Bacterial Culturing for Prediction of Postoperative Complications Following Open Fracture Repair in Small Animals

Swab specimens for bacterial culturing were obtained from 82 consecutive dogs and 13 cats undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of 110 fractures. Bacteria were isolated from 51 wounds. When the data were analyzed by stepwise logistic regression, it was found that bacterial contamination of wounds was associated most often with open fractures and with tibia or radius/ulna fractures. Contaminated wounds were five times more likely to develop complications than those without bacterial contamination. Regardless of results of bacterial culturing, postoperative complications developed significantly more often in animals that were febrile (>39.4° C [103° F]). Postoperative complications did not develop in animals that did not have bacterial contamination of wounds and were not febrile.     

Bacteria associated with pyothorax of dogs and cats: 98 cases (1989-1998)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the organisms most commonly isolated from pleural fluid from dogs and cats with pyothorax. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 51 dogs and 47 cats. PROCEDURE: Results of bacteriologic culture of pleural fluid samples obtained by means of thoracentesis were obtained from medical records. To obtain information on in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of organisms commonly isolated from dogs and cats, records of all dogs and cats examined during 1998 were reviewed, and information was obtained on identity and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of aerobic organisms isolated from samples other than urine or urinary tract samples. RESULTS: Median ages of dogs and cats were 4 years. Bacteria were isolated from pleural fluid samples from 47 of 51 (92%) dogs and 45 of 47 (96%) cats. Obligate anaerobic bacteria were isolated from 28 dogs and 40 cats. A mixture of obligate anaerobic and facultative bacteria was isolated from 17 dogs and 20 cats. Samples from cats most often yielded a member of the nonenteric group (most commonly members of the genus Pasteurella), whereas those from dogs more often yielded a member of the family Enterobacteriaceae (most commonly E coli). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that antimicrobial agents chosen for the initial treatment of dogs and cats with pyothorax should be active against a mixture of obligate anaerobic and facultative bacteria.     

Canine parainfluenza-Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine immunogenicity

The immunogenicity and safety of 3 serials of a canine parainfluenza (CPI) virus-Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine was evaluated. Each serial was used to vaccinate 10 dogs with single doses given intranasally. The 30 vaccinated and 10 nonvaccinated controls dogs were challenge exposed with aerosols of virulent CPI virus and B bronchiseptica at 18 days and at 21 days, respectively, after vaccination. After challenge exposure, none of the 30 vaccinated dogs had clinical signs of disease; however, 9 of the 10 nonvaccinated dogs developed coughing problems. The CPI virus was isolated from nasal swab specimens obtained from nonvaccinated dogs on an average of 5.1 days after challenge exposure, but was not isolated from any of the specimens obtained from the vaccinated dogs. Bordetella bronchiseptica was isolated from nasal swab specimens obtained from both vaccinated and nonvaccinated dogs up to 18 days after challenge exposure. The erythrocyte sedimentation rates and total leukocyte counts for control dogs were generally increased, in contrast to those for the vaccinated groups. Dogs showed a primary serologic response to CPI virus and B bronchiseptica after vaccination and an anamnestic response to the bacterium after challenge exposure. Adverse local or systemic reactions attributable to the bivalent vaccine were not observed in the vaccinated dogs.     

Clinical and microbiologic findings in dogs with bronchoscopically diagnosed tracheal collapse: 37 cases (1990-1995).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of bacteria in bronchoscopically diagnosed tracheal collapse in dogs by evaluating qualitative results of bacteriologic cultures. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 37 dogs with tracheal collapse. PROCEDURE: Clinical records for dogs with tracheal collapse confirmed with bronchoscopy were reviewed. A protected catheter brush was used to obtain samples for bacteriologic culture from the large airways. RESULTS: Results of bacterial culture were negative for 5 of 29 dogs. For 24 dogs, 1 (n = 10), 2 (6), or > or = 3 (8) species of bacteria were isolated. Pseudomonas spp were isolated most frequently (17/29), and a single Pseudomonas sp grew in 7 samples. Other bacteria included Enterobacter spp (4/29), Citrobacter spp (3/29), and Moraxella spp, Klebsiella spp, Bordetella spp, or Acinetobacter spp (2/29 dogs each). Anaerobic and aerobic cultures yielded positive results in samples from 2 dogs. Cytologic results were available for 13 dogs with positive results of bacteriologic culture; epithelial cells were reported most commonly. Five samples had a small number of neutrophils; bacteria were identified cytologically in 2 of 5 samples that contained neutrophils. Bacteria were also seen in 2 samples that lacked inflammatory cells. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bacteria are commonly isolated from samples obtained via airway brushing in dogs with tracheal collapse; however, in the absence of cytologic confirmation of inflammation or infection, an association between bacteria and clinical signs of tracheal collapse cannot be established.     

