bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Assessment of the Ability of Diplomates, Practitioners, and Students to Describe and Interpret Recordings of Heart Murmurs and Arrhythmia
Authors: Naylor Jonathan M. , Yademuk Lisa M. , Pharr John W. , Ashbumer J. Susan
Published: March 2010

The ability of clinicians, ie, 10 veterinary students, 10 general practitioners, and 10 board certified internists, to describe and interpret common normal and abnormal heart sounds was assessed. Recordings of heart sounds from 7 horses with a variety of normal and abnormal rhythms, heart sounds, and murmurs were analyzed by digital sonography. The perception of the presence or absence of the heart sounds S1, S2, and S4 was similar for clinicians irrespective of their level of training and was in agreement with the sonographic interpretation on 89, 82, and 78% of occasions, respectively. However, practitioners were less likely to correctly describe the presence of S3. The heart rhythm was correctly described as being regular or irregular on 89% of occasions, and this outcome was not affected by level of training. Differentiation of the type of irregularity was less reliable. The perception of the intensity of a heart murmur was accurate and correlated with the grade assigned in the living horses,R2= .68, and with sonographic measurements of the murmur's intensity,R2= .69. Clinicians overestimated the duration of cardiac murmurs, particularly that of the loud systolic murmur. Only diplomates could reliably differentiate systolic from diastolic murmurs. The ability to diagnose the underlying cardiac problem was significantly affected by training; diplomates, practitioners, and undergraduates made the correct diagnosis on 53, 33, and 29% of occasions, respectively. The poor diagnostic ability of practitioners and the lack of improvement in diagnostic skill after the 2nd year of veterinary school emphasizes the need for better teaching of these skills. Digital sonograms that combine sound files with synchronous visual interpretations may be useful in this regard.
Cell Adhesion Molecules, Leukocyte Trafficking, and Strategies to Reduce Leukocyte Infiltration
Authors: Radi Zaher A. , Kehrli Marcus E. , Ackermann Mark R.
Published: March 2010

Leukocyte‐endothelial cell interactions are mediated by various cell adhesion molecules. These interactions are important for leukocyte extravasation and trafficking in all domestic animal species. An initial slowing of leukocytes on the vascular endothelium is mediated by selectins. This event is followed by (1) activation of β2integrins after leukocyte exposure to cytokines and proinflammatory mediators, (2) adherence of leukocyte β2integrins to vascular endothelial ligands (eg, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 [ICAM‐1]), (3) extravasation of leukocytes into tissues through tight junctions of endothelial cells mediated by platelet and endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1), and (4) perivascular migration through the extracellular matrix via β1integrins. Inhibiting excessive leukocyte egress and subsequent free radical‐mediated damage caused by leukocyte components may attenuate or eliminate tissue damage. Several methods have been used to modify leukocyte infiltration in various animal models. These methods include nonspecific inhibition of pro‐inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules by nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticoids, inhibition of cytokines and cytokine receptors, and inhibition of specific types of cell adhesion molecules, with inhibitors such as peptides and antibodies to β2integrins, and inhibitors of selectins, ICAMs, and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1). By understanding the cellular and molecular events in leukocyte‐endothelial cell interactions, therapeutic strategies are being developed in several animal models and diseases in domestic animal species. Such therapies may have clinical benefit in the future to overcome tissue damage induced by excessive leukocyte infiltration.
The Effects of Thyroid Hormones on the Skin of Beagle Dogs
Authors: Credille K. M. , Slater M. R. , Moriello K. A. , Nachreiner R. F. , Tucker K. A. , Dunstan R. W.
Published: March 2010

The effects of hypothyroidism on canine skin were determined by comparing morphologic, morphometric, and hair cycle differences in skin biopsy samples from 3 groups of age‐ and gender‐matched Beagle dogs: (1) euthyroid dogs; (2) dogs made hypothyroid by administration of131I; and (3) dogs made hypothyroid and maintained in a euthyroid state by treatment with synthetic thyroxine. After 10 months of observation, there was slower regrowth of hair 2 months after clipping in the untreated‐hypothyroid dogs. Untreated‐hypothyroid dogs had a greater number of follicles in telogen and fewer hair shafts (ie, a greater number of hairless telogen follicles) than did the control group. The control dogs had a greater number of telogen follicles but the same number of hair shafts as the treated‐hypothyroid group. Treated‐hypothyroid dogs had the greatest number of follicles in the growing stage of the hair cycle (anagen). This study suggests that, at least in Beagles, induced hypothyroidism does not affect the pelage as dramatically as has been described in naturally occurring disease. This is because normal Beagles retain hair shafts in follicles for long periods, and the alopecia of hypothyroidism appears to evolve slowly because of the prolongation of this haired telogen stage. The evaluation of thyroxine‐treated hypothyroid dogs demonstrates that thyroid hormone supplementation of Beagle dogs with induced hypothyroidism stimulates hair growth.
Endoscopic Balloon Dilation of Benign Esophageal Strictures in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Leib Michael S. , Dinnel Havah , Ward Daniel L. , Reimer Michele E. , Towell Todd L. , Monroe William E.
Published: March 2010

