Delayed embolization of an Amplatz® canine duct occluder in a dog

A 5-year old, 5.8 kg, castrated male Pomeranian was diagnosed with a type IIa patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with a minimal ductal diameter of 3.5 mm and ampulla width of 7.1 mm based on angiographic assessment. A 6 mm Amplatz^® Canine Duct Occluder (ACDO) was deployed within the PDA. Once deployed, the device assumed it's native shape and back-and-forth maneuvering was performed with the delivery cable to assess device stability. Device position and complete occlusion were confirmed with both angiography and transesophageal echocardiography prior to and after release of the device. The device location was confirmed within the ductus arteriosus by echocardiography prior to discharge. The dog was discharged with instructions for strict activity restriction. Two days after discharge, the dog was left unsupervised in the backyard and shortly afterwards was found coughing with severe respiratory distress. The dog was evaluated at an emergency hospital and thoracic radiographs documented embolization of the ACDO to the main pulmonary artery along with a severe alveolar pattern throughout the right lung fields. Shortly after obtaining thoracic radiographs, the dog experienced cardiopulmonary arrest with unsuccessful resuscitation. This case describes a possible complication of transcatheter PDA occlusion with an ACDO, which has not been previously reported. An incident report, or catalog of adverse events with these devices, may prove useful in identifying additional fatal complications that others may have encountered, but are not reported in the literature. The report of this complication emphasizes the importance of strict activity restriction after device placement in dogs.     

Effects of 2 training methods on stress-related behaviors of the dog (Canis familiaris) and on the dog–owner relationship

Instrumental learning plays an important role in dog–human interactions. The recent demand for pet dog training has resulted in the development of various training methods. The present exploratory study aims to compare the effects of 2 training methods on both the behavioral welfare of the dog and the dog–owner relationship: the first method is based on positive reinforcement (appearance of an appetitive stimulus), whereas the second method is based on negative reinforcement (disappearance of an aversive stimulus). The study compared behaviors linked to signs of stress and attentive behaviors toward the owner in 2 dog training schools, which used different methods. Walking on-leash activity and obeying the “sit” command were studied. The results show that dogs from the school using a negative reinforcement–based method demonstrated lowered body postures and signals of stress, whereas dogs from the school using a positive reinforcement–based method showed increased attentiveness toward their owner. However, neither method affected avoidance behaviors. This exploratory study reveals the differential effects of the 2 training methods on dogs' behaviors; it suggests that training methods based on positive reinforcement are less stressful and potentially better for their welfare.     

Within—country variation in the ability of ruminants to degrade DHP following the ingestion of Leucaena leucocephala—a Thailand experience

Goats fed Leucaena leucocephala (leucaena) at an experimental site in Thailand were shown to be excreting DHP in their urine. This was unexpected as earlier results from another site had shown that goats and cattle fed leucaena did not excrete DHP and so possessed DHP—degrading bacteria. Goats sampled near the earlier sample site excreted no DHP in their urine. Rumen fluid taken from these goats was successfully used to transfer DHP—degrading ability to the goats at the Experimental site some 350 km away that did not show the presence of DHP-degrading bacteria. Degradation of mimosine in-vitro and excretion of DHP in the urine ceased 72 hr after addition of rumen fluid and infusion with rumen fluid from protected goats, respectively. The situation in Thailand may not be unique. Countries where leucaena is fed should check that animals are protected. Fortunately, the ferric chloride urine test is simple to use and effective in detecting the problem and also the recovery after transfer of rumen fluid from protected animals.     

Increase in Oviposition interval due to the sex‐linked dwarf gene in white leghorns and Australorps

1. Oviposition patterns in dwarf and normal pullets were compared after the dw gene had been introduced into a White Leghorn and an Australorp strain, which had been selected for reduced oviposition interval.

2. The dw gene increased oviposition interval by about 2 h and reduced clutch length by two‐thirds in both strains. It also decreased the occurrence of intervals shorter than 21 h and of membranous and soft‐shelled eggs in the White Leghorn strain, but had little effect on these traits in the Australorp. About two‐thirds of the 17% difference in rate of lay between dwarf and normal pullets could be attributed to the difference in oviposition interval.

3. It is suggested that the dw gene may be useful in overcoming certain physiological barriers when selecting for shorter oviposition interval.     

Use of the Cortisol‐to‐ACTH Ratio for Diagnosis of Primary Hypoadrenocorticism in Dogs

Background

The ACTH stimulation test is currently required for definitive diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism. Increased cost of synthetic ACTH (cosyntropin) has prompted a search for alternative diagnostic methods.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a cortisol‐to‐ACTH ratio (CAR) can be used to differentiate dogs with hypoadrenocorticism from normal dogs and those with nonadrenal illness.

