bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atracurium administration, as an infusion, to induce neuromuscular blockade in clinically normal and temporarily immune-suppressed cats
Authors: Ilkiw J.E. , Forsyth S.F. , Hill T. , Gregory C.R.
Published: December 2023

Atracurium besylate, a nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent, was administered by infusion to 10 cats that were anesthetized with isoflurane and oxygen to allow transplantation of a myocutaneous flap. Five of the cats were given cyclosporine (20 mg/kg of body weight, po, q 12 h in divided doses) for 2 days prior to anesthesia, and prednisolone (0.25 mg/kg, po) on the morning of surgery. The other 5 cats were not given either drug. Neuromuscular blockade was assessed, using the train-of-four stimulation, and throughout surgery, the infusion rate was adjusted to maintain the first-twitch response (T1) at 90 to 95% depression from baseline. At completion of surgery, atracurium was discontinued, and the infusion rate and the time for recovery (the time for the train-of-four ratio to increase from 50 to 75%) were recorded. Once the train-of-four ratio had been stable for 10 minutes, edrophonium (0.5 mg/kg), a cholinesterase inhibitor, was administered iv, and neuromuscular blockade was monitored for another 10 minutes.

Mean (±sd) duration of the atracurium infusion was 302.1 ± 70.5 minutes for the control group and was 323.9 ± 61.7 minutes for the cats given cyclosporine and prednisolone. In the cats of the control group, the infusion rate required to induce 90 to 95% T1 depression from baseline was 3.7 ± 0.7 μg/kg/min. This rate was not significantly different from that of 2.8 ± 1.2 μg/kg/min in cats given cyclosporine and prednisolone. Significant difference in recovery time was not evident between the control group and the treated group (6.4 ± 4.5 minutes vs 6.2 ± 2.5 minutes).

In this study, administration of atracurium by continuous infusion proved to be a suitable method of obtaining neuromuscular blockade for a prolonged period. Administration of cyclosporine and prednisolone did not affect the infusion rate of atracurium required to depress the first twitch by 90 to 95% and did not affect return of neuromuscular function.
Safety and efficacy of ivermectin against ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) in ranch foxes
Authors: Foreyt William J.
Published: December 2023

Efficacy of ivermectin at a dosage of 0.2 mg/kg of body weight was evaluated against naturally acquired ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) infestation in commercially raised ranch foxes (Vulpes fulva). Efficacy of ivermectin given sc twice at 3-week intervals was 97.4%. Toxicosis associated with drug treatment was not observed. Increased dosage of 1.0 mg/kg was given sc to 5 foxes each week for 6 consecutive weeks, and signs of toxicosis or illness were not observed after treatment.
Economic effects of mastitis prevention strategies for dairy producers
Authors: Miller Gay Y. , Bartlett Paul C.
Published: December 2023

For efficient disease management in dairy production, the influence of disease prevention strategies on farm profitability must be known. A survey of mastitis control practices, milking machine function and maintenance, and cow environmental conditions was conducted with 406 dairy producers on the Michigan Dairy Herd Improvement-somatic cell counting program responding. These survey data, in conjunction with Dairy Herd Improvement production data, were used to develop a model estimating the marginal value products of mastitis control practices. Lost milk production associated with increased somatic cell count was calculated for each herd. Mastitis control practices, milking machine function and maintenance, and cow environmental conditions were used as independent variables in an analysis of covariance model with lost milk production as the dependent variable. Variables significant in explaining changes in production from increased somatic cell count were the use of teat dip, use of sanitizer in the wash water, milking cow bedding, summer nonlactating cow housing, summer calving locations, type of regulator, alternating pulsation, and rolling herd average milk production. The marginal value product (change in revenues received) from the use of iodine, chlorhexidine, and quaternary ammonium-type teat dips were $13.79, $16.09, and $22.17/cow/year, respectively, and these changes were statistically significant. However, sanitizer in the wash water was associated with a decrease in production. Management practices that have previously been shown to be economical and did not appear in the final model included nonlactating cow therapy and single-use paper towels.
Personal relationships in the veterinary clinic
Authors: Hughes Laurel , Hughes William H.
Published: December 2023

In the first installment of this two-part series (JAVMA, May 15), relationships in the clinic were compared with relationships in a family. Whereas families are made up of marital, parenting, and child subsystems, the clinic setting consists of professional, employer, and employee subsystems. All of these subsystems come with defined roles and expectations, and the extent to which these boundaries are respected affects how well the entire system will function. Problems in families such as incest, battery, and other forms of dysfunction often erupt because of poor boundary protection. In the following segment, the authors describe how boundary problems cause difficulties in the work setting—Ed.
Effect of latex and vinyl examination gloves on canine spermatozoal motility
Authors: Althouse G. C. , Ko J. C. H. , Hopkins S. M. , Evans L. E.
Published: December 2023

