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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.

Heart Rate and Rhythm Changes in Dogs Treated in a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber

In veterinary medicine, hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment (HBOT) is gaining popularity. Therefore, an increasing number of patients referred for this therapy are being recorded, mainly due to ischemic events, wound healing support, and a high risk of reperfusion damage. During the HBOT procedure, several changes occur in the body’s micro- and macroenvironments. This study involved 34 dogs of various ages and health statuses. The atmospheric conditions in the test hyperbaric chamber included a pressure of 1.5 atmosphere absolute (ATA) at 100% oxygenation. The individuals were divided into three groups: (1) individuals with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD), (2) individuals with diseases other than cardiac issues, and (3) healthy individuals who qualified for the HBOT procedure. The period of measurement using the Holter apparatus was divided into four stages: 30 min before the subject’s placement in the hyperbaric chamber; a 4-min compression period (setting chamber conditions); a 90 min HBOT period; and a 1 min decompression period of the hyperbaric chamber. During the HBOT, there was a statistically significant decrease in heart rate in groups 2 and 3 compared to group 1. The heart rate in group 1 remained unchanged through every period of the study. In addition, some of the dogs developed respiratory arrhythmia; in two dogs, premature ventricle beats occurred. The changes observed during the ventricular period indicate that the HBOT procedure causes a significant change in heart rate in dogs without cardiac diseases.

Analysis of US Marketed Artemisinin Supplements for Use in Dogs.

Oral artemisinin has antiparasitic activity and may help improve treatment success rates in dogs infected with Babesia gibsoni. However, these artemisinin products are unapproved and unregulated botanical supplements. They have not been evaluated for safety and efficacy or for strength, purity, or quality compared with a reference standard. Before considering these products for a clinical study, we evaluated the strength of four suppliers of artemisinin capsules using an high-performance liquid chromatography method validated in our laboratory. We found that the four artemisinin-labeled products that were tested had high within product and between product variability in capsule strength compared with the stated capsule strength on the product label. No products met the acceptance criteria of the United States Pharmacopeia and International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) as well as the criteria adapted by the authors. One product had no detectable artemisinin, and the other three products were much higher than the stated label strength. The results of this study reinforce the importance of testing unapproved and unregulated supplements before recommending a supplement for clinical use in dogs.

Detection and Molecular Characterization of Kobuviruses: An Agent of Canine Viral Diarrhea.

Clarifying the etiology of diarrhea cases of unknown cause is important in the fight against enteric infections. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of canine kobuvirus (CaKoV), in cases of diarrhea of unknown origin in dogs. A total 121 swab samples from dogs with diarrhea were collected. Molecular analyses of the samples were performed. For this purpose, after the sequence reaction, a phylogenetic tree was created, and bioinformatics analyses were performed. The prevalence rate of CaKoV in the sampled population was determined as 16.5% (20/121). The presence of parvovirus and coronavirus, which are common viral agents in CaKoV-positive dogs, was determined as 35% (7/20) and 10% (2/20), respectively. The rate of dogs with only CaKoV detected was 65% (13/20). Phylogenetic analysis of CaKoV strains clustered together closely related to reference strains. There are very limited studies on the role of CaKoV in the etiology of diarrhea cases of unknown cause in dogs around the world. So far, only one study has been done on CaKoV in Turkey. In this report which includes molecular characterization and epidemiological data on CaKoV determined the importance of CaKoV in cases of diarrhea of unknown origin. More comprehensive studies are needed to better understand the pathogenesis, epidemiology, and biology of CaKoV and to determine effective strategies to combat it.

Unilateral nephrectomy in dogs is associated with a high rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications.

To determine the incidence of complications in the intraoperative and postoperative period for dogs undergoing nephrectomy for renal disease. 69 dogs. Medical records of dogs undergoing nephrectomies for renal disease were reviewed for signalment, date of surgery, results of blood analyses, and intra- and postoperative complications. Long-term follow-up was obtained via client telephone interview or referring veterinarian medical records. A Fisher exact test was used to assess the relationship between postoperative acute kidney injury and NSAID administration with long-term development of chronic kidney disease. Complications occurred in 44.9% and 42.6% of dogs in the intraoperative and postoperative periods, respectively. Most of these were lower-grade complications, though a total of 7 dogs died during the postoperative period. An acute kidney injury was diagnosed in 12 dogs postoperatively, with 2 dogs euthanized due to the severity of the injury. Long-term follow-up was available for 53 dogs, with 24 (45.3%) dogs developing chronic kidney disease. Postoperative acute kidney injury (P = .385) and NSAID administration (P = .519) were not statistically associated with the development of chronic kidney disease in this population. Unilateral nephrectomy is associated with high intraoperative and postoperative complication rates in dogs. Chronic kidney disease was diagnosed in almost 50% of the population with available long-term follow-up.

