activities > 100 IU/L. One‐week‐old calves should have serum GGT activities > 75 IU/L. Calves with serum GGT activities < 50 IU/L should be classified as having failure of passive transfer.
Applications and Outcome of Hemodialysis in Cats: A Review of 29 Cases
Authors: Langston Cathy E. , Cowgill Larry D. , Spano Jona A.
Published: March 2010

Hemodialysis (HO) has been used in the management of renal failure in dogs, but its feasibility has not been reported for uremic cats. Therefore, we investigated the technical possibility, efficacy, and complications of intermittent HD in cats with severe uremia. A total of 160 HD treatments were performed on 29 cats with acute renal failure (ARF) (n = 15), chronic renal failure (CRF) (n = 6), or acute on CRF (n =8) between November 1993 and June 1996. Hemodialysis treatments were performed with transcutaneous dialysis catheters using a bicarbonate‐based delivery system, sodium modeling, and volumetric‐controlled ultrafiltration. Presenting serum chemistries (mean ± SD) for all cats were creatinine, 16.4 ± 7.5 mg/dL; blood urea nitrogen (BUN), 229 ± 87 mg/dL; phosphate, 15.4 ± 5.4 mg/dL; potassium, 6.0 ±1.6 mEq/L; and HCO‐3, 16.0 ± 4.4 mEq/L. For intensive HD treatments, pre‐HD versus post‐HD creatinine changed from 10.3 ± 4.4 to 1.6 ± 0.9 mg/dL and BUN from 105 ± 33 to 8 ±10 mg/dL. One or more adverse events occurred during 111 (69%) treatments. Dialysis‐related events included hypotension, dialysis dysequilibrium, clotting, and bleeding. Nine of 15 (60%) cats with ARF and 1 cat with CRF recovered sufficiently to survive without ongoing need for HD. For the remaining cats, the proximate causes of death were dialysis related in 9 cats, uremia related in 6 cats, and iatrogenic or unknown in 4 cats. Hemodialysis is technically feasible and effectively controls the biochemical disturbances of uremic cats. It is especially valuable for the management of severe ARF, permitting recovery in a large number of cats refractory to conventional therapy. Technical complications and chronic debility, however, may limit its usefulness for cats with advanced CRF.
Vincristine Therapy for Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
Authors: McCaw Dudley L. , Miller Margaret A. , Bergman Philip J. , Withrow Stephen J. , Moore Antony S. , Knapp Deborah W. , Fowler David , Johnson Jane C.
Published: March 2010

Twenty‐seven dogs with naturally occurring mast cell tumors were treated with weekly IV injections of vincristine (0.75 mg/m2) for 4 treatments. Two dogs (7%) had a partial response. Nine dogs (32%) had treatment stopped prematurely because of toxicity or a perceived deterioration in their quality of life. We conclude that vincristine is ineffective as a sole treatment for measurable mast cell tumors in dogs and produces an undesirable number of adverse reactions.
Hemolysis Associated With Water Administration Using a Nipple Bottle for Human Infants in Juvenile Pygmy Goats
Authors: Middleton John R. , Katz Lisa , Angelos John A. , Tyler Jeff W.
Published: March 2010

A 4‐month‐old, 6.8‐kg, castrated male pygmy goat was examined for recurrent episodic fever and red urine of 7 days' duration. A second, 3‐month‐old, 7‐kg, intact female pygmy goat was presented for similar clinical signs. The red discoloration of the urine in each case was determined to be due to hemolysis with subsequent hemoglobinuria. In both cases, hemolysis and hemoglobinuria were closely associated with the goats consuming large volumes of water from a human infant's nipple bottle. A diagnosis of water intoxication‐induced hemolysis and hemoglobinuria was made. Episodes of hemoglobinuria in the first case were consistently associated with dilute (specific gravity < 1.010) urine. Water intoxication has been associated with bottle‐feeding in human infants and is also widely reported in human psychiatric patients. The small erythrocytes in goats appear to be the most sensitive of the domestic species to hypotonicity‐induced hemolysis.
Hemostatic and Fibrinolytic Indices in Neonatal Foals with Presumed Septicemia
Authors: Barton Michelle Henry , Morris Debra Deem , Norton Natalie , Prasse Keith W.
Published: March 2010