Two experiments were conducted to determine whether contact with latex or vinyl examination gloves affects canine spermatozoal motility. In experiment 1, semen was collected by digital manipulation from each of 5 dogs, and initial spermatozoal motility was assessed. The ejaculate was divided into 5 equal subsamples of 2 ml each, then randomly assigned to a control group, or treated with a 0.5-cm2 piece of latex or vinyl glove with or without talcum powder. After such exposure, spermatozoal motility was assessed at 1 and 5 minutes. Talcum powder within latex or vinyl glove treatments had no significant effect on spermatozoal motility at either period. Spermatozoal motility in samples did not differ between the control and vinyl glove groups; however, latex glove-treated samples were found to have a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in spermatozoal motility at 1 and 5 minutes. In experiment 2, the effects of latex and vinyl gloves on canine spermatozoal motility during a sham laboratory manipulation was performed. Three ejaculates of approximately 10 ml were collected from each of 5 dogs and randomly assigned, within each dog, to be either a control (no glove exposure) or allowed to briefly contact either a latex or vinyl glove during sample manipulation. Spermatozoal motility was assessed for each sample immediately prior to and at 1 minute after manipulation. Exposure of semen to latex gloves significantly (P < 0.05) decreased sample spermatozoal motility, whereas vinyl glove exposure had a minimal (P > 0.05) effect. Results of this study indicate that contact of dog semen with latex gloves may have a detrimental effect on spermatozoal motility; therefore, when working with semen, contact of the gloves with the semen sample should be avoided. Because vinyl gloves had a minimal effect on spermatozoal motility in this study, their use is recommended over that of latex gloves.
Development of a whole killed feline leukemia virus vaccine
Authors: York Sonia M. , York Charles J.
Published: December 2023

A whole killed FeLV vaccine was developed. By use of a chromatography method of purification and concentration, the resulting vaccine has been shown to be significantly lower in bovine serum albumin and total protein contents than were the same ingredients in the starting materials. The virus was inactivated or killed as an essential part of the vaccine development process. Vaccination trials with the vaccine without use of adjuvants indicated appreciable virus-neutralizing serum titer (≥ 1:10) in 107 of 110 vaccinated cats. Of 43 cats vaccinated and subsequently challenge exposed with virulent FeLV, only 2 developed persistent virus antigenemia (longer than 1 month), whereas 14 of 22 nonvaccinated control cats developed persistent viremia. In field tests, 2,770 cats from 6 states were vaccinated and observed. Postvaccinal reactions were not observed.
Comparison of the efficacy of three commercial feline leukemia virus vaccines in a natural challenge exposure
Authors: Legendre Alfred M. , Hawks Darren M. , Sebring Randal , Rohrbach Bart , Chavez Lloyd , Chu Hsien-Jue , Acree William M.
Published: December 2023

Forty-seven kittens were exposed for 31 weeks to 12 FeLV-positive carrier cats. The carrier cats were infected with 2 laboratory strains of FeLV and at least 2 strains of street virus. Eleven nonvaccinated control kittens and 12 vaccinated kittens were allotted to 3 groups. After 31 weeks of exposure, the following kittens were persistently blood FeLV positive by elisa and immunofluorescence antibody (ifa) testing: 7 of the 11 control kittens, 0 of 12 kittens inoculated with vaccine A, 5 of 12 kittens inoculated with vaccine B, and 6 of 12 kittens inoculated with vaccine C. Only the kittens inoculated with vaccine A were significantly (P < 0.05) different from the control group. After 23 weeks of exposure, culture was done to identify FeLV in the bone marrow of the kittens. Feline leukemia virus was isolated from the bone marrow of 9 of 11 control kittens. Virus was isolated from the bone marrow of 5 of 12 kittens inoculated with vaccine A, 11 of 12 kittens inoculated with vaccine B, and 10 of 12 kittens inoculated with vaccine C. Of the 17 cats that had FeLV isolated only from culture of bone marrow (negative results of blood virus isolation, elisa, and ifa testing), 13 eliminated the virus from the bone marrow by week 31 of exposure. After 31 weeks of exposure, FeLV was isolated from the bone marrow of 8 of 11 control kittens, O of 12 kittens inoculated with vaccine A, 7 of 12 kittens inoculated with vaccine B, and 7 of 12 kittens inoculated with vaccine C.
Relationship between development of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in dogs and the subsequent development of limb/joint borreliosis
Authors: Levy Steven A. , Magnarelli Louis A.
Published: December 2023

The relationship between antibody production and the subsequent development of limb/joint disorders of borreliosis was examined in dogs from south central Connecticut. Dogs without signs of illness, determined by physical examination, were selected from dogs being tested for Dirofilaria immitis. An elisa was used to detect antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi in 234 apparently healthy dogs during 1988. These dogs were monitored for 20 months after initial analyses to determine the prevalence of limb/joint disorder in seropositive and seronegative dogs. Of 234 dogs from which samples were initially obtained, 125 had antibodies to B burgdorferi and 109 were seronegative. The development of limb/joint disorder (eg, lameness, swelling, and signs of pain) accompanied by lethargy, fever, and inappetence in each group was nearly equal. Rates of 4.8% (6/125) and 4.6% (5/109) were recorded for seropositive and seronegative dogs, respectively. We conclude that serosurvey of apparently healthy dogs had no predictive value for the subsequent development of limb/joint disorder.
Prognosis for dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma treated by amputation alone: 162 cases (1978-1988)
Authors: Spodnick Gary J. , Berg John , Rand William M. , Schelling Scott H. , Couto Guillermo , Harvey H. Jay , Henderson Ralph A. , MacEwen Gregory , Mauldin Neal , McCaw Dudley L. , Moore Antony S. , Morrison Wallace , Norris Alan M. , O'Bradovich Joyce , O'Keefe Deborah A. , Page Rodney , Ruslander David , Klausner Jeff , Straw Rodney , Thompson James P. , Withrow Stephen J.
Published: December 2023

Long-term follow-up information pertaining to 162 dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma treated by amputation alone was collected from 17 veterinary institutions. The majority (72.5%) of dogs died or were euthanatized because of problems documented to be related to metastases. The first clinically apparent sites of metastasis were the lungs (60.8% of total), the skeleton (5.2%), or both (4.6%). A Kaplan-Meier survivorship distribution was plotted on the basis of available survival time data in all 162 dogs. The mean and median survival times were estimated to be 19.8 and 19.2 weeks, respectively, and the 1- and 2-year survival rates were estimated to be 11.5 and 2.0% respectively.

