bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the α-glucosidase inhibitor acarbose on control of glycemia in dogs with naturally acquired diabetes mellitus
Authors: Nelson Richard W. , Robertson Jane , Feldman Edward C. , Briggs Carolyn
Published: December 2005

Objective—To evaluate effect of acarbose on control of glycemia in dogs with diabetes mellitus.

Design—Prospective randomized crossover controlled trial.

Animals—5 dogs with naturally acquired diabetes mellitus.

Procedure—Dogs were treated with acarbose and placebo for 2 months each: in 1 of 2 randomly assigned treatment sequences. Dogs that weighed ≤ 10 kg (22 lb; n = 3) or > 10 kg (2) were given 25 or 50 mg of acarbose, respectively, at each meal for 2 weeks, then 50 or 100 mg of acarbose, respectively, at each meal for 6 weeks, with a 1-month interval between treatments. Caloric intake, type of insulin, and frequency of insulin administration were kept constant, and insulin dosage was adjusted as needed to maintain control of glycemia. Serum glucose concentrations, blood glycosylated hemoglobin concentration, and serum fructosamine concentration were determined.

Results—Significant differences in mean body weight and daily insulin dosage among dogs treated with acarbose and placebo were not found. Mean preprandial serum glucose concentration, 8-hour mean serum glucose concentration, and blood glycosylated hemoglobin concentration were significantly lower in dogs treated with insulin and acarbose, compared with insulin and placebo. Semisoft to watery feces developed in 3 dogs treated with acarbose.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Acarbose may be useful as an adjunctive treatment in diabetic dogs in which cause for poor glycemic control cannot be identified, and insulin treatment alone is ineffective. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2000;216:1265–1269)
Association of high-speed exercise with racing injury in Thoroughbreds
Authors: Cohen Noah D. , Berry Scott M. , Peloso John G. , Mundy George D. , Howard Ian C.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine the association between high-speed exercise and risk of injury while racing among Thoroughbreds in Kentucky.

Design—Matched case-control study.

Animals—206 Thoroughbreds that sustained a musculoskeletal injury while racing and 412 Thoroughbreds that were not injured during the same races.

Procedure—Data regarding official timed workouts and races and the Beyer's numbers for the 3 races before the race during which injury occurred were extracted from past performance charts and compared between injured horses and control horses.

Results—For injured horses, cumulative distance of high-speed exercise during the 1- and 2-month periods prior to the race in which injury occurred was significantly less than that of control horses; for either period, a difference of 10 furlongs was associated with approximately 2-fold greater risk of injury. Beyer's numbers were significantly higher for injured horses than for control horses. These effects remained significant after adjusting for age and results of prerace physical inspection.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In Kentucky, injured horses had significantly less cumulative highspeed exercise than did control horses during the 1- and 2-month periods prior to the race in which injury occurred. These results differ from those observed in California. The association of injury with cumulative high-speed exercise appears to vary among regions in the United States. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2000; 216:1273–1278)
Effects of pulmonary abscesses on racing performance of horses treated at referral veterinary medical teaching hospitals: 45 cases (1985–1997)
Authors: Ainsworth Dorothy M. , Erb Hollis N. , Eicker Steven W. , Yeagar Amy E. , Viel Laurent , Sweeney Corinne R. , Lavoie Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine whether results of physical or radiographic examination or biochemical analyses in adult racehorses with primary lung abscesses were associated with ability to race following treatment.

Design—Multiple-center retrospective study.

Animals—25 Standardbreds and 20 Thoroughbreds.

Procedure—Medical records of horses with a primary lung abscess that were admitted to any of 4 veterinary teaching hospitals were reviewed. Results of physical examination, laboratory testing, and thoracic radiography were reviewed. Racing performance after treatment was compared with performance before illness and with performance of the general population of racehorses of similar age, sex, and breed.

Results—23 of 25 Standardbreds and 13 of 20 Thoroughbreds raced after diagnosis and treatment of a lung abscess. Most horses had a solitary abscess in the dorsal to caudodorsal lung fields. Results of initial physical examination, biochemical analyses, and culture and identification of the microbial isolate were not associated with whether a horse returned to racing. For horses that had raced prior to the illness, race performance after treatment of the lung abscess was not significantly different from performance before the illness.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—On the basis of racing performance in those horses that resumed racing after treatment, long-term residual lung damage did not develop in horses with primary lung abscesses that were treated appropriately. It is not known whether horses that recovered would be more likely to bleed from the site of a prior infection when resuming strenuous exercise and whether lung abscesses contributed to a failure to resume racing. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2000;216:1282–1287)
Long-bone fractures in llamas: six cases (1993–1998)
Authors: Johnson Christopher R. , Baird Aubrey N. , Baird Debra K. , Wenzel James G. W.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine clinical and radiographic findings, treatment, and outcome for llamas with long-bone fractures.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—6 llamas.