Thirteen coagulation tests evaluating hemostatic and fibrinolytic indices and serum cytokine and plasma endotoxin concentrations were obtained in 34 foals with a positive sepsis score (septic group) and 46 age‐matched healthy foals. Compared to healthy foals, the prothrombin, activated partial thromboplastin, and whole blood recalcification times were significantly longer in septic foals. The fibrinogen and fibrin degradation products concentrations, percent plasminogen, alpha‐2 antiplasmin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor activities, and tumor necrosis factor and interleukin‐6 activities were greater in septic foals. Protein C antigen and antithrombin III activity were significantly lower in septic foals. Blood cultures were positive for growth and endotoxin was detected in 19 of 29 and 15 of 30 septic foals, respectively. In septicemic foals with detectable endotoxin in the plasma, the prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times were significantly longer and the plasminogen and antithrombin III activities were significantly less than in septic foals in which endotoxin was not detected. Twenty‐three of the 34 septic foals did not survive. Septic foals that did not survive were most likely to have a positive blood culture in which a gram‐negative organism was isolated. Histopathologic evidence of hemorrhage was evident in 11 foals at postmortem examination and thrombosis was identified in 2 foals. The prothrombin time was significantly longer in foals that had multisite hemorrhage at postmortem examination. The results of this study indicate that clinically relevant alternations in hemostatic and fibrinolytic indices occur in neonatal foals with septicemia and that derangements can be correlated with the presence of endotoxin in plasma. Derangements in hemostatic or fibrinolytic indices were helpful in identification of septic foals with increased risk of coagulopathy, but were not helpful in predicting hemorrhage as compared to thrombus formation. Survival of septicemic foals was correlated with gram‐negative bacteremia, but not with the presence of endotoxin or coagulopathy.
Dietary Vitamin D Toxicity in a Household of Pot‐Beliied Pigs (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Wimsatt Jeffrey , Marks Steven L. , Campbell Terry W. , Johnson Jay D. , Nachreiner Raymond F.
Published: March 2010

Vitamin D intoxication developed in Vietnamese Pot‐Bellied Pigs (Sus scrofa) fed 2 commercially available swine rations. Pronounced hypercalcemia and a history incompatible with other causes of hypercalcemia led to confirmation of this diagnosis by plasma vitamin D metabolite analysis in 2 affected animals as compared to a control animal. Feed sample analysis suggested the diet as the likely source of toxicity.
Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis in Dogs from North Carolina and Virginia
Authors: Goldman Elizabeth E. , Breitschwerdt Edward B. , Grindem Carol B. , Hegarty Barbara C. , Walls Jennifer J. , Dumler J. Stephen
Published: March 2010

Medical records of 3 dogs from North Carolina and 3 dogs from Virginia with ehrlichial morulae in circulating neutrophils were studied retrospectively. Two clinically distinct disease syndromes, including chronic, moderate to severe anemia (n = 3) and polyarthritis (n = 2) were associated with canine granulocytic ehrlichiosis (CGE) in these dogs. One dog was clinically healthy, and abnormalities were not detected during physical examination. Clinical signs were nonspecific and included fever, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea. The most frequent laboratory abnormalities were normocytic normochromic nonregenerative anemia, moderate thrombocytopenia with large platelets, lymphopenia, and eosinopenia. Considerable variability was found in the serologic responses toEhrlichia equi, Ehrlichia canis, andEhrlichia chaffeensisantigens among the 5 dogs for which stored sera were available for indirect fluorescent antibody testing. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of portions of the 16S rRNA gene from blood (collected in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) of 1 severely anemic dog (dog 3) and 1 polyarthritic dog (dog 4) resulted in DNA sequences nearly identical to the GenBank accessions forEhrlichia ewingii.The DNA sequence from a 3rd dog (dog 5) was most similar to that ofE. canis.Serologic or molecular results support the possibility ofE. ewingii, E. equi, andE. caniscoinfection or serologic cross‐reactivity among canine granulocytic and monocyticEhrlichiaspecies in dogs from North Carolina and Virginia. Variability in response to tetracycline or doxycycline treatment was noted in these dogs, with more rapid resolution of signs in dogs with polyarthritis. We report the 1st cases of CGE in dogs from North Carolina and Virginia, including recognition of CGE in a healthy dog.
Results of Quantitative Cultures of Urine by Free Catch and Catheterization from Healthy Adult Horses
Authors: MacLeay Jennifer M. , Kohn Catherine W.
Published: March 2010

Quantitative urine cultures were performed on 11 male and 11 female healthy adult horses. Urine was collected by free catch and catheterization using standard methods. Results showed that all samples collected by free catch contained less than 20,000 colony‐forming units (CFU)/mL. All samples collected by catheterization contained 500 CFU/mL or less. A significant difference was found between collection methods (P< .005), with catheterization having less contamination. In samples collected by free catch, females had significantly greater contamination than did males (P< .03). Predominant bacterial species isolated includedStreptococcusspp.,Escherichia coli, Enterohactersp.,Bacillussp.,Staphylococcusspp.,Diptheroidssp.,Proteusspp., andEnterococcussp. Many samples contained multiple bacterial species. Bacterial isolates were representative of the normal bacterial flora of the equine urogenital tract. This paper establishes reference values for quantitative urine culture results in healthy adult horses to aid in the diagnosis of urinary tract infections.
Comparison of Some Pharmacokinetic Parameters of 5 Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitors in Normal Beagles
Authors: Hamlin Robert L. , Nakayama Tomohiro
Published: March 2010

