Small Animal Clinical Practice Research Articles

Awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Drugs Prescription Pattern in Small Animal Clinical Practice in Ogun State, Nigeria

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health challenge in veterinary and human health, leading to monitoring of resistance and promotion of responsible antimicrobial use. This survey assessed the use of antimicrobials among government veterinarians in Ogun state, Nigeria. Clinicians were requested to fill questionnaires designed to extract information on the frequency of antibiotics use, antibiotic prescription patterns and evaluation of perception on AMR and use of antibiotics with compromised efficacy in veterinary practice in the last three years. Fifty-two (52) questionnaires were administered and duly completed upon return. Data analysis showed 100% awareness of AMR with 80.8% (42/52) agreeing to have encountered AMR in the course of managing small animal cases. The tetracycline class of antibiotics 49(94.2%) was the most prescribed, followed by aminoglycosides 40(76.9%) and fluoroquinolones 35(67.3%). Empirical therapy (34/52) 65.4% is the most common treatment option among clinicians while 18 (34.6%) out of 52 clinicians performed antibiotic susceptibility testing along with laboratory diagnosis as treatment guide. Furthermore, 75.0% of the respondents affirmed administering antibiotics formulated for human use in small animal treatment. Thirty-three (63.5%) respondents administered human antimicrobials in animals according to the recommended dosage in humans. This survey identified that AMR was common in small animals in the state studied and this may be due to the irrational use of antibiotics. Promoting antimicrobial stewardship in small animal medicine therefore is paramount to mitigating antimicrobial resistance and data obtained from this study will contribute to developing evidence-based policy on the rational use of antibiotics in small animal practice in Nigeria.

Efficacy of an Antimicrobial Reality Simulator (AMRSim) as an Educational Tool for Teaching Antimicrobial Stewardship to Veterinary Medicine Undergraduates.

Simulation-based medical education has changed the teaching of clinical practice skills, with scenario-based simulations being particularly effective in supporting learning in veterinary medicine. In this study, we explore the efficacy of simulation education to teach infection prevention and control (IPC) as part of Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) teaching for early years clinical veterinary medicine undergraduates. The intervention was designed as a 30-minute workshop with a simulation and script delivered online for 130 students as a part of hybrid teaching within the undergraduate curriculum. Learning outcome measures were compared between an intervention group and waitlist-control group using one-way between-groups analysis of covariance tests. Significant differences between groups were found for outcomes measures related to short-term knowledge gain and confidence in IPC and AMS in small animal clinical practice. However, lateral knowledge transfer to large animal species clinical practice showed no significant differences. Student feedback indicated that the intervention was an enjoyable and engaging way to learn AMS. The intervention provided short-term knowledge gain in IPC protocols and enhanced procedural skills via active learning and motivation to learn in large groups of students. Future improvements would be to include large animal clinical scenario discussions and evaluate longer-term knowledge gain.

Analytical performance of feline plasma on current Heska and IDEXX point-of-care biochemistry analyzers compared with a commercial laboratory analyzer.

Point-of-care (POC) biochemistry analyzers are widely used in small animal clinical practice but infrequently independently assessed for performance. To assess the performance of two current model point-of-care biochemistry analyzers (Heska Element DC and IDEXX Catalyst) compared with a commercial laboratory analyzer (Cobas 8000). One hundred twenty-one cats from a feline hospital population were sampled with plasma results from a single lithium heparin tube assessed on all three analyzers. Plasma biochemistry results from each POC analyzer were compared with the commercial laboratory analyzer using Bland-Altman difference plots and by determining whether the limits of agreement (LOAs) (95% of differences) fell within various quality goals after correcting for inherent bias. Only 7 of 14 analytes on the Heska analyzer and 2 analytes on the IDEXX analyzer attained the most stringent LOA quality goal, which was being within desirable total error based on biologic variation (TEdes). The number of analytes achieving quality goals increased with less stringent standards such as American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathologists allowable total error (ASVCP TEA) guidelines or if <95% of clinical comparisons reaching these quality goals is considered acceptable. Widespread bias was found between both POC analyzers and the commercial laboratory analyzer. The performance of both POC biochemistry analyzers was variable compared with a commercial laboratory analyzer. Performance goals were only able to be attained after the bias for each analyzer was accounted for by offsetting the LOAs and quality goals set by the mean bias for each analyte on each analyzer.