Procedure—Medical records of llamas admitted between 1993 and 1998 because of long-bone fractures were reviewed. Data collected included age, sex, type of fracture, method of fracture repair, and postoperative complications. The Fisher exact test was used to compare age and sex of the llamas with long-bone fractures with those of the hospital population of llamas. All owners were contacted by telephone to determine perceived postoperative problems and whether the llamas were able to perform as expected.

Results—Mean age was 160.8 days (range, 23 to 365 days). There was 1 male and 5 females. Fractures were more likely to occur in young llamas (≤ 1 year old) than in adults. Five of the fractures were attributed to traumatic episodes. Long bones affected included the tibia (n = 2), radius (2), femur (1), and humerus (1). Internal fixation with lag screws, plating, or both was performed on fractures of all llamas except 1; that llama was treated by use of confinement to a stall. None of the llamas had intraoperative complications, but postoperative complications were reported in 2 llamas. All fractures healed eventually, and clients were pleased with outcomes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Long-bone fractures in llamas are uncommon. Several types of long bone fractures can be successfully repaired by use of internal fixation, resulting in few complications and minimal convalescent time. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2000;216:1291–1293)
Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998
Authors: Sacks Jeffrey J. , Sinclair Leslie , Gilchrist Julie , Golab Gail C. , Lockwood Randall
Published: December 2005

Objective—To summarize breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks during a 20-year period and to assess policy implications.

Animals—Dogs for which breed was reported involved in attacks on humans between 1979 and 1998 that resulted in human dog bite-related fatalities (DBRF).

Procedure—Data for human DBRF identified previously for the period of 1979 through 1996 were combined with human DBRF newly identified for 1997 and 1998. Human DBRF were identified by searching news accounts and by use of The Humane Society of the United States' registry databank.

Results—During 1997 and 1998, at least 27 people died of dog bite attacks (18 in 1997 and 9 in 1998). At least 25 breeds of dogs have been involved in 238 human DBRF during the past 20 years. Pit bull-type dogs and Rottweilers were involved in more than half of these deaths. Of 227 reports with relevant data, 55 (24%) human deaths involved unrestrained dogs off their owners' property, 133 (58%) involved unrestrained dogs on their owners' property, 38 (17%) involved restrained dogs on their owners' property, and 1 (< 1%) involved a restrained dog off its owner's property.

Conclusions—Although fatal attacks on humans appear to be a breed-specific problem (pit bull-type dogs and Rottweilers), other breeds may bite and cause fatalities at higher rates. Because of difficulties inherent in determining a dog's breed with certainty, enforcement of breed-specific ordinances raises constitutional and practical issues. Fatal attacks represent a small proportion of dog bite injuries to humans and, therefore, should not be the primary factor driving public policy concerning dangerous dogs. Many practical alternatives to breed-specific ordinances exist and hold promise for prevention of dog bites. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2000;217:836–840)
Prevalence of heartworm infection in healthy cats in the lower peninsula of Michigan
Authors: Kalkstein Tina S. , Kaiser Lana , Kaneene John B.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine prevalence of heartworm
infection among healthy, client-owned cats in the
lower peninsula of Michigan.

Design—Cross-sectional prevalence study.

Animals—1,348 healthy cats examined at private veterinary
practices throughout the lower peninsula of
Michigan.

Procedure—Sera were tested by use of an ELISAbased
antigen test kit to determine infection and 2
commercially available antibody detection kits to
determine exposure. A questionnaire was used to collect
data to assess risk factors associated with infection.

Results—25 cats had positive results for heartworm
antigen, yielding an observed prevalence of 1.9%.
Neither antibody test was reliable or provided reproducible
results, and neither yielded positive results for
more than 20% of the antigen-positive heartworminfected
cats. Multivariate regression indicated that
cats from southeastern Michigan and cats ≥ 2 years
old had a higher risk of infection.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated
that most (80%) heartworm-infected cats in the
lower peninsula of Michigan were from the southeastern
part of the state, a pattern that closely paralleled
the prevalence of heartworm infection in dogs.
Therefore, knowledge of the regional prevalence of
heartworm infection in dogs may be useful in assessing
the risk of infection in cats. Results also suggested
that currently available in-clinic heartworm antibody
detection kits have limited utility in the diagnosis
of heartworm infection in cats. (J Am Vet Med
Assoc 2000;217:857–861)
Comparison of four drug combinations for total intravenous anesthesia of horses undergoing surgical removal of an abdominal testis.
Authors: Muir III William W. , Lerche Phillip , Robertson James T. , Hubbell John A. E. , Beard Warren , Miller Tirina , Badgley Britton , Bothwell Virgina
Published: December 2005

Objective—To evaluate anesthetic effects of 4 drug combinations used for total intravenous anesthesia of horses undergoing surgical removal of an abdominal testis.

Design—Clinical trial.

Animals—32 healthy cryptorchid horses.

