bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doppler Ultrasonographic, Oscillometric Sphygmomanometric, and Photoplethysmographic Techniques for Noninvasive Blood Pressure Measurement in Anesthetized Cats
Authors: Binns Sarah H. , Sisson D. David , Buoscio Dana A. , Schaeffer David J.
Published: March 2010

Blood pressure (BP) measurements obtained using 3 indirect BP measuring instruments, a Doppler ultrasonic flowmeter, an oscillometric device, and a photoplethysmograph, were compared with direct arterial pressure measurements in 11 anesthetized cats. The standard deviation of the differences (SOD) between direct and indirect pressure measurements were not significantly different from each other (P<.01), and ranged from 10.82 to 24.32 mm Hg. The high SDD values indicate that indirect BP estimates obtained with all these devices must be interpreted cautiously in individual patients. The mean errors (calculated as the sum of the differences between direct and indirect pressure measurements divided by the number of observations) of the 3 indirect devices were significantly different for systolic (SAP), diastolic (DAP), and mean (MAP) arterial pressures (P<.05). The Doppler and photoplethysmographic devices had the highest overall accuracy, as indicated by mean error values of less than 10 mm Hg. Correlation coefficients varied from .88 to .96 for the Doppler flowmeter, and from .85 to .94 for the photoplethysmograph; for both devices, the regression line slopes were close to unity. The Doppler flowmeter detected a pulse under all experimental conditions. The photoplethysmograph was also efficient in obtaining BP measurements, obtaining over 90% of SAP, DAP, and MAP readings attempted. The oscillometric device was the least accurate, with mean error values varying from 10 to 22 mm Hg. Correlation coefficients were high (.90 to .94) for this device, but the slopes of the regression lines were 0.7 to 0.8, indicating a trend for increased error at higher BP. The oscillometric device tended to underestimate BP by increasing amounts as the BP increased. The oscillometric device was the least efficient device for obtaining BP measurements (P<.01).
Plasma Adrenocorticotropin Concentration in Healthy Horses and in Horses With Clinical Signs of Hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Couëtil Laurent , Paradis Mary Rose , Knoll Joyce
Published: March 2010

Pituitary adenomas are commonly reported in older horses. The typical clinical signs associated with this condition, also known as equine Cushing's disease (ECD), are related to increased adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) production resulting in hyperadrenocorticism. The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether plasma ACTH concentrations differed between cushingoid and healthy horses. The second objective was to determine the effects of blood sample handling techniques on ACTH concentrations. A commercial human ACTH radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to quantify equine plasma ACTH. Intra‐assay and interassay variations, as well as dilutional parallelism were determined during the RIA validation. Plasma ACTH concentrations were evaluated in a group of healthy equids composed of 18 horses and 9 ponies, and in 22 equids with a clinical diagnosis of hyper adrenocorticism (11 horses and 11 ponies). The mean plasma ACTH concentrations in healthy horses and ponies, (18.68 ± 6.79 pg/mL (mean ± SD) and 8.35 ± 2.92 pg/mL, respectively), were significantly different (P = .009). The mean plasma ACTH concentration in horses and ponies with ECD, (199.18 ± 182.82 pglmL and 206.21 ± 319.56 pg/mL, respectively), were significantly higher than the mean ACTH concentration in the control animals (P < .001). Plasma ACTH concentrations appeared to be a sensitive and specific indicator of ECD in horses and ponies. ACTH concentrations measured in plasma samples kept at room temperature (19°C) as long as 3 hours after blood collection were not statistically different from those of samples kept at 1°C.J Vet Intern Med 1996;10:1–6. Copyright 1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Nonendoscopic Antegrade Percutaneous Gastrostomy: The Effect of Preplacement Gastric Insufflation on Tube Position and Intra‐Abdominal Anatomy
Authors: Clary Erik M. , Hardie Elizabeth M. , Fischer William D. , Kyles Andrew E.
Published: March 2010

Nonendoscopic tube gastrostomy was performed on 41 anesthetized dogs using the technique of Fulton and Dennis with or without gastric insufflation prior to tube placement. Immediately after tube placement, dogs were euthanized and postmortem examinations performed. When gastric insufflation was not performed (group I), gastrostomy tubes penetrated the visceral surface of the stomach in 25% of dogs. The deep leaf of the omentum was interposed between stomach and body wall in the majority of these dogs, exposing other intra‐abdominal organs to potential injury. Additionally, displacement and tethering of the spleen cranial to the gastrostomy site were observed in 33% of dogs in group I. Similar results were obtained when preplacement gastric insufflation was performed after the orogastric tube was inserted sufficiently far to displace the stomach laterally against the body wall (group II). In contrast, consistent positioning of gastrostomy tubes through the parietal surface of the stomach was achieved when the stomach was insufflated prior to lateralizing the left abdominal wall with the gastric end of the orogastric tube (group III). It was concluded that the blind percutaneous gastrostomy technique is made safer by insufflating the stomach immediately prior to pushing the gastric wall laterally into contact with the parietal peritoneum.J Vet Intern Med 1996;10:15–20. Copyright©1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Plasma von Willebrand Factor Antigen Concentration and Buccal Mucosal Bleeding Time in Dogs With Experimental Hypothyroidism
Authors: Panciera David L. , Johnson Gary S.
Published: March 2010

