Secretoglobin and Transferrin Expression in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Horses with Chronic Respiratory Disease

Background

Lower expression of secretoglobin and transferrin has been found in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of a small number of horses with experimentally induced signs of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) compared to healthy controls.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Secretoglobin and transferrin BALF expression will be similarly decreased in horses with naturally occurring clinical signs of RAO and in horses with experimentally induced clinical signs of RAO as compared to healthy controls and intermediate in horses with inflammatory airway disease (IAD).

Animals

Recurrent airway obstruction‐affected and control horses were subjected to an experimental hay exposure trial to induce signs of RAO. Client‐owned horses with a presumptive diagnosis of RAO and controls from the same stable environments were recruited.

Methods

Pulmonary function and BALF were evaluated from control and RAO‐affected research horses during an experimental hay exposure trial (n = 5 in each group) and from client‐owned horses (RAO‐affected horses, n = 17; IAD‐affected horses, n = 19; healthy controls, n = 5). The concentrations of secretoglobin and transferrin in BALF were assessed using Western blots.

Results

Naturally occurring and experimentally induced RAO horses had similar decreases in BALF transferrin expression, but secretoglobin expression was most decreased in naturally occurring RAO. Secretoglobin and transferrin expression were both lower in BALF of RAO‐affected horses than in IAD‐affected and control horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Secretoglobin and transferrin expression is decreased in BALF of RAO‐affected horses after both experimental and natural exposure. Secretoglobin and transferrin likely play clinically relevant roles in the pathophysiology of RAO, and may thus be used as biomarkers of the disease.     

Evaluation of Hemostatic Abnormalities in Canine Spirocercosis and Its Association with Systemic Inflammation

Background

Canine spirocercosis is caused by the nematode Spirocerca lupi and is characterized by esophageal fibro‐inflammatory nodules that may undergo neoplastic transformation. No sensitive and specific laboratory assays other than histopathology have been reported to differentiate non‐neoplastic from neoplastic disease.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Dogs with spirocercosis will have evidence of hypercoagulability based on thromboelastography (TEG)‐derived maximal amplitude (MA); increased MA will be correlated with increased acute phase protein (APP) concentrations (C‐reactive protein [CRP] and fibrinogen); increased MA and APPs will be exacerbated with neoplastic spirocercosis.

Animals

Thirty‐nine client‐owned dogs with naturally occurring spirocercosis and 15 sex‐matched healthy controls.

Methods

A prospective comparative study evaluating TEG, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, antithrombin (AT) activity, platelet count and D‐dimer concentration, and APPs of dogs with non‐neoplastic (n = 24) and neoplastic (n = 15) spirocercosis compared to control dogs.

Results

Median MA was significantly increased in the non‐neoplastic group (P < .01) and neoplastic group (P < .01) compared to the controls. Both APPs were significantly increased in the neoplastic group compared to the non‐neoplastic and control groups. MA was strongly correlated with fibrinogen (r = 0.85, P < .001) and CRP (r = 0.73, P < .001). An MA >76 mm provided 96% specificity and 73% sensitivity for differentiation of disease state.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Canine spirocercosis is associated with increased TEG variables, MA and α, and decreased AT activity, which may indicate a hypercoagulable state seemingly more severe with neoplastic transformation. MA was correlated with APP in dogs with spirocercosis and can be used as an adjunctive test to support the suspicion of neoplastic transformation.     

Omega‐3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Provides an Additional Benefit to a Low‐Dust Diet in the Management of Horses with Chronic Lower Airway Inflammatory Disease

Background

Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) may benefit humans and animals with chronic inflammatory diseases.

Hypothesis

Omega‐3 PUFA supplementation improves clinical signs, lung function, and airway inflammation in horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and inflammatory airway disease (IAD).

Animals

Eight research horses and 35 client‐owned horses.

Methods

A pilot study examined the dose of PUFA that can alter plasma PUFA composition. Then, a randomized, controlled clinical trial was performed in horses with RAO and IAD. Horses were fed a complete pelleted diet with no hay and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 daily treatments for 2 months: 30 or 60 g of the supplement or 30 g of placebo. Clinical signs, lung function, plasma PUFA composition, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology were evaluated. Data were expressed as median (25–75th percentiles). P < .05 was considered significant.

