Specific causes of morbidity among Swedish horses insured for veterinary care between 1997 and 2000

The principal aim of this study was to analyse the incidence of disease due to general and more specific causes among over 100,000 horses covered by complete insurance for veterinary care by a Swedish insurance company during 1997 to 2000. The database was used to calculate the rate of cause-specific morbidity in horses of different ages, sexes and breed groups kept in different regions with different human population densities. The joints were the most commonly affected part of the body, followed by unspecified/whole body, the skin and the digestive system. The most common specific diagnosis was fetlock arthritis, followed by lameness of undefined origin, other locomotor problems, traumatic injuries to the skin, arthritis in several joints, and colic. Geldings had the highest rate of at least one disease event in the joints, unspecified/whole body, skeletal or respiratory system, whereas in the other four major systems the difference between the sexes was marginal.     

Demographics and costs of colic in Swedish horses

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.     

Disseminated histoplasmosis in cats: 12 cases (1981-1986)

Anemia, weight loss, lethargy, fever, anorexia, and interstitial lung disease were the predominant clinical findings in 12 cats with disseminated histoplasmosis. Some cats were examined because of dysfunction or lesions of bone, eyes, or skin. In most cases, the clinical signs were observed by the owner for 4 weeks or less before seeking veterinary care. Young cats were most commonly affected, with 7 of the 12 cats less than or equal to 1 year old. Identification of Histoplasma organisms in bone marrow aspirates was used to confirm the diagnosis of histoplasmosis in 11 of the 12 cats. Histoplasma infection of multiple organs was found at necropsy. In this study, disseminated histoplasmosis had a higher prevalence in cats than in dogs at the same veterinary medical teaching hospital. Feline disseminated histoplasmosis was not associated with FeLV infection. Treatment was attempted in 7 of the 12 cats.     

Field treatment of search dogs: lessons learned from the World Trade Center disaster

Objective: To provide a synthesis of information learned by the veterinary community during the care and treatment of search and rescue dogs in a large‐scale urban disaster. Summary: Disaster medicine requires several stages. The most important stage is the planning stage. To function effectively and safely in a disaster situation, a disaster response plan and prior training in disaster response are essential. The execution of a disaster plan requires coordination and communication with multiple agencies. Treatment of search and rescue dogs involves front line field care for life‐threatening emergencies, a first aid station or MASH unit in close proximity to the disaster and/or base of operations for stabilization and general medical care, and local full service veterinary hospitals for specialty and extended care. New or Unique information provided: This report is a summary of experiences gained in preparing for and implementing veterinary care in a major disaster. Medical conditions that affected search and rescue dogs and were treated by veterinary disaster responders at the World Trade Center are presented.     

Costs of veterinary services and vaccines/drugs used for prevention and treatment of diseases in 86 Colorado cow-calf operations participating in the National Animal Health Monitoring System (1986-1988)

Eighty-six cow-calf operations involved in the Colorado National Animal Health Monitoring System were monitored for a 12-month period, and data were collected on the incidence, prevention, and costs of disease. The costs of veterinary services and vaccines/drugs used in the treatment and prevention of disease conditions in these beef herds were determined and expressed on a per cow basis. Beef producers in this study spent an average of $2.04 ($0 to $29.88) per cow annually on veterinary services for treatment of disease conditions. The cost of veterinary services was a relatively small percentage (5.4%) of the total mean cost of disease incidence. The reproductive tract disease class was the most costly class in terms of veterinary services for disease treatment ($0.99/cow). Dystocia was the disease condition with the largest veterinary treatment cost. The total mean annual cost of drugs used in the treatment of disease conditions was $1.22/cow. The enteric, miscellaneous, and respiratory tract disease classes had similar mean drug costs for disease treatment and ranged from $0.31 to $0.39/cow. The total mean annual cost of veterinary services for administration of preventive measures in these herds was $1.85/cow ($0 to $12.03). Pregnancy examination, breeding soundness examination in bulls, brucellosis vaccination, pulmonary arterial pressure test, and campylobacteriosis vaccination accounted for over 90% of the money spent for preventive veterinary services. Approximately 60% of the total mean annual disease prevention cost was attributed to the purchase of vaccines/drugs ($6.59/cow).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Diagnoses and clinical outcomes associated with surgically amputated canine digits submitted to multiple veterinary diagnostic laboratories

