bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of colposuspension for treatment of incontinence in spayed female dogs
Authors: Rawlings Clarence , Barsanti Jeanne A. , Mahaffey Mary B. , Bement Shannon
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine the long-term effects of colposuspension in spayed female dogs with urinary incontinence and identify preoperative anatomic or urodynamic measurements associated with a successful outcome.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—23 client-owned spayed female dogs with urinary incontinence.

Procedure—Prior to surgery, a history was obtained, and a physical examination, CBC, serum biochemical analyses, urinalysis, bacterial culture of a urine sample, vaginourethrocystography, urethral pressure profilometry, and leak point pressure test were performed. Colposuspension was performed, and preoperative tests were repeated 2 months after surgery. Clients were interviewed 2 weeks, 1 month, and 1 year after surgery.

Results—22 dogs were followed up for 1 year. Twelve had complete urinary control 2 months after surgery, and 3 had complete urinary control 1 year after surgery. Dogs with normal urinary control at 2 months had an increased leak point pressure (LPP), compared with preoperative measurements, and their LPP was the same as normal dogs. Eight dogs had complete urinary control, and 9 were considered greatly improved 1 year after surgery when medical treatment was added to the effect of colposuspension. Client satisfaction was high, with 19 of 22 (86%) owners being pleased with their decision to have surgery performed. The only predictors of complete urinary control 2 months after surgery were a more caudal position of the external urethral opening in relation to the pubis on preoperative radiographs and a longer overall urethral length.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Colposuspension alone will result in complete urinary control in few dogs with urinary incontinence but may improve urinary control sufficiently that owners will be pleased. Preoperative vaginourethrocystography may be helpful in predicting response to surgery, and the LPP test correlates with improved urinary control. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;219:770–775)
Evaluation of carbon dioxide laser and conventional incisional techniques for resection of soft palates in brachycephalic dogs
Authors: Davidson Ellen B. , Davis Michael S. , Campbell Gregory A. , Williamson Kathy K. , Payton Mark E. , Healey Tiffany S. , Bartels Kenneth E.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To compare clinical outcome, healing, and effect of tracheostomy in conventional incisional and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser techniques for resection of soft palates in brachycephalic dogs.

Design—Prospective randomized trial.

Animals—20 adult brachycephalic dogs.

Methods—Dogs were randomly allocated into 4 groups, and 1 of the following was performed: palate resection by use of a CO2laser; incisional palate resection and closure with suture; and palate resection by use of a CO2laser or incision with tracheostomy. A clinical score for respiratory function was assigned to each dog at 0, 2, 8, 16, and 24 hours. Biopsy specimens of incision sites obtained at days 0, 3, 7, and 14 were examined. Data were analyzed to determine the effects of technique on clinical and histologic outcome.

Results—Mean surgical time for laser (309 seconds) was significantly shorter than for sharp dissection (744 seconds). Surgical technique significantly affected clinical scores at 3 of the 5 postoperative time points, but differences were not clinically apparent. Tracheostomy significantly affected clinical scores at 3 of 5 postoperative time points. After tracheostomy tube removal, clinical scores were similar to those of dogs without tracheostomies. Inflammation, necrosis, and ulceration were evident in all groups at day 3; these lesions had almost resolved by day 14. Most complications were associated with tracheostomy.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Clinical outcomes appear to be similar with the laser and incisional techniques. Regarding surgical time and ease, laser resection of the soft palate appears advantageous. Tracheostomy is not warranted in dogs that have uncomplicated surgeries and recoveries. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;219:776–781)
Fractures of the palmar aspect of the carpal bones in horses: 10 cases (1984–2000)
Authors: Wilke Markus , Nixon Alan J. , Malark John , Myhre Grant
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine clinical and radiographic findings, treatment, and outcome of horses with fractures of the palmar aspect of the radial carpal bone, with or without concurrent fractures of the palmar surfaces of the other carpal bones.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—10 horses.

Procedure—Medical records were reviewed to obtain information on history, signalment, clinical and radiographic findings, treatment, and outcome. Follow-up information was gathered from owners and referring veterinarians.

Results—7 horses became lame after recovery from general anesthesia for treatment of an unrelated problem. The remaining 3 horses developed a forelimb lameness after falling (1 horse) or being turned out in a pasture (2 horses). Fractures involved the palmar surface of the radial carpal bone in all 10 horses; in addition, the ulnar carpal bone was affected in 2 horses, the intermediate carpal bone in 2 horses, and the distal aspect of the radius in 4 horses. None of the 4 horses treated nonsurgically returned to work, and 3 were euthanatized because of recalcitrant lameness. In the other 6 horses, fragments were removed surgically. Two were euthanatized because of continued lameness, 1 was euthanatized for other reasons, 2 were sound enough for light work, and 1 returned to athletic work.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that fractures of the palmar aspect of the carpal bones are uncommon in horses. The prognosis appears to be poor for affected horses but may be better for horses that undergo arthroscopic removal of intra-articular fragments. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2001;219:801–804)
Comparison of radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of appendicular osteosarcoma in dogs
Authors: Davis Garrett J. , Kapatkin Amy S. , Craig Linden E. , Heins Gregory S. , Wortman Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine which imaging modality best determines the microscopic extent of primary appendicular osteosarcoma in amputated limbs in dogs.

