Retrospective study of 156 atrial septal defects in dogs and cats (2001-2005)

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a common congenital heart disease (CHD) in humans, but considered relatively rare in veterinary medicine. However, modern echocardiographic and Doppler techniques currently offer a good view of the morphology of the interatrial septum, thus facilitating earlier detection of ASD in awake animals. In this context, we carried out a retrospective study of cases of recently diagnosed ASD in dogs and cats at the Cardiology Unit of Alfort (2001-2005) using echocardiography combined with colour Doppler mode. ASD was diagnosed in 156 animals and represented 37.7% of all canine and feline CHDs (n = 414). ASD was the most common CHD after mitral dysplasia in both species. Boxer and Domestic shorthair were the most common canine and feline breeds affected. Most defects (98.7%) were secundum-type ASD, without clinical signs in 73.7% of cases. The most common clinical signs included systolic murmur heard over the left heart base (20.2%), exercise intolerance (7.0%), syncope (5.3%), dyspnoea (2.6%) and cough (2.6%). Animals that presented a systolic heart murmur over the left base had a significantly larger ASD than others (P < 0.05). These data suggest that the incidence of ASD is higher than previously assumed. ASD should be suspected, for example, in instances of left basal systolic heart murmur, although its clinical and haemodynamic consequences are usually minor.     

Congenital heart diseases in the boxer dog: A retrospective study of 105 cases (1998-2005)

Subaortic stenosis (SAS) is one of the most common congenital heart diseases (CHD) in dogs with Boxers being predominantly affected. However, the increasing availability of modern diagnostic imaging systems now allows a better assessment of cardiac morphology and function, thereby facilitating early detection of CHD in awake animals. In this context, the case records of Boxer dogs diagnosed with CHD using echocardiography combined with Doppler mode, were retrospectively reviewed (1998-2005). One hundred and five Boxers exhibiting either a single CHD (53/105, 50.5%) or association of several CHD (52/105, 49.5%) were included. The most common CHD was atrial septal defect (ASD) observed in 56.2% of these animals (59/105), followed by mitral dysplasia (58/105, 55.2%), and SAS (49/105, 46.7%). SAS was associated with one or two CHD in 29.5% of cases (31/105). Most of the dogs with a low intensity left heart base systolic murmur had an isolated ASD whereas most of the dogs with a similar but high intensity murmur had SAS, either isolated or associated with a concurrent CHD. The incidence of ASD and mitral dysplasia in Boxer dogs is higher than previously assumed, and ASD is a common cause of left heart base systolic murmur in this breed of dog. This confirms that the detection of such a murmur should not be used as the unique criterion for diagnostic confirmation of SAS.     

Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure with the AMPLATZER® Atrial Septal Occluder in 13 Dogs: Short- and Mid-Term Outcome

Background: Transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in the dog was first reported in 2005.
Objectives: Describe the technique and both short- and mid-term outcome of transcatheter ASD closure with the Amplatzer^® atrial septal occluder (ASO).
Animals: Thirteen client-owned dogs with ASD.
Methods: Records of the initial 13 dogs in which transcatheter ASD closure was attempted at Texas A&M University were reviewed.
Results: All dogs had hemodynamically relevant septum secundum ASD. Two dogs had concurrent congenital abnormalities. ASOs were deployed in 13 dogs and released in 12. Eleven were released by a right jugular approach and 1 by a transatrial approach through a right lateral thoracotomy. Transthoracic echocardiographic estimates of ASD size were 14.0 ± 5.4 mm (mean ± 1 standard deviation) with a range of 7–22 mm. Accidental right atrial release occurred in 1 dog and embolization after release occurred in 2 dogs. Transcatheter ASD closure was successful in 10 dogs. Transthoracic color Doppler echocardiography the day after ASD closure indicated complete occlusion in 5 dogs, trivial to mild residual shunting in 4 dogs, and moderate residual shunting in 1 dog. Follow-up echocardiograms (mean of 12.4 ± 7.4 months postprocedure) were available for 9 dogs. There was no residual ASD shunting in 6 dogs. In 3 of the 5 dogs with postoperative residual shunting it was judged to be decreased and hemodynamically unimportant relative to the dogs' postoperative evaluations. The mean length of event-free survival in the 10 dogs that underwent successful transcatheter ASD closure was 22.2 ± 10.2 months.     