Laboratory tests performed on Leishmania seroreactive dogs euthanized by the leishmaniasis control program

In 2008, in the west zone of Rio de Janeiro municipality-Brazil, the leishmaniasis control program identified 155 dogs with titers ≥ 40 by Indirect ImmunoFluorescence (IIF) on blood collected onto filter paper. The objective of this study was to describe the laboratory test findings performed in dogs euthanized by the leishmaniasis program control of Rio de Janeiro municipality. Dogs were examined, subjected to euthanasia and collection of clinical specimens. Parasite isolation was obtained in 29 animals: Leishmania chagasi was isolated in 14 dogs; Leishmania braziliensis was isolated in five dogs; Trypanosoma caninum was obtained in seven animals and one dog had mixed infection (L. braziliensis and L. chagasi). By Polymerase Chain Reaction, seventeen animals were positive in intact skin fragments. In the serological reassessment of serum samples, 28% and 22% were positive for IIF and enzyme immunoassay, respectively. Ninety-one (59%) dogs were negative for all tests performed in this study. The findings indicate that the visceral leishmaniasis control program needs to be adjusted in order to avoid non-infected dogs from being removed or permit that dogs infected with L. chagasi to remain undetected in endemic areas.     

Open peritoneal drainage for treatment of contaminated peritoneal cavity and septic peritonitis in dogs and cats: 24 cases (1980-1986)

The medical records of 22 dogs and 2 cats in which generalized peritonitis had been treated by open peritoneal drainage were reviewed. The age of the affected animals ranged from 5 months to 14 years. The causes of peritonitis were numerous, with the most common being leakage of gastrointestinal contents through spontaneous gastric or intestinal perforations and peritoneal contamination resulting from surgical complications. Bacteria were isolated from 18 (94.7%) of 19 specimens obtained for culturing at the time of diagnosis of peritonitis and from 8 (80%) of 10 specimens obtained for culturing at the time of final abdominal closure. Only 2 (25%) of 8 of the animals in which bacteria were isolated at the time of final abdominal closure died. The overall mortality was 33%. The mortality attributable to peritonitis or its direct complications was 21%. Open peritoneal drainage was tolerated well by all patients.     

Enteric Clostridium perfringens infection associated with parvoviral enteritis in dogs: 74 cases (1987-1990).

Parvovirus infection was confirmed by fluorescent antibody staining of or viral isolation from specimens of small intestine in 181 (17%) of 1,110 dogs necropsied between July 1, 1987 and Dec 31, 1990. Clostridium perfringens was isolated from 74 (69%) of 108 dogs with parvovirus infection from which specimens of jejunum also had been obtained for culture of anaerobic bacteria. Gram-positive bacilli in association with focal to diffuse necrosis of the superficial portions of the villi were observed in histologic sections of specimens of small intestine from 56 (98%) of 57 dogs from which parvovirus and C perfringens had been identified. These findings indicate that C perfringens frequently proliferates in dogs with parvovirus infection.     

