bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Pimobendan on Case Fatality Rate in Doberman Pinschers with Congestive Heart Failure Caused by Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: O'Grady M.R. , Minors S.L. , O'Sullivan M.L. , Horne R. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Despite traditional therapy of a diuretic, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, digoxin, or a combination of these drugs, survival of dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is low. Pimobendan, an inodilator, has both inotropic and balanced peripheral vasodilatory properties.Hypothesis:Pimobendan when added to conventional therapy will improve morbidity and reduce case fatality rate in Doberman Pinschers with congestive heart failure (CHF) caused by DCM.Animals:Sixteen Doberman Pinschers in CHF caused by DCM.Methods:A prospective randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study with treatment failure as the primary and quality of life (QoL) indices as secondary outcome variables. Therapy consisted of furosemide (per os [PO] as required) and benazepril hydrochloride (0.5 mg/kg PO q12h) and dogs were randomized in pairs and by sex to receive pimobendan (0.25 mg/kg PO q12h) or placebo (1 tablet PO q12h).Results:Pimobendan‐treated dogs had a significant improvement in time to treatment failure (pimobendan median, 130.5 days; placebo median, 14 days;P= .002; risk ratio = 0.35,P= .003, lower 5% confidence limit = 0.13, upper 95% confidence limit = 0.71). Number and rate of dogs reaching treatment failure in the placebo group precluded the analysis of QoL.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Pimobendan should be used as a first‐line therapeutic in Doberman Pinschers for the treatment of CHF caused by DCM.
Bradycardia‐Associated Syncope in 7 Boxers with Ventricular Tachycardia (2002–2005)
Authors: Thomason J.D. , Kraus M.S. , Surdyk K.K. , Fallaw T. , Calvert C.A. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Syncope is a recognized problem in Boxers and often is the result of rapid ventricular tachycardia (VT). Affected dogs may have echocardiographic evidence of dilated cardiomyopathy, but frequently have normal echocardiograms. Although VT is probably the most common cause of syncope in Boxers, neurocardiogenic bradycardia can also occur.Objective: We describe 7 Boxers with comorbid VT and neurocardiogenic bradycardia, wherein the syncope was secondary to bradycardia rather than VT.Animals: Seven Boxers were selected from a larger population of Boxers with Holter‐documented VT because these dogs had documented bradycardia at the time of syncope.Methods: Retrospective study.Results: Although all dogs had Holter‐documented VT, the etiology of the syncopal episodes was consistent with neurocardiogenic bradycardia.Clinical Importance: Neurocardiogenic bradycardia or VT can occur as isolated problems in Boxers. In some Boxers, VT and potential or manifest neurocardiogenic bradycardia coexist. The administration of a β‐blocker or sotalol to such dogs can aggravate or precipitate neurocardiogenic bradycardia‐related syncope.
Clinicopathologic and Diagnostic Imaging Characteristics of Systemic Aspergillosis in 30 Dogs
Authors: Schultz R.M. , Johnson E.G. , Wisner E.R. , Brown N.A. , Byrne B.A. , Sykes J.E. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Systemic aspergillosis is a serious disease of dogs for which the clinical characteristics are poorly described.Objective:To describe the clinical and diagnostic imaging characteristics of dogs with systemic aspergillosis.Animals:Thirty dogs with systemic aspergillosis.Methods:Retrospective case review. Medical records were reviewed for signalment, clinical features, and results of clinicopathologic testing and diagnostic imaging. Diagnosis was confirmed by culture ofAspergillus terreus(n = 13),Aspergillus deflectus(n = 11), or otherAspergillusspp. (n = 6).Results:Compared with the background hospital population, German Shepherd dogs and female dogs were overrepresented (odds ratio [OR] 43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 20–91,P< .0001, and OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.2–6.7,P= .02), respectively, with 20 of the 30 dogs being German Shepherd dogs and 77% (23 of 30) of the dogs being female. The median age was 4.5 years (range 2–8 years). Anemia, leukocytosis, hyperglobulinemia, azotemia, hypercalcemia, and hypoalbuminemia were present in 8, 21, 12, 9, 8, and 6 dogs, respectively. Diskospondylitis, osteomyelitis and thoracic lymphadenomegaly were present in 16, 10, and 5 dogs, respectively. Sonographic findings were enlarged hypoechoic lymph nodes (n = 12), mottled and irregular kidneys with or without masses (n = 12), pyelectasia, and an aggregate of echogenic material in the renal pelvis (n = 9). Thirteen dogs were treated with antifungal drugs, with survival times ranging from 0 to 25 months after diagnosis.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Systemic aspergillosis typically involves young to middle‐age female German Shepherd dogs, and there are characteristic abdominal ultrasound findings with the disease process. Infection withA. deflectuswas as common asA. terreus, and in rare cases, long‐term survival was associated with antifungal therapy.
