Mortality Rate In Dogs Research Articles

Prognostic role of the product of serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations in dogs with chronic kidney disease: 31 cases (2008-2010).

To investigate serum calcium-phosphorus concentration product (sCaPP) as a predictor of mortality rate in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Retrospective case-control study. 31 dogs with definitive CKD and 35 apparently healthy dogs. All dogs had been referred for nephrological consultation between December 2008 and December 2010. Dogs with CKD had stable disease for ≥ 3 months. On the basis of glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/m(2), 13 of the 35 apparently healthy dogs were subsequently classified as having early CKD. Disease stage among dogs was determined on the basis of plasma creatinine concentration as follows: stage 1, < 123.7 μmol/L (n = 13), stage 2, 123.7 to 176.8 μmol/L (7); stage 3, 185.6 to 442 μmol/L (13); or stage 4, > 442 μmol/L (11). For each dog, serum concentrations of ionized and total calcium and phosphorus were evaluated once; the latter 2 variables were used to determine sCaPP. The sCaPP differed significantly between the 22 healthy dogs and dogs with stage 3 or stage 4 CKD. The proportion of dogs with sCaPP > 70 mg(2)/dL(2) increased with stage of disease. Mortality rate among the 24 dogs with sCaPP > 70 mg(2)/dL(2) was higher than that among the 42 dogs with sCaPP ≤ 70 mg(2)/dL(2). Dogs with sCaPP > 70 mg(2)/dL(2) had a comparatively lower survival rate, and risk of death was 4.2 times as high as risk for dogs with sCaPP ≤ 70 mg(2)/dL(2). For dogs with CKD, sCaPP > 70 mg(2)/dL(2) appeared to be a negative prognostic indicator, which was not influenced by the concomitant serum concentrations of phosphorus and total or ionized calcium.

Comparison of perioperative morbidity and mortality rates in dogs with noninvasive adrenocortical masses undergoing laparoscopic versus open adrenalectomy.

To describe the clinicopathologic features of a cohort of dogs with adrenocortical masses that underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy and to compare perioperative morbidity and mortality rates in these dogs with rates for dogs that underwent open adrenalectomy for resection of similarly sized (maximal diameter, ≤ 5 cm) adrenocortical masses. Retrospective case series. 48 client-owned dogs that underwent laparoscopic (n = 23) or open (25) adrenalectomy for noninvasive tumors (ie, tumors that did not invade the vena cava or other surrounding organs). Procedures-Medical records were reviewed. History, clinical signs, physical examination findings, clinicopathologic findings, imaging results, and surgical variables were recorded. A 3- or 4-port approach was used for laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Surgical time, perioperative complications, postoperative and overall hospitalization times, and perioperative deaths were recorded and compared between groups. The surgical method for 1 dog was converted from a laparoscopic to an open approach. Perioperative death occurred in no dogs in the laparoscopic group and 2 dogs in the open adrenalectomy group. Surgical time was shorter for laparoscopic (median, 90 minutes; range, 40 to 150 minutes) than for open (median, 120 minutes; range, 75 to 195 minutes) adrenalectomy. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was associated with shorter hospitalization time and more rapid discharge from the hospital after surgery, compared with the open procedure. With careful patient selection, laparoscopic adrenalectomy was associated with a low complication rate and low conversion rate for resection of adrenocortical masses as well as shorter surgical and hospitalization times, compared with open adrenalectomy.

Postoperative Management of Dogs With Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus

The objective of the study was to review the veterinary literature for evidence-based and common clinical practice supporting the postoperative management of dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). GDV involves rapid accumulation of gas in the stomach, gastric volvulus, increased intragastric pressure, and decreased venous return. GDV is characterized by relative hypovolemic-distributive and cardiogenic shock, during which the whole body may be subjected to inadequate tissue perfusion and ischemia. Intensive postoperative management of the patients with GDV is essential for survival. Therapy in the postoperative period is focused on maintaining tissue perfusion along with intensive monitoring for prevention and early identification of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and consequent potential complications such as hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, acute kidney injury (AKI), gastric ulceration, electrolyte imbalances, and pain. In addition, early identification of patients in need for re-exploration owing to gastric necrosis, abdominal sepsis, or splenic thrombosis is crucial. Therapy with intravenous lidocaine may play a central role in combating IRI and cardiac arrhythmias. The most serious complications of GDV are associated with IRI and consequent systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Other reported complications include hypotension, AKI, disseminated intravascular coagulation, gastric ulceration, and cardiac arrhythmias. Despite appropriate medical and surgical treatment, the reported mortality rate in dogs with GDV is high (10%-28%). Dogs with GDV that are affected with gastric necrosis or develop AKI have higher mortality rates.

