Breed‐associated variability in serum biochemical analytes in four large‐breed dogs

Background: Genetic background can influence the expected values of hematologic and serum biochemical analytes in domestic animal species. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there are breed‐related differences in serum biochemical variables in healthy purebred dogs of 4 breeds and to develop appropriate reference intervals. Methods: Alaskan Malamutes (n=59), Siberian Huskies (n=78), Golden Retrievers (n=90), and English Setters (n=77) were included in the study. The dogs had a median age of 42 months (range 10–112 months) and each breed included a mix of intact and neutered dogs of both sexes. Serum biochemical profiles (Olympus AU400e) were performed along with physical examinations, CBCs, and urinalyses to ensure dogs were clinically healthy. Differences in the values of biochemical analytes were assessed nonparametrically and reference intervals for all breeds combined were calculated as the central 95% percentile. Results: Significant differences were observed between breeds for all serum biochemical analytes except alkaline phosphatase, glucose, and chloride. The analyte ranges had a large degree of overlap between the different breeds. Conclusions: Although many statistically significant breed‐related differences in serum biochemical values were observed, the differences were small and unlikely to have clinical relevance or impact medical decision making.     

Holter monitoring in clinically healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Wire-haired Dachshunds, and Cairn Terriers

Background: Few reported studies describe normal values from 24‐hour ECG (Holter) recordings of small breed dogs. Objectives: To investigate influence of breed, age, sex, body weight, degree of recording artifact, and mitral valve prolapse (MVP) on Holter recordings of 3 breeds of small dogs that have differing predispositions for myxomatous mitral valve disease. The study also assessed if heart rate (HR) at clinical examination (HRex) was associated with HR during Holter monitoring and evaluated the reproducibility of Holter variables. Animals: Fifty clinically healthy, privately owned dogs of the breeds Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS), Wire‐haired Dachshund (wD), or Cairn Terrier (CT). Methods: Prospective, longitudinal observational study. Dogs were recruited for clinical examination, echocardiography, and Holter monitoring. In 8 CKCS, Holter recordings were performed twice with a 7‐day interval. Arrhythmia and heart rate variability (HRV) analysis (time and frequency domain analysis) were performed on Holter recordings. Results: Fifteen out of 27 Holter derived variables were significantly associated with breed (P < .03), but not with age (P > .7), sex (P > .2), body weight (P > .7), degree of recording artifact (P > .4), or MVP (P > .6). During Holter recording, minimum (P= .0001) and mean HR (P= .0001) were higher in CKCS compared with wD. CKCS had significantly lower values than wD, CT, or both in 10 out of 13 HRV variables (P < .03). Minimum and mean HR during Holter recording were correlated with HRex (r= 0.55, P= .0003). HR and time domain variables had a coefficient of variation <10%. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: There is an influence of breed on Holter‐derived variables in 3 breeds of small dogs. Arrhythmia and HRV analysis can be performed on 24‐hour ambulatory ECG (Holter) recordings. Arrhythmia analysis includes HR measurements and identification of arrhythmias.     

Comparative assessment of growth performance of three different indigenous goat breeds exposed to summer heat stress

A study was conducted to assess comparatively the growth performance of three different indigenous goat breeds during exposure to summer heat stress. The primary objective of the study was to observe the heat stress impact on the growth performance based on the body weight changes, allometric measurements, growth hormone (GH) concentration and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) mRNA expression pattern during the summer season in comparison with the local breed (Osmanabadi). Thirty‐six ten‐month‐ to one‐year‐old female goats of Osmanabadi, Malabari and Salem Black breeds were randomly divided into six groups, OC (n = 6; Osmanabadi control), OHS (n = 6; Osmanabadi heat stress), MC (n = 6; Malabari control), MHS (n = 6; Malabari heat stress), SBC (n = 6; Salem Black control) and SBHS (n = 6; Salem Black heat stress). Body weight was recorded at weekly intervals, whereas other growth and allometric measurements and blood collection were carried out at fortnightly intervals. Breed factor significantly (p < .05) influenced only few growth variables such as body weight, body mass index (BMI) and body condition score (BCS). However, heat stress treatment significantly (p < .05) reduced all growth parameters expect BMI. Further, the heat stress significantly (p < .01) increased plasma GH concentration in goats with significantly higher (p < .05) concentration recorded in OHS. Among the stress groups, the lower (p < .05) PBMC IGF‐1 mRNA expression was recorded in OHS, while the higher (p < .05) expression was observed in SBHS indicating the extreme adaptive capability of Salem Black breed. Thus, the results indicated that the Salem Black breed performed much better compared to both Osmanabadi and Malabari breeds indicating the superior ability of this breed to adapt to heat stress challenges. The results also indicated that plasma GH and IGF‐1 gene may act as ideal biomarkers for assessing the heat stress impact on growth performance in indigenous goats.     