This study was designed to determine the degree of inhibition of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) in 5 normal dogs given single doses of conventionally used ACE inhibitors (ACEis). In addition the time required for that inhibition to return to 50% of the difference between maximum and zero (control values) was measured as an estimate of duration of action. The 5 ACEis (with dosages given in parentheses) were bena/april (0.5 mg/kg), captopril (2.0 mg/kg), enalapril (0.5 mg/kg), lisinopril (0.5 mg/kg), and ramipril (0.25 mg/kg). Blood samples for ACE activities were obtained before dosing and at 1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0, and 24.0 hours after dosing. All ACEis except captopril decreased ACE activities to approximately 25% of control by the 1.5‐to 3.0‐hour sample, and ACE activities returned to 50% of the difference by the 12‐hour sample. The value of ACE activity returned to normal by 24 hours for benazapril, whereas values for ACE activity remained below normal for enalapril, lisinopril, and ramipril at 24 hours. For captopril, however, ACE levels decreased to approximately 80% of control by the 1.5‐hour recording, and returned to levels not different from control by the 3‐hour recording. Based upon this study performed on normal dogs given a single dose, no pharmacokinctic advantage or disadvantage is apparent for any ACEi except captopril, which, at the dosage used, decreased ACE levels to a much lesser degree and shorter time.
Factors Associated with Survival in Septicemic Foals: 65 Cases (1988–1995)
Authors: Gayle J'mai M. , Cohen Noah D. , Chaffin M. Keith
Published: March 2010

In order to identify variables obtained at admission that could be used to predict survival in septicemic foals, medical records of 65 foals diagnosed with septicemia were reviewed. Initially, variables were analyzed independently (univariate analysis) for association with survival. Of the physical examination and historical data examined using univariate analysis, the ability to stand at admission, respiratory rate ≥ 60 breaths per minute (bpm), and normal‐appearing mucous membranes were significantly associated with survival. Foals with history of induced parturition were significantly less likely to survive. The following hematologic and serum biochemical variables determined at admission were significantly associated with survival: white blood cell count a 6,000 cells/μL, neutrophil count <4,000 cells/μL, serum albumin concentration <2.2 g/dL, serum glucose concentration <120 mg/ dL, blood pH ≥ 7.35, and positive base excess. The administration of plasma at admission was significantly associated with survival. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between survival and variables identified as significantly associated with survival in bivariate analysis. The final multivariate model selected included the variables standing, duration of clinical signs (24‐hour intervals) prior to admission, respiratory rate a 60 bpm, neutropenia (> 4,000 cells/μL), and neonatal age category. The probability of survival was significantly increased for foals that were standing, had a respiratory rate a 60 bpm, and that had a neutrophil count <4,000 cells/μL at admission. Probability of survival was significantly decreased for foals that had a longer duration of clinical signs prior to admission. For each 24 hours of duration, the estimated risk of death was increased by 5.8‐fold.
Electrolyte Disturbances in Foals with Severe Rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Perkins Gillian , Valberg Stephanie J. , Madigan John M. , Carlson Gary P. , Jones Sam L.
Published: March 2010

Marked electrolyte abnormalities characterized by profound hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia were noted in 4 neonatal foals with acute rhabdomyolysis and pigmenturia. In 2 foals, rhabdomyolysis developed 4–6 days after admission for dysmaturity, and in 2 foals, rhabdomyolysis was evident on presentation. Rhabdomyolysis was a consequence of selenium deficiency with or without vitamin E deficiency, possibly combined with increased oxidant stress due to sepsis or hypoxia and reperfusion injury after parturition. Foals gained from 7 to 15% of their initial body weight within 48 hours of developing rhabdomyolysis. Three of the foals developed cardiac arrhythmias characterized by spiked T waves and decreased‐amplitude P waves. Postmortem examination of 2 foals revealed extensive myodegeneration and renal tubular nephrosis; renal cortical necrosis with myocardial necrosis was noted in 1 foal. Destruction of the major intracellular compartment (intracellular fluid [ICF]) through extensive myonecrosis combined, in some cases, with myoglobinuric renal insufficiency produced major fluid shifts and life‐threatening electrolyte derangements. With the major ICF compartment disrupted, hyperkalemia was most effectively treated using mineralocorticoids, loop diuretics, and ion exchange resins to enhance elimination. In addition, IV calcium, glucose, insulin, and sodium bicarbonate were administered, which helped redistribute potassium to the ICE Severe rhabdomyolysis should be included in the differential diagnoses of hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia in neonatal foals.
Use of Body Surface Area (BSA)‐Based Dosages to Calculate Chemotherapeutic Drug Dose in Dogs: I. Potential Problems with Current BSA Formulae
Authors: Price G. Sylvester , Frazier Donita L.
Published: March 2010

