bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Echocardiographic Ratio Indices in Overtly Healthy Boxer Dogs Screened for Heart Disease
Authors: Cunningham S.M. , Rush J.E. , Freeman L.M. , Brown D.J. , Smith C.E. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Boxer dogs are routinely screened by echocardiography to exclude congenital and acquired heart disease. Individuals of a given breed may span a large range of body sizes, potentially invalidating linear regression of M‐mode measurements against body weight. Echocardiographic ratio indices (ERIs) provide a novel method of characterizing echocardiographic differences between Boxers and other dog breeds.Hypothesis:ERIs obtained from overtly healthy Boxer dogs presented for cardiac screening will be different from ERIs established for normal non‐Boxer dogs, and those differences will be unrelated to aortic velocity or systolic blood pressure.Animals:Eighty‐one Boxers with no outward clinical signs of heart disease were studied.Methods:All dogs were examined by 2‐dimensional, M‐mode, and Doppler echocardiography. M‐mode measurements were used to perform ERI calculations, and the indices in Boxers were compared between Boxers with varying severity of arrhythmia and those of normal non‐Boxer dogs.Results:Differences in weight‐based ERIs, which reflect increased thickness of the left ventricular free wall (LVW) and interventricular septum (IVS) and smaller aortic size, were found in overtly healthy Boxer dogs compared with normal non‐Boxer dogs. ERIs of left atrial and LV cavity size in overtly healthy Boxers were not significantly different from those of non‐Boxer dogs.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Boxer dogs may have an increased relative thickness of the LVW and IVS that is independent of aortic size, aortic velocity, or arterial blood pressure, and this morphology should be taken into consideration when screening Boxers by echocardiography.
ABCB1‐1Δ Polymorphism Can Predict Hematologic Toxicity in Dogs Treated with Vincristine
Authors: Mealey K.L. , Fidel J. , Gay J.M. , Impellizeri J.A. , Clifford C.A. , Bergman P.J. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Dogs that harbor the naturally occurring ABCB1‐1Δ polymorphism experience increased susceptibility to avermectin‐induced neurological toxicosis as a result of deficient P‐glycoprotein function. Whether or not the ABCB1‐1Δ polymorphism affects susceptibility to toxicity of other P‐glycoprotein substrate drugs has not been studied.Hypothesis:Dogs that possess the ABCB1‐1Δ mutation are more likely to develop hematologic toxicity associated with vincristine than ABCB1 wild‐type dogs.Animals:Thirty‐four dogs diagnosed with lymphoma were included in this study.Methods:Cheek swab samples were obtained from dogs diagnosed with lymphoma that were to be treated with vincristine. DNA was extracted from cheek swabs and the ABCB1 genotype was determined. Hematologic adverse drug reactions were recorded for each dog and graded according to the Veterinary Comparative Oncology Group's criteria for adverse event reporting (Consensus Document). In order to avoid possible bias, ABCB1 genotype results for a particular patient were not disclosed to oncologists until an initial adverse event report had been submitted.Results:Dogs heterozygous or homozygous for the ABCB1‐1Δ mutation were significantly more likely to develop hematologic toxicity, specifically neutropenia (P= .0005) and thrombocytopenia (P= .0001), after treatment with vincristine than ABCB1 wild‐type dogs.Conclusions and Clinical Implications:At currently recommended dosages (0.5–0.7 mg/M2), vincristine is likely to cause hematologic toxicity in dogs with the ABCB1‐1Δ mutation, resulting in treatment delays and unacceptable morbidity and mortality. Assessing the ABCB1‐1Δ genotype before vincristine administration and decreasing the dosage may prevent toxicity and treatment delays resulting from neutropenia or thrombocytopenia.
