Client-owned Dogs Research Articles

Effects of dietary cellulose on clinical and gut microbiota recovery in dogs with uncomplicated acute diarrhea: a randomized prospective clinical trial.

To assess the impact of dietary fiber supplementation with cellulose on clinical course, fecal consistency, and intestinal microbiota composition in dogs with uncomplicated acute diarrhea (AD). From September 2022 to November 2023, a total of 19 dogs presenting with uncomplicated AD were included in this prospective, randomized, and double-blinded clinical trial. The time to resolution of diarrhea was evaluated via owner surveys and a fecal scoring chart. The client-owned dogs were randomly assigned to a cellulose group (CG) or control group. The intestinal microbiota was analyzed via quantitative PCR. A marginally significant, faster improvement in stool consistency on day 1 was observed in the CG (P = .09). All dogs improved clinically, with a median recovery time of 3.0 days in the CG and 3.2 days in the control group (range, 1 to 6 days in both groups). There was no significant difference regarding the Canine Acute Diarrhea Severity index or composition of the intestinal microbiota during the study. All dogs with uncomplicated AD exhibited rapid clinical improvement and recovery of the core intestinal microbiota within the first few days. Cellulose improved the fecal consistency in a subset of dogs, and intestinal dysbiosis was mild and self-limiting. The administration of dietary cellulose has the potential to accelerate improvements of stool consistency. Mild changes in pathobionts, such as an increased amount of Clostridium perfringens, are self-limiting; thus, antibiotic intervention is not warranted.

Prospective evaluation of hospital-acquired skin lesions in dogs: A case-control study.

Hospital-related dermatological conditions are well-studied and reported in human medicine. However, studies about these dermatological disorders in veterinary medicine are lacking. To report the incidence, type and distribution of hospital-acquired skin lesions (HASL) in dogs, and to investigate risk factors that may be associated with their development. Hospitalised client-owned dogs with HASL and a control group of hospitalised dogs without skin lesions. Prospective clinical evaluation of all HASL and dermatological tests, when indicated, were performed, over 6 months. A variety of potentially predisposing factors also were recorded. Thirty-one dogs with HASL and a matched control group of 60 hospitalised dogs without skin lesions were included. The incidence of HASL was 11.2% (31 of 278). The most common lesion was erythema in 74.2% of dogs (23 of 31) and the most affected area was the abdomen in 58.1% (18 of 31) of dogs. Faecal and/or urinary incontinence was identified as an important risk factor for the development of skin lesions during hospitalisation (odds ratio 14.445, 95% confidence interval 1.444-144.479, p = 0.023). Immobilisation and changes in body temperature also may play a role in the development of such lesions in dogs. Faecal and/or urinary incontinence was found to be an important factor in the development of HASL. The impact of HASL on patient outcomes and the prevention of these lesions requires further investigation.

High specificity and sensitivity of spot urine normetanephrine-to-creatinine ratios in the diagnosis of canine pheochromocytoma.

To evaluate the specificity/sensitivity and predictive values of urine spot metanephrines-to-creatinine ratios to diagnose canine pheochromocytomas and to determine whether there is a correlation between urine catecholamine levels and tumor volume. In a retrospective study, 32 client-owned dogs with adrenal tumors were identified (13 nonpheochromocytoma and 19 pheochromocytoma). Medical records were evaluated for patients undergoing adrenalectomy between August 2020 and August 2023. Patients were divided into groupings of pheochromocytoma and other adrenal tumor diagnosis on the basis of histopathology. Urine spot normetanephrine concentrations were significantly elevated in dogs with pheochromocytomas compared to dogs with other adrenal tumors. Sensitivity was 78.9%, specificity 76.9%, positive predictive value 83.3%, and negative predictive value 71.4% for discriminating between pheochromocytoma and nonpheochromocytoma. Spot urine metanephrine concentrations were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Only 5 of 19 pheochromocytoma patients had urine normetanephrine concentrations > 4 times the upper reference limit, which is the previously established diagnostic cutoff. Median tumor volume did not correlate with normetanephrine values, nor did those values correlate to patients that experienced intraoperative complications. Twenty-one percent of cases were biochemically silent pheochromocytomas. Urine normetanephrine-to-creatinine levels but not metanephrine-to-creatinine levels can potentially differentiate a pheochromocytoma from a nonpheochromocytoma. Previously published guidelines of 4 times the upper reference limit in spot urine metanephrines testing used to diagnose pheochromocytomas will lead to a significant number of missed diagnoses.