The dose of most cancer chemotherapeutic drugs administered to dogs is calculated on the basis of estimated body surface area (BSA); however, results of some chemotherapy trials have revealed that this dosing method increases toxicosis in small dogs. The current formula used to estimate BSA in dogs may be inaccurate or the assumption that BSA correlates with chemotherapeutic drug exposure may be unfounded. Results presented in this review suggest that canine BSA estimates may be inaccurate because the values for the constant (K) and exponent (a) in the formulae (BSA = K.Wa) are incorrect or because a linear parameter such as body length is lacking from the formulae. Results that suggest the relationship between BSA and the physiologic/pharmacologic factors that influence drug exposure may not be closely correlated are also presented. Studies are warranted to determine whether there are dosing methods that normalize chemotherapeutic drug toxicity in dogs.
The Sepsis‐Coagulant Axis: A Review
Authors: Weiss Douglas J. , Rashid Javed
Published: March 2010

Activation of coagulation is a normal component of the acute inflammatory response. Inflammatory cytokines initiate coagulation events locally at sites of inflammation by converting endothelium from an antithrombotic surface to a prothrombotic surface; by stimulating tissue factor production, which activates both the extrinsic and intrinsic coagulation systems; and by stimulating production of platelet‐activating factors. The fibrinolytic system is initially activated but is subsequently inhibited. This results in a marked imbalance in coagulation and fibrinolysis resulting in a net procoagulant state. When thrombin generation and platelet activation exceed the body's capacity to inactivate or remove these factors, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) results. DIC directly contributes to multiple organ failure and death associated with sepsis. Presently available treatments (ie, heparin and aspirin) are relatively ineffective in treating DIC; however, newer, more potent drugs may soon be available for clinical use.
Evaluation of Single‐Agent Mitoxantrone as Chemotherapy for Relapsing Canine Lymphoma
Authors: Lucroy Michael D. , Phillips Brenda S. , Kraegel Susan A. , Simonson Eric R. , Madewell Bruce R.
Published: March 2010

Many chemotherapeutic regimens will induce remission in dogs with lymphoma, but almost all dogs suffer relapse. Mitoxantrone was selected for evaluation as single‐agent chemotherapy for relapsing canine lymphoma based on its use in humans undergoing salvage chemotherapy for non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and its tumoricidal effect against canine lymphoma. Dogs entered into study had multicentric lymphoma, and all had been treated solely with a standard combination chemotherapy protocol. At 1st relapse, all dogs were again staged and underwent lymph node biopsy. Mitoxantrone was administered IV at 6 mg/m2every 21 days. Dogs were evaluated for lymphadenopathy before each dose of mitoxantrone. Fifteen dogs were entered into study. The average age (±SEM) of the dogs studied was 7.7 ± 0.91 years, and most dogs were large (mean ± SEM weight, 24.44 ± 2.15 kg). Twelve dogs (80%) had B‐cell lymphoma, and 3 had T‐cell lymphoma. Dogs were staged IV (n = 12) or V (n = 3). The median duration of chemotherapy before entry into the study was 98 days. Overall median duration of response after mitoxantrone chemotherapy was 21 days. Complete responses were attained in 7 of 15 dogs (47%) with a median response duration of 84 days. Nine of 15 (60%) dogs attained a complete remission with additional chemotherapy after failing mitoxantrone chemotherapy. Mild toxicities were observed after mitoxantrone administration. No adverse reactions were observed during mitoxantrone infusions. The results of this study demonstrate that mitoxantrone, as a single agent, has limited value for dogs with lymphoma at 1st relapse after conventional multidrug chemotherapy.
Laryngeal Paralysis‐Polyneuropathy Complex in Young Rottweilers
Authors: Mahony Orla M. , Knowles Kim E. , Braund Kyle G. , Averill Damon R. , Frimberger Angela E.
Published: March 2010