Design—Case series.

Animals—10 dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma.

Procedure—10 dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma that did not receive neoadjuvent chemotherapy were treated by use of limb amputation. Amputated limbs were imaged by use of radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and examined microscopically to determine longitudinal extent of neoplastic cell involvement and length of associated intramedullary fibrosis. Changes detected by use of the various imaging studies were compared with the actual tumor length determined microscopically. Data were analyzed to determine which imaging technique most closely predicted tumor length.

Results—Measurements obtained by use of craniocaudal radiographic views were most accurate at predicting tumor length but underestimated tumor length substantially in 1 limb and slightly in another limb. Measurements made by use of CT were most accurate at predicting tumor length when intramedullary fibrosis was taken into account but underestimated tumor length in 1 limb. Measurements made by use of MRI were least accurate but did not underestimate tumor length in any of the limbs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Although radiography is used in diagnosis of osteosarcoma in dogs, additional imaging studies to confirm the extent of neoplasia prior to limb-sparing ostectomy may be beneficial. Underestimation of tumor length would be associated with higher incidence of incomplete excision and local tumor recurrence. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2002;220:1171–1176)
Use of a carbon dioxide laser for surgical management of cutaneous masses in horses: 32 cases (1993–2000)
Authors: McCauley Charles T. , Hawkins Jan F. , Adams Stephen B. , Fessler John F.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine outcome of horses in which cutaneous masses were removed with a carbon dioxide laser.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—32 horses.

Procedure—Medical records of horses with 1 or more cutaneous masses treated with a carbon dioxide laser were examined. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone interviews with owners and referring veterinarians.

Results—Cutaneous masses were classified as sarcoids (15 horses), neoplastic masses other than sarcoids (squamous cell carcinoma [9]; fibroma [1]; and melanoma [1]), and nonneoplastic masses (6). Minimum follow-up time was 6 months. Five sarcoids and 2 squamous cell carcinomas recurred. Seven (21%) horses had complications associated with dehiscence of wounds that had been closed primarily or failure of wound healing because of recurrence of the mass. Twenty-six (81%) owners were satisfied with the cosmetic appearance following surgery.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that a carbon dioxide laser may be effective for treatment of cutaneous masses in horses. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2002;220:1192–1197)
Use of antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacterial pathogens isolated from the milk of dairy cows with clinical mastitis to predict response to treatment with cephapirin and oxytetracycline
Authors: Constable Peter D. , Morin Dawn E.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine whether results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacterial pathogens isolated from the milk of dairy cows with clinical mastitis were associated with duration of clinical signs or bacteriologic cure rate following treatment with cephapirin and oxytetracycline.

Design—Observational study on a convenience sample.

Animals—58 dairy cows with 121 episodes of clinical mastitis.

Procedure—Cows that only had abnormal glandular secretions were treated with cephapirin alone. Cows with an inflamed gland and abnormal glandular secretions were treated with oxytetracycline and cephapirin. Cows with systemic signs of illness, an inflamed gland, and abnormal glandular secretions were treated with oxytetracycline and flunixin meglumine and frequent stripping of the affected glands. The Kirby-Bauer method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and current guidelines were used to categorize causative bacteria as susceptible or resistant to the treatment regimen.

Results—Median durations of episodes of clinical mastitis caused by susceptible (n = 97) and resistant (24) bacteria were not significantly different. Bacteriologic cure rates at 14 and 28 days were similar for episodes caused by susceptible and resistant bacteria; however, for 56 episodes of clinical mastitis caused by gram-positive bacteria and treated with cephapirin alone, bacteriologic cure rate at 28 days was significantly higher for susceptible than for resistant bacteria.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that antimicrobial susceptibility testing was of no value in predicting duration of clinical signs or bacteriologic cure rate in dairy cows with mastitis, except for episodes caused by gram-positive organisms treated with intramammary administration of cephapirin alone. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2002;221:103–108)
Effect of topical application of fipronil in cats with flea allergic dermatitis
Authors: Medleau Linda , Hnilica Keith A. , Lower Kimberly , Alva Roberto , Clekis Terry , Case Jerry , McArthur T. Reid , Barrick Ruth Ann , Jeannin Philippe , Irwin Jennifer
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine whether topical application of
a 10% fipronil solution would control signs of flea allergic
dermatitis in cats housed under natural conditions.

Design—Multicenter open clinical trial.

Animals—42 client-owned cats with flea allergic dermatitis.

Procedures—Study cats along with all other cats and
dogs living in the same houses were treated with
10% fipronil solution topically on days 0, 30, and 60.
Flea counts and clinical assessments were performed
on study cats on days 0, 14, 30, 60, and 90.