Comparison of anal sac cytological findings and behaviour in clinically normal dogs and those affected with anal sac disease

No previous study has explored the relationship between cytology and the frequency of behaviours associated with anal sac disease (ASD). The goals of the study were: (i) to compare the cytological findings between anal sac secretions from normal dogs with no history of ASD to those with non-neoplastic ASD; (ii) to determine whether anal sac cytological findings can be used to differentiate between normal dogs and dogs with ASD; (iii) to explore the correlation of anal sac cytology and behaviour between normal dogs and dogs with ASD; and (iv) to describe behaviours typical of ASD as reported by owners. Thirty dogs were selected for this study, based on their behavioural history as detailed in a questionnaire completed by their owners. Of the thirty dogs, ten were considered normal insofar as they had no history of ASD clinical signs. The remaining 20 dogs were characterized as having ASD, with a chronic history of perianal pruritus, but no other pruritus. All dogs had their anal sacs manually expressed, and the discharge was examined microscopically in a blinded manner. A total of 171 oil immersion fields (OIFs) were examined from normal dogs and 333 OIFs from dogs with ASD. The behavioural results for dogs with ASD revealed that scooting recurred with a median frequency of 3 weeks post-anal sac expression. There were no clinically statistically significant cytological differences between normal dogs and those with ASD, thereby leading to the conclusion that cytology is an ineffective tool for diagnosing ASD.     

Atrial septal defect in five dogs

The clinical, electrocardiographic, radiographic, and two-dimensional, M-mode and Doppler echocardiographic findings of five cases of canine ostium secundum type atrial septal defect (ASD) are described. The atrial septal anomaly was associated with other congenital cardiac abnormalities in two dogs: ventricular septal defect in one case and tricuspid dysplasia in the other. ASD was found in addition to dilated cardiomyopathy and suspected atrial thrombosis in one geriatric dog, but was the only cardiac abnormality detected in the remaining two dogs. Colour Doppler imaging facilitated the diagnosis of ASD in all subjects. The long-term prognosis for dogs with isolated and small-sized ASD is usually good, but can be compromised by the presence of concurrent congenital or acquired cardiac diseases.     

反溶剂共沉淀技术制备氟苯尼考固体分散体

本文旨在通过制备氟苯尼考无定形固体分散体（amorphous solid dispersion,ASD）提高其溶解度和生物利用度。选用醋酸羟丙基甲基纤维素琥珀酸酯（hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose acetate succinate,HPMCAS-MF）为载体,利用反溶剂共沉淀法制备氟苯尼考无定形固体分散体,利用X-射线衍射、热分析及扫描电镜对ASD进行表征,并通过测定溶出度和药物代谢动力学对其体内外释药进行研究。结果显示,当氟苯尼考与载体的比例为5：5时形成固体分散体,该固体分散体无氟苯尼考的晶体衍射峰,无氟苯尼考的特定熔点峰,扫描电镜结果未见氟苯尼考ASD表面光滑的晶体形态,而是显示疏松多孔结构,表面积增大,且使氟苯尼考的饱和溶解度提高了4.8倍,相对生物利用度提高了约37.2%,该固体分散体在3个月内稳定性良好。综上表明,利用共沉淀法制备的新型氟苯尼考固体分散体稳定性良好,可有效提高氟苯尼考溶解度和生物利用度。     

盐酸刺激量对家蚕卵酯酶A4活性的影响及其与蚕卵活化的关系

将产卵后 2 4～ 96h( 2 5℃ )的蚕卵 ,用相同或最佳盐酸刺激量 (浸酸后点青最快、点青卵率最高 )浸酸处理 ,卵龄越大 ,蚕卵点青越迟。蚕卵的点青时间在一定范围内随盐酸刺激量增大而提前 ,超过这一范围 ,则随刺激量增大而延迟。卵龄增大 ,蚕卵酯酶A4和ATPase特征性活性峰出现时间延迟 ;蚕卵经盐酸处理 ,该时间明显提前。产卵后 96h盐酸处理蚕卵 ,酯酶A4的活性峰出现时间随盐酸刺激量增大而提前。随着浸酸卵龄和盐酸刺激量的改变 ,蚕卵酯酶A4的活性峰出现时间与蚕卵点青时间发生一致的变化。盐酸刺激量能够影响蚕卵的活化 (或滞育发育期 )和发育速度。酯酶A4的ATPase活性变化能够反映盐酸处理蚕卵的滞育程度及所使用的盐酸刺激量     