Statistically significant relationships were not found between survival time and reporting institution, gender, site of primary tumor, whether the primary tumor was proximally or distally located, whether the primary tumor was located in the forelimb or hind limb, whether presurgical biopsy was performed, and whether death was tumor related. A significant (P < 0.01) quadratic relationship was found between age and survival time. Survival time was longest in dogs 7 to 10 years old and was shorter in older and younger dogs.
Rabies in horses: 21 cases (1970-1990)
Authors: Green Sherril L. , Smith Laura L. , Vernau William , Beacock Susan M.
Published: December 2023

The records of 21 horses with rabies were reviewed. Results of fluorescent antibody testing for rabies antigen in brain tissue were positive in each case. According to the histories, 5 of the horses had been vaccinated for rabies between 4 to 24 months prior to the onset of the clinical signs. Bite wounds were not observed on any of the horses, and exposure to a suspected rabid animal was witnessed in only 5 cases. Clinical signs of disease at the time of initial examination included ataxia and paresis of the hindquarters (9/21, 43%), lameness (5/21, 24%), recumbency (3/21, 14%), pharyngeal paralysis (2/21, 10%), and colic (2/21, 10%). The major clinical signs observed over the course of hospitalization included recumbency (21/21; 100%), hyperesthesia (17/21; 81%), loss of tail and anal sphincter tone (12/21; 57%), fever (11/21; 52%), and ataxia and paresis of the hindquarters (11/21; 52%). Mean survival time after the onset of clinical signs was 4.47 days (range, 1 to 7 days). Supportive treatment, given to 9 horses, had no effect on survival time and did not correlate with the detection of negri bodies at necropsy.

Cerebrospinal fluid (csf) was obtained from 6 horses and was determined to be abnormal in 5. The most common abnormality was a slightly high total cell count (5/6), with a predominance of lymphocytes (4/6). The csf total protein concentration was high in only 2 horses.

At necropsy, there was gross evidence of diffuse brain edema, meningeal congestion, and focal areas of hemorrhage in 5 horses (24%). The major histologic findings included diffuse perivascular cuffing with leukocytes (predominantly lymphocytes) in the meninges and neural parenchyma (14/21; 67%), neuronal degeneration and neuronaphagia (11/21; 52%), gliosis (9/21; 43%), and malacia of the gray matter of the spinal cord (6/21; 28%). Negri bodies were not identified in brain tissue of 11 horses (53%). Horses that survived 4 or more days after the onset of clinical signs were significantly (P < 0.025) more likely to have negri bodies in the neural tissues.
Effects of lasalocid on coccidial infection and growth in young dairy calves
Authors: Sinks Glendon D. , Quigley James D. , Reinemeyer Craig R.
Published: December 2023

Effects of lasalocid on coccidial infection and on calf growth were examined in 16 Holstein bull calves. Calves were assigned randomly to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of starter ration containing 0 or 40 mg of lasalocid/kg of starter, beginning when calves were 3 days old (se = 0.046), and single oral inoculation with 0 or 30,000 sporulated oocysts (Eimeria bovis) at 28 days. Pelleted calf starter was fed ad libitum from day 1; milk replacer was fed at a rate of 3.6 kg/d until day 28. Mean daily gain, dry-matter intake, and body weight were increased in calves fed lasalocid and decreased in those inoculated with coccidia. Addition of lasalocid to the feed improved gains by 8% in uninoculated calves and by 50% in inoculated calves. Fecal oocyst numbers were reduced when lasalocid was fed to inoculated calves. Feces were more abnormal in calves inoculated with coccidia. Respiration rates, rectal temperatures, pcv, and serum sodium and potassium concentrations were unaffected by treatment. On the basis of findings in this study, lasalocid minimized effects of coccidial challenge inoculation and increased growth of calves.
Serologic prevalence of selected infectious diseases in cats with uveitis
Authors: Lappin Michael R. , Marks Amanda , Greene Craig E. , Collins James K. , Carman Jane , Reif John S. , Powell Cynthia C.
Published: December 2023

Serologic evidence of infection by Toxoplasma gondii, feline leukemia virus, feline coronaviruses, or feline immunodeficiency virus (fiv) is commonly found in cats with uveitis. Serum samples from 124 cats with uveitis were assayed by use of elisa for the detection of T gondii-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgG, and circulating antigens (Ag), as well as an elisa for feline leukemia virus Ag, an elisa for antibodies to fiv, and an indirect fluorescent antibody assay for antibodies to feline coronaviruses. Serologic evidence of infection by 1 or more of the infectious agents was detected in 83.1% of the samples. Serologic evidence of T gondii infection, defined as the detection of T gondii-specific IgM, IgG, or Ag in serum, was found in 74.2% of the samples. The seroprevalence of T gondii infection was significantly greater in cats with uveitis than in healthy cats from a similar geographic area. Serum samples from cats with serologic evidence of both T gondii and fiv infections were more likely to contain T gondii-specific IgM without IgG than samples from cats with serologic evidence of T gondii infection alone. Cats with serologic evidence of fiv and T gondii coinfection had a higher T gondii-specific IgM titer geometric mean and a lower T gondii-specific IgG titer geometric mean than did cats with serologic evidence of T gondii infection alone. Serologic evaluation for T gondii infection should include assays that detect IgM, IgG, and Ag, particularly in cats coinfected with fiv.
In vitro susceptibility to antimycotics of Microsporum canis isolates from cats
Authors: Puccini S. , Valdré A. , Papini R. , Mancianti F.
Published: December 2023