Five Rottweiler puppies from 3 unrelated litters developed inspiratory stridor at 11–13 weeks of age. Physical examination disclosed tetraparesis in all dogs, and bilateral lenticular cataracts in 4 dogs. Laryngeal examination under light anesthesia showed laryngeal paralysis in all dogs. Electrodiagnostic testing revealed denervation potentials in the distal appendicular muscles of 4 dogs tested and in the intrinsic laryngeal muscles of 2 dogs tested. Motor nerve conduction velocity was slightly low in 1 dog. Neurogenic muscular atrophy was found in distal appendicular muscles (n = 3) and intrinsic laryngeal muscles (n = 2), and degenerative changes were found in peripheral nerves (n = 3) and recurrent laryngeal nerves (n = 2). No abnormalities were detected in the spinal cord, spinal nerve roots, or ganglia of 3 dogs autopsied. The clinical, electrophysiologic, and histopathologic findings support a diagnosis of polyneuropathy and resemble the finding reported in young Dalmatians. Young dogs with laryngeal paralysis should be evaluated neurologically to rule out a more generalized polyneuropathy. The condition is suspected to be hereditary in nature and the prognosis is poor.
Signal‐Averaged Electrocardiograms in Normal Doberman Pinschers
Authors: Calvert Clay A. , Jacobs Gilbert J. , Kraus Marc , Brown John
Published: March 2010

Signal‐averaged electrocardiograms (SAECGs) were performed on nonsedated normal dogs in left‐lateral recumbency. Following signal averaging, both time‐domain and 3‐dimensional frequency‐domain analyses were performed. For time‐domain analysis, the high‐frequency QRS (HFQRS) duration, duration of the terminal QRS complex less than 40 μV (LAS40), and root mean square (RMS) voltages (μV) of the terminal 40 milliseconds (RMS40) and 30 milliseconds of the QRS complex were calculated. For frequency‐domain analysis, correlation ratios were calculated for 30‐, 40‐, 50‐, and 60‐millisecond segment lengths begun 10, 15, or 20 milliseconds before the end of the QRS complex. Spectro‐temporal mapping was also performed. All of the parameters of the SAECGs analyzed in the time domain were associated with each other. LAS40and RMS voltages regressed significantly (P< .0000) on the HFQRS duration. Ninety‐five percent of the HFQRSs were 55–75 milliseconds, 95% of the LAS40s were 9–26 milliseconds, and 95% of the RMS40voltages were 177–444 μV. None of the SAECGs contained evidence of ventricular late potentials. Spectro‐temporal maps were similar in each dog when the same segment lengths and starting points were compared. No evidence of ventricular late potentials was observed. Correlation ratios were lower when windowed segments included 15 or 20 milliseconds (versus 10 milliseconds) of the terminal QRS complex. When only 10 milliseconds of the terminal QRS complex were included in windowed segments, the mean correlation ratios for 30‐and 40‐millisecond segment lengths were > 0.8 and > 0.61 in 67% of all analyses, respectively.
Diagnostic Features of Clinical Neurologic Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Authors: Foley Janet E. , Lapointe Jean‐Martin , Koblik Philip , Poland Amy , Pedersen Niels C.
Published: March 2010

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal Arthus‐type immune response of cats to infection with FIP virus, a mutant of the ubiquitous feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). The disease may occur systemically or in any single organ system, and primary neurologic disease is a common subset of such manifestations. We examined 16 domestic cats with clinical neurologic FIP and 8 control cats with nonneurologic FIP, with the intention of identifying the ante‐and postmortem diagnostic tests that most contribute to accurate diagnosis. Of the 16 cats with neurologic FIP, 15 were less than 2 years of age and all 16 originated from large multiplecat households. The most useful antemortem indicators of disease were positive anti‐coronavirus IgG titer in cerebrospinal fluid, high serum total protein concentration, and findings on magnetic resonance imaging suggesting periventricular contrast enhancement, ventricular dilatation, and hydrocephalus. Postmortem diagnosis was facilitated by FIP monoclonal antibody staining of affected tissue and coronavirus‐specific polymerase chain reaction. Most cats with neurologic and ocular forms of FIP had patchy, focal lesions, suggesting that recently developed technologies described in this report may be useful for evaluation of cats with suspected FIP.
Nemaline Rods in Canine Myopathies: 4 Case Reports and Literature Review
Authors: Delauche Agnes J. , Cuddon Paul A. , Podell Michael , Devoe Kim , Powell Henry C. , Shelton G. Diane
Published: March 2010

