ADVANCE NOTES ON RESEARCH

Tilley et al . (1) have clearly demonstrated that their rumen liquor and pepsin procedure for the determination of digestibility of herbage is useful and precise. The method has, however, the disadvantage that the equipment required for the centrifugation stages is relatively expensive and, moreover, when using one centrifuge only the procedure is somewhat tedious. The method outlined below completely eliminates centrifugation; the rumen-liquor stage is terminated by acidification and the residues from the pepsin stage is recovered by filtration, using a filter aid. Digestible dry matter or digestible organic matter may be determined; results for the former estimation on thirteen samples already examined at Hurley have given satisfactory results.     

SONOGRAPHY OF THE EQUINE PALMAR METACARPAL SOFT TISSUES

It was hypothesized that ultrasonography may be a sensitive method for identifying pathologic changes in the tendons and ligaments of the palmar metacarpus of the horse. The palmar meta-carpi of equine cadavers and live horses were examined sonographically. The advantages and disadvantages of various ultrasound scanning techniques and the normal appearance of longitudinal and transverse palmar metacarpal sonograms are described.     

Comparative diagnostic test characteristics of oscillometric and Doppler ultrasonographic methods in the detection of systolic hypertension in dogs

Comparison of test characteristics allows a clinician to choose the optimal diagnostic test method for an individual patient. This study assessed the comparative test characteristics of noninvasive (NI) blood pressure measurement methods (oscillometric and Doppler) and used this information to develop optimal cutoff values for diagnosis of systolic hypertension in dogs by these NI methods. Simultaneous NI (oscillometric or Doppler methods) and invasive (arterial puncture [AP]) systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements were obtained prospectively from normal dogs and dogs suspected of having systemic hypertension based on clinical signs. Oscillometric SBP readings were obtained from the distal hind limb (Osc-L, n = 54) or the proximal tail (T. n = 27). Doppler BP measurements were obtained using a forelimb cuff (n = 57). AP-SBP was categorized as hypertensive if > or = 160 mmHg, and sensitivity (Se). specificity (Sp), and likelihood ratios (LR) were calculated for diagnostic cutoff values ranging from 130 to 220 mmHg. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed to determine optimal cutoff values for diagnosis of AP-SBP > or = 160 mmHg. Optimal NI SBP cutoff values considered to reflect AP values > or = 160 mmHg were: Osc-L = 160 mmHg (Se: 65%, Sp: 85%. LR = 4.33: 1), Osc-T = 150 mmHg (Se: 84%, Sp: 75%, LR = 3.36: 1), and Doppler = 160 mmHg (Se: 71%,     

Effect of furosemide on urine specific gravity and osmolality in thoroughbred racehorses

Postrace urine samples from thoroughbred horses were examined to compare osmolality and specific gravity between horses treated with furosemide and those not treated. Samples were assigned to groups in relation to reported medication (furosemide) status, race finish position, and distance of race. Urine osmolality was significantly (P <.05) lower in samples from horses treated with furosemide when compared with untreated horses. Specific gravity determinations are less precise at measuring urine osmolality at lower levels (1.01 g/ml or less). The measurement of osmolality is a superior method for determining the urine solute concentration and facilitating the regulation of furosemide.     

Zoonotic skin diseases of dogs and cats

Although there are over 250 zoonotic diseases, only 30-40 of them involve dogs and cats. Transmission of zoonotic infections occurs via bites, scratches or touch; exposure to saliva, urine or feces; inhalation of particles or infectious aerosols; contact with a transport or intermediate host (e.g. ticks, fleas); or exposure to contaminated water, soil or vegetation. This paper summarizes the most important common zoonotic dermatological diseases of dogs and cats. The most common dermatological zoonoses are flea and tick infestations and the diseases they transmit; dermatophytosis; and mite infestations (Sarcoptes and Cheyletiella). Prevention of zoonotic infestations or infections can be accomplished easily by the use of routine flea and tick control, screening of new pets for dermatophytosis, and routine hand-washing.     

Antegrade pyelography for suspected ureteral obstruction in cats: 11 cases (1995-2001)

