Prevalence and distribution of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus within the environment and staff of a university veterinary clinic

O bjectives : To characterise the distribution of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus within the environment of a university small animal hospital and compare this with the distribution among staff.
M ethods : Samples were collected from 140 environmental sites and the anterior nares of 64 staff members at the University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital on a single day (d1). Sixty of the environmental sites were resampled 14 days later (d14).
R esults : Meticillin-resistant S aureus was isolated from two of 140 (1·4 per cent; 95 per cent confidence interval: 1·7 to 5·1) environmental sites on d1 and one of 60 (1·7 per cent; 95 per cent confidence interval: 0·4 to 8·9) on d14. Two of the 64 staff sampled were positive for meticillin-resistant S aureus (3·1 per cent; 95 per cent confidence interval: 0·4 to 8·4).
C linical S ignificance : A lower prevalence of meticillin-resistant S aureus was observed in the environment than previously reported. The location, relatedness between isolates and the presence of Panton-Valentine leucocidin indicates that the source of the environmental meticillin-resistant S aureus was most likely to have been human rather than animal in these cases. This study presents important information regarding the potential source and distribution of meticillin-resistant S aureus within veterinary hospital environments and highlights potential variability of prevalence of meticillin-resistant S aureus within and between veterinary institutions.     

Glycated haemoglobin in various pathological conditions: investigations based on a new, fully automated method

A new automated affinity chromatographic method for determining glycated haemoglobin (GHb) in dogs and cats was tested. The method appeared to be practical, quick and accurate. The reference range, calculated on the basis of 50 healthy dogs and 43 healthy cats, lay between 2·4 and 3·4 per cent in dogs and 2·0 and 2·9 per cent in cats. Concentrations were not influenced by age or gender. GHb levels obtained for 21 dogs and 18 cats with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus were significantly higher than those of the control animals, ranging from 4·5 to 8·6 per cent (median 6·1) in dogs and from 2·7 to 6·0 per cent (median 3.8 per cent) in cats. The GHb levels in 31 normoglycaemic dogs with anaemia ranged from 2·3 to 4·3 per cent (median 3·3 per cent), and those of 22 normogiycaemic cats with anaemia from 2·6 to 3·9 per cent (median 3·2 per cent); both sets of levels were significantly elevated compared to control group values. GHb concentrations in animals with polycythaemia, azotaemia or liver disease showed no significant deviations from the control group; in individual cases they were slightly elevated compared to the reference range. The automated measuring method employed can be used to determine GHb in dogs and cats. Anaemic animals should generally be excluded from the GHb determination.     

Prevalence and risk factors of behavioural changes associated with age-related cognitive impairment in geriatric dogs

O bjectives : The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and severity of behavioural changes associated with age and their relationship to risk factors such as sex, reproductive status, bodyweight and age.
M ethods : A cross-sectional study design was chosen. A total of 325 geriatric dogs were included. Owners of dogs older than nine years were interviewed by a veterinary behaviourist. Structured phone interviews were used to gather information about four behavioural categories related to cognitive impairment: sleep/wake cycles, social interaction, learning and house training and signs of disorientation.
R esults : Signs of cognitive impairment showed a prevalence of 22·5 per cent in geriatric dogs. Sex and age emerged as significant predictor variables. Females and neutered dogs were significantly more affected than males and entire dogs, respectively. Prevalence and severity increased with age. Although weight was not a statistically significant predictor variable, smaller animals had greater odds of showing age-related cognitive impairment. The most impaired behavioural categories were social interaction and house training.
C linical S ignificance : Age-related behavioural changes should be considered by practicing veterinarians because of their relative high prevalence among geriatric dogs, especially in females.     

Timing the mating of dogs on the basis of blood progesterone concentration

The optimal time for mating bitches was determined by measuring the progesterone concentration in peripheral blood three times a week after the start of vulval bleeding. Of 104 bitches with reduced fertility 81 (78 per cent) became pregnant and of 112 bitches with normal fertility 105 (94 per cent) became pregnant. Of 121 bitches mated once, 102 (84 per cent) became pregnant, and of 95 bitches mated more than once, 84 (88 per cent) became pregnant. The mean (+/- sd) interval between the start of vulval bleeding and the optimal time for mating in 88 bitches was 11.8 +/- 3.1 days. The blood progesterone concentration appears to be an excellent indicator of the best time for mating, particularly in bitches with reduced fertility.     