Longitudinal assessment of thyroid function in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism: Clinical outcomes and prevalence of autoantibodies.

Knowledge about primary hypoadrenocorticism coexisting with immune-mediated thyroiditis (Schmidt's syndrome) in dogs is limited. To evaluate thyroid function in dogs with naturally occurring hypoadrenocorticism before and during treatment. Sixty-six client-owned dogs. Measurement of canine thyroid stimulating hormone (cTSH), total thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine, and autoantibodies against thyroglobulin, T4, and total triiodothyronine. Thirty-eight dogs were assessed before and 28 during treatment. Follow-up data were available for 24/38 and 17/28 dogs, with median follow-up duration of 3.8 years (range, <1.0-8.8 years) and 4 years (range, 1.1 weeks to 10.5 years), respectively. Canine thyroid stimulating hormone was above the reference range at the time of diagnosis of hypoadrenocorticism in 10 of 38 dogs but decreased into the reference range in 7 for which follow-up data was available. Hypothyroidism was confirmed in 5 dogs at a median age of 11 years (range, 7-15 years). In 4 dogs, the condition was diagnosed after a median treatment duration of 5.75 years (range, 2.6-10 years), while in 1 dog, the diagnosis was made concurrently. One dog had detectable thyroid autoantibodies. Hypothyroidism occurs as a rare concurrent condition in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism, potentially at any phase of treatment. Close monitoring of cTSH levels in these dogs could be beneficial, as early changes might indicate the onset of hypothyroidism. The low prevalence of detectable thyroid autoantibodies suggests that nonimmune mechanisms might contribute to thyroid dysfunction.

Clinical findings and prognostic factors for immediate survival in 33 dogs undergoing surgery for biliary peritonitis.

To report demographics, clinical signs, physical examination, diagnostic test results, surgical findings, and prognostic factors for in-hospital postoperative mortality following biliary peritonitis surgery in dogs. Retrospective, multi-institutional cohort study. Thirty-three client-owned dogs. The medical records of dogs that underwent surgery for biliary peritonitis between 2015 and 2021 were reviewed. Dogs were included if they had a definitive diagnosis of biliary peritonitis and a surgery report. Information on demographics, clinical signs and duration, physical examination findings, laboratory and diagnostic imaging results, surgery, perioperative medical treatment, and complications for each patient was obtained. Statistical analyses were performed to identify risk factors that affected survival. Cholecystectomy was the procedure most frequently performed (31/33, 94%). The overall mortality rate was 36% (12/33). Survival was affected negatively by hyperbilirubinemia (p = .049), administration of vasopressors (p = .002), renal dysfunction (p = .008), and number of postoperative complications (p = .005). A mortality rate of 50% was observed in dogs with a total bilirubin level greater than 60.5 μmol/L. There was no difference in mortality rate between septic and nonseptic biliary effusions. New prognostic factors associated with in-hospital postoperative mortality in dogs treated surgically for biliary peritonitis were identified, while others that had been reported previously were confirmed. A preoperative bilirubin threshold value associated with a 50% mortality was identified. Additional information that could help to predict survival in dogs with biliary peritonitis has been provided. However, further research is warranted.