Results

Polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation resulted in increased plasma docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that peaked at 4 weeks. Clinical improvement was noted in all horses involved in the clinical trial, but the group that received PUFA had greater improvement in clinical signs (cough score improved 60%), lung function (respiratory effort decreased 48%), and BALF (neutrophils decreased from 23 to 9%) when compared to placebo (cough score improved 33%, respiratory effort decreased 27%, BALF neutrophils increased from 11 to 17%; P < .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Feeding horses with RAO and IAD a PUFA supplement containing 1.5–3 g DHA for 2 months provides an additional benefit to low‐dust diet.     

Thoracic Ultrasonography and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Analysis in Holstein Calves with Subclinical Lung Lesions

Background

Thoracic ultrasonography (US) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis are antemortem methods used to identify the lung lesions associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Accuracy of US and the cell distributions in BALF have not been characterized in calves with subclinical disease.

Objectives

To evaluate the accuracy of US and BALF and describe BALF characteristics in calves with subclinical lung lesions.

Animals

Twenty‐five Holstein calves, 1–12 weeks old.

Methods

In this prospective study, calves with low respiratory scores underwent US, BALF and postmortem examination (normal US, n = 5; comet‐tails, n = 5; consolidation, n = 15). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected and analyzed for total and differential cell counts. Lung lesions were assessed by gross and histopathologic examination. Data were analyzed using nonparametric methods and relative risk analysis. The accuracy of US and BALF were estimated relative to postmortem examination.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of US for detecting lung lesions was 94% (95% CI, 69–100%) and 100% (95% CI, 64–100%), respectively. A cut‐point of ≥4% BALF neutrophils was associated with the highest BALF sensitivity and specificity, 81% (95% CI, 56–94%) and 75% (95% CI, 36–95%). The presence of consolidation on US increased the risk of having a BALF neutrophil proportion ≥4% (RR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.13–13.45; P = .003).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Ultrasonography accurately detects lung lesions in calves with subclinical disease. Clinicians should use a cut‐point of ≥4% BALF neutrophils to diagnose subclinical respiratory disease.     

Cytokine Concentrations in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid from Horses with Neutrophilic Inflammatory Airway Disease

Background

Multiple cytological patterns occur in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of horses with inflammatory airway disease (IAD). Only few data on BALF cytokine profiles are available for horses with IAD, and are limited to mRNA expression.

Hypothesis/Objective

Cytological profiles of IAD are associated with different BALF immunological pathways. To investigate BALF cytokine concentrations in a large number of horses with neutrophilic IAD.

Animals

One hundred and thirty‐eight client‐owned Standardbred racehorses in active training.

Methods

Prospective observational study. BALF samples were obtained from left and right lungs. Interleukin (IL)‐4, interferon (IFN)‐γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α concentrations were determined by ELISA.

Results

Fourteen horses had normal BALF cytological profiles and 56 exhibited evidence of bilateral neutrophilic IAD. Twenty‐four horses showed BALF with, respectively, IAD‐ and CTL consistent cytology and were excluded; as were 44 horses because of evidence of pulmonary hemorrhage. TNF‐α (56 ± 115 pg/mL; P = .034) and IFN‐γ concentrations (104 ± 247 pg/mL; P = .044) were significantly higher for IAD horses, compared with controls (respectively 19 ± 41 and 80 ± 116 pg/mL). Horses with ‘neutrophil’ subtype had significantly higher IFN‐γ concentrations (110 ± 154 pg/mL), than ‘neutrophil/metachromatic’ (56 ± 54 pg/mL; P = .028) and ‘neutrophil/metachromatic/eosinophil’ subtypes (44 ± 23 pg/mL; P = .012).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Cytokine concentrations in BALF suggested that neutrophilic IAD is associated with activation of the innate immune system and a possible T‐helper (Th)‐1 polarized response. This study also suggested that immunological pathways vary according to cytological IAD subtypes.     

Age Effects on Blood Gas,Spirometry, Airway Reactivity,and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Cytology in Clinically Healthy Horses

Background

Despite the increasing number of geriatric horses attended by veterinarians, there is a lack of understanding of aging‐related changes on the respiratory system of horses.