Vaginal cytology and cervicovaginal mucus arborisation in the breeding management of bitches

Fifty bitches were mated on the basis of results of vaginal cytological and cervicovaginal mucus arborisation examination. When these were compared with a control group of 50 bitches mated on days 10 and 12 after the onset of proestrus there was a significant increase in pregnancy rate from 78 to 92 per cent. The litter size and bitch productivity was also increased, although this was not statistically significant. Forty-two per cent of bitches had two peaks of anuclear epithelial cells in the vaginal smear, separated by a mean of 3–6 ± 1–5 (SD) days. For these bitches, the maximum percentage of anuclear cells at the second peak was between 57 and 98 per cent, and the mean interval between the calculated day of the surge in plasma luteinising hormone (LH) and the second peak of anuclear cells was 4-4 ± 2-0 days. In bitches with one peak of anuclear epithelial cells, the maximum percentage of anuclear cells was between 43 and 94 per cent and the mean interval between the calculated day of the LH surge and the peak of anuclear cells was 1–9 ± 2-1 days. Arborisation of mucus collected from the anterior vagina was noted in all bitches; the mean interval between the calculated day of the LH surge and the peak of ferning was 2–3 ± 2-1 days. The collection of exfoliative cells by aspiration from the cranial vagina and the assessment of the anuclear cell index, may allow the identification of the fertile period after the surge of plasma LH. The anuclear cell index offers advantages over other methods of classification of exfoliative vaginal cells. When used in combination with examination of arborisation of cervicovaginal mucus this method can improve the breeding management of bitches.     

Treatment of pseudopregnancy in the bitch with cabergoline, an ergoline derivative

Cabergoline, a new prolactin inhibitor, was evaluated clinically in 143 bitches with pseudopregnancy and, or, false lactation, 14 cases of lactation after ovariohysterectomy for the removal of dead fetuses, 12 cases of persisting lactation after early weaning, and five cases of eclampsia. The drug was administered as a once-daily oral treatment (on food) in 139 cases or as subcutaneous injections at 48 hour intervals (maximum four injections) at a dose of 5, 2–5 or 1–5 μg/kg bodyweight in 35 cases. Improvement was evident within three to four days, and in 80 per cent of the cases clinical signs (abnormal behaviour, mammary gland swelling. milk secretion) had been significantly reduced or had disappeared within seven days. Treatment was successful in 95 per cent of the cases. Emesis was the only objectionable clinical side effect, being seen in 3 per cent of orally treated animals and necessitated withdrawal of one dog from the study. Vomiting occurred after the first (65-7 per cent) and second (22-9 per cent) injection only.     

Safety and efficacy of mid-term pregnancy termination using aglepristone in dogs

O bjectives : To investigate effects and side effects of aglepristone in terminating pregnancy in bitches.
M ethods : Twenty-two bitches were treated in mid-pregnancy with subcutaneous injections of aglepristone at a total dose of 20 mg/kg. Short-term follow-up (one to two weeks after treatment) included clinical examination and abdominal ultrasonography in 18 of the dogs. Long-term telephone follow-up was recorded for all 22 dogs.
R esults : Pregnancy was terminated in 21 bitches (95 per cent). Signs of abortion occurred one to eight days after treatment. Vaginal discharge was evident in 17 (77 per cent) dogs. Obvious signs of parturition were seen in nine (41 per cent) dogs. Eight dogs (36 per cent) developed anorexia, and in two (9 per cent) of the dogs a local reaction at the injection site was evident. Two dogs developed pyometra two and four years after treatment, respectively.
C linical S ignificance : Aglepristone, when administered in mid-gestation, is effective in terminating pregnancy. Side effects are few and transient.     

