Evaluation of a catheter biopsy technique as a diagnostic aid in lower urinary tract disease

The catheter biopsy technique described by Melhoff and Osborne (1977) has been evaluated as a diagnostic aid in lower urinary tract disease in 21 animals. Of 16 animals in which the final diagnosis was known, the diagnosis suggested by the biopsy was accurate in 15. The equipment required for obtaining a biopsy is inexpensive and readily available and the method can be recommended for use in veterinary practice.     

Use of a protected catheter brush for culture of the lower respiratory tract in horses with small airway disease.

A protected catheter brush introduced by fiberoptic bronchoscopy was used to sample the tracheai and bronchial mucosa in 28 horses with small airway disease. Tracheal and bronchial brushings were examined for the presence of fungi, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and a cytoiogical evaluation was also done on fluid collected by the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) technique. Microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) were isolated more often in tracheal brushings (53.6%) than in bronchial brushings (10.7%). Anaerobic bacteria were not isolated. Results of this study indicate that fiberoptic bronchoscopy using a protected catheter brush is an easy and practical technique to obtain minimally contaminated samples for isolation of microorganisms from the lower respiratory tract of horses. However, no association was observed between isolation of high numbers of microorganisms from the bronchi and severity of small airway disease.     

马病毒性动脉炎诊断技术研究进展

马病毒性动脉炎(EVA)是马属动物之间通过呼吸道或生殖器官传播的传染病,是危害养马业及赛马比赛的重要疾病之一,应用各种诊断技术对该病做出准确的诊断是预防和控制该病的前提.EVA的诊断技术包括检测病毒,检测血清抗体,涉及的技术和方法包括病毒的分离及中和试验、血凝及血凝抑制试验、免疫荧光试验以及酶联免疫吸附试验等.每种诊断技术都有其各自的优势和局限性,应根据目的及工作条件等综合情况予以选择,论文就各种诊断技术的原理、方法及特点进行了概述和比较,并对今后的应用前景和发展趋势进行了展望.     

Respiratory diseases, diagnostics, and treatment of marsupials.

Primary respiratory disease is uncommon in marsupials, but generalized disease often involves the respiratory tract in these animals. Other disease entities may spread to involve the respiratory system secondarily. Treatment is challenging because most animals are severely compromised on presentation. Bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi and yeasts, trauma, and neoplasia all can affect the respiratory systems of marsupials. Some of these conditions are only incidental findings, whereas others are pathogenic. Many therapies and diagnostic procedures are extrapolated from those in companion animal medicine and surgery. Despite the problems associated with the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease in marsupials, new therapeutic agents and diagnostic techniques are making these tasks easier and ultimately more successful.     

High-frequency jet ventilation during bronchoscopy in a dog

A dog with severe pulmonary disease caused by Filaroides osleri (Oslerus osleri) infection was anesthetized with thiopental sodium IV for diagnostic bronchoscopy. The dog was ventilated continuously during bronchoscopy with a high-frequency jet ventilator (using a rate of 100 breaths/min, drive pressure of 20 psi, and inspiratory fraction of 0.30). High-frequency jet ventilation provided satisfactory ventilatory support during bronchoscopy despite the dog's pulmonary disease.     

Staphylectomy for treatment of dorsal displacement of the soft palate in two foals

Dorsal displacement of the soft palate associated with dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia was diagnosed in 2 young foals. The displacement appeared to be congenital. Clinical signs associated with the condition were resolved after staphylectomy. Dorsal displacement of the soft palate is usually recognized in adult animals as an upper respiratory tract disease, but may be a contributing factor to dysphagia and lower respiratory tract disease in young animals.     

爬行动物呼吸系统疾病临床诊断和防治研究进展

呼吸系统疾病是圈养和野生爬行动物群体中非常常见的疾病,有高患病率和死亡率。多种传染性和非传染性因素与爬行动物的呼吸系统疾病有关系。常用的诊断技术包括放射摄影、血清学检验、下呼吸道灌洗物培养和鉴定、内窥镜检查等。关于爬行动物的药代动力学理论很少,大多数抗菌药物的有效治疗水平尚未确定。推荐用广谱抗生素和多种药物组合来治疗呼吸系统疾病,推荐的药品有阿米卡星、头孢他定、哌拉西林,应当根据培养观察结果和药物敏感性试验结果适当调整。喷雾疗法是一种抗生素治疗的有效辅助疗法。目前,爬行动物呼吸系统疾病相关研究有非常大的发展空间,要根据爬行动物的进化和生理特点研究适用的技术和手段,以指导疾病的预防、诊断和治疗。     

Health Assessment of the Reptilian Reproductive Tract

The number of reptiles maintained as pets, along with the captive reproduction of these animals, has increased dramatically over the last 2 decades. Reproductive tract pathology, secondary to an inadequate captive environment, is a common occurrence that can lead to abnormal reproductive activity and resulting disease. Additional factors such as malnutrition, obesity, systemic disease, infection/inflammation, trauma, and dehydration contribute to the development of reproductive tract disorders. The diagnosis of reproductive tract disease requires a thorough history, laboratory testing, and diagnostic imaging. An understanding of a species' biological and environmental requirements is essential for the prevention of reproductive tract disease. The purpose of this article is to review the reproductive tract anatomy and physiology of snakes, turtles, and lizards, and to provide a brief overview of the common disorders affecting the reproductive tract of reptilian species.     