Gastrointestinal Pythiosis in 10 Dogs from California
Authors: Berryessa N.A. , Marks S.L. , Pesavento P.A. , Krasnansky T. , Yoshimoto S.K. , Johnson E.G. , Grooters A.M. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Pythium insidiosum is an aquatic oomycete that causes severe segmental thickening of the canine gastrointestinal (GI) tract, resulting in weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and death. Infection in dogs previously has been observed primarily in the southeastern United States.Objective: To describe the clinicopathologic and epidemiologic findings associated with GI pythiosis in 10 dogs from California.Methods: Dogs were initially identified on the basis of supportive clinical findings and routine histology. Pythiosis was confirmed in each dog with at least one of the following: immunoblot serology, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay serology, immunohistochemistry, and culture followed by species‐specific polymerase chain reaction, rRNA gene sequencing, or both.Results: Between September 2003 and December 2006, GI pythiosis was confirmed in 1 dog from central California and 9 dogs that lived within a 30‐mile radius of Davis, CA. Seven of 8 dogs for which environmental data were available had frequent access to flooded rice fields or other water sources. Esophageal lesions were present in 2 of 10 dogs. Common laboratory findings included eosinophilia (7/9), hypoalbuminemia (9/9), and hyperglobulinemia (8/9). Median survival time was 26.5 days (range, 0–122 days), and the disease was ultimately fatal in all 10 dogs.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The geographic distribution of pythiosis has widened in recent years to include the western United States. Factors that may have contributed to this change include altered rice‐farming practices and landscape irrigation. Veterinarians in California should be familiar with the clinicopathologic features associated with GI pythiosis to aid in early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Effects of Aging on Brainstem Responses to Toneburst Auditory Stimuli: A Cross‐Sectional and Longitudinal Study in Dogs
Authors: Ter Haar G. , Venker‐van Haagen A.J. , Van Den Brom W.E. , Van Sluijs F.J. , Smoorenburg G.F. 
Published: January 2009

Background:It is assumed that the hearing of dogs becomes impaired with advancing age, but little is known about the prevalence and electrophysiologic characteristics of presbycusis in this species.Hypothesis:As in humans, hearing in dogs becomes impaired with aging across the entire frequency range, but primarily in the high‐frequency area. This change can be assessed quantitatively by brainstem‐evoked response audiometry (BERA).Animals:Three groups of 10 mixed‐breed dogs with similar body weights but different mean ages were used. At the start of the study, the mean age was 1.9 years (range, 0.9–3.4) in group I, 5.7 years (3.5–7) in group II, and 12.7 years (11–14) in group III.Methods:In a cross‐sectional study, the BERA audiograms obtained with toneburst stimuli were compared among the 3 groups. In a longitudinal study, changes in auditory thresholds of group II dogs were followed for 7 years.Results:Thresholds were significantly higher in group III than in groups I and II at all frequencies tested, and higher in group II than in group I at 4 kHz. The audiograms in group II indicated a progressive increase in thresholds associated with aging starting around 8–10 years of age and most pronounced in the middle‐ to high‐frequency region (8–32 kHz).Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Age‐related hearing loss in these dogs started around 8–10 years of age and encompassed the entire frequency range, but started and progressed most rapidly in the middle‐ to high‐frequency area. Its progression can be followed by BERA with frequency‐specific stimulation.
Utility of 12‐Lead Electrocardiogram for Differentiating Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardias in Dogs
Authors: Santilli R.A. , Perego M. , Crosara S. , Gardini F. , Bellino C. , Moretti P. , Spadacini G. 
Published: January 2009

Background:The 12‐lead surface ECG is validated for differentiating supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) in humans. Despite the description of SVT in veterinary medicine, no studies have analyzed the electrocardiographic features of this type of arrhythmias in dogs.Objective:To describe the specific electrocardiographic criteria used to differentiate the most common SVT in dogs.Animals:Twenty‐three dogs examined at Clinica Veterinaria Malpensa for SVT with the mechanism documented by electrophysiologic studies (EPS).Methods:Twelve‐lead electrocardiographic variables obtained from 14 dogs with orthodromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (OAVRT) and 9 dogs with focal atrial tachycardia (FAT) were compared.Results:Dogs with FAT had faster heart rates (278 ± 62 versus 229 ± 42 bpm;P= .049) and less QRS alternans (33 versus 86%;P= .022). P waves appeared during tachycardia in 22 dogs, with a superior axis in 100% of OAVRT and 22% of FAT (P< .001). OAVRT was characterized by a shorter RP interval (85.0 ± 16.8 versus 157.1 ± 37.3 ms;P< .001) and smaller RP/PR ratio (0.60 ± 0.18 versus 1.45 ± 0.52;P< .001). Repolarization anomalies were present in 64% of OAVRT and no FAT (P< .001). Multivariate analysis identified QRS alternans and a positive P wave in aVR during tachycardia as independent predictors of arrhythmia type.Conclusion and Clinical Importance:Electrocardiographic criteria used in people for differentiating SVT can also be applied in dogs.