Predictive role of lactate in dogs with acute pancreatitis advanced to systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) can develop into life-threatening conditions such as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Thirty-nine of 54 client-owned dogs admitted to the Referral Animal Medical Center and diagnosed with AP within 24 hr of onset were retrospectively reviewed to assess early predictors of progression from AP to SIRS. The patients were divided into SIRS (SIRS occurring after AP) and non-SIRS (AP occurring but no SIRS) groups. The population and mean values of laboratory variables within 24 hr of admission were assessed and compared between both groups. There were significantly more dogs with abnormal lactate levels in the SIRS group (80.00%) than non-SIRS group (11.10%). Other parameters did not differ significantly. Mean lactate level values were significantly higher at 3.64 ± 1.75 mmol in the SIRS group compared to 1.68 ± 0.52 mmol in the non-SIRS group. The increased energy required by activated immune cells may lead to metabolic changes characterized by anaerobic glycolysis and increased lactate production. This study's results suggest blood lactate monitoring in the early stages of progression from AP to SIRS in small animal clinical practice. Measuring lactate levels at the early stages of pancreatitis could lead to rapid therapeutic intervention for SIRS and ultimately reduce mortality.

Radiologic evaluation of thoracic size in the Nigerian indigenous dog by vertebral, haller and frontosagittal indices

Reproducible and easily applied measurements for radiologic evaluation are needed in the day-to-day clinical practice for diagnosis and treatment or management of thoracic disorders in the Nigerian Indigenous Dog. The objective of this prospective cross-sectional study was to document measurement indices used for the evaluation of canine thoracic silhouette. Thirty healthy Nigerian Indigenous Dogs, 10 puppies and 20 adults of average body weight 8.19±2.45 kg and comprising equal number of both sexes. Ninety survey dorsoventral, right lateral and left lateral thoracic radiographs of the animals were obtained. The shape of the thoracic silhouette in each radiograph was objectively evaluated and adequately described. In the right and left lateral views, sternovertebral distance and sagittal vertebral diameter of the tenth vertebra were measured and recorded; while the dimension measured in the dorsoventral view was costocostal distance. In the lateral radiographs, mean values of vertebral indices (VI) for right/left lateral radiographs were 0.10±0.00/0.10±0.00, respectively. Results of normal thoracic silhouette determined in dorsoventral versus right lateral orthogonal radiographs were: frontosagittal index (FSI) 1.06±0.05 and Haller index (HI) 0.95±0.04. The clinical relevance of this investigation is that it provides measurement indices for the morphological evaluation of the thoracic silhouette in the Nigerian Indigenous Dog. These indices are reproducible, objective and easy to apply in small animal clinical practice.

Veterinarians show resilience during COVID-19: challenges faced and successful coping strategies.

To identify challenges veterinarians faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, explore how they coped, identify coping strategies associated with greater resilience, and determine incentives and barriers to performing healthy coping behaviors. 266 surveys completed by veterinarians in the Potomac region. A cross-sectional survey was distributed electronically through veterinary medical boards and professional associations between June and September 2021. Most survey responses came from veterinarians working in Maryland (128/266 [48%]) and Virginia (63/266 [24%]) who were predominantly white (186/266 [70%]), female (162/266 [61%]), and working in small-animal clinical practice (185/266 [70%]). The greatest workplace challenges experienced were increased workloads (195/266 [73%]) and reevaluating existing workflows (189/266 [71%]). Separation from loved ones (161/266 [61%]) was the greatest personal challenge. Of the veterinarians who completed the 10-point Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (n = 219), which measures resilience on a scale from 0 (no resilience) to 40 (greatest resilience), the mean score was 29.6 (SD, 6.9), with a median of 30 (IQR = 10). Intrinsic factors most strongly associated with greater resilience were increasing age (P = .01) and later career stage (P = .002). Job satisfaction, autonomy, good work-life balance, and approach-focused coping strategies were positively associated with resilience. Overwhelmingly, the primary reported barrier to performing healthy coping behaviors was limited time to devote to self-care (177/266 [67%]). A combination of individual approach-focused coping strategies and organizational interventions are crucial to support a resilient veterinary workforce.

2022 WSAVA guidelines for the recognition, assessment and treatment of pain

AbstractAnimal sentience refers to the capacity of animals to feel both positive and negative emotions including that of pain. As veterinary health professionals, we have a medical and ethical duty to mitigate suffering from pain to the best of our ability. In 2014, the first Global Pain Council World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Guidelines for the Recognition, Assessment and Treatment of Pain was published and remains to this day one of the most relevant and widespread documents of its kind. The 2022 WSAVA Global Pain Management Guidelines evolves from the first document with updated scientific information reflecting major advances in veterinary pain medicine in the last decade. This document is designed to provide the user with easy‐to‐implement, core fundamentals on the successful recognition and treatment of pain in the day‐to‐day small animal clinical practice setting. It provides basic and practical information with an extensive reference list to guide those who want to further their knowledge on pain management. The 2022 WSAVA Global Pain Management Guidelines should be easily implemented regardless of practice setting and/or location for the promotion and advance of pain management and animal welfare.

