Serum fructosamine concentrations in 59 dogs naturally Infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum

Retrospectively, 89 cases of dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum were examined. Fifty-nine of these 89 dogs fulfilled the criteria of not being dually infected with Crenosoma vulpis as well as having a full biochemistry profile including serum fructosamine available. The mean serum fructosamine value of the 59 dogs was 236 micromol/l (reference value 258-348 micromol/l) and significantly lower than the serum fructosamine level of 314 micromol/l in a control group of 42 clinically healthy dogs. Eleven dogs were available for follow up after successful treatment of angiostrongylosis. In this group, the serum fructosamine value rose from a mean of 244 micromol/l to a mean of 320 micromol/l following treatment. Serum glucose, albumin and protein were all within the respective reference ranges at all sampling points. The results indicate that serum fructosamine could be affected by infection with A. vasorum. Furthermore, this change cannot be explained by measurable changes in the level of glucose, albumin or protein. The clinical impact of this study is that a low fructosamine value may indicate infection with A. vasorum thereby suggesting a Baermann test to be performed.     

Enhancing brain functions in senior dogs: a new nutritional approach

Aging induces many morphological and metabolic changes in the brain, which may eventually lead to cognitive impairment and dementia called cognitive dysfunction syndrome in senior dogs. Cognitive impairment and dementia can adversely affect the quality of life in both dogs and their owners. Progress has been made over the past years to understand how aging affects brain and its functions in humans and animals including dogs. Existing data indicate that aging-induced changes in the brain are gradual and irreversible. Therefore, it is too late to effectively manage dogs with cognitive impairment and cognitive dysfunction syndrome. The best option to manage brain aging successfully is to reduce or prevent aging-induced changes in the brain by correcting early metabolic changes and eliminating risk factors associated with brain aging and dementia. This article reviews behavioral, morphological, and metabolic changes in the brain induced by aging and discusses a novel nutritional solution for the aging-induced metabolic changes in the brain.     

Serum fructosamine concentrations in hyperthyroid cats.

Serum fructosamine concentrations were measured in 35 healthy cats and in 30 hyperthyroid cats before and 30 days after curative radioiodine ((131)I) treatment. Hyperthyroid cats were divided into those with 30 day post-treatment total thyroxine (T4) concentrations within (EuT4) or below (HypoT4) the reference range. The median (semi-interquartile range, SIR) fructosamine concentration was significantly lower in hyperthyroid compared with healthy cats (295. 0 (18.5) micromol l(-1)) both before (254.0 (27.6) micromol l(-1)) and after (268.5 (28.0) micromol l(-1)) treatment (P < 0.001 in each case). (131)I therapy was associated with increases in serum fructosamine (mean increase 20.4 micromol l(-1), P = 0.039) and total protein (6.3 g l(-1), P < 0.002) in the HypoT4 group and in globulin concentration in both EuT4 (5.9 g l(-), P < 0.002) and HypoT4 (5.2 g l(-1), P = 0.023) groups. There were no direct relationships between the observed elevations in fructosamine concentration and those in total protein or globulin concentrations suggesting that the effect may be due to reduced rates of protein turnover. Reduced values may need to be considered when interpreting serum fructosamine concentrations for monitoring the degree of glycaemic control in diabetic cats with concurrent hyperthyroidism.     

Evaluation of two point-of-care analysers for measurement of fructosamine or haemoglobin A1c in dogs

Measurement of glycosylated proteins such as fructosamine and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) can be used to assess glycaemic control in canine diabetic patients. Two point-of-care analysers, designed for human diabetics, were evaluated for use in dogs. Blood samples were collected from 50 normoglycaemic dogs, 100 diabetic patients and five dogs with insulinoma and tested using the In Charge fructosamine meter and the Haemaquant/Glycosal HbA1c meter. Readings were obtained in all cases except for 21 of 50 diabetics, which were above the upper limit of the In Charge meter. Diabetic dogs had higher fructosamine and HbA1c concentrations compared to controls. However, there was poor agreement between the In Charge meter readings and serum fructosamine concentrations, suggesting that there are problems associated with the use of this device in dogs. HbA1c concentrations showed a high degree of correlation with glycosylated haemoglobin measured at an external laboratory, suggesting that the Haemaquant/Glycosal meter warrants further evaluation for veterinary use.     