Cancer Incidence in Pet Dogs: Findings of the Animal Tumor Registry of Genoa, Italy
Authors: Merlo D.F. , Rossi L. , Pellegrino C. , Ceppi M. , Cardellino U. , Capurro C. , Ratto A. , Sambucco P.L. , Sestito V. , Tanara G. , Bocchini V. 
Published: January 2009

Background: The occurrence of spontaneous tumors in pet animals has been estimated in a few European and North American veterinary cancer registries with dissimilar methodologies and variable reference populations.Objectives: The Animal Tumor Registry (ATR) of Genoa, Italy, was established in 1985 with the aim of estimating the occurrence of spontaneous tumors in dogs.Methods: Six thousand seven hundred and forty‐three tumor biopsy specimens were received from local veterinarians in the Municipality of Genoa between 1985 and 2002. Three thousand and three hundred and three (48.9%) biopsy specimen samples were diagnosed as cancer and were coded according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD‐9).Results: Mammary cancer was the most frequently diagnosed cancer in female dogs, accounting for 70% of all cancer cases. Incidence of all cancers was 99.3 per 100,000 dog‐years (95% CI: 93.6–105.1) in male dogs and 272.1 (95% CI: 260.7–283.6) in female dogs. The highest incidence rates were detected for mammary cancer (IR = 191.8, 95% CI: 182.2–201.4) and for non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (IR = 22.9, 95% CI: 19.7–26.5) in bitches and for non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (IR = 19.9, 95% CI: 17.4–22.7) and skin cancer (IR = 19.1, 95% CI: 16.6–21.8) in male dogs. All cancer IR increased with age ranging between 23.7 (95% CI: 18.4–30.1) and 763.2 (95% CI: 700.4–830.1) in bitches and between 16.5 (95% CI: 12.8–21.1) and 237.6 (95% CI: 209.1–269.0) in male dogs aged ≤3 years and >9–11 years.Conclusion: This study summarizes the work done by the ATR of Genoa, Italy, between 1985 and 2002. All cancer incidence was 3 times higher in female than in male dogs, a difference explained by the high rate of mammary cancer observed in bitches. Because a biopsy specimen was required to make a cancer diagnosis, cancer rates for internal organs cancers, such as respiratory and digestive tract cancers may have been underestimated in the study population.
Demographics and Costs of Colic in Swedish Horses
Authors: Egenvall A. , Penell J. , Bonnett B.N. , Blix J. , Pringle J. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Colic is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in horses. In Sweden, an insurance database with diagnostic medical information is maintained on >30% of the nation's horse population.Hypothesis:The objective was to describe the occurrence of colic, defined by costly veterinary care and life claims, in horses at 1 insurance company during 1997–2002.Horses:All horses (<21 years of age) with complete insurance for veterinary care and life during the period 1997–2002 were included.Methods:Colic was defined as conditions where the main clinical sign was abdominal pain and the problem was related to the gastrointestinal system. The analyses included measures of incidence by sex, breed group, age categories, geographical location (urban/other), survival to and survival after colic, medical cost for colic, and multivariable modeling of risk factors related to the event of colic.Results:In all, 116,288 horses contributed to 341,564 horse years at risk (HYAR). There were 3,100 horses with a colic diagnosis, of which 27% were settled for life insurance. The median gross cost for veterinary care was 4,729 Swedish Kronor (SEK). The overall occurrence and mortality rate of colic was 91 and 24 events per 10,000 HYAR. Survival after colic at 1 month was 76% (95% confidence interval: 75–78%).Conclusions and Clinical Importance:The occurrence of colic varied with breed group, age, and season. The mortality rates probably reflected the true mortality of colic. The veterinary care rates most likely underestimated of the risk colic because they represent relatively costly events.