The art of war: battles between virus and host

The art of war: battles between virus and host

Incidence of intervertebral disk degeneration–related diseases and associated mortality rates in dogs

To determine the incidence and distribution of intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration-related diseases in a large population of dogs of various breeds, ages, and sexes and to determine mortality rates among dogs with these diseases. Epidemiological study. Insurance data for dogs with veterinary health-care and life insurance coverage (n = 665,249 and 552,120, respectively). Insurance claim records of 1 company in Sweden were searched to identify dogs with IVD degeneration-related diseases; incidence and mortality rates were determined for affected dogs < 12 years old and < 10 years old, respectively. Only the first paid IVD degeneration-related claim for a dog was included in incidence rate calculations. The incidence rate of IVD degeneration-related diseases was 27.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 27.2 to 28.4) occurrences/10,000 dog-years at risk (DYAR), indicating that approximately 0.3% of dogs/y in this population were affected. Miniature Dachshund was the most highly represented breed, followed by Standard Dachshund and Doberman Pinscher (237.1 [95% CI, 212.9 to 261.4], 141.5 [95% CI, 135.5 to 147.4], and 88.6 [95% CI, 72.1 to 105.2] occurrences/10,000 DYAR, respectively). The incidence rate of IVD degeneration-related disease was greater in male than in female dogs and increased with age. Overall mortality rate attributed to IVD degeneration-related diseases was 9.4 (95% CI, 8.9 to 9.8) deaths/10,000 DYAR and was greater in males than in females. Differences in incidence rates among various breeds suggested a genetic involvement. Knowledge of the distribution of IVD degeneration-related diseases among dogs of various breeds and ages may facilitate early diagnosis and preemptive treatments in patients at risk for developing these diseases.

Effect of Dietary Supplements in Reducing Probability of Death for Uremic Crises in Dogs Affected by Chronic Kidney Disease (Masked RCCT)

Chitosan and alkalinizing agents can decrease morbidity and mortality in humans with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Whether this holds true in dog is not known. Objective of the study was to determine whether a commercial dietary supplement containing chitosan, phosphate binders, and alkalinizing agents (Renal), compared to placebo, reduces mortality rate due to uremic crises in dogs with spontaneous CKD, fed a renal diet (RD). A masked RCCT was performed including 31 azotemic dogs with spontaneous CKD. Dogs enrolled in the study were randomly allocated to receive RD plus placebo (group A; 15 dogs) or RD plus Renal (group B; 16 dogs). During a first 4-week period, all dogs were fed an RD and then randomized and clinically evaluated up to 44 weeks. The effects of dietary supplements on mortality rate due to uremic crises were assessed. At 44 weeks, compared to group A, dogs in group B had approximately 50% lower mortality rate due to uremic crises (P = 0.015). Dietary supplementation with chitosan, phosphate binders, and alkalinizing agents, along with an RD, is beneficial in reducing mortality rate in dogs with spontaneous CKD.

Evaluation of newborn canine viability by means of umbilical vein lactate measurement, apgar score and uterine tocodynamometry

Newborn viability evaluation and early detection of fetal distress could contribute to reducing mortality at birth in canine species. High neonatal mortality rate in dogs is reported subsequent to complicated or uncomplicated whelping. Umbilical vein lactate and tocodynamometry could provide valuable clinical information to the obstetricians so that appropriate medical and surgical treatments or oxygen and warm administration can be properly and timely applied to mother and newborn pup. In humans, the fetal lactate level represents an objective indicator of fetal distress and a valid predictor of babies' survival. Fetal acidosis recognition by umbilical lactate (UL) measurement, APGAR score classification, and uterine activity monitoring during labour, can represent an advanced system in the evaluation of the canine newborn patient. The purpose of this study was to correlate UL levels with canine neonatal morbidity and mortality within 48 h of birth. We evaluated the relationship among neonatal parameters at birth (mucous membrane color, heart and respiratory rate, reflex irritability, mobility, suckling and vocalization, UL, weight, and temperature) with labour characteristics (uterine contractions recorded by the tocodynamometric system of Whelpwise™ Veterinary Perinatal Specialties®, delivery time, and pup presentation), in view to predict pup viability. We considered also vaginal parturition versus elective and emergency Caesarean section, and uterotonic drugs influence on delivery. Umbilical lactate concentration proved to be useful to predict canine neonatal mortality within 48 h of birth (P < 0.05). We identified 5 mmol/L of vein umbilical lactate concentration as the cut off value, allowing us to distinguish between healthy and distressed pups. Higher values of UL were related with distressed pups, whereas lower values characterized vigorous pups. Lactate concentrations lower than 5 mmol/L and APGAR scores higher than 9, related to mean delivery time of 105 min with effective uterine contractions (10 mm of Hg of strength or more, frequency from 4 to 12 contractions per hour, and 2–5 min in duration), should be considered good prognostic factors in canine labour and neonatology.

Evaluation of Prognostic Factors and Establishment of a Prognostic Scoring System for Canine Primary Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia

Clinical courses of primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (pIMHA) in dogs are highly variable, however, limited information is available to predict their accurate prognoses. To evaluate the prognostic significance of clinical factors and to propose a scoring system to predict prognoses, the medical records of seventy-one dogs with pIMHA were reviewed. Overall mortality rate of dogs with pIMHA was 39% and most of the dogs died within 3 months from diagnosis. Sex, body weight, seasonality, packed corpuscular volume (PCV), platelet count (PLT), total plasma protein (TP), blood urea nitrogen, albumin, total bilirubin, sodium ion, prothrombin time, and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products before immunosuppressive treatment can influence on survival time in dogs with pIMHA. A prognostic scoring system using a combination of sex, seasonality, PCV, PLT and TP can be statistically significant for raising the accuracy of prognostic prediction. Using the scoring system for prognostication in dogs with pIMHA may enable veterinarians to predict a prognosis easily and accurately.