A retrospective case-control study evaluating systemic blood pressure and heart rate in dogs with brain herniation under general anesthesia

ObjectiveTo examine whether increased systemic arterial blood pressure (ABP) and decreased heart rate (HR) under inhalant anesthesia were suggestive of the Cushing reflex (CR) in dogs with neurological diseases based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Study designRetrospective case-control study. AnimalsA sample of 137 client-owned dogs admitted to two veterinary teaching hospitals for diagnosis and patient care owing to suspected intracranial disease from 2005 to 2020. All dogs underwent general anesthesia for MRI of the brain. MethodsBased on MRI study reports, dogs were divided into three study groups: group A, dogs with suspected brain herniation; group B, dogs with an abnormal MRI finding but without suspicion of herniation; and group C, dogs with structurally unremarkable brains (control). Initial evaluation by an anesthesiologist resulted in 58 cases selected for further review based on suspicion of having intracranial hypertension, as indicated by ABP and HR changes under anesthesia. Anesthetic records were randomized and independently reviewed by three board-certified anesthesiologists blinded to MRI diagnosis who allocated each dog into one of three groups: 1) likely to have CR; 2) unlikely to have CR; or 3) insufficient data for determination. ResultsOf the 58 cases evaluated, nine were considered likely to have CR and 48 were considered unlikely to have CR. In one case, the anesthesiologists were unable to determine whether CR occurred. Of the nine dogs with likely CR, three had an MRI diagnosis of intracranial herniation. The remaining six dogs suspected of CR belonged to the normal brain group. Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe ABP and HR changes associated with CR are not reliably associated with brain herniation in dogs undergoing general anesthesia.

Retrospective evaluation of traumatic pneumomediastinum in dogs and cats (2005-2022): 52 cases.

To describe the incidence, etiology, clinical signs, diagnostics, treatments, and outcome of noniatrogenic traumatic pneumomediastinum (TPM) in dogs and cats. Retrospective study of cases (2005-2022). University veterinary teaching hospital. Fifty-two patients (29 dogs, 23 cats). Data collected from the medical records included signalment, physical examination findings, animal trauma triage (ATT) score, clinicopathological data, imaging data, surgical intervention, length of hospitalization, supportive care, complications, and outcome. Most dogs presented with tachycardia and tachypnea, while cats presented with hypothermia and tachypnea. Subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, and dyspnea were the most common clinical signs for both species. The median calculated ATT score was 3.5 in dogs and 4 in cats. The most common radiographic abnormalities other than pneumomediastinum were pneumothorax and lung contusions. The overall mortality rate was 18%, with a significantly higher survival rate in dogs (26/28 dogs [93%], 15/22 cats (68%); P=0.03). Outcome was unknown in 1 dog and 1 cat. The only significant difference in treatment between survivors and nonsurvivors was the requirement in dogs for positive pressure ventilation. The median hospitalization period was 2days for both species, with a shorter hospitalization in the nonsurvivors (0.6 vs 2days, respectively; P=0.006). TPM is an infrequent pathology in veterinary medicine and may be seen without an externally obvious injury. The most common causes for TPM in dogs were vehicular trauma and bite wounds, while high-rise syndrome was the most common cause in cats. Most of the cases have concurrent pneumothorax and require thoracocentesis; however, direct intervention to treat TPM is not usually required. The vast majority of cases did not undergo surgery to treat TPM. The prognosis for dogs with TPM was good but was guarded for cats.

Increased Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Dogs: Frequency in Routine Clinical Practice and Association with Hematological Changes.