Sterile panniculitis in dogs: new diagnostic findings and alternative treatments

The objective of this study was to analyse the underlying diseases, diagnostic findings and treatment outcomes in 10 dogs with sterile panniculitis. There was no significant breed association in this study (P = 0.86).The median age of the dogs was 7.4 years. Concurrent diseases included atopic dermatitis (four dogs), acute pancreatitis (two dogs) and primary hypoadrenocorticism (one dog), with no concurrent conditions detected in three dogs. There was no significant association with the sterile panniculitis (P = 0.57). Well-circumscribed firm nodules were noted in seven dogs, and ill-defined soft nodules were observed in three dogs. Bacterial and fungal cultures of biopsy samples were negative in all cases. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the nodules revealed pleomorphic mesenchymal cells in all of the well-circumscribed firm nodules, whereas numerous inflammatory cells and adipose cells were evident in soft nodules. These results indicate that firm nodules in panniculitis could be misdiagnosed as tumours. Immunosuppressive therapy was used in eight cases. Topical dexamethasone was used in four dogs, intralesional dexamethasone in one dog, oral prednisolone plus ciclosporin in two dogs and oral prednisolone only in one dog. The remaining treatments were surgical excision and systemic cefalexin in one dog each. The lesions regressed within 1 week in all cases, with more rapid remission following systemic immunosuppressive therapy. This study suggests that cytology may be misinterpreted as neoplastic, especially with firm lesions. In addition, topical glucocorticoid therapy should be further evaluated as a potential treatment for canine sterile panniculitis.     

Serum fructosamine concentration in nondiabetic and diabetic cats

Differentiating transient hyperglycemia from diabetic hyperglycemia can be difficult in cats since single blood glucose measurements reflect only momentary glucose concentrations, and values may be elevated because of stress-induced hyperglycemia. Glycated protein measurements serve as monitors of longer-term glycemic control in human diabetics. Using an automated nitroblue tetrazolium assay, fructosamine concentration was measured in serum from 24 healthy control cats and 3 groups of hospitalized cats: 32 euglycemic, 19 transiently hyperglycemic, and 12 diabetic cats. Fructosamine concentrations ranged from 2.1 - 3.8 mmol/L in clinically healthy cats; 1.1 - 3.5 mmol/L in euglycemic cats; 2.0 - 4.1 mmol/L in transiently hyperglycemic cats; and 3.4 to >6.0 mmol/L in diabetic cats. Values for with-in-run precision at 2 fructosamine concentrations (2.64 mmol/L and 6.13 mmol/L) were 1.5% and 1.3%, respectively. Between-run coefficient of variation was 3.8% at a fructosamine concentration of 1.85 mmol/L. The mean fructosamine concentration for the diabetic group differed significantly (P=0.0001) from the mean concentrations of the other 3 groups. Poorly regulated or newly diagnosed diabetic cats tended to have the highest fructosamine values, whereas well-regulated or over-regulated diabetic cats had values approaching the reference range. As a single test for differentiating nondiabetic cats from diabetic cats, fructosamine was very sensitive (92%) and specific (96%), with a positive predictive value of 85% and a negative predictive value of 98%. Serum fructosamine concentration shows promise as an inexpensive, adjunct diagnostic tool for differentiating transiently hyperglycemic cats from poorly controlled diabetic cats.     