Objective

To identify aging‐related changes on the respiratory function and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology of horses.

Animals

Fifteen healthy young adult (2–11 years) and 16 healthy aged (≥20 years) horses.

Methods

The respiratory system was examined by measurement of arterial blood gases (ABG), use of respiratory inductive plethysmography (RIP) for assessment of breathing pattern and ventilatory parameters, histamine bronchoprovocation, and BALF cytology.

Results

No significant differences were detected with regard to values obtained by ABG or bronchoprovocation of young adult and aged healthy horses. In aged horses, there were significant differences in mean ± SD of the following parameters when compared to young horses: prolonged expiratory time (Te) measured by RIP (3.9 ± 1.5 s versus 3.0 ± 0.6 s), decreased percentage of alveolar macrophages (40.6 ± 11.3% versus 53.5 ± 9.6%), and increased percentage of lymphocytes (53.4 ± 9.5% versus 43.9 ± 11.0%). No correlations between airway reactivity and ventilatory parameters, ABG, or BALF cytology were found in this asymptomatic population.

Conclusions

These results suggest that aging does not cause changes in the results obtained by ABG, most RIP‐derived variables, and bronchoprovocation in the horse. A decreased percentage of macrophage and an increased percentage of lymphocytes in the BALF cytology may be expected in the asymptomatic geriatric horse and may be a result of aging.     

Comparative Analysis of mRNA Expression of Surface Antigens between Histiocytic and Nonhistiocytic Sarcoma in Dogs

Background

Definitive diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma (HS) in dogs is relatively difficult by conventional histopathological examination because objective features of HS are not well defined.

Hypothesis

Quantitative analysis of mRNA expression of selected cellular surface antigens (SAs) specific to HS in dogs can facilitate objective and rapid diagnosis.

Animals

Dogs with HS (n = 30) and dogs without HS (n = 36), including those with other forms of lymphoma (n = 4), inflammatory diseases (n = 6), and other malignant neoplasias (n = 26).

Methods

Retrospective clinical observational study. Specimens were collected by excisional biopsy, needle core biopsy, or fine needle aspiration. To determine HS detection efficacy, mRNA expression levels of selected SAs specific to HS in dogs, including MHC class IIα, CD11b, CD11c, and CD86, were quantitatively analyzed using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Each SA mRNA expression level was significantly higher in HS dogs than in non‐HS dogs (P = .0082). Cutoff values for discriminating between HS and non‐HS dogs based on these expression levels were calculated on the basis of receiver‐operating characteristic analysis. Accuracy of the cutoff values, including MHC class IIα, CD11b, CD11c, and CD86, was 87.9, 86.4, 86.4, and 84.8%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Our results suggest that quantitative analysis of mRNA expression of the selected SAs could be an adjunctive diagnostic technique with high diagnostic accuracy for HS in dogs. Substantial investigation is required for exclusion of diseases with similar cell types of origin to lymphoma.     

Immunohistochemical Expression of Potential Therapeutic Targets in Canine Thyroid Carcinoma

Background

Thyroid carcinoma is a common endocrine tumor in the dog. Local invasive growth frequently precludes surgical excision and, in up to 38% of dogs, the tumor has already metastasized by the time of diagnosis. Therefore, it is important to investigate new treatment modalities that may be useful for the large number of dogs with inoperable tumors or metastatic disease.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To investigate the immunohistochemical expression of potential therapeutic targets in canine thyroid tumors.

Animals

74 dogs with thyroid neoplasia.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was performed for thyroglobulin, calcitonin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), p53, cycloxygenase‐2 (cox‐2), and P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp).

Results

Fifty‐four (73%) tumors were classified as follicular cell thyroid carcinomas (FTCs) and 20 (27%) as medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs). Eighty percent of FTCs and all MTCs had a high percentage (76–100%) of neoplastic cells immunopositive for VEGF. Thirteen percent of FTCs and 50% of MTCs expressed cox‐2. Seven percent of FTCs and 70% of MTCs expressed P‐gp. No tumor was immunopositive for p53 expression. Expression of VEGF (P = .034), cox‐2 (P = .013), and P‐gp (P < .001) was significantly higher in MTCs compared to FTCs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

VEGF is a potential therapeutic target in both FTC and MTC in dogs. Cox‐2 and P‐gp may be useful molecular targets in canine MTC.     