Procedure—Horses were sedated with xylazine and butorphanol and were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: induction of anesthesia with ketamine and diazepam and maintenance with bolus administration of ketamine and xylazine (KD/KX); induction and maintenance of anesthesia with bolus administration of tiletamine-zolazepam, ketamine, and detomidine (TKD); induction and maintenance of anesthesia with continuous infusion of xylazine, guaifenesin, and ketamine; and induction and maintenance of anesthesia with continuous infusion of guaifenesin and thiopental. Horses that moved 3 consecutive times in response to surgical stimulation or for which surgery time was > 60 minutes were administered an inhalant anesthetic, and data from these horses were excluded from analysis.

Results—Quality of induction was not significantly different among groups. Muscle relaxation and analgesia scores were lowest for horses given KD/KX, but significant differences among groups were not detected. Horses anesthetized with TKD had a significantly greater number of attempts to stand, compared with the other groups, and mean quality of recovery from anesthesia for horses in the TKD group was significantly worse than for the other groups. Anesthesia, surgery, and recovery times were not significantly different among groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that all 4 drug combinations can be used to induce short-term anesthesia for abdominal cryptorchidectomy in horses. However, horses receiving TKD had a poorer recovery from anesthesia, often requiring assistance to stand. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2000;217:869–873)
Effect of a static magnetic field on blood flow to the metacarpus in horses
Authors: Steyn Phillip F. , Ramey David W. , Kirschvink Joseph , Uhrig John
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine the effect of a static magnetic
field on relative blood flow to the metacarpus of
horses.

Design—Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Animals—6 healthy adult horses.

Procedure—Red blood cells were radiolabeled in vivo
by administration of technetium Tc 99m (pyro- and
trimeta-) phosphates, and scintigraphic images were
obtained 30 minutes later. A magnetic wrap that emitted
a static magnetic field was applied to 1 metacarpus
and a control wrap was applied to the contralateral
metacarpus. Forty-eight hours later, the wraps
were removed, and scintigraphy was repeated.
Relative perfusion ratios were calculated by dividing
mean count per pixel for the portion of the metacarpus
under the wrap by mean count per pixel for a portion
of the distal aspect of the antebrachium that was
not in the magnetic field.

Results—The difference between the relative perfusion
ratio prior to application of the wrap and the ratio
after application of the wrap for limbs that received
the magnetic wrap was not significantly different
from the difference in ratio for limbs that received the
control wrap.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest
that in horses, the static magnetic field associated
with application of commercially available magnetic
wraps for 48 hours does not increase blood flow to
the portion of the metacarpus underneath the wrap.(J
Am Vet Med Assoc 2000;217:874–877)
Comparison of serologic testing and slaughter evaluation for assessing the effects of subclinical infection on growth in pigs
Authors: Regula Gertraud , Lichtensteiger Carol A. , Mateus-Pinilla Nohra E. , Scherba Gail , Miller Gay Y. , Weigel Ronald M.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To compare serologic testing with slaughter evaluation in assessing effects of subclinical infection on average daily weight gain (ADG) in pigs.

Design—Cohort study.

Animals—18 cohorts (30 to 35 pigs/cohort) of pigs on 7 farms.

Procedure—Blood samples were collected, and pigs were weighed at 8, 16, and 24 weeks of age. Sera were tested for antibodies to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), swine influenza virus (SIV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), pseudorabies virus,Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, andActinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. At slaughter, skin, nasal turbinates, lungs, and liver were examined. Associations between ADG and results of serologic testing and slaughter evaluation were examined by use of multiple linear regression.

Results—Pathogens that had a significant effect on any given farm during any given year and the magnitude of that effect varied. However, at 16 and 24 weeks of age, a higher antibody titer was consistently associated with a lower ADG. Mean differences in ADG between seropositive and seronegative pigs were 18 g/d (0.04 lb/d) for SIV, 40 g/d (0.09 lb/d) for PRRSV, 38 g/d (0.08 lb/d) forM hyopneumoniae, and 116 g/d (0.26 lb/d) for TGEV. Of the evaluations performed at slaughter, only detection of lung lesions was consistently associated with a decrease in ADG.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that subclinical infection with any of a variety of pathogens commonly found in swine herds was associated with a decrease in ADG. Serologic testing was more effective than slaughter evaluation in assessing the impact of subclinical infection on ADG in these pigs. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2000;217:888–895)
Evaluation of modified Wright-staining of urine sediment as a method for accurate detection of bacteriuria in dogs
Authors: Swenson Cheryl L. , Boisvert Agatha M. , Kruger John M. , Gibbons-Burgener Suzanne N.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To compare the findings of light microscopic
evaluation of routine unstained wet-mounted
preparations and air-dried, modified Wright-stained
preparations of urine sediment with results of quantitative
aerobic bacteriologic culture of urine.

Design—Masked prospective study.

Sample Population—459 urine samples collected by
cystocentesis from 441 dogs.

Procedure—Urinalyses and quantitative bacteriologic
cultures of urine were performed. Unstained wetmounted
preparations and air-dried, modified Wrightstained
urine sediment preparations were examined
by light microscopy for the presence of bacteria.