The diagnosis of nemaline rod myopathy (NM) is based on the presence of numerous pathognomonic rods within a fresh frozen muscle biopsy specimen. Three forms of congenital NM have been described in humans, and rods have been found to occur in various other conditions. A similar myopathy was described in 1986 in a family of cats. In this report, we describe a case of congenital NM in a 10‐month‐old Border Collie, an adult‐onset NM in an 11‐year‐old Schipperke, and 2 acquired myopathies with nemaline rods in adult dogs associated with hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome. Common clinical features included exercise intolerance, abnormal electromyography, and the presence of nemaline rods in fresh, frozen, and glutaraldehyde‐fixed biopsies from proximal appendicular limb muscles. Staining of cryostat sections of muscle biopsy specimens by the modified Gomori trichrome technique disclosed numerous rod bodies that were localized to type 1 fibers by the histochemical adenosine triphosphatase reaction. Accumulation of rods also was demonstrated by electron microscopy in 2 of the cases with localized enlargement and streaming of Z lines. Documentation of NM in a young Border Collie and the adult‐onset form in the Schipperke alerts clinicians to the existence of this disorder in these breeds.
Survival in Dogs with Nasal Adenocarcinoma: 64 Cases (1981–1995)
Authors: Henry Carolyn J. , Brewer William G. , Tyler Jeff W. , Brawner William R. , Henderson Ralph A. , Hankes Gerald H. , Royer Natalie
Published: March 2010

Case records of 64 dogs with nasal adenocarcinoma were reviewed. The effects of age, gender, tumor stage, presence of metastatic lesions, and treatment method on survival time were examined. Surgery groups included rhinotomy (n = 9), transnasal curettage (n = 29), and no surgery (n = 26). Chemotherapy groups included fluorouracil‐cyclophosphamide combination therapy (n = 15), mitoxantrone (n = 7), and no chemotherapy (n = 42). Fifty‐three dogs received fractionated cobalt 60 radiation therapy. Surgical procedure, chemotherapy group, and stage of primary tumor were not significantly associated with survival time (P> .05). Dogs that received radiation therapy had a significantly longer median survival time (424 days) than dogs that did not (126 days) (P= .0001). The presence of either regional lymph node or pulmonary metastasis was associated with significantly shorter median survival time (109 days) when compared to dogs without metastases (393 days) (P= .0125). When only dogs that had received radiation therapy were considered, neither surgical treatment nor chemotherapy group was associated with significant changes in median survival time. An alternate staging system emphasizing the presence or absence of metastases is proposed. Key words: Chemotherapy; Metastasis; Radiotherapy.
Nutritional Alterations and the Effect of Fish Oil Supplementation in Dogs with Heart Failure
Authors: Freeman Lisa M. , Rush John E. , Kehayias Joseph J. , Ross James N. , Meydani Simin N. , Brown Don J. , Dolnikowski Gregory G. , Marmor Bonnie N. , White Michael E. , Dinarello Charles A. , Roubenoff Ronenn
Published: March 2010

Alterations in body composition and nutritional status are common in humans with heart failure and are related, in part, to increases in cytokine concentrations. Cytokines have not been studied previously in dogs with naturally occurring cardiac disease nor has fish oil administration been used in this population to decrease cytokine production. The purposes of this study were to characterize nutritional and cytokine alterations in dogs with heart failure and to test the ability of fish oil to reduce cytokines and improve clinical outcome. Body composition, insulinlike growth factor‐1, fatty acids, and cytokines were measured in 28 dogs with heart failure and in 5 healthy controls. Dogs with heart failure then were randomized to receive either fish oil or placebo for 8 weeks. All parameters were measured again at the end of the study period. At baseline, 54% of dogs with heart failure were cachectic and the severity of cachexia correlated with circulating tumor necrosis factor‐α concentrations (P= .05). Cytokine concentrations at baseline, however, were not significantly increased in dogs with heart failure compared to controls. Baseline plasma arachidonic acid (P= .02), eicosapentaenoic acid (P= .03), and docosahexaenoic acid (P = .004) concentrations were lower in dogs with heart failure than in controls. Fish oil supplementation decreased interleukin‐1β (IL‐1) concentrations (P= .02) and improved cachexia (P= .01) compared to the placebo group. The mean caloric intake of the heart failure dogs as a group was below the maintenance energy requirement (P < .001), but no difference was found in food intake between the fish oil and placebo groups. Insulinlike growth factor‐1 concentrations (P= .01) and reductions in circulating IL‐1 concentrations over the study period (P= .02) correlated with survival. These data demonstrate that canine heart failure is associated with cachexia, alterations in fatty acids, and reduced caloric intake. Fish oil supplementation decreased IL‐1 concentrations and improved cachexia. In addition, reductions in IL‐1 predicted survival, suggesting that anticytokine strategies may benefit patients with heart failure.
Model to Predict Septicemia in Diarrheic Calves
Authors: Lofstedt Jeanne , Dohoo Ian R. , Duizer Glen
Published: March 2010