Differential acute phase immune responses by Angus and Romosinuano steers following an endotoxin challenge

Our primary objective of this experiment was to evaluate potential genetic differences between two diverse Bos taurus breeds [Angus (AG) and Romosinuano (RO)] in response to an endotoxin challenge. Eighteen steers (n = 9 steers/breed; 299.4 ± 5.2 kg BW) were acclimated to environmentally controlled chambers maintained at thermoneutrality (19.7 °C) and then fitted with indwelling jugular catheters and rectal temperature (RT) recording devices 1 d before the endotoxin challenge. The next day, blood samples were collected at 30-min intervals from −2 to 8 h, and RT was measured continuously at 1-min intervals throughout the study. At time 0, all steers received an intravenous bolus injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 2.5 μg/kg BW). Serum samples were stored at −80 °C until analyzed for cortisol, proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ)], and acute phase proteins (serum amyloid A, acid soluble protein, ceruloplasmin, and α-acid glycoprotein). Rectal temperatures increased in both breeds within 1 h after LPS, with RO producing a greater increase in RT than AG steers (P < 0.001). Serum cortisol and TNF-α increased (P < 0.01) in both breeds within 1 h after the LPS challenge. For cortisol, an overall breed effect (P < 0.02) was detected, such that AG steers had a higher cortisol response than RO steers. A breed × time interaction (P < 0.01) was observed for TNF-α, such that the response was delayed and extended in the RO steers compared with the AG steers. At 2 and 2.5 h after LPS, TNF-α concentrations were greater (P < 0.03) in RO steers than in AG steers. For IL-1β, a breed × time interaction (P < 0.04) was also observed. At 3 h after LPS, IL-1β concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) in RO steers than in AG steers. Serum IL-6 and IFN-γ increased (P < 0.01) in a similar manner in both groups after the LPS challenge. These data show differences in the innate immune response between two diverse Bos taurus breeds which may provide insight about differences observed in productivity, heat tolerance, disease resistance, and longevity among cattle breeds.     

Basal glucosuria in cats

Objective of this study was to demonstrate the ubiquitous presence of glucose in urine of euglycemic cats by a highly sensitive glucose assay. The local electronic database was searched for results of quantitative urine glucose measurements in cats. A total of 325 feline urine glucose measurements were identified, of which 303 (93%) had been submitted by one of the co‐authors working in a near‐by small animal practice. After the exclusion of patients with kidney disease (n = 60), hyperthyroidism (n = 15), diabetes mellitus (n = 11), multiple diseases (n = 9) or steroid treatment (n = 3), as well as serial measurements (n = 87) and outliers (n = 8), the final study population consisted of 132 cats. Urine creatinine concentration was unavailable in five patients. Whereas all but one cat had glucose concentrations above the detection limit of the assay (0.11 mmol/L, Gluco‐quant Enzyme Kit/Roche Diagnostics), no positive glucose dipstick test result (Combur 9‐Test, Roche Diagnostics) was observed. The median (range) of urinary glucose concentration and the glucose‐to‐creatinine ratio (UGCR) was 0.389 (<0.11–1.665) mmol/L and 0.0258 (0.007–0.517) respectively. The UGCR was not affected by age, gender, breed or leukocyturia, whereas cats with hematuria had slightly higher values. Data show that so‐called “basal glucosuria” is present in the majority of cats and by no means diagnostic for diabetes mellitus or renal glucosuria. This has to be considered when using bio‐analytical methods with a low limit of quantification.     