Results—Compared with results of quantitative bacteriologic
culture, routine unstained preparations and
modified Wright-stained preparations had sensitivities
of 82.4% and 93.2%, specificities of 76.4% and
99.0%, positive predictive values of 40.1% and 94.5%,
negative predictive values of 95.8% and 98.7%, and
test efficiencies of 77.3% and 98.0%, respectively.
Compared with 74 samples that yielded growth on bacteriologic
culture, the routine unstained method had
concordance and misclassification rates of 39.2% and
60.8%, respectively, whereas the Wright-stained
method had concordance and misclassification rates of
78.4% and 21.6%, respectively. Significant associations
between each of occult blood in urine, pyuria,
female sex, and lower urine specific gravity with bacteriuria
detected by Wright-stained sediment examination
and quantitative bacteriologic culture of urine were
identified.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Examination of
modified Wright-stained preparations of urine sediment
appeared to be a rapid, cost effective method that significantly
improved the sensitivity, specificity, positive
predictive value, and test efficiency of light microscopic
detection of bacteriuria, compared with that of the routine
unstained method. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004;
224:1282–1289)
Comparison of histologic lesions of endophthalmitis induced by Blastomyces dermatitidis in untreated and treated dogs: 36 cases (1986–2001)
Authors: Hendrix Diane V. H. , Rohrbach Barton W. , Bochsler Philip N. , English Robert V.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To compare prevalence of organisms and histologic changes in eyes from dogs with blastomycosis that were either untreated or undergoing treatment with itraconazole.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—36 dogs with endophthalmitis associated with blastomycosis.

Procedure—Signalment, results of ophthalmic examination, and duration of treatment with itraconazole were extracted from medical records. Histologic sections from eyes were examined for prevalence and viability (ie, budding) of fungal organisms. A scoring system was devised to assess the degree of inflammation.

Results—Clinically, all eyes were blind and had signs of severe endophthalmitis. Histologically, the type and degree of inflammation and prevalence ofBlastomyces dermatitidiswere not significantly different between dogs treated with itraconazole and untreated dogs or among groups of dogs treated for different time periods (4 to 14, 15 to 28, or 29 to 72 days). Replication of the organisms in vascular tissues as well as avascular spaces in the eyes was similar in treated and untreated dogs. Lens rupture was seen in 12 of 29 (41%) eyes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Persistence of inflammation in eyes of dogs with naturally occurring blastomycosis is likely attributable to the continued presence ofB dermatitidis, regardless of the duration of treatment with itraconazole. Lens capsule rupture, a common and previously unreported histologic finding, may contribute to cataract formation and continued inflammation. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004; 224:1317–1322)
Type I immune-mediated polyarthritis in dogs: 39 cases (1997–2002)
Authors: Clements Dylan N. , Gear Robyn N. A. , Tattersall James , Carmichael Stuart , Bennett David
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine clinical signs, laboratory
findings, relationship to vaccination, and response to
treatment for type I immune-mediated polyarthritis
(IMPA) in dogs.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—39 dogs.

Procedure—Clinical records and radiographic reports
from 3 university referral hospitals were reviewed.
Clinical signs, laboratory and investigative findings,
relationship to vaccination, and response to treatment
were evaluated.

Results—Clinical signs and initial laboratory and clinical
investigative findings were frequently abnormal
but were nonspecific and not associated with likelihood
of recovery. Time of vaccination was not associated
with onset of disease. Chemotherapeutic
immunosuppression resulted in complete cure in
56% of dogs. Continuous medication was required in
18% (7/39) of dogs, relapses were treated successfully
in 13% (5/39) of dogs, and 15% (6/39) of dogs
died or were euthanatized as a result of disease.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The possible
involvement of vaccination in type I IMPA was not made
clear from this study because of the small population
size. Signalment, clinical signs, and results of diagnostic
tests other than multiple synovial fluid analyses were
generally nonspecific. Most dogs with type I IMPA
responded to initial immunosuppressive treatment, but
31% (12/39) of dogs relapsed, required further treatment,
or both. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004;224:1323–1327)
Exostoses of the caudal perimeter of the radial physis as a cause of carpal synovial sheath tenosynovitis and lameness in horses: 10 cases (1999–2003)
Authors: Nixon Alan J. , Schachter Ben L. , Pool Roy R.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine the clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, and arthroscopic findings associated with tenosynovitis of the carpal synovial sheath induced by exostoses that originate from the caudal surface of the physeal scar of the distal radius and determine the results of surgical removal of those exostoses in horses.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—10 horses.

Procedure—Medical records of horses with effusion in the carpal synovial sheath and lameness evaluated from 1999 to 2003 were examined.