Evaluation of a bladder tumor antigen test for the diagnosis of lower urinary tract malignancies in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of a human bladder tumor antigen test for diagnosis of lower urinary tract malignancies in dogs. SAMPLE POPULATION: Urine samples from dogs without urinary tract abnormalities (n = 18) and from dogs with lower urinary tract neoplasia (20) or nonmalignant urinary tract disease (16). PROCEDURE: Test results were compared among groups and among 3 observers. The effects of urine pH and specific gravity, degree of hematuria, and storage temperature and time of urine samples on test results were also assessed. RESULTS: Test sensitivity and specificity were 90 and 94.4%, respectively, for differentiating dogs with lower urinary tract neoplasia from dogs without abnormalities. However, specificity decreased to 35% for differentiating dogs with neoplasia from dogs with nonmalignant urinary tract disease. In dogs with neoplasia, results were significantly affected by degree of hematuria. However, addition of blood to urine from dogs without hematuria had no significant effect on test results. Although intraobserver variation was significant, urine pH, specific gravity, or storage time or temperature had no significant effect on results. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although this bladder tumor antigen test was sensitive for differentiating dogs with malignancies of the lower urinary tract from dogs without urinary tract disease, it was not specific for differentiating dogs with neoplasia from dogs with other lower urinary tract abnormalities. It cannot, therefore, be recommended as a definitive diagnostic aid for the detection of lower urinary tract malignancies in dogs.     

Cystoscopy: techniques and clinical applications

Cystoscopy is a powerful tool for characterization of lower urinary tract disease in dogs and cats. Current applications of cystoscopy include diagnostic and interventional techniques. This article reviews cystoscopy equipment, procedures, and common applications of cystoscopy. A review of normal anatomy and common lower urinary tract lesions identifiable with cystoscopy is also presented.     

Tracheobronchoscopy

Fiberoptic tracheobronchoscopy is a safe and rewarding technique for the diagnosis and management of a wide spectrum of respiratory tract diseases. A nomenclature system has recently been developed that allows the systematic identification of canine endobronchial anatomy during bronchoscopy. This system results in an improved ability to communicate bronchoscopic findings and provides a basis for performing a thorough bronchoscopic examination. Complications of tracheobronchoscopy are uncommon, but patients must be carefully monitored during the procedure because complications may be severe and life-threatening when they occur. Special techniques enhance the diagnostic spectrum of bronchoscopy and include brush cytology, forceps biopsy, bacterial culture, transbronchial lung biopsy, transbronchial needle aspiration, and bronchoalveolar lavage.     

A retrospective analysis of feline bronchoalveolar lavage cytology and microbiology (1995-2000)

A retrospective study of 88 bronchoalveolar lavage specimens from 80 cats presenting to the University of Sydney Veterinary Centre between 1995 and 2000 was performed. Bronchoalveolar lavage cytology and microbiology in conjunction with other diagnostic aids and patient records were used to classify cases as lower respiratory tract infections (LTRIs), LRTI revisits, feline bronchial disease, cardiac disease, neoplastic disease and multisystemic disease. Cases for which a definitive diagnosis could not be made were classified as inconclusive. Infectious agents identified were Mycoplasma spp., Pasteurella spp., Bordetella bronchiseptica, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas sp., Cryptococcus neoformans, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Eucoleus aerophilus. The study highlights the importance of bronchoalveolar lavage cytology and microbiology in the evaluation of feline lower respiratory tract disease.     

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

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

Clinical usefulness of cardiac event recording in dogs and cats examined because of syncope, episodic collapse, or intermittent weakness: 60 cases (1997-1999)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical usefulness of cardiac event recording in evaluating dogs and cats with unexplained syncope, episodic collapse, or intermittent weakness. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 58 dogs and 2 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records and electrocardiographic rhythm strips obtained by cardiac event recordings were reviewed. Cardiac rhythm data from the event recordings were classified as diagnostic or nondiagnostic. Diagnostic yield was calculated by dividing the number of animals for which cardiac event recording was diagnostic by the total number of animals undergoing cardiac event recording. RESULTS: For 51 animals, cardiac event recording was classified as diagnostic; therefore, overall diagnostic yield was 85%. Diagnostic yield was lower for animals without underlying structural heart disease (75.5%) than for animals with structural heart disease (95.6%). A specific arrhythmia was identified as the cause of clinical signs in 18 of the 51 (35%) animals for which cardiac event recording was diagnostic. Cardiac arrhythmia was definitively excluded as the cause of clinical signs in the remaining 33 (65%) animals in which cardiac event recording was diagnostic. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicate that cardiac event recording had a high diagnostic yield in dogs and cats examined because of unexplained syncope, episodic collapse, or transient weakness and ataxia, regardless of whether animals did or did not have an underlying structural heart disease. Diagnostic yield of cardiac event recording was higher than that reported previously for Holter monitoring.     

