University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Research Articles

Comparison of heparinized saline and 0.9% sodium chloride for maintaining central venous catheter patency in healthy dogs.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine whether heparinized saline (HS) would be more effective in maintaining the patency of central venous catheters (CVCs) in dogs compared to 0.9% sodium chloride. This was a prospective randomized blinded study conducted at a University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.MethodsA total of 24 healthy purpose-bred dogs were randomized into two groups: a treatment and a control group. A CVC was placed in the jugular vein of each dog. Each dog in the treatment group had their CVC flushed with 10 IU/mL HS, while dogs in the control group had their CVC flushed with 0.9% sodium chloride every 6 h for 72 h. Immediately prior to flushing, each catheter was evaluated for patency by aspiration of blood. The catheter site was also evaluated for phlebitis, and a rectal temperature was obtained in each dog every 6 h. Prothrombin (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin (aPTT) times were evaluated prior to the administration of any flush solution. Results were then compared to values obtained 72 h later.ResultsAll CVCs in both groups were patent after 72 h, which was demonstrated by aspiration of blood and ease of flushing the catheter. Two CVCs in the 0.9% sodium chloride group had a negative aspiration at hour 12 and 36, respectively. One CVC in the HS group had a negative aspiration at hour 18. Signs of phlebitis occurred in three dog: two in the 0.9% sodium chloride group and one in the HS group. No dog was hyperthermic (>103 °F). Two catheters were inadvertently removed by dogs in the HS group during the study. There were no significant differences in catheter patency, incidence of phlebitis, or incidence of negative aspirations between both groups. aPTT and PT values remained within the normal reference range for all dogs in both groups. Ultimately, 0.9% sodium chloride was as effective as 10 IU/mL HS in maintaining the patency of CVCs for up to 72 h in healthy dogs. Further evaluation in clinical patients is warranted.

Epidemiology of massive hepatocellular carcinoma in dogs: A 4-year retrospective study

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumour in dogs. However, the clinical features and risk factors of HCC have not been confirmed. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical features and risk factors for canine HCC. Medical records of 44 dogs diagnosed with HCC at Hokkaido University Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 2013 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. All dogs evaluated at the teaching hospital during the study period were used as the reference population for breed, age, sex predispositions or possible related factors for HCC, including concurrent disorders. Clinical characteristics of HCC were determined using propensity score matching analysis.The prevalence of HCC diagnosis was 0.96%. Multivariate analysis revealed that dogs diagnosed with HCC were significantly older (odds ratio [OR], 1.20; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.07–1.33) than the reference population. Welsh Corgis (OR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.56–8.67) and Beagles (OR, 4.33; 95% CI, 1.58–11.90) were significantly predisposed to HCC. Twenty-seven of 44 dogs with HCC had at least one concurrent disorder. The most common concurrent disorder was hyperadrenocorticism (n = 10), and the adjusted odds of hyperadrenocorticism in dogs with HCC were 4.13 higher than those of the reference population (95% CI, 1.95–8.76). Propensity score matching analysis revealed that thrombocytosis (n = 30/43), increased alanine aminotransferase (n = 41/44), increased alkaline phosphatase (n = 42/44), and hypercalcemia (n = 13/32) were significantly associated with HCC diagnosis. The results of this study suggest that Welsh Corgis and Beagles are breeds with a predisposition for HCC and that hyperadrenocorticism might be a potential risk factor.

H3N2 canine influenza virus and Enterococcus faecalis coinfection in dogs in China