Effects of breed, sex and halothane genotype on fatty acid composition of triacylglycerols and phospholipids in pork longissimus muscle

The objective of this study was to estimate the effects of breed, sex, and halothane (HAL‐1843^TM) genotype on fatty acid composition of triacylglycerols (TAG) and phospholipids (PL) extracted from porcine longissimus muscle (LM). Purebred Yorkshire (n = 131), Duroc (n = 136), Hampshire (n = 49), Spotted (n = 35), Chester White (n = 74), Poland China (n = 51), Berkshire (n = 169) and Landrace (n = 82) pigs (n = 727; 427 barrows and 300 gilts) from the 1994 and 2001 National Barrow Show Sire Progeny Tests were used. For statistical analyses, a mixed model was used that included fixed effects of breed, sex, HAL‐1843^TM genotype, year, slaughter date within each year, interaction of breed × sex and random effects of sire and dam within breed. Breeds and sex were significantly associated with the percentages of the majority fatty acids in TAG. Duroc pigs had greater total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and lower total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (p < 0.05) contents than did pigs of all other breeds except Berkshire (p > 0.05). The concentration of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was the greatest in Hampshire pigs (p < 0.05). The content of total SFA was greater (p < 0.01), whereas the concentrations of total MUFA and PUFA were lower (p < 0.01) in barrows than those in gilts. The contents of major SFA in PL did not differ significantly among pigs from different breeds and sex groups. However, breed and sex significantly affected the concentrations of major MUFA and PUFA in PL and strong negative correlation between the total contents of MUFA and PUFA in PL was observed in the current study. Chester White pigs had greater total MUFA and lower total PUFA contents (p < 0.05) in PL than did pigs of all other breeds except Spotted (p > 0.05). In contrast to breed and sex effects, the concentrations of fatty acids in PL were more affected by HAL‐1843^TM genotype than those in TAG. The content of C16:0, a major SFA in PL, differed significantly in pigs with different HAL‐1843^TM genotypes. In conclusion, these results suggest that breed and sex are important sources of the variations for fatty acid composition of TAG and PL in LM.     

A NOVEL SUPPORT DEVICE FOR HEAD IMMOBILIZATION DURING RADIATION THERAPY THAT IS APPLICABLE TO BOTH CATS AND DOGS

Repeatable head immobilization is important for minimizing positioning error during radiation therapy for veterinary patients with head neoplasms. The purpose of this retrospective cross‐sectional study was to describe a novel technique for head immobilization (Device II) and compare this technique with a previously described technique (Device I). Device II provided additional support by incorporating three teeth (vs. two teeth with Device I). Between 2011 and 2013, both devices were applied in clinically affected cats (Device I, n = 17; Device II, n = 11) and dogs (Device I, n = 85; Device II, n = 22) of various breeds and sizes. The following data were recorded for each included patient: variability in the angle of the skull (roll, yaw, and pitch), coordinates of the isocenter, and distance from the reference mark to the tumor. Devices I and II differed for skull angle variability during the treatment of dogs (roll, P = 0.0007; yaw, P = 0.0018; pitch, P = 0.0384) and for yaw of during the treatment of cats (P < 0.0001). In each case, Device II was superior to Device I. The distance from the reference mark to the center of the tumor was significantly decreased for Device II vs. Device I (dogs, P < 0.0001; cats, P = 0.0002). Device II also provided more accurate coordinates for the isocenter. Authors recommend the use of, Device II for future clinical patients.     