Medical futility is commonly encountered in small animal clinical practice.

To document veterinarians' perceptions and understanding of medical futility and determine the frequency with which medical futility occurs in small animal practice. 477 veterinarians in small animal general and specialty veterinary practice. A cross-sectional study was performed with a 25-question, web-based, confidential, anonymous survey distributed through various professional veterinary specialty associations. Nearly all respondents (469/474 [99.0%]) believed that futile care occurs in veterinary medicine, and 42.4% (201/474) felt it occurred commonly (> 6 times/y). A similar percentage (471/475 [99.2%]) reported encountering futile care within their careers, and 85.0% (402/476) reported encountering it within the past year. A majority (293/477 [61.4%]) reported witnessing futile care occurring in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Most respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed (320/463 [69.1%]) with a statement that providing futile care is always wrong, and only 38 (8.2%) agreed or strongly agreed. Over 70% (329/464 [70.9%]) of respondents agreed that there are situations in which provision of futile care is appropriate. The importance of reaching a consensus definition for medical futility in veterinary medicine is evident given the frequency with which such care is being provided. Most small animal specialist veterinarians will encounter futile care, and the establishment of an ethical framework to navigate questions surrounding medical futility may help reduce moral distress.

Evaluation of tracheal size in the Nigerian indigenous dog by radiologic morphometry

Reproducible and easily applied methods of radiologic evaluation are needed in the day-to-day clinical practice for diagnosis and treatment (management) of tracheal disorders in animals. In the Nigerian Indigenous Dog, records of such measurements are either non-existent or invisible. The objective of this prospective cross-sectional study was to document measurement indices used for the evaluation of canine trachea. Thirty healthy Nigerian indigenous dogs of both sexes were used for the investigation. Plain right and left lateral thoracic radiographs of each research animal were obtained. The tracheal silhouette in each radiograph was objectively evaluated and adequately described. In the right and left lateral views, the sagittal diameter of the tenth vertebra, the thoracic inlet diameter, and the tracheal diameter were the parameters measured and recorded. Indices generated were the tracheothoracic ratio and tracheovertebral ratio. Results were described as means ± standard errors of means while differences between mean values were subjected to student’s t-test statistic using SPSS version 22 for windows. Statistical significance was established at P≤0.05. In the lateral radiographs, mean values of vertebral indices, tracheothoracic ratios, and tracheovertebral ratios for right/left lateral radiographs were 0.21±0.01/0.21±0.01, and 0.92±0.12/0.92±0.11, respectively. Using the right lateral and dorsoventral orthogonal views, the fronto-sagittal and Haller index's mean values were 1.05±0.04 and 0.95±0.04, respectively. The indices generated in the present study are considered adequate and recommended for morphological evaluation of the canine tracheal silhouette. The tracheovertebral ratio was established for the first time in the present research. The results of this work are reproducible, objective and easy to apply in small animal clinical practice.

The Use of Endoscopic Diagnosis in Dogs with Upper Respiratory Diseases with Respect to the Localisation of Pathogens and the Subsequent Therapy

AbstractBacterial diseases of the upper respiratory tract accompanied with various degrees of clinical signs are relatively frequent in a small animal clinical practice. The clinical signs are usually mild, mostly connected with clinical manifestation of nasal discharge, mild dyspnoea, sneezing, and coughing; however, in some cases they may convert to a chronic stage with serious systemic manifestations. The course and development of complications depends on the etiological agent and the success or failure of the subsequent therapy. An accurate diagnosis is of the upmost importance in order to develop an appropriate therapeutic plan for disease management. The present study focused on: endoscopic visualisation of the upper respiratory tract of the affected animals; localisation of pathological changes, and the targeted collection of the samples. This clinical study involved 26 patients with long-term signs of the affected airways that progressed to chronic stages after the failure of the prescribed therapy. Each patient was clinically examined, sedated and subjected to an endoscopic examination that involved the collection of samples. The samples were examined microbiologically, tested for antibiotic resistance, and a targeted therapy was implemented. The endoscopic and complex microbiological diagnosis enabled: more effective management of the bacterial infection; shortening of the therapy; and a convalescence period that reduced the risk of the development, or the spreading of resistant bacteria.