Stress Fractures of the Acetabulum in 26 Racing Greyhounds

Acetabular fractures in 26 racing Greyhounds were reviewed. All fractures occurred during racing or training and were unrelated to any external trauma. All fractures had similar configurations, were minimally displaced, and involved only the acetabulum. Affected dogs were young (16-36 months). Fractures occurred unilaterally (22 dogs) and bilaterally (4 dogs). There was no sex predilection, and both right and left sides were equally represented. Bilateral fractures were associated with retraining between the occurrence of the first and second fractures. Radiographically, a fracture line was consistently visible in the caudal third of the acetabulum. Fractures in gross specimens resembled an inverted "Y." Results of histologic evaluation of two fractured acetabula showed changes characteristic of a nonunion fracture. Microfractures were evident in the grossly normal acetabulum opposite the fractured side. Evidence obtained from this study suggests a common pathogenesis of the fractures related to tremendous repetitive stresses produced during running. Greyhounds with unilateral acetabular fractures may provide a reproducible model for future studies of stress fractures in animals and humans because of the high incidence of bilateral fractures that develop during retraining. Surgical repair of the acetabular stress fracture was more successful than conservative management in returning the dogs to competitive racing.     

Bacterial Isolates from Blood Cultures of Dogs Undergoing Dentistry

Bacteria in blood cultures in 30 dogs undergoing high-speed dental scaling and tooth extraction were examined. One or more positive blood cultures were identified in 9 of 30 (30%) dogs. Pasteurella spp. were most frequently (5 dogs) isolated and were sensitive to ampicillin, penicillin, cephalothin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, and sul-famethoxazole with trimethoprim. Twg groups of 15 dogs each, anesthetized or sedated but not undergoing dental procedures, served as non-dentistry controls. There were no significant (p < .05) differences between the number of positive cultures in dentistry and non-dentistry groups. In healthy dogs undergoing high-speed dental scaling and tooth extraction, the occurrence of bacteria in blood cultures was much lower than previously reported. The clinical significance of positive blood cultures was uncertain.     

Unilateral Uniplanar External Skeletal Fixation for Isolated Diaphyseal Tibial Fractures in Skeletally Immature Dogs

Objective: To report and evaluate use of external skeletal fixation (ESF) for repair of isolated (fibula intact) diaphyseal tibia fractures in skeletally immature dogs.
Study Design: Case series.
Animals: Skeletally immature (mean age, 17 weeks; range, 12–23 weeks) dogs (n=5) with isolated diaphyseal tibial fractures.
Methods: Medical records (2006–2007) of 5 dogs with isolated diaphyseal tibial fractures treated with Type 1a ESF were reviewed and outcome assessed by clinical examination and telephone interviews.
Results: Dogs were evaluated ∼2 and 4 weeks after surgery. Limb function, muscle mass, and comfort level remained very good to excellent throughout healing. Bony union was confirmed radiographically and the ESF removed ∼4 weeks after surgery (mean, 31.4 days; range, 28–37 days). Owner satisfaction was high when contacted a minimum of 4 weeks after ESF removal.
Conclusions: Use of Type Ia ESF with positive profile threaded pins is a practical and biologic method for treatment of isolated tibial fractures in skeletally immature dogs
Clinical Relevance: ESF is an effective alternative treatment to external coaptation and internal fixation for isolated diaphyseal tibial fractures in skeletally immature dogs.     

Microbiologic evaluation of canine urine: direct microscopic examination and preservation of specimen quality for culture

Urine specimens were obtained from 115 dogs. Each specimen was divided into 2 aliquots; one aliquot was placed into a sterile container (non-preserved), and the other was preserved in a boric acid-glycerol-sodium formate at 4 C. Both aliquots were then transported to a laboratory, and specimens of each aliquot were bacteriologically cultured immediately upon arrival at the laboratory. Specimens of the preserved aliquot also were cultured after 24, 48, and 72 hours of preservation. In 47 specimens containing greater than or equal to 1 X 10(4) colony-forming units (CFU)/ml, the results of quantitative bacteriologic culturing of preserved urine at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours were the same as the result of the immediate quantitative bacteriologic culture of non-preserved urine. In 2 of 5 specimens containing greater than or equal to 1 X 10(3) CFU/ml but less than 1 X 10(4) CFU/ml, the results of quantitative bacteriologic culture of preserved urine differed from the corresponding immediate culture of nonpreserved urine. Bacteria were not isolated from 63 specimens (less than 1 X 10(3) CFU/ml). Bacteriologic cultures of preserved urine were also negative for bacterial growth at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Bacteriuria was detected by direct microscopic examination of gram-stained smears of uncentrifuged urine in 50 of 52 urine specimens from dogs with urinary tract infection. Bacteria were observed in 1 of 63 specimens that did not have bacterial growth when cultured.     