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of hypothyroidism on buccal mucosal bleeding time and von Willebrand factor antigen (vWf:Ag) concentrations. Hypothyroidism was induced in 8 adult dogs by administration of iodine 131. Four healthy dogs acted as controls. Measurement of plasma vWf:Ag and serum thyroxine and triiodothy‐ronine concentrations, and buccal mucosal bleeding time were made before induction of hypothyroidism, for 23 weeks after131I administration, and during 5 weeks of levothyroxine supplementation. No significant changes in buccal mucosal bleeding times were noted during the study. After an insignificant increase in vWfAg concentration in hypothyroid dogs, levothyroxine treatment was associated with a significant decrease in vWf:Ag concentration in hypothyroid dogs when compared with controls. Results of this study suggest that hypothyroidism does not induce acquired von Willebrand's disease or significant defects in primary hemo‐stasis.J Vet Intern Med 1996;10:60–64. Copyright © 1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Cystic Meningiomas in 2 Dogs
Authors: Bagley Rodney S. , Kornegay Joe N. , Lane Steven B. , Thralls Donald L. , Page Rodney L.
Published: March 2010

Two dogs with signs of forebrain disease had hypodense lesions on computed tomography evaluation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the first dog showed a hypointense lesion on the T1‐weighted scan and a hyperintense lesion on T2‐weighted scanning. At surgery, both dogs had a primary cystic intracranial lesion, and the abnormal tissue adjacent to the cyst had histological features of meningiorna. Each dog underwent whole brain irradiation after surgery, and 1 dog lived for 3 years after treatment. While uncommon, meningioma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in dogs with cystic intracranial lesions.J Vet Intern Med 1996;10:72–75. Copyright © 1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Amputation and Carboplatin for Treatment of Dogs With Osteosarcoma: 48 Cases (1991 to 1993)
Authors: Bergman Philip J. , MacEwen E. Gregory , Kurzman Ilene D. , Henry Carolyn J. , Hammer Alan S. , Knapp Deborah W. , Hale Ann , Kruth Stephen A. , Klein Mary K. , Klausner Jeffrey , Norris Alan M. , McCaw Dudley , Straw Rodney C. , Withrow Stephen J.
Published: March 2010

Forty‐eight dogs with histologically confirmed appendicular osteosarcoma (OSA) entered a prospective clinical trial evaluating treatment with amputation and up to 4 doses of carboplatin given every 21 days. The median disease‐free interval (DFI) was 257 days, with 31.2% of the dogs disease‐free at 1 year. The median survival time was 321 days, with 35.4% of the dogs alive at 1 year. Dogs with proximal humeral OSA had shorter DFI (P = .016) and survival (P = .037) times than dogs with OSA at other locations. Dogs with lower body weights (40 kg) had longer DFI (P = .0056) and survival (P = .007) times than larger dogs. Survival times for dogs that received carboplatin were statistically longer than those previously reported for amputation alone (P < .001). DFI and survival times are similar to those previously reported for 2 to 4 doses of cisplatin. Carboplatin appears to be a well‐tolerated chemotherapeutic drug that can be given safely every 21 days at a dose of 300 mg/m2. Neutropenia was the dose‐limiting toxicity in this study.J Vet Intern Med 1996;10:76–81. Copyright ©1996by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Evaluation of a Whole Blood Glutaraldehyde Coagulation Test for the Detection of Failure of Passive Transfer in Calves
Authors: Tyler Jeff W. , Besser Thomas E. , Wilson Leilani , Hancock Dale D. , Sanders Sean , Rea Douglas E.
Published: March 2010

The accuracy of a commercially available whole blood glutaraldehyde clot test in the detection of failure of passive transfer (serum immunoglobulin [Ig]G1< 1,000 mg/dL) in neonatal calves was evaluated. Serum samples were obtained from 242 calves ranging in age from 1 to 8 days, and comparisons were made with serum lgG1concentrations determined by radial immunodiffusion. Both the sensitivity and specificity of the currently marketed whole blood glutaraldehyde clot test are inadequate for routine diagnostic use. Concerns regarding test sensitivity are the most problematic. Sensitivity varied from 0.41 to 0.00, depending on the choice of test endpoint. Specificity varied from 0.85 to 1.00, depending on the choice of test endpoint. Regression analysis demonstrated that the relationship between serum lgG1concentration and the glutaraldehyde clot results, although significant (P< .10), was of negligible biological relevance (r2= .034).J Vet Intern Med 1996; 10:82–84. Copyright © 1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Bradycardia‐Associated Episodic Weakness, Syncope, and Aborted Sudden Death in Cardiomyopathic Doberman Pinschers
Authors: Calvert Clay A. , Jacobs Gilbert J. , Pickus Cynthia W.
Published: March 2010

Paradoxical sinus bradycardia and cardiac asystole resulted in episodic weakness, syncope, or aborted sudden cardiac death during exertion in 8 cardiomyopathic Doberman Pinschers. Bradycardias persisted for 1 to 2 minutes in 5 of 8 dogs, and were often followed by sinus tachycardia. Syncope was prolonged on multiple occasions in 5 dogs, and was accompanied by white, then cyanotic mucous membranes, mydriasis, and apparent sudden death.J Vet Intern Med 1996; 10:88–93. Copyright © 1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Ultrasonographic Characteristics of the Adrenal Glands in Dogs With Pituitary‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism: Comparison With Normal Dogs
Authors: Grooters Amy M. , Biller David S. , Theisen Sharon K. , Miyabayashi Takayoshi
Published: March 2010