Endoscopic balloon dilation of benign esophageal strictures was performed in 18 dogs and 10 cats with a median age of 4 years. Stricture formation was associated with a recent anesthetic episode in 18 patients. Regurgitation was the most common clinical sign and was present a median of 4 weeks before dilation. Most animals had a single stricture; median diameter was 5 mm, and median length was 1 cm. Esophagitis and mucosal fibrosis were detected in 9 patients each. Dilation was performed with progressively increasing diameter balloons, from 6 to 20 mm. After dilation, mucosal hemorrhage was mild to moderate in most patients. Esophageal perforation was the only serious complication and occurred in 1 patient. Postdilation therapy consisted of administration of cimetidine, metoclopramide, sucralfate, and prednisone in most animals. The median number of dilation procedures performed in each animal was 2, with a range of 1–5. The median interval between dilations was 13 days. Stricture diameter markedly increased with subsequent dilations. Median duration of follow‐up was 131 weeks. A successful outcome occurred in 88% of patients, with most animals able to eat canned, mashed, or dry food without regurgitation. Mucosal fibrosis was associated with a better clinical response score, while increasing age was weakly associated with fewer dilations. The dilation protocol used in this group of animals was safe and efficacious.
Balloon Valvuloplasty in 30 Dogs with Pulmonic Stenosis: Effect of Valve Morphology and Annular Size on Initial and 1‐Year Outcome
Authors: Bussadori Claudio , DeMadron Eric , Santilli Roberto A. , Borgarelli Michele
Published: March 2010

Case records of 30 dogs in which valvular pulmonic stenosis (PS) was treated by balloon dilation were reviewed retrospectively. Physical examination, thoracic radiographs, 9‐lead ECG, echocardiography, and Doppler studies were performed in all dogs. Two‐dimensional and Doppler echocardiography were repeated after 24 h and 1 year after treatment. Dogs were divided into 2 groups based on their valvular anatomy on echocardiography and aortic : pulmonary ratio: 18 had type A PS with normal annulus diameter and aortic: pulmonary ratio si.2, and 12 had type B PS with pulmonary annulus hypoplasia and aortic: pulmonary ratio >1.2. Most dogs in the type B group were brachycephalic and had no poststenotic dilatation on thoracic radiographs. Of the dogs with type A stenosis, 100% survived valvuloplasty with resolution of clinical signs. At 1‐year follow‐up, 94.4% were still alive and remained asymptomatic. Of those with type B stenosis, 66.6% had favorable outcome postvalvuloplasty. At 1‐year follow‐up, 66.6% of dogs were alive, and resolution of clinical signs was obtained in 50%. This study revealed the immediate and long‐term efficacy of balloon valvuloplasty in dogs with PS.
Subnormal Concentrations of Serum Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) in Cats with Gastrointestinal Disease
Authors: Simpson Kenneth W. , Fyfe John , Cornetta Angelyn , Sachs Amy , Strauss‐Ayali Dalit , Lamb Stephen V. , Reimers Thomas J.
Published: March 2010

The present study sought to determine the spectrum of diseases associated with subnormal concentrations of serum cobalamin in cats undergoing investigation of suspected gastrointestinal problems. The solid‐phase boil radioassay (RA) for cobalamin employed in the present study was immunologically specific, precise, and accurate, with a sensitivity of 15 pg/mL. The RA yielded results that strongly correlated with those obtained by bioassay (Spearmann rho = .805;P< .0001), although the absolute values were lower for the RA. Forty‐nine of 80 serum samples submitted during the period of January 1996‐January 1998 had cobalamin concentrations below the reference range for healthy cats (range 900–2,800 pg/mL; mean ± SD, 1,775 ± 535 pg/mL; n = 33). Cats with subnormal cobalamin concentrations (mean ± SD; 384 ± 272 pg/mL, range 3–883 pg/mL) were middle‐aged or older and were presented for weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, and thickened intestines. Definitive diagnoses in 22 cats included inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), intestinal lymphoma, cholangiohepatitis or cholangits, and pancreatic inflammation. Serum concentrations of cobalamin were particularly low in cats with intestinal lymphoma, three‐fifths of whom also had subnormal serum concentrations of folate (<9 ng/mL). The simultaneous presence of disease in the intestines, pancreas, or hepatobiliary system in many cats made it difficult to determine the cause of subnormal cobalamin concentrations. The circulating half‐life of parenteral cyanocobalamin was shorter in 2 cats with IBD (5 days) than in 4 healthy cats (12.75 days). The presence of subnormal serum concentrations of cobalamin in 49 of 80 cats evaluated suggests that the measurement of serum cobalamin may be a useful indirect indicator of enteric or pancreatic disease in cats. The rapid depletion of circulating cobalamin in cats suggests that cats may be highly susceptible to cobalamin deficiency. However, the relationship of subnormal serum cobalamin concentrations to cobalamin deficiency and the effect of cobalamin deficiency on cats remain to be determined.
Long‐Term Clinical Management of Right‐to‐Left (“Reversed”) Patent Ductus Arteriosus in 3 Dogs
Authors: Côté Etienne , Ettinger Stephen J.
Published: March 2010