Meniscal Mineralization in Domestic Cats

Objective: To (1) determine prevalence of radiographically detectable meniscal mineralization in domestic cats and (2) to evaluate the association between meniscal mineralization and degenerative joint disease (DJD). Study Design: Prospective study. Animals: Client‐owned cats (n=100) and 30 feline cadavers. Methods: Randomly selected client‐owned cats were used to determine the prevalence of meniscal mineralization. Stifles from feline cadavers were used to evaluate the relationship between meniscal mineralization (using high‐resolution X‐ray), radiographic DJD, and cartilage damage. Menisci were evaluated histologically. Results: Forty‐six percent of the client‐owned cats had meniscal mineralization detected in 1 or both stifles. Pain scores were not significantly different between stifles with meniscal mineralization and those with no radiographic pathology (P=.38). Thirty‐four of 57 cadaver stifles had meniscal mineralization, which was always located in the cranial horn of the medial meniscus. Percentage mineralization of the menisci was significantly correlated with the cartilage damage score of the medial femoral (r²=0.6; P<.0001) and tibial (r²=0.5; P<.0001) condyles as well as with the total joint cartilage damage (r²=0.36; P<.0001) score and DJD score (r²=0.8; P<.0001). Conclusion: Meniscal mineralization is a common condition in domestic cats and seems to indicate medial compartment DJD. Clinical Relevance: Clinical significance of meniscal mineralization is uncertain. Further work is needed to determine if the meniscal mineralization is a cause, or a consequence of joint degeneration.     

Nutritional parameters in the blood of dams during late gestation and immediately after calving,in the umbilical vein at calving,and in the blood of calves immediately following birth in Holstein heifers pregnant with either Holstein or beef breed fetuses

Dairy cattle management lacks consideration of fetal breed, the effect of which on fetal growth and nutrition are unclear. We investigated blood parameters in 12 late-pregnant Holstein heifers with similar (Holstein, n = 5) or different (Japanese Black [n = 4] or F1 cross [n = 3]; Holstein × Japanese Black) fetus breeds and in their umbilical cords and calves. Samples were obtained from dams 1 week before calving (−1 week) and immediately after calving, from the umbilical vein at calving, and from calves immediately after birth. Dams with beef fetuses had higher serum glucose levels (−1 week; p < .05) than those with Holstein fetuses. Plasma total amino acid, total essential amino acid, total nonessential amino acid, and other amino acid concentrations were lower in the umbilical veins of dams with calves of the beef breeds than in those of the Holstein breeds (p < .05). Furthermore, serum glucose and plasma amino acid levels were lower in the beef calves than in the Holstein calves (p < .05). Overall, nutrient supply from dams to beef fetuses was lower than that to Holstein fetuses. Our findings may facilitate feeding management of dairy cattle pregnant with beef breeds for appropriate fetal growth and nutrition.     

Hepatic Ethoxy‐, Methoxy‐ and Pentoxyresorufin O‐Dealkylase Activities in Landrace and Duroc Pigs Stimulated with hCG

The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation on the activities of ethoxyresorufin O‐deethylase (EROD), methoxyresorufin O‐demethylase (MROD) and pentoxyresorufin O‐depentylase (PROD) was studied in intact male pigs of purebred Landrace and Duroc breeds. Pigs were divided into four groups: two control groups of each breed, without hCG stimulation (n = 20 for each breed), and two experimental groups (n = 18 for each breed), with hCG stimulation (Pregnyl^®; N.V. Organon, Oss, The Netherlands, 30 IU/kg live weight). Pigs were slaughtered 3 days after hCG stimulation and enzyme activities were measured in hepatic microsomes using two approaches. First, only one substrate concentration was used for the analysis of each enzyme activity. We found that EROD activity was suppressed by hCG‐stimulation in Landrace (p = 0.004), but not Duroc pigs (p > 0.05). Generally, EROD activity was higher in Duroc pigs compared with Landrace (p = 0.017). Methoxyresorufin O‐demethylase and PROD activities did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). To further characterize EROD, MROD and PROD, enzyme kinetic studies were performed. V_max values for EROD and MROD in both breeds were lower after hCG stimuation (p < 0.001 for Landrace and p < 0.05 for Duroc). Additionally, V_max values for EROD significantly differed between Landrace and Duroc pigs being higher in Duroc pigs (p < 0.05). We concluded that both hCG stimulation and breed differences may be important in the regulation of EROD and MROD activities. This study provides the first data on the effect of hCG stimulation and thus high testicular steroids, on EROD, MROD and PROD activities. Further studies are needed to investigate individual CYP450 enzymes and their regulation in porcine tissues.     