Amputation is commonly performed to both treat and diagnose conditions affecting the digits of dogs. Although histopathologic evaluation of these digits is routinely done, data on the prevalence and prognosis of neoplasms of the digit are scarce. The records of multiple veterinary diagnostic laboratories were searched to identify submissions of amputated digits from dogs. Four hundred twenty-eight separate submissions were reviewed for diagnosis, age, sex, limb of origin, and digits affected, and the original submitting clinics were surveyed to determine clinical outcome of the animal. No diagnosis could be agreed upon in 24 animals, and these were excluded from the study. Kaplan-Meier product-limit method was used to determine the disease-free interval and survival time. Neoplastic disease was identified in 296 of 404 submissions, with exclusively inflammatory lesions composing 108 cases. A total of 30 different neoplastic processes were identified. In 233 (77.7%) of the neoplastic cases, a malignant tumor was identified. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most commonly identified tumor (n = 109, 36.3%), and 11 of 42 dogs for which clinical follow-up information was available developed metastatic disease. Squamous cell carcinoma of the digit appears to have a greater metastatic potential than that occurring elsewhere in the body. Other common diagnoses included melanoma (n = 52, 17.3%), soft-tissue sarcoma (n = 29, 9.7%), and mast cell tumor (n = 20, 6.7%). Melanomas were associated with poor prognoses, with a median survival time of 365 days.     

A descriptive study of 'kangaroo gait' in sheep in northern Britain

Two questionnaires were undertaken to obtain improved knowledge of the signalment, incidence and risk factors of the condition termed 'kangaroo gait' (KG; a forelimb locomotor disorder of adult female sheep). The first survey was mailed to 221 veterinary surgeons in practices in northern Britain which provided veterinary care for sheep, and the second was mailed to 438 sheep-flock owners and managers located in the Scottish Borders, who were recruited via their veterinary surgeons. Responses of 84.7 and 30.7% were achieved, respectively. In total, 29.7% of veterinary practices and 24.1% of flock owners and managers had identified one or more cases of KG in their practice area or flocks since the first case was reported in 1976. Almost all respondents indicated that adult females were affected-usually during lactation (and less commonly during late gestation). KG was more common among commercial crossbreeds and less common among sheep grazing hill pasture (than sheep grazing upland or lowland pasture). Cases usually occurred between March and June while sheep were at grass, although it was unclear whether the temporal pattern was associated with grazing or lambing patterns. Stocking densities were significantly higher among affected flocks than among non-affected flocks. The annual number of individuals and flocks identified as being affected had increased since the condition first was identified. Most cases of locomotor disorders resembling KG were not reported to veterinary surgeons.     

Clinical presentation and disease prevalence of captive central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) at veterinary clinics in Australia

Central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are one of the most popular reptile pets in Australia and around the world. Diseases, including metabolic bone disease, periodontal disease, and gastrointestinal endoparasites commonly affect captive animals. To determine the common reasons these lizards were presented to the veterinarian and to establish the prevalence of disease seen in captive P. vitticeps in Australia, this retrospective study evaluated the clinical records of three exotic pet veterinary hospitals. Records from 724 P. vitticeps were analysed, with 70 reasons for presentation and 88 diseases identified across 1000 visits to the veterinarian. Lethargy was the most reported reason for presentation (n = 181). The gastrointestinal tract (18.25%) and skin (18.25%) were the equally most commonly affected organ systems, followed by the musculoskeletal system (15.17%). Endoparasites were the most common single disease process (n = 103), followed by metabolic bone disease (n = 65), skin wounds (n = 59) and periodontal disease (n = 48). Of the patients that presented for routine preventive health examinations (n = 159), 45.30% received some form of intervention to treat or prevent disease. Many of the conditions that were identified by the veterinarians in this study are traditionally correlated with suboptimal husbandry and may be easily prevented. This study identified the common reasons for presentation to the veterinarian and the prevalence of disease in captive P. vitticeps in Australia, providing the first extensive retrospective analysis of objective reference literature for central bearded dragon owners and aspiring reptile veterinarians.     