A small number of dogs with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) have right‐to‐left flow of blood through the ductus, leading to polycythemia and clinical signs associated with hyperviscosity. Three dogs with right‐to‐left‐shunting PDA are described. Treatment consisted solely of phlebotomy, performed on an outpatient basis when indicated by exacerbation of clinical signs, for a total of 11–68 times on each dog. Each treatment entailed the removal of a mean of 19% (maximum 28%) of circulating blood volume, divided into 2 phlebotomies several hours apart, without intravenous fluid replacement. Subjectively, marked clinical improvement was noted. Intermittent clinical signs decreased in frequency and severity in all dogs. Adverse effects were rare (1 for 98 phlebotomies) and reversible. Dogs lived >2 to >8 years during treatment. Outpatient phlebotomy without fluid replacement was safe, and was associated with subjective improvement and prolonged survival in these dogs.
Equine Basal Cell Tumors: 6 Cases (1985–1999)
Authors: Slovis Nathan M. , McEntee Margaret C. , Fairley Robert A. , Galuppo Larry D. , Théon Alain P.
Published: March 2010

Basal cell tumors are rare benign tumors in horses. Over a 15‐year period, 6 horses were diagnosed with basal cell tumors. The tumors were well‐circumscribed, freely moveable, firm, raised papules, nodules, or masses that ranged from 0.6 to 5 cm in diameter. Five of the 6 tumors were ulcerated. Based on gross appearance, the tumors were diagnosed as sarcoids, and 1 was diagnosed as a melanoma. The range of age of affected horses was 6–26 years. The tumors were identified clinically 1 week to 3 years before excision. In 4 horses for which information was available, complete surgical excision was curative with no recurrence 4 months to 2 years after removal.
Long‐Term Health and Predictors of Survival for Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine 131
Authors: Slater Margaret R. , Geller Sue , Rogers Kenita
Published: March 2010

Two hundred thirty‐one cats treated with radioactive iodine at the Texas Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital were followed for a median of 25 months by means of an ambidirectional (prospective, retrospective) cohort study design. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine predictors of survival based on data at the time of hyperthyroid diagnosis (collected retrospectively) and found that only age at diagnosis and sex of the cat were predictors of survival. Increasing age (for each year of age, relative risk [RR] = 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1–1.3) and being male (RR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.5–0.9) increased likelihood of death. Tables predicting survival after diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroidism for various age and sex combinations were created. In addition, Cox proportional hazard models were run with all data available at the end of the study (collected retrospectively and prospectively) including number and type of major health problems reported at the time of death or censoring. In this model, significant factors were age at diagnosis, sex, and either type of major health problem or number of health problems. Cats with renal disease or cancer were more likely not to survive and increasing from none to 2 health problems also decreased survival. Renal problems and cancer were the most common health problems at the time of death or censoring. This study provides estimates of duration of survival for cats successfully treated for hyperthyroidism with radioactive iodine, which can be useful in assisting with client treatment decisions.
Application of Sartwell's Model (Lognormal Distribution of Incubation Periods) to Age at Onset and Age at Death of Foals withRhodococcus equiPneumonia as Evidence of Perinatal Infection
Authors: Horowitz Miriam L. , Cohen Noah D. , Takai Shinji , Becu Teotimu , Chaffin M. Keith , Chu Karin K. , Magdesian K. Gary , Martens Ronald J.
Published: March 2010

The distributions of the incubation periods for infectious and neoplastic diseases originating from point‐source exposures, and for genetic diseases, follow a lognormal distribution (Sartwell's model). Conversely, incubation periods in propagated outbreaks and diseases with strong environmental components do not follow a lognormal distribution. In this study Sartwell's model was applied to the age at onset and age at death of foals withRhodococcus equipneumonia. The age at onset of clinical signs and age at death were compiled for 107 foals that had been diagnosed withR equipneumonia at breeding farms in Argentina and Japan. For each outcome (disease and death), these data followed a lognormal distribution. A group of 115 foals with colic from the University of California were used as a comparison group. The age at onset of clinical signs for these foals did not follow a lognormal distribution. These results were consistent with the hypothesis that foals are infected withR equiduring the 1st several days of life, similar to a point‐source exposure.
Association Between Canine Malignant Lymphoma, Living in Industrial Areas, and Use of Chemicals by Dog Owners
Authors: Gavazza Alessandra , Presciuttini Silvano , Barale Roberto , Lubas George , Gugliucci Biancaurora
Published: March 2010

A case‐control study was carried out to determine whether residential exposure to environmental pollutants increased risk for canine lymphoma in pet dogs. One hundred one cases with cytologically or histologically confirmed lymphoma diagnosed at a veterinary teaching hospital between the middle of 1996 and the middle of 1998 were examined. Controls were obtained by choosing twice the number of dogs without neoplastic disease, with overlapping distributions of province of residence, age, sex, and breed. Information regarding animal management, residence type, professional or hobby use of chemicals by owners, and treatment with herbicides or other pesticides in the area frequently visited by the dogs was obtained with a multiple‐choice questionnaire by telephone interview. Two variables were positively and independently associated with the disease, namely residency in industrial areas (odds ratio [OR]; = 8.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3–30.9) and use of chemicals by owners, specifically paints or solvents (OR = 4.6; 95% CI, 1.7–12.6). A significantly lower value of the mean age of disease onset was found in the group of dogs at risk in comparison with the group of all other dogs (6.1 ± 0.4 years, n = 36 versus 7.5 ± 0.4 years, n = 65, respectively; P= .008). Variables describing animal care and pesticide use were either not associated with the disease or were uninformative. We suggest that canine lymphoma may be considered a sentinel of potentially hazardous situations for humans, because of the relatively short latency between exposure and disease onset.
Phase I Evaluation of CCNU (Lomustine) in Tumor‐Bearing Cats
Authors: Rassnick Kenneth M. , Gieger Tracy L. , Williams Laurel E. , Ruslander David M. , Northrup Nicole C. , Kristal Orna , Myers Nathaniel C. , Moore Antony S.
Published: March 2010