Optimization of a rapid one-step platelet-rich plasma preparation method using syringe centrifugation with and without carprofen

BackgroundCarprofen and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are widely used in small animal clinical practice. Separation layers have been used during blood centrifugation to increase platelet yield. The objectives of this study were to (1) identify the optimal centrifugation force for the one-step PRP preparation, (2) determine whether there is an advantage to using carprofen in one-step PRP preparation, and (3) compare platelet morphology from one-step PRP preparation with and without carprofen. We hypothesized that injectable carprofen (emulsion formula) could be used successfully as the separation layer in PRP preparation.ResultsSamples from 14 healthy dogs were used to determine the optimal centrifugation force using one-step PRP preparation in a disposable syringe without carprofen, with forces set at 300, 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1300, and 1500 xg for 5 min. Optimum centrifugation force, plasma volume, and platelet concentrations of one-step PRP preparation were found and recovered at 900 xg, 1.9 ± 0.28 ml, and 260.50 ± 58.39 X 103 cell/μl, respectively. Samples from 12 healthy dogs were used to determine the optimal force (with forces set at 300, 500, 700, and 900 xg) for 5 min using one-step PRP preparation with carprofen. Optimum centrifugation force, plasma volume, and platelet concentrations for one-step PRP preparation with carprofen were found and recovered at 500 xg, 0.62 ± 0.16 ml and 948.50 ± 261.40 X 103 cell/μl, respectively. One-step PRP preparation with carprofen increased the platelet yield from baseline by 1.76 and 4.95 fold, respectively. Samples from 3 healthy dogs were used to observe platelet morphologies after centrifugation by scanning electron microscopy. Images of platelets on glass slides from both preparation methods revealed pseudopods emerging from the margins of the discoid platelets.ConclusionsOne-step PRP centrifugation both with and without carprofen increased the platelet yield, but using carprofen (emulsion formula) as a separation layer resulted in a higher platelet yield. The clinical usefulness of PRP products from these methods should be further investigated.

Comparison of multiplexed-tandem real-time PCR panel with reference real-time PCR molecular diagnostic assays for detection of Giardia intestinalis and Tritrichomonas foetus in cats

Giardia intestinalis and Tritrichomonas foetus are frequent enteric protozoan parasites of the gastrointestinal track of domestic cats. Because of different treatment options for the parasites, confirmation of presence of one or both pathogens is necessary. The PCR based assays are suitable for differential diagnosis. We evaluated the performance of Small Animal Diarrhoea panel, a multiplexed-tandem real-time PCR (MT-PCR) assay, that detects DNA of both G. intestinalis and T. foetus. The sensitivity and specificity were compared to reference real-time PCR assays using 105 faecal samples, 39.05% (n = 41) positive for G. intestinalis and 30.48% (n = 32) were positive for T. foetus. The faecal samples positive for T. foetus had a high proportion of late amplifiers, determined by an arbitrary threshold of Ct-values > 35. On the other hand, only one G. intestinalis positive sample was considered a late amplifier. For G. intestinalis DNA, the MT-PCR assay had 95.1% sensitivity and 92.1% specificity. For T. foetus DNA, the MT-PCR assay had 41.9% sensitivity and 100.0% specificity. To evaluate the interlaboratory reproducibility of the MT-PCR assay, results were compared in two different laboratories and found to be in a very good agreement (Kappa = 0.9). Further analysis of the DNA using conventional PCR determined presence of G. intestinalis Assemblage F and T. foetus genotype ‘feline’. In conclusion, the MT-PCR Small Animal Diarrhoea panel had a good and poor performance against reference assays for G. intestinalis and T. foetus, respectively. The assay is suitable for detection and differential diagnosis of G. intestinalis and moderate to high burdens of T. foetus in small animal clinical practice.