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the adrenal glands was performed in 10 dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) and in 10 age‐ and weight‐matched healthy control dogs. Thickness, shape, and echogenicity were determined for each adrenal gland. Adrenal thickness in dogs with PDH (median, 10 mm‐left; 8.5 mm‐right) was significantly greater than thickness in control dogs (median, 6 mm‐left; 6 mm‐right). Other ultrasonographic characteristics associated with PDH included bilaterally symmetrical adrenomegaly and maintenance of normal adrenal shape. Adrenal echogenicity was homogeneous and less than that of the adjacent renal cortex in 8 of 10 dogs with PDH and in 10 of 10 control dogs. Heterogenous echogenicity was present in 2 of 10 dogs with PDH, and was associated with nodular cortical hyperplasia in one of those dogs. Results of this study confirm the difference in sonographic appearance between PDH‐induced bilateral cortical hyperplasia and functional adrenocortical neoplasia, and show a difference in so‐nographically determined adrenal size between healthy dogs and dogs with PDH.J Vet Intern Med 1996; 10:110–115. Copyright ©1996by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Urine Cortisol:Creatinine Ratio in Healthy and Sick Cats
Authors: Henry Carolyn J. , Clark Terrence P. , Young Diane W. , Spano Joseph S.
Published: March 2010

Urine cortisokcreatinine ratios (UCCR) were determined from single urine samples obtained by cystocentesis in 47 cats allotted into 2 groups: 31 healthy cats and 16 sick, hospitalized cats with assorted clinical illnesses. The mean (± standard deviation) UCCR for healthy cats was 5.9 ± 7.0 (median, 3.2; range, 0.6 to 27.8). Age or gonadal status had no significant effect on the magnitude of UCCR within this group. However, sick cats had significantly higher UCCR (P = .002) when compared with healthy cats. The mean UCCR for sick cats was 19.6 ± 19.2 (median, 14.8; range, 1.7 to 75.1). This report establishes a reference range for UCCR in 31 normal cats and provides evidence that health status affects UCCR in cats.J Vet Intern Med 1996;10:123–126. Copyright © 1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Thrombocytopenia in Horses: 35 Cases (1989–1994)
Authors: Sellon Debra C. , Levine Jay , Millikin Everett , Palmer Kate , Grindem Carol , Covington Patrice
Published: March 2010

The records of 3,952 equine patients presenting to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine were evaluated to determine risk factors associated with thrombocytopenia. Of 2,346 horses from which a CBC was obtained, 35 (1.49%) were thrombocytopenic (platelet count < 75,000/μL). A reference population of 189 horses with normal platelet counts (75,000 to 300,000/μL) was also studied. Standardbred horses were at increased risk for thrombocytopenia. but age and gender were not identified as significant risk factors. Horses with infectious or inflammatory diseases were at increased risk for thrombocytopenia. The potential association of clinical and clinicopathologic factors with thrombocytopenia were assessed by reviewing a series of multiple logistic regression models. Clinical and clinicopathologic variables significantly associated with thrombocytopenia in the final model included increased PCV, increased band neutrophil count, increased total WBC, and decreased plasma protein concentration. Increased mature neutrophil count was associated with normal platelet counts. Thrombocytopenic horses were significantly more likely to die or be euthanized than were horses with normal platelet counts.J Vet Intern Med 1996;10:127–132. Copyright © 1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Detection of Antinuclear Antibodies by Indirect Immunofluorescence in Dog Sera: Comparison of Rat Liver Tissue and Human Epithelial‐2 Cells as Antigenic Substrate
Authors: Hansson Helene , Trowald‐Wigh Gunilla , Karlsson‐Parra Alex
Published: March 2010

Rat liver sections and a human epithelial cell line (HEp‐2) were compared as substrates for the detection of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in the serum of normal dogs and dogs with suspected autoimmune disease, using a standard indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) technique. Antibody reactivity against rat hepatocyte nuclei was frequently found at low serum dilutions in normal dog sera. Using rat liver sections, a minimum significant positive titer, allowing negativity in more than 95% of normal dog sera, was found to be 1/100. With this titer, ANA positivity could be verified in 64 of 112 (57%) reanalysed serum samples from dogs with suspected autoimmune disease, earlier determined as ANA‐positive. No reactivity against nuclei of HEp‐2 cells was observed in any of the normal dog sera analyzed at a screening dilution of 1/25. Using this dilution as a minimum significant positive titer, 63 of the 112 (56%) re‐evaluated serum samples were positive. These 63 samples were from the same dogs as the 64 samples that were positive on rat liver sections. Thus, the 2 methods of ANA‐IIF detected a nearly identical population of dogs with suspected autoimmune disease once the level of significance of a positive titer was adjusted to 195% specificity for each method. HEp‐2 cells were found to be superior to rat liver cryostate sections as ANA substrate because of their low reactivity with normal sera, and the ease of discernment of the ANA fluorescence pattern. The recognition and documentation of specific pattern types may give clues to ANA subspecificities, which could prove useful if they are found to correlate with well‐defined subgroups of immune mediated clinical diseases in dogs.J Vet Intern Med 1996;10:199–203. Copyright ©1996by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Efficacy and Toxicity of Tocainide for the Treatment of Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in Doberman Pinschers With Occult Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Calvert Clay A. , Pickus Cynthia W. , Jacobs Gilbert J.
Published: March 2010