Clinical Update and Treatment of Selected Infectious Gastrointestinal Diseases in Avian Species

The anatomy of the avian gastrointestinal (GI) tract is unique and significantly different from that of other animals. The characteristics of the avian GI tract allow the different species to adapt and thrive in their habitats. Infectious diseases of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic origin commonly affect avian species. The significance and the nature of these pathologies vary with species and if they live in the wild or a captive environment. This review compiles information available in the literature on specific infectious processes that were considered relevant and clinically significant by the authors. Clinicians should be knowledgeable and aware of the infectious agents, clinical signs associated with disease, diagnostic techniques, and treatment methodologies currently available regarding diseases that affect the avian GI tract. Recent information that provides new insight to these infectious processes is the focus of this article.     

Pneumonia due to Mycobacterium abscessus in two domestic ferrets (Mustelo putorius furo)

Two ferrets were diagnosed with pneumonia due to Mycobacterium abscessus. Both cases were treated successfully using clarithromycin after positive cultures were obtained via unguided bronchoalveolar lavage. This is the first time M abscessus has been isolated in our laboratory and the first report of this organism causing disease in companion animals in Australia. Underlying respiratory tract disease was thought to be an important factor in the development of the infections. Thorough investigation of chronic lower respiratory tract disease in ferrets is recommended as this species appears predisposed to atypical infections.     

The histopathologic diagnosis of subclinical Johne's disease in North American bison (Bison bison)

The morphologic changes of subclinical Johne's disease in North American Bison (Bison bison) are characterized by microgranulomas composed of epithelioid macrophages and individual multinucleate giant cells of Langhans'-type occasionally containing individual cytoplasmic acid-fast bacilli compatible with Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis. The microgranulomas are best visualized in the mesenteric lymph nodes of infected subclinical animals. Macrophages that can be confused with infection-associated epithelioid macrophages in the mesenteric lymph nodes are pigment-carrying cells from the intestinal tract. Mesenteric lymph node biopsy may be a useful diagnostic tool for detection of mild subclinical infection in individual ruminants from herds of unknown infection status. The biopsy may also be useful for Johne's disease surveillance during test-and-cull programs.     

Diagnostic methods in infectious respiratory disease

For laboratory diagnosis of respiratory disease it is of overwhelming importance that the specimens taken are adequate, taken from the correct site and at the correct time. The lower regions of the respiratory tract are particularly difficult to sample but are more likely to yield the causative agent of a pneumonia. Infections involving the upper respiratory tract are much easier to sample and appropriate aspiration apparatus can be used. Consideration must be given to the timing of sample collection in relation to the life cycle of the causative micro-organism. Sampling of several animals is recommended. Diagnosis may be achieved by isolation in culture of the causative agent or the demonstration of the agent by indirect methods such as electron microscopy and ELISA. Clinical biochemical tests may reflect systemic metabolic changes induced by microbial infections and give an indication of the severity of the disease and its prognosis. Pulmonary function tests have limited application in animals and are only likely to be used under experimental conditions and in horses and small animals.     

Tumors of the alimentary tract

Neoplasms of the canine and feline alimentary tract represent diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for the veterinarian in practice. Careful attention to historical details and thorough and repeated examination are of paramount importance in evaluating animals with chronic digestive disturbances. By judicious use of ancillary studies such as plain and contrast radiography, endoscopy, and exploratory surgery, the clinician may arrive at a diagnosis earlier in the course of a neoplasm. This in turn may facilitate more efficacious treatment. A particularly interesting aspect of tumors of the gastrointestinal tract is their frequent association with environmental carcinogens. By being aware of these relationships, veterinarians stand a better chance of reaching the ultimate goal of cancer therapists--the prevention of malignant disease.     

Static thoracic compliance as a measurement of pulmonary function in dogs.

Thoracic compliance measurements by use of readily available equipment were determined to be practical and safe in dogs. Twenty healthy dogs (age 1 to 16 years, weight 2.3 to 49.5 kg) were anesthesized for routine procedures such as dentistry or neutering. The animals were first hyperventilated to reduce pulmonary atelectasis, to check for leakage at the endotracheal tube cuff, and to induce mild hypocarbia, thus minimizing voluntary respiratory efforts. Total thoracic compliance measurements were calculated as the difference between exhaled volumes at static inspiratory pressures of 15 and 20 cm of H2O, divided by the pressure difference, and expressed as a function of body weight. The procedure was easy, took 5 to 10 minutes, and caused no recognizable ill effects in any of the dogs studied. Mean total thoracic compliance was 42.25 +/- 32 ml/cm of H2O. There was a significant correlation with weight, but no significant relationship was seen between compliance and age, or gender. The mean weight-adjusted total thoracic compliance was 1.85 +/- 0.56 ml/cm of H2O/kg. In studies in a small group of dogs with documented respiratory tract disease, 4 of 7 had a mean compliance greater than 2 SD below the normal range. Thus, this test may become part of the routine workup of any animal being anesthetized for procedures such as bronchoscopy to evaluate respiratory tract disease. Routine monitoring of animals on ventilators could provide early warning of complications such as pneumonia, pleural effusion, or pulmonary edema.