Chiari‐Like Malformation and Syringomyelia in American Brussels Griffon Dogs

Background

Although Chiari‐like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) have been described in many small breed dogs, the prevalence and clinical manifestations of this complex have not been documented in a large cohort of American Brussels Griffon (ABG) dogs.

Objectives

To characterize the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of CM and SM in the ABG breed.

Animals

Eighty‐four American Kennel Club registered ABG dogs were recruited.

Methods

Prospective study. Complete histories and neurologic examinations were obtained before MRI. Images were blindly reviewed and calculations were made by using OsiriX. All analyses were performed by Student''s t‐test, Spearman''s correlation, ANOVA, and chi‐square test where appropriate.

Results

Chiari‐like malformation and SM were present in 65% and 52% of dogs, respectively. Twenty‐eight percent of dogs had neurologic deficits and 20% had neck pain. Mean central canal (CC) transverse height was 2.5 mm with a mean length of 3.6 cervical vertebrae. Neurologic deficits were significantly associated with a larger syrinx (P = .04, P = .08) and syrinx size increased with age (P = .027). SM was associated with a smaller craniocervical junction (CCJ) height (P = .04) and larger ventricles (P = .0001; P < .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Syringomyelia and CM are prevalent in American Brussels Griffon dogs. Syrinx size is associated with neurologic deficits, CM, larger ventricles, a smaller craniocervical junction height, neurologic deficits, and cerebellar herniation. Fifty‐two percent of dogs with a SM were clinically normal.     

Detection of Clinically Relevant Pain Relief in Cats with Degenerative Joint Disease Associated Pain

Background

Detection of clinically relevant pain relief in cats with degenerative joint disease (DJD) is complicated by a lack of validated outcome measures and a placebo effect.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate a novel approach for detection of pain relief in cats with DJD.

Animals

Fifty‐eight client‐owned cats.

Methods

Prospective, double‐masked, placebo‐controlled, stratified, randomized, clinical study. Enrolled cats were 6–21 years of age, with owner‐observed mobility impairment, evidence of pain in at least 2 joints during orthopedic examination, and overlapping radiographic evidence of DJD, and underwent a 2‐week baseline period, 3‐week treatment period with placebo or meloxicam, and 3‐week masked washout period. Outcome measures were evaluated at days 0, 15, 36, and 57.

Results

Both groups significantly improved after the treatment period (day 36) on client‐specific outcome measures (CSOM) and feline musculoskeletal pain index (FMPI) (P < .0001 for both); there was no difference between the groups on CSOM or FMPI score improvement. After the masked washout period, more cats that received meloxicam during the treatment period had a clinically relevant decrease in CSOM score (P = .048) and FMPI score (P = .021) than cats that received placebo.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Using both a client‐specific and a general clinical metrology instrument, owners of cats with DJD were able to detect evident recurrence of clinical signs after withdrawal of active medication than after withdrawal of placebo, and that this study design might be a novel and useful way to circumvent the placebo effect and detect the efficacy of pain‐relieving medications.     

Clinical Findings and Survival in 56 Sick Neonatal New World Camelids

Background

Information pertaining to clinical presentation and outcome of neonatal New World camelids (NWC) is limited when compared to calves and foals.

Hypothesis

Values of variables at admission and subsequent treatment would predict survival in sick neonatal NWC.

Animals

Fifty‐six client‐owned sick neonatal NWC presented over a 10‐year period to the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed. Inclusion criteria were NWC less than 30 days of age with complete medical records that presented between 2000 and 2010.

Results

The median age at presentation was 1 day (range 1–20). The most common diagnoses were systemic inflammatory response syndrome (50%), congenital defects (41%), ophthalmic lesions (21%), sepsis (16%), and gastrointestinal diseases (16%). Sixty‐six percent of NWC survived to discharge. Clinicopathologic findings on admission were variable and not specific for disorders. Factors associated with survival were absence of choanal atresia (P = .001, OR: 55.9 [2.5–1,232]), administration of llama plasma (P = .013, OR: 4.9 [1.4–17.7]), and antimicrobial treatment with trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMS) (P = .016, OR: 6.5 [1.3–32.2]).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The use of antibiotics, particularly TMS, and llama plasma are recommended in sick neonatal NWC. Results from this study could contribute toward defining a NWC‐specific sepsis scoring system.     