Tocainide was administered to 23 cardiomyopathic Doberman Pinschers at doses of 15 to 25 mg/kg tid. These doses produced peak (2–hour) serum concentrations of 6.2 to 19.1 mg/L and trough (8–hour) serum concentrations of 2.3 to 11.1 mg/L. Anorexia and gastrointestinal disturbances occurred in 8 dogs (35%) at doses (15.6 to 25.0 mg/kg) that were not different from those (16.0 to 26.0 mg/kg) received by dogs that did not experience toxicity. Doses producing peak serum concentrations that were either greater or less than 14 mg/L were not different. Likewise, doses producing trough values that were either greater or less than 6 mg/L were not different. The mean dose that produced peak serum concentrations of 10 to 13.6 mg/L and trough concentrations of 4.2to10.0 mg/L was 17.9mg/kg, andwas associated with anorexia in 4 dogs. Mean peak serum concentrations associated with toxicity (14.4 mg/L) were significantly higher (P= .02) than dogs not experiencing toxicity (11.8 mg/L). Serious adverse effects occurred in 7 of 12 dogs (58%) receiving tocainide for longer than 4 consecutive months. Progressive corneal endothelial dystrophy occurred in 3 dogs. Although a causal effect could not be proven, 6 dogs experienced renal dysfunction during treatment. Drug doses in these 7 dogs were similar to those received by other dogs. At least a 70% reduction of the total numbers of ventricular premature contractions occurred in 80% of dogs treated, and ventricular tachycardia was eliminated in 90% of affected dogs by the time of the first post‐treatment Holter recording. Long‐term control of ventricular tachyarrhythmias was difficult to achieve in some dogs when the left ventricular shortening fraction was less than approximately 17%.J Vet Intern Med 1996;10:235–240. Copyright©1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
The Diagnostic Utility of Cerebrospinal Fluid Creatine Kinase Activity in the Horse
Authors: Jackson Cynthia , de Lahunta Alexander , Divers Thomas , Ainsworth Dorothy
Published: March 2010

We evaluated creatine kinase (CK) activity in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 128 horses with various neurological disorders. No association was found between CSF CK activity and CSF red blood cell count, CSF nucleated cell count, CSF total protein concentration, or serum CK activity. The sensitivity and specificity of CSF CK activity as a diagnostic test for protozoal myelitis in horses (61% and 56%, respectively) was higher than for cervical stenotic myelopathy, degenerative myelopathy, or motor neuron disease, but was considered to be inadequate to be of use diagnostically. Contami nation of CSF with whole blood, hemolyzed red blood cells, or serum did not substantially contribute to increases in CSF CK activity. Addition of epidural fat or dura to CSF significantly increased CSF CK activity in all cases. We suggest that the use of CSF CK activity as a diagnostic indicator of neurological disease in the horse is unreliable, and that CSF CK activity may be falsely increased by contamination of CSF with epidural fat or dura during CSF collection.J Vet Intern Med 1996;10:246–251. Copyright©1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Naturally Occurring Acute Coliform Mastitis in Holstein Cattle
Authors: Cebra Christopher K. , Garry Franklyn B. , Dinsmore R. Page
Published: March 2010

Physical examination and clinicopathologic findings from 44 adult Holstein cows with naturally occurring coliform mastitis were studied. The cattle were grouped for comparison by stage of lactation and survival. Cattle within the first 4 weeks of lactation maintained higher median mature neutrophil counts (1,200 versus 300/μL) in peripheral blood than cattle later in lactation. Nonsurviving cows had higher median creatinine concentration (2.5 versus 1.6 mg/dL) and anion gap (25 versus 20 mEq/L), and lower serum protein (7.1 versus 7.6 gm/dL) and total CO2(19.8 versus 25 mEq/L) concentrations than surviving cows (P< .05). These findings indicate that cattle with uremia and metabolic acidosis are less likely to survive the infection. Bacteriologic blood cultures were performed on 34 of the 44 cows studied.Esche‐richia coliwas isolated from the blood in 11 (32%) cows. Clinical presentation and clinicopathologic data were compared in bacteremic versus nonbacteremic cows to evaluate these data as predictors of bacteremia. Bacteremic cows were sick longer prior to admission (2 versus 1 days), maintained higher median counts of total nucleated cells (6.6 versus 2.4 × 103cells/μL), myelocytes (0.2 versus 0 × 103cells/μL), metamyelocytes (0.5 versus 0.02 × 103cells/μL), band neutrophils (0.7 versus 0.1 × 103cells/μL), and lymphocytes (2.1 versus 1.4 × 103cells/μL) than nonbacteremic cows, and had higher plasma fibrinogen concentration (600 versus 500 mg/dL) (P <.05). There were no differences between the physical or serum biochemical measurements. Four of 11 bacteremic cows and 5 of 23 nonbacteremic cows died or were euthanized (P> .05). The high prevalence of bacteremia seen in cows with coliform mastitis has not been reported previously, and may have been due to the duration of disease, severity of signs, or culture technique. These findings suggest that systemic antibiotic therapy may be beneficial in some severe cases of coliform mastitis.J Vet Intern Med 1996;252–257. Copyright©1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Exercise and Immunity: A Review with Emphasis on the Horse
Authors: Hines Melissa Trogdon , Schott II Harold C. , Bayly Warwick M. , Leroux Annette J.
Published: March 2010

Exercise has been recognized as a stress, which can significantly alter the host's immune response and, therefore, its susceptibility to disease. Whereas research in this area has previously focused primarily on human subjects and laboratory animals, it has more recently extended to domestic animals, especially the equine athlete. Despite several studies, defining the relationship among exercise, the immune response, and disease has proven difficult due to a number of factors, including the complexity of the immune system and the variable nature of exercise itself. It now appears that exercise has dual effects on the immune system. Suppressive effects, such as a decline in the ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ cells, diminished lymphocyte function, and a decline in the number and cytolytic activity of natural killer cells have been observed in response to brief high‐intensity exercise, prolonged exhaustive exercise, and overtraining. In contrast, moderate training generally has beneficial effects on host defense mechanisms. The mechanisms for regulating the dual effects of exercise are complex, involving a network of neuroendocrine hormones and cytokines.
Vaccine‐Associated Immune‐Mediated Hemolytic Anemia in the Dog
Authors: Duval Derek , Giger Urs
Published: March 2010