l‐(2‐Chloroethyl)3‐cyclohexyl‐l‐nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor‐bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty‐five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50–60 mg/m2 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose‐limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/μL (mean, 2,433 cells/μL; range, 0–9,694 cells/μL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7–28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6‐week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14–21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/μL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50–60 mg/m2 every 6 weeks.
Simplified Methods for Estimation of99mTc‐Pentetate and131I‐Orthoiodohippurate Plasma Clearance in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Barthez Paul Y. , Chew Dennis J. , DiBartola Stephen P.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate simplified methods for estimation of Technetium Tc 99m (99mTc)‐pentetate and orthoio‐dohippurate I 131 (131I‐OIH) plasma clearance in dogs and cats with 1 and 2 blood samples. Plasma clearances were calculated after a bolus injection of 1.85—11.1 MBq of99mTc‐pentetate and131I‐OIH with a 2‐compartment model based on a 12‐point curve as a reference method in 21 dogs and 18 cats. Three 2‐sample and 3 single‐sample methods were investigated. The method yielding the smallest standard deviation of the difference between the reference method and the simplified method was selected as the optimal one. Linear regression analysis was performed between the reference method and the simplified method and coefficient of determination (R2) was calculated. For99mTc‐pentetate plasma clearance, the optimal 2‐sample method was the one with a mono‐compartment model with samples taken at specific times. For131I‐OIH plasma clearance, the estimation was improved slightly by raising the clearance calculated with a monocompartment model to the power of an empirically determined parameter. The optimal single‐sample method was the one with a linear quadratic regression between the volume of distribution of the tracer at a specific time and the clearance calculated with 12 samples. Two‐sample methods performed significantly better than did single‐sample methods. The conclusion is made that99mTc‐pentetate and131I‐OIH plasma clearances can be estimated in dogs and cats with 1 or 2 blood samples with a reasonable margin of error compared to plasma clearances calculated with a 2‐compartment model and 12 blood samples.
Increased Platelet Aggregation Response in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Mitral Valve Prolapse
Authors: Olsen Lisbeth H. , Kristensen Annemarie T. , Häggström Jens , Jensen Asger L. , Klitgaard Birgitte , Hansson Helene , Pedersen Henrik D.
Published: March 2010

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a fundamental feature of myxomatous mitral valve disease in the dog. In humans, primary MVP is associated with increased platelet reactivity. In Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS), a breed predisposed to myxomatous mitral valve disease, there is a high prevalence of hypomagnesemia and platelet anomalies, such as thrombocytopenia and ma‐crothrombocytosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate platelet aggregation responses in CKCS and to determine the relationship between the platelet aggregation response and serum magnesium concentration, MVP, mitral regurgitation (MR), and platelet count. In 19 CKCS with MVP and 7 control dogs (not CKCS), the platelet aggregation response to 3 different agonists was compared. The CKCS with > 100,000 platelets/μL (n = 10) had a significantly higher maximum aggregation response with regard to all tested agonists than the CKCS with < 100,000 platelets/μL (n = 9) and control dogs (n = 7). The CKCS with < 100,000 platelets/μL had a platelet aggregation response similar to the control dogs. There was no correlation between degree of MVP and platelet aggregation response. Platelet diameter increased (P= .006) and serum magnesium concentration decreased (P= .04) with lower platelet concentration. In conclusion, CKCS with MVP appeared to separate into 2 groups—1 group with < 100,000 platelets/μL, normal platelet aggregation, low serum magnesium concentration, and enlarged platelets, and another group with >100,000 platelets/μL, increased platelet aggregation, and normal serum magnesium concentration and platelet size.
Correlation of Cardiac Enlargement as Assessed by Vertebral Heart Size and Echocardiographic and Electrocardiographic Findings in Dogs with Evolving Cardiomegaly Due to Rapid Ventricular Pacing
Authors: Nakayama Hitomi , Nakayama Tomohiro , Hamlinxya Robert L.
Published: March 2010

Vertebral heart size (VHS) has been proposed as a method for quantifying cardiomegaly in dogs. This study was designed to determine how well echocardiographic and electrocardiographic findings correlated with VHS. Dogs were rapid‐paced into varying degrees of cardiomegaly and were monitored by thoracic radiography, echocardiography, and electrocardiography during development of cardiomegaly. Echocardiographic and electrocardiographic parameters were compared with VHS. VHS increased with increased duration or rate of pacing or both, and left atrium‐to‐aorta ratio, left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter, left ventricular end‐systolic diameter, P wave duration, and QRS duration correlated significantly with VHS. VHS (a score obtained from routine thoracic radiographs) seems to correlate well with both echocardiographic and electrocardiographic parameters. When 9 veterinarians, experienced in interpretation of cardiac silhouettes on radiographs, measured VHS from 1 normal dog and 1 dog with severe cardiomegaly, coefficients of variation (ratio of standard deviation to the mean) for their measurements were 2.7% and 2.8%, respectively. Thus, VHS could be established with great uniformity by experienced interpreters.
Transvenous Embolization of Small Patent Ductus Arteriosus with Single Detachable Coils in Dogs
Authors: Schneider Matthias , Hildebrandt Nicolai , Schweigl Tatjana , Schneider Ingo , Hagel Karl‐Heinz , Neu Horst
Published: March 2010