Results—Percentage reductions in geometric mean
flea counts on days 14, 30, 60, and 90, compared with
day-0 geometric mean count, were 75, 73, 85, and
94%, respectively. Pruritus score was significantly
improved at each examination after day 0, and pruritus
was reduced or eliminated in 31 of 40 (78%) cats at
the final examination. Similarly, scores for severity of
miliary dermatitis and alopecia were significantly
improved at each examination, except for alopecia
score on day 14. Overall treatment efficacy, assessed
on day 90, was excellent for 28 (70%) cats, good for 6
(15%), moderate for 3 (7.5%), and poor for 3 (7.5%).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest
that monthly topical application of fipronil is effective
for treatment of flea allergic dermatitis in cats
housed under natural conditions. (J Am Vet Med Assoc
2002;221:254–257)
Udder cleft dermatitis and sarcoptic mange in a dairy herd
Authors: Warnick Lorin D. , Nydam Daryl , Maciel Ana , Guard Charles L. , Wade Susan E.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine prevalence of udder cleft dermatitis in a dairy herd that was experiencing an outbreak of sarcoptic mange.

Design—Clinical survey.

Animals—1,597 Holstein cows and late-gestation heifers.

Procedure—Animals were examined for udder cleft dermatitis and for skin lesions consistent with sarcoptic or chorioptic mange. Skin scrapings were collected from 56 cows and examined for ectoparasites. The herd was revisited 1 year later, and prevalences of udder cleft dermatitis and lesions consistent with mange were determined in 506 cows.

Results—Of the 1,597 cattle examined, 280 (18%) had udder cleft dermatitis, and 1,397 (87.5%) had lesions consistent with mange. In 43 of 56 (77%) cows, skin scrapings revealed Sarcoptes mites. Udder cleft dermatitis was significantly more common in older than in younger cows. In first-lactation cows, udder cleft dermatitis was less common during the first 4 months of lactation than in the later stages of lactation, but udder cleft dermatitis was identified in cows in all stages of lactation and in cows that were not lactating. The herd was treated with eprinomectin to control mites, and prevalence of lesions consistent with mange 1 year later was only 2.8%. However, prevalence of udder cleft dermatitis was still 12%.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that cows in any stage of lactation and cows that are not lactating can have udder cleft dermatitis but that lesions are more common in older cows. Control of sarcoptic mange was accompanied by a moderate reduction in the prevalence of udder cleft dermatitis but did not eliminate the condition. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2002;221:273–276)
Small Animals/Avian
Authors: Cave Nicholas J. , Marks Stanley L. , Kass Philip H. , Melli Ann C. , Brophy Melissa A.
Published: July 2006

Objectives—To assess the diagnostic yield of a routine fecal panel and determine whetherClostridium perfringens or C difficiletoxin production is associated with acute hemorrhagic diarrheal syndrome (AHDS) in dogs.

Design—Case-control study.

Animals—260 dogs with diarrhea and 177 dogs with normal feces.

Procedure—Medical records were reviewed for results of culture forC difficile, Campylobacterspp, andSalmonellaspp;C perfringensfecal enterotoxin (CPE) assay via ELISA or reverse passive latex agglutination (RPLA) assay; fecal endospore enumeration;C difficiletoxin A assay; and parasite evaluation.

Results—Prevalence of CPE in dogs with diarrhea was 22/154 (14.3%) via ELISA and 47/104 (45.2%) via RPLA assay, versus 9/74 (12%) via ELISA and 26/103 (25%) via RPLA assay in control dogs. Prevalence ofC difficilewas 47/260 (18%) in dogs with diarrhea and 41/74 (55%) in control dogs. Prevalence ofC difficiletoxin A was 26/254 (10.2%) in dogs with diarrhea and 0/74 in control dogs. Diagnosis of AHDS was made in 27 dogs; 8 had positive results for CPE, 7 had positive results for toxin A, and 1 had positive results for both toxins.Campylobacterspp were isolated from 13 of 260 (5%) dogs with diarrhea and 21 of 74 (28.4%) control dogs.Salmonellaspp were isolated from 3 (1.2%) dogs with diarrhea.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Diagnostic value of a fecal panel in dogs with diarrhea appears to be low. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2002;221:52–59)
Primary pure red cell aplasia in dogs: 13 cases (1996–2000)
Authors: Weiss Douglas J.
Published: July 2006

Objectives—To examine clinical features, laboratory test results, treatment, and outcome of dogs with pure red cell aplasia (PRCA).

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—13 dogs with severe nonregenerative anemia and bone marrow erythroid aplasia.

Procedures—Medical records of dogs determined to have PRCA on the basis of results of blood and bone marrow analysis between 1996 and 2000 were reviewed. Criteria for inclusion in the study were severe nonregenerative anemia (Hct < 20%; reticulocyte count < 1.0%), selective erythroid aplasia in bone marrow, and lack of underlying diseases that may have caused the anemia.

Results—Median age of dogs was 6.5 years. Females were significantly overrepresented. Median Hct was 10%, and median reticulocyte count was 0.1%. Direct Coombs' test results were negative for all dogs tested, and spherocytosis was evident in 2 dogs. All dogs were treated with prednisolone, and 2 dogs were treated with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide. Responses to treatment were complete, partial, and poor in 10, 1, and 2 dogs, respectively. Median time required to achieve an increase of 5% or more in Hct was 38 days, and median time to complete remission was 118 days. Of 10 dogs for which follow-up information was available, only 1 required long-term immunosuppressive treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dogs with PRCA appear to respond readily to treatment with immunosuppressive drugs; however, hematologic responses may not be observed for weeks to months after initiation of treatment. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2002;221:93–95)
Comparison of results of three commercial heartworm antigen test kits in dogs with low heartworm burdens
Authors: Atkins Clarke E.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To compare results of 3 commercial heartworm antigen test kits performed on serum samples from dogs infected with low numbers of adult female heartworms.