CSF flow measurement in the mesencephalic aqueduct using 2D cine phase-contrast MRI in dogs with communicating internal hydrocephalus, ventriculomegaly, and physiologic ventricular spaces

BackgroundBrachycephalic dogs are overrepresented with ventricular enlargement. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics are not completely understood. MRI techniques have been used for the visualization of CSF dynamics including phase-contrast imaging.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine a causality between CSF flow and ventriculomegaly or hydrocephalus and to compare CSF flow dynamics among dogs with ventriculomegaly, internal hydrocephalus, and physiologic ventricles.AnimalsA total of 51 client-owned dogs were included in the study.MethodsMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based FLASH sequences and phase-contrast images of the brain were obtained, and the ROI was placed at the level of the mesencephalic aqueduct. ECG monitoring was performed parallel to MRI acquisition. Evaluation of flow diagrams and processing of phase-contrast images were performed using commercially available software (Argus VA80A, Siemens AG Healthcare Sector, Erlangen, Germany). Dogs were divided into three groups: Group 1 consisted of brachycephalic dogs with ventriculomegaly (group 1A) or internal hydrocephalus (group 1B), group 2 consisted of brachycephalic dogs with normal ventricles, and group 3 consisted of meso- to dolichocephalic dogs with normal ventricles.ResultsGroup 1 had a higher median Vrost (4.32 cm/s; CI: 2.94–6.33 cm/s) and Vcaud (−6.1 cm/s, CI: 3.99–9.33 cm/s) than group 2 (Vrost: 1.99 cm/s; CI 1.43–2.78 cm/s; Vcaud: 2.91 cm/s, CI: 2.01–4.21 cm/s; p = 0.008; p = 0.03) and group 3 (Vrost:1.85 cm/s, CI: 1.31–2.60 cm/s; Vcaud − 2.46 cm/s, CI 1.68–3.58 cm/s; p = 0.01; p = 0.02). The median Volcaud of group 1 (−0.23 mL/min, CI: 0.13–0.42 mL/min) was higher than that of group 2 (−0.09 mL/min, CI: 0.05 mL/min and 0.15 mL/min) (p = 0.03). Groups 1A and 1B did not differ in Vcaud, Vrost, Volcaud, and Volrost. Group 1A and 1B showed a higher median Vrost (4.01 cm/s, CI: 2.30–7.05 cm/s; 5.94 cm/s, CI: 2.16–7.88 cm/s) than group 2 (1.85 cm/s, CI: 1.24–2.80 cm/s.) (p = 0.03; p = 0.004).Conclusion and clinical importanceIncreased CSF flow velocities in rostral and caudal directions are present in dogs with ventriculomegaly and internal hydrocephalus compared to normal controls.

Retrospective evaluation of perioperative clinical outcomes of diaphyseal femoral fractures repaired with the string-of-pearls locking plate system with adjunctive fixation.

To evaluate outcomes and complication rate of utilizing a string-of-pearls (SOP) plate augmented with adjunctive fixation in the repair of canine femur fractures. Records of canine patients with mid-diaphyseal femoral fractures repaired with the SOP plate and adjunctive fixation were reviewed. Information retrieved from medical records included signalment, patient weight, fracture configuration, repair technique, healing time, and complications based on perioperative radiographic follow-up to clinical union. Forty client-owned dogs met inclusion criteria for this study. Variables analyzed for association with major complications included body weight, fracture configuration, repair technique, and adjunctive fixation. Major complications requiring surgical revision occurred in 8 of 40 fractures. Five cases experienced intramedullary pin migration and were successfully treated with sedated pin removal. The remaining 3 cases involved implant failure via screw shear breakage and required surgical revision of the fixation to achieve a successful outcome. On the basis of a calculated Bonferroni correction, no statistical significance of the tested variables was found in association with major complications; however, significance was limited due to the low statistical power of this study. The use of adjunctive fixation with the SOP locking plate system led to radiographic union without complication in most cases, and no instances of plate breakage were reported. However, implant complications secondary to the adjunctive fixation can occur. Adjunctive fixation used with the SOP plate for repair of canine femur fractures has a high success rate, though pin migration as a complication persists.