Transvenous embolization of small patent ductus arteriosus (PDA; ≤ 4 mm) with a single detachable coil was attempted in 24 dogs (median age 5.7 months, range, 2.6–65.5 months; median body weight 5.5 kg, range, 1.5–30.0 kg). Angiographic imaging of the duct and pressure measurements were made before and after embolization. The minimal ductal diameter was 2.7 ± 0.7 mm. In all dogs, a single coil was employed regardless of residual shunting. Ten dogs (PDA minimal diameter range, 1.5‐2.2 mm) received a 5‐mm coil, and 14 dogs (PDA minimal diameter range, 2.9‐3.6 mm) received a 8‐mm coil. After coil embolization the angiographic shunt grade decreased significantly (n = 20,P< .001). Residual shunts were assessed by angiography 15 minutes after and by Doppler echocardiography 1–3 days and 3 months after the intervention. In the dogs treated with the 5‐mm coils the residual shunt rate was low (0%, 10%, and 0% for angiography and Doppler echocardiography at 1–3 days and 3 months, respectively), in contrast to the dogs treated with the 8‐mm coils (91%, 79%, and 67% for angiography and Doppler echocardiography at 1–3 days and 3 months, respectively). After 3 months, no residual murmur was found in dogs treated with the 5‐mm coils (0/7), in contrast to murmurs in 5 of 12 (42%) dogs treated with the 8‐mm coils. Despite incomplete closure in these dogs, volume loading of the left heart decreased in all dogs. Pulmonic or aortic coil embolism did not occur. Analysis of initial results shows that single detachable coil embolization is possible in all dogs with a small PDA (≤ 4 mm), but only very small PDA (s 2.5) could be treated effectively, and for the moderate PDA (2.6‐4.0 mm) longer coils or multiple coils may be necessary to achieve complete occlusion.
Practices and Outcome of Artificial Cardiac Pacing in 154 Dogs
Authors: Oyama Mark A. , Sisson D. David , Lehmkuhl Linda B.
Published: March 2010

Artificial pacing (AP) is a treatment for symptomatic bradyarrhythmias unresponsive to medical therapy. This retrospective study was designed to define the practices and outcome of AP in dogs at 7 referral institutions participating in the Companion Animal Pacemaker Registry and Repository (CANPACERS). The indications, implantation techniques, complications, long‐term outcome, and owner satisfaction were examined. One hundred fifty‐four dogs were identified as undergoing AP from January 1, 1991, to January 1, 1996. Third‐degree atrioventricular (AV) block (n = 91; 59%) and sinus node dysfunction (n = 45; 29%) were the most common indications for AP. Transvenous endocardial AP systems were implanted in 136 dogs (88%), and epicardial systems were implanted in 18 (12%). Complications associated with AP were reported in 84 dogs (55%). Major complications occurred in 51 dogs (33%), including dislodgement of the pacing lead (n = 15; 10%), generator failure (n = 10; 6%), cardiac arrest during implantation (n = 9; 6%), and infection (n = 7; 5%). Minor complications occurred in 47 dogs (31%), including seroma formation (n = 18; 12%), muscle twitch (n = 17; 11%), and inconsequential arrhythmias (n = 15; 10%). Fourteen dogs (9%) experienced both major and minor complications. Survival analysis revealed 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year survival rates of 70, 57, and 45%, respectively. Age and presence of preexisting congestive heart failure (CHF) had a negative effect on survival (P= .001). Sixty percent of dogs with preexisting CHF died within 1 year of implantation, whereas 25% of dogs without heart failure died during the same period. Owners rated their satisfaction with the procedure as high in 80% of the dogs.
Evaluation of a Discontinuous Treatment Protocol (VELCAP‐S) for Canine Lymphoma
Authors: Moore Antony S. , Cotter Susan M. , Rand William M. , Wood Carrie A. , Williams Laurel E. , London Cheryl A. , Frimberger Angela E. , L'Heureux Deborah A.
Published: March 2010

Eighty‐two dogs with lymphoma received a single 15‐week course of chemotherapy, after which treatment was ceased until relapse. Fifty‐six dogs (68%) achieved complete remission for a median 1st remission duration of 20 weeks. Forty‐eight dogs relapsed, of which 30 repeated the induction cycle. In 22 of these dogs, 1st remission had been short, and they received maintenance chemotherapy; the other 8 dogs received 2 or 3 cycles of induction chemotherapy. Second remission rate for these 30 dogs was 87% (26 dogs). Overall disease control for the 38 dogs that remained on protocol was 44 weeks, which was not markedly shorter than for dogs treated with a previously reported protocol in which maintenance chemotherapy was instituted in all dogs after an identical 1st induction (VELCAP‐L). Dogs that were febrile and dogs that were dyspneic were less likely to achieve a complete remission to induction chemotherapy. Of dogs that achieved a complete remission, those that were thrombocytopenic at entry had a shorter 1st remission, and dogs that were anorexic at entry had shorter overall disease control. There was a correlation between 1st remission duration and length of any subsequent remission obtained. The incidence of toxicity was high, particularly after the combination of doxorubicin and vincristine. Dose reductions because of toxicity did not markedly reduce remission duration. We conclude that discontinuous chemotherapy may reduce patient visits in a small number of patients because of long‐term disease control. Delaying maintenance chemotherapy until after 2nd remission is achieved does not markedly affect overall disease control.
Endoscopic Findings of the Gastric Antrum and Pylorus in Horses: 162 Cases(1996–2000)
Authors: Murray Michael J. , Nout Yvette S. , Ward Daniel L.
Published: March 2010