Results—All horses had a history of intermittent mild to moderate effusion of the carpal synovial sheath and lameness of 1 forelimb. Results of regional perineural and intrathecal anesthesia of the carpal synovial sheath confirmed that the lameness originated in the carpal synovial sheath. Radiography revealed exostoses originating from the caudal cortex of the distal radius at the level of the closed physis. Arthroscopy was performed for confirmation and removal of exostoses that penetrated the carpal synovial sheath and impinged on the deep digital flexor tendon. All horses returned to previous athletic activity. One horse had a recurrence of clinical signs 12 months after surgery, which resolved with medical treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Tenosynovitis of the carpal synovial sheath and lameness were caused by impingement of exostoses of the caudal radius on the lining and contents of the carpal synovial sheath. Although the clinical signs and surgical treatment were similar to that caused by osteochondromas, these exostoses developed at the level of the closed physis of the distal radius and were not radiographically or histologically similar to osteochondromas. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;224:264–270)
Segmental ostectomy of the second and fourth metacarpal and metatarsal bones in horses: 17 cases (1993–2002)
Authors: Jenson Paul W. , Gaughan Earl M. , Lillich James D. , Bryant James E.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine clinical findings in and outcome
of horses with fractures of the second or fourth
metacarpal or metatarsal bone that underwent segmental
ostectomy, leaving the proximal and distal portions
of the bone undisturbed.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—17 horses.

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed, and
information on signalment, affected bone, lesion
type, surgical procedure, amount of bone removed,
and surgical and postsurgical complications was
obtained. Follow-up information was obtained
through telephone conversations with owners, trainers,
and referring veterinarians.

Results—One horse had a fracture involving the distal
third of the second metacarpal bone; 13 had fractures
involving the middle third of the second
metacarpal bone (n = 4), fourth metacarpal bone (5),
or fourth metatarsal bone (4); and 3 had fractures
involving the proximal third of the second (2) or fourth
(1) metacarpal bone. Affected portions of the bones
were surgically resected, leaving the proximal and distal
portions undisturbed. All horses returned to previous
performance levels without evidence of lameness.
Cosmetic results were good to excellent.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest
that horses with a complicated injury of the proximal,
middle, or distal portion of the second or fourth
metacarpal or metatarsal bone may be successfully
treated by means of segmental ostectomy of the
abnormal portion of the bone. (J Am Vet Med Assoc
2004;224:271–274)
Long-term risks and benefits of early-age gonadectomy in cats
Authors: Spain C. Victor , Scarlett Janet M. , Houpt Katherine A.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To evaluate the long-term risks and benefits of early-age gonadectomy, compared with traditional- age gonadectomy, among cats adopted from a large animal shelter.

Design—Retrospective cohort study.

Animals—1,660 cats.

Procedure—Cats underwent gonadectomy and were adopted from an animal shelter before 1 year of age; follow-up was available for as long as 11 years after surgery (median follow-up time, 3.9 years). Adopters completed a questionnaire about their cats' behavior and medical history. When possible, the cats' veterinary records were reviewed. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify any associations between the occurrence of 47 medical and behavioral conditions and the cats' age at gonadectomy.

Results—Among male cats that underwent early-age gonadectomy (< 5.5 months of age), the occurrence of abscesses, aggression toward veterinarians, sexual behaviors, and urine spraying was decreased, whereas hiding was increased, compared with cats that underwent gonadectomy at an older age. Among male and female cats that underwent early-age gonadectomy, asthma, gingivitis, and hyperactivity were decreased, whereas shyness was increased.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Gonadectomy before 5.5 months of age was not associated with increased rates of death or relinquishment or occurrence of any serious medical or behavioral condition and may provide certain important long-term benefits, especially for male cats. Animal shelters can safely gonadectomize cats at a young age, and veterinarians should consider recommending routine gonadectomy for client-owned cats before the traditional age of 6 to 8 months. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;224:372–379)
Long-term risks and benefits of early-age gonadectomy in dogs
Authors: Spain C. Victor , Scarlett Janet M. , Houpt Katherine A.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To evaluate the long-term risks and benefits of early-age gonadectomy, compared with traditional- age gonadectomy, among dogs adopted from a large animal shelter.

Design—Retrospective cohort study.

Animals—1,842 dogs.

Procedure—Dogs underwent gonadectomy and were adopted from an animal shelter before 1 year of age; follow-up was available for as long as 11 years after surgery. Adopters completed a questionnaire about their dogs' behavior and medical history. When possible, the dogs' veterinary records were reviewed. Associations between the occurrence of 56 medical and behavioral conditions and dogs' age at gonadectomy were evaluated.

Results—Among female dogs, early-age gonadectomy was associated with increased rate of cystitis and decreasing age at gonadectomy was associated with increased rate of urinary incontinence. Among male and female dogs with early-age gonadectomy, hip dysplasia, noise phobias, and sexual behaviors were increased, whereas obesity, separation anxiety, escaping behaviors, inappropriate elimination when frightened, and relinquishment for any reason were decreased.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Because earlyage gonadectomy appears to offer more benefits than risks for male dogs, animal shelters can safely gonadectomize male dogs at a young age and veterinary practitioners should consider recommending routine gonadectomy for client-owned male dogs before the traditional age of 6 to 8 months. For female dogs, however, increased urinary incontinence suggests that delaying gonadectomy until at least 3 months of age may be beneficial. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004; 224:380–387)
Evaluation of spontaneous variability in the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias in Boxers with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Authors: Spier Alan W. , Meurs Kathryn M.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To evaluate spontaneous variability in the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias and assess the influence of day of ECG recording and day of week on arrhythmia frequency in Boxers affected with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—10 Boxers with ARVC with prior ambulatory ECG recordings that included ≥ 500 ventricular premature complexes/24 h.