Computer‐Assisted Magnetic Resonance Imaging Brain Morphometry in American Staffordshire Terriers with Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration
Authors: Henke D. , Böttcher P. , Doherr M.G. , Oechtering G. , Flegel T. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Cerebellar cortical degeneration exists in American Staffordshire Terriers. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be suggestive, but a definitive diagnosis requires histopathology.Hypothesis:Computer‐assisted MRI morphometry can be used to distinguish between American Staffordshire Terriers with or without cerebellar cortical degeneration.Animals:Normal American Staffordshire Terriers (n = 17) and those with clinical signs of cerebellar cortical degeneration (n = 14).Methods:This was a partly retrospective and partly prospective study. Causes of cerebellar disease were ruled out with brain MRI, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, CBC, blood biochemistry, and clinical follow‐up. On T2‐weighted midsagittal MR images, the following parameters were calculated: size of the cerebellum relative to the entire brain, size of the CSF space surrounding the cerebellum relative to the cerebellum, and 2 threshold‐dependent cerebellar CSF indices (with and without surrounding CSF).Results:Statistical analyses indicated a significantly lower relative cerebellar size (P< .001) and a larger relative cerebellar CSF space (P< .001) in dogs with cerebellar cortical degeneration. The measurement of relative cerebellar size could distinguish between affected and nonaffected dogs with a sensitivity and a specificity of 93 and 94%, respectively, using a cut‐off of 13.3%. Using a cut‐off of 12.8%, the measurement of relative CSF space could distinguish between both groups with a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 100%. There was a significant difference in 1 of the 2 CSF indices between affected and normal dogs.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Relative cerebellar size and relative CSF space calculated from MRI are effective in American Staffordshire Terriers to differentiate between normal animals and those with cerebellar cortical degeneration.
Clinical Signs, Histology, and CD3‐Positive Cells before and after Treatment of Dogs with Chronic Enteropathies
Authors: Schreiner N.M.S. , Gaschen F. , Gröne A. , Sauter S.N. , Allenspach K. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Histopathology is widely used for the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease in dogs. Variations in lesions and unavailability of uniform grading systems limit the usefulness of histologic examination.Hypothesis: CD3 cell numbers in chronic enteropathies of dogs correlate with clinical activity of the disease and with severity of histopathologic changes.Animals: Nineteen client‐owned dogs examined because of chronic diarrhea, vomiting, or both.Methods: Samples of duodenal and colonic mucosa were collected endoscopically before and after treatment. Dogs that responded to a hypoallergenic diet were grouped as food‐responsive diarrhea dogs (FRD, n = 10). Dogs with no clinical improvement after 10 days of treatment then received prednisolone (immunosuppressive doses) and were grouped as steroid‐responsive diarrhea dogs (SRD, n = 9). Histopathologic assessment with a standardized grading system was performed retrospectively on the intestinal samples. Histologic score, total number of infiltrating cells, and CD3‐positive cells were counted and compared with the clinical scoring.Results: No statistically significant difference was detected among histologic grading, total number of cells in the lamina propria, and T‐cell numbers in biopsies before and after treatment in either group (FRD and SRD).Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Currently used histopathologic grading scores, total numbers of cells, and numbers of CD3‐positive cells did not allow differentiation between FRD and SRD and did not correlate with clinical response to therapy. Based on these results, new grading scores assessing other criteria than total cell numbers and CD3‐positive cells should be evaluated in the future.
Urinary Aldosterone to Creatinine Ratio in Cats before and after Suppression with Salt or Fludrocortisone Acetate
Authors: Djajadiningrat‐Laanen S.C. , Galac S. , Cammelbeeck S.E. , Van Laar K.J.C. , Boer P. , Kooistra H.S. 