Serum fructosamine concentration in cats with overt hyperthyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of hyperthyroidism on serum fructosamine concentration in cats. DESIGN: Cohort study. ANIMALS: 22 cats with overt hyperthyroidism. PROCEDURE: Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs, detection of a palpable thyroid gland, and high total serum thyroxine (T4) concentrations. Hyperthyroid cats with abnormal serum albumin, total protein, and glucose concentrations were excluded from the study. Samples for determination of serum fructosamine concentration were obtained prior to initiating treatment. Results were compared with fructosamine concentrations in healthy cats, cats in which diabetes had recently been diagnosed, and cats with hypoproteinemia. In 6 cats, follow-up measurements were obtained 2 and 6 weeks after initiating treatment with carbimazole. RESULTS: Serum fructosamine concentrations ranged from 154 to 267 mumol/L (median, 198 mumol/L) and were significantly lower than values in healthy cats. Eleven (50%) of the hyperthyroid cats had serum fructosamine concentrations less than the reference range. Serum fructosamine concentrations in hyperthyroid, normoproteinemic cats did not differ from values in hypoproteinemic cats. During treatment, an increase in serum fructosamine concentration was detected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In hyperthyroid cats, concentration of serum fructosamine may be low because of accelerated protein turnover, independent of blood glucose concentration. Serum fructosamine concentrations should not be evaluated in cats with overt hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus. Additionally, concentration of serum fructosamine in hyperthyroid cats should not be used to differentiate between diabetes mellitus and transitory stress-related hyperglycemia.     

Applicability of endoscopic examination as a diagnostic approach in urinary tract ailments in dogs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability of endoscopic examination as a diagnostic method in urethra and bladder ailments in dogs. The experiment involved 60 dogs of different breeds and gender, weighing from 5 to 65 kg, aged between 7 months and 12 years. The dogs were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of clinically healthy animals on which all the lower urinary tract endoscopic examinations described in the literature as well as biopsies of mucosa were performed. Group II consisted of clinical patients, on which endoscopic diagnostic examination was conducted and, on some of them, biopsies for histopathologic examination were made. The results of the experiment suggest that the lower urinary track endoscopy is a suitable diagnostic technique for recognition and differentiation of mucosa inflammation, establishment of causes of haematuria, diagnostics of neoplasms and detection of the existence of an ectopic ureter. Biopsy and histopathologic examination improved the diagnostic value of endoscopy. The techniques tested in our study, inclusive of more invasive method like PPC and cystoscopy on males preceded by the perineal urethrotomy, enable doctors to perform the lower urinary tract endoscopic examination on dogs, especially up to 5 kg. regardless of their gender.     

Elevated fructosamine concentrations caused by IgA paraproteinemia in two dogs

An 8-year-old male Austrian Pinscher and a 14-year-old male Golden Retriever were presented for evaluation due to unexplainable high fructosamine values despite euglycemia and epistaxis in combination with polydipsia/polyuria, respectively. Blood analysis revealed severe hyperglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia and markedly elevated fructosamine concentrations in both dogs. Multiple myeloma with IgA-monoclonal gammopathy was diagnosed by serum and urine electrophoresis including immunodetection with an anti-dog IgA antibody and bone marrow aspirations. Diabetes mellitus was excluded by repeated plasma and urine glucose measurements. Fructosamine values were positively correlated with globulin, but negatively correlated with albumin concentrations. These cases suggest that, as in human patients, monoclonal IgA gammopathy should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis for dogs with high fructosamine concentrations.     

Application of a new diagnostic approach to a bovine genital campylobacteriosis outbreak in a Saskatchewan beef herd

A new real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) test was used to diagnose Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis infection associated with dramatic reproductive losses in a commercial cow-calf herd. The results were verified with repeated culture, phenotypic characterization of the organism and DNA sequencing. This case demonstrates the need for a practical field test for C. fetus subsp. venerealis and the importance of considering this organism as a potential cause of pregnancy failure in beef herds.     

Serum fructosamine in canine diabetes mellitus. An initial study

This study reports on a spectrophotometric assay for the determination of serum fructosamine concentration. The assay was evaluated for use in canine serum samples by assessment of the precision, accuracy, detectability and stability of serum fructosamine during storage. To evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of the assay, both the effect of acute changes in blood glucose on serum fructosamine concentration and the serum fructosamine concentration in canine diabetes mellitus and other canine diseases were studied.The main conclusions can be summarized as follows: Determination of canine serum fructosamines may be achieved by a precise and accurate assay with a detection limit well below the serum fructosamine concentration normally found in canine sera. Storage for 5 days at +4°C or +25°C, or for 28 days at –20°C caused no significant change in serum fructosamine concentration. The concentration is not affected by acute changes in blood glucose. In diabetic dogs, serum fructosamine concentration is significantly greater than in dogs with other diseases.     