Design—Blinded laboratory evaluation.

Sample Population—Serum samples from dogs (n = 208) proven at necropsy to be infected with 1 to 4 adult female heartworms and from dogs (32) without heartworms.

Procedure—Samples were sequentially tested with each test kit, following the manufacturers' instructions, by licensed veterinary technicians in private practice who were not aware of infection status of the dogs. The order of test kit evaluations was randomly chosen. For each test kit, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were evaluated.

Results—All tests yielded some false-negative results, and there were significant differences among tests in regard to ability to detect low heartworm burdens. Sensitivity of the test kits ranged from 78 to 84%. For all test kits, sensitivity increased as number of female heartworms increased. All 3 test kits had high specificity (97%).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that sensitivity of the 3 commercially available heartworm antigen test kits ranged from 78 to 84% when used to test serum samples from dogs with low heartworm burdens, and that sensitivity varied among test kits. For all 3 test kits, specificity was 97%. All 3 test kits yielded false-positive and false-negative results for some dogs with low heartworm burdens. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2003;222:1221–1223)
Evaluation of cattle for experimental infection with and transmission of Brucella suis biovar 4
Authors: Forbes Lorry B. , Tessaro Stacy V.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine whether cattle can become persistently infected withBrucella suisbiovar 4, whether the organism can be transmitted vertically or horizontally, and whether tests for bovine brucellosis are diagnostic.

Design—Observational study.

Animals—24 pregnant cows and their calves and 6 bulls.

Procedure—Cows and bulls were housed separately in groups of 6 with each group consisting of 3 cattle experimentally infected withB suisbiovar 4 and 3 naïve animals. Cattle were observed for clinical signs daily; blood samples were collected weekly. Clotted blood from each sample was submitted for bacterial culture. Serum was tested with an indirect ELISA and the standard tube agglutination test (STAT), buffered plate agglutination test, brucellosis card test (BCT), and complement fixation test (CFT). Tissues collected at necropsy were submitted for bacterial culture and histologic examination.

Results—All 15 inoculated cattle seroconverted on 2 or more serologic tests, and bacteria were isolated from 4 inoculated cows at necropsy. There was no bacteriologic evidence of vertical or horizontal transmission, and none of the cattle developed clinical abnormalities or gross or histologic lesions. Results of the indirect ELISA were positive for all inoculated cattle. The other tests gave variable results; the CFT, STAT, and BCT yielded negative results for at least 1 of the 4 cattle from which the organism was isolated.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that cattle-to-cattle transmission ofB suisbiovar 4 is unlikely. Serologic tests for bovine brucellosis should be used cautiously when attempting to identify cattle with rangiferine brucellosis, as they do not discriminate between the 2 diseases and vary in their ability to detect exposed cattle. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2003;222:1252–1256)
Evaluation of urine sulfated and nonsulfated bile acids as a diagnostic test for liver disease in dogs
Authors: Balkman Cheryl E. , Center Sharon A. , Randolph John F. , Trainor Deborah , Warner Karen L. , Crawford Maryann A. , Adachi Kenichi , Erb Hollis N.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To evaluate 3 methods for measuring urine bile acids (UBA) and compare their diagnostic performance with that of the serum bile acids (SBA) test and other routine screening tests in dogs with hepatic disorders.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—15 healthy dogs, 102 dogs with hepatic disorders, and 9 dogs with clinical signs of hepatic disorders that were found to have nonhepatic disorders.

Procedures—Blood and urine samples were collected from sick dogs and healthy dogs for serum biochemical analyses, and determination of concentrations of SBA and UBA. Urine samples were obtained from 15 healthy dogs to establish an upper cutoff value for UBA concentrations. The UBA were measured by use of a quantitative-linked enzymatic colorimetric method. Three analytical modifications were evaluated; 1 quantified only urine sulfated bile acids (USBA), 1 only urine nonsulfated bile acids (UNSBA), and 1 quantified both (USBA plus UNSBA). The UBA values were standardized with the urine creatinine concentration.

Results—The UNSBA-to-creatinine ratio and USBA plus UNSBA-to-creatinine ratio tests had the best diagnostic performance of the UBA tests; each had a substantially higher specificity, slightly higher positive predictive value, slightly lower negative predictive value, and lower sensitivity than the SBA test. These UBA-to-creatinine values were positively correlated with SBA values. The USBA-to-creatinine ratio had poor sensitivity, indicating a low rate of bile acid sulfation in dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The UBA can be measured in dogs with sufficient repeatability and accuracy for clinical application. The UNSBA-to-creatinine ratio and USBA plus UNSBA-to-creatinine ratio identified dogs with hepatic disorders nearly as well as the SBA test. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2003;222: 1368–1375)
Outcome of epidural catheterization for delivery of analgesics in horses: 43 cases (1998–2001)
Authors: Martin Christine A. , Kerr Carolyn L. , Pearce Simon G. , Lansdowne Jennifer L. , Bouré Ludovic P.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine reasons for epidural catheter placement among horses examined at a veterinary teaching hospital, efficacy of epidural administration of analgesics, duration of catheter placement, reasons for catheter removal, and complications encountered.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—43 horses.