Treatment with Leflunomide in Conjunction with Glucocorticoids for Dogs with Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis Is Not Associated with Improved Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 93 Dogs from Australia (2017–2024)

Immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) has a relatively high relapse rate compared to other immune-mediated diseases. Leflunomide is frequently used to treat dogs with IMPA in conjunction with prednisolone. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of leflunomide as an adjunctive therapy to prednisolone in reducing relapse and mortality rates in dogs diagnosed with IMPA in Australia. The medical records of client-owned dogs diagnosed with IMPA at a specialist referral hospital in Southeast Queensland from 2017 to 2024 were reviewed. A total of 93 dogs were included in this study, divided into two groups based on the treatment received: Group PRED, consisting of 53 dogs treated with prednisolone as the sole immunosuppressive agent, and Group L+PRED, consisting of 40 dogs that received leflunomide as adjunctive therapy alongside prednisolone. Data collected included breed, age, weight, sex, serum C-reactive protein concentration, results of synovial fluid analysis and microbial culture, treatment protocol, relapse rates and time to relapse, and mortality rates. There was no difference in relapse or mortality rates, time to relapse, nor time to discontinue prednisolone between the PRED and L+PRED groups. The L+PRED group had higher body weights and lower prednisolone dose rate at discharge compared to those in the PRED group. This study demonstrated that the use of leflunomide as an adjunctive therapy to prednisolone for the treatment of dogs with IMPA had no improved outcomes, reduced relapse rates, or shortening in the duration of prednisolone therapy when compared to dogs receiving prednisolone monotherapy.

Retrospective analysis of carboplatin-induced cumulative neutropenia in cancer-bearing dogs.

To determine the clinical significance of performing repeated postchemotherapy CBC for cancer-bearing dogs receiving ≥ 4 carboplatin treatments. The secondary aim was to identify risk factors associated with cumulative carboplatin-induced neutropenia in those dogs. 40 client-owned dogs diagnosed with cancer. A retrospective study using medical records from a single academic institution during 2012 to 2023. Dogs that received ≥ 4 doses of carboplatin with pre- and postchemotherapy CBCs available were included. Signalment and possible risk factors were recorded. Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events was used for neutropenia grading. 40 dogs met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 206 prechemotherapy and 188 postchemotherapy CBC results available. The median carboplatin dosage was 300 mg/m2 (range, 200 to 300 mg/m2). The median interval between carboplatin administration and the postchemotherapy CBC was 10 days (range, 6 to 38 days). Eleven dogs developed a grade 2 or higher neutropenia, with 5 dogs developing multiple neutropenic events, for a total of 18 separate events (18/394). Only 2 of 18 neutropenic events were recorded at the 10- to 14-day postchemotherapy CBC. The yield of detecting neutropenia at a postchemotherapy CBC at any carboplatin chemotherapy after the second dose was < 1% (1/149). Dogs that developed neutropenia at the pre-2nd chemotherapy CBC had a significantly higher risk of developing another neutropenic event at subsequent prechemotherapy CBC (P < .001). The incidence of cumulative neutropenia after 4 to 6 doses of carboplatin is low in cancer-bearing dogs. If a grade 2 or higher neutropenia is observed at or before the second prechemotherapy CBC, the dog is at a higher risk of developing neutropenia following future treatments.

Long-term outcomes and prognostic factors in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin and suspected necrotic lesions on magnetic resonance imaging: 37 cases (2007-2020).

To describe the long-term outcomes, overall survival, progression-free survival, and prognostic factors in dogs with necrotizing encephalitis (NE). 37 client-owned dogs clinically diagnosed with NE. All dogs underwent MRI and CSF analysis. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine factors related to the risk of relapse and death, including signalment, history, diagnostic investigation results, and treatments before the first relapse. The medians of the overall and progression-free survival times were 639 days (IQR, 342 to 1,482 days) and 233 days (IQR, 111 to 775 days), respectively. Overall survival was highly correlated with progression-free survival. Four dogs (11%) died or were euthanized within 3 months of diagnosis. Relapse within 6 months was associated with a shorter overall survival. However, no prognostic factors for overall survival were found. The category of patients with presenting clinical signs that lasted 29 days to 6 months (OR, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.35 to 7.90) was associated with a higher risk of relapse. Seizures were presented in 75.7% of dogs, with a recurrence rate of 100%. This report provides comprehensive follow-up information for dogs with NE, revealing a fair prognosis and low early mortality rate. Seizure is a very common clinical sign with a high recurrence rate.