Vaccination has been incriminated as a trigger of immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) in dogs and in people, but evidence to support this association is lacking. In a controlled retrospective study, idiopathic IMHA was identified in 58 dogs over a 27–month period. When compared with a randomly selected control group of 70 dogs (presented for reasons other than IMHA) over the same period, the distribution of cases versus time since vaccination was different (P<.05). Fifteen of the dogs (26%) had been vaccinated within 1 month (mean, 13 days; median, 14 days; range, 1 to 27 days) of developing IMHA (P< .0001), whereas in the control group no marked increase in frequency of presentation was seen in the first month after vaccination. The dogs with IMHA were divided into 2 groups based on time since vaccination: the vaccine IMHA group included dogs vaccinated within 1 month of developing IMHA; the nonvaccine IMHA group included dogs that developed IMHA more than 1 month after vaccination. The recently vaccinated dogs with IMHA (vaccine IMHA group) had significantly lower platelet counts (P <.05) and a trend towards increased prevalence of intravascular hemolysis and autoagglutination when compared with the nonvaccine IMHA group. Similar mortality rates were seen in the vaccine IMHA group (60%) and the nonvaccine IMHA group (44%), with the majority of fatalities (>75%) occurring in the first 3 weeks after presentation. Persistent autoagglutination was a negative prognostic indicator for survival in both groups (P< .05). Presence of icterus and hyperbilirubinemia were negative prognostic indicators for survival in the nonvaccine IMHA group (P< .0001 andP< .01, respectively) but not in the vaccine IMHA group. In the recently vaccinated dogs, combination vaccines from various manufacturers against canine distemper, adenovirus type 2, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus (DHLPP) were involved in each case. Vaccines against rabies virus,Bordetellaspp, coronavirus, and LymeBorreliawere administered concomitantly to some dogs. This study provides the first clinical evidence for a temporal relationship of vaccine‐associated IMHA in the dog.
Sonographic Evaluation of the Common Bile Duct in Cats
Authors: Leveille Renee , Biller David S. , Shiroma Jonathan T.
Published: March 2010

Ultrasound is an excellent imaging tool in the evaluation of the biliary tract in cats. Extrahepatic obstruction could be diagnosed by the presence of dilated common bile duct (CBD), which was measured ventral to the portal vein in the porta hepatis. At this level, the diameter of the CBD in 6 healthy cats and in 22 cats with nonsurgical jaundice was 4 mm. Six of 7 cats with a CBD >5 mm had extrahepatic biliary obstruction.
The Effect of Hetastarch on Serum Colloid Oncotic Pressure in Hypoalbuminemic Dogs
Authors: Moore Lisa E. , Garvey Michael S.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study was to determine the duration of action of a single dose of hetastarch, a synthetic colloid, in hypoalbuminemic dogs. Thirty hypoalbuminemic dogs (albumin concentration, 2,0 g/dL) received 1 dose of hetastarch each, with an average dose of 18.1 mL/kg. Doses ranged from 7.7 to 43.9 mL/kg, with the majority of doses (n = 26) in the range of 10 to 25 mL/kg. Dogs were allotted to one of several groups: all dogs, dogs with acute gastrointestinal protein loss, dogs with chronic gastrointestinal protein loss, all dogs with gastrointestinal protein loss, and dogs with nongastrointestinal protein loss. Colloid oncotic pressure was measured immediately before and immediately after hetastarch administration, and 12 hours after hetastarch administration. There was a significant (P < .001) increase in the mean colloid oncotic pressure after hetastarch treatment in all groups, except in the group with acute gastrointestinal protein loss. Twelve hours after hetastarch treatment, the mean colloid oncotic pressure had decreased significantly (P < .001) from the immediate post‐treatment value in all groups, except in dogs in the groups with acute and chronic gastrointestinal protein loss. Twelve hours after hetastarch treatment the mean colloid oncotic pressure was not significantly (P < .001) different from the baseline mean colloid oncotic pressure in any of the groups. Twenty‐three dogs (77%) survived their illness and were sent home, whereas, 7 (23%) died or were euthanized. The effect of a single dose of hetastarch on raising colloid oncotic pressure in dogs with hypoalbuminemia decreases significantly within 12 hours of administration, and is no longer significantly above baseline values. We conclude that multiple dosing is necessary to prolong the beneficial effects of hetastarch.
Evaluation of 3 Assays for Failure of Passive Transfer in Calves
Authors: Tyler Jeff W. , Hancock Dale D. , Parish Steven M. , Rea Douglas E. , Besser Thomas E. , Sanders Sean G. , Wilson Leilani K.
Published: March 2010