A Comparison of Five Different Bone Resorption Markers in Osteosarcoma‐Bearing Dogs, Normal Dogs, and Dogs with Orthopedic Diseases
Authors: Lucas P.W. , Fan T.M. , Garrett L.D. , Griffon D.J. , Wypij J.M. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Various bone resorption markers in humans are useful for supporting the diagnosis of malignant skeletal pathology, with certain bone resorption markers appearing to be more discriminatory for detecting cancer‐induced osteolysis than others. Canine osteosarcoma (OSA) is characterized by focal bone destruction, but a systematic investigation for determining which bone resorption marker best supports the diagnosis of OSA in dogs has not been reported.Hypothesis:Dogs with OSA will have increased concentrations of bone resorption markers compared with healthy dogs and dogs with orthopedic disorders. Differences will exist among various bone resorption markers for their ability to support the diagnosis of malignant osteolysis in dogs with OSA.Animals:Single time point, cross‐sectional, cohort study including dogs with OSA (n = 20) or orthopedic disorders (n = 20) and healthy dogs (n = 22).Methods:Basal concentrations of urine and serum N‐telopeptide (NTx), urine and serum C‐telopeptide (CTx), and urine deoxypyridinoline (DPD) were compared among all 3 groups.Results:Compared with healthy dogs and dogs with orthopedic disorders, urine NTx, serum NTx, and serum CTx concentrations were significantly increased in dogs with OSA. For urine NTx and serum NTx, the calculated lower and upper 95% confidence limits in dogs with OSA did not overlap with dogs diagnosed with orthopedic disorders or healthy dogs.Conclusions and clinical importance:Of the markers evaluated in this study, urine NTx and serum NTx appear to be the most discriminatory resorption markers supporting the diagnosis of focal malignant osteolysis in dogs with OSA.
Adrenal Response to Adrenocorticotropic Hormone in Dogs before and after Surgical Attenuation of a Single Congenital Portosystemic Shunt
Authors: Holford A.L. , Tobias K.M. , Bartges J.W. , Johnson B.M. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Dogs with single congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) often develop postoperative hypoglycemia and prolonged anesthetic recovery. These abnormalities could be attributable to inadequate adrenal response. However, adequacy of adrenal response after CPSS surgery is unexplored.Hypothesis:Dogs with CPSS have inadequate postoperative adrenal response.Animals:Eight nonoperated, 8 ovariohysterectomy (OHE), and 16 CPSS dogs.Methods:Consecutive day ACTH stimulation tests were performed on nonoperated healthy dogs, healthy dogs before and after OHE, and CPSS dogs before and after surgery. Adequate response was defined as >50% or >30 ng/mL increase in cortisol after ACTH administration. Blood glucose (BG) was monitored before and after surgery. Prolonged anesthetic recovery and refractory hypoglycemia episodes were recorded.Results:Results of consecutive day ACTH stimulation tests did not vary in normal dogs. Results of preoperative ACTH stimulation tests of CPSS and OHE dogs were not significantly different. Dogs with CPSS had higher postoperative baseline cortisol concentrations (median, 329 ng/mL) than OHE dogs (median, 153 ng/mL). Postoperative cortisol increase after ACTH in CPSS was ≤50% in 10/16 and ≤30 ng/mL in 6/16. After surgery, BG was ≤60 mg/dL in 7/16 CPSS dogs. Cortisol concentrations were not correlated with BG. Two CPSS dogs had refractory hypoglycemia and 4 had delayed recovery; all improved with dexamethasone administration (0.1–0.2 mg/kg/IV).Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Contrary to previous reports, baseline cortisol concentrations in CPSS and healthy dogs are similar. Many CPSS dogs have postoperative hypercortisolemia. Response to ACTH does not correlate with postoperative hypoglycemia or prolonged anesthetic recovery.