Procedure—Medical records were reviewed.

Results—A total of 50 epidural catheters were placed in the 43 horses. Underlying conditions included fractures, lacerations, septic arthritis, myositis, perineal injuries, and cellulitis. Horses ranged from 2 to 21 years old and weighed between 365 and 795 kg (803 and 1,749 lb). Median duration of catheter placement was 96 hours (range, 1.5 to 480 hours). The response to epidural drug administration was reported as positive in 34 horses and negative in 4. There was no apparent response in 2 horses, and response could not be determined in 3. Three temporary patient-related complications associated with epidural catheter administration were observed. Technical problems associated with the epidural catheters included dislodgement of the catheter itself (7 catheters) or of the adapter or filter (5), obstruction (5), and leakage (5). Twenty-two catheters were removed because of resolution of the underlying condition, and 10 were removed because of complications. For 6 catheters, the reason for catheter removal was not recorded. The remaining 12 catheters were in place when the horses were euthanatized .

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that epidural catheterization can be used successfully for repeated epidural delivery of analgesics and anesthetics in horses with various clinical conditions. Complications associated with epidural catheters or epidural drug administration were infrequent and transient. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2003;222:1394–1398)
Randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of short-term amitriptyline administration for treatment of acute, nonobstructive, idiopathic lower urinary tract disease in cats
Authors: Kruger John M. , Conway Tina S. , Kaneene John B. , Perry Ruby L. , Hagenlocker Elizabeth , Golombek Andrea , Stuhler Jennifer
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine whether short-term amitriptyline administration would be efficacious in the treatment of acute, nonobstructive, idiopathic lower urinary tract disease in cats.

Design—Randomized controlled trial.

Animals—31 untreated male and female cats with acute, nonobstructive, idiopathic lower urinary tract disease.

Procedures—Cats were treated with amitriptyline (5 mg/d; n = 16) or a placebo (15) for 7 days and monitored for pollakiuria, hematuria, and adverse events. Cats were reexamined 1 month after treatment, and owners were interviewed by telephone 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment.

Results—2 amitriptyline-treated cats were excluded from analyses because of acquired urinary tract infection. Clinical signs resolved by day 8 in 8 amitriptylinetreated and 10 control cats. There were no apparent differences in likelihood or rate of recovery from pollakiuria or hematuria between groups. Overall, clinical signs recurred significantly faster and more frequently in amitriptyline-treated than control cats. However, after excluding recurrences within 21 days of treatment, risk of recurrence was similar in both groups. Increasing age was significantly associated with increased likelihood and rate of recovery from hematuria and with decreased risk of recurrence of signs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that short-term amitriptyline treatment has no benefit in terms of resolution of pollakiuria and hematuria in cats with idiopathic lower urinary tract disease and may be associated with an increased risk of recurrence. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2003:222:749–758)
Systolic blood pressure in cats with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sennello Kathleen A. , Schulman Rhonda L. , Prosek Robert , Siegel Arthur M.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine the prevalence of systemic hypertension in cats with diabetes mellitus and establish ranges for echocardiographic variables in diabetic cats.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—14 cats with diabetes mellitus and 19 healthy control cats.

Procedure—Systolic blood pressure was measured indirectly with a noninvasive Doppler technique. Ophthalmic and echocardiographic examinations were performed, and urine protein concentration was measured. Cats were considered to have hypertension if they had systolic blood pressure > 180 mm Hg and at least 1 other clinical abnormality typically associated with hypertension (eg, hypertensive retinopathy, left ventricular hypertrophy, or proteinuria).

Results—None of the diabetic or control cats had systolic blood pressure > 180 mm Hg. One diabetic cat had left ventricular hypertrophy, but systolic blood pressure was 174 mm Hg. None of the cats had evidence of hypertensive retinopathy or proteinuria. Mean values for echocardiographic variables for the diabetic cats were not significantly different from published values for healthy cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that hypertension does not occur or occurs in only a small percentage of cats with diabetes mellitus. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2003;223:198–201)
Comparison of culling rates among dairy cows grouped on the basis of serologic status for bovine leukemia virus
Authors: Rhodes J. Kelly , Pelzer Kevin D. , Johnson Yvette J. , Russek-Cohen Estelle
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine the association between serologic status for bovine leukemia virus (BLV) and culling rates by use of survival times in a commercial Holstein dairy herd.

Design—Longitudinal study.

Animals—593 milking cows.

Procedure—Cattle were tested for antibodies against BLV by use of agar gel immunodiffusion or ELISA 4 times each year from 1989 to 1993 and then annually through 1999. Dates of birth, first calving, and culling or death were obtained from Dairy Herd Improvement Association records. Most cows were enrolled in the study on the date of first calving. Survival times were compared among seropositive, seronegative, and seroconverted cows with the Kaplan-Meier method and a Cox regression model stratified on the basis of year of birth.