Relationship among Insulin Resistance,Growth Hormone,and Insulin‐Like Growth Factor I Concentrations in Diestrous Swedish Elkhounds

Background

In the dog, the normal estrous cycle includes a prolonged luteal phase. Progesterone stimulates local canine mammary growth hormone (GH) production, which may act systemically and contribute to insulin resistance. Swedish Elkhounds are predisposed to progesterone‐related diabetes mellitus, and the relationship among insulin resistance, GH, and insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) is of particular interest.

Objective

To study insulin resistance in relation to GH and IGF‐I in nondiabetic Swedish Elkhounds during diestrus. We also assessed whether alterations in these hormones could predict diestrus‐linked diseases and all‐cause mortality.

Animals

Eighty‐four privately owned female intact Swedish Elkhounds >4 years of age.

Methods

Blood sampling and clinical examination during luteal phase, with a follow‐up questionnaire after 20 months. Insulin resistance was calculated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA‐IR).

Results

In multivariable regression analysis, GH was positively associated with HOMA‐IR (P = .009). An increase in GH of 1 ng/mL was associated with a 12.7% increase in HOMA‐IR. Moreover, C‐peptide was positively associated with IGF‐I (P = .04), and an increase in C‐peptide of 0.1 ng/mL was associated with a 6.9% increase in IGF‐I. Structural equation modeling supported these results. Twenty‐three animals were found to have previously unrecognized mammary masses and had higher GH (P < .0001) and IGF‐I (P = .007) than dogs without mammary masses (n = 61). There was no association between high GH and IGF‐I concentrations at sampling and future mammary masses.

Conclusion

We showed that GH was strongly associated with insulin resistance in older Swedish Elkhounds during diestrus.     

Cervical Vertebral Trabecular Bone Mineral Density in Great Danes With and Without Osseous‐Associated Cervical Spondylomyelopathy

Background

Great Danes (GDs) with osseous‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) have osteoarthritis (OA) of the cervical vertebrae. OA is often associated with increases in bone mineral density (BMD) in people and dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare the trabecular BMD of the cervical vertebrae between clinically normal (control) GDs and GDs with osseous‐associated CSM by using computed tomography (CT). We hypothesized that the vertebral trabecular BMD of CSM‐affected GDs would be higher than that of control GDs.

Animals

Client‐owned GDs: 12 controls, 10 CSM affected.

Methods

Prospective study. CT of the cervical vertebral column was obtained alongside a calibration phantom. By placing a circular region of interest at the articular process joints, vertebral body, pedicles, and within each rod of the calibration phantom, trabecular BMD was measured in Hounsfield units, which were converted to diphosphate equivalent densities. Trabecular BMD measurements were compared between CSM‐affected and control dogs, and between males and females within the control group.

Results

Differences between CSM‐affected and control dogs were not significant for the articular processes (mean = −39; P = .37; 95% CI: −102 to 24), vertebral bodies (mean = −62; P = .08; 95% CI: −129 to 6), or pedicles (mean = −36; P = .51; 95% CI: −105 to 33). Differences between female and male were not significant.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study revealed no difference in BMD between control and CSM‐affected GDs. Based on our findings no association was detected between cervical OA and BMD in GDs with CSM.     

Environmental Exposures and Airway Inflammation in Young Thoroughbred Horses

Background

Inflammatory airway disease (IAD) in horses is a widespread, performance‐limiting syndrome believed to develop in response to inhaled irritants in the barn environment.

Objectives

To evaluate changes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology and exposure to particulates, endotoxin, and ammonia during horses'' first month in training.

Animals

Forty‐nine client‐owned 12‐ to 36‐month‐old Thoroughbred horses entering race training.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, a convenience sample of horses was assigned to be fed hay from a net (n = 16), whereas the remaining horses were fed hay from the ground (n = 33). BALF was collected at enrollment and after 14 and 28 days in training. Respirable particulate, inhalable particulate, respirable endotoxin, and ammonia concentrations were measured at the breathing zone of each horse weekly.