BackgroundIn May 2017, 17 dogs in a German Shepherd breeding kennel in northern China developed respiratory clinical signs. The owner treated the dogs with an intravenous injection of Shuang-Huang-lian, a traditional Chinese medicine, and azithromycin. The respiratory signs improved 3 days post-treatment, however, cysts were observed in the necks of eight dogs, and three of them died in the following 2 days.Case presentationQuantitative real-time PCR was used to detect canine influenza virus (CIV). All of the dogs in this kennel were positive and the remaining 14 dogs had seroconverted. Two of the dogs were taken to the China Agricultural University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for further examination. Two strains of influenza virus (A/canine/Beijing/0512–133/2017 and A/canine/Beijing/0512–137/2017) isolated from the nasal swabs of these dogs were sequenced and identified as avian-origin H3N2 CIV. For the two dogs admitted to the hospital, hematology showed mild inflammation and radiograph results indicated pneumonia. Cyst fluid was plated for bacterial culture and bacterial 16 s rRNA gene PCR was performed, followed by Sanger sequencing. The results indicated an Enterococcus faecalis infection. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed and dogs were treated with enrofloxacin. All 14 remaining dogs recovered within 16 days.ConclusionsCoinfection of H3N2 CIV and Enterococcus faecalis was detected in dogs, which has not been reported previously. Our results highlight that CIV infection might promote the secondary infection of opportunistic bacteria and cause more severe and complicated clinical outcomes.

Companion rats (Rattus norvegicus) with cutaneous lesions: a retrospective study of 470 cases at two university veterinary teaching hospitals (1985-2018).

Rats are popular companion animals that are often presented to veterinarians for treatment of skin diseases. However, descriptions of dermatoses in rats have primarily been limited to case reports and text books. To document skin diseases and their prevalence in companion rats examined in northern California, USA and Nantes, France and to investigate predilections for the most common conditions over a 33 year or 15 year period, respectively. Four hundred and seventy rats from two hospital populations met the inclusion criteria. A retrospective study was performed by searching computerized medical records of rats seen at the School of Veterinary Medicine at University of California, Davis (UCD), USA from 1 January 1985 to 1 January 2018 using the key words "skin" and "dermatitis". The medical records of rats presenting to Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (ONIRIS), France from 1995 to 2016 were reviewed for evidence of skin disease. The presence of lesions as noted in the key search words for the UCD records were used as the inclusion criteria for both institutions. Of 494 rats examined at UCD, 231 (47%) had skin disease, with neoplasia the most common diagnosis. Of the 619 rats examined at ONIRIS, 239 (39%) had skin disease, with ectoparasitism being the most common diagnosis. Cutaneous conditions in companion rats are common. Clinicians should include a dermatological examination when examining these rodents, especially in regard to neoplasia, ectoparasites and pyoderma.

Companion hamsters with cutaneous lesions; a retrospective study of 102 cases at two university veterinary teaching hospitals (1985-2018).

Hamsters are popular companion animals which may present to veterinarians for treatment of skin diseases. Most descriptions of dermatoses in hamsters have primarily been in case reports and in text books. To document skin diseases and their prevalence in companion hamsters examined in northern California, USA, and Nantes, France, and to investigate predilections for the most common conditions documented in medical records over a 33year or 15year period, respectively. One hundred and one hamsters from two hospital populations. A computerized search of medical records of all hamsters seen at the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC-Davis in California, USA, from 1 January 1985 to 1 January 2018, was performed using the key search words "skin" and "dermatitis". The medical records of all hamsters presenting to the Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Nantes, from 1 September 1998 to 1 December 2013, were reviewed for skin diseases. The presence of lesions noted in key search words for the California records were used as inclusion guidelines for both institutions. Cases of suspected mammary neoplasia were excluded. Of the 65 hamsters seen in California, 34 (54%) had skin disease; of a total of 164 hamsters in Nantes, 67 (41%) had skin disease. Nodules were the most common lesions noted by both institutions. Cutaneous conditions in companion hamsters are common. Clinicians should include a dermatological examination when examining these rodents.

Evaluation of equine coronavirus fecal shedding among hospitalized horses.