Dilated cardiomyopathy in spider-monkey (Ateles chamek, Humboldt, 1812): case report

Non-human primates are routinely studied and managed in zoos, conservation breeding centers, and research centers, but there is currently limited information regarding diseases that can affect these animals. Dilated cardiomyopathy is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases in small animal clinical practice. However, there are few reports of this condition occurring in non-human primates. Here, in a spider monkey (Ateles chamek) housed in the Rio de Janeiro Zoo, we report the occurrence of dilated cardiomyopathy, its etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis through clinical examination, and the use of complementary exams (radiographic, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic), as well as the protocol, used in the treatment. In this case, it is assumed that the occurrence of the disease was related to the peripartum period due to the hormonal and metabolic changes that occurred, and the physiological interactions of gestation and puerperium

The use of synthetic colloids in dogs and cats

It is common in small animal clinical practice to administer fluids in order to replace water deficits or to treat diseases. One of the indications of the fluid therapy is treatment of low intravascular volume, which begins with crystalloid administration. Colloids, however, are more effective in maintaining intravascular volume than crystalloid solutions, because they contain high molecular weight molecules that do not cross capillary walls. As a result, plasma oncotic pressure increases, resulting in water transfer from the interstitial to the intravascular space. The administered volume of a colloid is equal or slightly bigger than the required replacement volume, and the total volume administered is lower than the required volume of a crystalloid. Therefore, colloids should be considered when a patient does not appear to be responding appropriately to the crystalloid fluid infusion or when oedema develops prior to adequate blood volume restoration. The most common side effects of colloid administration may be volume overload, anaphylactic reaction, renal toxicity and coagulation disorders. Colloids are natural and synthetic. Natural colloids include whole blood, plasma and blood products. Synthetic colloids are dextrans, gelatins and starches.Haemoglobine-based oxygen carriers may improve oxygenation and act as colloids. Dextrans have a mean molecular weight of either 40,000 or 70,000 daltons. They have a short half-life and may cause coagulation defeciencies, anaphylactic reactions or acute renal failure. Gelatins have a shorter half-life. Starches are glucose polymers with glycosidic bonds and hydroxyl-ethyl groups.According to the number of these groups, they are distinguished in three types: hetastrach, tetrastarch and pentastarch. They have oncotic effects, long half-life and few side effects. Colloids are mainly administered in shock, as well as in hypoproteinaemia, sepsis and third space losses. They are always co-administered with crystalloids, in order to replace interstitial water as well. Water loss replacement is treated in three phases. Initially, intravascular volume is restored (resuscitation phase), then interstitial space is hydrated (rehydration phase) and finally cells are hydrated (maintenance phase). Depending on the underlying disease, different combinations of crystalloids and colloids are used. Special attention is needed in cases of internal haemorrhage, increased endothelial permeability and hypoproteinaemia.

Marketing strategies in small animal clinical practice

PurposeMarketing strategies can be used to leverage business in the service sector, specifically in veterinary medicine; among other benefits, it can make a difference in satisfaction and consequent customer loyalty. Marketing should be used with ethics and professionalism due is one administration area that contributes to effective management in the continuous pursuit of quality in the provision of services and demonstrate that veterinary clinics have much to gain if managed with support of marketing strategies. This paper aims to analyze the applicability of marketing strategies in the management of small animal clinics, such as guidelines to the entrepreneurs of this services sector.Design/methodology/approachMarketing literature is plentiful in proposing alternative strategies, whether focused on the achievement and loyalty of customers, whether to raise the competitiveness of an organization or simply to its survival in the market. In this study, some marketing strategies were selected, on secondary data research, in theoretical framework, to investigate their application in the practice of veterinary medicine. This study emphasizes promotional strategy toward communication with the market and construction of organizational image, using public relations as marketing strategy.FindingsThe use of marketing strategies is recommended in the management of small animal clinical practice, especially with respect to the high customer satisfaction by streamlining the procedures and optimizing veterinary services provision.Originality/valueThis study is different because it proposes an integrated system of management techniques in veterinary organizations, which will lead to better efficiency of attendance, adding value to the service provided and generating greater profitability for the organization, which positively reflects on the economic point of view and for the image of the company and its professionals, providing a better quality of life for both clients and their pets.

Antimicrobial resistance profiles and genotypes of extended-spectrum β-lactamase- and AmpC β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from dogs in Beijing, China.

Klebsiella pneumoniae, which exists in the intestinal and respiratory tracts of humans and animals, is an important conditional pathogen in many animals. The aim of the current study was to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profiles and genotypes of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and AmpC β-lactamase-producing K. pneumoniae isolated from dogs. A total of 285 isolates, collected from faecal and urine samples of diseased dogs in a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Beijing, were characterised by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and screened for ESBL and AmpC β-lactamase phenotypes. The relevant genes were identified by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. All K. pneumoniae isolates were susceptible to meropenem, while the rates of resistance to the remaining 27 tested antimicrobials ranged from 24% to 97%. A total of 53% and 18% of K. pneumoniae isolates were positive for ESBL and AmpC β-lactamase production, respectively. ESBL/AmpC-producing strains were significantly resistant to more antimicrobial agents compared non-ESBL/AmpC-producing strains (P<0.05). CTX-M groups 1 and 9, and DHA-1 were the predominant genotypes of the ESBL/AmpC-producing K. pneumoniae isolates. In conclusion, the high percentage of drug resistance among K. pneumoniae isolates suggests that routine detection of ESBL production by reliable laboratory methods is required in small animal clinical practice.