Vaginal position and length in the bitch: relationship to spaying and urinary incontinence

A study was undertaken to determine if the vagina might be a suitable site for the measurement of intra-abdominal pressure during cystometry in the bitch. The position of the cranial vagina and vaginal length were measured radiographically and the effects of spaying and urinary incontinence on these variables were evaluated in 30 continent and 30 incontinent bitches. The study used retrograde vaginourethrograms which had been obtained from animals used in a previous study. The cranial vagina was intra-abdominal on 36 of the vaginourethrograms, being least commonly intra-abdominal in incontinent bitches (11/30). Vaginal position was related linearly to vaginal length and continence status (P < 0.01), while its length was related to bodyweight (P < 0.01). Allowing for bodyweight, neutered animals had significantly shorter vaginas than entire bitches (P < 0.01). Measurement of intra-abdominal pressure with concomitant measurement of intravesical pressure is essential if accurate assessment of detrusor pressure is to be determined during cystometry. The vagina is unlikely to be a useful location from which to measure intra-abdominal pressure since any pressure-measuring catheter inserted into it may fall outside the abdominal pressure zone. This is particularly true of neutered and/or incontinent bitches, the groups in which urodynamic investigations of urinary incontinence are most frequently indicated.     

Ketone measurements using dipstick methodology in cats with diabetes mellitus

O bjectives : To compare the results of urine and plasma ketone dip test in a group of diabetic cats with possible ketosis or ketoacidosis, using laboratory plasma β-hydroxybutyrate measurements as the gold standard.
M ethods : According to clinical examinations, plasma β-hydroxybutyrate measurements and venous blood gas analysis, 54 cats with diabetes mellitus were classified as non-ketotic (n=3), ketotic (n=40) or ketoacidotic (n=11). Plasma and urine acetoacetate concentrations were determined using urine reagent strips.
R esults : Although there was a significant positive correlation between blood and urine ketone measurements (r=0·695, P<0·001), the results differed significantly (Z=−3·494, P<0·001). Using the differential positive rates, the best cut-off value to detect cats with ketoacidosis was 1·5 mmol/l for urine and 4 mmol/l for plasma. The sensitivity/specificity was 82/95 per cent for urine and 100/88 per cent for plasma, respectively.
C linical S ignificance : The urine and plasma ketone dip tests have a different diagnostic accuracy, and results have to be interpreted differently. Because of its high sensitivity, the plasma ketone dip test performs better than the urine ketone dip test to identify cats with impending or established ketoacidosis.     

Influence of signalment on developing cranial cruciate rupture in dogs in the UK

Objectives : To investigate risk factors associated with cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs. Methods : Retrospective case‐control study: medical records of a first‐opinion veterinary practice were searched for dogs diagnosed with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (1995 to 2007). For each case, six unaffected dogs were randomly selected from all dogs presenting that day for comparison. Multi‐variable binary logistic regression was performed to assess the association of variables on likelihood of cruciate rupture. Results : Frequency of cranial cruciate ligament rupture was 1·19% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·02 to 1.36%]. West Highland white terriers (n=17), Yorkshire terriers (n=14) and Rottweilers (n=11) were at significantly increased risk of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (P≤0·002). Rottweilers were at five times greater risk compared with other pure breeds (OR 5·12, 95% CI 2·281 to 11·494, P<0·001), obesity quadrupled the risk of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (OR 3·756, 95% CI 1·659 to 8·502, P=0·001) and females were twice as likely to suffer cranial cruciate ligament failure compared to males (OR 2·054, 95% CI 1·467 to 2·877, P<0·001). Dogs less than two years old were statistically less likely to sustain cranial cruciate ligament rupture than dogs older than eight years (OR 0·246, 95% CI 0·127 to 0·477, P<0·001). There was no significant difference in median weights (in kilograms) of neutered dogs, compared to their entire counterparts in either the case group (P=0·994) or in the control group (P=0·630). There was also no significant difference in body condition (‐underweight/normal weight/overweight/obese) of neutered versus entire dogs among the cases (P=0·243), or the controls (P=0·211). Clinical Significance : Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is more likely in Rottweilers and in female dogs, older dogs and obese dogs. Following multi‐variable analysis, it was established that neutering was not associated with increased risk of cranial cruciate ligament rupture.     