Serum Cardiac Troponin I Concentration in Dogs with Ehrlichiosis
Authors: Diniz P.P.V.P. , De Morais H.S.A. , Breitschwerdt E.B. , Schwartz D.S. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Ehrlichiosis is a multisystemic disease with the potential to cause cardiomyocyte injury in naturally infected dogs.Hypothesis: Myocardial injury occurs in dogs infected with Ehrlichia canis.Animals: One‐hundred and ninety‐four dogs from Brazil with clinical and laboratory abnormalities indicative of ehrlichiosis. Sixteen healthy dogs served as controls.Methods: Electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, noninvasive blood pressure measurement, and serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations were evaluated. Serologic assays and PCR determined the exposure and infection status for E. canis, Anaplasma spp., Babesia canis vogeli, Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Leishmania chagasi, and spotted‐fever group Rickettsia. Dogs were assigned to groups according to PCR status: E. canis infected, infected with other vector‐borne organisms, sick dogs lacking PCR evidence for infection, and healthy controls.Results: E. canis‐infected dogs had higher serum cTnI concentrations than controls (median: 0.04 ng/dL; range 0.04–9.12 ng/dL; control median: 0.04 ng/dL; range: 0.04–0.10 ng/dL; P= .012), and acute E. canis infection was associated with myocardial injury (odds ratio [OR]: 2.67, confidence interval [CI] 95%: 1.12–6.40, P= .027). Severity of anemia was correlated with increased risk of cardiomyocyte damage (r= 0.84, P < .001). Dogs with clinical signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) were at higher risk for myocardial injury than were other sick dogs (OR: 2.55, CI 95%: 1.31–4.95, P= .005).Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Acute infection with E. canis is a risk factor for myocardial injury in naturally infected Brazilian dogs. Severity of anemia and SIRS might contribute to the pathophysiology of myocardial damage.
Detection of Mycobacterium avium Subspecies Paratuberculosis‐Specific DNA by PCR in Intestinal Biopsies of Dogs
Authors: Glanemann B. , Schönenbrücher H. , Bridger N. , Abdulmawjood A. , Neiger R. , Bülte M. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is the cause of paratuberculosis. MAP infections have not been reliably detected in dogs, but a reemerging debate about the link between MAP and Crohn's disease has renewed interest about the occurrence of MAP in pets.Hypothesis: This study was undertaken to examine canine intestinal biopsies for the presence of MAP‐specific DNA.Animals: Forty‐two dogs with chronic vomiting, diarrhea, or both; and 14 dogs with no gastrointestinal disease.Methods: All dogs with signs of gastrointestinal disease had a standard work‐up for chronic gastrointestinal disease. Endoscopically obtained intestinal biopsies were submitted for histopathologic and molecular investigations. Biopsies were screened for MAP‐specific DNA by 3 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods (nested, seminested, and triplex real‐time PCR). Samples from control dogs were obtained during necropsy.Results: Histopathology of the biopsies was indicative of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in 17 and neoplasia in 6 dogs. Six dogs showing nonspecific changes responded to diet and were classified as having food‐responsive enteropathy. In 13 dogs a final diagnosis was not established. MAP‐specific DNA was detected and confirmed by sequencing in 8 dogs (19%). These dogs were diagnosed with food‐responsive enteropathy (n = 3), IBD (n = 2), and open diagnosis (n = 3). MAP‐specific DNA was not detected in dogs with no gastrointestinal disease.Conclusions and clinical importance: MAP‐specific DNA was detected in approximately one fifth of dogs with chronic gastrointestinal disease and might play a role as a pathogenic agent. Apart from animal welfare, the zoonotic aspect warrants further studies addressing the viability of MAP organism in canine intestinal biopsies by culture.
Thyroid Testing in Sloughis
Authors: Panakova L. , Koch H. , Kolb S. , Mueller R.S. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Thyroid hormone concentrations were found to be different in Greyhounds and Whippets compared with nonsight hound dogs.Hypothesis:In Sloughis, thyroid hormone concentration is lower than in nonsight hounds and comparable to Greyhounds.Animals:Fifty‐one Sloughis with no evidence of disease and a mean age of 4 years (range, 1–12 years).Methods:Thyroid profiles consisting of total thyroxine (tT4), free thyroxine (fT4), free thyroxine after equilibrium dialysis (fT4 after ED), canine thyroid stimulation hormone (cTSH), and thyroglobulin antibodies as well as CBC and serum biochemistry results of Sloughis were compared with those of normal dogs. In 8 Sloughis, TSH stimulation tests were performed.Results:In Sloughis, tT4 concentrations and fT4 concentrations measured by chemiluminescence were lower than those of controls (1.13 ± 0.65 μg/dL compared with 2.9 ± 0.8 μg/dL,P< .0001 and 11 ± 4.3 pmol/L compared with 16.7 ± 5.2 pmol/L,P< .0001, respectively). Concentrations of fT4 after ED and TSH were increased in Sloughis, when compared with controls (41.3 ± 26.9 pmol/L compared with 20.98 ± 10.29 pmol/L,P< .0001 and 0.22 ± 0.15 pmol/L compared with 0.15 ± 0.13 pmol/L,P= .0138, respectively). T4 concentration after TSH stimulation increased from 1.5 μg/dL (range, 0.2–2.7 μg/dL) to 2.7 μg/dL (range, 1.2–4.7 μg/dL); the recommended post‐TSH T4 concentration was achieved by only 3 of 8 Sloughis. Hemoconcentration was found in 84.3% and hypoglobulinemia in 80.3%.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:When evaluating Sloughis for hypothyroidism, veterinarians should be aware that these dogs have different thyroid hormone concentrations than nonsight hound dogs.