Animals

Eight healthy dogs (H), 19 dogs with nonadrenal illness (NAI), and 15 dogs with hypoadrenocorticism (HAD).

Methods

Dogs in the HAD group were retrospectively identified from PUVTH medical records. The NAI group consisted of hospitalized dogs with clinical signs, clinicopathologic findings, or both, consistent with a diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism, but in which hypoadrenocorticism was ruled out based on ACTH stimulation test results. Healthy dogs were recruited from hospital staff and students. Endogenous ACTH concentrations and cortisol concentrations before and after ACTH stimulation were measured in all dogs.

Results

Baseline cortisol concentration was significantly lower, and ACTH concentration was significantly higher, in the HAD group versus the H and NAI group (P < .001). However, there was overlap among groups. Cortisol‐to‐ACTH ratio was significantly lower in the HAD group versus the H and NAI groups (P < .001), and there was no overlap between the HAD group and the other 2 groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

CAR can be used for definitive diagnosis of primary hypoadrenocorticism.     

Effect of a soluble polysaccharide (carboxy methyl cellulose) on the physico‐chemical conditions in the gastrointestinal tract of broilers

1. The effects of an indigestible soluble polysaccharide (carboxy methyl cellulose: CMC) on broiler performance (body weight gain, food and water intake) and on chyme characteristics (moisture content, viscosity, pH, osmolality and retention time) in broilers were studied.

2. In semi‐synthetic diets 0, 5.0 and 10.0 g/kg of cellulose was replaced by CMC on weight basis. These diets were fed to male broilers from 3 to 5 weeks of age.

3. When 10.0 g/kg CMC was included in the diet, food intake and body weight gain were reduced, compared to the 0, and 5.0 g/kg CMC diets. Food:gain ratio and water intake were increased at each CMC concentration. The significant quadratic response showed an increased response per 5.0 g/kg dietary CMC at the higher CMC concentration.

4. The viscosity in the supernatant of the chyme was linearly increased in all intestinal segments by CMC. A quadratic increase was observed in the crop. In the lower ileum, differences between the 5.0 and 10.0 g/kg CMC diets were not significant.

5. CMC increased the mean retention time of chromium in the duodenum and in the upper jejunum, and reduced the maximal rate of marker excretion. The transit time (first appearance of the marker in the excreta), however, was significantly reduced at the highest CMC concentration.

6. The osmolality of the intestinal fluid decreased less as the chyme moved from the duodenum into the lower ileum, with increasing concentrations of CMC.

7. The ileal pH was reduced linearly by the CMC content of the diet.

8. Based on a higher moisture content of the chyme in the CMC‐fed birds, and the higher jejunal and ileal osmolarities in those birds, it was concluded that the efficiency of both digestion and absorption was reduced by CMC inclusion in broiler diets.     

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of accessory pathways in the dog: the Italian experience (2008–2016)

Introduction

Accessory pathways (APs) in dogs are mostly right-sided, display nondecremental conduction, and mediate atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardias (AVRTs). Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is considered the first-line therapy in human patients to abolish electrical conduction along APs.

Familial stomatocytosis — hypertrophic gastritis (FSHG), a newly recognised disease in the dog (Drentse patrijshond)

Summary

A newly recognised disease, which we have given the provisional name of familial stomatocytosis‐hypertrophic gastritis (FSHG), is described in two families of dogs of the Drentse patrijshond breed. The affected dogs consisted of 3 females and 5 males, 3 to 19 (mean 9.5) months of age at admission. The main clinical problems were diarrhoea, icterus, and ataxia and paresis of the pelvic limbs. Laboratory evaluation revealed abnormal red cell shape (stomatocytosis), increased osmotic fragility, haemolytic anaemia, and increased liver enzymes and serum bilirubin. Gastroscopic and histopathologic examination of the gastric mucosa revealed hypertrophic gastritis resembling Ménétrier's disease in man. Histologic findings in the liver were suggestive of progressive liver disease. Cysts were found in the kidneys of the five oldest patients. Electroneurography in 2 dogs revealed polyneuropathy. In the parents of 2 patients (sister and brother), there were no clinical or laboratory abnormalities. An autosomal recessive hereditary defect of lipid metabolism is suspected.     