One hundred thirty-four isolates of Microsporum canis, obtained from cats, were tested for in vitro susceptibility to various antifungal agents. The fungi were classified as susceptible, resistant, and intermediate by measuring the size of the zone of inhibited growth on yeast nitrogen base agar medium. Clotrimazole had the highest activity (99.2%), followed by tioconazole (89.6%), griseofulvin (88.8%), econazole (73.1%), ketoconazole (50.7%), miconazole (15.7%), and isoconazole (12.7%). We found 14.9% of the isolates to be susceptible to all the assayed drugs, whereas the highest resistance frequency (41.8%) was against 2 antimycotics. A simultaneous resistance to all the tested antimycotics was not found. The differences among the antifungal drugs activity were examined, and administration of drugs for which a simultaneous resistance was minimal is suggested.
Jejunal intussusception in adult horses: 11 cases (1981-1991)
Authors: Gift Lisa J. , Gaughan Earl M. , DeBowes Richard M. , Pintchuk Pamela A. , Nickels Frank A. , Foreman Jonathan H.
Published: December 2023

Medical records of 11 adult horses with jejunal intussusception examined at 5 veterinary teaching hospitals between 1981 and 1991 were reviewed. Nine of 11 horses had signs of acute abdominal discomfort for <24 hours, whereas 2 horses had a history of chronic signs. Five of 11 horses had an intraluminal or intramural mass associated with the jejunal intussusception.

Two horses died or were euthanatized prior to surgery. Partial jejunal resection and jejunojejunal anastomosis were performed in 9 horses. One horse died during surgery and 2 were euthanatized prior to hospital discharge because of postoperative complications. Four of the 6 horses that were discharged from the hospital survived from 16 months to 6 years and returned to their previous level of performance. One horse died 3 months after surgery from unknown causes, and 1 horse was lost to long-term follow-up evaluation.
Evaluation of a method of ureteroneocystostomy in cats
Authors: Kochin Edward J. , Gregory Clare R. , Wisner Erik , Cain Gary , Gourley I. M.
Published: December 2023

Renal transplantation is a successful treatment for terminal renal failure in cats. Ureteral obstruction at the bladder wall or stoma has been a technical complication encountered in approximately 50% of clinical transplants. The small (0.4 mm) diameter of the feline ureter makes standard techniques described for ureteroneocystostomy unsatisfactory for cats. In this study, we used microsurgical techniques to appose ureteral mucosa to intact bladder mucosa in an attempt to form a stricture-free stoma. In each of 5 anatomically normal cats, 1 ureter was microsurgically implanted in the bladder. Ul-trasonographic examination of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder was performed twice weekly for 8 weeks. Excretory urography was performed at postoperative weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12.

Biopsy specimens were taken from the kidney on the surgically treated side 4 weeks after surgery. At 12 weeks, the kidney, ureter, and ureterovesical junction from the treated side were removed and submitted for histologic evaluation. At 1 week, all cats had enlargement of the kidney, renal pelvis, and ureteral lumen on the treated side. This enlargement gradually decreased, and by week 8, there was no difference in comparison with the control side. Ureteroneocystostomy that requires tunneling of the ureter through the bladder wall may result in hydroureter and hydronephrosis, which may resolve. Recognition of these changes may prevent unwarranted surgical intervention in cases of suspected obstruction.

The technique described in this study has been used in 15 cats receiving renal allografts. None required surgical correction of ureteral obstruction.
Evaluation of single-agent chemotherapy for treatment of clinically evident osteosarcoma metastases in dogs: 45 cases (1987-1991)
Authors: Ogilvie Gregory K. , Straw Rodney C. , Jameson Vicki J. , Walters Lisa M. , Lafferty Mary H. , Powers Barbara E. , Withrow Stephen J.
Published: December 2023

A study was undertaken to determine the effect chemotherapy had when used to treat 45 dogs with measurable metastatic osteosarcoma. The primary tumor was histologically confirmed as an osteosarcoma in each case. Thirty-nine dogs had the primary tumor surgically removed. Twenty-four of these dogs were treated adjunctively with cisplatin (70 mg/m2 of body surface, IV, q 3 weeks; median 2 doses, range 1 to 6 doses) prior to the onset of metastasis. The remaining 6 dogs from which the primary tumor was not surgically removed were diagnosed as having metastatic osteosarcoma in addition to the primary tumor on initial examination.

The median time from initial examination until the development of metastatic disease was 115 days (range, 27 to 1,199 days). The location of the metastatic disease was lungs (31 dogs), bone (3 dogs), soft tissue (1 dog), and multiple sites including lungs, bone, and soft tissue sites (10 dogs). The metastatic lesions were confirmed by pretreatment biopsy (n = 8) or cytologic evaluation (n = 2) in 10 cases and at necropsy in 27 cases. The remaining 8 cases were diagnosed radiographically as multiple metastatic lesions in the lungs consistent with metastatic osteosarcoma.