Surgical closure of an atrial septal defect using cardiopulmonary bypass in a cat

Objective: To describe surgical repair of a large atrial septal defect (ASD) in a cat. Study Design: Clinical report. Animal: A 3‐year‐old, 3.3 kg, intact male Japanese domestic short‐haired cat. Methods: A 10.2‐mm‐diameter ASD detected by echocardiography was surgically corrected because pulmonary vascular resistance‐to‐systemic vascular resistance ratio (Q_p/Q_s) was 3.2. Using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), open surgical repair was achieved with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e‐PTFE) graft. The priming volume of the CPB circuit was minimized by cutting the CPB tubing, and partially replacing the priming fluid with whole cat blood. To prevent hemodilution associated with use of cardioprotective agents, surgery was performed on the beating heart. Results: At 1‐year echocardiographic evaluation, the repair was intact, and at 3 years, the cat was alive without need of medication. Conclusions: Large ASD in a cat can be repaired using e‐PTFE under CPB.     

Atrial Septal Defect in a Ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

A 2-year-old, male castrated ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was presented with progressive abdominal distention and loss of muscle mass despite normal appetite. Physical examination findings included pale mucous membranes, a prolonged capillary refill time, a pulse rate greater than 300 beats/min, and severe abdominal distention. Abdominal ultrasound showed free abdominal fluid and an enlarged liver with distended hepatic veins and caudal vena cava. During the echocardiographic examination, abnormalities observed included a 2-mm-diameter left-to-right shunting atrial septal defect (ASD) with concurrent severe dilatation of the right atrium and eccentric hypertrophy of the right ventricle with mild pulmonary hypertension. All other echocardiographic measurements were within normal limits. The owner declined treatment, and the ferret was euthanized. Postmortem examination confirmed the ultrasonographic findings. The free abdominal fluid (200 mL) was a non-septic fibropurulent exudate. Decompensated right-sided heart failure due to ASD and exudative peritonitis of undetermined origin were the final diagnoses. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an ASD in a ferret.     

Surgical repair of a complete endocardial cushion defect in a dog

Objective: To describe surgical repair of a complete endocardial cushion defect (ECD) in a dog. Study Design: Clinical report. Animal: A 5‐month‐old, 9.2 kg male Shetland sheepdog. Methods: Echocardiographic examination revealed an ostium primum atrial septal defect (ASD), an inlet ventricular septal defect (VSD), mitral regurgitation (MR) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR), and a complete ECD was diagnosed. Surgical correction was performed using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) via right atriotomy. A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patch was secured along the margin of the inlet VSD using simple continuous suture, then the cleft in the septal mitral leaflet was sutured. Similarly, the cleft in the septal tricuspid leaflets was sutured. To complete inlet VSD closure, the VSD patch was secured to these sutured leaflets by simple continuous suture. Another PTFE patch was used to close the ostium primum ASD. Result: After surgery, MR, TR, and interventricular shunting were decreased. The dog was alive 6 years and 5 months after the surgery with no evidence of an interventricular shunt, TR, or other clinical signs. Conclusions: Complete ECD in a dog was corrected using a 2‐patch technique under CPB.     

Human disturbance,climate and biodiversity determine biological invasion at a regional scale

Many factors may affect biological invasion, but their effects have not been quantitatively calculated. Recent studies on the relationship between biodiversity and biological invasion are still controversial. Native biodiversity and alien species diversity are often positively correlated in large‐scale observation studies, but negatively correlated in small‐scale experimental studies. By using partial correlation and principal component regression methods, we found that human disturbance, climate, native biodiversity and their interactions explained, respectively, 30.3, 34.6, 26.4 and 4.4% of the variation in alien species diversity (ASD) and 50.3, 22.2, 10.8 and 5.5% of the variation in the relative invasibility of alien species (RIA = ASD/native biodiversity) at the regional scale in China. The correlation between ASD and native biodiversity is positive, but the correlation between RIA and native biodiversity is negative. Island and coastal provinces have suffered heavier biological invasions than inland provinces. These findings indicate that biological invasion is mostly determined by human disturbance and favorable climate, but less determined by native biodiversity. A disturbance‐dependent niche‐vacancy hypothesis is proposed to explain the contradictory observations in large‐and small‐scale studies.     