Prevalence of mixed trematode infections in an abattoir receiving cattle from northern Portugal and north-west Spain

Between February 2007 and January 2009, a total of 776 slaughtered animals were examined for the presence of Trematoda in the liver, gall bladder, oesophagus and stomach (rumen and reticulum). Data collected were analysed by the age and breed of the animals. The percentage of cattle from which Trematoda were found was 38 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 35 to 41 per cent); 28 per cent (95 per cent CI 25 to 31 per cent) had Fasciola hepatica, 12 per cent (95 per cent CI 10 to 14 per cent) Calicophoron daubneyi and 6 per cent (95 per cent CI 4 to 8 per cent) Dicrocoelium species. A significantly high prevalence of fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis was observed in cattle over 10 years of age. Autochthonous Rubia Gallega cattle had the highest prevalence of fasciolosis and crossbred cattle had the highest prevalence of dicrocoeliosis (P<0.05). Twenty per cent (95 per cent CI 15 to 25 per cent) of the cattle positive for Fasciola also had Calicophoron species; 10 per cent (95 per cent CI 6 to 14 per cent) also had small liver flukes (Dicrocoelium species).     

Outcome following removal of canine spindle cell tumours in first opinion practice: 104 cases

O bjectives : To define the outcome of a cohort of canine patients with a histological diagnosis of spindle cell tumour of soft tissue managed solely by surgery in first opinion practice.
M ethods : Clinical details of 104 spindle cell sarcomas submitted to Finn Pathologists during the year 2000 were reviewed. Questionnaires were sent to the submitting veterinarians, requesting details about the tumour, surgery performed and ultimate outcome of the patient.
R esults : The method of surgical resection was described as marginal in 45 dogs (44·2 per cent). Excision margins of 3 cm or more were described in less than 10 per cent of cases. Tumours recurred locally in 29 dogs (27·9 per cent). Eighteen dogs (21·7 per cent) died of tumour-related causes. Most deaths were unrelated to sarcoma (50 dogs, 60·2 per cent) or unknown (15 dogs, 18 per cent). The median survival time was 1013 days. Tumour size, location or degree of surgical resection were not significantly related to survival or tumour recurrence. A palpable assessment of tumour invasion into underlying tissues was significantly associated with decreased disease-free interval (P<0·0001) and survival time (P = 0·0070).
C linical S ignificance : The results of this retrospective study indicate that many spindle cell tumours managed in first opinion practice exhibit a low-grade biological behaviour and may respond well to more conservative surgery than current recommendations advise.     

Prevalence of Fasciola hepatica in dairy herds in England and Wales measured with an ELISA applied to bulk-tank milk

An ELISA developed to diagnose Fasciola hepatica infection in cattle by detecting serum antibodies was adapted and validated for use with samples of bulk-tank milk. The prevalence of the infection in 61 dairy herds was established by using serum antibody levels or faecal egg counts measured in a proportion of the cows in each herd. The correlation between the results of the ELISA and the herd seroprevalence was 0.83. Using a cut-off value of 27 per cent positive, the bulk-tank ELISA identified herds in which more than 25 per cent of the cows were infected with a diagnostic sensitivity of 96 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval 89 to 100 per cent) and a diagnostic specificity of 80 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval 66 to 94 per cent). By applying the ELISA to 623 herds in England and 445 herds in Wales, the prevalence of F hepatica infection in England was estimated to be 48 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval 46 to 54 per cent), and in Wales 86 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval 84 to 90 per cent).     

