Kinetics of substrate oxidation and hydrogen peroxide production by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides Large Colony (LC) type and Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri

Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides Large Colony (LC) type is a pathogen of goats causing contagious agalactia and respiratory disease, found on all continents where small ruminants are kept. It shares close genetic characteristics with M. mycoides subsp. capri. Substrate oxidation by 22 strains of M. mycoides subsp. mycoides LC from nine countries was compared with that of eight strains of M. mycoides subsp. capri from five countries. There was considerable similarity in the substrates used, but substrate saturation coefficients (K_s) varied for different substrates. Substrate utilization patterns and K_s values did not (1) significantly differentiate the LC strains from each other, (2) show any correlation with geographical origin, or (3) distinguish the LC strains from the capri strains. These results support previous studies justifying the reclassification of these subspecies as a single species.     

Variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) typing of strains of Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides small colony isolated from the north-eastern regions of Italy between 1990 and 1993

The origin of the outbreaks of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in Italy between 1990 and 1993 were never successfully traced mainly due to the close similarity of the strains of the causative mycoplasma, Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides small colony (MmmSC) and the limitations of the typing tools available at the time. In this report we examined a selection of strains isolated in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions of Italy by the highly discriminatory variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) procedure. Results were analysed for the first time by a capillary sequencer-based method. It was shown that all the MmmSC strains were genetically very similar and all belonged to the same profiles for both VNTR 4 and 5. This suggests that the outbreaks in Northern Eastern Italy, which eventually spread to other parts of the country, originated from a single source.     

Antigen heterogeneity among Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC isolates: discrimination of major surface proteins

The protein and antigen profiles of 60 isolates, strains and the type strain PG1 of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC were compared by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analysis. Analysis using contagious bovine pleuropneumonia antisera and hyperimmune rabbit sera against several representative strains revealed some differences in protein profiles and variability in antigens among strains from different geographic regions. The most common antigenic bands had the molecular masses of 110, 95, 80, 69, 62, 60, 48, 44, 39 and 38 kDa. There were differences among European strains, where a larger group coming from Italy lacked the p98 antigen, thus, with one exception, distinguishing the Italian strains from Portuguese, French and Spanish strains. African, Australian and PG1 strains showed heterogenic profiles, with quantitative differences and in a few strains some antigenic bands were absent. The group constituting African, Australian and PG1 strains was characterised by the presence of 71.5/70 kDa antigens, which were not detected in European strains. Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC membrane proteins were characterised by Triton X-114 partitioning and p110, p98, p95, p62/60 and p48 were identified as immunogenic antigens. The simultaneous presence of these five antigens was common to all the sera examined and, therefore, indicates the diagnostic potential of immunoblotting. Most immunodominant antigens are surface-exposed proteins as determined by the trypsin treatment.     

Seroprevalence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia at export quarantine centers in and around Adama,Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was undertaken from October 2010 to March 2011 to determine the seroprevalence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and its related risk factors in export quarantine centers. A total of 3,111 cattle sera were collected from different export quarantine farms located in and around Adama, namely, Bekero, Jogo, Kedir, and Dera farms, and tested for the presence of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides small colonies antibody using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Of the total 3,111 cattle sera examined, 124 (4 %) were found positive for CBPP. Among the potential predisposing factors assessed, origin, transportation condition, confinement level, and stay time of the animals in quarantine center were not found significantly (P?>?0.05) associated with the occurrence of the disease. Whereas age was found significantly (P?<?0.05) associated with the occurrence of the disease in which a high seroprevalence was recorded in aged (9.5 %) animals than young (3 %). Generally, this study showed that CBPP is a threat for Ethiopian livestock export market and a well established disease in Borana and Bale areas, where the animals originated.     

Physicochemical Approach to Determine the Mechanism for Acid–Base Disorders in 793 Hospitalized Foals

Background

The quantitative effect of strong electrolytes, unmeasured strong anions (UAs), pCO ₂, and plasma protein concentrations in determining plasma pH can be demonstrated using the physicochemical approach. Plasma anion gap (AG) and strong ion gap (SIG) are used to assess UAs in different species.