BackgroundCurrently, diagnosis of equine coronavirus (ECoV) relies on the exclusion of other infectious causes of enteric disease along with molecular detection of ECoV in feces or tissue. Although this approach is complete, it is costly and may not always be achievable.ObjectiveWe hypothesized that the overall fecal shedding of ECoV in hospitalized horses is low. Our objective was to determine whether systemically healthy horses and horses with gastrointestinal disorders shed ECoV in their feces at the time of admission to a referral hospital and after 48 hours of stress associated with hospitalization.AnimalsOne‐hundred thirty adult horses admitted to the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for gastrointestinal disease (n = 65) or for imaging under anesthesia (n = 65) that were hospitalized for 48 hours. Owner consent was obtained before sampling.MethodsFecal samples were collected at admission and 48 hours later. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for ECoV and electron microscopy (EM) were performed on all samples.ResultsOnly 1 of 258 fecal samples was PCR‐positive for ECoV. Electron microscopy identified ECoV‐like particles in 9 of 258 samples, parvovirus‐like particles in 4 of 258 samples, and rotavirus‐like particles in 1 of 258 samples.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe presence of ECoV in feces of hospitalized adult horses was low. Thus, fecal samples that are PCR‐positive for ECoV in adult horses that have clinical signs consistent with this viral infection are likely to be of diagnostic relevance. The clinical relevance of the viruses observed using EM remains to be investigated.

Patterns of antimicrobial resistance bacteria from respiratory tract of psittacine pet birds in Thailand

Purpose: Parrots or psittacine birds are one of the most popular pets. The common problem in birds is respiratory disease, which spread mainly through contact, droplet and aerosol transmission. In particular, opportunistic bacteria normally involve in disease progression and threat of antimicrobial resistance. Moreover, close contact with a sick bird may pose health risk to owner due to spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Thus, the aim of this work was to provide data on the characterization of antimicrobial resistance bacteria from upper respiratory tract of psittacine cases in Thailand. Methods & Materials: The case records for all psittacines visiting the exotic pet clinic, Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Bangkhen from January to October, 2015 were used to assess type and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacteria. Swab technique at choanal or nasal area of bird was used for bacteria collection and culture. Eleven antimicrobial drugs were tested using disk diffusion method, which represented 9 antimicrobial groups. Results: A total of 80/376 psittacine cases (21%) was diagnosed to have respiratory problem. Then, eighty-eight isolates were obtained from 53 respiratory cases consisting of Streptococcus spp. (18 isolates, 20%), Staphylococcus spp. (16 isolates, 18%), Escherichia coli (15 isolates, 17%), Pseudomonas spp. (9 isolates, 10%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (7 isolates, 8%), Pasteurella spp. (6 isolates, 7%) and Enterobacter spp. (5 isolates, 6%). The staphylococci presented highly resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics (>50% of isolates) meanwhile Pasteurella spp. appeared to show susceptible almost of antimicrobial drugs except clindamycin. However, clindamycin seemed to resist with E. coli, Enterobacter spp, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pasteurella in all isolates. Patterns of multiple drug resistance (MDR) indicated in this study, which presented in all Pseudomonas isolates, 93% of E. coli isolates, 80% of Enterobacter cloacae isolates, and 57% of Klebsiella isolates. Additionally, two isolates of Pseudomonas were resistant to 8 antimicrobial categories. Conclusion: Bacteria isolated from upper respiratory psittacine cases presented antimicrobial resistant trend and MDR. Respiratory treating in Psittaciformes should concern with susceptibility test and prudent use of antimicrobial usage in practice for therapeutic plan. Furthermore, link between colonized bacteria in a pet bird and owner should not be overlook.

Cardiac Tamponade from Pericardial Mesothelioma Causing Acute Renal Insufficiency in Dog

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare malignancy tumor in dog. Due to an aggressive tumor and low survival rates, mesothelioma is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage. The objective of this clinical report is to highlight the characteristic of this malignancy tumor to help an early diagnosis and to improve the therapeutic outcomes of this neoplastic tumor. A 10-year-old crossbreed was referred to Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Kamphaengsaen for the evaluation of a history of abdominal distension, lethargy and weekness. During the physical examination, the dog was tachycardia and tachypnea. Ultrasonography imaging of spleen revealed an inhomogeneous appearance and thoracic radiograph showed cardiac enlargement. Electrocardigraphy examination revealed low voltage of QRS complex amplitude. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a large pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade and masses were visualized in pericardial sac. Pericardiocentesis was immediately performed to alleviate the cardiac tamponade and cytologic examination was performed to identify the characteristic of pericardial effusion fluid. Clinical symptoms of acute kidney injury were progressed from the second visit including azotemia, hyponatraemia, hyperkalemia and anuria. The dog died about 2 days after admission in the critical care unit. Histopathological examination of the pericardial fluid and pericardial mass confirmed the diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma. Mesothelioma should be considered in the diagnosis of pericardial effusion in dog. An early stage detection of pericardial mesothelioma may significantly reduction in mortality and allow for more beneficial treatment.