Survey of conjunctival flora in dogs with clinical signs of external eye disease

Bacteria were isolated 68% of the time from the conjunctival sacs of 120 dogs with conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dacryocystitis, or corneal ulcerations. Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated organism (68%); when both eyes were affected, S aureus was recovered from 29% of the dogs; and in dogs with 1 eye affected, S aureus was isolated from 23% of the affected eyes and in 18% of the nonaffected eyes. Other organisms recovered from eyes were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus epidermidis (27%), beta-hemolytic streptococcus (19%), alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus (17%), Escherichia coli (10%), Bacillus spp (11%), and Proteus spp (7%). It was concluded that S aureus may appear as a primary pathogen in ocular disease. When 1 eye is clinically affected, S aureus can be a potential invader of the normal eye.     

The Use of Prophylactic Penicillin in Orthopedic Surgery: A Clinical Trial

Thirty dogs presented for open surgical repair of fractures were treated with prophylactic penicillin. Thirty other dogs with fractures were not given antibiotics. Each animal was monitored by clinical signs and deep aspiration culture, and followed for 6 months or until the fracture had healed and the implants had been removed.
No statistically significant difference was found in the number of clinical infections or positive bacterial cultures for each group. Differences in results between categories, such as type of injury, implants used, and surgeon, also were not statistically significant.     

Characterization of canine mitochondrial protein expression in natural and induced forms of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVE: To map canine mitochondrial proteins and identify qualitative and quantitative differences in heart mitochondrial protein expression between healthy dogs and dogs with naturally occurring and induced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). SAMPLE POPULATION: Left ventricle samples were obtained from 7 healthy dogs, 7 Doberman Pinschers with naturally occurring DCM, and 7 dogs with induced DCM. PROCEDURES: Fresh and frozen mitochondrial fractions were isolated from the left ventricular free wall and analyzed by 2-dimensional electrophoresis. Protein spots that increased or decreased in density by >or= 2-fold between groups were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry or quadrupole selecting, quadrupole collision cell, time-of-flight mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Within narrow pH gradients of control canine heart mitochondrial samples, a total of 1,528 protein spots were revealed. Forty subunits of heart mitochondrial proteins that differ significantly from control tissues were altered in tissue specimens from dogs with naturally occurring and induced forms of DCM. The most affected heart mitochondrial proteins in both groups were those of oxidative phosphorylation (55%). Upregulation of manganese superoxide dismutase was suggestive of heart oxidative injury in tissue specimens from dogs with both forms of DCM. Evidence of apoptosis was associated with overexpression of the heart mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel-2 protein and endonuclease G in tissue specimens from dogs with induced DCM. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Alterations of heart mitochondrial proteins related to oxidative phosphorylation dysfunction were more prevalent in tissue specimens from dogs with induced or naturally occurring DCM, compared with those of control dogs.     

Comparison of two sample collection methods for quantitative bacteriologic culture of canine prostatic fluid

Ejaculate, urine, urethral swab specimens, and ultrasonography-guided small-needle prostatic cyst aspiration and/or tissue core biopsy specimens were collected for bacteriologic culture from 25 dogs in which prostatic disease was suspected on the basis of history, clinical signs of disease, or results of physical examination. The prostate gland in each dog was examined ultrasonographically, and the tissue core biopsy specimens were examined histologically and bacteriologically. Two methods were used to assess bacterial prostatitis. In 5 dogs (20%), bacteriologic culture results of paired urethral swab and ejaculate specimens differed from culture results of specimens obtained by needle aspiration of prostatic cyst fluid or tissue core biopsy. The prostate gland in 17 dogs had 1 or more cystic, fluid-filled structures (0.5 to 4.0 cm in diameter). Ultrasonographic appearance of the prostate gland did not have obvious correlation with culture results from dogs of the study. Histologic results of prostatic tissue core biopsy specimens correlated well with culture results.     