Hypotheses

Strong ions are a major factor influencing changes in plasma pH of hospitalized foals. AG and SIG accurately predict severe hyper‐l‐lactatemia ([l‐lac⁻] > 7 mmol/L).

Animals

Seven hundred and ninety three hospitalized foals < 7 days old.

Methods

Retrospective study. The relationship between measured pH and physicochemical variables, and the relationship between plasma [l‐lac⁻] and AG and SIG, were determined using regression analyses. Optimal AG and SIG cut points to predict hyper‐l‐lactatemia were identified using an ROC curve analysis.

Results

Combined, the measured strong ion difference and SIG accounted for 54–69% of the changes in the measured arterial pH of hospitalized foals. AG and SIG were significantly associated with plasma [l‐lac⁻] (P < .0001). The receiver operator characteristics (ROC) AUC of AG and SIG for prediction of severe hyper‐l‐lactatemia were 0.89 (95%CI, 0.8–0.95; P < .0001) and 0.90 (95%CI, 0.81–0.96; P < .0001), respectively. Severe hyper‐l‐lactatemia was best predicted by AG > 27 mmol/L (sensitivity 80%, 95%CI, 56–94, specificity 85%, 95%CI, 73–93; P < .0001) and SIG <−15 mmol/L (sensitivity 90%, 95%CI, 68–98; specificity 80%; 95%CI, 68–90; P < .0001).

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Altered concentrations of strong ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻) and UAs were the primary cause of acidemia of hospitalized foals. AG and SIG were good predictors of hyper‐l‐lactatemia and could be used as surrogate tests.     

Analysis of the immunoproteome of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides small colony type reveals immunogenic homologues to other known virulence traits in related Mycoplasma species

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides small colony type (MmmSC) has been eradicated in the developed world, but it is still present in many countries of sub-Saharan Africa. After initially successful control measures in the 1960s it has been spreading due to a lack of money, fragmentation of veterinary services, uncontrolled cattle movement, insufficient vaccine efficacy and sensitivity of current diagnostic tests.In this study we used two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by immunoblot with sera from MmmSC-infected animals and MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry to identify novel immunogenic proteins as candidate molecules for improved diagnostics and vaccines. We identified 24 immunogens recognized by pooled sera from experimentally infected cattle. Furthermore, a serum from an animal with acute clinical disease as well as severe pathomorphological lesions recognized 13 additional immunogens indicating variation in the antibody responses to CBPP amongst cattle. Most immunogens showed compelling similarity to protein/gene sequences in the two ruminant pathogens M. capricolum subsp. capricolum and M. mycoides subsp. mycoides large colony type both belonging to the mycoides cluster. Three of these proteins, namely glycerol-3-phosphate oxidase, adenylosuccinate synthase, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, had no compelling homologue in the other distantly related bovine pathogen M. agalactiae. In addition, translation elongation factor Tu, heat shock protein 70, pyruvate dehydrogenase, and FKBP-type peptidyl-prolyl isomerase, which have been found to mediate adhesion to host tissue in other mycoplasmas were shown to be expressed and recognized by sera. These proteins have potential for the development of improved diagnostic tests and possibly vaccines.     

Development of an improved vaccine for contagious bovine pleuropneumonia: an African perspective on challenges and proposed actions

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) is an economically very important cattle disease in sub-Saharan Africa. CBPP impacts animal health and poverty of livestock-dependent people through decreased animal productivity, reduced food supply, and the cost of control measures. CBPP is a barrier to trade in many African countries and this reduces the value of livestock and the income of many value chain stakeholders. The presence of CBPP also poses a constant threat to CBPP-free countries and creates costs in terms of the measures necessary to ensure the exclusion of disease. This opinion focuses on the biomedical research needed to foster the development of better control measures for CBPP. We suggest that different vaccine development approaches are followed in parallel. Basic immunology studies and systematic OMICs studies will be necessary in order to identify the protective arms of immunity and to shed more light on the pathogenicity mechanisms in CBPP. Moreover a robust challenge model and a close collaboration with African research units will be crucial to foster and implement a new vaccine for the progressive control of this cattle plague.     