Modern Spirometry Supports Anesthetic Management in Small Animal Clinical Practice: A Case Series.

Modern spirometry, like no other monitoring technique, allows insight into breath-to-breath respiratory mechanics. Spirometers continuously measure volume, airway pressure, and flow while calculating and continuously displaying respiratory system compliance and resistance in the form of loops. The aim of this case series is to show how observation of spirometric loops, similar to electrocardiogram or CO2 curve monitoring, can improve safety of anesthetic management in small animals. Spirometric monitoring cases described in this case series are based on use of the anaesthesia monitor Capnomac Ultima with a side stream spirometry sensor. The cases illustrate how recognition and understanding of spirometric loops allows for easy diagnosis of iatrogenic pneumothorax, incorrect ventilator settings, leaks in the system, kinked or partially obstructed endotracheal tube, and spontaneous breathing interfering with intermittent positive-pressure ventilation. The case series demonstrates the potential of spirometry to improve the quality and safety of anesthetic management, and, hence, its use can be recommended during intermittent positive-pressure ventilation and procedures in which interference with ventilation can be expected.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Isolated from Dogs with Recurrent Pyoderma

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been recently growing problem in small animal clinical practice due to increasing resistance to multiple number of antimicrobials. Present study reports about the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of MRSA isolated from the dogs with recurrent pyoderma. Based on the cultural and biochemical studies 12 isolates were identified as Staphylococcus aureus. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was identified based on the disc diffusion method. Fifty percent of the dogs showed the methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates which were resistant to almost all the antimicrobials used in the present study. Other fifty percent dogs had methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus which were susceptible to amoxicillin with sulbactum, cefpodoxime with clavulanic acid, enrofloxacin, cephalexin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, cephadroxil and cefpodoxime. Most of the cultures were resistant to tylosin, lincomycin, erythromycin, azithromycin, gentamicin, amikacin. The alarming antimicrobial resistance and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus recorded in the present study of dogs with recurrent pyoderma suggest maintenance of personal hygiene by the small animal owners.

Guidelines for recognition, assessment and treatment of pain: WSAVA Global Pain Council members and co-authors of this document:.

Karol Mathews DVM DVSc DACVECC (Canada) Peter W Kronen Dr Vet Med, DVM DECVAA (Switzerland) Duncan Lascelles BSc BVSc PhD DSAS DECVS DACVS MRCVS (USA) Andrea Nolan MVB DVA PhD DECVAA DECVPT MRCVS (UK) Sheilah Robertson BVMS (Hons) PhD DACVAA DECVAA DECAWBM (WSEL) DACAW MRCVS (USA) Paulo VM Steagall MV MS PhD DACVAA (Brazil/Canada) Bonnie Wright DVM DACVAA (USA) Kazuto Yamashita DVM MS PhD DJCVS (Japan)

Evaluation of signalment, clinical, and laboratory variables as prognostic indicators in dogs with acute abdominal syndrome

The aim of the study was to identify predictors of mortality and to propose a new severity scoring system in dogs with acute abdominal syndrome. A retrospective study was carried out on 58 dogs presented with acute abdominal syndrome with American Society of Anesthesiologists grades III-IV and treated surgically by exploratory laparotomy. Medical records were reviewed and information regarding dog signalment, history, clinical, and laboratory data; surgical findings; and outcome was collected. Multiple easily measurable variables were found to be mortality predictors in dogs with acute abdominal syndrome, but the most relevant were the presence of neoplastic process, organ rupture, abdominal distention, and solid organ involvement. Based on the acute abdomen scoring system, animals that received 14 points had a 50% chance of survival, with a sensitivity of 90.48%, specificity of 97.3%, and positive and negative predictive values of 95% and 94.7%, respectively, at this cut-point. According to the receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis, this scoring system classified 94.83% of the cases correctly with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) = 0.965 (P = 0.0001). The presented severity scoring system could reliably assess the severity and probability of death in dogs with acute abdomen and could be used in small animal clinical practice.