Investigation of bacterial microorganisms in the conjunctival sac of clinically normal dogs and dogs with ulcerative keratitis in Beijing, China

Objective To determine the bacterial microorganisms in the conjunctival sac of clinically normal dogs and dogs with ulcerative keratitis in Beijing, China. The effect of breed, sex and age of dogs and season on the presence or absence of bacteria in the conjunctival sac of clinically normal dogs was evaluated. Sample population This investigation included 240 healthy dogs, 27 dogs with unilateral corneal ulcer and one dog with bilateral corneal ulcer. Procedure The 480 samples from healthy dogs and the 29 samples from dogs with ulcerative keratitis were incubated in an aerobic and 5% CO₂ environment at 37 °C for 48 h. Logistic regression analysis was performed. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.01. Results Of 480 normal eyes, Staphylococcus spp. were the most frequently isolated organisms (40.29%). Neisseria spp. (11.47%) were the next most frequently isolated organisms, followed by Corynebacterium spp. (9.4%). Of 29 eyes with ulcerative keratitis, Staphylococcus spp. were also the most frequently isolated bacteria (47.06%). Streptococcus spp. (12.94%) and Pseudomonas spp. (8.24%) were the second and third, respectively. Season (P = 0.002) was a significant factor influencing presence or absence of bacterial microorganisms in the conjunctival sac of normal dogs in Beijing, China, while the effects of breed (P = 0.095), sex (P = 0.588) and age (P = 0.866) of dogs were insignificant. Conclusion Staphylococcus spp. were the most frequently isolated organisms, and S. intermedius predominated in the conjunctival sac of clinically normal dogs and dogs with ulcerative keratitis in Beijing, China. The likelihood of detecting bacteria depends on the season.     

Heterogeneity of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates from atopic and healthy dogs

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is part of the normal canine flora but frequently causes pyoderma in canine atopic dermatitis (AD). This study aimed to determine whether particular S. pseudintermedius strains were associated with AD and/or pyoderma. Ninety‐six S. pseudintermedius isolates from the ear, nares, perineum and lesions of 21 atopic and 16 healthy dogs were lysed with proteinase K and digested with 40 U SmaI. Restriction products were separated using pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) with an Oxford S. aureus control and lambda‐ladder DNA concatomer markers. A dendrogram was constructed by the unweighted pair group method. All isolates showed a ≥56% similarity coefficient. Nine distinct PFGE clusters were identified, as follows: five from both atopic and healthy dogs; three from atopic dogs only; and one from healthy dogs only. Nine clusters were isolated from the nares, eight from the perineum, five from the ears and six from pyoderma lesions. There were no significant differences in the frequency of isolation from atopic or healthy skin, body sites or infected lesions for any of the clusters. Two of six healthy dogs and 18 of 20 atopic dogs with multiple isolates had closely related isolates (less than three band differences) at more than one sampling site. Isolates from pyoderma lesions were closely related to at least one mucosal isolate in 11 of 16 dogs. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates appear to be heterogeneous, and colonization or infection of atopic skin was not associated with any particular strain or cluster of strains.     

Macroscopic,cytological and bacteriological evaluation of anal sac content in normal dogs and in dogs with selected dermatological diseases

Abstract Macroscopic and cytological aspects of anal sac content were evaluated in 40 normal dogs and 10 dogs each with pyoderma, Malassezia dermatitis associated with atopic dermatitis and uncomplicated atopic dermatitis. Bacteria isolated from anal sacs were compared with those from abdominal skin and hair in 20 normal dogs and 10 dogs with pyoderma. There was no difference between the groups in anal sac dimension, or in the colour, consistency or presence of granules in their content. Extracellular bacteria were found in higher numbers in diseased animals, whereas intracellular bacteria were observed in 40% of dogs with pyoderma and in only 2.5% of normal dogs. Malassezia spp. were present in 15.7% of dogs, with no difference between groups. Neutrophils were observed in 12.5% of normal dogs, 30% of dogs with Malassezia dermatitis with underlying atopic dermatitis and in 70 and 80% of dogs with pyoderma and uncomplicated atopic dermatitis, respectively. Seven bacterial species were isolated from anal sacs, with no difference between normal dogs and dogs with pyoderma. In five normal animals and in four dogs with pyoderma the same bacterial strains were isolated from anal sacs and from abdominal skin and hair.     