Systemic mastocytosis with subcutaneous hemorrhage and edema in a Greyhound dog: case report and review of diagnostic criteria

Systemic mastocytosis, characterized by infiltration of multiple organs by neoplastic mast cells, is a well-described entity in human medicine with specific criteria for diagnosis, but is ill defined in veterinary literature. Hemostatic disorders are reported in humans affected by systemic mastocytosis but have not been well described in veterinary literature. A 5-y-old, spayed female Greyhound dog had a 1-mo history of progressive ventral cutaneous edema, hemorrhage, and pain. Cytology of an antemortem aspirate from the subcutis of the ventral abdomen was suggestive of mast cell neoplasia, but no discrete mass was present. The dog was euthanized and submitted for autopsy; marked subcutaneous edema and hemorrhage were confirmed. The ventral abdominal panniculus and dermis superficial to the panniculus carnosus were infiltrated by a dense sheet of neoplastic mast cells. The neoplastic cells contained toluidine blue–positive granules and formed aggregates within the bone marrow and several visceral organs, including the liver, spleen, heart, and kidney. Diffuse edema and hemorrhage is an unusual presentation of mast cell tumors in dogs. Antemortem tests, including complete blood count, coagulation profile, and viscoelastic coagulation testing, were suggestive of a primary hemostatic defect. We discuss here the diagnostic criteria used in humans, how these can be applied to veterinary patients, and the limitations of the current diagnostic framework.     

Veterinary surgeons' opinions on dog welfare issues

Objectives : To begin to determine the significance of various dog welfare issues as perceived by veterinary practitioners. Methods : Using an online questionnaire, respondents were asked how frequently they were made aware of 12 welfare issues and how important they felt each one was for each dog affected. Respondents were also asked how much they agreed with statements that the veterinary practitioners in their area, and the veterinary profession, should do more about each issue. Results : Responses were received from 59 practitioners. The most frequently noted problems were “obesity”, “chronic pain/poor mobility” and “breed‐related conditions”. The most important issues for each dog affected were “lack of treatment for suffering”, “abuse or active cruelty” and “malnutrition”. “Breed‐related conditions”, “obesity” and “behavioural problems” were the issues for which there was greatest agreement that veterinary practitioners should do more, both in their area and as a profession. Clinical Significance : This pilot study suggests that the veterinary profession believes that obesity, breed‐related conditions and behavioural problems are important concerns, and that more should be done about them. Although these results cannot be taken as definitive from a study of this size, it does provide a background for such further work involving companion dog welfare and the veterinary profession.     

Papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas of horses

In a retrospective study encompassing 13 years of diagnostic work, papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas from horses were screened for papilloma-virus antigens, using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique. Papillomas were most commonly found on the penis and vulva, followed by cutaneous, ocular, and oral locations. Squamous cell carcinomas were most frequently located on the third eyelid and cornea, followed by genital, oral, maxillary sinus, and cutaneous sites. Papillomavirus structural antigens were detected in 7 cutaneous and 5 genital papillomas, but not in squamous cell carcinomas.     

Gender, age, breed and distribution of morbidity and mortality in insured dogs in Sweden during 1995 and 1996

More than 200,000 dogs insured by one Swedish company at the beginning of either 1995 or 1996 were included in a retrospective, cross-sectional study. They could be covered for veterinary care at any age, but were eligible for life insurance only up to 10 years of age. Accessions for veterinary care that exceeded the deductible cost were used to calculate the risk of morbidity. The morbidity and mortality data have been stratified by gender, age, breed, location and human population density. In each year, 13 per cent of the dogs experienced at least one veterinary care event and the mortality risk was 3.0 per cent. The risk of morbidity varied with age, gender, breed, and location. The risk of mortality increased principally with age. It was possible to derive population-based risks of morbidity and mortality from these insurance data.     

SONOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF HISTIOCYTIC NEOPLASMS IN THE CANINE ABDOMEN

The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the ultrasonographic features of malignant histiocytosis (MH), malignant fibrous histiocytoma, and histiocytic sarcoma in abdominal organs of dogs. The medical records of 18 dogs that had undergone abdominal sonography and had a histopathologic diagnosis of abdominal MH, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, and histiocytic sarcoma were reviewed. The organ most commonly affected was the spleen. MH was the most common followed by histiocytic sarcoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. In the spleen there were often multiple hypoechoic nodules with well-defined borders. In one dog, without focal lesions, the spleen was enlarged and hypoechoic. The liver was the second most commonly affected organ. MH was most common followed by histiocytic sarcomas and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The most common sonographic feature in the liver was the presence of multiple hypoechoic nodules with well-defined borders. One dog without hepatic nodules had a liver that was ultrasonographically enlarged and hypoechoic. MH in the abdominal lymph nodes resulted in hypoechoic lymphadenopathy. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma was the only neoplastic type in the kidneys appearing as a single heteroechoic renal mass with well-defined borders. MH was observed in the stomach of one dog. Sonographically there was a single well circumscribed hypoechoic mass with well-defined borders and abnormal stomach layers. In this study it was not possible to differentiate between MH, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, and histiocytic sarcoma using sonography.     

The veterinary health care team: going from good to great.

Effective veterinary health care teams are crucial to the successful practice of veterinary medicine and contribute greatly to everything from excellent patient and client care to practice financial stability and practitioner and staff quality of work life. Contrary to a commonly held belief, healthy teams do not form naturally. This article examines the complex nature of successful teams and outlines a process that can be followed to assist practices in their efforts to evolve from ordinary work groups to highly interactive teams.     

Tick paralysis in dogs and cats in Australia: treatment and prevention deliverables from 100 years of research

This review of tick paralysis caused by Ixodes holocyclus in Australia addresses the question: What are the key discoveries that have enabled effective treatment and prevention of tick paralysis in dogs and cats? Critical examination of 100 years of literature reveals that arguably only three achievements have advanced treatment and prevention of tick paralysis in animals. First, the most significant treatment advance was the commercial availability of tick antiserum in the 1930s. Hyperimmune serum currently remains the only specific anti-paralysis tick therapy available to veterinarians in Australia. Second, advances in veterinary critical care have increased survival rates of the most severely affected dogs and cats. Critical care advancements have been enabled through specialised veterinary hospitals that can provide appropriate care 24 h a day, and advanced training of veterinarians, veterinary nurses and technicians. Third, perhaps that biggest advance of all in the last 100 years of research has been the commercial availability of the isooxazoline class of acaricidal preventatives in Australia specifically for I. holocyclus. This highly effective class of preventatives offers long duration of action, low cost, spot-on or oral formulations and a low rate of adverse reactions. Animal owners and veterinarians now have the most useful tool of all – a reliable preventative. This review reveals the key events in research over the last 100 years and the tortuous pathway to delivering better treatment and preventative options for this enigmatic Australian parasite.     

Neonatal respiratory distress and sepsis in the premature foal: Challenges with diagnosis and management

The presentation of a premature, neonatal foal affected with respiratory distress and seizures represents a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic challenge often best addressed by the provision of appropriate emergency care followed by prompt referral to a well‐equipped critical care facility. Veterinary management of the premature foal described in the accompanying report was complicated by the development of sepsis and pulmonary failure. The development of pulmonary emphysematous bullae was identified during the course of the foal's treatment and probably contributed to its clinical deterioration. Diagnostic imaging modalities that may be used for the diagnosis of respiratory distress in neonatal foals include thoracic radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Both CT and MRI require general anaesthesia. The likelihood of a successful outcome for the foal in this report might have been improved by the provision of urgent veterinary care and referral to the critical care facility earlier in the course of its management. Important early indicators of the need for urgent veterinary care in this case included the foal's prematurity, inability to stand, and the need to provide manual support to facilitate nursing from the mare's udder. Foals affected in this manner should warrant treatment with broad‐spectrum antimicrobials, circulating volume maintenance, immunoglobulin support, and the use of a nasogastric tube to facilitate nutritional support.     