Results

Median respirable particulates were significantly higher when horses were fed from hay nets than when fed hay from the ground (hay net 0.28 mg/m³, no hay net 0.055 mg/m³, P < .001). Likewise, inhalable particulate (hay net 8.3 mg/m³, no hay net 3.3 mg/m³, P = .0064) and respirable endotoxin (hay net 173.4 EU/m³, no hay net 59.2 EU/m³, P = .018) exposures were significantly higher when horses were fed from hay nets. Feeding hay from a net resulted in significantly higher BALF eosinophil proportions over time (P < .001). BALF eosinophils were significantly related to respirable particulate exposure (14 days in training r _s = 0.37, P = .012, 28 days in training, r _s = 0.38, P = .017).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation develops in response to respirable particulate exposure in young Thoroughbreds, indicating a potential hypersensitivity to inhaled particulate allergens.     

Prognostic Value of Left Atrial Function in Dogs with Chronic Mitral Valvular Heart Disease

Background

A strong correlation between left atrial (LA) dysfunction and the severity of cardiac disease has been described in human patients with various cardiac diseases. The role of LA dysfunction in dogs with chronic mitral valvular heart disease (CMVHD) has not been addressed.

Objectives

To investigate the correlation between LA function and the prognosis of dogs with CMVHD.

Animals

Thirty‐eight client‐owned dogs with CMVHD.

Methods

Prospective clinical cohort study. Dogs were divided into 2 groups (survivors and nonsurvivors) based on the onset of cardiac‐related death within 1 year. Physical examination and echocardiographic variables were compared between the groups. For the assessment of the comparative accuracy in identifying patients with cardiac‐related death, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and multivariate logistic analysis were used.

Results

The highest accuracy was obtained for the LA active fractional area change (LA‐FAC _act), with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.95, followed by the left atrial to aortic root ratio (LA/Ao), with an AUC of 0.94; peak early diastolic mitral inflow velocity (E), with an AUC of 0.85; and LA total fractional area change (LA‐FAC _total), with an AUC of 0.85. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, LA‐FAC _act emerged as the only independent correlate of cardiac‐related death within 1 year (odds ratio = 1.401, P = .002).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Regarding both the size and function, the LA has a strong correlation with the prognosis of dogs with CMVHD. The most significant independent predictor of mortality in this study was LA‐FAC _act.     

The Impact of Demographic,Social, and Environmental Factors on the Development of Steroid‐Responsive Meningitis‐Arteritis (SRMA) in the United Kingdom

Background

Steroid‐responsive meningitis‐arteritis (SRMA) is an inflammatory disease of dogs that is suspected to be immune‐mediated. The development of other immune‐mediated diseases has been linked to vaccinations, time of the year, geographic location, sex, neuter status, and breed.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To identify if the development of SRMA is associated with time of year, vaccination, geographic location, sex, neuter status, and breed.

Animals

Sixty SRMA cases and 180 controls, all ≤24 months of age and matched for year of presentation, from a referral hospital population in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Retrospective case‐control study with unconditional logistic regression analysis.

Results

Beagles (P = .001), Border Collies (P = .001), Boxers (P = .032), Jack Russell Terriers (P = .001), Weimaraners (P = .048), and Whippets (P < .001) had significantly greater odds of developing SRMA in this population of dogs. Vaccination, time of year, geographic category, sex, and neuter status did not increase the odds of developing SRMA.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Only breed increased the odds of developing SRMA. It would be prudent to investigate the genetics of the identified breeds to help elucidate the etiopathogenesis of SRMA.     

Breed Differences in Natriuretic Peptides in Healthy Dogs

Background

Measurement of plasma concentration of natriuretic peptides (NPs) is suggested to be of value in diagnosis of cardiac disease in dogs, but many factors other than cardiac status may influence their concentrations. Dog breed potentially is 1 such factor.

Objective

To investigate breed variation in plasma concentrations of pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide 31‐67 (proANP 31‐67) and N‐terminal B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) in healthy dogs.

Animals

535 healthy, privately owned dogs of 9 breeds were examined at 5 centers as part of the European Union (EU) LUPA project.