Pharmacodynamics of 2 dosages of orally administered esomeprazole in client-owned, healthy dogs: A prospective, crossover study.

Esomeprazole use is increasing in dogs, but the gastrointestinal adverse events associated with q12h dosing necessitate pharmacodynamic evaluation of a reduced dose and frequency of administration. To compare the efficacy of 2 doses of (q24h) esomeprazole in raising intragastric pH in dogs. Nine healthy, client-owned dogs, >20 kg. Prospective, randomized, double blinded, crossover study. Esomeprazole (0.5 or 1 mg/kg q24h) was orally administered for up to 5 days per treatment arm, and the mean percentage time intragastric pH was ≥3 (MPT3) and ≥4 (MPT4) for 24 hours periods were compared to pretreatment pH using a continuous pH monitoring system. Dogs failing to reach pH goals (MPT3 ≥75%, MPT4 ≥66%) with once daily dosing received esomeprazole 1 mg/kg PO q12h to determine if a higher dose would improve acid suppression. No significant difference in the MPT3 or MPT4 was identified between treatments for any time point (P > .05). Both doses increased the MPT pH ≥3 and 4 median [range] (0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg) on days 1 (MPT3: 76.8% [44-100], 69.2% [28.2-100]; MPT4: 65.6% [16.7-99.3], 54.9% [14.9-93.3]; P = .0009) and 2 (MPT3:77.2% [27.4-100], 75.4% [49.4-89.5]; MPT4: 66.3% [15.5-100], 59.7% [33.8-81.2]; P = .0005) of PPI treatment compared to pretreatment (MPT3: 58.3% [0.02-93.9], 52.6% [6.1-94.7]; MPT4: 25.2% [0-86.8], 32.4% [1.8-89.3]). Six dogs (66%, [0.36, 0.97]) reached pH goals established in humans with q24h dosing. Both q24h PO esomeprazole doses were effective in raising intragastric pH, despite high intersubject variability, but 33% of dogs required q12h dosing to reach pH goals.

Interexaminer agreement of gonioscopy examinations in dogs using the European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Hereditary Eye Diseases grading scheme.

Prospective observational study with preregistered study protocol to assess interexaminer agreement using the 2022 European College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Hereditary Eye Disease (ECVO-HED) gonioscopy grading scheme. Sixty client-owned dogs presented for gonioscopy as part of the required certification process prior to breeding. Two ECVO diplomates with comparable clinical experience performed gonioscopy with a Koeppe gonioscopy lens and slit-lamp biomicroscope at 10x magnification on all eyes in a randomized fashion. One hundred and eighteen of 120 eyes (60 dogs) were included. In 110/118 eyes (93%), both examiners provided the same breeding recommendation (yes/no). This translated into an agreement on the final breeding recommendation in 58/60 dogs (97%). Examiners disagreed on pectinate ligament abnormality (PLA) grading in 19/118 eyes and iridocorneal angle width (ICAW) grading in 9/118 eyes. PLA grading disagreement was mostly observed between neighboring grades. Disagreement between PLA and ICAW grading sometimes occurred within the same eye accounting for an observed disagreement in iridocorneal angle abnormality (ICAA) grading in 19/118 eyes in total. Cohen's kappa was Κ = 0.62 (95% TI 0.34-0.89), whereas maximum kappa was maxΚ = 0.82 (95% TI 0.59-1). Mixed model analysis suggested no significant examiner influence on breeding recommendations (OR 0.17; 95% CI 0.02-1.12, p = .09). Although examiners disagreed on ICAA grading in 19/118 eyes, this resulted in a different breeding recommendation (yes/no) in eight eyes and in two dogs only. Therefore, the use of the 2022 ECVO-HED gonioscopy grading scheme seems to result in examiners providing the same breeding recommendations in most cases.