Humoral Antibody Responses of Swine Infected Experimentally with Group E Streptococcus II. Antistreptokinase and Antistreptodornase Responses

Swine infected experimentally with group E Streptococcus (GES) produced significant antibody titers against streptokinase (streptococcal fibrinolysin, SK) and streptodornase (streptococcal deoxyribonuclease, SD). The antibodies directed against SK (antistreptokinase, ASK) appeared two to nine weeks postexposure and persisted for the duration of the experiment (nearly six months). The ASK inhibited SK produced by GES antigenic types III, IV, and V, by GES devoid of type specific antigen, and by a group P Streptococcus. Selected strains of GES serotypes I and II and group U Streptococcus did not produce detectable SK.

The antibodies directed against SD (antistreptodornase, ASD) appeared two to three weeks postexposure, reached a peak about six weeks postexposure, and persisted at high levels for nearly six months (the duration of the experiment). The ASD inhibited SD produced by all known antigenic types of GES, by GES devoid of type specific antigen, and by strains of groups P and U Streptococcus. The antibodies failed to inhibit SD produced by group C Streptococcus.

The potential utilization of ASK and ASD titers as serological means of identifying swine infected with GES (carrier swine) is discussed.

     

基于植被指数的三江源高寒草地植物分类与识别方法研究

随着生态健康检测与保护工作的实践以及研究问题的深入，传统的植物分类手段不能完全满足当前研究的需要。因此为研究快速分类识别草地植物的方法，本研究利用ASD (Analytical spectral devices)地物光谱仪，采集了三江源地区高寒草地常见的阿尔泰葶苈(Draba altaica)、高山风毛菊(Saussurea japonica)和车前状垂头菊(Cremanthodium ellisii)等36种植物的原始光谱数据，并选择了比值植被指数等16种高光谱植被指数，基于支持向量机(Support vector machines，SVM)等3种机器学习算法，构建高寒草地植物光谱分类识别模型。研究结果表明：高寒草地植物的原始光谱均符合绿色植物特征，但由于植物形态特征不同光谱差异主要集中在可见光波段；基于植被指数结合3种算法构建的分类模型，精度依次为随机森林(Random forest,RF)(99.4%)>SVM (93.2%)>K邻近算法KNN (88.0%)，且模型的预测结果都出现了误判情况；相比SVM与KNN，RF为基于植被指数构建模型的最佳算法，同时能对所构建模型参数进行重要性分析，其中RGI和SAVI为提高RF分类模型精度的两个重要参数。     

RADIOGRAPHIC AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF LEFT ATRIAL SIZE IN 100 CATS WITH ACUTE LEFT‐SIDED CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

The aims of this study were to evaluate left atrial size in cats with acute left‐sided congestive heart failure. We hypothesized that left atrial size as determined by thoracic radiography can be normal in cats with acute left‐sided congestive heart failure. One hundred cats with acute left‐sided congestive heart failure in which thoracic radiography and echocardiography were performed within 12 h were identified. Left atrial size was evaluated using right lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs. Measurements were compared to two‐dimensional echocardiographic variables of left atrial size and left ventricular size. On echocardiography, left atrial enlargement was observed in 96% cats (subjective assessment) whereas maximum left atrial dimension was increased (>15.7 mm) in 93% cats. On radiographs left atrial enlargement (subjective assessment) was found in 48% (lateral view), 53% (ventrodorsal view), and 64% (any view) of cats whereas left atrial enlargement was absent in 36% of cats in both views. Agreement between both methods of left atrial size estimation was poor (Cohen's kappa 0.17). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified a maximum echocardiographic left atrial dimension of approximately 20 mm as the best compromise (Youden index) between sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of radiographic left atrial enlargement. Left atrial enlargement as assessed by thoracic radiography may be absent in a clinically relevant number of cats with congestive heart failure. Therefore, normal left atrial size on thoracic radiographs does not rule out presence of left‐sided congestive heart failure in cats with clinical signs of respiratory distress.     

M-mode echocardiographic measurements in nonanesthetized healthy cats: effects of body weight, heart rate, and other variables

Body weight, heart rate, and 19 M-mode echocardiographic variables were measured in 41 nonanesthetized healthy cats. Estimated limits were determined for the echocardiographic variables, and each variable was then correlated to body weight, heart rate, and the 18 other variables. A significant (P less than 0.05) positive correlation to body weight was found with aortic diameter, left atrial dimension, septal and left ventricular systolic and left ventricular diastolic wall thicknesses, and left and right ventricular diastolic and right ventricular systolic internal dimensions. Significant inverse correlation (P less than 0.05) to heart rate was found with body weight, left ventricular systolic and diastolic and right ventricular systolic internal dimensions, left atrial dimension, left atrial dimension to aortic ratio, mitral valve E point to ventricular septal separation, and left ventricular ejection time. Left ventricular shortening fraction in the short axis and velocity of circumferential fiber shortening were significantly correlated (P less than 0.05) to heart rate. Significant correlation (P less than 0.05) was also found between many echocardiographic variables.     