Methods

Absence of cardiovascular disease or other clinically relevant organ‐related or systemic disease was ensured by thorough clinical investigation. Plasma concentrations of proANP 31‐67 and NT‐proBNP were measured by commercially available ELISA assays.

Results

Overall significant breed differences were found in proANP 31‐67 (P < .0001) and NT‐proBNP (P < .0001) concentrations. Pair‐wise comparisons between breeds differed in approximately 50% of comparisons for proANP 31‐67 as well as NT‐proBNP concentrations, both when including all centers and within each center. Interquartile range was large for many breeds, especially for NT‐proBNP. Among included breeds, Labrador Retrievers and Newfoundlands had highest median NT‐proBNP concentrations with concentrations 3 times as high as those of Dachshunds. German Shepherds and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels had the highest median proANP 31‐67 concentrations, twice the median concentration in Doberman Pinschers.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Considerable interbreed variation in plasma NP concentrations was found in healthy dogs. Intrabreed variation was large in several breeds, especially for NT‐proBNP. Additional studies are needed to establish breed‐specific reference ranges.     

Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α and Interleukin‐6 Concentrations in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Dogs After Seizures

Background

Idiopathic and acquired epilepsy are common in dogs. Up to 30% of these dogs are refractory to pharmacological treatment. Accumulating experimental evidence indicates that brain immune response and presence of inflammatory mediators decrease the threshold for individual seizures and contribute to epileptogenesis.

Hypothesis

Dogs with seizures have higher cerebrospinal interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) concentrations compared to dogs with no seizures.

Methods

A prospective double blinded study; cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum IL‐6, TNF‐α and total protein (TP) concentrations were measured by a blinded investigator for the study group and CSF IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels and TP concentrations were measured in the control group (CG).

Animals

Dogs presented with seizures that had enough CSF collected to allow analysis were included in the study group. Twelve apparently healthy, quarantined, stray dogs served as control (CG).

Results

Cerebrospinal fluid TNF‐α and IL‐6 concentrations were significantly higher (P = .011, P = .039) in dogs with seizures (0 ± 70.66, 0.65 ± 10.93 pg/mL) compared to the CG (0 ± 19, 0.73 ± 0.55 pg/mL). When assessing cytokine concentrations of specifically the idiopathic epilepsy (IE) dogs compared to the CG, only TNF‐α concentrations (8.66 ± 62, 0 ± 19 pg/mL) were significantly higher (P = .01). CSF TP concentrations were not significantly higher in the study dogs compared to the CG.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Higher TNF‐α and IL‐6 concentration in the CSF of dogs with naturally occurring seizures. The higher supports the hypothesis that inflammatory processes through certain mediators play a role in the pathogenesis of seizures in dogs.     

Serum Surfactant Protein D and Haptoglobin as Potential Biomarkers for Inflammatory Airway Disease in Horses

Background

The identification of serum biomarkers of lung inflammation would facilitate the diagnosis of inflammatory airway disease (IAD) in horses.

Hypothesis

Horses with IAD have higher serum concentrations of markers of inflammation compared to controls.

Animals

Twelve horses with IAD and 10 control horses.

Methods

This was a prospective case–control study. Blood and BALF were collected from horses with IAD and controls. Serum concentration of surfactant protein D (SP‐D), haptoglobin, serum amyloid A (SAA) and of the soluble form of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (sTREM‐1) was measured using commercial ELISA tests.

Results

Horses with IAD had higher serum concentration (log‐transformed values) of SP‐D (mean ± SD: 1.773 ± 0.51), haptoglobin (6.657 ± 0.202) and SAA (0.128 ± 0.396) compared to controls (0.942 ± 0.226, 6.38 ± 0.22, −0.398 ± 0.319, respectively; P < .01 for all). Furthermore, the concentrations of SP‐D and haptoglobin combined allowed differentiating the 2 groups (IAD: 8.43 ± 0.564, controls: 7.322 ± 0.249, P < .0001) with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% when a cut‐off of 7.70 (log value) was employed.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Surfactant protein D and haptoglobin serum concentrations could be a diagnostic aid in IAD. Further studies are necessary to establish the specificity of our findings before they can be applied in everyday practice.