The metastatic disease was treated with cisplatin in 31 dogs (70 mg/m2, IV, q 3 weeks; median 2 doses, range 1 to 4 doses), doxorubicin in 11 dogs (30 mg/m2, IV, q 3 weeks; median 2 doses, range 1 to 3 doses), and mitoxantrone in 3 dogs (5 mg/m2, IV, q 3 weeks; median 2 doses, range 1 to 3 doses). Eight dogs that had metastatic disease treated with cisplatin were also given doxorubicin; 2 dogs treated with either doxorubicin or mitoxantrone were treated subsequently with cisplatin. The extent of neoplastic disease was determined immediately before the first dose of chemotherapy, and then every 3 to 6 weeks thereafter unless the dog had signs compatible with progressive disease, in which case, an evaluation was done more frequently. Each dog was treated with one chemotherapeutic agent until the dog developed progressive disease, or until the dog's quality of life diminished to an unacceptable level as determined by the owner or attending veterinarian. One dog treated with doxorubicin achieved partial remission. The duration of the partial remission was 21 days, and the lesion was confirmed to be osteosarcoma on necropsy 159 days after the metastatic disease was diagnosed. The median survival time of the other 44 dogs that did not respond to treatment from the time the metastatic disease was diagnosed was 61 days (range, 14 to 192 days). Cisplatin, doxorubicin, and mitoxantrone chemotherapy appear to be ineffective for the treatment of measurable metastatic osteosarcoma in the dog.
Idiopathic immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs: 42 cases (1986-1990)
Authors: Klag Alan R. , Giger Urs , Shofer Frances S.
Published: December 2023

Forty-two cases of Coombs' positive or agglutinating immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (imha) in dogs were reviewed. Dogs ranged in age from 1 to 13 years, with a mean age of 6.4 ± 3.4 years. The majority of dogs (74%) tested positive for IgG antibodies without complement. Spherocytosis was seen in 67% of the dogs, but hemoglobinemia and hemoglobinuria were found in only 10%. Marked bilirubinuria was found in all the dogs. A significant seasonal incidence was observed, with 40% of all cases diagnosed during the months of May and fune. Severe anemia, with pcv ≤ 20% was observed in 37 dogs (88%). Sixteen dogs (38%) had moderate to severe reticulocytosis and 12 dogs (29%) had mild reticulocytosis. Thus, the absence of reticulocytosis should not be used to rule out a diagnosis of imha. Concomitant mild to severe thrombocytopenia was observed in 28 dogs (67%). A mortality of 29% was observed during hospitalization. Risk of death was significantly increased in dogs without marked reticulocytosis, those with lower pcv, and dogs with serum bilirubin concentrations ≥ 10 mg/dl. In severe cases of imha, rapid and aggressive supportive therapy is required.
Performance of a Borrelia burgdorferi bacterin in borreliosis-endemic areas
Authors: Levy Steven A. , Lissman Barry A. , Ficke Christopher M.
Published: December 2023

The safety and efficacy of a commercially available Borrelia burgdorferi bacterin were examined under field conditions in 1,969 dogs that received a total of 4,033 doses of bacterin during a 20-month period. For comparison, 4,498 dogs that were not vaccinated also were evaluated. All dogs were examined at 1 of 3 veterinary practices in borreliosis-endemic areas. Owners of all dogs were educated about the benefits of and methods for avoiding infected ticks.

Vaccination was found to be safe regardless of previous exposure to B burgdorferi or history of borreliosis. Thirty-eight (1.9%) of the 1,969 dogs had minor reactions; 1 of these dogs had a reaction after the first and second doses of B burgdorferi bacterin. Reactions resolved without complications immediately or within 72 hours after vaccination. Cumulative incidence of borreliosis was 1.0% (20/1,969) in vaccinated dogs and 4.7% (211/4,498) in nonvaccinated dogs. Preventable fraction, a measure of the reduction of incidence of disease in vaccinated dogs vs nonvaccinated dogs, was 78%. Preventable fraction in dogs that were seropositive prior to vaccination (ie, previously exposed to B burgdorferi) was 58% and in dogs that were seronegative prior to vaccination (ie, without evidence of prior exposure to B burgdorferi) was 86%. This suggested that, in borreliosis-endemic areas, dogs may be most effectively protected by vaccinating them when they are young and before they are exposed to infected ticks, and that in areas where borreliosis is not endemic, it may be useful to initiate vaccination programs so that dogs will be protected prior to exposure to infected ticks.
Effect of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole on thyroid function in dogs with pyoderma
Authors: Hall Iain A. , Campbell Karen L. , Chambers Mark D. , Davis Carol N.
Published: December 2023

The effect of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (t/smx, 30 mg/kg, po, q 12 h for 6 weeks) on thyroid function was evaluated in 21 dogs with pyoderma and normal baseline serum thyroxine concentrations. The population mean serum thyroxine concentration, but not the population mean serum triiodothyronine concentration, was significantly decreased at the end of treatment. After 6 weeks of treatment, the response in 3 dogs to thyrotropin administration was substantially reduced. Radionuclide thyroid imaging of 2 dogs after t/smx treatment revealed higher-than-normal thyroid technetium 99m pertechnetate uptake, suggestive of an interference with iodide metabolism.