Costs of veterinary services and vaccines/drugs used for prevention and treatment of diseases in 60 Tennessee cow-calf operations (1987-1988)

Four percent of the total cost of disease in 60 Tennessee cow-calf herds in 1987 to 1988 was attributable to veterinary services, and 2.3% was attributable to the purchase of drugs to treat sick animals. When producers spent money on therapeutic veterinary services, it was most often attributable to diseases of the reproductive system ($0.69/cow annually), especially dystocia ($0.51/cow annually). When drugs were used therapeutically, the most was spent on products to treat respiratory tract disease ($0.37/cow annually). The cost of preventive veterinary services accounted for 8.8% of the total cost of preventive actions. Pregnancy examinations (considered here as a preventive action) was the most costly preventive service ($0.62/cow annually). The cost of drugs and biologicals used to prevent disease accounted for 69.4% of the total cost of preventive actions, with drugs to prevent intestinal and external parasites being the most costly ($7.79/cow annually). These figures are based on cow-calf herds randomly selected by use of a 2-stage, stratified plan. Herds were visited once a month for 1 year. Results of this study support other work that showed that beef producers perceive veterinarians as primary sources of information on diagnosis and treatment of sick animals and on reproduction/breeding, but less knowledgeable or cost effective in the areas of animal/herd management, feed nutrition, and agribusiness/economics.     

Diagnoses and clinical outcomes associated with surgically amputated feline digits submitted to multiple veterinary diagnostic laboratories

Amputation is commonly performed in an attempt to both treat and diagnose conditions affecting the digits of cats. The records of multiple veterinary diagnostic laboratories were searched to identify submissions of amputated digits from cats. Eighty-five separate submissions were reviewed for diagnosis, age, sex, limb of origin, and digits affected; and the original submitting clinics were surveyed to determine clinical outcome. The Kaplan-Meier product-limit method was used to determine the disease-free interval and survival time. Neoplastic disease was identified in 63 of 85 submissions, with exclusively inflammatory lesions composing the other 22 cases. In 60 (95.2%) of the neoplastic cases, a malignant tumor was identified. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most commonly identified malignant tumor (n = 15; 23.8%) and was associated with a median survival time of 73 days. Other diagnoses included fibrosarcoma (n = 14; 22.2%); adenocarcinoma, likely metastases of a primary pulmonary neoplasm (n = 13; 20.6%); osteosarcoma (n = 5; 7.9%); mast cell tumor (n = 4; 6.3%); hemangiosarcoma (n = 5; 7.9%); malignant fibrous histiocytoma (n = 2; 3.2%); giant cell tumor of bone (n = 2; 3.2%); and hemangioma (n = 2; 3.2%). Giant cell tumor of bone has not been previously described in the digits of cats. Various neoplasms can occur in the digits of cats, and submission of the amputated digit for histopathologic diagnosis is essential to determine the histogenesis and predict the clinical outcome.     

Review cutaneous lesions of the canine scrotum

Scrotal lesions are uncommon and often present a diagnostic challenge. In the veterinary literature there are no texts devoted to this subject. This study reviews and illustrates canine scrotal lesions following an aetiological layout with the aim of facilitating clinical identification and diagnosis. Infectious, immune-mediated, endocrinological and neoplastic conditions are the most commonly reported causes of scrotal lesions in the dog. They may affect the scrotum only or other parts of the body as well. The clinical presentation of the lesions, the presence of primary or secondary lesions and the presence of clinical signs of systemic disease may help in obtaining a diagnosis. In some cases further investigations are necessary to reach a definitive diagnosis. Histopathology aids in understanding pathological reactions of the scrotal skin but unfortunately this is not commonly carried out and few reports in the literature include histopathology. The list of conditions given in this review is not exhaustive and other, more rare, diseases may be encountered.