Preliminary Investigation of the Area Under the l‐Lactate Concentration–Time Curve (LACAREA) in Critically Ill Equine Neonates

Background

A variety of measures of l‐lactate concentration ([LAC]) in the blood of critically ill neonatal foals have shown utility as prognostic indicators. These measures, evaluating either the severity of hyperlactatemia or the duration of exposure to hyperlactatemia, perform fairly well and have correctly classified 75–80% of foals examined in several studies. The area under the l‐lactate concentration versus time curve (LAC _Area) encompasses both severity and duration of hyperlactatemia and should improve correct classification of patient survival.

Hypothesis/Objectives

LAC _Area is larger in nonsurviving critically ill neonatal foals.

Animals

Forty‐nine foals admitted for critical illness to 1 of 4 referral hospitals.

Methods

Whole blood was obtained at admission and 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after admission for measurement of l‐lactate using a handheld lactate meter. LAC _Area was calculated for: admission–6, 6–12, 12–18, 18–24 hours, and admission–24 hours using the trapezoidal method and summing the 6‐hours interval areas to determine total 24 hours area. Differences between survivors and nonsurvivors were determined using robust regression and Kruskal–Wallis testing, P < .05.

Results

LAC _Area was significantly larger in nonsurviving foals (n = 9) than in surviving foals (n = 40) at all time periods examined.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Differences in LAC _Area between surviving and nonsurviving critically ill neonatal foals are large and support further investigation of this method as an improved biomarker for survival in critically ill neonatal foals is indicated.     

Quantitative Physicochemical Analysis of Acid‐Base Balance and Clinical Utility of Anion Gap and Strong Ion Gap in 806 Neonatal Calves with Diarrhea

Background

Acid‐base abnormalities in neonatal diarrheic calves can be assessed by using the Henderson‐Hasselbalch equation or the simplified strong ion approach which use the anion gap (AG) or the strong ion gap (SIG) to quantify the concentration of unmeasured strong anions such as d‐lactate.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine and compare the clinical utility of AG and SIG in quantifying the unmeasured strong anion charge in neonatal diarrheic calves, and to examine the associations between biochemical findings and acid‐base variables by using the simplified strong ion approach. We hypothesized that the SIG provides a more accurate prediction of unmeasured strong anions than the AG.

Animals

Eight hundred and six neonatal diarrheic calves admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital.

Methods

Retrospective study utilizing clinicopathologic findings extracted from medical records.

Results

Hyperphosphatemia was an important predictor of venous blood pH. Serum inorganic phosphorus and plasma d‐lactate concentrations accounted for 58% of the variation in venous blood pH and 77% of the variation in AG and SIG. Plasma d‐ and total lactate concentrations were slightly better correlated with SIG (r _s  = −0.69; −0.78) than to AG (r _s = 0.63; 0.74).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Strong ion gap is slightly better at quantifying the unmeasured strong anion concentration in neonatal diarrheic calves than AG. Phosphorus concentrations should be included as part of the calculation of A _tot when applying the simplified strong ion approach to acid‐base balance to critically ill animals with hyperphosphatemia.     

Reliability of the i‐STAT for the determination of blood electrolyte (K+, Na+, and CI−) concentrations in cattle

Background

Rapid determination of blood electrolyte concentrations can help determine electrolyte status and delivery of effective volume of electrolyte solutions in field conditions.

Objective

To evaluate reliability of the i‐STAT, a point‐of‐care (POC) device, in measuring blood K⁺, Na⁺, and CI ⁻ concentrations in cattle.

Animals

Ninety‐eight cattle with various diseases.

Methods

In this prospective study, blood samples collected from the jugular vein were processed for determination of K⁺, Na⁺, and CI ⁻ concentrations in blood and plasma using the i‐STAT and auto‐analyzer (Cobas C501), respectively. Blood and plasma electrolyte data were subjected to student t‐test for comparison, the concordance analysis for agreement, accuracy, and precision, the Passing‐Bablok regression and the Bland‐Altman plot for reliability, and receiver operating characteristics curves for sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp).