The difficulty in distinguishing between septicemic and nonsepticemic diarrheic calves prompted a study of variables to predict septicemia in diarrheic calves, 28 days old that were presented to a referral institution. The prevalence of septicemia in the study population was 31%. Variables whose values were significantly different (P < .10) between septicemic and nonsepticemic diarrheic calves were selected using stepwise, forward, and backward logistic regression. Variables identified as potentially useful predictors were used in the final model‐building process. Two final models were selected: 1 based on all possible types of predictors (laboratory model) and 1 based only on demographic data and physical examination results (clinical model). In the laboratory model, 5 variables retained significance: serum creatinine > 5.66 mg/dL (> 500 μmol/L) (odds ratio [OR] = 8.63, P = .021), toxic changes in neutrophils ≥ 21 (OR = 2.88, P = .026), failure of passive transfer (OR = 2.72, P = .023), presence of focal infection (OR = 2.68, P = .024), and poor suckle reflex (OR = 4.10, P = .019). Four variables retained significance in the clinical model: age ≤ 5 days (OR = 2.58, P = .006), presence of focal infection (OR = 2.45, P = .006), recumbency (OR = 2.98, P = .011), and absence of a suckling reflex (OR = 3.03, P = .031). The Hosmer—Lemeshow goodness‐of‐fit chi‐square statistics for the laboratory and clinical models had P‐values of .72 and .37, respectively, indicating that the models fit the observed data reasonably well. The laboratory model outperformed the clinical model by a small margin at a predictabilty cutoff of 0.5, however, the predictive abilities of the 2 models were quite similar. The low sensitivities (39% and 40%) of both models at a predicted probability cutoff of 0.5 meant many septicemic calves were not being detected by the models. The specificity of both models at a predicted probability cutoff of 0.5 was .90%, indicating that .90% of nonsepticemic calves would be predicted to be nonsepticemic by the 2 models. The positive and negative predictive values of the models were 66–82%, which indicated the proportion of cases for which a predictive result would be correct in a population with a prevalence of septicemia of 31%.
Low Concentrations of Cerebrospinal Fluid GABA Correlate to a Reduced Response to Phenobarbital Therapy in Primary Canine Epilepsy
Authors: Podell Michael , Hadjiconstantinou Maria
Published: March 2010

In this study, we investigated whether pretreatment cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurotransmitter concentrations of gamma‐amino‐butyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (GLU) were correlated with response to phenobarbital treatment in dogs with primary epilepsy. Eleven untreated dogs, 6 males and 5 females, with a median age of onset of seizures of 3 years (range: 0.5–5 years) were selected for therapy based on progressive or serious seizure patterns. The median interval between the first observed seizure and start of phenobarbital therapy was 485 days (range: 101–1,765 days). All dogs were purebred, with the exception of 1 male dog. Oral phenobarbital was started at 2.5 mg/kg every 12 hours. Trough serum phenobarbital concentrations were measured at 15, 45, 90, 180, 360, 540, and 720 days after the start of treatment. There was no difference in the mean trough serum concentration or in the mean number of seizures recorded between each time period of phenobarbital measurement over the 2‐year evaluation. No correlation was found between CSF GLU, GABA, or GLU: GABA ratio and the total number of seizures recorded before or after initiation of phenobarbital therapy. Lower CSF GABA concentration, however, was correlated with a lower seizure frequency difference (the total number of seizures before phenobarbital therapy minus the total number of seizures after phenobarbital therapy for an identical time period of evaluation) and lower percentage reduction in seizures: ([total number of seizures before phenobarbital therapy minus the total number of seizures after phenobarbital therapy] divided by the total number of seizures before phenobarbital therapy) X 100. There was no correlation between CSF GLU and the seizure frequency difference and percentage reduction in seizures. A negative correlation between the CSF GLU: GABA ratio and seizure frequency difference was found. Thus, dogs with an initial lower CSF GABA concentration before phenobarbital therapy did not respond as well as did dogs with a higher CSF GABA concentration.
Cardiac Tumors in Dogs: 1982–1995
Authors: Ware Wendy A. , Hopper David L.
Published: March 2010

A Veterinary Medical Database search from 1982 to 1995 identified 1,383 dogs with tumors of the heart from a total population of 729,265 dogs (0.19% incidence). Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) was the most common cardiac tumor identified. In the subset of dogs with specific histologic diagnoses, the number with HSA was almost 10‐fold that of the 2nd most common tumor, aortic body tumor. Primary heart tumors were more common than cardiac metastases. When biologic behavior was noted, most heart tumors were classified as malignant. Cardiac tumors (excluding lymphoma) occurred most often in dogs between the ages of 7 and 15 years. In very old dogs (>15 years), the frequency of cardiac tumors was the same or lower than that of the youngest age group. Tumors occurred with similar frequency in males and females, but the relative risk for spayed females was >4 times that for intact females. For HSA, spayed females had >5 times greater relative risk than did intact females. The risk for castrated males was slightly greater than that for intact males, which had 2.4 times the relative risk of intact females. Thus, neutering appeared to increase the risk of cardiac tumor in both sexes. Intact females were least likely to develop a cardiac tumor, whereas spayed females were most likely to develop a tumor. Twelve breeds had greater than average risk of developing a cardiac tumor, whereas 17 had lower risk.
Effect of 131 I‐Induced Hypothyroidism on Indices of Reproductive Function in Adult Male Dogs
Authors: Johnson Cheri , Olivier N. Bari , Nachreiner Raymond , Mullaney Thomas
Published: March 2010