Effect of a Short‐Term Infusion with Soybean Oil‐Based Lipid Emulsion on Phagocytic Responses of Canine Peripheral Blood Polymorphonuclear Neutrophilic Leukocytes
Authors: Kang J.‐H. , Yang M.‐P. 
Published: January 2009

Background: The use of soybean oil‐based lipid emulsion (SO‐based LE) in parenteral nutrition has been reported to impair neutrophil functions in humans and rodents. As yet, little is understood about the effects of SO‐based LE on canine immune responses.Hypothesis: A short‐term infusion with SO‐based LE affects the phagocytic responses of canine peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytes (PMNs).Animals: Twenty‐four healthy Beagle dogs.Methods: Experimental study. Dogs were randomly assigned into groups of six and administered a 2‐hour IV infusion with 0.9% NaCl solution or sufficient SO‐based LE (INTRALIPOS 20%) to supply 40, 100, and 200% of the basal energy requirement (BER). PMN functions were determined after collecting blood samples before, immediately after, and 24 hours after the infusion.Results: None of the treatments significantly affected the phagocytic capacity of PMNs or circulating leukocyte numbers. The infusion providing 200% of BERs significantly reduced PMN oxidative burst activity, filamentous actin polymerization, and Cdc42 Rho guanosine triphosphatase activity immediately after its delivery. However, these functions were restored to pre‐infusion values 24 hours after the infusion. The lower calorie infusions did not have these effects.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: These results suggest that short‐term infusions with a supraphysiological dose of SO‐based LE may decrease the immune functions of canine PMNs. However, more long‐term studies will be needed to extrapolate the effect of SO‐based LE with clinically relevant doses in a practical situation.
Lawsonia intracellularisInfection in Horses: 2005–2007
Authors: Frazer M.L. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Lawsonia intracellularisis an emerging equine pathogen that is a cause of equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE).Objective:To describe the signalment, month of presentation, common clinical signs, clinicopathologic values, diagnostic tests used, antimicrobial use, and survival status in horses affected with EPE; to evaluate how affected horses sold at public auction as yearlings; and to determine results of fecal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serum immunoperoxidase monolayer assay (IPMA) results in age matched, clinically normal herdmates.Animals:The study group was 57 horses treated for disease associated withL. intracellularisinfection between August 2005 and January 2007.Methods:Retrospective study examined horses exhibiting evidence of infection withL. intracellularisand testing positive for fecal PCR or serum IPMA.Results:Horses ranged in age from 2 to 8 months with a median age of 6 months, and all were examined between August and January. Ventral edema was present in 81% of horses and hypoalbuminemia occurred in all horses. Only 50% of horses tested positive on both PCR and IPMA. Ninety‐three percent of horses survived, and survival was unrelated to antimicrobial administered. Affected horses sold as yearlings an average of 68% less than other yearlings by the same sire. Age matched, clinically normal herdmates also tested positive forL. intracellularison fecal PCR (6%) and IPMA (33%).Conclusion:L. intracellularisinfection should be considered in young horses with ventral edema and hypoalbuminemia that are examined between August and January. Both fecal PCR and serum IPMA are needed to help determine disease status. Treated animals usually survive, although they do not sell for as high a price at public auction as other yearlings by the same sire. Age matched, clinically normal herdmates also test positive forL. intracellularison fecal PCR and serum IPMA.