Medical records and endoscopy images were examined for 209 horses that had gastroscopic examinations performed with a 2.5‐or 3‐m‐long endoscope by one of the authors (MJM) during a 4‐year period (1996–2000). The antrum and pylorus were viewed in 162 horses, and the duodenum was viewed in 94 horses. Of these 162 horses, the gastric squamous mucosa was seen in 157 horses and 50% or more of the glandular mucosa of the body of the stomach was seen in 156 horses. Erosions or ulcers were seen in the gastric squamous mucosa in 91 (58%) horses. Erosions or ulcers were seen in the glandular mucosa of the body of the stomach in only 8% of the horses. Lesions consisting of erosion or ulceration were seen in the antrum or pylorus in 94 (58%) horses. Lesions consisting of hyperemia and a rough or “bumpy” appearance were seen in the mucosa of the duodenum of 16 horses. An association between the presence of lesions in the squamous mucosa and the presence of lesions in the mucosa of the antrum/pylorus was examined by Fisher's exact test, and the linear association of lesion severity scores between the squamous mucosa and the mucosa of the antrum/pylorus was tested using a Monte Carlo estimate for linear‐by‐linear association. There was no association (P= .88) between these sites for presence of lesions or lesion severity scores. Similarly, there was no association between scores for the glandular mucosa in the gastric body and those in the antrum/pylorus. Because of the high prevalence of lesions in the antrum and pylorus of the stomachs of adult horses examined in a hospital setting, the entire stomach should be viewed during a gastroscopic examination.
Hydroxyurea for Treatment of Polycythemia Secondary to Right‐to‐Left Shunting Patent Ductus Arteriosus in 4 Dogs
Authors: Moore Kenneth W. , Stepien Rebecca L.
Published: March 2010

Four adult dogs with polycythemia secondary to reversed patent ductus arteriosus (rPDA) were treated with hydroxyurea, a myelosuppressive agent, for 6–22 months. Regardless of initial hematocrit, clinical signs attributed to the presence of polycythemia improved with hydroxyurea treatment. Chronic hydroxyurea therapy (40–50 mg/kg PO q48h) was well tolerated in this group of animals; mild, clinically silent thrombocytopenia and leukopenia were detected in some animals but resolved with decreased dosage or dose frequency. Chronic hydroxyurea therapy may provide an alternative to repeated phlebotomy for therapy of polycythemia secondary to rPDA.
Accuracy of Serum β‐Hydroxybutyrate Measurements for the Diagnosis of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in 116 Dogs
Authors: Duarte Ricardo , Simoes Denise M.N. , Franchini Maria Luisa , Marquezi Maurício L. , Ikesaki Julia H. , Kogika Marcia M.
Published: March 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of serum β‐hydroxybutyrate (β‐OHB) measurements for the diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in dogs. One hundred sixteen diabetic dogs were prospectively enrolled in the study: 18 insulin‐treated (IT) diabetic dogs that had a positive urine ketone test and 88 untreated, newly diagnosed diabetic dogs. Venous blood gas tensions and pH, serum glucose and urea nitrogen (SUN), and electrolyte (Na+, Cl‐, and K+) and urine acetoacetate (AA) concentrations were measured concurrently with serum β‐OHB concentrations. On the basis of laboratory findings, the patients were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: diabetic ketoacidosis (n = 43); diabetic ketosis (DK, n = 41); and nonketotic diabetes (NDK, n = 31). Serum β‐OHB concentrations differed significantly (P< .001) among the study groups. Although marked differences in β‐OHB concentrations were found, a considerable overlap exists between the distributions of dogs with DK and those with DKA. The overall accuracy of β‐OHB determination as a diagnostic test for DKA, determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, was 0.92. In the 1.9‐ to 4.8‐mmol/L range, serum β‐OHB determination sensitivity varied from 100 to 35.7%, whereas specificity varied from 39 to 100%. The cutoff value of 3.8 mmol/L showed the best equilibrium between specificity (95%), sensitivity (72%), and likelihood ratio (14.8). We concluded that the quantitative measurement of serum β‐OHB may be a potential tool for diagnosing and monitoring ketosis and ketoacidosis in diabetic dogs.
Fecal Polymerase Chain Reaction with 16S Ribosomal RNA Primers Can Detect the Presence of GastrointestinalHelicobacterin Dogs
Authors: Shinozaki Joanne K. , Sellon Ranee K. , Cantor Glenn H. , Besser Tom E. , Mealey Katrina L. , Vaden Shelly L.
Published: March 2010