Metabolic profiles in goat does in late pregnancy with and without subclinical pregnancy toxemia

Background: Pregnant goat does can develop various metabolic diseases during late pregnancy that may have profound effects on their health and productivity, including subclinical pregnancy toxemia. Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate serum biochemical findings in goats in late pregnancy with and without subclinical pregnancy toxemia. Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 153 clinically healthy goats in the last trimester of pregnancy from 14 herds in central and northern Jordan. Serum was analyzed for the following constituents: 3‐hydroxybutyrate (3‐HB), glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triglycerides, cortisol, T3, T4, total calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, using commercially available kits. Goats were classified as having subclinical pregnancy toxemia or as controls on the basis of 3‐HB results. Biochemical results were compared between the 2 groups using nonparametric statistical tests. Results: Fifty‐three does had subclinical pregnancy toxemia (3‐HB>0.86 mmol/L) and 100 were pregnant control does (3‐HB≤0.86 mmol/L). Does with subclinical pregnancy toxemia had significantly lower glucose concentrations (P<.001) and significantly higher urea (P=.042) and total protein (P=.048) concentrations compared with pregnant control does. 3‐HB concentration was significantly correlated with glucose (r=0.290, P=.035), phosphorus (r=0.351, P=.01), and cortisol (r=0.394, P=.004) concentrations in goats with subclinical toxemia. Conclusions: Results of this study indicate that the biochemical profile of does with subclinical pregnancy toxemia differs from that of other pregnant goats. 3‐HB should be measured in pregnant does in late stages of gestation with hypoglycemia or with elevated urea and total protein concentrations.     

Hematology and Serum Biochemistry of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected and Feline Leukemia Virus-Infected Cats

Background: Hematological and biochemical values in cats naturally infected by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are not completely documented. Objective: Report differences in laboratory values between FIV‐ or FeLV‐infected and noninfected and between FIV‐ and FeLV‐infected cats. Animals: Three thousand seven hundred and eighty client‐owned cats tested for FIV and FeLV. Methods: Retrospective study. Evaluation of clinicopathologic changes in cats with defined FIV and FeLV status and for which laboratory data were available. Results: FIV‐infected cats were more likely to be neutropenic (odds ratio [OR]=3.6, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.1–6.2, P < .0001) and had lower serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase than control cats; serum total protein (8.1 ± 1.1 versus 7.6 ± 1.3 g/dL, P < .001) and γ‐globulin concentrations (2.2 ± 1.1 versus 1.7 ± 1.3 g/dL, P < .001) were higher than in uninfected cats. Compared with controls, FeLV‐infected cats had a higher risk of anemia (OR = 3.8, 95% CI 2.4–6.0, P < .0001), thrombocytopenia (OR = 5.0, 95% CI 3.0–8.4, P < .0001), neutropenia (OR = 3.6, 95% CI 2.1–6.1, P < .0001), lymphocytosis (OR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.6–4.8, P= .0002), and lower erythrocyte counts (6.13 ± 2.95 × 10³ versus 8.72 ± 2.18 × 10³/μL, P < .001), thrombocyte counts (253.591 ± 171.841 × 10³ versus 333.506 ± 156.033 × 10³/μL, P < .001), hematocrit (28.72 ± 12.86 versus 37.67 ± 8.90%, P < .001), hemoglobin and creatinine concentration. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Hematologic abnormalities are common in FeLV‐infected but not in FIV‐infected cats. Clinicopathologic abnormalities are less frequent in FIV‐infected cats and might reflect an unspecific immunologic response.     