Evaluation of NT‐Pro BNP and CT‐ANP as Markers of Concentric Hypertrophy in Dogs with a Model of Compensated Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Hori Y. , Tsubaki M. , Katou A. , Ono Y. , Yonezawa T. , Li X. , Higuchi S.‐I. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Serum C‐terminal atrial natriuretic peptide (CT‐ANP) and N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐pro BNP) concentrations have not been measured serially in dogs with chronic pressure overload of the heart.Hypothesis:We investigated whether serial evaluation of CT‐ANP and NT‐pro BNP concentrations is a useful guide to the risk of cardiac remodeling in dogs with a model of aortic stenosis.Animals:Six male Beagles.Methods:After anesthesia, the aorta was constricted with a polyester band and mean left ventricular systolic pressure (LVPs) was 50 mmHg above baseline. Echocardiographic and intracardiac catheter examinations and blood sampling were performed before surgery and 3 and 6 months after surgery.Results:LVP and left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were significantly higher at 6 months. Compared with baseline, end‐diastolic intraventricular septum thickness (IVSd), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWd), and relative wall thickness (RWT) were significantly increased 3 and 6 months after aortic constriction. Serum CT‐ANP concentrations were increased significantly at 3 months and serum NT‐pro BNP concentrations were significantly higher 3 and 6 months after aortic constriction. Serum NT‐pro BNP concentration was significantly correlated with LVEDP and IVSd whereas serum CT‐ANP concentration was not correlated with any measurement. Stepwise regression analysis showed that LVEDP, IVSd, and RWT could predict serum NT‐pro BNP.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:This study indicated the differential regulation of NT‐pro BNP and CT‐ANP concentrations during pressure overload. NT‐pro BNP assay may be used as an additional screening method to stratify early‐stage ventricular remodeling because of aortic constriction.
Survival in Cats with Naturally Occurring Chronic Kidney Disease (2000–2002)
Authors: Boyd L.M. , Langston C. , Thompson K. , Zivin K. , Imanishi M. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Duration of survival of cats with naturally occurring chronic kidney disease (CKD) is poorly characterized.Hypothesis:Stage of kidney disease based on serum creatinine concentration (SCr) at the time of diagnosis and after correction of prerenal azotemia is strongly associated with duration of survival in cats.Animals:Two hundred and eleven client‐owned cats with naturally occurring CKD evaluated between April 2000 and January 2002.Methods:Retrospective case review of 733 cats with SCr > 2.3 mg/dL. Examination of the medical records identified 211 cats that met all other inclusion and exclusion criteria for this study. Clinical characteristics, clinicopathologic data, and survival times were extracted from the medical record. Owners and referring veterinarians were contacted by phone to obtain follow‐up if it was not documented in the record. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves were performed to determine survival times for International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage both at diagnosis and at baseline (ie, after correction of prerenal azotemia).Results:Median survival for cats in IRIS stage IIb at the time of diagnosis was 1,151 days (range 2–3,107), and was longer than survival in stage III (median 778, range 22–2,100) or stage IV (median 103, range 1–1,920) (P‐value < .0001).P‐value for effect of stage at diagnosis was <.0001.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:IRIS stage of CKD based on serum creatinine at the time of diagnosis is strongly predictive of survival in cats with naturally occurring CKD.
N‐Acetyl‐β‐d‐Glucosaminidase Index as an Early Biomarker for Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats with Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Lapointe C. , Bélanger M.‐C. , Dunn M. , Moreau M. , Bédard C. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Hyperthyroid cats are at risk of developing azotemic chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diagnostic tools currently used to screen for CKD in hyperthyroid cats are either unreliable or impractical.Hypothesis:UrineN‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase index (NAGi) is a good biomarker for azotemic CKD in hyperthyroid cats.Animals:Twenty‐four newly diagnosed nonazotemic hyperthyroid cats and 10 healthy cats.Methods:All cats were evaluated for hyperthyroidism at baseline. Hyperthyroid cats were treated with methimazole and reevaluated once euthyroid. At the end of the study, cats were divided into 3 groups: healthy cats, nonazotemic, and azotemic euthyroid cats. Baseline group characteristics were compared to predict azotemic CKD. The influence of treatment on NAGiwas evaluated.Results:Baseline NAGiwas significantly different among groups (P= .004). Azotemic cats had a higher median value (13.12 U/g) when compared with healthy cats (1.38 U/g). With NAGi>2.76 U/g, negative and positive predictive values for development of azotemia were 77.7 and 50%, whereas the combination of a urine specific gravity (USG) ≤1.035 and T4>7.80 μg/dL enhanced predictive values to 88.9 and 83.3%, respectively. NAGivalues decreased significantly over time in treated nonazotemic cats.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance:Baseline NAGidid not differentiate azotemic from nonazotemic euthyroid cats. NAGicould be used to assess renal function during medical therapy allowing the clinician to adjust methimazole dosage accordingly. The combination of USG and T4could optimize identification of appropriate candidates for permanent treatment of hyperthyroidism.