Questions about pathogenesis and therapy forHelicobacterinfections in dogs could be answered with a simple, noninvasive, sensitive, and specific diagnostic test. We hypothesized that a fecal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay would detectHelicobacterand could be useful for assessing therapeutic responses. Paired gastric biopsies and fecal samples were obtained from 39 random source dogs (group I). Gastric biopsies from each of these dogs had histologic evidence of gastric spiral bacteria, and paired gastric tissue and fecal samples produced a 375‐base pair (bp) product when amplified by PCR withHelicobacter‐specificprimers. Specificity of the PCR product was confirmed by detection of expected 60‐, 119‐, and 196‐bp products followingHinfl digestion. Direct sequencing of amplicons from paired PCR products from gastric biopsy and fecal samples from 8 group I dogs showed that gastric products had the highest homologies with known gastricHelicobacterspecies, whereas fecal products had the highest homologies with intestinal species. Healthy mixed‐breed dogs (group II; n = 8) with histologically confirmed spiral bacteria infection were treated with a 21‐day course of metronidazole, amoxicillin, and famotidine. Fecal samples were collected from group II dogs twice before and within 3 days of completion of treatment. The PCR results correctly identified 15/16 pretreatment samples as positive; 1 pretreatment sample was negative. PCR results identified 8/8 posttreatment samples asHelicobacternegative. Fecal PCR is a useful test for detectingHelicobacterinfection in dogs. This assay may be useful as a screening test for infection and could be used to address questions relevant to pathogenesis and therapy.
Retrospective Evaluation of Partial Parenteral Nutrition in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Chan Daniel L. , Freeman Lisa M. , Labato Mary A. , Rush John E.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the use of partial parenteral nutrition (PPN) in dogs and cats. The medical records of all dogs and cats receiving PPN between 1994 and 1999 were reviewed to determine signalment, reasons for use of PPN, duration of PPN administration, duration of hospitalization, complications, and mortality. Complications were classified as metabolic, mechanical, or septic. One hundred twenty‐seven animals (80 dogs and 47 cats) were included in the study, accounting for 443 patient days of PPN. The most common underlying diseases were pancreatitis (n = 41), gastrointestinal disease (n = 33), and hepatic disease (n = 23). Median time of hospitalization before initiation of PPN was 2.8 days (range, 0.2–10.7 days). Median duration of PPN administration was 3.0 days (range, 0.3–8.8 days). Median duration of hospitalization was 7 days (range, 2–20 days). In the 127 animals receiving PPN, 72 complications occurred. These included metabolic (n = 43), mechanical (n = 25), and septic (n = 4) complications. The most common metabolic complication was hyperglycemia (n = 19), followed by lipemia (n = 17) and hyperbilirubinemia (n = 6). Most complications were mild and did not require discontinuation of PPN. Ninety‐three (73.2%) of the 127 patients were discharged. All 4 animals with septic complications were discharged from the hospital. The presence, type, and number of complications did not impact the duration of hospitalization or outcome. However, animals that received supplemental enteral nutrition survived more often than those receiving PPN exclusively. Although PPN seems to be a relatively safe method of providing nutritional support, future studies are warranted to determine its efficacy.
Changes in Platelet Life Span in Dogs with Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Authors: Tanaka Ryou , Murota Ayako , Nagashima Yukiko , Yamane Yoshihisa
Published: March 2010

Platelet life span was measured in dogs with experimentally‐induced mitral regurgitation (MR) by using an in vitro whole‐blood biotinylation technique to evaluate the effects of shear stress induced by MR. Mitral regurgitation was created in healthy dogs by ablation of the mitral valve chordae tendineae. Mitral regurgitation was identified by auscultation and postoperative color Doppler echocardiography. Platelets were biotinylated, and derivatized blood was reinfused into the dogs. Biotinylated platelet disappearance was measured over time to determine platelet life span. Pre‐ and postablation platelet life span was compared in each dog. Platelet life span was shorter in dogs with experimentally induced MR. Shear stress from MR was postulated to shorten platelet life span. Alternations in platelet function and life span may contribute to the progression of cardiovascular disease in dogs with MR. Further studies are required to determine if platelet dysfunction is related to disease progression in these patients.
Metastatic Melanoma in Horses
Authors: MacGillivray Katherine Cole , Sweeney Raymond W. , Piero Fabio Del
Published: March 2010

The clinical and pathologic findings are reviewed for 14 horses with metastatic melanoma. All were older gray horses, with an average age of 16 years. The most common sites of primary tumors were the ventral tail, perineum, and parotid salivary gland. Metastases were found in multiple locations and caused a variety of clinical syndromes. The most common sites for metastases were the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, skeletal muscle, lungs, and surrounding or within blood vessels throughout the body. Many of the horses had dermal melanomas for years (range 1–6 years) before succumbing to metastatic disease. Histologic characteristic of dermal masses was not predictive of malignancy in the majority of cases. Treatment consisting of surgical debulking and administration of cimetidine, an autogenous vaccine, or both was attempted in 4 horses with no effect on outcome.
Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of Milk Production after Pharmaceutical Induction of Lactation in the Mare
Authors: Chavatte‐Palmer P. , Arnaud G. , Duvaux‐Ponter C. , Brosse L. , Bougel S. , Daels P. , Guillaume D. , Clément F. , Palmer E.
Published: March 2010