Micro Total Hip Replacement for Dogs and Cats: Surgical Technique and Outcomes

Objective: To describe the surgical technique for the micro total hip replacement (Micro THR) system and report clinical outcomes. Study Design: Prospective study. Animals: Dogs (n=49) and cats (n=8) with coxofemoral arthropathy. Methods: Small breed dogs and cats with coxofemoral arthritis were enrolled for Micro THR. Patient data were recorded. Implant positioning and cement mantle quality were evaluated radiographically. Orthopedic examinations and client interviews were used to assess outcome. Results: Micro THR was performed unilaterally (40 dogs, 8 cats) and staged bilaterally (9 dogs) to resolve pain associated with osteoarthritis or trauma. Mean body weight was 7.2 kg. Postoperative complications included prosthesis luxation (9), cup aseptic loosening (1), and sciatic neurapraxia (1). Mean radiographic follow up was 96.1 weeks; 10 joints were followed for ≥3.0 years. Sixty of the 66 (91%) Micro THRs had excellent outcomes. Two dogs (<2.75 kg) were too small for the prosthesis and 4 dogs with unmanageable luxation had explantation. Conclusions: Micro THR is considered a satisfactory procedure for management of small breed dogs and cats with coxofemoral disease unresponsive to medical management. Clinical Relevance: Micro THR is a viable option to treat disabling disorders of the hip. More than 170 cat and small dog breeds, and many mixed breeds, could benefit from Micro THR surgery.     

Breed-specific pro-inflammatory cytokine production as a predisposing factor for susceptibility to sepsis in the dog

Objective: To determine whether 2 dog breeds with a high risk for parvoviral enteritis, a disease associated with sepsis, produce stronger pro‐inflammatory cytokine responses to a stimulus than dogs with a lower risk. Design: Blinded comparison. Setting: University outpatient clinic. Animals: Healthy, unrelated, purebred Doberman Pinschers (n=10) and Rottweilers (n=9) with age‐matched mixed‐breed dogs (n=7). Interventions: Heparinized, whole‐blood samples were collected from each dog and incubated for 6 hours with lipopolysaccharide. Plasma was collected, and bioassays were used to determine the concentrations of TNF‐α and IL‐6. The mean values obtained from the high‐risk breeds were compared with the mean obtained from the mixed‐breeds. Measurements and main results: The mean TNF‐α production from dogs with a high risk for parvoviral enteritis (1321±161 pg/mL; Doberman Pinscher and Rottweiler) was greater (P<0.05) than that from lower risk, mixed‐breed dogs (674±186 pg/mL). There were no differences in TNF‐α levels between Doberman (1128±247 pg/mL) and Rottweiler (1563±pg/mL) breeds or between any breeds with regard to IL‐6 production. Conclusions: The magnitude of TNF‐α production by peripheral blood monocytes was the greatest in the dogs with breed‐related risk for parvoviral enteritis. However, additional studies are needed to prove a causal relationship between high TNF and predilection for parvoviral enteritis. Regardless, breed appears to be a predisposing factor for variations in cytokine production that could impact the host response to infection and other inflammatory insults.     

Toxicity and outcome in cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma after accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy and concurrent systemic treatment

Recently, a multimodal approach to oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in cats, combining medical treatment and accelerated radiation therapy, showed a substantial outcome improvement in a small pilot study. Herein we retrospectively review 51 cats with unresectable, histologically confirmed oral SCC and a complete initial staging work‐up: cats in group A (n = 24) received medical anti‐angiogenic treatment consisting of bleomycin, piroxicam and thalidomide, cats in group B (n = 27) received the anti‐angiogenic treatment and concurrent accelerated hypofractionated radiation therapy with 48Gy delivered in 10 fractions. Overall median progression‐free interval (PFI) was poor with 70 days (95% CI: 48;93). In the irradiated cats (group B), however, PFI was significantly longer with 179 days (95% CI: 58;301) days, vs 30 days (95% CI: 23;38) in medically only treated cats (P < .001). Overall median overall survival (OS) was 89 days (95% CI: 55;124), again significantly longer in the irradiated cats (group B) with 136 (95% CI: 40;233) vs 38 days (95% CI: 23;54) (P < .001). In 8 of the 27 (29.6%) cats in group B, however, severe toxicity (grade 3) occurred. Neither onset nor severity of toxicity could be associated with any of the tested variables, including anatomic site, tumour size, clinical stage and duration of neoadjuvant medical treatment. Given the potential severe acute effects and the impact on quality of life after chemo‐radiotherapy, owners must be clearly informed about the risks of treatment. With the overall poor outcome and high occurrence of acute toxicity, we cannot recommend the use of this accelerated radiation protocol combined with anti‐angiogenic therapy for oral SCC in cats.     