Procedure—Consecutive 24-hour ambulatory ECG recordings were obtained during a 7-day period in each dog. The number of ventricular premature complexes and grade of the arrhythmia were obtained from each recording. For each dog, the number of ventricular premature complexes for each recording was evaluated to identify any differences relative to the day of recording (recording 1 to 7) and day of the week (Monday through Sunday).

Results—Spontaneous variability accounted for as much as 80% of the change in frequency of ventricular premature complexes in dogs with frequent arrhythmias; this value was almost 100% in dogs with less frequent arrhythmias. Grade of arrhythmia was less variable but was also inversely related to frequency of arrhythmia. No significant differences in frequency values were identified among days of recording or among days of the week.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Changes of ≤ 80% in the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias may be within the limit of spontaneous variability in dogs with ARVC. This degree of variability should be considered in evaluations of ambulatory ECG recordings, particularly in the assessment of the efficacy of antiarrhythmic drugs. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;224: 538–541)
Effect of an external nasal dilator strip on cytologic characteristics of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in Thoroughbred racehorses
Authors: Valdez Sandra C. , Nieto Jorge E. , Spier Sharon J. , Owens Sean D. , Beldomenico Pablo , Snyder Jack R.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine the effects of an external nasal dilator strip on cytologic characteristics of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in racing Thoroughbreds.

Design—Clinical trial.

Animals—23 Thoroughbred racehorses in active training.

Procedure—Each horse raced on 2 occasions: once while wearing an external nasal dilator strip and once while not. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed 12 to 18 hours after each race, and BAL fluid was analyzed for RBC and leukocyte counts and hemosiderin content.

Results—Mean ± SEM count of RBCs in BAL fluid when horses raced without the nasal dilator strip (84.6 ± 27.5 cells/µL) was not significantly different from count when they raced with it (41.7 ± 12.2 cells/µL). Horses were grouped as having mild or severe bleeding on the basis of RBC count in BAL fluid after horses raced without the nasal dilator strip. Mean count when horses with severe bleeding raced without the nasal dilator strip (271.0 ± 63.7 cells/µL) was significantly higher than mean count when these horses raced with the strip (93.8 ± 37.6 cells/µL). Mean count of lymphocytes in BAL fluid was significantly lower after horses raced with the external nasal dilator strip.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that use of an external nasal dilator strip in Thoroughbred racehorses may decrease pulmonary bleeding, particularly in horses with severe exerciseinduced pulmonary hemorrhage. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;224:558–561)
Duration of serologic response to three viral antigens in cats
Authors: Mouzin Douglas E. , Lorenzen Marianne J. , Haworth John D. , King Vickie L.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine whether vaccinated cats either remained seropositive or responded serologically to revaccination against 3 key viral antigens after extended periods since their last vaccination.

Design—Serologic survey.

Animals—272 healthy client-owned cats.

Procedure—Cats were ≥ 2 years old and vaccinated for feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline herpesvirus (FHV). On day 0, cats were revaccinated with a vaccine from the same line of vaccines as they had historically received. Antibody titers were measured in sera collected on day 0 (prevaccination titer) and 5 to 7 days later (postvaccination titer). Cats were considered to have responded serologically if they had a day-0 hemagglutination inhibition titer to FPV ≥ 1:40, serum neutralization (SN) titer to FCV ≥ 1:32, SN titer to FHV ≥ 1:16, or ≥ 4-fold increase in antibody titer after revaccination.

Results—The percentage of cats that had titers at or above the threshold values or responded to revaccination with a ≥ 4-fold increase in titer was 96.7% for FPV, 97.8% for FCV, and 88.2% for FHV.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In most cats, vaccination induced a response that lasted up to and beyond 48 months for all 3 antigens. Although not equivalent to challenge-of-immunity studies as a demonstration of efficacy, results suggest that revaccination with the vaccine used in our study provides adequate protection even when given less frequently than the traditional 1-year interval. The study provides valuable information for clinicians to determine appropriate revaccination intervals. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;224:61–66)
Accuracy of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the liver and cytologic findings in dogs and cats: 97 cases (1990–2000)
Authors: Wang Kelly Y. , Panciera David L. , Al-Rukibat Raida K. , Radi Zaher A.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound-guided
fine-needle aspiration of the liver and cytologic
findings in dogs and cats.

Design—Retrospective study.

Animals—56 dogs and 41 cats.

Procedure—Medical records of dogs and cats evaluated
from 1990 to 2000 by use of cytologic and histopathologic
examination of the liver were reviewed. Histologic
and cytologic diagnoses were categorized as vacuolar
hepatopathy, inflammation, neoplasia, cirrhosis, primary
cholestasis, shunt, normal, and other.