P‐74 Evaluation of the in vivo effects of Tris‐EDTA and chlorhexidine digluconate 0.15% solution in chronic bacterial otitis externa: 11 cases

The objectives of this study were to evaluate in vivo tolerance, and antimicrobial and clinical activities of a topical otic preparation containing EDTA tromethamine (Tris) and chlorhexidine digluconate 0.15% solution (Otodine^®) in dogs with chronic bacterial otitis externa. Eleven dogs were included. The affected ears were filled with the solution once daily during a 2‐week period. Dogs were evaluated on days 0, 14 and 28. Three clinical parameters (exudate, erythema, pain) and three cytologic parameters (Malassezia, cocci, rods) were scored (0–4 scale) by otoscopic and cytological examinations of otic exudate. Bacterial cultures were performed at each time point. If there were bacteria on cytological examination on day 14, the dogs were treated with the original product, with the addition of enrofloxacin (5%) applied 10 min after the original product, for a further 2 weeks. All 11 cases yielded isolates of resistant gram‐negative bacteria; gram‐positive bacteria were also isolated from six of 11 dogs. On day 14, six of 11 dogs were negative on culture examination; on day 28, 10 of 11 were negative and only one case had a positive culture. On day 14, clinical and microbial scores (cytology) were reduced by 54.6 and 71.1%, respectively, and by 85.7 and 94% on day 28. All cases reported good tolerance of the treatment. The results show that this ear solution was helpful in the management of chronic bacterial otitis externa in dogs and was well tolerated. There seems to be a synergistic effect of the combination of Tris‐EDTA/chlorhexidine digluconate 0.15% solution, and an antimicrobial agent (enrofloxacin) against resistant gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. Funding: Self‐funded.     

Evaluation of fungal flora in normal and diseased canine ears

This study was undertaken to characterize otic fungal flora encountered in normal dogs, atopic dogs with no clinical or cytological evidence of otitis and dogs with otitis externa. Forty‐two normal dogs, 23 atopic dogs and 32 dogs with otitis were included in the study. Samples for otic fungal culture and cytology were obtained from all animals, for a total of 194 ears. Sixty‐seven ear samples (34%) were culture positive for saprophytic fungal organisms, as follows: 43 (64%) Penicillium species, 13 (19%) Aspergillus species and the remaining 17% comprised of various other saprophytic fungal organisms. Cytological evidence of saprophytic fungal colonization or infection was not found in any animal. There was no relationship between positive saprophytic fungal culture and any study group. Thirty‐three ear samples (17%) were positive for Malassezia pachydermatis. Cytological findings of Malassezia were significantly associated with positive culture for Malassezia (P = 0.006 left ear; P = 0.019 right ear). Furthermore, increased numbers of Malassezia led to a higher chance of positive culture (P = 0.003 left ear; P = 0.008 right ear; McNemar’s test). Malassezia pachydermatis was more likely to be cultured from ears with increased cerumen. Ear type (erect or pendulous) was not significantly associated with positive culture for Malassezia or saprophytic fungal organisms. There was no relationship between positive Malassezia culture and any study group; however, Malassezia was more likely to be cultured from individual dogs in the atopic or otitis groups that also had other dermatological signs consistent with allergic dermatitis and/or pyoderma (P = 0.031 left ear; P = 0.005 right ear).     

Investigation of the clinical efficacy of 0.2% topical stannous fluoride for the treatment of canine superficial pyoderma: a prospective,randomized, double‐blinded,placebo‐controlled trial

Stannous fluoride (SF) is an antibacterial compound that has been successfully used to treat gingivitis in people and dogs, and cutaneous bacterial infections in horses. The purpose of this prospective, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was to investigate the efficacy of 0.2% SF spray (BacDerm^®; Emerald 3 Enterprises Inc., Camdenton, MO, USA) for the treatment of canine superficial pyoderma. Twenty‐six privately owned dogs with bacterial skin infections diagnosed on clinical signs, cytology and aerobic culture were enrolled. Dogs were randomly assigned to vehicle only or active ingredient treatment groups. The product was applied topically to affected areas once daily for 28 days, with assessments at days 0, 14, 28 and 42. Clinical and cytological evaluations were performed by the same investigators at each visit. Owners scored the improvement of hair coat, odour, pruritus and overall improvement at each recheck. Linear mixed models showed significant effects of treatment (P < 0.0001) and time (P = 0.0037) for investigator’s scores, and a significant time effect for owners’ haircoat (P = 0.0077) and odour (P = 0.0170) improvement scores. Dogs in both placebo and SF groups showed some improvement over time, and the investigator’s scores on days 0 and 28 were not significantly different between groups for both (t‐test P > 0.05). Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients revealed a significant negative correlation between investigator’s scores and all categories of owners’ assessment scores in dogs of both groups. Although some dogs improved on SF, this study does not support the use of 0.2% SF as sole therapy for canine superficial pyoderma.     

Evaluation of canine antimicrobial peptides in infected and noninfected chronic atopic skin

Background – Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small immunomodulatory peptides produced by epithelial and immune cells. β‐Defensins (BDs) and cathelicidins (Caths) are the most studied AMPs. Recently, increased cutaneous expression of AMPs was reported in atopic humans and in beagles with experimentally induced atopy. Hypothesis/Objectives – Our goal was to analyse mRNA expression and protein levels of canine (c)BD1‐like, cBD2‐like/122, cBD3‐like, cBD103 and cCath in healthy and naturally affected atopic dogs, with and without active skin infection, along with their distribution in the epidermis using indirect immunofluorescence. Animals – Skin biopsies were taken from 14 healthy and 11 atopic privately owned dogs. Methods – The mRNA levels of cBD1‐like, cBD2‐like/122, cBD3‐like, cBD103 and cCath were quantified using quantitative real‐time PCR. The protein levels of cBD3‐like and cCath were analysed by relative competitive inhibition enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, while the distributions of cBD2‐like/122, cBD3‐like and cCath were detected by indirect immunofluorescence. Results – Dogs with atopic dermatitis had significantly greater mRNA expression of cBD103 (P = 0.04) than control dogs. Furthermore, atopic skin with active infection had a higher cBD103 mRNA expression (P = 0.01) and a lower cBD1‐like mRNA expression (P = 0.04) than atopic skin without infection. No significant differences in protein levels (cBD3‐like and cCath) or epidermal distribution of AMPs (cBD2‐like/122, cBD3‐like and cCath) were seen between healthy and atopic dogs. Conclusions and clinical importance – Expression of cBD103 mRNA was greater, while expression of cBD1‐like mRNA was lower in dogs with atopic dermatitis that had active infections. Work is needed to clarify the biological mechanisms and possible therapeutic options to maintain a healthy canine skin.     

Safety and tolerability of 0.1% tacrolimus solution applied to the external ear canals of atopic beagle dogs without otitis

Tacrolimus is a nonsteroidal alternative to treat noninfectious otitis externa (OE) in people. This 21‐day study investigated whether twice daily application (0.2 mL/dose) of sterile olive oil based 0.1% tacrolimus suspension in ears of atopic beagle dogs without OE was associated with adverse local reactions, development of OE, change in otic cytology, vestibular dysfunction, or hearing loss detected by brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER). The study was randomized, double‐blinded, and placebo‐controlled. Twenty‐two dogs matched for age and sex were randomized to tacrolimus or vehicle control treatment groups. Two investigators independently evaluated dogs for signs of adverse effects including OE the first 4 days of treatment, then every 3 days. A logistic regression model was fit for each investigator’s clinical scores (SAS, 9.2, 2008). Time (P = 0.0032) and group (P = 0.0167) were always significant for OE. Inter‐observer reliability of clinical scores was strong, measured using Kappa coefficients and proportion of agreement. All nine exclusions (7/10 control‐ and 2/12 tacrolimus‐treated dogs) were excluded for yeast OE. Inter‐observer agreement to exclude was 100%. All dogs not excluded had normal BAER assessments before treatment, weekly during treatment, and after 21 days of treatment. None showed vestibular abnormalities at these times. Tacrolimus blood concentrations (Abbott IMx Tacrolimus II) were below detection limits (3 ng/mL) at baseline and after 21 days of treatment. Results suggest otic application of olive oil based tacrolimus suspension to canine ears with intact tympanic membranes is unlikely to result in hearing loss or vestibular dysfunction but yeast OE is a possible risk.     

Serum anti‐Staphylococcus pseudintermedius IgE and IgG antibodies in dogs with atopic dermatitis and nonatopic dogs

Background – Dogs and humans with atopic dermatitis (AD) are predisposed to colonization and recurrent infection with Staphylococcus spp. Studies in humans suggest that staphylococcus‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a key role in disease pathogenesis. Few such studies have been undertaken in dogs. Hypothesis/Objectives – The aim of this study was to compare levels of staphylococcus‐specific IgE and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in dogs with AD, nonatopic dogs with staphylococcal pyoderma, and nonatopic and noninfected control dogs. Animals – Sera were collected from 108 dogs with AD, 39 nonatopic dogs with staphylococcal pyoderma secondary to different underlying conditions, 67 age‐matched nonatopic control dogs, and nine control dogs reared in minimal disease conditions. Methods – Serum Staphylococcus pseudintermedius‐specific IgE and IgG antibodies were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results – Dogs with AD had significantly higher levels of anti‐staphylococcal IgE than nonatopic dogs with staphylococcal pyoderma and the two groups of control dogs. Levels of anti‐staphylococcal IgG were significantly higher in atopic dogs and nonatopic dogs with pyoderma compared with nonatopic control dogs and control dogs reared in minimal disease conditions, but there was no significant difference in levels of anti‐staphylococcal IgG between dogs with AD and nonatopic dogs with pyoderma. Conclusions and clinical importance – A significantly increased IgE response to S. pseudintermedius antigens in atopic dogs suggests an immunopathogenic role for anti‐staphylococcal IgE. The finding of elevated IgE and IgG in atopic dogs is also important as a prelude to studies on antigenic specificity and possible correlations with disease phenotype.     

Allergic conjunctivitis and conjunctival provocation tests in atopic dogs

Introduction Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a very common disease, but little is known about eye involvement. The conjunctival provocation test (CPT) is used in human to study the ocular response to allergenic stimuli and to evaluate anti‐allergic therapy. To our knowledge it has not been used in dogs. Objectives To evaluate the prevalence of ocular signs in a population of atopic dogs and relate these with clinical cAD scores; and the usefulness of CPT for dust mites in atopic dogs with itchy eyes. Procedures Sixty cAD patients were evaluated for (i) ocular signs of allergic conjunctivitis including conjunctival hyperemia, chemosis, epiphora, ocular discharge, pruritus and corneal involvement, graded 0 to 3 according to severity, and (2) cAD Extent and Severity Index (CADESI‐03). Additionally, CPTs for Dermatophagoides farinae (n = 12) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (n = 12) were performed in sensitized atopic dogs and 24 control dogs. Results Periocular and ocular signs of allergy were present in 60% (36/60) of cases. Conjunctival hyperemia (90%) was the most common sign. Severity of ocular signs was significantly correlated with eye pruritus (r_s = 0.690, P = <0.001) and skin lesions score for head region (r_s = 0.261, P = 0.04). A highly significant difference (P < 0.001, Fisher test) was found in CPTs between the test and the control groups. Conclusion Allergic conjunctivitis signs associated with cAD seem under valuated so these patients would benefit from an ophthalmologic evaluation. Furthermore, we found CPT to be a reliable, easy to perform and safe test for the etiologic diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis in the dog.     

Dust mite species in the households of mite-sensitive dogs with atopic dermatitis

Background – The presence of important house dust and storage mite species in the microenvironment of atopic dogs has not been thoroughly investigated. Objectives – To compare the presence and population of five dust mite species (Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Acarus siro, Tyrophagus putrescentiae and Lepidoglyphus destructor) among households with mite‐sensitive atopic dogs (Group A), households with clinically healthy dogs (Group B) and households without pets (Group C, n = 25) in Greece. Animals – Twenty mite‐sensitive atopic dogs and 20 clinically healthy dogs. Methods – Dust samples were collected with a vacuum cleaner from owners’ mattresses (all groups) and from dogs’ sleeping areas (Groups A and B) or living room couch (Group C), once every season of the year. Following dust flotation, mites were counted and identified. Results – Dermatophagoides farinae was the most prevalent (60, 40 and 64% in Groups A, B and C, respectively), followed by D. pteronyssinus (45, 35 and 48%, respectively), whereas the three storage mites were found in fewer households. No major differences could be found between Groups A and B or between households with (Groups A and B) and without dogs (Group C) regarding the presence or numbers of the five dust mite species. Conclusions and clinical importance – The presence and population of five common house dust and storage mite species does not differ among Greek households with mite‐sensitive atopic dogs, households with healthy dogs and households without pets.     

Survey of bacterial microorganisms in the conjunctival sac of clinically normal dogs and dogs with ulcerative keratitis in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: The ocular microflora in dogs has not been established in north-east Brazil. Thus, the main aim of this research was to determine the bacterial microorganisms in the conjunctival sac of clinically normal dogs and dogs with ulcerative keratitis in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. ANIMALS STUDIED: This study included 60 healthy dogs, 15 dogs with unilateral corneal ulcer, and three dogs with bilateral corneal ulcers. Procedure Samples were taken by a calibrated platinum loop (1 microL) placed directly onto the conjunctival sac and on sterile blood agar. The clinical specimens were incubated at 37 degrees C in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 for 48 h. RESULTS: Of the 120 samples from healthy dogs, only 47 (39%) had positive culture for bacteria, while all of the specimens from eyes with corneal ulcer were positive for bacterial growth. The group of dogs with corneal ulcer had a higher (P < 0.05) number of colony-forming units (CFU) per plate than the group of healthy animals. Of the 59 isolates from healthy eyes, only nine (15.3%) had more than 50 CFU per plate, while in the group of dogs with corneal ulcer, 23 (62.2%) of the 37 isolates presented more than 50 CFU per plate. In both groups Gram-positive bacteria (86.5%) predominated over Gram-negative (13.5%). Staphylococcus spp. was the most frequently isolated genus and S. intermedius predominated in both groups. CONCLUSION: The results of our study are directly applicable to initiate rational, preventive and therapeutic measures with greater accuracy in dogs with corneal ulcer.     

Comparison of anal sac cytological findings and behaviour in clinically normal dogs and those affected with anal sac disease

No previous study has explored the relationship between cytology and the frequency of behaviours associated with anal sac disease (ASD). The goals of the study were: (i) to compare the cytological findings between anal sac secretions from normal dogs with no history of ASD to those with non-neoplastic ASD; (ii) to determine whether anal sac cytological findings can be used to differentiate between normal dogs and dogs with ASD; (iii) to explore the correlation of anal sac cytology and behaviour between normal dogs and dogs with ASD; and (iv) to describe behaviours typical of ASD as reported by owners. Thirty dogs were selected for this study, based on their behavioural history as detailed in a questionnaire completed by their owners. Of the thirty dogs, ten were considered normal insofar as they had no history of ASD clinical signs. The remaining 20 dogs were characterized as having ASD, with a chronic history of perianal pruritus, but no other pruritus. All dogs had their anal sacs manually expressed, and the discharge was examined microscopically in a blinded manner. A total of 171 oil immersion fields (OIFs) were examined from normal dogs and 333 OIFs from dogs with ASD. The behavioural results for dogs with ASD revealed that scooting recurred with a median frequency of 3 weeks post-anal sac expression. There were no clinically statistically significant cytological differences between normal dogs and those with ASD, thereby leading to the conclusion that cytology is an ineffective tool for diagnosing ASD.     

Response of feline eosinophilic plaques and lip ulcers to amoxicillin trihydrate-clavulanate potassium therapy: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled prospective study

In this study, we evaluated the treatment of feline eosinophilic plaques and lip ulcers with amoxicillin trihydrate–potassium clavulanate (Clavamox^®; Pfizer Animal Health). Nineteen cats with clinical and cytological findings consistent with eosinophilic plaques and/or lip ulcers were enrolled. Lesions were photographed and their areas measured in square centimetres before and after 21 days of therapy with either flavoured amoxicillin‐clavulanate suspension or flavoured placebo suspension. Sixteen cats completed the study, with nine plaque lesions (four treatment and five placebo) and eight lip ulcer lesions (four treatment and four placebo) included in the analysis. All lesions were shown to have infection, with bacterial phagocytosis present on cytological examination. Coagulase‐positive staphylococci were the most commonly isolated bacteria. The amoxicillin‐clavulanate‐treated eosinophilic plaque group had a statistically significant 96.2% reduction in mean lesion size (?7.60 cm², P = 0.0078) and an 80% reduction in mean percentage of microscopic fields demonstrating evidence of bacterial infection (P < 0.0001), whereas the placebo group did not. The amoxicillin‐clavulanate‐treated lip ulcer group had a 42.6% decrease in mean lesion size (?0.25 cm², P = 0.4125) and the placebo group a 36.6% increase (+0.49 cm², P = 0.1575), although neither change was statistically significant. The amoxicillin‐clavulanate‐treated lip ulcer group had a statistically significant 65.0% reduction in mean percentage of microscopic fields demonstrating evidence of bacterial infection (P < 0.0001), while no significant reduction was observed in the placebo group. A suspension of amoxicillin trihydrate–potassium clavulanate is an effective monotherapy for the treatment of feline eosinophilic plaques.     

Collection of peripheral blood CD34+ progenitor cells from healthy dogs and dogs diagnosed with lymphoproliferative diseases using a Baxter-Fenwal CS-3000 Plus blood cell separator

Background

Canine peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) apheresis using a Baxter‐Fenwal CS‐3000 Plus automated blood cell separator has not been reported.

Objective

To determine the feasibility and safety of using a CS‐3000 Plus blood cell separator with a small volume separation container holder (SVSCH) and small volume collection chamber (SVCC) to harvest canine PBMCs from dogs weighing <50 kg.

Animals

Eight healthy mongrel dogs and 11 client‐owned dogs in clinical remission for lymphoproliferative diseases (LPD).

Methods

In this prospective study, aphereses were performed using a Baxter‐Fenwal CS‐3000 Plus blood cell separator, with or without recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (rhG‐CSF) treatment.

Results

Aphereses from 6 healthy dogs given rhG‐CSF yielded an average of 1.1 × 10⁷ ± 8.2 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells/kg. Aphereses from LPD dogs given rhG‐CSF yielded an average of 5.4 × 10⁶ ± 3.25 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells/kg (P = .17). Higher hematocrit in both groups of dogs receiving rhG‐CSF correlated with an increased number of CD34+ cells/kg harvested (healthy, P = .04; LPD, P = .05). Apheresis was well tolerated by all dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Canine PBMC apheresis using the Baxter‐Fenwal CS‐3000 Plus cell separator with an SVSCH and SVCC is a feasible and safe option for harvesting an adequate number of CD34+ peripheral blood progenitor cells from dogs weighing ≥17 kg for hematopoietic cell transplantation.     

Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography is a feasible technique for quantifying hepatic microvascular perfusion in dogs with extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts

Extrahepatic‐congenital portosystemic shunt is a vascular anomaly that connects the portal vein to the systemic circulation and leads to a change in hepatic microvascular perfusion. However, an assessment of hepatic microvascular perfusion is limited by conventional diagnostic modalities. The aim of this prospective, exploratory study was to assess hepatic microvascular perfusion in dogs with extrahepatic‐congenital portosystemic shunt using contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) using perfluorobutane (Sonazoid^®). A total of 17 dogs were included, eight healthy dogs and nine with extrahepatic‐congenital portosystemic shunt. The time‐to‐peak (TTP), rising time (RT), and rising rate (RR) in the hepatic artery, portal vein, and hepatic parenchyma, as well as the portal vein‐to‐hepatic parenchyma transit time (ΔHP‐PV) measured from time‐intensity curve on CEUS were compared between healthy and extrahepatic‐congenital portosystemic shunt dogs. The RT of the hepatic artery in extrahepatic‐congenital portosystemic shunt dogs was significantly earlier than in healthy dogs (P = 0.0153). The TTP and RT of the hepatic parenchyma were significantly earlier in extrahepatic‐congenital portosystemic shunt dogs than in healthy dogs (P = 0.0018 and P = 0.0024, respectively). ΔHP–PV was significantly shorter in extrahepatic‐congenital portosystemic shunt dogs than in healthy dogs (P = 0.0018). CEUS effectively revealed changes in hepatic microvascular perfusion including hepatic artery, portal vein, and hepatic parenchyma simultaneously in extrahepatic‐congenital portosystemic shunt dogs. Rapid hepatic artery and hepatic parenchyma enhancements may reflect a compensatory increase in hepatic artery blood flow (arterialization) caused by a decrease in portal vein blood flow and may be used as an additional diagnostic test to distinguish extrahepatic‐congenital portosystemic shunt dogs from healthy dogs.     

Normal ocular features, conjunctival microflora and intraocular pressure in the Canadian beaver (Castor canadensis)

Objective The aim of the study was to assess the ocular features, normal conjunctival bacterial and fungal flora, and intraocular pressure (IOP) in the Canadian beaver (Castor canadensis). Sample population Sixteen, apparently healthy beavers with no evidence of ocular disease, and live‐trapped in regions throughout Prince Edward Island. Procedures The beavers were sedated with intramuscular ketamine (12–15 mg/kg). Two culture specimens were obtained from the ventral conjunctival sac of both eyes of 10/16 beavers for aerobic and anaerobic bacterial and fungal identifications. The anterior ocular structures of all beavers were evaluated using a transilluminator and slit lamp biomicroscope. Palpebral fissure length (11/16 beavers), and horizontal and vertical corneal diameters (10/16 beavers) were measured. IOPs were measured in both eyes of 11/16 beavers using applanation tonometry. Both eyes of 3/16 beavers and one eye of 1/16 beavers were dilated using topical tropicamide prior to sedation to effect timely maximal dilation. Culture specimens and IOPs were not evaluated in these four animals. Indirect ophthalmoscopy was performed on 7/8 eyes of these four beavers. Results Conjunctival specimens from all eyes cultured positively for one or more isolates of aerobic bacteria. The most common isolate was Micrococcus spp. (five beavers; 9/20 eyes). Other isolates included a Gram‐positive coccobacilli‐like organism (four beavers; 7/20 eyes), Aeromonas hydrophila (three beavers; 4/20 eyes), Staphylococcus spp. (three beavers; 4/20 eyes), Gram positive bacilli (one beaver; 2/20 eyes), Enterobacter spp. (two beavers; 2/20 eyes), Streptococcus spp. (two beavers; 2/20 eyes), aerobic diphtheroids (one beaver; 1/20 eyes), and Pseudomonas spp. (one beaver; 1/20 eyes). Clostridium sordellii (one beaver; 1/20 eyes) and Peptostreptococcus spp. (one beaver; 1/20 eyes) were the sole anaerobic bacteria isolated. All conjunctival specimens were negative for growth of fungi. Ophthalmic examinations revealed the normal beaver eye and ocular adnexa included dorsal and ventral puncta, a vestigial third eyelid, and a circular pupil. Average palpebral fissure length was 9.36 mm (SD = 1.00) for both eyes. Mean horizontal and vertical corneal diameters of both eyes were 9.05 mm (SD = 0.64) and 8.45 mm (SD = 0.69), respectively. Mean IOP for the right and left eyes were 17.11 mmHg (SD = 6.39) and 18.79 mmHg (SD = 5.63), respectively. Indirect ophthalmoscopic examinations revealed normal anangiotic retinas. Conclusions Gram‐positive aerobes were most commonly cultured from the conjunctival sac of normal beavers, with Micrococcus spp. predominating. The overall mean IOP in ketamine‐sedated beavers was 17.95 mmHg. The beaver, an amphibious rodent, has an anangiotic retina.     

Evaluation of dexamethasone as a chemoprotectant for CCNU‐induced bone marrow suppression in dogs*

In mice and people, administering corticosteroids before chemotherapy can reduce the severity of myelosuppression without reducing antitumour effects. This study investigated whether pretreatment with dexamethasone would reduce the incidence of grade 4 neutropenia in dogs receiving CCNU. Twenty‐five dogs received dexamethasone [0.1 mg kg^?1 per os (PO) every 12 h] for 5 days and on the sixth day received CCNU (90 mg m^?2 PO). Historical dogs (n = 67) received CCNU alone (90 mg m^?2 PO). Forty‐five percent of historical dogs had grade 4 neutropenia, while 64% of dogs pretreated with dexamethasone had grade 4 neutropenia (P = 0.16). Dexamethasone plasma levels were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in three healthy dogs. Peak plasma concentrations after a single oral 0.1‐mg kg^?1 dose were <80 ng mL^?1, the minimum level associated with chemoprotective effects of dexamethasone in people. Pretreatment with dexamethasone did not reduce the incidence of grade 4 neutropenia in dogs receiving CCNU.     

Thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor activity in healthy and diseased dogs

Background: In people, increased thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) antigen has been associated with increased risk of thrombosis, and decreased TAFI may contribute to bleeding diathesis. TAFI activity in dogs has been described in experimental models, but not in dogs with spontaneous disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare TAFI activity in healthy dogs with TAFI activity in dogs with spontaneous disease. Methods: Plasma samples from 20 clinically healthy Beagles and from 35 dogs with various diseases were analyzed using a commercial chromogenic assay that measured TAFI activity relative to activity in standardized pooled human plasma. Results: Median TAFI activity for the 20 Beagles was 46.1% (range 32.2–70.8%) compared with 62.6% (29.1–250%) for the 35 diseased dogs, and 14/35 (40%) had TAFI activities >the upper limit for controls. The highest individual activities (>225%) were in 3 dogs with malignant neoplasms and 1 dog with thrombocytopenia. For data grouped by diagnosis, median TAFI activity was 61.7% for benign neoplasia (n=5), 64.9% for malignant neoplasia (n=8), 75.5% for Angiostrongylus vasorum infection (n=4), 68.8% for bacterial sepsis (n=7), and 58.7% for miscellaneous diseases (n=11). Compared with TAFI activity in control dogs, median TAFI activity was significantly increased only in the group of dogs with bacterial sepsis. Conclusion: Bacterial sepsis was associated with significantly increased TAFI activity, and individual dogs with increased TAFI activities were found in all disease groups. The role of TAFI in the pathogenesis of hemostatic disorders in dogs and its value as a prognostic indicator deserve further investigation.