Results

Plasma concentrations of K⁺ (4.39 versus 4.2 mmol/L; P < .0001) and CI ⁻ (100.30 versus 99.4 mmol/L; P < .04) were greater than their concentrations in blood. Plasma and blood Na⁺ concentrations were similar (136.95 versus 136.8 mmol/L). The i‐STAT results were highly correlated with the Cobas C501 results (r = 0.970, 0.922, and 0.866 for K⁺, Na⁺, and CI ⁻, respectively). Regression equations fitting blood (Y) and plasma (X) concentration did not deviate from the identity line for K⁺ (Y = −0.10 + 0.98 × X), Na⁺ (Y = X), and CI ⁻ (Y = 3.04 + 0.96 × X). The mean bias (blood concentration ‐ plasma concentration) was −0.20 for K⁺ (P = .03), −0.16 for Na⁺ (P = .12), and −0.87 for CI ⁻ (P = .93). The i‐STAT had 76–100% Se and 87.7–100% Sp for assessing electrolyte statuses.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The i‐STAT yielded results that were in agreement with the auto‐analyzer, with negligible biases in measurement of plasma K⁺, Na⁺, and CI ⁻ concentrations. The i‐STAT is a reliable POC device and can be used in field condition to assess electrolyte status in cattle.     

Effect of Chronic Administration of Phenobarbital,or Bromide,on Pharmacokinetics of Levetiracetam in Dogs with Epilepsy

Background

Levetiracetam (LEV) is a common add‐on antiepileptic drug (AED) in dogs with refractory seizures. Concurrent phenobarbital administration alters the disposition of LEV in healthy dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of LEV in dogs with epilepsy when administered concurrently with conventional AEDs.

Animals

Eighteen client‐owned dogs on maintenance treatment with LEV and phenobarbital (PB group, n = 6), LEV and bromide (BR group, n = 6) or LEV, phenobarbital and bromide (PB–BR group, n = 6).

Methods

Prospective pharmacokinetic study. Blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours after LEV administration. Plasma LEV concentrations were determined by high‐pressure liquid chromatography. To account for dose differences among dogs, LEV concentrations were normalized to the mean study dose (26.4 mg/kg). Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on adjusted concentrations, using a noncompartmental method, and area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) calculated to the last measured time point.

Results

Compared to the PB and PB–BR groups, the BR group had significantly higher peak concentration (C _max) (73.4 ± 24.0 versus 37.5 ± 13.7 and 26.5 ± 8.96 μg/mL, respectively, P < .001) and AUC (329 ± 114 versus 140 ± 64.7 and 98.7 ± 42.2 h*μg/mL, respectively, P < .001), and significantly lower clearance (CL/F) (71.8 ± 22.1 versus 187 ± 81.9 and 269 ± 127 mL/h/kg, respectively, P = .028).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Concurrent administration of PB alone or in combination with bromide increases LEV clearance in epileptic dogs compared to concurrent administration of bromide alone. Dosage increases might be indicated when utilizing LEV as add‐on treatment with phenobarbital in dogs.     

Characterization of the in vitro core surface proteome of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides, the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) is a severe cattle disease, present in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The development of improved diagnostic tests and vaccines for CBPP control remains a research priority. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were used to characterize the Triton X-114 soluble proteome of nine Mmm strains isolated from Europe or Africa. Of a total of 250 proteins detected, 67 were present in all strains investigated. Of these, 44 were predicted to be lipoproteins or cytoplasmic membrane-associated proteins and are thus likely to be members of the core in vitro surface membrane-associated proteome of Mmm. Moreover, the presence of all identified proteins in other ruminant Mycoplasma pathogens were investigated. Two proteins of the core proteome were identified only in other cattle pathogens of the genus Mycoplasma pointing towards a role in host–pathogen interactions. The data generated will facilitate the identification and prioritization of candidate Mycoplasma antigens for improved control measures, as it is likely that surface-exposed membrane proteins will include those that are involved in host–pathogen interactions.     