Estimating sample sizes for a two‐stage sampling survey of seroprevalence of pseudorabies virus (PRV)‐infected swine at a regional level in the Netherlands

Summary

In the European Union, vaccination campaigns against Pseudorabies virus (PRV) in swine have been started to eradicate PRV. Specific sampling designs are needed to monitor PRV seroprevalence at a regional level. This paper demonstrates how sampling theory can be applied to design a disease seroprevalence survey, using PRV as an example. In the spring of 1994, the four regions in the Netherlands covered by the regional Animal Health Services were monitored with respect to PRV seroprevalence. Per region, blood samples from approximately 1400 herds, with two animals per herd, were collected. The sampling design accounted for stratification by fattening pig and sow population within each region. The regional PRV seroprevalence of swine in the Southern region was the highest (24.9%), closely followed by the PRV seroprevalence of swine in the Eastern region (20.5%). These regions have the highest density of swine in the Netherlands. The PRV seroprevalence in the Western and Central region (11.7%) was about half of the seroprevalence in the Southern and Eastern regions; the lowest regional PRV seroprevalence was observed in the Northern region (3.5%). The Northern part also has the lowest pig density. The PRV seroprevalence was approximately two times higher in sows than in fattening pigs.     

A study to evaluate buprenorphine at 40 μg kg(-1) compared to 20 μg kg(-1) as a post-operative analgesic in the dog

ObjectiveComparison of the analgesic effect of buprenorphine at 20 or 40 μg kg^?1.Study designAn investigator ‘blinded’, randomised study.AnimalsTwenty six dogs presented for ovariohysterectomy.MethodsDogs were premedicated intramuscularly with acepromazine 0.03 mg kg^?1 and buprenorphine at either 20 (B20, n = 12) or 40 μg kg^?1 (B40, n= 14) followed by anaesthetic induction with propofol and maintenance with isoflurane. During anaesthesia non invasive blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, inspired and expired volatile agent, end-tidal carbon dioxide and ECG were recorded. Pain and sedation were assessed using interactive VAS scores; mechanical nociceptive thresholds were measured at the wound and hindlimb - all were assessed before and up to 22 hours after administration. Carprofen was used for rescue analgesia.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the two groups for any of the parameters examined. Rescue analgesia was required around 5 hours after administration of buprenorphine in a significant number of animals. Sedation was good preoperatively and scores decreased over time postoperatively. Hock thresholds did not change over time; wound thresholds decreased significantly compared to the baseline value from 3 hours onwards.ConclusionsAdministration of buprenorphine at either 20 or 40 μg kg^?1 IM with acepromazine provided good pre-operative sedation. Cardiovascular and respiratory values remained within clinically acceptable limits during anaesthesia. There was no evidence that increasing dose increased adverse events that may be associated with opioid administration (e.g. bradycardia and respiratory depression).Clinical relevanceIncreasing the dose of buprenorphine from 20 to 40 μg kg^?1 did not provide any benefits with respect to analgesia after ovariohysterectomy as assessed using the VAS scoring system.     

Sphericity Index and E‐Point‐to‐Septal‐Separation (EPSS) to Diagnose Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers

Background

E‐point‐to‐septal‐separation (EPSS) and the sphericity index (SI) are echocardiographic parameters that are recommended in the ESVC‐DCM guidelines. However, SI cutoff values to diagnose dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) have never been evaluated.

Objectives

To establish reference ranges, calculate cutoff values, and assess the clinical value of SI and EPSS to diagnose DCM in Doberman Pinschers.

Animals

One hundred seventy‐nine client‐owned Doberman Pinschers.

Methods

Three groups were formed in this prospective longitudinal study according to established Holter and echocardiographic criteria using the Simpson method of disk (SMOD): control group (97 dogs), DCM with echocardiographic changes (75 dogs) and “last normal” group (n = 7), which included dogs that developed DCM within 1.5 years, but were still normal at this time point. In a substudy, dogs with early DCM based upon SMOD values above the reference range but still normal M‐Mode measurements were selected, to evaluate if EPSS or SI were abnormal using the established cutoff values.

Results

ROC‐curve analysis determined <1.65 for the SI (sensitivity 86.8%; specificity 87.6%) and >6.5 mm for EPSS (sensitivity 100%; specificity 99.0%) as optimal cutoff values to diagnose DCM. Both parameters were significantly different between the control group and the DCM group (P < 0.001), but were not abnormal in the “last normal” group. In the substudy, EPSS was abnormal in 13/13 dogs and SI in 2/13 dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

E‐point‐to‐septal‐separation is a valuable additional parameter for the diagnosis of DCM, which can enhance diagnostic capabilities of M‐Mode and which performs similar as well as SMOD.     