A Pilot Study of the Total Cholesterol/High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio as a Prognostic Indicator of Hyperlipidemia-Related Diseases in Dogs and Cats

In veterinary medicine, the significance of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) measurements is not as well documented as it is in humans. The HDL level can be measured in dogs as well and, through referring to the normal range, it is possible to find out what this means in relation to various endocrine diseases and hyperlipidemia diseases. The aim of this study is to measure the HDL levels in dogs with various conditions and to evaluate whether the total cholesterol (TC)-to-HDL ratio is effective as a prognostic indicator in various hyperlipidemia and endocrine diseases, which is significant since it is the first trial in dogs. Through a retrospective study design, sixteen client-owned dogs and cats visiting a local private practice were divided into three groups: five dogs without hyperlipidemia or metabolic disease (Group 1), eight dogs with Cushing’s, hypothyroidism, and gallbladder sludge (Group 2), and three cats, including one with diabetes, one with a urinary disorder, and one healthy cat (Group 3). In two dogs, the TC/HDL values were between 2 and 3; in two dogs, the values were between 3 and 4; and in two dogs, the values were between 4 and 5. In three dogs, the TC/HDL values were between 5 and 6 and in three dogs the ratio values were between 6 and 7. The other value was higher than 8. Except for two dogs that showed lower values than 3, all dogs in Group 1 and Group 2 had concurrent endocrine disease. This means that TC/HDL values can be an excellent indicator of endocrine disease in dogs as well. In cats, although it is a very small batch of samples, a high TC/HDL value of 9 points was shown in the cat that had diabetes mellitus. However, for more statistically significant results, a larger sample group for further investigation is needed.

A modified approach to portal placement for arthroscopic management of osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the tarsocrural joint in 15 dogs (19 tarsi).

To describe the surgical technique and outcomes of arthroscopic treatment for talar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in dogs, using scope and instrument portals placed on the same side of the joint as the lesion. Retrospective case series. Fifteen client-owned dogs (19 tarsi). The records of dogs with talar OCD lesions managed by arthroscopy using this modified approach to portal placement were reviewed. Signalment, owner-completed questionnaires-the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) and a visual analog scale (VAS)-together with clinical and imaging data, surgical techniques, and postoperative complications were recorded. Mid- to long-term outcomes (over 6 months) were assessed using orthopedic examinations, osteoarthritis radiographic scores, and owner-completed questionnaires. Visualization of the affected articular structures was adequate in all cases. The multiple OCD fragments identified on CT scans were removed without intraoperative complication in 17 tarsi. Mini-arthrotomy was performed in one dog and mini-tenotomy of the deep digital flexor sheath was performed in another. Minor postoperative complications (synovial cysts) were reported in four cases. Mid- to long-term outcomes were good to excellent in 11 of the 14 dogs with substantial improvement in lameness, CBPI, and VAS scores compared with preoperative results. Degenerative joint disease progression was observed in 10 of the 14 cases. The modified arthroscopic technique resulted in few complications, rapid clinical improvement, and full or acceptable function in most cases. This modified approach to portal placement is an appealing and suitable alternative to the approach described previously for managing tarsal OCD lesions.

Prevalence of immunoglobulin E sensitisation to mites and pollens in 25,451 French dogs from 2016 to 2022.

Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a common skin disorder in dogs, wherein allergens are presumed to exert a significant influence. The prevalence of allergen sensitisation in dogs with suspected cAD remains inadequately investigated in France. This study aimed to analyse allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E test results from French dogs with suspected cAD, exploring potential risk factors influencing sensitisation. The study included 25,451 client-owned dogs presented with clinical signs of cAD between January 2016 and December 2022. The study population consisted of 226 pure breeds and 915 cross-bred dogs of both sexes, with a mean age of 4.4 (±2.8) years. Data collection involved the compilation of results from canine serological allergen-specific IgE ELISA tests, using a 23 allergen composite panel. The influence of breed, sex, age, geographical area and sampling season on IgE test outcomes subsequently was analysed. Of the 25,451 analysed samples, 75.6% exhibited significant serum IgE concentrations in response to at least one of the tested allergens, with 67.9% testing positive for mites and 39.8% for pollens. Breed, sex, age, geographical area and sampling season were identified as significant risk factors influencing sensitisation patterns. This study provides insights into the prevalence and risk factors associated with allergen sensitisation in dogs with suspected cAD. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective diagnosis and tailored management strategies in veterinary practice. The findings underscore the need for personalised approaches in addressing cAD, considering individual patient characteristics.