Hypothyroidism has been cited as a cause of infertility, abnormal semen quality, and poor libido in people and animals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of hypothyroidism on variables indicative of reproductive function in adult male dogs. Nine normal dogs were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Hypothyroidism was induced with131I in 6 dogs. Three dogs remained untreated, normal, and euthyroid. Thyroid hormone concentrations, body weight, clinical signs, and reproductive function were determined for each dog every 3 months for 2 years. Reproductive function was assessed by determining daily sperm output, total scrotal width, spermatozoal motility and morphology, libido, and serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone concentration responses to exogenous gonadotropin‐releasing hormone. The131I‐treated dogs developed clinical and laboratory signs of hypothyroidism. In the hypothyroid dogs, serum concentrations of thyroid hormones were consistently below the reference range and were significantly lower than that in the euthyroid dogs. There was no difference in reproductive function between the hypothyroid and euthyroid dogs. The results of this study show that131I‐induced hypothyroidism does not affect indices of reproductive function in adult male dogs.
Evaluation of the White‐Coat Effect in Cats
Authors: Belew Amy M. , Barlett Tiffani , Brown Scott A.
Published: March 2010

The diagnosis and management of systemic hypertension in cats requires a reliable method for measurement of systemic arterial blood pressure (BP) in clinical patients. Unfortunately, the setting of a clinical practice and the act of measuring BP might raise BP and heart rate (HR), an effect referred to as the white‐coat effect in human patients. The purpose of the present study was to determine if a white‐coat effect was experienced by cats. Radiotelemetric implants were used to measure BP and HR in 13 conscious cats in a research colony while undisturbed in their cages and while subjected to simulated visits to a veterinarian's office. The white‐coat effect was taken to be the difference between the overall 24‐hour average value for parameters of BP and HR and the corresponding value during the simulated office visit. A white‐coat effect was observed in cats. In healthy cats, the systolic BP measured during the examination period of the simulated office visit exceeded the 24‐hour average systolic BP by 17.6 ± 1.5 mm Hg. However, marked heterogeneity occurred in the pattern and magnitude of the increase in systolic BP above the 24‐hour baseline and the increase varied between 75.3 and —27.2 mm Hg for the healthy cats. Variation in response to the simulated office visit was observed among cats and among visits by the same cat. During an office visit, the magnitude of the white‐coat effect tended to decrease, but not disappear, over time. The magnitude of the white‐coat effect varied when cats were subjected to 5 repeat office visits, but did not diminish in the group as a whole. The mean increase in systolic BP during the examination (22.3 ± 0.9 mm Hg) was greater (P< .05) in cats with renal insufficiency. Although the heterogeneity of response expected from companion animals might be greater than that observed in these colony cats, these results indicate that veterinarians should carefully consider the white‐coat effect in evaluation of BP in cats. A quiet, undisturbed environment and adequate time for acclimation should be included in the standard protocol for measurements of BP. Because of day‐to‐day variation in the white‐coat effect in individual cats, multiple serial measurements following a standard protocol should provide the best estimate of BP in cats.
Lomustine (CCNU) for the Treatment of Resistant Lymphoma in Dogs
Authors: Moore Antony S. , London Cheryl A. , Wood Carrie A. , Williams Laurel E. , Cotter Susan M. , L'Heureux Deborah A. , Frimberger Angela E.
Published: March 2010

Forty‐three dogs with lymphoma that had relapsed or had failed to achieve complete remission to previous chemotherapy were treated with lomustine (1‐(2‐chloroethyl)‐3‐cyclohexyl‐l‐nitrosourea [CCNU]) at a dosage of 90–100 mg/m2 body surface area PO every 3 weeks. Durable complete or partial responses occurred in 11 dogs for a median of 86 days. The acutely dose‐limiting toxicosis was neutropenia 7 days after administration, resulting in a recommended dosage of 90 mg/m2. Cumulative thrombocy‐topenia occurred in dogs receiving continued CCNU treatment, and a dose interval of 3 weeks may be too short for continued administration of this drug. Toxicoses evident as fever or central nervous system signs or renal damage were uncommon or rare. CCNU is effective in the treatment of relapsed lymphoma.