(1) Background: the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) has been reported to increase in some infectious or inflammatory diseases in dogs, but no information on the frequency of increases in a routine clinical setting exists. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of an increased ESR in dogs and to investigate its possible association with hematologic changes; (2) Methods: A total of 295 EDTA blood samples were randomly selected from the routine caseload of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Samples were grouped in controls and in pathologic groups based on the clinical presentation. A routine hemogram was performed, then the ESR was measured using the instrument MINI-PET; (3) Results: compared with controls, the ESR was significantly higher in all the pathologic groups, except for the hematological disorders group. The highest ESR was found in samples from dogs with chronic kidney disease or inflammation, followed by those from dogs with mild chronic disorders, severe/acute diseases, tumors and urinary disorders. The ESR negatively correlated with hematocrit and positively with neutrophil counts. (4) Conclusions: The ESR increases more frequently in dogs with clinically evident inflammation or CKD, but also in several other conditions, likely as a consequence of anemia and acute phase response.

Clinical and Clinico-Pathological Observations of the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Dogs Affected by Leishmaniosis and Other Inflammatory Diseases.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) has been used in canine medicine in several disorders, above all, to evaluate levels of inflammation. This study evaluated the ESR in canine leishmaniosis (CanL) and other inflammatory conditions. Three groups of dogs were examined: CanL affected dogs without clinical signs (INFECTED group, #25) or with clinical signs (SICK group, #43) and dogs affected by acute or acute-on-chronic conditions (OTHER DISEASE group, #65). The ESR was compared with acute phase proteins or reactants either positive or negative (leukogram, fibrinogen, iron, unsaturated iron binding capacity, ferritin, haptoglobin, and albumin) and immunological markers (gamma-globulins, IgG, and IgM). The ESR was higher in the SICK group than in the INFECTED group (median 39 vs. 11 mm/h; p < 0.0001), as well as in the OTHER DISEASE than in the INFECTED groups (median 41 vs. 11 mm/h; p < 0.0001). The ESR appeared outside the reference range for all dogs in the SICK and OTHER DISEASE groups and almost with similar values (mm/h; median 39, 95% CI 31-51 vs. 41, 95% CI 12-87; p > 0.05). The extent of changes in ESR can help to establish the severity of CanL and other inflammatory disorders. As a point-of-care test, the ESR can be used to screen dogs for unhealthy conditions, and its values correlate with the severity of any disease, including CanL.

Efficacy and safety of antiarrhythmic therapy in dogs with naturally acquired tachyarrhythmias treated with amiodarone or sotalol: a retrospective analysis of 64 cases

Introduction/objectiveStudies on the use of amiodarone or sotalol are limited in dogs. Therefore, this study aimed to provide data on the efficacy and safety of these drugs in dogs with ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VT) and/or supraventricular tachyarrhythmia (SvT). Animals, materials, and methodsDogs with VT and/or SvT treated with amiodarone or sotalol as a first-line therapy were retrospectively evaluated. Signalment, clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and outcome data were retrieved. For VT, efficacy was demonstrated through a decrease of the Lown-Wolf grade to less than five or a reduction of at least 85% in the number of ventricular premature complexes observed on Holter monitoring. For SvT, efficacy was represented by cardioversion or a reduction in the mean heart rate on Holter monitoring ≤140 beats/min. Treatment-related side effects (TRSEs) were classified as clinically relevant and irrelevant. Statistical analysis was performed to compare data before and after antiarrhythmic prescription. ResultsSixty-four dogs were included. Amiodarone and sotalol were efficacious in treating both VT (85.7% and 90.0% of cases, respectively) and SvT (75% and 71.4% of cases, respectively). No significant differences were found when comparing their efficacy rates in dogs with VT and SvT (P=0.531 and 0.483, respectively). Clinically relevant TRSEs were rare with both amiodarone and sotalol (8.3% and 5% of cases, respectively), while clinically irrelevant TRSEs occurred more frequently with amiodarone (29.2%) than with sotalol (10%). DiscussionIn dogs with tachyarrhythmias, amiodarone and sotalol are generally efficacious and safe, as clinically relevant TRSEs seem rare. ConclusionsThis study provides novel data on the effects of amiodarone and sotalol in dogs with tachyarrhythmias.

Comparison of timing of relapse in dogs with nonassociative immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, or polyarthritis.