Results—Complete records were available for 593 of 685 (87%) cattle in the dairy herd during the study period. Median survival time for all cows was 31.7 months. Survival times, which correspond to cull rates, did not differ significantly between seropositive and seronegative cattle, whereas cattle that seroconverted during the study had a significantly longer survival time. Year of birth was positively and significantly associated with survival time.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—BLV serologic status was not associated with cull rate as measured by survival time in this dairy herd. This finding is in contrast to results of studies that used survival analysis techniques; our results may influence management decisions concerning BLV. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2003;223:229–231)
Factors associated with client, staff, and student satisfaction regarding small animal euthanasia procedures at a veterinary teaching hospital
Authors: Martin François , Ruby Kathleen L. , Deking Tiffany M. , Taunton Anne E.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To identify factors influencing satisfaction with procedures for small animal euthanasia and to compare the relative importance of those factors among clients, staff, and students at a veterinary teaching hospital.

Design—Survey.

Sample Population—18 nonclinical hospital staff members, 13 clinical staff members, 10 veterinary technicians, 19 veterinary students, and 91 clients.

Procedure—Participants were asked to complete a survey that was designed to assess satisfaction with various aspects of the euthanasia procedure.

Results—Overall response rate was 48% (151/313). Respondents most strongly agreed with the statements that clients should have the option to be present, that having a private place was important, and that employees should be trained to attend to the emotional needs of the client. When asked to place factors in order of importance, those that were ranked the highest included compassionate and caring attitudes of the hospital employees, the option for the client to be present during the euthanasia, and the client being informed and well prepared.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Overall, all groups (nonclinical staff, clinical staff, veterinary technicians, veterinary students, and clients) identified the same factors as being important in the euthanasia of a pet. Results may help facilitate healthy euthanasia experiences. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;224:1774–1779)
Absolute and relative cell counts for synovial fluid from clinically normal shoulder and stifle joints in cats
Authors: Pacchiana Philip D. , Gilley Robert S. , Wallace Larry J. , Hayden David W. , Feeney Daniel A. , Jessen Carl R. , Aird Betsy
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine absolute and relative cell counts for synovial fluid from grossly, radiographically, and histologically normal shoulder and stifle joints in healthy cats.

Design—Clinical study.

Animals—52 cats scheduled to be euthanatized for unrelated reasons.

Procedure—Arthrocentesis of the shoulder and stifle joints was performed bilaterally, and synovial fluid was analyzed for absolute WBC count, WBC morphology, and percentages of neutrophils and mononuclear cells. Joints were examined grossly and radiographically, and synovial membrane specimens were submitted for histologic examination. Synovial fluid samples that were contaminated with blood and samples from joints with any gross, radiographic, or histologic abnormalities were excluded.

Results—82 of the 208 synovial fluid samples were excluded because abnormalities were identified during physical examination; the volume of fluid obtained was insufficient for analysis; there was evidence of blood contamination; or the joint had gross, radiographic, or histologic abnormalities. Median WBC count for the remaining 126 synovial fluid samples was 91 cells/μL (96.4% mononuclear cells and 3.6% neutrophils); WBC count was not significantly different between left and right joint samples or between shoulder and stifle joint samples. Body weight was associated with synovial fluid WBC count, with WBC count increasing as body weight increased. Sixteen of the 52 (30%) cats had radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis involving at least 1 joint.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that synovial fluid can be obtained reliably from shoulder and stifle joints in cats. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:1866–1870)
Effect of dental floating on weight gain, body condition score, feed digestibility, and fecal particle size in pregnant mares
Authors: Carmalt James L. , Townsend Hugh G. G. , Janzen Eugene D. , Cymbaluk Nadia F.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To investigate the effect of routine dental floating on weight gain, body condition score, feed digestibility, and fecal particle size in pregnant mares fed various diets.

Design—Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Animals—56 pregnant mares.

Procedure—Mares were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 feed groups (n = 14 mares/group). All horses were sedated and an oral examination was performed, after which dental floating was performed on 7 horses in each group. Body weight was measured, and a body condition score was assigned before and at various times for 24 weeks after dental floating. Feed digestibility and fecal particle size were analyzed 7 and 19 weeks after dental floating.

Results—Weight gain, change in body condition score, feed digestibility, and fecal particle size were not significantly different between horses that underwent dental floating and untreated control horses. In contrast, weight gain was significantly associated with feed group. In the control horses, neither the number of dental lesions nor the presence of any particular type of lesion at the time of the initial oral examination was significantly associated with subsequent feed digestibility.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that dental floating does not result in significant short-term changes in body weight, body condition score, feed digestibility, or fecal particle size in healthy pregnant mares. Further studies are necessary to determine the clinical utility of regular dental floating in apparently healthy horses. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:1889–1893)
Effects of winning the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on breed popularity
Authors: Herzog Harold A. , Elias Steven M.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine whether winning best in
show at the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog
Show was associated with a subsequent increase in
breed popularity.

Design—Analysis of archival data.

Study population—Breed-specific numbers of individual
purebred puppies registered with the American
Kennel Club between 1946 and 2002.