Dogs with diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy have higher urine di-docosahexaenoyl (22:6)-bis(monoacylglycerol)phosphate, a biomarker of phospholipidosis.

In dogs with diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), we have identified electron microscopic changes suggestive of abnormal lysosomal accumulation of phospholipids and consistent with the appearance of drug-induced phospholipidosis in people and other animals. The objective of this study was to compare concentrations of urine di-docosahexaenoyl (22:6)-bis(monoacylglycerol)phosphate (BMP), a biomarker of drug-induced phospholipidosis, in dogs with DCM eating high-pulse (HP) diets, dogs with DCM eating low-pulse (LP) diets, and healthy controls (control-HP and control-LP). In this cross-sectional study, voided urine was collected from client-owned dogs with DCM from September 2018 through March 2020. Urine di-22:6-BMP was measured by LC-MS-MS and normalized to urine creatinine. Normalized di-22:6-BMP concentrations were compared among groups using mixed-effects-model analysis. 53 dogs were included: DCM-HP (n = 25), DCM-LP (n = 4), control-HP (n = 10), and control-LP (n = 14). Mixed-effects models adjusted for age and sex showed that HP diet was significantly associated with higher normalized urine di-22:6-BMP concentrations. A 1-way ANOVA identified a significant difference among the 4 groups, with Tukey post hoc analysis showing that the DCM-HP group had significantly higher normalized urine di-22:6-BMP concentrations compared to the control-LP group. Normalized di-22:6-BMP concentrations were significantly positively correlated with diet pulse scores (r = 0.52). High-pulse diets were significantly associated with higher normalized urine di-22:6-BMP concentrations. These results support the possible presence of primary or secondary phospholipidosis in dogs with diet-associated DCM and provide a plausible mechanism for further investigation.

Speckle tracking echocardiography for evaluation of myocardial functions before and after mitral valvuloplasty in dogs.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common acquired heart disease in dogs. Mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) addresses regurgitation, but the pre- and postoperative changes in myocardial function remain uncertain. This study evaluated myocardial motion before and after MVP using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). Eight client-owned dogs undergoing MVP for MMVD. Myocardial deformation was assessed by 2D-STE before surgery and at 1- and 3-months post-surgery. Measurements included left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial strain (GRS), cardiac twist, and right ventricular free wall GLS (RVFW-GLS). Postoperative decreases were observed in left ventricular internal dimensions, left atrial size, and early diastolic myocardial velocity, with an increase in peak late diastolic velocity. LV-GLS decreased at 1 month (-14.4%) and 3 months (-16.3%) compared to preoperative values (-24.4%) (p = 0.0078, p = 0.015). GCS decreased at 1 month (-12.9%) and 3 months (-14.8%) compared to preoperative values (-21.7%) (p = 0.0078). GRS decreased at 1 month (27.7%) and 3 months (32.0%) compared to preoperative values (67.7%) (p = 0.0078). No significant changes were observed in RVFW-GLS. Peak systolic twist increased at 3 months (9.1° vs. 4.9°, p = 0.039). Peak systolic apical rotation showed an upward trend at 3 months (p = 0.109). Left ventricular twist was mildly affected by LVIDd, LVIDDN, and sphericity index (R 2 = 0.187, p = 0.034; R 2 = 0.33, p = 0.0029; R 2 = 0.22, p = 0.019). Postoperative myocardial motion approached reference values, indicating significant improvement, particularly in left ventricular twisting motion. These findings highlight the positive impact of surgery on cardiac function in dogs with MMVD.