Serum ionized calcium in dogs with chronic renal failure and metabolic acidosis

BACKGROUND: Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a common disease in dogs, and many metabolic disorders can be observed, including metabolic acidosis and calcium and phosphorus disturbances. Acidosis may change the ionized calcium (i-Ca) fraction, usually increasing its concentration. OBJECTIVE: In this study we evaluated the influence of acidosis on the serum concentration of i-Ca in dogs with CRF and metabolic acidosis. METHODS: Dogs were studied in 2 groups: group I (control group = 40 clinically normal dogs) and group II (25 dogs with CRF and metabolic acidosis). Serum i-Ca was measured by an ion-selective electrode method; other biochemical analytes were measured using routine methods. RESULTS: The i-Ca concentration was significantly lower in dogs in group II than in group I; 56% of the dogs in group II were hypocalcemic. Hypocalcemia was observed in only 8% of dogs in group II when based on total calcium (t-Ca) concentration. No correlation between pH and i-Ca concentration was observed. A slight but significant correlation was detected between i-Ca and serum phosphorus concentration (r = -.284; P = .022), as well as between serum t-Ca and i-Ca concentration (r = .497; P < .0001). CONCLUSION: The i-Ca concentration in dogs with CRF and metabolic acidosis varied widely from that of t-Ca, showing the importance of determining the biologically active form of calcium. Metabolic acidosis did not influence the increase in i-Ca concentration, so other factors besides acidosis in CRF might alter the i-Ca fraction, such as hyperphosphatemia and other compounds that may form complexes with calcium.     

Ureteral obstructions in dogs and cats: a review of traditional and new interventional diagnostic and therapeutic options

Objective – To describe and review both traditional and newer diagnostic and therapeutic options for canine and feline ureteral obstructions currently being performed clinically in veterinary medicine. Data Sources – A Medline search with no date restrictions was used for this review. Human Data Synthesis – The human literature would support the use of minimally invasive endourological techniques for the treatment of nearly all causes of ureteral obstructions, whenever possible. This typically includes extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, intracorporeal lithotripsy via retrograde ureteroscopy or antegrade percutaneous nephroureterolithotomy, ureteral stenting, percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement, and laparoscopic endopyelotomy. Typically open surgery is only suggested in cases of ureteral or gynecological malignancy when en bloc resection is considered a good option, or when various methods of endourological techniques have failed. Veterinary Data Synthesis – The veterinary literature is scarce on the use of interventional endourological techniques for the treatment of ureteral obstructions and has been growing over the last 5 years. The current literature reports the use of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for ureteral stones, as well as the use of ureteral stents for the treatment of trigonal obstructive transitional cell carcinoma, ureterolithiasis, and ureteral strictures. Traditional surgical interventions, like ureterotomy, ureteronephrectomy, and ureteral reimplantation is more vastly reported and accepted. This review will focus on new clinical data using interventional endourological techniques for ureteral obstructions. Conclusions – Various treatment options for ureteral obstructions are now available for veterinary patients, and the trend away from traditional surgical techniques will hopefully be followed now that they are technically and clinically available for dogs and cats.     

An evaluation of serum fructosamine as a marker of the duration of hypoproteinaemic conditions in dogs

Serum samples were collected from 153 normoglycaemic, hypoproteinaemic dogs of known case histories, and assayed for fructosamine, glucose, total protein and albumin concentrations. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between serum fructosamine and total serum proteins, or more specifically serum albumin. Serum fructosamine was positively correlated with both total serum protein (r=0.47, p>0.00001) and serum albumin (r=0.77, p>0.00001). Mean serum albumin concentrations were significantly different when the data were grouped as dogs with normal versus subnormal serum fructosamine concentrations. The data indicate the value of the serum fructosamine assay in estimating the duration of hypoalbuminaemia. Concurrent hypoalbuminaemia and normal serum fructosamine indicate hypoalbuminaemia of less than one week. Concurrent hypoalbuminaemia and hypofructosaminaemia indicate persistent hypoalbuminaemia of more than one week, and concurrent normal albumin and hypofructosaminaemia indicate recovery from a condition including hypoalbuminaemia or hypoglycaemia.