Índice de mortalidade durante procedimentos anestésicos: estudo retrospectivo (1996-2006)

O objetivo deste estudo é reportar a incidência de óbitos anestésico-cirúrgicos durante um período de 11 anos (1996-2006), no qual não eram realizados exames complementares e/ou laboratoriais previamente ao encaminhamento para anestesia. Dessa forma, realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo, avaliando-se as fichas anestésicas utilizadas durante os procedimentos realizados no Hospital de Clínica Veterinária (HCV) da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC). Analisaram-se 7.012 procedimentos anestésicos, sendo 5.500 (78,4%) realizados em cães e 1.512 (21,6%) em gatos, submetidos à anestesia geral. Os óbitos considerados foram os ocorridos durante os períodos trans-anestésico e o pós-operatório imediato, não sendo levada em consideração a classificação da American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), a idade dos pacientes, o sexo ou procedimento cirúrgico realizado. Todos os animais foram submetidos aos procedimentos anestésico-cirúrgicos somente com avaliação clínica pré-anestésica, sem exames complementares prévios, e foram monitorados no período trans-anestésico, tomando-se como base a anestesia clínica. Nesse período, observaram-se 63 óbitos decorrentes da anestesia, sendo 49 em cães (77,8%) e 14 em gatos (22,2%). O índice de mortalidade observado em cães foi de 0,89% e, em gatos, de 0,92%. O protocolo anestésico com maior índice de mortalidade em cães foi a associação atropina, xilazina, tiopental e halotano (20,4%), não havendo um protocolo de destaque em relação a esse índice nos gatos. Os fármacos associados com maior taxa de mortalidade foram diazepam, etomidato e isofluorano, tanto para cães, quanto para gatos, quando analisados individualmente.

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia: 70 cases (1988-1996).

Survival times and mortality rates in dogs with idiopathic immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) have been infrequently reported in the literature. This study evaluates survival and mortality in a large group of dogs with IMHA. The association of age, sex, and breed with IMHA was evaluated by comparing affected dogs to control dogs admitted to the hospital during the same time period. Treatment regimens were reviewed to determine the effects of different agents upon survival of dogs with IMHA during hospitalization and after discharge. Median survival times for each treatment group were 57 days (prednisone), 28 days (prednisone, cyclophosphamide), 974 days (prednisone, azathioprine), 15 days (prednisone, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine), and one day (no treatment). Overall mortality rate in the population of dogs studied was 70%. Twenty-nine (41.4%) dogs either died or were euthanized while hospitalized. Forty-one (59%) dogs were discharged from the hospital. Of the dogs discharged, 10 died within the first month, another five died within three months, and another five died within a year of discharge due to assumed complications of therapy or relapses of IMHA.

Myasthenia gravis: lessons from the past 10 years.

Over the past 10 years, significant advances have been made in our understanding of acquired myasthenia gravis (MG) in companion animals. The broad spectrum of presenting clinical signs has been defined and an accurate and sensitive diagnostic test is available. Even with these advances, the mortality rate in dogs with acquired MG remains unacceptably high. While an understanding of the genetic basis for susceptibility to autoimmune disease has started to be developed, the trigger for the initiation of this disease is not known and a mechanism for specific suppression of the aberrant immune response against the acetylcholine receptor remains a mystery.

Incidence of sudden cardiac death associated with coronary artery occlusion in dogs with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy is reduced by chronic beta-adrenergic blockade.

Because beta-adrenergic blockade has as one of its many effects altered electrophysiological abnormalities after dogs with left ventricular hypertrophy have been subjected to coronary occlusion, we tested the hypothesis that metoprolol (200-400 mg/day) would reduce mortality rates in dogs with one-kidney, one clip left ventricular hypertrophy while a similar reduction in arterial pressure with enalapril (20-40 mg/day) would not. Dogs with left ventricular hypertrophy were given metoprolol or enalapril for 5-7 days before a 3-hour coronary occlusion. Infarct size and risk area were measured with triphenyltetrazolium chloride stain and barium angiography, respectively. For control (n = 15), left ventricular hypertrophy (n = 17), left ventricular hypertrophy plus metoprolol (n = 12), and left ventricular hypertrophy plus enalapril (n = 15) groups, mean arterial pressure, ratio of infarct size to risk area, and dogs experiencing sudden death were 110 +/- 4, 142 +/- 4, 121 +/- 7, and 120 +/- 3 mm Hg; 44 +/- 5%, 65 +/- 5%, 44 +/- 7%, and 30 +/- 4%; and 27%, 65%, 17%, and 53%, respectively. Thus, the excessive increase in early mortality occurring when dogs with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy undergo coronary occlusion is interrupted with beta-blockade, possibly via electrophysiological effects rather than by changes in arterial pressure or infarct size.