Use of respiratory signal analysis to assess severity of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) in dogs

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a potentially life-threatening condition that can be challenging to diagnose and grade objectively. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of respiratory signal analysis to assess severity of BOAS in dogs. Hundred and seventeen client-owned dogs of brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic breeds were enrolled. Respiratory sounds were recorded using an electronic stethoscope before and after a 3-minute exercise test (ET). Dogs were assigned a BOAS severity grade (BOAS 0–3) using a validated respiratory functional grading scheme. Signal analysis techniques were used to identify seven sound variables. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to investigate associations between variables and BOAS severity and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to assess the diagnostic efficacy of each sound variable. For each sound variable, there was a significant association with BOAS grade. An increase in BOAS grade resulted in greater sound magnitude in the frequency spectrum (0–1000 Hz), and in a greater contribution of lower frequencies (170–260 Hz). The variable “Peak 1” had the best performance in predicting BOAS negative (BOAS 0 +1) versus BOAS positive dogs (BOAS 2 + 3) before the ET; area under the curve (AUC) = 76.6 % (95 % confidence interval 67.4–85.8 %), whereas the variable “Valley 1” had the highest predictive value after the ET; AUC = 87.8 % (95 % confidence interval 81.4–94.3 %). Respiratory signal analysis has good potential for assessing BOAS severity and could be valuable for clinicians in clinical decision processes and for breeders when selecting suitable breeding dogs.

Longer preoperative fluid resuscitation decreased anesthetic fluid interventions in 297 dogs undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction.

The objectives were to (1) compare the impact of preoperative fluid resuscitation on anesthetic parameters and interventions and (2) assess the impact of preoperative resuscitation duration on the integrity of intestinal tissue and postoperative complications in dogs with gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction. Medical records from 1 academic hospital were reviewed for 297 client-owned dogs that underwent gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction surgery between May 2017 and August 2022. Data collected included the following: signalment, preoperative fluid resuscitation, surgical findings, anesthetic parameters and interventions, postoperative complications, and timing of the first meal. Variables for preoperative length of fluid resuscitation (hours), total preoperative fluid bolus (mL/kg), and preoperative fluid rate (mL/kg/d) were changed to categorical variables. Associations between anesthetic interventions, postoperative outcomes, preoperative fluid resuscitation length, and total fluid bolus were assessed with ordered logistic regression. Shorter preoperative fluid resuscitation length was associated with higher anesthetic fluid rates (P = .033) and fluid boluses performed (P = .023). Increased total volume of preoperative fluid boluses was associated with anesthetic synthetic colloid use (P = .028). There was insufficient evidence to claim an association between the impact of preoperative fluid resuscitation length and intestinal wall compromise (perforation, P = .912; enterectomy performed, P = .711). Shorter preoperative fluid resuscitation was associated with increased anesthetic fluid interventions but not the need for more complex surgeries. Longer fluid resuscitation periods are associated with fewer anesthetic interventions in dogs.

Neosporosis in 21 adult dogs, 2010-2023.

Limited information is available regarding the clinical features, treatment, and prognosis of neosporosis in adult dogs. Describe the clinical signs, laboratory findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, treatment and outcome in adult dogs (>6 months) diagnosed with neosporosis based on consistent clinical signs and positive serology (titer ≥1 : 800) at a referral hospital in Sydney, Australia. Twenty-one client-owned dogs. Retrospective case series of affected dogs between 2010 and 2023. Survival times were determined from onset of clinical signs to date of death or censoring. Clinical signs varied, and were indicative of generalized myopathy (6 dogs), multifocal intracranial disease (7 dogs), myelopathy (4 dogs), polyneuropathy (2 dogs) and single cases of focal myopathy and cerebellar disease. Serum creatine kinase activity was markedly increased (median, 3369 U/L) in most dogs. The most common MRI abnormalities were multifocal intracranial abnormalities (7/13 dogs) and muscle changes (5/13 dogs) whereas T2-weighted cerebellar abnormalities (2/13 dogs) and cerebellar atrophy (1/13) were less common. Treatment response was complete (resolution to normal) in 8 dogs, incomplete (persistent neurological deficits) in 6 dogs, but there was minimal response in 7 dogs. Thirteen dogs (62%) were alive after 6 months and 12 dogs (57%) alive after 1 year. Relapse was common, with 4 dogs experiencing at least 1 relapse event during the follow-up period. Adult-onset neosporosis is uncommon and has variable clinical presentations. Treatment response also is variable, and relapse can occur, even among patients that respond completely to initial treatment.