Procedure—For breeds that had won the
Westminster Show, the slope of the curve for number
of new registrations per year for the 5 years prior to
winning was compared with the slope of the curve for
the 5 years after winning. In addition, the annual percentage
change in number of new registrations for
the breed that won each year was compared with the
annual percentage change in number of new registrations
for the nonwinning breed most similar in popularity
to the winning breed.

Results—For breeds that had won the Westminster
Show, the slope of the curve for number of new registrations
per year for the 5 years prior to winning was
not significantly different from the slope of the curve
for the 5 years after winning. Annual percentage
change in number of new registrations for the breed
that won each year was not significantly different
from annual percentage change in number of new
registrations for matched nonwinning breeds.

Conclusions—Results do not support the view that
being named best in show at the annual Westminster
Show results in a surge in popularity of winning
breeds. ( J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004;225:365–367)
Correlation of rhinoscopic signs of inflammation with histologic findings in nasal biopsy specimens of cats with or without upper respiratory tract disease
Authors: Johnson Lynelle R. , Clarke Heather E. , Bannasch Michael J. , Cock Hilde E. V. De
Published: July 2006

Objective—To investigate the correlation of cumulative rhinoscopic findings of hyperemia, mucus accumulation, and turbinate destruction with the type and severity of inflammatory infiltrates in nasal biopsy specimens of cats with or without upper respiratory tract disease.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—Cats with (n = 11) and without (6) upper respiratory tract disease and cats with unknown medical histories (27).

Procedures—Lesions of hyperemia, mucus accumulation, and turbinate destruction detected rhinoscopically were each scored (scale, 0 [absent] to 3 [severe]), and a cumulative rhinoscopic score for each nasal cavity was calculated. Fifty biopsy specimens were examined histologically, and inflammatory infiltrates (lymphoplasmacytic or neutrophilic) were graded as absent, mild, moderate, or severe. Cumulative rhinoscopic scores and inflammation grades were compared for each specimen-cavity combination.

Results—In cats of known disease status, there was a positive but weak correlation between cumulative rhinoscopic scores and inflammation grades in biopsy specimens. In cats of unknown disease status, there was no similar correlation. Biopsy specimens with minimal inflammation were commonly obtained from nasal cavities with low rhinoscopic scores; specimens with moderate or severe inflammatory changes were frequently obtained from cavities that appeared normal rhinoscopically. Type of inflammatory infiltrates was not correlated with rhinoscopic signs of inflammation.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The correlation of rhinoscopic findings with inflammation severity in nasal biopsy specimens (determined histologically) was weak or lacking in cats of known and unknown disease status, respectively. Results indicated that rhinoscopy with biopsy provides more complete evaluation of nasal disease than rhinoscopy alone in cats. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225: 395–400)
Intramuscular anesthesia of bonito and Pacific mackerel with ketamine and medetomidine and reversal of anesthesia with atipamezole
Authors: Williams Thomas D. , Rollins Megan , Block Barbara A.
Published: July 2006

Objective—To determine anesthetic effects of ketamine
and medetomidine in bonitos and mackerels and
whether anesthesia could be reversed with atipamezole.

Design—Clinical trial.

Animals—43 bonitos (Sarda chiliensis) and 47 Pacific
mackerels (Scomber japonica).

Procedure—28 bonitos were given doses of ketamine
ranging from 1 to 8 mg/kg (0.5 to 3.6 mg/lb), IM, and
doses of medetomidine ranging from 0.2 to 1.6 mg/kg
(0.1 to 0.7 mg/lb), IM (ratio of ketamine to medetomidine,
2.5:1 to 20:1). Doses of atipamezole equal to 1
or 5 times the dose of medetomidine were used. The
remaining 15 bonitos were used to determine the
anesthetic effects of ketamine at a dose of 4 mg/kg
(1.8 mg/lb) and medetomidine at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg
(0.2 mg/lb). The mackerels were given ketamine at
doses ranging from 11 to 533 mg/kg (5 to 242 mg/lb)
and medetomidine at doses ranging from 0.3 to 9.1
mg/kg (0.1 to 4.1 mg/lb; ratio of ketamine to medetomidine,
3:1 to 800:1). Doses of atipamezole equal to 5
times the dose of medetomidine were used.

Results—IM administration of ketamine at a dose of
4 mg/kg and medetomidine at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg in
bonitos and ketamine at a dose of 53 to 228 mg/kg
(24 to 104 mg/lb) and medetomidine at a dose of 0.6
to 4.2 mg/kg (0.3 to 1.9 mg/lb) in mackerels was safe
and effective. For both species, administration of atipamezole
at a dose 5 times the dose of medetomidine
reversed the anesthetic effects.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest
that a combination of ketamine and medetomidine
can safely be used for anesthesia of bonitos and mackerels
and that anesthetic effects can be reversed with
atipamezole. ( J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004;225:417–421)
DOT-ELISA and parasitological examination for diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni infection in Nigeria
Authors: Mafuyai H. , Uneke C. , Njoku M. , Chuga G.
Published: July 2006