This study examined the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and classification accuracy of 3 commonly used screening tests for failure of passive transfer: the sodium sulfite turbidity test, the zinc sulfate turbidity test, and re‐fractometry relative to serum immunoglobulin G1, (IgG1) concentrations determined by radial immunodiffusion. Serum samples were obtained from 242 calves ranging from 1 to 8 days of age. Using a serum concentration of 1,000 mg/dL IgG1to define adequate passive transfer, the zinc sulfate test had a sensitivity of 1.00 and a specificity of 0.52 in the detection of inadequate passive transfer. The endpoint of the test appeared to be higher than desired; calves testing negative had mean serum IgG1concentration of 955 mg/dL and a large proportion of calves with adequate passive transfer were misclassified as positive for failure of passive transfer. Using the qualitative zinc sulfate test, the percentage of calves correctly classified with regard to passive transfer status was less than that observed with either the sodium sulfite test or refractometry. The sensitivity of the sodium sulfite assay was 0.85 at a 1+ endpoint and 1.00 at a 2 or 3+ endpoint. The specificity of the sodium sulfite assay varied from 0.87 at a 1+ endpoint and 0.56 at a 2+ endpoint. The sensitivity and specificity of refractometry varied from 0.01 to 1.00 depending on the choice of endpoint. Refractometry correctly classified the largest proportion of calves with regard to their passive transfer status at test endpoints of 5.0 and 5.5 g/dL, 83% and 82% respectively. The highest percentages of calves correctly classified occurred with the sodium sulfite test using a 1+ endpoint (86.30%) and refractometry using a 5.0 g/dL endpoint (83.00%). A regression equation was developed that permitted calculation of an optimal endpoint for refractometric determinations of total serum protein concentration. A serum protein concentration of 5.2 g/dL was equivalent to 1,000 mg/dL serum IgG1. Optimal selection of tests for passive transfer status in calves will be governed by the prevalence of failure of passive transfer, test performance, and the anticipated costs of classification errors.
Magnetic Motor Evoked Potentials in Ponies
Authors: Mayhew Ian G. , Washbourne Julia R.
Published: March 2010

Magnetic stimulation of motor pathways was used to effect motor unit action potential recordings from forelimb and hindlimb muscles in unanesthetized ponies. Motor pathway conduction velocities to the forelimb and hindlimb were determined to be 53.8 ± 9.6 m/s‐1and 63.4 ± 8.3 m/s‐1, respectively. This noninvasive technique will enable more precise evaluation of motor deficits in clinical patients than is possible with the neurological examination.
Serum Fructosamine Concentration as an Index of Glycemia in Cats With Diabetes Mellitus and Stress Hyperglycemia
Authors: Crenshaw Kathy L. , Peterson Mark E. , Heeb Laurie A. , Moroff Scott D. , Nichols Rhett
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate fructosamine concentrations in clinically healthy cats, sick cats with stress hyperglycemia, and untreated diabetic cats to determine the usefulness of this test in diagnosing diabetes mellitus in cats, and in differentiating the disease from stress‐induced hyperglycemia. In addition, we evaluated if the degree of glycemic control in cats treated for diabetes influenced their serum fructosamine concentrations. In the 14 sick cats with stress hyperglycemia, the median serum fructosamine concentration (269 μmol/L) was not significantly different from the median value in the 26 clinically normal cats (252 μmol/L). Two of the 14 cats with stress hyperglycemia (14.3%) had serum fructosamine concentrations above the upper limit of the reference range (175 to 400 μmol/U; on the basis of these results, the test specificity was calculated as 0.86. In 30 cats with untreated diabetes mellitus, the median serum fructosamine concentration was 624 μmol/L, markedly higher than the value in either the normal cats or the cats with stress hyperglycemia. All but 2 of the 30 untreated diabetic cats (6.7%) had serum fructosamine concentration above the upper limit of the reference range; on the basis of these results, the sensitivity of serum fructosamine concentration as a diagnostic test for diabetes mellitus was 0.93. When 30 diabetic cats receiving treatment were divided into 3 groups according to their response to treatment (ie, poor, fair, and good), the 16 cats that had a good response to treatment had significantly lower serum concentrations of both glucose and fructosamine compared with cats that had either a fair or poor response to treatment. A significant correlation (rs= .70, n = 100, P < .001) was found between serum concentrations of glucose and fructosamine. Results of this study indicate that quantification of serum fructosamine concentration is a meaningful test for the diagnosis of diabetes, for differentiating diabetes from stress hyperglycemia; and for monitoring the metabolic control in treated diabetic cats.
A Prospective Study of Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Grade 2 Mast Cell Tumors in 32 Dogs
Authors: Al‐Sarraf Renee , Mauldin G. Neal , Patnaik Amiya K. , Meleo Karri A.
Published: March 2010

Surgery, chemotherapy, and irradiation have been used singly or in combination to treat dogs with cutaneous grade‐2 mast cell tumors (MCT). However, optimal treatment has not been established. At The Animal Medical Center, 32 dogs with grade 2, stage 0 MCT received cobalt radiation treatment to a dose of 54 Gy; 94% had a disease‐free interval of 1 year. The 2–,3–,4–, and 5–year disease‐free intervals were 86%. Survival rates were 100% for 1 year and 96% for 2 to 5 years, with only 1 death caused by MCT. Primary site was not a prognostic factor for survival in this study. Minimal toxicity was observed and was limited to acute cutaneous reactions. Late‐term reactions to radiation therapy were mild and considered acceptable in all cases. No deaths occurred due to treatment, and no dog was eliminated from the study because of radiation therapy toxicity. Radiation therapy appears to be an effective treatment for dogs with grade 2, stage 0 MCT.
Bronchopulmonary Disease in the Cat: Historical, Physical, Radiographic, Clinicopathologic, and Pulmonary Functional Evaluation of 24 Affected and 15 Healthy Cats
Authors: Dye Janice A. , McKiernan Brendan C. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Hoffmann Walter E. , Losonsky John M. , Homco Linda D. , Weisiger Rita M. , Kakoma Ibulaimu
Published: March 2010