Use of t/smx may cause hypothyroidism, and inadequate thyroid function may be incorrectly diagnosed in dogs treated with this antimicrobial.
Clearance of Shigella flexneri carriers in a zoologic collection of primates
Authors: Banish Linda D. , Sims Robert , Bush Mitchell , Sack David , Montali Richard J.
Published: December 2023

In 1990, a high prevalence of Shigella flexneri was documented in the gibbon population at the National Zoological Park. The enzootic strain had been determined to be resistant to most antibiotics and had been responsible for animal deaths. Prevalence of Shigella spp was high in the entire primate population. To address the clinical problem, eradication was attempted by use of enrofloxacin. Facilities disinfection comprised a large part of Shigella clearance efforts. After the clearance protocol was completed gibbons, vs other primate species, were closely monitored for 16 months by subjecting their feces to bacteriologic culturing.

The program was successful, with eradication of the problematic strain of S flexneri. However, 10 to 12 months after completion of treatments, S sonnei was isolated from feces of 3 animals living in the same housing facility.
Assessment of corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme as a screening test for hyperadrenocorticism in dogs
Authors: Solter Philip F. , Hoffmann Walter E. , Hungerford Laura L. , Peterson Mark E. , Dorner Joseph L.
Published: December 2023

Quantitative determination of the corticosteroid-induced isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (cap) was evaluated as a screening test for hyperadrenocorticism (hac) in dogs. A series of 40 dogs with hac (cap range, 96 to 14,872 U/L), 30 clinically normal dogs (cap range, 0 to 38 U/L), and 80 dogs with various diseases (non-hac) and without history of exogenous glucocorticoid exposure for a minimum of 60 days (cap range, 0 to 1163 U/L) were used to evaluate the test. Sensitivity and specificity of cap was calculated at various cutoff points for absolute cap activity and for cap activity expressed as a percentage of total alkaline phosphatase activity. A cutoff point of 90 U/L was selected as optimal for use of this assay as a screening test for hac. A prevalence survey then was done of all canine serum samples submitted to our diagnostic laboratory over a 3-month period, to calculate the predictive values of a positive and a negative test result in a clinical population and to determine the relative frequency and magnitude of cap activity in dogs that had received glucocorticoids. The predictive values of a positive and a negative test result at the 90 U/L cutoff value were 21.43% (95% confidence limits, 8.3 to 40.95%) and 100% (95% confidence limit > 96%), respectively. It was concluded that cap isoenzyme activity, determined by routine biochemical analysis by an automated levamisole-inhibition assay, could function as a screening test for hac, however, (the predictive value of a positive test result was too low to recommend the assay as a diagnostic test. The cap activity was > 90 U/L in 52% of dogs receiving glucocorticoids, emphasizing the importance of treatment history in the use of this test. To help eliminate possible workup bias, an additional set of serum samples from 30 dogs diagnosed as having hac at a second institution also were analyzed. Sensitivity of the assay in this sample group, using the 90 U/L cutoff value, was 83.3% (95% confidence limits, 65.3 to 94.4%), suggesting that test sensitivity may vary, depending on the institution in which the assay is used and the selection of cases for diagnostic workup.
Concentration of α1-acid glycoprotein in dogs with malignant neoplasia
Authors: Ogilvie Gregory K. , Walters Lisa M. , Greeley Shannon G. , Henkel Susan E. , Salman Mowafak D.
Published: December 2023

Serum α1-acid glycoprotein (α1ag) concentrations were determined in 55 dogs with previously untreated, histologically confirmed, high-grade lymphoblastic lymphoma, and in 34 dogs with histologically confirmed nonhematopoietic malignancies (13 dogs with carcinomas and 21 dogs with sarcomas). Serum concentrations were again determined in 32 dogs with lymphoma that were in complete remission 3 weeks after 1 dose of doxorubicin (30 mg/m2 of body surface, iv) and in 22 dogs that were still in complete remission 3 weeks after a fourth dose of doxorubicin. For comparison, serum α1ag concentrations were measured in 19 clinically normal (control) dogs of similar weight and age. Eight of the control dogs were given 1 dose of doxorubicin (30 mg/m2, iv), and serum α1ag concentrations were measured 3 weeks later.

In control dogs, mean serum α1ag concentration after treatment with doxorubicin was not significantly different from mean concentration before treatment. Mean α1ag concentrations in untreated dogs with lymphoma, in dogs with sarcomas, and in dogs with carcinomas were all significantly higher than mean concentration for untreated control dogs. In addition, the mean concentration for dogs with osteosarcomas was significantly higher than mean concentration for untreated control dogs. There were no significant differences in mean serum α1ag concentrations among dogs with different clinical stages of lymphoma (stage IIIa, stage IVa, stage Va). However, mean serum α1ag concentrations were were significantly increased for dogs with stages IIIa,, IVa, and Va lymphoma, compared with mean concentration for untreated control dogs. Mean serum α1ag concentrations were significantly decreased in dogs with lymphoma that were in complete remission after either 1 or 4 doses of doxorubicin, compared with mean concentration in dogs with lymphoma that had not been treated.
Evaluation of a feline leukemia virus vaccine in a controlled natural transmission study
Authors: Lafrado Louis J.
Published: December 2023

Twenty-six 8-week-old specific-pathogen-free cats were vaccinated subcutaneously with 2 doses of a commercially available FeLV vaccine, and 26 age-matched specific-pathogen-free cats were similarly vaccinated with a placebo vaccine containing the same adjuvant as the FeLV vaccine. Cats then were randomly assigned to 2 groups of 26 cats (13 FeLV-vaccinated cats and 13 control cats), and each group was housed with 5 cats previously inoculated with FeLV. AU cats were tested biweekly for the next 26 weeks for evidence of FeLV antigenemia. Five of the 26 control cats developed antigenemia. However, 4 of these cats were only transiently antigénémie (positive results for 3 consecutive biweekly samples) and only 1 was persistently antigénémie. None of the FeLV-vaccinated cats developed antigenemia. Preventable fraction was calculated to be 100%.
Milk production in cows with endotoxin-induced mastitis treated with isotonic or hypertonic sodium chloride solution
Authors: Tyler Jeff W. , DeGraves Fred J. , Erskine Ronald J. , Riddell M. Gatz , Lin Hui-Chu , Kirk John H.
Published: December 2023