Results—Overall agreement between the histopathologic
diagnosis and cytologic diagnosis was found in 17
of the 56 (30.3%) canine cases and 21 of the 41 (51.2%)
feline cases. Vacuolar hepatopathy was the category
with the highest percentage of agreement. Vacuolar
hepatopathy was identified via cytologic examination in
7 of 11 and 15 of 18 dogs and cats, respectively, in
which histopathologic examination revealed that it was
the predominant disease process. However, it was also
the category that was most commonly misdiagnosed
via cytologic examination. Inflammatory disease was
accurately identified cytologically in 5 of 20 and 3 of 11
dogs and cats, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Acknowledging
the limitations of cytology and the extent of discrepancies
between cytologic and histopathologic findings in
dogs and cats will help clinicians make better decisions
in diagnosing liver disease. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004;
224:75–78)
Epidemiologic study of relationships between consumption of commercial canned food and risk of hyperthyroidism in cats
Authors: Edinboro Charlotte H. , Scott-Moncrieff J. Catharine , Janovitz Evan , Thacker H. Leon , Glickman Larry T.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine whether the increasing prevalence of feline hyperthyroidism is the result of aging of the cat population and whether consumption of canned foods at various times throughout life is associated with increased risk of hyperthyroidism.

Design—Retrospective and case-control studies.

Study Population—Medical records of 169,576 cats, including 3,570 cats with hyperthyroidism, evaluated at 9 veterinary school hospitals during a 20-year period, and 109 cats with hyperthyroidism (cases) and 173 cats without hyperthyroidism (controls).

Procedure—Age-adjusted hospital prevalence of hyperthyroidism was calculated by use of Veterinary Medical Database records. On the basis of owners' questionnaire responses, logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between consumption of canned food and development of hyperthyroidism.

Results—Age-specific hospital prevalence of feline hyperthyroidism increased significantly from 1978 to 1997. Overall, consumption of pop-top canned (vs dry) food at various times throughout life and each additional year of age were associated with greater risk of developing hyperthyroidism. In female cats, increased risk was associated with consumption of food packaged in pop-top cans or in combinations of pop-top and non-pop-top cans. In male cats, increased risk was associated with consumption of food packaged in pop-top cans and age.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—These findings suggest that the increasing prevalence of feline hyperthyroidism is not solely the result of aging of the cat population and that canned foods may play a role. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;224:879–886)
Thyroid function and pregnancy status in broodmares
Authors: Meredith Travis B. , Dobrinski Ina
Published: December 2005

Objective—To determine whether thyroid function was associated with pregnancy status in broodmares. Design—Prospective study.

Design–Prospective study.

Animals—79 Thoroughbred and Standardbred broodmares between 2 and 22 years old.

Procedure—Serum triiodothyronine (T3) concentration was measured before and 2 hours after IV administration of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), and serum thyroxine (T4) concentration was measured before and 4 hours after TRH administration. Pregnancy status was monitored by means of transrectal ultrasonography beginning 16 days after ovulation.

Results—Baseline T3and T4concentrations varied widely. In all mares, serum T3concentration increased in response to TRH administration. Serum T4concentration increased in response to TRH administration in all but 2 mares. Pregnancy rate was 76%. Baseline and stimulated serum T3and T4concentrations were not significantly different between mares that became pregnant and those that did not.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that decreased thyroid function is uncommon in mares and poor thyroid function is not a common cause of infertility. Thus, the practice of indiscriminately treating broodmares with thyroid hormone to enhance fertility appears questionable at this time. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;224:892–894)
Environmental surveillance for Salmonella enterica in a veterinary teaching hospital
Authors: Burgess Brandy A. , Morley Paul S. , Hyatt Doreene R.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To evaluate the extent of environmental contamination withSalmonella entericain a veterinary teaching hospital.

Design—Longitudinal study.

Samples—Environmental samples obtained from 69 representative locations within a veterinary teaching hospital by use of a commercially available electrostatic wipe.

Procedure—Environmental samples were obtained for bacteriologic culture, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on each environmental isolate. Environmental isolates were compared with isolates obtained from animals during the same period to investigate potential sources of environmental contamination.

Results—54S entericaisolates were recovered from 452 (11.9%) cultured environmental samples .Five different serotypes were recovered; the most common serotypes wereSNewport andSAgona. Within the 5 serotypes recovered, 10 distinguishable phenotypes were identified by use of serotype and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Of the environmental isolates, 41 of 54 (75.9%) could be matched to phenotypes of isolates obtained from animal submissions in the month prior to collection of environmental samples.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that environments in veterinary hospitals can be frequently contaminated withS entericanear where infected animals are managed and fecal specimens containingS entericaare processed for culture in a diagnostic laboratory. Bacteriologic culture of environmental samples collected with electrostatic wipes is an effective means of detecting contamination in a veterinary hospital environment and may be beneficial as part of surveillance activities for other veterinary and animal-rearing facilities. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:1344–1348)
Seroprevalences of antibodies against Bartonella henselae and Toxoplasma gondii and fecal shedding of Cryptosporidium spp, Giardia spp, and Toxocara catiin feral and pet domestic cats
Authors: Nutter Felicia B. , Dubey J. P. , Levine Jay F. , Breitschwerdt Edward B. , Ford Richard B. , Stoskopf Michael K.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To compare seroprevalences of antibodies againstBartonella henselaeandToxoplasma gondiiand fecal shedding ofCryptosporidiumspp,Giardiaspp, andToxocara catiin feral and pet domestic cats.