The induction of lactation is performed in ruminants by steroidogenic impregnation, followed by drugs intended to increase prolactin secretion. The aim of this study was to induce lactation in barren mares and to evaluate milk production. Five treated and 5 control mares were used in June and September in year 1, and 12 mares were used in year 2. Mares were administered a vaginal pessary (500 mg altrenogest and 50 mg estradiol benzoate) for 1 week. The 2nd week, another sponge with 100 mg estradiol benzoate was administered, together with 50 mg/100 kg body weight (BW) sulpiride in oil (IM q12h). All mares were milked by hand. Drug treatment was stopped after 1 L was obtained. Milk production and composition and plasma prolactin concentration were measured. In year 2, the same steroid treatment was applied, but mares received sulpiride (n = 6) or domperidone (1.1 mg/kg PO ql2h) (n = 6). A milking machine and oxytocin injections 1 minute before the start of milking were used. In year 1, all treated mares started milking within 1–5 days after sulpiride treatment. Mean daily milk production was 0.88 ± 0.52 L/500 kg BW. Milk immunoglobulin G (IgG) contents increased in all mares (IgG concentration range, 14–92 g/L). Plasma prolactin increased during sulpiride treatment (range, 27.7 ± 2.9 to 43.7 ± 6.7 ng/mL [before] to 289.0 ± 7.8 ng/mL during treatment,P< .001). In year 2, results were similar to those in year 1, with peak IgG concentrations ranging from 4.2 to 106.7 g/L and a larger daily milk production (3.13 ± 0.75 with sulpiride and 3.45 ± 0.51 L/500 kg BW with domperidone). In conclusion, lactation can be induced in mares within 2 weeks, and some mares produce good‐quality colostrum.
Visceral Leishmaniasis in a New York Foxhound Kennel
Authors: Gaskin Amanda A. , Schantz Peter , Jackson Joan , Birkenheuer Adam , Tomlinson Lindsay , Gramiccia Marina , Levy Michael , Steurer Frank , Kollmar Eleanor , Hegarty Barbara C. , Ahn Albert , Breitschwerdt Edward B.
Published: March 2010

Although endemic throughout much of the world, autochthonous visceral leishmaniasis has been reported on only 3 previous occasions in North America. After diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in 4 foxhounds from a kennel in Dutchess County, New York (index kennel), serum and ethylenediamine‐tetraacetic acid (EDTA)‐anticoagulated blood were collected from the remaining 108 American or cross‐bred foxhounds in the index kennel and from 30 Beagles and Basset Hounds that were periodically housed in the index kennel. Samples were analyzed for antibodies to or DNA of tickborne disease pathogens andLeishmaniaspp. Most dogs had antibodies toRickettsiaspp.,Ehrlichiaspp.,Babesiaspp., or some combination of these pathogens but not toBartonella vinsonii(berkhoffi). However, DNA of rickettsial, ehrlichial, or babesial agents was detected in only 9 dogs. Visceral leishmaniasis was diagnosed in 46 of 112 (41%) foxhounds from the index kennel but was not diagnosed in any of the Beagles and Basset Hounds. A positiveLeishmaniastatus was defined by 1 or more of the following criteria: aLeishmaniaantibody titer ≥1:64, positiveLeishmaniapolymerase chain reaction (PCR), positiveLeishmaniaculture, or identification ofLeishmaniaamastigotes by cytology or histopathology. The species and zymodeme ofLeishmaniathat infected the foxhounds was determined to beLeishmania infantumMON‐1 by isoenzyme electrophoresis. Foxhounds that were >18 months of age or that had traveled to the southeastern United States were more likely to be diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis. Transmission ofLeishmaniaspp. in kennel outbreaks may involve exposure to an insect vector, direct transmission, or vertical transmission.
Evaluation of Cystatin C as an Endogenous Marker of Glomerular Filtration Rate in Dogs
Authors: Almy Frederic S. , Christopher Mary M. , King Don P. , Brown Scott A.
Published: March 2010

Cystatin C is a cysteine protease inhibitor produced by all nucleated cells. It is freely filtered by the glomerulus and is unaffected by nonrenal factors such as inflammation and gender. Because of greater sensitivity and specificity, cystatin C has been proposed to replace creatinine as a marker of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in humans. The aims of this study were to validate an automated assay in canine plasma and to evaluate the usefulness of cystatin C as a marker of GFR in dogs. Western blotting was used to demonstrate cross‐reactivity of an anti‐human cystatin C antibody. An immunoturbidimetric assay was used to detect cystatin C in 25 clinically healthy dogs and 25 dogs with renal failure. Mean cystatin C concentration in the healthy dogs and the dogs with renal failure was 1.08 ± 0.16 mg/L and 4.37 ± 1.79 mg/L, respectively. Intra‐ and interassay variability was <5%. The assay was linear (r = .974) between 0.14 and 7.53 mg/L. Both cystatin C and creatinine concentrations were measured in banked, frozen serum from 20 remnant kidney model dogs and 10 volume‐depleted dogs for which GFR measurements by exogenous creatinine clearance had been determined previously. In the remnant kidney model, cystatin C was better correlated with GFR than creatinine (r = .79 versus .54) but was less well correlated with GFR in volume‐depleted dogs (r = .54 versus .95). GFR measurements were repeated in the remnant kidney model dogs 60 days after initial GFR measurements. At this time, cystatin C and creatinine concentrations correlated equally well with GFR (r = .891 versus .894, respectively). Cystatin C concentration is a reasonable alternative to creatinine for screening dogs with decreased GFR due to chronic renal failure.