Milk production was monitored in 16 cows for 6 milkings after intramammary infusion of 1 mg of endotoxin in a single forequarter. The cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups; 8 cows were treated with isotonic saline solution and 8 cows were treated with hypertonic saline solution. Saline solutions were administered IV (5 ml/kg of body weight) 4 hours after infusion of endotoxin. Mean cumulative change in milk yield and interval change in milk yield were greater in cows treated with isotonic saline solution than in cows treated with hypertonic saline solution. Significant differences between treatment groups were not detected.
Topical use of 5-fluorouracil for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the external genitalia of horses: 11 cases (1988–1992)
Authors: Fortier Lisa A. , Mac Harg Margaret A.
Published: December 2023

Ten horses with histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma (scc) and 1 horse with presumptive scc of the external genitalia were treated with a combination of surgical debridement and topical administration of 5-fluorouracil, or with topical treatment alone. Tumor remission was obtained in all horses except 1 in which owner compliance was deficient, and no recurrences have been reported. Topical use of 5-fluorouracil as a chemotherapeutic agent for treatment of genital lesions of scc in horses should be considered as a viable alternative to radical surgical excision.
Efficacy of, and toxicoses associated with, oral idarubicin administration in cats with neoplasia
Authors: Moore Antony S. , Ruslander David , Cotter Susan M. , Rand William M. , L'Heureux Deborah A.
Published: December 2023

Idarubicin, a new synthetic anthracycline analogue, was administered orally to 34 cats with spontaneous tumors. The maximum tolerated dosage was determined to be 2 mg/cat/d given for 3 consecutive days every 3 weeks. Anorexia and leukopenia were found to be dose limiting in cats receiving the drug at a higher dosage. The most common toxicoses seen at the maximum tolerated dosage were leukopenia, anorexia, and vomiting; however, development of toxicoses was not found to be associated with sex, FeLV test result, tumor type, dosage, age, or weight.

Idarubicin (2 mg/cat/d for 3 days, q 3 wks) was used to treat 18 cats with lymphoma in which complete remission had been achieved by administration of other chemotherapeutic agents. Median remission duration for these cats was comparable to that reported for cats treated with other protocols. We concluded that orally administered idarubicin would be useful in the treatment of cats with lymphoma.
Adrenalectomy for treatment of hyperadrenocorticism in cats: 10 cases (1988-1992)
Authors: Duesberg Cindy A. , Nelson Richard W. , Feldman Edward C. , Vaden Shelly L. , Scott-Moncrieff J. Catharine R.
Published: December 2023

Outcome of and complications associated with bilateral adrenalectomy in 8 cats with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism and bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia and outcome of and complications associated with unilateral adrenalectomy in 2 cats with adrenocortical tumor (adrenocortical adenoma, 1 cat; adrenocortical carcinoma, 1 cat) and unilateral adrenomegaly were determined. Glucocorticoids were administered to all cats at the time of surgery, and mineralocorticoids were administered to the 8 cats that underwent bilateral adrenalectomy. A ventral midline celiotomy was performed in all cats.

Intraoperative complications did not develop in any cat. Postoperative complications developed in all cats and included abnormal serum electrolyte concentrations (n = 8), skin lacerations (n = 5), pancreatitis (n = 3), hypoglycemia (n = 2), pneumonia (n = 1), and venous thrombosis (n = 1). Three cats died within 5 weeks after surgery of complications associated with sepsis (n = 2) or thromboembolism (n = 1). Clinical signs and physical abnormalities caused by hyperadrenocorticism resolved in the remaining 7 cats 2 to 4 months after adrenalectomy. Insulin treatment was discontinued in 4 of 6 cats with diabetes mellitus. Median survival time for these 7 cats was 12 months (range, 3 to > 30 months). Two cats died of acute adrenocortical insufficiency 3 and 6 months after bilateral adrenalectomy, 2 cats were euthanatized because of chronic renal failure 3 and 12 months after bilateral (n = 1) or unilateral (n = 1) adrenalectomy, and 2 cats were alive 9 and 14 months after bilateral adrenalectomy. In the remaining cat, clinical signs recurred 10 months after the cat had undergone unilateral adrenalectomy. The remaining adrenal gland was found to contain an adrenocortical adenoma and was removed. The cat was doing well when it was lost to follow-up 15 months after the second surgery.
Use of performance ratios to calculate the economic impact of thin cows in a beef cattle herd
Authors: Wikse Steven E. , Herd Dennis B. , Field Robert W. , Holland Patricia S. , McGrann James Μ. , Thompson James A. , White Charles , Angerstein Rob
Published: December 2023

Objective—

To determine gross income lost that was attributable to thin cows in a beef cattle herd, to estimate the cost of added nutrition necessary to prevent thin cows in the herd, and to determine the financial outcome of the improved nutritional practices.

Design—

Prospective, observational study.

Animals—

Four hundred twenty-two Santa Gertrudis cows and their calves.