Prevalence and Prognostic Importance of Pulmonary Hypertension in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) but its effect on clinical outcome has not been investigated.

Hypothesis/objectives

The presence of PH worsens the outcome in dogs with MMVD. To compare survival times of dogs with MMVD and PH to those without PH.

Animals

Two hundred and twelve client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Case review study. Medical records of dogs diagnosed with ACVIM stage B2 and C MMVD between January 2010 and December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Long‐term outcome was determined by telephone interview or from the medical record. End of the observation period was March 2013. PH was identified if tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity was >3 m/s.

Results

Two hundred and twelve were identified. Eighty‐three dogs (39%) had PH. PH was more commonly identified in stage C compared to B2 (P < .0001). One hundred and five (49.5%) dogs died during the observation period. Median survival time for the entire study population was 567 days (95% CI 512–743). Stage C (P = .003), the presence of PH (P = .009), left atrial to aortic root ratio (LA/Ao) >1.7 (P = .0002), normalized left‐ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDn) >1.73 (P = .048), and tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (TRPG) >55 mmHg (P = .009) were associated with worse outcomes in the univariate analyses. The presence of TRPG >55 mmHg (HR 1.8 95% CI 1–2.9; P = .05) and LA/Ao > 1.7 (HR 2 95% CI 1.2–3.4; P = .01) remained significant predictors of worse outcome in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In dogs with MMVD, moderate to severe PH worsens outcome.     

Treatment of Ionized Hypercalcemia in 12 Cats (2006–2008) Using PO‐Administered Alendronate

Background

Long‐term treatment of cats with ionized hypercalcemia using alendronate has not been evaluated.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Alendronate is well tolerated in treatment of ionized hypercalcemia in cats.

Animals

A total of 12 cats with ionized hypercalcemia.

Methods

Prospective study of 12 cats with ionized hypercalcemia of idiopathic origin was identified by telephone and email communication with a convenience sample of consulting veterinarians. Cats were treated with alendronate at a dose of 5–20 mg per feline PO q7d. Serum ionized calcium concentration (iCa) was measured before beginning treatment with alendronate, and after 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment. Alendronate dosage was adjusted according to iCa. Evaluation included physical examination, CBC, biochemistry profile, and diagnostic imaging. The owners and referring veterinarians were questioned about any observed adverse effects. The Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed rank test was used to compare baseline iCa to iCa at different time periods.

Results

Alendronate treatment resulted in a decrease in iCa in all 12 cats. The median percentage change in iCa was −13.2%, −15.9%, and −18.1% (range, −29.6 to +7.6; −30.5 to −1.9; −45.8 to +1.5%) at the 1, 3, and 6 month time points, respectively. Baseline iCa was significantly different from 1 month (P = .0042), 3 months (P = .0005), and 6 months (P = .0015). No adverse effects were reported for any of the cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Alendronate was well tolerated and decreased iCa in most cats for the 6‐month period of observation.     

Estimating the Sensitivity and Specificity of Real‐Time Quantitative PCR of Fecal Samples for Diagnosis of Rhodococcus equi Pneumonia in Foals

Background

Real‐time, quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods for detecting Rhodococcus equi in feces have been developed as a noninvasive, rapid diagnostic test for R. equi pneumonia, but have not been evaluated in a large population of foals.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of fecal PCR as a diagnostic test for R. equi pneumonia in foals using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) methods.

Animals

186 foals born in 2011 at an R. equi‐endemic ranch in Texas.

Methods

Fecal samples were collected at the time of onset of clinical signs for pneumonic foals (n = 31). Foals with pneumonia were matched by age and birth date to healthy (n = 31) and subclinical (n = 124) control foals; fecal samples were collected from these controls. DNA was extracted from feces using commercial kits and concentration of virulent R. equi in feces was determined by qPCR.