Relapse is a clinical concern in dogs diagnosed with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), thrombocytopenia (ITP), or polyarthritis (IMPA). The average time to relapse is unknown, and evidence that vaccination is associated with disease relapse is lacking. Compare the incidence of relapse in groups of dogs with IMHA, ITP, or IMPA over a 24-month period after diagnosis and compare proportions of dogs that received vaccines in those dogs that did and did not relapse. One hundred sixty client-owned dogs (73 with IMHA, 55 with ITP, 32 with IMPA). Medical records of dogs were reviewed with the goal of following cases for a minimum of 2 years. Incidence of relapse was calculated for each disease, and relapse rates in dogs that were or were not vaccinated after diagnosis were compared. Relapse rates at 12 months differed significantly among disease groups (P = .02), with a higher rate for IMPA (35%) compared to IMHA (11%) or ITP (11%). Relapse rate at 24 months was 41% for IMPA, 18% for IMHA, and 23% for ITP. Ninety percent of IMPA relapses occurred in the first 12 months after diagnosis, compared with 56% for IMHA and 50% for ITP. Vaccine administration after diagnosis was not associated with relapse (P = .78). Risk of disease relapse in IMPA is highest in the first year after diagnosis, with a higher relapse rate compared with IMHA and ITP. The role of vaccination in disease relapse remains unclear.

A retrospective study of age-specific disease incidence in major popular breed dogs in Republic of Korea

Dogs exhibit patterns of health issues that vary by life stage. An understanding of disease incidence with respect to breed and age/life stage could be an important component of canine health management and welfare. This study aimed to describe the age-specific disease incidence of 3 small dog breeds that attended veterinary clinics in the Republic of Korea, based on data from electronic veterinary medical records (EVMRs). A total of 40,785 EVMRs from Maltese (n = 21,355), Miniature Poodle (n = 11,658) and Shih Tzu dogs (n = 7,772) were analyzed. Common health problems in 3 small dog breeds were ‘diseases of the skin’ and ‘diseases of the ear,’ respectively. Among dogs aged ≤ 3 years, ‘preventive medicine’ was the most common cause cited for veterinary clinic visits. Among dogs aged 4 to 8 years, the most frequent health problems were ‘diseases of the skin.’ Among dogs aged 9 to 13 years, ‘heart diseases,’ ‘kidney diseases,’ ‘mammary gland tumor,’ and ‘neoplasia (unspecified)’ were considerably more frequent, compared to the rates in dogs ≤3 years. Among dogs aged ≥ 14 years, ‘heart diseases’ and ‘sneezing/cough’ were the main health problems. In all breeds, the frequencies of ‘diseases of circulatory system,’ ‘diseases of respiratory system,’ ‘diseases of the nervous system,’ ‘endocrine’ and ‘neoplasia’ increased rapidly with aging. This surveillance could inform strategies for disease screening tests and management based on life stage in these dog breeds and enable more effective health management.

Retrospective evaluation of prognosis and survival with various immunosuppressants in 82 dogs diagnosed with meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology (2010–2021)

BackgroundMeningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology (MUE) is a comprehensive term for non-infectious inflammatory brain diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) caused by abnormal autoimmune responses. This study aims to compare the differences in survival and clinical response of MUE according to the adjuvant immunosuppressant use. Medical records of 82 dogs diagnosed with MUE were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsThe overall survival time was 769 days (range 14–2687 days). The median survival time for each adjunctive was: leflunomide 1035 days (range 126–2163 days), mycophenolate mofetil 865 days (range 39–2191 days), cyclosporin 441 days (range 11–2176 days), cytosine arabinoside 754 days (range 6–1898 days) and a combination of mycophenolate mofetil and cytosine arabinoside 132 days (range 23–1227 days). There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of adverse events according to the immunosuppressants, but moderate to severe anemia was confirmed in 3 patients (18.7%) in the leflunomide group.ConclusionsThe survival time and response rate of MUE dogs differed depending on which adjunctive immunosuppressants were used. Leflunomide showed a long survival time and a relatively good response rate in dogs with MUE. However, a large-scale further study with standardized doses of immunosuppressants and supportive treatment and constant monitoring interval is needed.

Microscopic and molecular diagnoses of Giardia duodenalis in pet animals in Babylon Province, Iraq.