Procedure—

At pregnancy examination in the fall of 1992, cows were assigned a body condition score (BCS), using a scale of 1 (emaciated) to 9 (obese), and the ratio of the productivity of BCS-3 and BCS-4 cow groups (thin cows), compared with the mean productivity of BCS-5 and BCS-6 cows (cows in good condition), was determined. Measures of productivity evaluated included pregnancy rates, weaning weights, and prices per hundredweight of calves. The performance ratios of BCS-3 and BCS-4 cows were multiplied by the mean gross income of BCS-5 and BCS-6 cows to calculate their gross income. This was then subtracted from the mean income of BCS-5 and BCS-6 cows to estimate the amount of lost gross income per thin cow. The cost of a nutritional program that would prevent thin cows in the herd was subtracted from the lost gross income of the thin cows to yield the amount of increased net income that could be generated from a nutritional program that would maintain cows in the herd at a BCS of 5 or 6.

Results—

Cows with a BCS of 3 were 0.48 as productive, and cows with a BCS of 4 were 0.74 as productive as the average of the BCS-5 and BCS-6 cows combined. Each BCS-3 cow generated $215.06 less, and each BCS-4 cow generated $107.53 less gross income than the average gross income of BCS-5 and BCS-6 cows. The added cost of nutrition that would have reconditioned BCS-3 and BCS-4 cows to a BCS of 5.5 was $91.48/BCS-3 cow and $43.67/ BCS-4 cow. Implementation of the reconditioning nutrition program the previous fall would have resulted in an extra net income of $123.58/BCS-3 cow and $63.86/BCS-4 cow, received over a 2-year period. The 262 thin cows in the herd accounted for a total net income loss of $19,897.

Clinical Implications—

The time of pregnancy examination is a strategic intervention point to estimate the past negative economic impact of thin cows and to implement a plan to prevent these losses in the future.
Ivermectin for treatment of generalized demodicosis in dogs
Authors: Ristic Zorana , Medleau Linda , Paradis Manon , White-Weithers Norma E.
Published: December 2023

Objective—

To evaluate the efficacy of daily administration of ivermectin in the treatment of dogs with amitraz-resistant generalized demodicosis.

Design—

Prospective, clinical trial.

Animals—

Twelve privately owned dogs with juvenileonset or adult-onset generalized demodicosis that had failed to respond to biweekly or weekly applications of 0.025% amitraz solution.

Procedure—

All dogs were treated with undiluted ivermectin at a dosage of 0.6 mg/kg of body weight,
po, every 24 hours. There was no other parasiticidal agent given topically or systemically. A physical examination and multiple skin scrapings were performed every 2 to 4 weeks while dogs were receiving ivermectin. Skin scrapings were performed at approximately the same sites at every examination. After no mites were seen, treatment was continued for at least 2 more weeks and then stopped. Dogs were reexamined, and skin scrapings were repeated if any skin lesions developed. For dogs that remained clinically normal, follow-up information was obtained by telephone. Dogs that were free of clinical signs of demodicosis 12 months after ivermectin administration was discontinued were considered cured.

Results—

Ten of 12 dogs were cured. Median duration of treatment for these dogs was 10 weeks (range, 6 weeks to 5 months). Two dogs were failures, relapsing 10 months and 11.5 months after treatment was stopped. One of these dogs was successfully treated with a second course of ivermectin. Mild ivermectin toxicosis developed in 1 dog after 6 weeks of treatment; side effects resolved shortly after the treatment was stopped.

Clinical Implications—

Daily use of ivermectin, at a dosage of 0.6 mg/kg, PO, was found to be effective in the treatment of generalized demodicosis in dogs.
Radiographic findings in cats with intranasal neoplasia or chronic rhinitis: 29 cases (1982-1988)
Authors: O'Brien Robert T. , Evans Sydney M. , Wortman Jeffrey A. , Hendrick Mattie J.
Published: December 2023

Objective—

To compare radiographic findings and determine useful criteria to differentiate between intranasal neoplasia and chronic rhinitis in cats.

Design—

Retrospective study.

Animals—

Cats with chronic nasal disease caused by neoplasia (n = 18) or by chronic rhinitis (n = 11).

Procedure—

Radiographs were reviewed by 3 radiologists, followed by group review. Diagnosis was determined by intranasal biopsy or necropsy, and specimens were reviewed by a pathologist to confirm cause and histologic diagnosis.

Results—

Lymphosarcoma was the most common (n = 5) of the 6 histopathologic types in the neoplasia group. Cats in the neoplasia and chronic rhinitis groups had a high prevalence of aggressive radiographic lesions. Prevalence of a facial mass in cats with neoplasia (8/18) versus in those with chronic rhinitis (4/11) and of deviation (9/18 vs 6/11, respectively) or lysis (12/18 vs 7/11 ) of the nasal septum was similar. However, significantly (P = 0.02) more cats with neoplasia than with chronic rhinitis (13/16 vs 3/7, respectively) had unilateral turbinate destruction/lysis. Additionally, unilateral lateral bone erosion and loss of teeth associated with adjacent intranasal disease were more prevalent in cats with neoplasia (7/8 and 5/18, respectively) than in cats with chronic rhinitis (1/3 and 0/11, respectively).

Clinical Implications—

Features that may assist in radiographic diagnosis of neoplasia include the appearance of unilateral aggressive lesions, such as lysis of lateral bones, nasal turbinate destruction, and loss of teeth. Bilaterally symmetric lesions are more suggestive of chronic rhinitis than of neoplasia. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996;208:385-389)