Results

Concentration of R. equi in feces differed significantly (P < .05) among groups. The area under the ROC curve for fecal qPCR for diagnosis of R. equi pneumonia was 89% (95% CI, 83–99), with a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 72%.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

qPCR of feces can be useful as an alternative to tracheobronchial aspiration for the diagnosis of R. equi in foals with clinical signs of pneumonia. Caution should be used in extrapolating results of this study to other populations because fecal concentration of R. equi might vary by geographic location or management practices.     

Prognostic Value of Left Atrial Function in Dogs with Chronic Mitral Valvular Heart Disease

Background

A strong correlation between left atrial (LA) dysfunction and the severity of cardiac disease has been described in human patients with various cardiac diseases. The role of LA dysfunction in dogs with chronic mitral valvular heart disease (CMVHD) has not been addressed.

Objectives

To investigate the correlation between LA function and the prognosis of dogs with CMVHD.

Animals

Thirty‐eight client‐owned dogs with CMVHD.

Methods

Prospective clinical cohort study. Dogs were divided into 2 groups (survivors and nonsurvivors) based on the onset of cardiac‐related death within 1 year. Physical examination and echocardiographic variables were compared between the groups. For the assessment of the comparative accuracy in identifying patients with cardiac‐related death, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and multivariate logistic analysis were used.

Results

The highest accuracy was obtained for the LA active fractional area change (LA‐FAC _act), with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.95, followed by the left atrial to aortic root ratio (LA/Ao), with an AUC of 0.94; peak early diastolic mitral inflow velocity (E), with an AUC of 0.85; and LA total fractional area change (LA‐FAC _total), with an AUC of 0.85. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, LA‐FAC _act emerged as the only independent correlate of cardiac‐related death within 1 year (odds ratio = 1.401, P = .002).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Regarding both the size and function, the LA has a strong correlation with the prognosis of dogs with CMVHD. The most significant independent predictor of mortality in this study was LA‐FAC _act.     

Iron Status of Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease

Background

Iron deficiency is a proposed mechanism for the anemia that occurs in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Minimal research investigating the iron status of these cats has been performed.

Objective

To compare indicators of iron status in cats with CKD versus healthy cats and cats with nonrenal illness (NRI). To compare indicators of iron status in anemic versus nonanemic cats with CKD.

Animals

Thiry‐nine client or employee owned healthy cats, 40 cats with CKD and 34 cats with NRI included.

Methods

Exclusion criteria included prior iron or erythropoiesis stimulating agent administration, blood transfusion, or concurrent CKD and NRI. Complete blood counts, serum chemistries, serum iron concentrations, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and ferritin concentrations were measured and percent transferrin saturation (TSAT) calculated on all cats. Data were analyzed using nonparametric statistical testing.

Results

No statistically significant differences were detected among groups for iron concentration (P = .50), ferritin concentration (P = .47), or TSAT (P = .19). TIBC was significantly lower in CKD (median 262 μg/dL; IQR 233–302; range 165–488) versus healthy cats (median 316 μg/dL; IQR 272–345, range 196–464); (P = .0030). When comparing anemic (hemoglobin <9.5 g/dL) versus nonanemic cats with CKD, TSAT was significantly lower (P = .033) in anemic (median 20.2%; IQR 17.8–34.5; range 17.6–35.9) compared to nonanemic (median 29.0%; IQR 25.5–44.1; range 11.5–94.4). No statistically significant differences found for ferritin concentration (P = .94), iron concentration (P = .21) or TIBC (P = .97).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

These results indicate that an iron deficient state exists in anemic cats with CKD and is more likely functional rather than absolute.     

