Postnatal development of canine axial globe length measured by B-scan ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to document the development of axial globe length (AGL) in normal mesocephalic cross-bred dogs between 2 and 52 weeks of age, to determine a relationship between AGL and age, and derive an equation to predict AGL in normal mesocephalic cross-bred dogs. ANIMALS STUDIED AND PROCEDURE: The AGL of twenty normal mesocephalic cross-bred dogs was measured at 12 time points from 2 to 52 weeks of age using B-scan ultrasonography. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SEM) AGL increased from 12.65 mm (+/- 0.18) at 2 weeks of age to 19.52 mm (+/- 0.18) at 52 weeks of age. The correlation between AGL and age was evaluated by fitting possible variables to a regression pattern. A linear model of natural logarithmic-transformed value of AGL (mm) and age (week) was established. Side (left or right eye) and gender did not correlate with development of AGL. CONCLUSIONS: A reverse transformation of the formula can be used to predict AGL in mesocephalic cross-bred dogs: AGL = 10.847 * age in weeks 0.1653.     

Animal models for human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections

Since its detection in 2001 the human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, was observed to be a serious pathogen in human respiratory infections during childhood. Meanwhile, several animal models have been established to study the virus-host interactions and pathogenic effects. Mainly, small laboratory animals like mice and cotton rats have been used, although the usage of these two species for HMPV research is controversially discussed and contradictious results were obtained by different groups. Further trials with ferrets, hamsters and non human primates were performed revealing different success in their individual usage. In this review we present the different animal models, summarize their advantages and disadvantages, and discuss the controversial results from different studies.     

Retrospective evaluation of the use of small-bore wire-guided catheters for the management of peritoneal effusion in cats and dogs

Objective

To describe the use of small-bore wire-guided catheters in the management of peritoneal effusion in cats and dogs and to detail any associated adverse events.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

University teaching hospital

Animals

Forty-five client-owned animals that had peritoneal catheters placed for management of peritoneal effusion between July 2010 and June 2021.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Forty-five cases were included (25 dogs and 20 cats). Twenty-eight animals had the catheter placed to aid management of a uroabdomen, 8 of which recovered without surgical management, 11 had the catheter placed to allow autotransfusion of hemoabdomen, 3 had peritonitis, and 3 had ascites secondary to cardiac disease. Twenty-seven cases (15 dogs and 12 cats) received sedation (n = 24) or local anesthesia alone (n = 3) to facilitate catheter placement, and 6 cases had the catheter placed while under general anesthesia. Median length of catheter persistence was 24 hours (range: 2–144 h). The most common adverse events reported were impaired drainage (n = 7) and leakage at the insertion site (n = 4).

Conclusions

Peritoneal catheters can be inserted percutaneously for management of peritoneal effusion. Indications include stabilization and conservative management of uroabdomen, and autotransfusion. They can often be placed with minimal or no sedation and adverse events appear infrequent in occurrence.     

Evaluation of hemostatic derangements associated with canine anaphylaxis and the relationship to syndrome severity

Objective

To describe hemostatic derangements associated with canine anaphylaxis and to assess for association with syndrome severity.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Twenty-seven client-owned dogs, recruited from November 2018 to January 2022, diagnosed with anaphylaxis of varying severity were included. Study inclusion required presentation <6 hours after initiation of clinical signs, no medications or history of illness within the prior 2 weeks, lack of comorbidities expected to affect hemostasis, and lack of a disease state that could alternatively explain the clinical presentation.

Interventions

Blood samples were collected within the first hour of presentation for CBC, serum biochemistry, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and viscoelastic coagulation testing for use with a cartridge-based point-of-care device.

Measurements and main results

Clotting time and clot formation time were prolonged, alpha angle and maximum clot firmness were decreased, PT and aPTT were prolonged, and platelet counts were lower in severe cases compared to mild and moderate cases. There were no differences for any parameter between mild and moderate cases. The presence or absence of abdominal effusion was not associated with hemostatic status.

Conclusions

Global hemostatic derangements consistent with hypocoagulability are a prominent feature of severe anaphylaxis in dogs and should be considered for routine evaluation.     

Reuse of effluent water—benefits and risks

There is an increasing trend to require more efficient use of water resources, both in urban and rural environments. A major mechanism that can be used to achieve greater efficiencies is the reuse of water that once would have been discarded into the environment after use. The reuse of water for agricultural irrigation is often viewed as a positive means of recycling water due to the potential large volumes of water that can be used. Recycled water can have the advantage of being a constant, reliable water source and reduces the amount of water extracted from the environment. In addition, in some cases treatment requirements may be need to be less than for water used in an urban environment due to less potential human contact. There are concerns and unknowns, however, about the impact of the quality of the recycled water, both on the crop itself and on the end users of the crops. Water quality issues that can create real or perceived problems in agriculture include nutrient and sodium concentrations, heavy metals, and the presence of contaminants such as human and animal pathogens, pharmaceuticals and endocrine disruptors. Social attitudes to the use of crops that have been irrigated with recycled waters and the resulting impact on market value of crops are also a major consideration. This paper will discuss the benefits from using different types of recycled water and outline the current knowledge and opinions relating to risks such as water quality issues.