OBJECTIVE: o determine sensitivity and specificity of radiography, ultrasonography, and antegrade pyelography for detection of ureteral obstructions in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 11 cats. PROCEDURE: Medical records of cats that had radiography, ultrasonography, and antegrade pyelography performed for suspected ureteral obstructions were examined. Ultrasound-guided pyelocentesis and fluoroscopic-assisted antegrade pyelography were performed on 18 kidneys in 11 cats. Obstructive ureteral lesions were confirmed in all cats by surgical or necropsy examination. Sensitivity and specificity of survey radiography, ultrasonography, and antegrade pyelography for identification of ureteral obstructions were calculated. Surgical or necropsy findings were used as the standard for comparison. RESULTS: All cats were azotemic. Mean +/- SD serum creatinine and BUN concentrations were 10.2 +/- 6.1 and 149 +/- 82 mg/dL, respectively. Fifteen of 18 ureters were found to be obstructed at surgery or necropsy. Sensitivity and specificity were 60 and 100% for radiography and 100 and 33% for ultrasonography, respectively, in identification of ureteral obstructions. Leakage of contrast material developed in 8 of 18 kidneys during antegrade pyelography and prevented diagnostic interpretation in 5 of 18 studies. For the 13 diagnostic studies, specificity and sensitivity were 100% by use of the antegrade pyelography technique. Correct identification of the anatomic location of the ureteral obstruction was obtained in 100% of diagnostic antegrade pyelography studies and in 60% of radiography or ultrasonography studies. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Antegrade pyelography can be a useful alternative in the diagnosis and localization of ureteral obstructions in azotemic cats, although leakage of contrast material may prevent interpretation of the study.     

Evaluation of urine sulfated and nonsulfated bile acids as a diagnostic test for liver disease in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 3 methods for measuring urine bile acids (UBA) and compare their diagnostic performance with that of the serum bile acids (SBA) test and other routine screening tests in dogs with hepatic disorders. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 15 healthy dogs, 102 dogs with hepatic disorders, and 9 dogs with clinical signs of hepatic disorders that were found to have nonhepatic disorders. PROCEDURES: Blood and urine samples were collected from sick dogs and healthy dogs for serum biochemical analyses, and determination of concentrations of SBA and UBA. Urine samples were obtained from 15 healthy dogs to establish an upper cutoff value for UBA concentrations. The UBA were measured by use of a quantitative-linked enzymatic colorimetric method. Three analytical modifications were evaluated; 1 quantified only urine sulfated bile acids (USBA), 1 only urine nonsulfated bile acids (UNSBA), and 1 quantified both (USBA plus UNSBA). The UBA values were standardized with the urine creatinine concentration. RESULTS: The UNSBA-to-creatinine ratio and USBA plus UNSBA-to-creatinine ratio tests had the best diagnostic performance of the UBA tests; each had a substantially higher specificity, slightly higher positive predictive value, slightly lower negative predictive value, and lower sensitivity than the SBA test. These UBA-to-creatinine values were positively correlated with SBA values. The USBA-to-creatinine ratio had poor sensitivity, indicating a low rate of bile acid sulfation in dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The UBA can be measured in dogs with sufficient repeatability and accuracy for clinical application. The UNSBA-to-creatinine ratio and USBA plus UNSBA-to-creatinine ratio identified dogs with hepatic disorders nearly as well as the SBA test.     

Minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane in spontaneously breathing llamas and alpacas

OBJECTIVE: To determine the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane in spontaneously breathing llamas and alpacas. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 6 healthy adult llamas and 6 healthy adult alpacas. PROCEDURE: Anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane delivered with oxygen through a mask. An endotracheal tube was inserted, and a port for continuous measurement of end-tidal and inspired sevoflurane concentrations was placed between the endotracheal tube and the breathing circuit. After equilibration at an end-tidal-to-inspired sevoflurane concentration ratio > 0.90 for 15 minutes, a 50-Hz, 80-mA electrical stimulus was applied to the antebrachium until a response was obtained (ie, gross purposeful movement) or for up to 1 minute. The vaporizer setting was increased or decreased to effect a 10 to 20% change in end-tidal sevoflurane concentration, and equilibration and stimulus were repeated. The MAC was defined as the mean of the lowest end-tidal sevoflurane concentration that prevented a positive response and the highest concentration that allowed a positive response. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD MAC of sevoflurane was 2.29 +/- 0.14% in llamas and 2.33 +/- 0.09% in alpacas. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The MAC of sevoflurane in llamas and alpacas was similar to that reported for other species.     

Cellulitis in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

A case of cellulitis was observed in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) reared for commercial meat production. This condition in Japanese quail has not been reported in the literature. This incident was the first, and to date only, occurrence of cellulitis in this processing plant. The cellulitis lesions were localized to the subcutis overlying the breast and inner thigh. Carcasses of processed birds and live birds from the affected farm were presented to the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center, University of Georgia. Escherichia coli was cultured from the lesion. The affected live birds displayed lameness and had osteomyelitis. Pasteurella multocida serotype 3,4 was cultured from the liver and bone marrow of affected birds. Approximately 4.61% of the processed carcasses from the flock were condemned because of cellulitis. This represented a 10fold increase from the typical condemnation rate. Further investigation revealed birds were placed in higher than normal density; therefore, we theorize that the concurrent pasteurellosis and increased placement density resulted in the cellulitis condition.