Seizure-precipitating factors in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.

BackgroundStress, sleep deprivation, and infectious diseases are important seizure‐precipitating factors in human epilepsy patients. However, these factors have not been thoroughly studied in epileptic dogs.ObjectiveSeizure‐precipitating factors are common in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy and the occurrence of these factors associate with the dogs' signalment, personality, and epilepsy‐related factors.AnimalsFifty dogs with diagnosed idiopathic epilepsy from the hospital populations of University Veterinary Teaching Hospital of University of Helsinki and Referral Animal Hospital Aisti.MethodsIn a retrospective cross‐sectional observational study, owners were interviewed about their dogs' possible seizure‐precipitating factors according to a predefined questionnaire. The dogs were identified and selected by searching the medical records of the participating animal hospitals.ResultsThe prevalence of seizure‐precipitating factors in the study population was 74% (37/50). The most frequently reported factors included stress‐related situations, sleep deprivation, weather, and hormonal factors. In dogs with focal onset seizures, the number of precipitating factors was 1.9 (95% CI 1.1‐3.4) times higher compared to dogs with generalized seizures.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSeizure‐precipitating factors are common in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, and the nature of these factors is consistent with those of human patients. Aside from antiepileptic medication, acknowledging and avoiding seizure‐precipitating factors could help veterinarians achieve better treatment outcomes.

Relationships among urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio, urine specific gravity, and bacteriuria in canine urine samples.

BackgroundProteinuria is a marker of chronic kidney disease in dogs and a risk factor for increased morbidity and death. Predictive models using the results of readily available screening tests could foster early recognition.ObjectiveTo determine whether urine specific gravity (USG) and semiquantitative category of dipstick protein can be used to predict urinary protein‐to‐creatinine ratio (UP : C) and to examine the effect of urine culture results on UP : C in dogs.AnimalsThree hundred ninety‐four dogs (482 visits) presented to a university Community Practice Clinic or Veterinary Teaching Hospital between January 2011 and November 2015.MethodsRetrospective study. Medical records were searched to identify dogs for which urinalysis, UP : C measurement, and urine culture testing were performed during a single hospital visit. Urine specific gravity, UP : C, dipstick protein concentration, and findings of urine sediment analysis and urine culture were recorded. Regression or Spearman correlation analysis was used to test for relationships between UP : C and USG within dipstick categories and between UP : C and bacterial colony‐forming units per milliliter, respectively. Cohen's kappa test was used to evaluate agreement between urine culture and UP : C testing.ResultsThere were significant (P < .05) weak negative correlations (R2 range, 0.14‐0.37) between UP : C and USG for all nonnegative urine protein dipstick categories. The presence of a positive urine culture did not agree with the presence of abnormal UP : C (κ = −0.06).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceWithin dipstick protein categories, UP : C cannot be accurately predicted from USG. Repeating UP : C measurement after resolution of urinary tract infection is advisable.

The effects of iatrogenic blood contamination on total nucleated cell counts and protein concentrations in canine cerebrospinal fluid