Design—Prospective cross-sectional serologic and coprologic survey.

Animals—100 feral cats and 76 pet domestic cats from Randolph County, NC.

Procedure—Blood and fecal samples were collected and tested.

Results—Percentages of feral cats seropositive for antibodies againstB henselaeandT gondii(93% and 63%, respectively) were significantly higher than percentages of pet cats (75% and 34%). Percentages of feral and pet cats withCryptosporidiumspp (7% of feral cats; 6% of pet cats),Giardiaspp (6% of feral cats; 5% of pet cats), andT catiova (21% of feral cats; 18% of pet cats) in their feces were not significantly different between populations. Results of CBCs and serum biochemical analyses were not significantly different between feral and pet cats, except that feral cats had a significantly lower median PCV and significantly higher median neutrophil count.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that feral and pet cats had similar baseline health status, as reflected by results of hematologic and serum biochemical testing and similar prevalences of infection withCryptosporidiumspp,Giardiaspp, andT cati. Feral cats did have higher seroprevalences of antibodies againstB henselaeandT gondiithan did pet cats, but this likely was related to greater exposure to vectors of these organisms. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:1394–1398)
Antiplatelet effects and pharmacodynamics of clopidogrel in cats
Authors: Hogan Daniel F. , Andrews Dina A. , Green Henry W. , Talbott Kristen K. , Ward Michael P. , Calloway Betsy M.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To evaluate antiplatelet effects and pharmacodynamics of clopidogrel in cats.

Design—Original study.

Animals—5 purpose-bred domestic cats.

Procedure—Clopidogrel was administered at dosages of 75 mg, PO, every 24 hours for 10 days; 37.5 mg, PO, every 24 hours for 10 days; and 18.75 mg, PO, every 24 hours for 7 days. In all cats, treatments were administered in this order, with at least 2 weeks between treatments. Platelet aggregation in response to ADP and collagen and oral mucosal bleeding times (OMBTs) were measured before and 3, 7, and 10 days (75 and 37.5 mg) or 7 days (18.75 mg) after initiation of drug administration. Serotonin concentration in plasma following stimulation of platelets with ADP or collagen was measured before and on the last day of drug administration. Platelet aggregation, OMBT, and serotonin concentration were evaluated at various times after drug administration was discontinued to determine when drug effects were lost.

Results—For all 3 dosages, platelet aggregation in response to ADP, platelet aggregation in response to collagen, and serotonin concentration were significantly reduced and OMBT was significantly increased at all measurement times during drug administration periods. All values returned to baseline values by 7 days after drug administration was discontinued. No significant differences were identified between doses. None of the cats developed adverse effects associated with drug administration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggest that administration of clopidogrel at dosages ranging from 18.75 to 75 mg, PO, every 24 hours, results in significant antiplatelet effects in cats. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2004;225:1406–1411)
Evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging for detection of internal tumors in green turtles with cutaneous fibropapillomatosis
Authors: Croft Lara A. , Graham John P. , Schaf Susan A. , Jacobson Elliott R.
Published: December 2005

Objective—To describe the gross cross-sectional
anatomy of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and evaluate
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detection
of internal tumors in green turtles with cutaneous
fibropapillomatosis.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—3 dead green turtles, 1 healthy green turtle,
and 8 green turtles with cutaneous fibropapillomatosis.

Procedures—Gross cross-sectional anatomy of a
dead turtle was described. Each live turtle underwent
a complete physical examination, and dorsoventral
whole-body survey radiographic views were obtained.
Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in dorsal
and transverse planes. Radiographs and magnetic
resonance images were examined for evidence of
internal nodules. Results were compared with
necropsy findings in 5 of 8 turtles.

Results—Nodules in the lungs of 2 turtles were
detected via radiography, whereas pulmonary nodules
were detected in 5 turtles via MRI. No other visceral
nodules were detected via radiography; however,
masses in the stomach and adjacent to the bladder
and kidneys were detected in 1 turtle via MRI. Other
extrapulmonary abnormalities observed at necropsy
were not detected on MR images.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—MRI may be
valuable for detection of internal tumors in green turtles
with cutaneous fibropapillomatosis. Nodules
were more apparent in the lungs than in other organs.
Results of MRI may serve as prognostic indicators for
sea turtles undergoing assessment, treatment, and
rehabilitation. Clinical application may be limited by
cost and availability of MRI technology. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004;225:1428–1435)