The breeding of pet animals, especially dogs and cats, in Iraq has increased recently. However, no epidemiological or molecular data exist regarding Giardia duodenalis infection in pet animals, particularly in Babylon Province. Therefore, this study aimed to detect G. duodenalis and its genotypes in pets using microscopic and molecular techniques. For microscopic examination, 150 pet fecal samples (dogs = 75, cats = 75) were examined from October 1, 2022, to March 30, 2023. Fourteen isolates of G. duodenalis (7 per host) were genetically characterized using SSUrDNA gene sequencing. Microscopic examination revealed that the rates of G. duodenalis infection was 14.67% (11/75) and 12% (9/75) in dogs and cats, respectively. According to sex, the infection rate in dogs was 22.22% (8/36) for males and 7.69% (3/39) for females. Conversely, the infection rate in cats was 5.56% (2/36) for males and 17.95% (7/39) for females. The highest infection rates were recorded for animals under 6 months of age, with 16.67% (3/18) for dogs and 27.27% (3/11) for cats. In rural areas, the infection rate was higher than that in urban areas, with 17.65% (6/34) in dogs and 13.89% (5/36) in cats. For the molecular diagnosis, 14 isolates of G. duodenalis (7 per host) were genetically characterized using SSUrDNA gene sequencing. In dogs, the findings revealed specific genotypes, with D at 3/7 (42.86%) and C at 2/7 (28.57%). In addition, zoonotic genotype A was found in 2/7 (28.57%) of dogs. In cats, the specific assemblage F was present in 4/7 (57.14%), while zoonotic genotype A was found in 3/7 (42.86%). This study is considered the first in Babylon Province to detect G. duodenalis genotypes in pet animals (dogs and cats), as some have zoonotic genotypes that could transmit infections to humans. The results of this study illustrate the epidemiological importance of this parasite in this region.

Breed, smaller weight, and multiple injections are associated with increased adverse event reports within three days following canine vaccine administration.

To evaluate patient and vaccine factors associated with adverse events (AEs) recorded within 3 days of vaccine administration in a large cohort of dogs. 4,654,187 dogs vaccinated in 16,087,455 office visits in a 5-year period at 1,119 hospitals of a corporate practice. Electronic medical records of dogs vaccinated between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020, were searched for diagnoses of possible AEs recorded within 3 days of administration of vaccines without concurrent injectable heartworm preventative. Patient risk factors (age, sex, breed, and weight) and number and type of vaccine were extracted from records. ORs (and 95% CIs) for risk factors were estimated via multivariable logistic regression mixed models with patient as a random effect. AEs were recorded following 31,197 vaccination visits (0.19%, or 19.4/10,000 visits). Reported AE rates increased from 1 to 4 vaccines administered and among individual vaccines were greatest for rabies vaccine. AE rate was generally inversely related to body weight, with largest rates in dogs ≤ 5 kg. The largest AE rates were noted in French Bulldogs and Dachshunds (ORs > 4 compared to mixed-breed dogs). Risk factor information can be used to update vaccination protocols and client communication. Breed differences may indicate genetics as the primary risk factor for adverse vaccine reactions following vaccinations.

Oxygen Reserve Index as a Tool to Monitor Four Techniques of Oxygen Supplementation at Different Flow Rates in Dogs Sedated with Dexmedetomidine and an Opioid.

Respiratory dysfunction often decreases arterial oxygen content. Four common oxygen delivery techniques-flow-by, nasal prongs, a tight-vented mask, and a tight mask connected to a Venturi valve-were evaluated for their effectiveness in increasing the oxygen reserve index (ORi), a dimensionless index of oxygen content that provides additional information compared to traditional pulse oximetry (SpO2) during hyperoxia (PaO2 100-200 mmHg), and that ranges from 0 to 1. Thirty-two dogs sedated with dexmedetomidine and an opioid were evenly divided into four groups based on the technique for oxygen administration. Each dog received oxygen at 1, 2, and 3 L/min by a single technique, and the amount of inhaled oxygen (FiO2) was measured at the level of the cervical trachea. At each flow rate, ORi and SpO2 were recorded. The flow-by method minimally increased the FiO2, and ORi reached its highest value only in 3 out of 8 dogs at the maximum flow rate. Other methods exhibited direct correlations between the oxygen flow rate and ORi (p < 0.001). These methods effectively increased FiO2 and ORi, with over half of the values exceeding 40% and 0.4, respectively. The tight-vented mask showed variable increases in FiO2, ranging between 22 and 90%. Despite method-dependent variations, all devices increased SpO2 > 98% as the FiO2 increased (p = 0.002). In conclusion, nasal prongs and the mask connected to the Venturi valve showed the highest correlation between the oxygen flow rate and the ORi. These results suggest that using these two techniques in conjunction with ORI can help in optimizing oxygen therapy.

Hypoglycaemia management with a hypercaloric supplementation in neonatal puppies delivered by caesarean section.

There is a high perinatal mortality rate in dogs, estimated at 20%, and one of the leading causes of this rate is hypoglycaemia. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a hypercaloric supplement containing vitamins and amino acids in newborn puppies presenting hypoglycaemia at birth. Ninety-nine pups were divided into four groups: normoglycaemic caesarean section (NORMOCS), hypoglycaemic caesarean section supplemented with the hypercaloric (SUPLCS), hypoglycaemic caesarean section supplemented with glucose (GLICCS) and eutocic delivery (EUT). We evaluated the following parameters glycaemia, Apgar score, neurological reflexes and rectal temperature of neonates at the following moments 5 min (M5), 30 min (M30) and 60 min (M60) after birth. Brachycephalic dogs were 73.3% (22/30) of caesarean sections (c-sections). The puppy's average glycaemia represented about 90% of the maternal glycaemia, while 15.1% (14/99) of the neonates had hypoglycaemia (<90 mg/dL) at M0 and 46.5% (44/99) at M60. Only four neonates had glycaemia below 40 mg/dL at M30 but without showing any clinical signs. The puppy's fasting while waiting for the intraoperative period and the dam's anaesthetic recovery was considered risk factors for hypoglycaemia. There was no difference in mean blood glucose levels or vitality parameters among puppies from the SUPLCS and GLICCS. In conclusion, the hypercaloric supplement can be used as a replacement for glucose in hypoglycaemic puppies and it can also bring nutritional benefits for the puppy. The prepartum glycaemia of the dam is an important parameter to be measured, and the appropriate management of it reduces the chances of the puppies being born with hypoglycaemia.

Prevalence and factors associated with initial and subsequent shockable cardiac arrest rhythms and their association with patient outcomes in dogs and cats undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A RECOVER registry study.

To report the prevalence of initial shockable cardiac arrest rhythms (I-SHKR), incidence of subsequent shockable cardiac arrest rhythms (S-SHKR), and factors associated with I-SHKRs and S-SHKRs and explore their association with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) rates in dogs and cats undergoing CPR. Multi-institutional prospective case series from 2016 to 2021, retrospectively analyzed. Eight university and eight private practice veterinary hospitals. A total of 457 dogs and 170 cats with recorded cardiac arrest rhythm and event outcome reported in the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation CPR registry. Logistic regression was used to evaluate association of animal, hospital, and arrest variables with I-SHKRs and S-SHKRs and with patient outcomes. Odds ratios (ORs) were generated, and significance was set at P<0.05. Of 627 animals included, 28 (4%) had I-SHKRs. Odds for I-SHKRs were significantly higher in animals with a metabolic cause of arrest (OR 7.61) and that received lidocaine (OR 17.50) or amiodarone (OR 21.22) and significantly lower in animals experiencing arrest during daytime hours (OR 0.22), in the ICU (OR 0.27), in the emergency room (OR 0.13), and out of hospital (OR 0.18) and that received epinephrine (OR 0.19). Of 599 initial nonshockable rhythms, 74 (12%) developed S-SHKRs. Odds for S-SHKRs were significantly higher in animals with higher body weight (OR 1.03), hemorrhage (OR 2.85), or intracranial cause of arrest (OR 3.73) and that received epinephrine (OR 11.36) or lidocaine (OR 18.72) and significantly decreased in those arresting in ICU (OR 0.27), emergency room (OR 0.29), and out of hospital (OR 0.38). Overall, 171 (27%) animals achieved ROSC, 81 (13%) achieved sustained ROSC, and 15 (2%) survived. Neither I-SHKRs nor S-SHKRs were significantly associated with ROSC. I-SHKRs and S-SHKRs occur infrequently in dogs and cats undergoing CPR and are not associated with increased ROSC rates.

Platelet- Rich Plasma Treatment Supported by Ultrasound Detection of Septa in Recurrent Canine Aural Hematoma: A Case Series.

Aural hematoma is a common pathological condition in veterinary practice with a high incidence rate in dogs. Drainage, corticosteroid injections, and surgical approaches represent the common treatments in these clinical cases. However, surgery leaves visible signs and is usually correlated with recurrence, scars, and deformation of the treated pinna. For this reason, more effective and less invasive methods have been proposed over the years. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is one of the most promising options due to its pro-regenerative properties and capability to modulate the inflammatory state. The present work reports 12 cases of canine aural hematoma treated with PRP. The PRP treatment was combined with an ultrasound evaluation of the pinna to detect and treat all involved septa. The results show that relatively large volumes (2 mL) of PRP associated with an ultrasound guide are safe and efficacious in the treatment of canine aural hematoma requiring a maximum of two infiltrations, both in acute and chronic conditions. All the patients recovered their normal ear thickness (compared with the controlateral one) without relapses, averaging 38.5 days from their first treatment (10-90 days; SD: 24.7). The key role of PRP combined with a tailored diagnosis process carried out by the veterinarian, which included using an ultrasound system and the proper bandage, suggests that this approach may represent a valid alternative to surgery and corticosteroids.

Canine Parvoviral Enteritis Incidence in Rostov-on-Don in 2017-2022: A Retrospective Analysis

Introduction. The canine parvoviral enteritis, first detected in 1978 [1], remains a widespread cause of morbidity and mortality in young dogs. The virus high virulence and resistance are attributed to its ability to mutate and undergo changes, that partly explains the continuing epidemic of the canine parvoviral enteritis.The nature of the disease itself got modified since the first time of virus detection. Although the initial outbreaks had the panzootic character implying high morbidity and mortality, nowadays the majority of adult dogs have either vaccinal immunity or immunity acquired through natural infection, thus the parvoviral infection is primarily manifested in young dogs aged from weaning to six months old as the enteric disease form.The objective of the study was to investigate the antigenic essence of the canine parvoviral enteritis by analysing the strain phylogenetic relationships in the absence of grouping the same antigenic type viruses upon emerging the mutations.Materials and Methods. The material for the study was selected by the method of continuous sampling of the medical records (by generating random numbers in the range of 1–255) and conducting interviews with the personnel (veterinary doctors) at the «Animal Clinic» veterinary hospital in Rostov-on-Don from September 2017 to October 2022. Data on the dog owners was concealed, hypotheses were not communicated to the clinic management, that excluded possible errors and conflict of interest. The study focused on the analysis of the epidemiological situation in Rostov-on-Don with regard to the canine parvoviral enteritis incidence and mortality rate, the analysis was based on the practices of the «Animal Clinic» veterinary hospital, volunteer organisations, homeless animal care foundations and «Dog Patrol» nonprofit organisation and was interpolated to the epidemiological situation in the city as a whole.The study of the canine parvoviral enteritis cases, the disease epidemiology and its combat methods, treatment, prophylaxis and the cutting-edge developments in the field was carried out based on the scientific data of the last 5 years. The objects of the study were dogs of various breeds and ages admitted to the clinic.Results and Discussion. The established phylogenetic interrelation of the divergent CPV-2b strain with the alike genetic strain-ancestor CPV-2c, indicates a complete replacement of the circulating strains, which has practical value for the veterinary science as it does not merely enable formation of a disease model for a specific region but also allows evaluating the speed and features of spreading the disease and predicting its course and mortality.Conclusion. For the southern region the parvoviral enteritis is a severe and life-threatening disease due to the rates of its overall incidence and mortality. The results of the statistical analysis of 307 medical records of the dogs diagnosed with the parvoviral enteritis in a number of Rostov-on-Don veterinary clinics revealed twice as high mortality rate in male dogs compared to females, although the distribution of the number of disease cases was relatively equal, except for the range of 30-90 days when a statistically significant difference in mortality was not registered. A separate local surge in mortality rate by over 36 %, which is not correlated either with the reduced number of cases during this period or the average level of fatal outcomes, indicates the need to correlate the patients’ immune status with the applied treatment protocols and the CPV-2c strain penetration, having the higher virulence in Europe (in 2015–2017) [2] and the European part of Russia.When analysing the «age-number of cases» data, the correlation was made with the surge in patients at the age of about 1 year old. The vaccination reduced the incidence rate in dogs and disease severity in those infected, but at the same time increased the mutation numbers in the virus genome (especially in the genes encoding the protein responsible for binding to the receptor cells [3]), which in turn led to increased virulence.