Published: January 2009

Background: The endocrine diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism in cats currently is based on an increased plasma aldosterone to renin ratio, which has several disadvantages for use in veterinary practice.Objectives: To establish a reference range for the urinary aldosterone to creatinine ratio (UACR) and to determine whether oral administration of either sodium chloride or fludrocortisone acetate is effective for use in a suppression test.Animals: Forty‐two healthy cats from an animal shelter and 1 cat with primary hyperaldosteronism from a veterinary teaching hospital.Methods: Morning urine samples for determination of the basal UACR were collected from 42 healthy cats. For the suppression tests, urine samples for the UACR were collected after twice daily oral administration for 4 consecutive days of either sodium chloride, 0.25 g/kg body weight (n = 22) or fludrocortisone acetate, 0.05 mg/kg body weight (n = 15).Results: The median basal UACR was 7.2 × 10−9 (range, 1.8–52.3 × 10−9), with a calculated reference range of <46.5 × 10−9. Administration of sodium chloride resulted in adequate salt loading in 10 of 22 cats, but without significant reduction in the UACR. Administration of fludrocortisone resulted in a significant decrease in the UACR (median, 78%; range, 44–97%; P < .001) in healthy cats. In the cat with an aldosterone‐producing adrenocortical carcinoma, the basal UACR and the UACR after fludrocortisone administration were 32 × 10−9 and 36 × 10−9, respectively.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Using the UACR for an oral fludrocortisone suppression test may be useful for the diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism in cats.
Factors Associated with Outcome in Foals with Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (72 Cases, 1988–2003)
Authors: Polkes A.C. , Giguère S. , Lester G.D. , Bain F.T. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Neonatal foals with isoerythrolysis (NI) often die, but the risk factors for death have not been identified.Objectives:To identify factors associated with outcome in foals with NI and to identify factors associated with death from liver failure or kernicterus in the same population.Animals:Seventy‐two foals with NI examined at referral institutions.Methods:Retrospective case series. Information on signalment, clinical examination findings, laboratory testing, treatment, complications, outcome, and necropsy results were obtained.Results:The overall survival rate was 75% (54 of 72). Liver failure (n = 7), kernicterus (n = 6), and complications related to bacterial sepsis (n = 3) were the 3 most common reasons for death or euthanasia. The number of transfusions with blood products was the factor most strongly associated with nonsurvival in a multivariate logistic regression model. The odds of liver failure developing in foals receiving a total volume of blood products ≥ 4.0 L were 19.5 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.13–178) times higher than that of foals receiving a lower volume (P= .009). The odds of kernicterus developing in foals with a total bilirubin ≥ 27.0 mg/dL were 17.0 (95% CI: 1.77–165) times higher than that of foals with a lower total bilirubin (P= .014).Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Development of liver failure, kernicterus, and complications related to bacterial sepsis are the most common causes of death in foals with NI. Foals administered a large volume of blood products are at greater risk for developing liver failure.
Abnormalities in Lung Surfactant in Horses Clinically Affected with Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO)
Authors: Christmann U. , Welles E.G. , Waldridge B.M. , Schumacher J. , Grier B.L. , Hite R. D. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Abnormalities in lung surfactant are well described in human respiratory diseases including asthma, but are poorly described in horses.Hypothesis:Lung surfactant is abnormal in horses with clinical signs of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO).Animals:Six healthy horses and 5 horses with RAO.Methods:Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained from all horses by standard procedures. Cell‐free BALF was separated into crude surfactant pellets (CSP) and supernatant via ultracentrifugation. Phospholipid and protein content was analyzed from both of these fractions. Phospholipid composition of CSP was determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography with an evaporative light scatter detector. Surface tension of CSP was measured with a pulsating bubble surfactometer.Results:Compared with healthy horses, surfactant from RAO‐affected horses was characterized by significantly decreased phospholipid content in total surfactant (median; range: 23.2; 14.7–62.2 μg/mL BALF versus 172; 111–267 μg/mL BALF,P= .0062) and CSP (20.2; 6.4–48.9 μL/mL BALF versus 155; 94.4–248 μg/mL BALF,P= .0062), and a significantly lower percentage of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) (4.5; 3.6–5.6% versus 6.6; 4.1–7.6%,P= .028). Furthermore, the ratio between the percentages of phosphatidylcholine and PG was significantly higher in RAO‐affected horses than in healthy horses (20.9; 16.6: 25.9 versus 13.9; 11.8–22.8,P= .045).Conclusions and Clinical Importance:This study demonstrates that surfactant from RAO‐affected horses is abnormal. Further studies are needed to determine if these abnormalities are related to an increased tendency for bronchoconstriction and to a decreased ability to clear airway mucus in RAO‐affected horses.