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) might be altered by iatrogenic blood contamination, precluding accurate diagnostic interpretation. Available formulas to correct for iatrogenic blood contamination are likely unreliable. Study objectives were to determine the effects of blood contamination on total nucleated cell counts (NCCs) and protein concentrations in canine CSF. Two methods were followed to evaluate the effect of blood contamination on total NCC and protein concentrations in CSF. First, records from the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital were retrospectively searched for dogs where CSF analysis was performed. Total NCCs, RBC counts, protein concentrations, and cytologic interpretations were recorded. Second, CSF from 4 canine patients and 3 research hounds was prospectively analyzed before and after known dilutions of whole blood were added. Of the 787 clinical samples analyzed, 108 samples had a cytologic diagnosis of blood contamination. RBC counts for all clinical samples ranged from 0 to 210,000 cells/μL. No correlation between total NCCs or protein concentrations with RBC counts were found when all samples were evaluated. Total NCCs and RBCs were weakly correlated in samples with a cytologic diagnosis of blood contamination and when ≥500 RBC/μL was present. When serial dilutions of whole blood were added to normal CSF, no significant changes were observed in the total NCCsof uncontaminated aliquots and contaminated aliquots containing up to 8480 RBC/μL. Erythrocyte counts in blood-contaminated canine CSF poorly correlate with total NCCs and protein concentrations. Using formulas to correct total NCCs and protein concentrations for the number of RBCs in CSF is inappropriate.

Renal dialysis and long-term treatment of a dog with kidney disease associated with canine leishmaniosis

BackgroundRenal disease is considered the main cause of natural mortality in dogs with canine leishmaniosis. The pathological mechanisms associated with kidney injury in canine leishmaniosis include immune complex glomerulonephritis, tubulointerstitial nephritis and occasionally renal amyloidosis. Proteinuria is a frequent finding in canine leishmaniosis and its quantification by the urine protein-creatinine ratio (UPC) is an important parameter in the staging of canine lesihmaniosis as presented by the LeishVet group.ResultsA 4.5 year-old spayed female Belgian Malinois dog was presented to the Hebrew University Veterinary Teaching hospital with epistaxis and rhinitis and diagnosed also with proteinuria and acute kidney injury (AKI IRIS grade V) associated with canine leishmaniosis that developed to LeishVet stage III with chronic kidney disease (CKD) after stabilization. Clinicopathologic abnormalities included azotemia with a peak creatinine concentration of 7.76 mg/dl (reference interval, 0.3–1.2 ng/dl), hypoalbuminemia (1.76 g/dl, reference interval 3-4.4 g/dl), hyperglobulinemia (4.54 g/dl, reference interval 1.8–3.9 g/dl) and proteinuria (urine protein/creatinine ratio 15.6, normal < 0.2). Serology by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Leishmania infantum was positive with high antibody levels. The dog was hospitalized and treated with intermittent hemodialysis, feeding through an esophageal feeding tube, medical treatment for protein losing nephropathy and antileishmanial treatment with allopurinol. Kidney function gradually improved and the dog’s creatinine levels and proteinuria decreased until complete normalization two years after the acute insult. However, rhinitis and sneezing persisted and although the anti-leishmanial antibodies decreased over time, the dog remains constantly seropositive.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first report of hemodialysis management of AKI associated with canine leishmaniosis. Hemodialysis was imperative in stabilizing the dog’s renal disease and controlling its azotemia. It demostrates that hemodialysis can be beneficial in the management of acute deterioration of kidney disease in canine leishmaniosis.

Plasma ammonia concentration after L-asparaginase therapy in 27 dogs with high-grade lymphoma or leukemia.

To establish the occurrence of increased plasma ammonia concentration after L-asparaginase (L-asp) administration in dogs with high-grade lymphoma or leukemia; to identify risk factors for the development of hyperammonemia after L-asp administration; and to determine occurrence of adverse events related to hyperammonemia. Prospective case controlled study of sequentially enrolled dogs between May 2011 and March 2012. A university veterinary teaching hospital. Twenty-seven dogs with high-grade lymphoma or leukemia. All dogs received L-asp intramuscularly at a median dose of 400IU/kg. Plasma ammonia concentrations were measured at baseline, 16 hours, and 48 hours after L-asp therapy. Clinicopathological abnormalities were assessed to determine risk factors for the development of hyperammonemia. Adverse events following L-asp were recorded. Median plasma ammonia concentrations at baseline, 16 hours, and 48 hours were 26 μmol/L (44μg/dL), 98 μmol/L (166.9μg/dL), and 67 μmol/L (114μg/dL), respectively. