Weekly variability of plasma and serum NT-proBNP measurements in normal dogs

ObjectivesTo determine the weekly variability of serum and plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations in healthy dogs.Animals, materials and methodsFifty-three normal dogs were examined prospectively. Serum (n = 25) or plasma (n = 28) samples were obtained for NT-proBNP assay at one week interval for 3 consecutive weeks.ResultsMedian serum or plasma NT-proBNP concentration did not change over 3 consecutive weeks. Twenty-two of 53 dogs (42%) had at least one NT-proBNP value >500 pmol/L, including 14 dogs with at least one serum NT-proBNP concentration >500 pmol/L and 8 dogs with at least one plasma NT-proBNP concentration >500 pmol/L during the 3-week sampling period. The difference between the maximum and minimum NT-proBNP value obtained over the 3-week sampling period was <100 pmol/L in 40% of dogs, between 100 and 200 pmol/L in 40% of dogs, and >200 pmol/L in 20% of dogs. Of the 19 dogs with a value >500 pmol/L on either week 1 or 2, 11 dogs (58%) had a subsequent NT-proBNP value <500 pmol/L on either week 2 or 3.ConclusionsThere is a high degree of variability in weekly serum and plasma NT-proBNP values in healthy dogs. Individual variability should be considered when interpreting NT-proBNP results in dogs.     

Utility of plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) to distinguish between congestive heart failure and non-cardiac causes of acute dyspnea in cats

BackgroundCirculating plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration facilitates emergency diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF) in people. Its utility to discriminate between dyspneic cats with CHF vs. primary respiratory disease requires further assessment. Our objectives were to determine if NT-proBNP (1) differentiates dyspneic cats with CHF vs. primary respiratory disease; (2) increases with renal insufficiency; (3) correlates with left atrial dimension, radiographic cardiomegaly, and estimated left ventricular filling pressure (E/E_a).MethodsNT-proBNP was measured in 167 dyspneic cats (66 primary respiratory disease, 101 CHF) to evaluate (1) relationship with clinical parameters; (2) ability to distinguish CHF from primary respiratory disease; (3) optimal cut-off values using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsNT-proBNP (1) was higher (median and inter-quartile [25th–75th] percentile) in CHF (754 pmol/L; 437, 1035 pmol/L) vs. primary respiratory disease (76.5 pmol/L; 24, 180 pmol/L) cohorts (P < 0.001); (2) positively correlated in CHF cats with increased inter-ventricular septal end-diastolic thickness (ρ = 0.266; P = 0.007) and LV free wall thickness (ρ = 0.218; P = 0.027), but not with radiographic heart size, left atrial size, left ventricular dimensions, E/E_a ratio, BUN, creatinine, or thyroxine; (3) distinguished dyspneic CHF cats from primary respiratory disease at 265 pmol/L cut-off value with 90.2% sensitivity, 87.9% specificity, 92% positive predictive value, and 85.3% negative predictive value (area under ROC curve, 0.94).ConclusionsNT-proBNP accurately discriminated CHF from respiratory disease causes of dyspnea.     

Effects of trilostane on the pituitary-adrenocortical and renin–aldosterone axis in dogs with pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism

The medical records of 63 dogs with pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) before and during treatment with trilostane were reviewed retrospectively. The correct trilostane dosage in dogs with PDH was based on the resolution of clinical signs and the results of an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. The mean (±SD) dose rate of trilostane to achieve good clinical control was 2.8 ± 1.0 mg/kg bodyweight. Trilostane treatment resulted in a significant decline in basal plasma cortisol concentrations. The median plasma ACTH concentration (39 pmol/L, range 7–132 pmol/L; n = 60) at the optimal trilostane dosage time was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than before treatment (13 pmol/L, range 2–102 pmol/L). These values did not overlap with plasma ACTH concentrations (range 212–307 pmol/L) of five PDH dogs with trilostane-induced hypocortisolism.The median cortisol/ACTH ratio in well-controlled dogs (0.23, range 0.03–2.5; n = 46) was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than before treatment (2.59, range 0.27–13.25). Trilostane treatment resulted in an insignificant decrease in plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), but the median plasma renin activity (PRA) at the time the trilostane dosage was considered optimal (265 fmol/L/s, range 70–3280 fmol/L/s; n = 18) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than prior to treatment (115 fmol/L/s, range 15–1330 fmol/L/s). Similarly, the median PAC/PRA ratio during trilostane treatment (0.16, range 0.003–0.92; n = 17) was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than before treatment (median 0.44, range 0.04–1.33). Trilostane affected both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical and the renin–aldosterone axes. The results also suggested that basal plasma ACTH concentration may be used to detect trilostane overdosage.     

Plasma concentrations of natriuretic peptides in normal cats and normotensive and hypertensive cats with chronic kidney disease

ObjectivesTo determine if natriuretic peptide concentrations are increased in cats with systemic hypertension and/or chronic kidney disease (CKD).Animals22 normal cats, 13 normotensive cats with mild-moderate CKD (NT-CKD), 15 hypertensive cats with mild-moderate CKD (HT-CKD) and 8 normotensive cats with severe CKD (NT-CKD-severe).MethodsN-terminal pro-B-type (NT-proBNP) and pro-A-type (NT-proANP) natriuretic peptides were measured in plasma samples from all cats using commercially available assays and concentrations in the normal and diseased groups compared using non-parametric statistical tests. Spearman's rank correlation was used to test for an association between natriuretic peptide and creatinine concentrations.ResultsNT-proANP was significantly higher in the NT-CKD-severe than the normal group of cats (P = 0.006) but there were no other differences between groups. NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly higher in the HT-CKD group than both the normal (P < 0.001) and the NT-CKD (P < 0.001) groups. NT-proBNP concentrations were also higher in the NT-CKD-severe (P < 0.001) and the NT-CKD (P = 0.005) groups than the normal group. NT-proANP but not NT-proBNP was significantly and positively associated with plasma creatinine concentration.ConclusionsMeasurement of NT-proBNP shows promise as a diagnostic marker for systemic hypertension in the cat. Its concentration is not significantly increased in cats with mild-moderate normotensive CKD.     

Investigation into the use of plasma NT-proBNP concentration to screen for feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

ObjectiveTo evaluate the utility of feline NT-proBNP plasma concentration [NT-proBNP] as a screening tool for cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).Animals, materials and methodsForty adult Maine Coon or Maine Coon crossbred cats from the feline HCM research colony at the University of California, Davis were studied. All cats had previously been genotyped as heterozygous or negative for the A31P myosin binding protein C (MYBPC) mutation. Echocardiograms were performed to assess the severity of HCM in each cat. Blood samples were collected for evaluation of [NT-proBNP].ResultsIn these cats with severe HCM, [NT-proBNP] was significantly elevated (P < 0.0001) when compared to all other groups of cats and an [NT-proBNP] > 44pmol/L accurately predicted the presence of severe HCM. However, [NT-proBNP] was not increased in cats with moderate or equivocal HCM when compared to normal cats. Cats heterozygous for the MYBPC mutation had a significantly elevated [NT-proBNP] when compared to cats without the A31P mutation (P = 0.028).ConclusionsMeasurement of [NT-proBNP] has a high sensitivity and specificity as a means of detecting severe HCM in cats, but it is not sensitive for the identification of moderate HCM as judged by the evaluation of Maine Coon and Maine Coon cross cats in our colony. Consequently, we conclude that this test cannot be used to screen cats for the presence of mild to moderate HCM.     

Utility of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide for assessing hemodynamic significance of patent ductus arteriosus in dogs undergoing ductal repair

ObjectiveDetermine if plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) correlates with markers of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in dogs.AnimalsTen dogs with PDA and 30 healthy dogs of similar ages.MethodsProspective case series with control population. Dogs with PDA were initially evaluated with thoracic radiographs, transthoracic echocardiography, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and NT-proBNP. Following ductal occlusion, NT-proBNP and echocardiography were repeated within 24 h and at day 90. PCWP was repeated at day 90. Correlation between NT-proBNP and hemodynamic measurements was assessed, and accuracy of NT-proBNP for identifying PDA severity was estimated.ResultsNT-proBNP was significantly higher (median; absolute range) in dogs with PDA (895; 490–7118 pmol/L) than controls (663; 50–1318 pmol/L) (p = 0.025). NT-proBNP decreased significantly 90 days post-ductal closure (597; 154–1858 pmol/L) (p = 0.013). Left atrial and ventricular size decreased significantly within 24 h and at day 90 as did PCWP (day 90 only). NT-proBNP correlated with vertebral heart size (VHS) and indexed left ventricular systolic diameter (iLVIDs); concentrations ≥ 1224 pmol/L distinguished dogs with elevated VHS and iLVIDs.ConclusionsNT-proBNP is elevated in dogs with PDA, decreases following PDA closure and correlates with select radiographic and echocardiographic markers of cardiac remodeling.     

Estimation of 24-h aldosterone secretion in the dog using the urine aldosterone:Creatinine ratio

ObjectivesOne potential method of evaluating renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) activation involves the quantification of urinary aldosterone excretion. While blood concentrations of aldosterone are easily obtained, results may be misleading because of minute-to-minute variation in aldosterone secretion and subsequent blood concentrations. Urinary aldosterone concentration measurement represents a more consistent “pooled” index of aldosterone secretion, but obtaining 24-h urine samples is time-consuming, difficult, and fraught with potential error. We postulated that the urinary aldosterone:creatinine ratio, measured from spot urine samples, would correlate well with 24-h urinary aldosterone excretion, and would provide a simple index of aldosterone excretion that would eliminate the need for 24-h urine collection.Animals, materials and methodsAfter validating an assay for aldosterone in canine urine, 24-h urinary aldosterone excretion was determined by radioimmunoassay from 8 normal, male beagle dogs under control conditions, after RAAS stimulation with amlodipine administration, and after RAAS attenuation with the addition of enalapril to amlodipine administration. Spot urine samples, each obtained at the same time of day, were used to determine the aldosterone:creatinine ratio during control conditions, RAAS stimulation, and RAAS attenuation.ResultsThe aldosterone:creatinine ratio from spot-checked urine samples correlated well with 24-h urinary aldosterone excretion (r = 0.77, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsA spot urinary aldosterone:creatinine ratio might be substituted for 24-h urinary aldosterone determination.     

Quadricuspid aortic valve and associated abnormalities in the dog: Report of six cases

ObjectivesTo describe the clinical and echocardiographic findings in dogs with quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV).BackgroundQAV is a rare canine congenital heart disease which has been reported only three times in the young dog.Animals, materials and methodsSix dogs (0.3- to 13-year-old) with QAV diagnosed by two-dimensional echocardiography were retrospectively evaluated. Medical records, echocardiograms, and follow-ups were reviewed.ResultsAccording to aortic cusp morphology, QAV was classified as type A (n = 1), type B (n = 4) or type C (n = 1). QAV was associated with at least one other heart disease in all of the dogs including, ventricular septal defect (n = 1), enlarged left coronary ostium (n = 4), degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD, n = 1) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA, n = 3). Mild to moderate aortic regurgitation was also detected in all dogs by continuous-wave and color-flow Doppler echocardiography. QAV was diagnosed in four asymptomatic dogs referred for evaluation of a heart murmur. The remaining two dogs had QAV and PDA with evidence of mild exercise intolerance and moderately retarded growth. The PDA was surgically corrected in both dogs and at the time of writing, 1–2.5 years after the initial diagnosis, none of the six animals shows evidence of clinical signs.ConclusionQAV is a cause of aortic insufficiency. It may incidentally be found by two-dimensional echocardiography in dogs of various ages in association with other congenital or acquired cardiac abnormalities.     

Lowered N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels in response to treatment predict survival in dogs with symptomatic mitral valve disease

ObjectivesIn humans with congestive heart failure (CHF), better outcome is correlated with lower natriuretic peptide (NP) levels after starting treatment and greater percentage reduction of NP levels. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between absolute and relative changes in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and pro-atrial natriuretic peptide 31–67 (proANP 31–67) and overall cardiac survival in patients with symptomatic myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Furthermore, we sought to compare clinical and echocardiographic status of 12-month survivors and non-survivors.Animals, materials and methods26 dogs with CHF due to MMVD. Initial NP levels, as well as absolute and percentage changes of follow-up NP levels (between 7 and 30 days after treatment start) and heart failure (HF) class were tested as potential predictors of overall cardiac survivorship. Additionally, various echocardiographic parameters, creatinine concentrations and furosemide doses were compared between 12-month survivors and non-survivors.ResultsDogs with follow-up NT-proBNP level <965 pmol/l had a significantly longer overall cardiac survival than patients with NT-proBNP level >965 pmol/l (P = 0.03). Dogs in a higher HF class had a significantly (P = 0.03) higher probability of shorter survival independent of their NP levels. When dogs were grouped by 12-month survival, only follow-up NT-proBNP levels were significantly different between groups.ConclusionsHF class at presentation and NT-proBNP levels after initiating treatment are predictive of mortality in patients with symptomatic MMVD. ProANP 31–67 levels, percentage reduction in NPs levels, creatinine or urea concentration, echocardiographic parameters and furosemide dose did not predict outcome.     

Prediction of first onset of congestive heart failure in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease: The PREDICT cohort study

ObjectiveTo identify risk factors for first-onset congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD).AnimalsEighty-two dogs with and without CHF secondary to DMVD were retrospectively assigned to a derivation cohort. Sixty-five dogs with asymptomatic DMVD were recruited into a prospective validation cohort.MethodsVariables associated with risk of CHF in dogs were identified in a derivation cohort and used to construct a predictive model, which was then prospectively tested through longitudinal examination of a validation cohort.ResultsLogistic regression analysis of the derivation cohort yielded a predictive model that included the left atrial to aortic root dimension ratio (LA:Ao) and plasma concentration of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). When this model was prospectively applied to the validation cohort, it correctly predicted first-onset of CHF in 69.2% of cases. Analysis of the validation cohort revealed that plasma NT-proBNP concentration and indexed left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd:Ao) were independent risk factors for development of first-onset CHF in dogs with DMVD (NT-proBNP ≥1500 pmol/L, odds ratio (OR), 5.76, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.37–24.28, P = 0.017; LVIDd:Ao ≥3, OR, 6.11, 95% CI, 1.09–34.05, P = 0.039).ConclusionsMeasures of left heart size and plasma NT-proBNP concentration independently estimate risk of first-onset of CHF in dogs with DMVD. These parameters can contribute to the management of dogs with DMVD.     

Assessment of the diagnostic accuracy of circulating natriuretic peptide concentrations to distinguish between cats with cardiac and non-cardiac causes of respiratory distress

ObjectivesTo determine if serum natriuretic peptide (NP) concentrations could distinguish cardiac from non-cardiac causes of respiratory distress (RD) in cats.AnimalsSeventy-four cats from 1 university hospital were used.MethodsSerum NP concentrations were measured in 41 cats with non-cardiac respiratory distress (RD-NC) and compared to 33 cats with RD due to congestive heart failure (RD + CHF) using sandwich enzyme immunoassays (ELISA).ResultsRD-NC cats had lower (P = 0.0001) median NT-proANP and NT-proBNP concentrations (614 and 45 fmol/mL, respectively) than RD + CHF cats (1690 and 523 fmol/mL, respectively). The area under the curve was 0.88 and 0.96 for the receiver operating curve analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of NT-proANP and NT-proBNP concentrations to discriminate RD + CHF from RD-NC cats (P = 0.036). An optimum cut-off concentration of 986 fmol/mL for NT-proANP and 220 fmol/mL for NT-proBNP accurately discriminated RD-NC from RC + CHF cats with a sensitivity of 93.8% and 93.9% and a specificity of 80.3% and 87.8%, respectively.ConclusionsSerum NP concentrations were different in RD + CHF cats compared to RD-NC cats. Evaluation of circulating NP concentrations may be helpful in the initial approach to cats presenting with respiratory distress, particularly if advances in ELISA technology result in a rapid cage-side test.     

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in Boxer dogs is associated with calstabin2 deficiency

ObjectiveTo examine the presence and effect of calstabin2-deficiency in Boxer dogs with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).AnimalsThirteen Boxer dogs with ARVC.Materials and methodsTissue samples were collected for histopathology, oligonucleotide microarray, PCR, immunoelectrophoresis, ryanodine channel immunoprecipitation and single-channel recordings, and calstabin2 DNA sequencing.ResultsIn cardiomyopathic Boxer dogs, myocardial calstabin2 mRNA and protein were significantly decreased as compared to healthy control dogs (calstabin2 protein normalized to tetrameric cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) complex: affected, 0.51 ± 0.04; control, 3.81 ± 0.22; P < 0.0001). Calstabin2 deficiency in diseased dog hearts was associated with a significantly increased open probability of single RyR2 channels indicating intracellular Ca²⁺ leak. PCR-based sequencing of the promoter, exonic and splice site regions of the canine calstabin2 gene did not identify any causative mutations.ConclusionsCalstabin2 deficiency is a potential mechanism of Ca²⁺ leak-induced ventricular arrhythmias and heart disease in Boxer dogs with ARVC.     

Retrospective review of carvedilol administration in 38 dogs with preclinical chronic valvular heart disease

ObjectivesReport the effect of carvedilol administration on clinical and echocardiographic parameters and outcome in dogs with preclinical (ACVIM Stage B) chronic valvular heart disease (CVD).Animals, materials and methodsRetrospective case series of 38 client-owned dogs.Demographic, physical examination and diagnostic imaging findings, blood pressure (BP), administration details and outcome were obtained from medical records of dogs receiving carvedilol for preclinical CVD. When possible, additional follow-up information was obtained through telephone interviews with referring veterinarians and owners.ResultsBaseline data and follow-up were evaluated. Median and interquartile range (IQR) for age and weight were 8.6 (7.2–10.8) years and 8.5 (7.6–9.6) kg. 14/38 were male; 33/38 were Cavalier King Charles Spaniels; 33/38 had Stage B2 CVD. The initial dose of carvedilol was 0.31 (0.26–0.35) mg/kg PO twice daily. The carvedilol dose achieved following up titration was 1.11 (0.81–1.32) mg/kg twice daily. No adverse effects were recorded during up titration. Median survival for all dogs was 48.5 months with a 95% CI of 38.3–58.6.ConclusionsThis study suggests that carvedilol at the dose reported herein is well tolerated in small breed dogs with preclinical CVD. Prospective studies to evaluate efficacy are warranted.     

Influence of a cyclic combination chemotherapeutic protocol on primary haemostasis in dogs suffering from malignant lymphoma

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of cyclic combination chemotherapy on primary haemostasis in dogs with malignant lymphoma. Seventeen dogs receiving cytostatic treatment for high-grade lymphoma were included in the study. The dogs were treated with a Madison–Wisconsin derived protocol, which included asparaginase, vincristine, doxorubicin and prednisolone. At different time points during the first 4 weeks of induction, platelet count, capillary bleeding time, analysis of the platelet function using the platelet function analyser PFA-100, and platelet aggregation by the Born-method were measured.The most obvious changes were found for median values of the platelet count, which increased significantly from 210,000/μL before induction to 349,000/μL during the second week of induction (P = 0.0010). Median platelet count subsequently decreased by the fourth week of treatment (Friedman-test: P < 0.0001). None of the parameters of platelet function (capillary bleeding time, automatic platelet function analysis, aggregation maximum) showed significant changes with time (P > 0.05, Friedman-test). The results did not suggest that significant platelet dysfunction was induced by the chemotherapeutic protocol used in the study.     

Contrast echocardiography in Boxer dogs with and without aortic stenosis

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate whether contrast echocardiography could enhance the subcostal Doppler signal for aortic flow measurements and achieve myocardial opacification, in Boxer dogs with and without AS.BackgroundIn evaluating dogs for aortic stenosis (AS) subcostal Doppler echocardiography was used for measurement of the aortic flow velocity, a measurement that can sometimes be difficult to perform in Boxer dogs.Animals, materials, and methodsCardiac auscultation, phonocardiographic and echocardiographic examinations, including a contrast study with Optison, were performed on 29 Boxer dogs selected based on previous examinations.ResultsThe initial subcostal Doppler signal was weak in 66% of the dogs and a marked improvement was seen in all dogs after contrast injection. The peak aortic flow velocity increased 5% from 2.58 ± 1.42 m/s before contrast to 2.71 ± 1.54 m/s after contrast (p = 0.003). This corresponds to a 2.8 mmHg increase in the pressure gradient from 26.6 mmHg before to 29.4 mmHg after contrast. A dose of 0.05–0.1 mL of Optison administered intravenously resulted in approximately 4 min of Doppler signal enhancement. With the present technique contrast echocardiography did not achieve myocardial opacification.ConclusionsSingle use of the contrast agent Optison can be recommended for enhancement of the subcostal Doppler signal in dogs, in which plain Doppler signals are difficult to obtain. Albeit statistically significant, the mild increase in peak aortic flow velocity after contrast was not considered biologically or clinically significant.     

Resveratrol decreases oxidative burst capacity and alters stimulated leukocyte cytokine production in vitro

IntroductionResveratrol, a naturally-occurring phytophenol, has been shown to bolster immune surveillance and reverse immunosenescence in a dose dependent manner in rodents and humans. Although safety and pharmacokinetic studies have been completed in dogs, the immunomodulatory effects of resveratrol in dogs has not yet been investigated. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of resveratrol on canine innate immune system function in vitro. The hypothesis was that similar to other species, low concentrations of resveratrol would stimulate while high concentrations would depress innate immune system function.MethodsWhole blood was collected from six healthy, adult, client-owned dogs and was incubated with resveratrol at final concentrations of 6000 ng ml⁻¹, 3000 ng ml⁻¹, 1000 ng ml⁻¹, or control solution for 4 h. Following incubation, phagocytosis and oxidative burst were evaluated using flow cytometry, and LPS-, lipoteichoic acid (LTA) – and peptidoglycan (PG)-stimulated leukocyte production of TNF, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured using a canine specific multiplex assay.ResultsPhagocytosis was not altered by resveratrol at any concentration compared to control. However, while the number of PMNs capable of performing oxidative burst did not change, the robustness of the reaction following stimulation with Escherichia coli and PMA was reduced in a dose dependent manner. In addition, LPS-, LTA-, PG, and PBS-stimulated TNF production was increased following incubation with all concentrations of resveratrol compared to control, and this effect was dose dependent. LTA-stimulated IL-6 was increased with resveratrol compared to control. Furthermore, LTA-stimulated IL-10 was decreased with 6000 ng ml⁻¹ and 3000 ng ml⁻¹ concentrations of resveratrol and PG-stimulated IL-10 production was decreased with all concentrations of resveratrol compared to control. The LPS-, LTA-, and PG-stimulated TNF:IL-10 ratio was increased with 6000 ng ml⁻¹ of resveratrol compared to control and lower resveratrol concentrations.ConclusionWhile resveratrol was sparing to PMN phagocytosis, it reduced the robustness of PMN oxidative burst. Resveratrol also increased pro-inflammatory and decreased anti-inflammatory leukocyte cytokine production capacity in vitro. These data suggest that resveratrol supplementation may depress oxidative burst reactions while promoting pro-inflammatory leukocyte cytokine production and decreasing anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Based on these findings, further in vivo study regarding the effects of resveratrol on PMN oxidative burst capability and leukocyte cytokine production capacity are indicated prior to routine supplementation.     

Anti-histone antibodies in dogs with leishmaniasis and glomerulonephritis

The association between serum anti-histone antibodies and glomerulonephritis was studied in 43 dogs with leishmaniasis (Leishmania infantum). Dogs with increased serum creatinine levels and urine protein-creatinine ratio >1 were considered to have glomerulonephritis. Moderately elevated anti-histone antibodies were found in 38.89% (7/18) of infected dogs without glomerulonephritis, whereas 88% of dogs with glomerulonephritis (22/25) showed moderate or strongly elevated anti-histone antibodies. Prevalence of positive anti-histone antibodies reactions and mean serum concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.001; P < 0.0001) in infected dogs with glomerulonephritis. Correlation between anti-histone antibodies and urine protein-creatinine ratio was significant when groups were analysed together (P < 0.046). Positive predictive value for glomerulonephritis of positive anti-histone antibodies was 88%. In conclusion, high anti-histone antibodies are significantly associated with glomerulonephritis. Although other factors must be involved, dogs with moderate or strong positive anti-histone antibodies reactions may have a higher probability to develop glomerular lesions in canine leishmaniasis.     

An unmatched case controlled study of clinicopathologic abnormalities in dogs with Bartonella infection

We compared clinicopathologic findings in dogs with Bartonella infection to Bartonella spp. negative dogs suspected of a vector-borne disease. Cases (n = 47) and controls (n = 93) were selected on the basis of positive or negative enrichment culture PCR results, respectively. Signalment, clinicopathologic findings and treatments were extracted from medical records. DNA sequencing identified Bartonella henselae (n = 28, 59.6%), Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (n = 20, 42.6%), Bartonella koehlerae (n = 3, 6.4%), Bartonella volans-like (n = 3, 6.4%) and Bartonella bovis (n = 1, 2.1%). There were no significant differences in age, breed, size, sex or neuter status between cases and controls. Dogs infected with Bartonella sp. often had a history of weight loss [OR = 2.82; 95% CI: 1.08–7.56] and were hypoglobulinemic [OR = 4.26; 95% CI: 1.31–14.41]. With the exception of weight loss and hypoglobulinemia, clinicopathologic abnormalities in Bartonella-infected dogs in this study were similar to dogs suspected of other vector-borne infections.     

The effect of maropitant on intraoperative isoflurane requirements and postoperative nausea and vomiting in dogs: a randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveTo establish if preoperative maropitant significantly reduced intraoperative isoflurane requirements and reduced clinical signs associated with postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in dogs.Study designRandomized clinical trial.AnimalsTwenty-four healthy, client-owned dogs undergoing routine ovariohysterectomy.MethodsPremedication involved acepromazine (0.03 mg kg⁻¹) combined with methadone (0.3 mg kg⁻¹) intramuscularly 45 minutes before anaesthetic induction with intravenous (IV) propofol, dosed to effect. Meloxicam (0.2 mg kg⁻¹) was administered intravenously. Dogs were randomly assigned to administration of saline (group S; 0.1 mL kg⁻¹, n = 12) or maropitant (group M; 1 mg kg⁻¹, n = 12) subcutaneously at time of premedication. Methadone (0.1 mg kg⁻¹ IV) was repeated 4 hours later. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen, dosed to effect by an observer unaware of group allocation. The dogs were assessed hourly, starting 1 hour postoperatively, using the short form of the Glasgow Composite Pain Score (GCPS), and for ptyalism and signs attributable to PONV [score from 0 (none) to 3 (severe)] by blinded observers. Owners completed a questionnaire at the postoperative recheck.ResultsOverall mean ± standard deviation end-tidal isoflurane percentage was lower in group M (1.19 ± 0.26%) than group S (1.44 ± 0.23%) (p = 0.022), but was not significantly different between groups at specific noxious events (skin incision, ovarian pedicle clamp application, cervical clamp application, wound closure). Cardiorespiratory variables and postoperative GCPS were not significantly different between groups. Overall, 50% of dogs displayed signs attributable to PONV, with no difference in PONV scores between groups (p = 0.198). No difference in anaesthetic recovery was noted by owners between groups.ConclusionsMaropitant reduced overall intraoperative isoflurane requirements but did not affect the incidence of PONV.Clinical relevanceMaropitant provided no significant benefits to dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy with this anaesthetic and analgesic protocol, although clinically significant reductions in isoflurane requirements were noted.     

A high protein high fibre diet improves weight loss in obese dogs

A newly-formulated, high protein high fibre (HPHF) diet has recently been shown to improve satiety in dogs. The current study examined its performance during weight loss in client-owned dogs with naturally-occurring obesity. Fifteen dogs were fed the HPHF diet, whilst a matched ‘control’ group of 27 dogs, received a high protein medium fibre diet (HPMF), with an equivalent caloric density. Baseline characteristics (signalment, percentage overweight, and body fat percentage) were not significantly different between groups. However, percentage weight loss was greater (median [range] 31.8% [12.0–41.2%] vs. 20.0% [5.9–45.0%], P = 0.016) and mean rate of weight loss faster (median [range] 1.0%/week [0.3–1.6%] vs. 0.7%/week [0.3–1.5%], P = 0.028) on HPHF compared with HPMF. Percentage body fat mass decrease (measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) was also greater in dogs fed the HPHF diet (median (range] 58% [32–85%) vs. 37% [15–72%), P = 0.002). Thus, a diet formulated to include high levels of both protein and fibre, improves outcome during weight loss in obese dogs.