Epidemiological study of pasture-associated laminitis and concurrent risk factors in the South of England

A retrospective study of laminitis was carried out to identify risk factors associated with this disease on an East Anglian farm with approximately 1000 animals living in an area of 1000 acres. Medical records between January 1997 and May 2000 and between April 2005 and March 2008 were reviewed, and the age, sex, weight (kg), height (inches [in] and hands [H]) and weight-to-height ratio (kg/in) was recorded. The prevalence, incidence and seasonality of laminitis were determined and their relationship to the monthly temperature, rainfall and hours of sunshine was evaluated. Averaged over the six years, the highest prevalence (2.6 per cent) and incidence (16 cases/1000 animals) of laminitis occurred in May. The findings of a multivariate analysis revealed that females (P=0.007, odds ratio [OR] 1.46, 95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 1.1053 to 1.9646) and light animals (P ≤ 0.001, OR=0.995, 95 per cent CI =0.9932 to 0.9963) had the greatest risk of developing laminitis. A positive association was found between hours of sunshine and incidence (P=0.007, relative risk [RR] 1.009, 95 per cent CI 1.001 to 1.012) and prevalence (P=0.002, RR 1.008, 95 per cent CI 1.003 to 1.012) of laminitis. The data suggest that there is a relationship between season, sex of the animal and the development of laminitis.     

Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging sequences in dogs with multi-focal intracranial disease

OBJECTIVES: To compare the value of different magnetic resonance sequences in the detection of brain lesions in dogs with multi-focal intracranial neurolocalised lesions and abnormal cisternal cerebrospinal fluid analysis. METHODS: T2-weighted, T1-weighted, T1-weighted-Gd, FLAIR (fluid attenuated inversion recovery) images of 73 dogs with multi-focal intracranial localised lesions were reviewed retrospectively. Control dogs (19) were selected on the basis of normal neurological examination, magnetic resonance images and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Two board-certified radiologists blindly reviewed the magnetic resonance images. Magnetic resonance sequence sensitivities were compared using the chi-squared test and logistic regression, accounting for clustering at the patient level. Statistical significance was set at the 5 per cent level. RESULTS: The FLAIR sequence was found to have the highest sensitivity (84 per cent, 61 of 73), followed by T2-weighted (63 per cent, 46 of 73), T1-weighted postcontrast (62 per cent, 45 of 73) and T1-weighted (23 per cent, 17 of 73) (P<0.001). FLAIR images were 106.1 times (95 per cent confidence interval 25.2 to 447.5) more likely to correctly identify cerebrospinal fluid-positive patients than T1-weighted, 6.4 times (95 per cent confidence interval 2.2 to 18.2) than T1-weighted postcontrast and 5.8 times (95 per cent confidence interval 2.0 to 16.4) than T2-weighted. FLAIR identified 14 per cent of cases that were classified as normal based on the three others sequences. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Routine use of FLAIR sequence should be encouraged in dogs undergoing a brain magnetic resonance imaging and probably more specifically in cases of suspected inflammatory brain disease.     

Seasonal and breed effects on reproductive parameters in bitches in the tropics: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of season and breed on reproductive parameters in bitches raised under tropical climatic conditions. METHODS: Over a seven year period, from 1998 to 2004, 310 oestrous periods of 53 bitches were observed. The dogs were of various breeds; dobermann (number of bitches/number of oestrous cycles) (n=2/19), German shepherd dog (n=35/211), Labrador retriever (n=14/68) and Rottweiler (n=2/12). In 250 of the 310 oestrous periods, natural matings took place on days 9 and 11 after the onset of pro-oestrus. The whelping rate was analysed for bitches of each breed. Variables, including breed and the whelping rate, by month of the year, were used for analysis of the inter-oestrus interval, gestation length, total number of pups born, number of live pups born and the weight of the pups at birth. RESULTS: A low frequency of oestrous activity was found during the summer. Breeding dogs in the summer resulted in a low whelping rate. No difference (P>0.05) was seen in the whelping rate of each breed: dobermann (70.5 per cent), German shepherd dog (61.5 per cent), Labrador retriever (67.9 per cent) and Rottweiler (100 per cent). The Labrador retriever had a longer inter-oestrus interval (252 [114] and 190 [61] days) (P<0.01) and a larger litter size (8.2 [1.8] and 6.6 [2.8]) (P<0.05) than the German shepherd dog. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The environmental factors in summer tend to reduce oestrus incidence and fertility in the bitches. According to litter size, the Labrador retriever seems to have a more efficient reproductive performance than the German shepherd dog. The Labrador retriever had a longer inter-oestrus interval than the German shepherd dog.     