Effects of bacterial infection and castration on prostatic tissue zinc concentration in dogs

An Escherichia coli bacterial prostatitis was experimentally induced to determine the effect of bacterial infection on prostatic tissue zinc concentrations in castrated and gonadally intact male dogs. Five of the 22 mixed-breed dogs (group 1) had no culture evidence of infection 2 weeks after the instillation of bacteria into the prostate gland. The remaining 17 infected dogs were allotted to 2 groups; 1 group of dogs was subjected to castration (group CA, 7 dogs), and the other group of dogs was subjected to sham operation (group SO, 10 days). The groups were divided into groups of dogs with prostatic infection at necropsy (groups CA-I and SO-I), and those dogs without prostatic infection at necropsy (groups CA-N and SO-N). Urine, prostatic fluid, and prostatic tissue (week 0, 7, +/- 12) specimens were obtained for bacteriologic culturing to determine whether prostatic infection was present. Prostatic tissue was obtained at necropsy (week less than 6, 7, or 12) for analysis of zinc concentration by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The logarithmic mean prostatic tissue zinc concentrations were compared between groups. Group CA had a significantly lower prostatic zinc concentration than all other groups. Zinc concentrations were not statistically different between any of the other groups. Castration did decrease the prostatic tissue concentration of zinc, a known natural antibacterial factor. However, resistance to infection and resolution of infection were not correlated with prostatic tissue zinc concentrations in this experimental model.     

Bacterial colonization of intravenous catheters in young dogs suspected to have parvoviral enteritis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of bacterial colonization of IV catheters among young dogs suspected to have parvoviral enteritis, to identify the organisms responsible for catheter colonization, and to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of organisms that were obtained. DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: 100 dogs. PROCEDURE: Catheters were aseptically removed when fluid therapy was discontinued, the catheter was replaced, or the dog died. The distal tip of the catheter was cut off, split open, and vortexed with sterile saline (0.9% NaCl) solution. The saline solution was plated on culture plates, which were then incubated and examined for bacterial growth every 24 hours for 72 hours. All bacteria cultured were identified, and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined. RESULTS: Bacteria were isolated from 22 catheters. Most bacteria that were isolated were of gastrointestinal tract or environmental origin (Serratia odorifera, S. liquefaciens, S. marcescens, Acinobacter anitratus, Citrobacter freundii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, K. oxytoca, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp). Only 2 gram-positive organisms were isolated (Staphylococcus intermedius and Streptococcus spp). High percentages of organisms were resistant to penicillin, lincomycin, cloxacillin, erythromycin, and cephalexin. Percentages of organisms resistant to amikacin, enrofloxacin, chloramphenicol, potentiated sulfonamides, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid were low. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that IV catheters may be colonized with bacteria in 22% of young dogs suspected to have parvovirus infection.     

Bacterial Isolates From Plaque and From Blood During and After Routine Dental Procedures in Dogs

Objective — This study evaluates the association between dental procedures and bacteremia in dogs, including a comparison of bacteria isolated from plaque and blood, severity of the bacteremia versus the severity of dental disease, and the longevity of bacteremia.
Study Design — Bacteria cultured from the blood over time were compared with those isolated from the plaque and crevicular fluid and in relation to severity of dental disease.
Animals or Sample Population — Twenty adult greyhounds.
Methods — Blood samples were collected for culture before induction of general anesthesia, immediately after intubation, 20 minutes after initiation of the dental procedure, and at 10-minute intervals until 10 minutes after the dental procedure was completed. Samples of plaque were taken for microbiological culture.
Results — Sixty to ninety percent of the bacterial genera isolated from the plaque were present in the blood. Dogs classified according to severity of dental disease showed no difference in the total number of different species or number of different Gram-negative, Gram-positive, or anaerobic bacteria isolated from plaque or blood (P <.05). Bacteremia was present in all of the dogs studied, within 40 minutes from the initiation of the dental procedure, regardless of the severity of oral disease.
Conclusions — Gram-negative, Gram-positive, and anaerobic bacteria are present in blood during dental procedures; the bacteremia can persist beyond the dental procedure, and is not associated with the severity of dental disease.
Clinical Relevance — The nature and extent of bacteremia occuring during routine dental procedures is important in understanding a potential risk to dogs.     