Oxidative Stress and Neutrophil Function in Cats with Chronic Renal Failure

Background: Oxidative stress is an important component in the progression of chronic renal failure (CRF) and neutrophil function may be impaired by oxidative stress. Hypothesis: Cats with CRF have increased oxidative stress and decreased neutrophil function compared with control cats. Animals: Twenty cats with previously diagnosed renal failure were compared with 10 age‐matched control cats. Methods: A biochemical profile, CBC, urinalysis, antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity, reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH : GSSG), and neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst were measured. Statistical comparisons (2‐tailed t‐test) were reported as mean ± standard deviation. Results: The CRF cats had significantly higher serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and phosphorus concentrations than control cats, and significantly lower PCV and urine specific gravity than control cats. The GSH : GSSG ratio was significantly higher in the CRF group (177.6 ± 197, 61.7 ± 33; P < .02) whereas the antioxidant capacity was significantly less in the CRF group (0.56 ± 0.21, 0.81 ± 0.13 Trolox units; P < .005). SOD activity was the same in control and CRF cats. Neutrophil oxidative burst after Escherichia coli phagocytosis, measured as an increase in mean fluorescence intensity, was significantly higher in CRF cats than controls (732 ± 253, 524 ± 54; P < .05). Conclusions: The higher GSH : GSSG ratio and lower antioxidant capacity in CRF cats is consistent with activation of antioxidant defense mechanisms. It remains to be determined if supplementation with antioxidants such as SOD beyond the level of control cats would be of benefit in cats with CRF.     

Effectiveness of controlled internal drug release device treatment to alleviate reproductive seasonality in anestrus lactating or dry Barki and Rahmani ewes during non‐breeding season

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hormonal treatments on ovarian activity and reproductive performance in Barki and Rahmani ewes during non‐breeding season. Forty‐eight multiparous ewes, 24 Barki and 24 Rahmani ewes were divided into two groups, 12 lactating and 12 dry ewes for each breed. Controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device was inserted in all ewes for 14 days in conjunction with intramuscular 500 IU equine chronic gonadotrophin (eCG) at day of CIDR removal. Data were analysed using PROC MIXED of SAS for repeated measures. Breed, physiological status and days were used as fixed effects and individual ewes as random effects. Barki ewes recorded higher (p < .05) total number of follicles, number of large follicles, serum estradiol concentration and estradiol: progesterone (E₂:P₄) ratio compared to Rahmani ewes. Lactating ewes recorded higher (p < .05) number of small follicles and lower concentration of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared to dry ewes. Number and diameter of large follicles recorded the highest (p < .05) values accompanied with disappearance of corpora lutea at day of mating. Serum progesterone concentration recorded lower (p < .05) value at day of mating and the highest (p < .05) value at day 35 after mating. CIDR‐eCG protocol induced 100% oestrous behaviour in both breeds, but Rahmani ewes recorded longer (p < .05) oestrous duration compared to Barki. Conception failure was higher (p < .05) in Barki compared to Rahmani ewes. In conclusion, CIDR‐eCG protocol was more potent in improving ovarian activity in Barki compared to Rahmani ewes, but this protocol seems to induce hormonal imbalance in Barki ewes that resulted in increasing conception failure compared to Rahmani ewes.     