The results of clinical and pulmonary functional evaluation of 24 cats with bronchopulmonary disease and 15 healthy cats are presented. Affected cats had historical evidence of excessive reflexes (coughing, sneezing); physical evidence of airway secretions (crackles), obstruction (wheezing), and increased tracheal sensitivity; radiographic evidence of bronchial and interstitial lung disease; and cytological evidence of airway inflammation or mucous secretions. Bacterial isolates from healthy and affected cats were predominantly Gram‐negative rods, indicating that bronchi of cats are not always sterile and that normal flora should be considered in interpreting cultures from cats with suspected bronchopulmonary disease. Cats were grouped according to relative disease severity based on scored historical, physical, and radiographic abnormalities. The mean (± standard deviation) baseline lung resistance measurement in healthy cats was 28.9 cm H2O/L/s (±6.2 cm H2O/L/s), whereas in mildly, moderately, and severely affected cats it was 38.3 cm H2O/L/s (±21.5 cm H2O/L/s), 44.8 cmH2O/L/s (±7.7 cm H2O/L/s), and 105.2 cm H2O/L/s (±66.9 cm H2O/L/s), respectively. In healthy cats, dynamic lung compliance was 19.8 (±7.4), whereas in mildly, moderately, and severely affected cats it was 14.7 mL/cm H2O (±3.8 mL/cm H2O), 17.7 mL/cm H2O (±6.9 mL/cm H2O), and 13.0 mL/cm H2O (±7.9 mL/cm H2O), respectively. Thus, airway obstruction was present in many of the affected cats. Based on acute response to the bron‐chodilator, terbutaline, airway obstruction was partially reversible in many affected cats, although the degree of reversibility varied. Furthermore, based on bronchoprovocation testing, 6 (of 7) affected cats evaluated also had increased airway responsiveness to aerosolized methacholine.
Evaluation of Canine Red Blood Cells Stored in a Saline, Adenine, and Glucose Solution for 35 Days
Authors: Wardrop K. Jane , Tucker Russell L. , Mugnai Kristen
Published: March 2010

An additive solution for the storage of red blood cells was evaluated for use in dogs. Blood collected from 6 dogs was processed into packed red blood cells and stored for 35 days in the additive solution Nutricel (Miles, Inc, Pharmaceutical Division, West Haven, CT). Packed red blood cells stored in citrate‐phosphate‐dextrose‐adenine (CPDA‐1; Fenwal Laboratories, Baxter Health Care Corp, Deerfield, IL) also were evaluated for comparison. Red blood cell 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate (2,3‐DPG) concentration, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration, percentage hemolysis, and pH were determined. The red blood cell post‐transfusion viability (PTV) after 35 days of storage was assessed with both single‐labeled chromium 51 (51Cr) and double‐labeled technetium 99m/chromium 51 (99mTc/51Cr) techniques. Mean ATP concentration and percentage hemolysis of the cells stored in Nutricel were 1.1 μmol/g hemoglobin (Hb) and 0.28% respectively and did not differ significantly (P < .05) from the values of 1.0 μmol/g Hb and 0.33% from the CPDA‐1‐stored red blood cells. The mean pH of red blood cells stored in Nutricel was 6.19, which was significantly lower than the pH of 6.47 for cells stored in CPDA‐1. The mean 2,3‐DPG concentration of red blood cells stored in Nutricel was significantly higher at 10.1 μmol/g Hb than the 2,3‐DPG concentration of 3.4μmol/g Hb for cells stored in CPDA‐1. The mean PTV of canine red blood cells stored in Nutricel for 35 days was 85% with 51Cr and 90% with 99mTc/51Cr. This was significantly higher than the mean PTVs of 38% and 36% for the CPDA‐1 stored cells as assessed with 51Cr and 99mTc/51Cr techniques, respectively. It was concluded that 35‐day‐old canine red blood cells stored in Nutricel are of acceptable quality for transfusion purposes.
Thrombocytosis in 24 Horses (1989–1994)
Authors: Sellon Debra C. , Levine Jay F. , Palmer Kate , Millikin Everett , Grindem Carol , Covington Patrice
Published: March 2010

The records of horses presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine between January 1, 1989 and April 30, 1994 were evaluated to determine risk factors associated with thrombocytosis. Of the 2,346 horses for which a CBC was performed, 24 (1.0%) had a platelet count > 400,000/μL. Demographic, diagnostic, physical examination, and clinicopathologic variables from these cases were compared with a reference population consisting of 189 horses with a normal platelet count presenting during the same period. Infectious/inflammatory disorders were observed more commonly in horses with high platelet counts than in horses with normal platelet counts. Initial independent evaluation of demographic variables revealed that horses more than 3 years of age, females, and geldings were less likely to have thrombocytosis than were younger horses or stallions. Independent analysis of clinicopathologic variables revealed that horses with thrombocytosis were more likely to have hyper‐fibrinogenemia, leukocytosis, hypoproteinemia, and anemia than were horses with normal platelet counts. Physical examination parameters associated with thrombocytosis included tachycardia and pyrexia. In the final multivariable model, the variables with the strongest association with thrombocytosis included leukocytosis, anemia, and hyper‐fibrinogenemia. Thrombocytosis rarely causes clinical problems in horses and is not likely to require specific antiplatelet therapy. The strong association of thrombocytosis with infectious/inflammatory disorders, however, should lead clinicians to suspect these types of conditions in horses with high platelet counts.
Treatment and Long‐Term Follow‐up of 205 Dogs With Hypoadrenocorticism
Authors: Kintzer Peter P. , Peterson Mark E.
Published: March 2010