Femur fractures associated with canine total hip replacement

OBJECTIVE: To report femur fracture as a complication of canine total hip replacement (THR) and to report the incidence, predisposing factors, treatment options, and outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Twenty-two client-owned dogs with 24 femoral fractures occurring during or after THR. METHODS: Cemented THR (BioMedtrix, Boonton, NJ) was performed. Medical records and radiographs were used to identify dogs that had femur fracture and to identify risk factors. Follow-up was obtained until dog death or study end. RESULTS: The overall incidence of femur fracture after THR was 2.9%. Femoral fractures occurred intraoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and up to 2196 days after THR. In 17 dogs, fractures resulted from a traumatic event. Osteopathy was present at THR in 5 dogs; all developed femoral fissures during reaming. Three dogs had fractures associated with cortical thinning secondary to aseptic loosening. Fracture treatment included euthanasia (1 dog), strict confinement (3 dogs), full cerclage wires on long oblique fractures (3 dogs), or plate and screw fixation (10 with, and 7 without, cerclage wires). All fractures extended near the distal tip of the femoral stem and all aggressively treated fractures healed. CONCLUSIONS: Predisposing risk factors for femur fracture after THR include osteopathy and iatrogenic fissures created during reaming. Trauma, excessive load concentration, and increased torque can lead to mid-diaphyseal fracture near the end of the femoral stem. Fracture did not disrupt THR implants. Cement fracture exposing the tip of the femoral stem did not affect fracture healing or rehabilitation. Immediate plate and screw fixation resulted in the most favorable outcome; healing occurred in 6-10 weeks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Femur fractures that occur after THR should be repaired using plate and screw fixation augmented with cerclage wire when needed. Forces on fissures should be neutralized to prevent propagation and fracture. Owners of high-risk patients (old dogs with osteopathies or previous hip surgery) should be counseled before THR. The prognosis is excellent when fractures are treated correctly.     

Evaluation of five enzyme immunoassays compared with the cytotoxicity assay for diagnosis of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in dogs.

Clostridium difficile-associated-diarrhea (CDAD) is a nosocomial infection in dogs. Diagnosis of this infection is dependent on clinical signs of disease supported by laboratory detection of C. difficile toxins A or B, or both, in fecal specimens via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Unfortunately, to the authors' knowledge, commercially available ELISAs have not been validated in dogs to date. We evaluated 5 ELISAs done on 143 canine fecal specimens (100 diarrheic and 43 nondiarrheic dogs) and on 29 C. difficile isolates. The results of each ELISA were compared with the cytotoxin B tissue culture assay (CTA). Clostridium difficile was isolated from 23% of the fecal specimens. Eighteen of the 143 fecal specimens were toxin positive (15 diarrheic and 3 nondiarrheic dogs). On the basis of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for toxin-A and -B genes, 72% of the isolates were toxigenic. The carriage rate of toxigenic isolates in diarrheic dogs was higher than that in the nondiarrheic dogs; however, these differences were not statistically significant. A good correlation was found between CTA, PCR, and culture results. The ELISAs done on fecal specimens collected from diarrheic dogs had low sensitivity (7-33%). In contrast, ELISA for toxin A or B, or both, performed on toxigenic isolates had high sensitivity (93%). These results suggest that commercially available human ELISAs are inadequate for the diagnosis of canine C. difficile-associated diarrhea when tested on fecal specimens. In contrast, the Premier ToxinA/B and Techlab ToxinA/B ELISAs may be useful for the diagnosis of canine CDAD when used on toxigenic isolates.