A Clinical Index for Disease Activity in Cats with Chronic Enteropathy

Background: There is a need for a clinically useful, quantitative index for measurement of disease activity in cats with chronic enteropathy (CE). Objective: To develop a numerical activity index that is of practical value to clinicians treating CE in cats. Animals: Eighty‐two cats with CE. Methods: Retrospective case review of 59 cats diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Prospective validation study of 23 cats having either IBD or food‐responsive enteropathy (FRE). Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify which combination of clinical and laboratory variables were best associated with intestinal inflammation of IBD. This combination of variables was expressed in a score that was used as an activity index for the prospective assessment of disease activity and of the effect of treatment in cats with IBD or FRE. Results: The combination of gastrointestinal signs, endoscopic abnormalities, serum total protein, serum alanine transaminase/alkaline phosphatase activity, and serum phosphorous concentration had the best correlation with histopathologic inflammation and comprise the feline chronic enteropathy activity index (FCEAI). Positive treatment responses in cats with CE were accompanied by significant (P < .05) reductions in FCEAI scores after treatment. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The FCEAI is a simple numerical measure of inflammatory activity in cats with CE. The scoring index can be reliably used in the initial assessment of disease severity for both IBD and FRE and as a measure of clinical response to treatment for these disorders.     

Peritoneal dialysis in cats with acute kidney injury: 22 cases (2001-2006)

Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been described for use in animals with acute kidney injury refractory to fluid therapy. However, no study has examined the use of PD in a large group of cats. Hypothesis: PD is an important adjunctive therapy to treat acute kidney injury in cats. Animals: The medical records of 22 cats with acute kidney injury that had received PD were examined. Animals were excluded if acute uremia was a result of postrenal causes such as uroabdomen or urethral obstruction. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for the following: indication for PD, outcome, number of cycles performed, survival time, and predialysis and postdialysis results for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, potassium, chloride, sodium, phosphorus, total protein, and albumin concentrations, and urine output.

Results:

Indications for PD include acute‐on‐chronic kidney injury, acute kidney injury caused by toxins, bilateral ureteroliths, bilateral ureteral ligation as a complication of ovariohysterectomy, and unknown causes. The median survival time for all cats on PD was 4 days, although the median survival time for the cats that were discharged was 774 days. The most common complications were dialysate retention and sequestration of dialysate SC. There was a significant (P< .05) decrease between predialysis and postdialysis results for BUN, creatinine, potassium, phosphorus, total protein, and albumin concentrations. There was a significant (P< .05) difference in survival times between sexes. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: PD is an effective option for treatment of cats with acute kidney injury refractory to fluid therapy.     

Motor laterality in 4 breeds of dog

The aim of the current study was designed to explore possible breed differences in a basic behavioral phenotype in dogs. It measured paw use during food-retrieval from a cylindrical, hollow, rubber toy to assess motor laterality (pawedness) in 4 breeds of dogs selected for their morphological differences: 45 greyhounds (males n = 23/females n = 22), 47 whippets (15/32), 46 pugs (15/31), and 45 boxers (17/28). A laterality index was calculated from the use of individual paws to restrain the toy during feeding. An association was found between sex and the laterality index (P = 0.035), reflecting a significant bias for left-paw use by entire male dogs and right-paw use by entire female dogs but no sex difference was found in the mean strength of laterality. No significant association was found between age and the laterality index. No breed difference was found in the laterality index (P = 0.423) or the absolute strength of laterality (i.e., the laterality index without direction, P = 0.259). However, important breed differences in the use of the test device emerged. The frequency of simultaneous use of both paws was lowest in pugs (P < 0.0001). In addition, both brachycephalic breeds (pugs and boxers) took less time than the dolichocephalic breeds (the whippets and greyhounds) to complete the criteria of 100 paw-use scores that was set for the laterality test. The absence of breed differences in the laterality index for paw use suggests that the task is a reliable measure of motor laterality in dogs during a food-retrieval task.