Results of long‐term treatment were evaluated in 200 dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism and 5 dogs with spontaneous secondary hypoadrenocorticism. Fludrocortisone acetate initially was used for mineralocorticoid replacement in 190 of the dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism. The daily dose of fludrocortisone required in these dogs increased significantly during the treatment period (median, 2.6 years) from an initial median dose of 13.1 μg/kg to a final dose of 22.6 μg/kg. In 27 of the 200 dogs, mineralocorticoid therapy was changed from fludrocortisone to desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) because of adverse effects, poor response, or financial considerations. The dose of DOCP required in the 33 dogs (27 dogs plus 6 dogs initially given DOCP) increased significantly during the treatment period (median, 3.5 years) from an initial median dose of 1.56 mg/kg to a final dose of 1.69 mg/kg; the interval between DOCP injections ranged from 14 to 35 days (median, 30 days). The dose of prednisone administered to the dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism decreased significantly from an initial median dose of 0.3 mg/kg to a final dose of 0.2 mg/kg; the drug was discontinued in 22 dogs due to adverse effects. The 5 dogs with secondary hypoadrenocorticism received only glucocorticoid replacement therapy (prednisone) at initial and final daily dosages of 0.41 mg/kg and 0.25 mg/kg, respectively, during a median treatment period of 4.4 years. More than 80% of the dogs were considered to have a good to excellent response to therapy. The median survival time of all 205 dogs was 4.7 years. There were no differences in response to treatment or survival between dogs treated with fludrocortisone and those receiving DOCP, or between dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism and those with secondary hypoadrenocorticism.
Clinical Forms of Acquired Myasthenia Gravis in Dogs: 25 Cases (1988–1995)
Authors: Dewey Curtis Wells , Bailey Cleta Sue , Shelton G. Diane , Kass Philip H. , III G. H. Cardinet
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this project was to investigate the clinical forms of acquired myasthenia gravis in dogs. The medical records from 25 dogs with seropositive acquired myasthenia gravis were reviewed, and the following data were recorded for each patient: signalment, history, clinical findings; results of IV edrophonium chloride administration, repetitive nerve stimulation, and presence or absence of muscle membrane staining by immunocytochemical methods; serum acetyl‐choline receptor antibody concentration; treatment; and outcome. Several clinical forms of acquired myasthenia gravis were identified. Nine of the 25 patients (36%) had no historical or clinical evidence of appendicular muscle weakness, and were designated asfocal myasthenics. These dogs exhibited focal weakness in one or more of the following muscle groups: facial {3 of 9), pharyngeal (3 of 9), and laryn‐geal (3 of 9). The remaining 16 dogs (64%) exhibited appendicular muscle weakness. Four of these 16 dogs had acute onset and rapid development of clinical signs, and were designated as acutefulminating myasthenics. The remaining 12 dogs were classified asgeneralized myasthenics. All 4 dogs with acute fulminating myasthenia gravis had megaesophagus, 2 had facial muscle weakness, and 1 had pharyngeal muscle weakness. Ten of the 12 dogs with generalized myasthenia gravis had megaesophagus, 4 had facial muscle weakness, 4 had pharyngeal muscle weakness, and 3 had laryngeal muscle weakness. Historical or clinical evidence of exercise‐associated appendicular weakness was found in only 6 of the 12 (50%) dogs with generalized myasthenia gravis, and in none of the dogs with acute fulminating myasthenia gravis. Seven of the 12 dogs with generalized myasthenia gravis had weakness primarily (n = 1) or exclusively (n = 6) of the pelvic limbs. Two of the 4 dogs with acute fulminating myasthenia gravis had primarily pelvic limb weakness. Twelve of the 25 dogs (48%) died or were euthanized shortly after admission to the hospital due to aspiration pneumonia. The dogs with acute fulminating myasthenia gravis had a markedly higher 1‐year mortality rate in comparison with the other 2 groups. The use of immunosuppressive therapy had a significant positive effect on patient survival, regardless of the type of myasthenia gravis. This investigation demonstrates that acquired myasthenia gravis in dogs is a disorder with a wide spectrum of clinical forms, similar to the analagous disorder in people.
A Retrospective Case‐Control of Acute Renal Failure in 99 Dogs
Authors: Vaden Shelly L. , Levine Jay , Breitschwerdt Edward B.
Published: March 2010

The objective of this study was to evaluate retrospectively demographic and clinicopathologic factors that may be associated with the diagnosis and outcome of acute renal failure (ARF) in dogs presented to a large referral hospital. Medical records of dogs presented to the hospital were searched for a diagnosis of ARF. The diagnosis of ARF was based on clinical signs, renal imaging findings, and clinicopathologic data and, in most cases, was confirmed by histopathology, prior serum creatinine concentrations, response to therapy, and known recent nephrotoxin exposure or ischemic event. Demographics, selected clinicopathologic findings, and concurrent disorders that may have been associated with development of ARF were extracted from these records. A reference population was derived from 481 dogs presenting to the same hospital. Demographic data also were collected from these medical records. The demographic factors associated with a diagnosis of ARF and the factors associated with outcome of ARF were assessed by reviewing a series of multiple logistic regression models. Conclusions from this study were as follows: (1) Intact male dogs and nonsporting dogs were more likely to develop ARF and be admitted to the teaching hospital. (2) Dogs with severe azotemia (serum creatinine concentration > 10 mg/dL), hypocalcemia (<8.6 mg/ dL), and proteinuria were less likely to survive ARF and be discharged from the hospital. (3) Dogs that survived in the hospital for more than 5 days were more likely to recover and be discharged from the hospital.