Brucellosis due to Brucella suis in a swine herd associated with a human clinical case in the State of S?o Paulo, Brazil

Brucella suis has been recognized as the major etiological agent of human brucellosis in areas free from Brucella melitensis infection. However, with changes in swine management, the occurrence of swine brucellosis has decreased as has the human incidence of B. suis infection. A swine brucellosis outbreak within a herd from Jaboticabal (S?o Paulo, Brazil) was detected in July 2006. The herd comprised approximately 300 sows and 1,500 finishing animals. Many sows within this herd experienced abortions, while others exhibited vaginal discharge; three sows suffered posterior paralysis. Among 271 sows, 254 (93.7%) tested positive for brucellosis by complement fixation, and among 62 randomly bled finishing animals, 17 (27.4%) also tested positive. The B. suis biovar 1 was cultured from 14 aborted fetuses and six sows. Brucella was identified using routine methods. Fourteen farm workers were tested using agglutination tests, with three workers showing evidence of Brucella antibody titers. A 39-year-old woman, who worked with maternal pigs and had direct contact with aborted fetuses, presented an agglutinating titer of 480?IU/mL and displayed clinical signs of infection. Our findings suggest that despite a reduction of swine brucellosis throughout Brazil, B. suis infection still occurs, thereby posing a zoonotic risk.     

Administration of meloxicam to improve the welfare of mice in research: a systematic review (2000 – 2020)

Veterinary Research Communications - Although laboratory animals experience pain as a necessary component of the objectives of experimental protocols, the level of pain should be minimized through...     

Agreement of Serum Spec cPL with the 1,2‐o‐Dilauryl‐Rac‐Glycero Glutaric Acid‐(6′‐methylresorufin) Ester (DGGR) Lipase Assay and with Pancreatic Ultrasonography in Dogs with Suspected Pancreatitis

Background

Spec cPL is the most sensitive and specific test for diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs. Its results have not been compared to those of the 1,2‐o‐dilauryl‐rac‐glycero‐3‐glutaric acid‐(6′‐methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase assay or those of abdominal ultrasonography.

Objectives

To investigate agreement of Spec cPL with DGGR lipase activity and pancreatic ultrasonography in dogs with suspected pancreatitis.

Animals

One hundred and forty‐two dogs.

Methods

DGGR lipase activity (reference range, 24–108 U/L) and Spec cPL were measured using the same sample. The time interval between ultrasonography and lipase determinations was <24 hours. The agreement of the 2 lipase assays at different cutoffs and the agreement between pancreatic ultrasonography and the 2 tests were assessed using Cohen''s kappa coefficient (κ).

Results

DGGR lipase (>108, >216 U/L) and Spec cPL (>200 μg/L) had κ values of 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69–0.9) and 0.70 (CI, 0.58–0.82). DGGR lipase (>108, >216 U/L) and Spec cPL (>400 μg/L) had κ values of 0.55 (CI, 0.43–0.67) and κ of 0.80 (CI, 0.71–0.9). An ultrasonographic diagnosis of pancreatitis and DGGR lipase (>108, >216 U/L) had κ values of 0.29 (CI, 0.14–0.44) and 0.35 (CI, 0.18–0.52). Ultrasonographically diagnosed pancreatitis and Spec cPL (>200, >400 μg/L) had κ values of 0.25 (CI, 0.08–0.41) and 0.27 (CI, 0.09–0.45).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Although both lipase assays showed high agreement, agreement between ultrasonography and lipase assays results was only fair. Because lipase results are deemed more accurate, ultrasonography results should be interpreted carefully.     

A pilot study of 4CYTE™ Epiitalis® Forte,a novel nutraceutical,in the management of naturally occurring osteoarthritis in dogs

The primary goal of this pilot study was to assess, the efficacy of a new nutraceutical, 4CYTE™ Epiitalis® Forte, containing, as a standalone, a proprietary plant oil extract, Epiitalis, in dogs presenting with signs of osteoarthritis (OA). Fifty dogs aged 9.2 (±3.2) years with signs of naturally occurring OA were included in this report. They were free of other comorbidities and were not on any medications except for those utilised for managing their OA. In these dogs, the current treatments were continued to avoid any sudden changes in their disease management. The effects of the 4CYTE Epiitalis Forte were assessed both at the beginning and at the end of a 1 month-long treatment period. The evaluation consisted of an objective lameness assessment (TPI%[total pressure index]) using a gait analysis (GAITRite® Portable Walkway System) and a subjective quality-of-life questionnaire, the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index (HCPI). Additional exploratory objective measurements included the Symmetry Index (SI) and the fore/hind limb ratio (T/P TPI%). Of dogs, 74% (34/46) registered a numerical improvement in TPI% in their worse limb. In addition, of the 93.5% of the dogs that demonstrated improvement in their HCPI scores by at least 5% on the quality-of-life questionnaire, 79% demonstrated improvements in gait based on TPI%. Finally, there were improvements measured in both exploratory objective endpoints SI and T/P TPI%. These encouraging results will be used to develop a protocol for a follow-up placebo-controlled randomised study to confirm the efficacy of this new nutraceutical for dogs suffering from OA.