Immunosuppression in bitches with pyometra

The function of the immune system was studied in 34 bitches affected by pyometra. The mean age of the animals was 8.1 +/- 2.8 years. Samples of peripheral blood were examined using a battery of immunological tests. Data obtained from four sets of animals, grouped according to the severity of their disease, were compared. Leucocytosis (neutrophilia and partial monocytosis) and lymphopenia were detected in 62 per cent and 35 per cent of the bitches, respectively. The increase in the number of leucocytes was higher in the severely affected bitches. Inhibition of mitogen-driven lymphocyte proliferation was the characteristic feature of the immunological profile in bitches affected by pyometra, and this corresponded with the impairment of the general state of health. Sera from bitches showing functional inhibition of lymphocytes suppressed the activity of lymphocytes isolated from normal dogs. Sera from bitches affected by pyometra also had higher levels of immunoglobulins, lysozyme and circulating immune complexes. It can be concluded that pyometra is associated with an inflammatory response, but also with a marked suppression of immune system activity.     

Assessment of two tests for the diagnosis of canine hyperadrenocorticism

The low-dose dexamethasone suppression test and the urinary corticoid/creatinine ratio were assessed in 166 and 150 dogs, respectively, for their value in the diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism. The diagnostic accuracy of the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test was 0.83, with a 95 per cent confidence interval from 0.76 to 0.88. The urinary corticoid/creatinine ratio had a diagnostic accuracy of 0.91 with a 95 per cent confidence interval from 0.85 to 0.95. The high predictive value of a negative corticoid/creatinine ratio (0.98; confidence interval 0.80 to 1.00) and the low cost of this test makes it preferable for screening purposes to the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test for which the predictive value of a negative test was calculated as 0.5g (confidence interval 0.43 to 0.73).     

Patellar luxation in 70 large breed dogs

O bjectives : To report the signalment, history, clinical features, and outcome in dogs weighing greater than 15 kg, treated surgically and non-surgically for patellar luxation. Risk factors for the development of patellar luxation, postoperative complications, and outcome were evaluated.
M ethods : Details regarding signalment, bodyweight, breed, aetiology, unilateral or bilateral luxation, duration of lameness, grade of luxation, direction of luxation, grade of lameness at presentation, concomitant cranial cruciate ligament rupture, method of treatment, surgical technique, surgeon, and complications were obtained from the medical records. Outcome was graded as excellent, good, fair, or poor, according to the degree of lameness.
R esults : Seventy dogs (45 males and 25 females) were included. Thirty-five had bilateral luxations (105 limbs). Mean age was two years, and mean weight was 30 kg. The relative risk for Labrador retrievers was 3·3 (P<0·001). All luxations were developmental. Luxations were medial in 102 stifles and lateral in three. Fourteen stifles had concomitant cranial cruciate ligament rupture. As the grade of patellar luxation increased, so did the grade of lameness (P<0·001). Surgery was performed in 70 stifles, and outcome was excellent/good in 94 per cent and fair/poor in 6 per cent of stifles. Complications occurred in 29 per cent of stifles, and increasing bodyweight was found to be a risk factor (P=0·03). Thirty-five stifles were managed non-surgically, and outcome was excellent/good in 86 per cent and fair/poor in 14 per cent of stifles.
C linical S ignificance : In view of the potential risk of postoperative complications, all surgically treated cases of patellar luxation in large breed dogs should be managed with a femoral trochleoplasty, a tibial tuberosity transposition (stabilised with K-wires and a tension band wire), and soft tissue releasing and tightening procedures.     

Risk factors for excessive tibial plateau angle in large-breed dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for development of excessive tibial plateau angle (TPA) in large-breed dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD). DESIGN: Case-control study. ANIMALS: 58 dogs with excessive TPAs (ie, TPA >or= 35 degrees ; case dogs) and 58 dogs with normal TPAs (ie, TPA or= 35 degrees in both limbs were 13.6 times (95% confidence interval, 2.72 to 68.1) as likely to have been neutered before 6 months of age as were control dogs with TPA 相似文献