Schistosoma mansoni infection constitutes significant economic and public health consequences. Accurate diagnosis of the infection is imperative in order to identify subjects needing care in the broadest sense. In this study the dot-ELISA and direct parasitological method were compared in the diagnosis of S. mansoni infection in Jos, Nigeria. Of the 106 subjects studied 64.2 % were S. mansoni positive serologically while only 10.4 % of them were found to have the parasite’s egg in their stools. Individuals aged 20–29 years of both sexes had highest prevalence of 73.9 % and 21.7% by serological and parasitological diagnosis respectively. Prevalence of infection among males was 13.5 % and 7.4 % among females by parasitology. By serology the corresponding figures were 59.6 % and 68.5 % respectively. No significant difference was observed by parasitology (χ2=4.534, P ≤ 0.05) and by serology (χ2=2.00, P ≤ 0.05). Results advocate for serodiagnostic technique over parasitological method in S. mansoni surveillance and epidemiological studies.
Echinococcus multilocularis in musk rat (Ondatra zibethicus): the first finding of the parasite in naturally infected rodent in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Miterpáková M. , Antolová D. , Ševčíková Z. , Stanko M. , Dinkel A. , Gašpar V. , Dubinský P.
Published: July 2006

Infection with the larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis was diagnosed in musk rat (Ondatra zibethicus) in the Slovak Republic. At necropsy, massively enlarged liver with numbers of abscess-like lesions up to 1.5 cm in diameter was found. Histological examination shoved the presence of typical multivesicular cysts with multiple protoscoleces and typical laminated layer. Polymerase chain reaction confirmed the diagnosis. According to our knowledge, this is the first documentation of Echinococcus multilocularis in naturally infected rodent in territory of the Slovak Republic.
Very highly prevalent Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus infection of wild boar Sus scrofa in Khuzestan province, south-western Iran
Authors: Mowlavi G. , Massoud J. , Mobedi I. , Solaymani-Mohammadi S. , Gharagozlou M. , Mas-Coma S.
Published: July 2006

An epidemiological and pathological study of Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus infection in a total of 50 wild boars Sus scrofa attila from cane sugar fields of Iranian Khuzestan was performed. The total prevalence of 64.0 % detected is the highest hitherto known by this acanthocephalan species in wild boars and may reflect a very high contamination of the farm lands studied as the consequence of the crowding of the wild boar population in cane sugar fields. Observations prove that this species is a wild boar gut wall perforating acanthocephalan. High burdens may become so pathogenic for the host individual as to be responsible for its elimination from the population. Thus, this acanthocephalan may play a role in the control of the S. scrofa population inhabiting cane sugar fields, only lowly infected boars being able to survive. In this way, M. hirudinaceus may be useful, as the wild boar is a serious pest of field corps and, moreover, causes a variety of damage to cane sugar fields because of using them for shelter and nesting areas. Such high prevalence in wild boars and presumably high contamination of cane sugar fields represent a human infection risk for farmers, as well as for concrete ethnic group minorities in Iran. The numerous M. hirudinaceus human infection cases reported so far, mainly in Asian countries, support such a risk situation.
Capillary Force Lithography: Fabrication of Functional Polymer Templates as Versatile Tools for Nanolithography
Authors: Bruinink C. M. , Péter M. , Maury P. A. , de Boer M. , Kuipers L. , Huskens J. , Reinhoudt D. N.
Published: July 2006

The implementation of high‐resolution polymer templates fabricated by capillary force lithography (CFL) is explored both in nanoimprint lithography (NIL) and in the wet‐etching of metals. Several different thermoplastic and UV‐curable polymers and types of substrates are incorporated into the general CFL procedure to meet the diverging requirements of these two applications. The mechanical stability of UV‐curable templates for imprinting in polymers, as examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and their anti‐adhesive properties are excellent for application in NIL. The conditions for curing the UV‐curable polymer are optimized in order to obtain high‐stability polymer templates. Gold patterns on silicon with a lateral resolution of 150 nm are fabricated by subsequent lift‐off in acetone. Similar patterns with a lateral resolution of 100 nm are fabricated using templates of thermoplastic polymers on gold layers on silicon as an etch mask. The transfer of stamp residues during CFL with these polymer templates is proven by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and AFM friction analysis. For poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), the presence of large amounts of silicon‐containing residues is found to compromise the processability of the resulting template in subsequent O2 reactive‐ion etching (RIE) treatment. The extent of silicon contamination is up to six times less for polystyrene (PS). At this level, the etch performance of the PS etch mask is not affected, as was the case for PMMA. Accurate downscaling of the lateral dimensions of the resulting metal patterns by several factors with respect to the dimensions of the PS etch mask is achieved by over‐etching of the gold. Overall, the results in this paper demonstrate the potential of CFL templates as tools for high‐resolution soft lithography.
Biologically Active Molecules with a “Light Switch”
Authors: Mayer Günter , Heckel Alexander
Published: July 2006

Biologically active compounds which are light‐responsive offer experimental possibilities which are otherwise very difficult to achieve. Since light can be manipulated very precisely, for example, with lasers and microscopes rapid jumps in concentration of the active form of molecules are possible with exact control of the area, time, and dosage. The development of such strategies started in the 1970s. This review summarizes new developments of the last five years and deals with “small molecules”, proteins, and nucleic acids which can either be irreversibly activated with light (these compounds are referred to as “caged compounds”) or reversibly switched between an active and an inactive state.