Detection of Mycoplasma mycoides sub-species mycoides small colony by a specific capture/enrichment monoclonal antibody-based sandwich ELISA

The present study describes the development of a specific Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides Small Colony (MmmSC) monoclonal antibody (MAb), 6E3, and its application in a sandwich ELISA (sELISA) format. Mab 6E3 reacted only to the 12 MmmSC within the 32 M. mycoides cluster strains and 12 representative strains of other bovine, ovine and caprine associated mycoplasmas examined. A capture/enrichment format of the sELISA that combined MAb 6E3 with a previously developed MAb 3H12 that cross reacted with Mmm Large Colony [Rodriguez, F., Ball, H.J., Finlay, D., Campbell, D., Mackie, D.P., 1996. Detection of Mycoplasma mycoides sub-species mycoides by monoclonal antibody-based sandwich ELISA. Veterinary Microbiology 51, 69–76], retained MmmSC specificity and improved the sensitivity from the 1.2 × 10⁷ cfu/ml for a standard 2 h capture stage sELISA down to as low as 2 cfu/ml for a 72 h capture. A low level of false positives (1%) was observed when this assay was applied to 200 bovine respiratory and milk samples submitted for diagnostic investigation. This simple and specific sELISA provides a suitable assay for screening large numbers of samples for CBPP.     

Quantitative Accuracy of the Simplified Strong Ion Equation to Predict Serum pH in Dogs

Background

Electrochemical approach to the assessment of acid‐base states should provide a better mechanistic explanation of the metabolic component than methods that consider only pH and carbon dioxide.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Simplified strong ion equation (SSIE), using published dog‐specific values, would predict the measured serum pH of diseased dogs.

Animals

Ten dogs, hospitalized for various reasons.

Methods

Prospective study of a convenience sample of a consecutive series of dogs admitted to the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (MUVTH), from which serum biochemistry and blood gas analyses were performed at the same time. Serum pH was calculated (Hcal+) using the SSIE, and published values for the concentration and dissociation constant for the nonvolatile weak acids (A_tot and K _a), and subsequently Hcal+ was compared with the dog''s actual pH (Hmeasured+). To determine the source of discordance between Hcal+ and Hmeasured+, the calculations were repeated using a series of substituted values for A_tot and K _a.

Results

The Hcal+ did not approximate the Hmeasured+ for any dog (P = 0.499, r ² = 0.068), and was consistently more basic. Substituted values A_tot and K _a did not significantly improve the accuracy (r ² = 0.169 to <0.001). Substituting the effective SID (Atot−[HCO3−]) produced a strong association between Hcal+ and Hmeasured+ (r ² = 0.977).

Conclusions and clinical importance

Using the simplified strong ion equation and the published values for A_tot and K _a does not appear to provide a quantitative explanation for the acid‐base status of dogs. Efficacy of substituting the effective SID in the simplified strong ion equation suggests the error lies in calculating the SID.     

Sound Pressure Levels in 2 Veterinary Intensive Care Units

Background

Intensive care units (ICUs) in human hospitals are consistently noisy environments with sound levels sufficient to substantially decrease sleep quality. Sound levels in veterinary ICUs have not been studied previously, but environmental sound has been shown to alter activity in healthy dogs.

Hypothesis

Veterinary ICUs, like those in human medicine, will exceed international guidelines for hospital noise.

Animals

NA.

Methods

Prospective, observational study performed consecutively and simultaneously over 4 weeks in 2 veterinary ICUs. Conventional A‐weighted sound pressure levels (equivalent continuous level [a reflection of average sound], the sound level that is exceeded 90% of the recording period time [reflective of background noise], and maximum sound levels) were continuously recorded and the number of spikes in sound >80 dBA were manually counted.

Results

Noise levels were comparable to ICUs in human hospitals. The equivalent continuous sound level was higher in ICU1 than in ICU2 at every time point compared, with greatest differences observed on week day (ICU1, 60.1 ± 3.7 dBA; ICU2, 55.9 ± 2.5 dBA, P < .001) and weekend nights (ICU1, 59.9 ± 2.4 dBA; ICU2, 53.4 ± 1.7 dBA, P < .0001) reflecting a 50% difference in loudness. Similar patterns were observed for the maximum and background noise levels. The number of sound spikes was up to 4 times higher in ICU1 (162.3 ± 84.9 spikes) than in ICU2 (40.4 ± 12.2 spikes, P = .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

These findings show that sound in veterinary ICUs is loud enough to potentially disrupt sleep in critically ill veterinary patients.