Bilateral testicular asymmetry and supernumerary testes in the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus).

1. The left and right testis weights from 378 males in 7 experiments were recorded. 2. The relationship between the right and left testis weights was similar in males of different ages, strains and body weights. 3. The left as a proportion of total testes weight was approximately normally distributed about a mean of 0.515. 4. The left testis was greater than the right testis weight in 0.67 of males. 5. The linear regression of the natural logarithm of the right on that of the left testis weights was -0.04 + 0.99X (r2 = 0.98) and it was concluded that, in general, the left and right testes were of similar weight. 6. Three cases of triorchidism (two left testes) occurred, suggesting that this may not be a rare condition in the domestic fowl.     

Echocardiographic Detection of Flail Left Atrioventricular Valve Cusp From Ruptured Chordae Tendineae in 4 Dogs

Echocardiography was used to identify a flail left atrioventricular valve cusp caused by ruptured chordae tendineae in each of 4 dogs; two-dimensional echocardiography was superior to M-mode echocardiography in identifying the flail cusps. The following findings on two-dimensional imaging were characteristic: the tip of the flail cusp extended beyond the line of left atrioventricular valve cusp closure and pointed toward the left atrium in systole; the tip was thrust into the left ventricle, and then toward the left ventricular outflow tract in diastole, forming a convex surface to the cusp, which faced toward the left ventricle. The flail motion of the left atrioventricular valve cusp was best observed in the right parasternal long axis or left apical four-chamber views, in a plane parallel to the long axis of the left ventricle and left atrium. Rupture of chordae tendineae leading to flail cusp was attributed to chronic valve degeneration (endocardiosis) in all 4 dogs. Echocardiographic or clinical diagnoses were confirmed by postmortem gross and microscopic studies in all dogs.     

Mitral valve dysplasia in a cat causing reversible left ventricular hypertrophy and dynamic outflow tract obstruction

A 6-month-old male European shorthair cat was examined because of a 2/6 systolic left apical cardiac murmur. Echocardiography revealed severe concentric left ventricular hypertrophy and severe dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (pressure gradient of 85 mmHg) caused by systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the septal mitral valve leaflet. After 2 months of oral treatment with atenolol, the cardiac murmur had disappeared. Echocardiography showed only slight thickening of the interventricular septum and resolution of the pressure gradient. The cat was discharged and its owner was advised to continue atenolol lifelong. Echocardiographic findings of a combination of left ventricular concentric hypertrophy and dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction can be caused by hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) or mitral valve dysplasia in the absence of hypertension and fixed aortic stenosis. In the case of HOCM, left ventricular hypertrophy is the primary process. In the case of mitral valve dysplasia, systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve is the primary problem, which leads to dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and ultimately to left ventricular concentric hypertrophy, due to pressure overload. If the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction is reduced with an oral beta-receptor blocker the secondary left ventricular hypertrophy may resolve. This would not happen in the case of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first documented case of severe dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and severe left ventricular hypertrophy in a cat successfully treated with oral atenolol.     

Complex stifle injury in a foal

A 130 kg, 60-day-old Quarter Horse male foal presented with bilateral stifle effusion and severe left hindlimb lameness. Clinical examination and imaging including radiography, ultrasound and computed tomography revealed bilateral stifle trauma. Specifically, disruption of the left medial meniscus and deep bone injury to the left medial femoral condyle (MFC) were detected, and bilateral injury to the origin of the cranial cruciate ligaments was suspected. Treatment consisted of stall rest and joint injection with corticosteroids, however there was little improvement in lameness. Due to the poor prognosis for soundness, the foal was subject to euthanasia 10 weeks after initial presentation. Post-mortem examination supported the left medial meniscus and MFC injuries and revealed avulsions of the origin of the cranial cruciate ligaments (complete on the left and partial on the right) from the lateral femoral condyle. Histopathology of the left stifle joint revealed varying depths of MFC osteochondral injury and severe left medial meniscus damage.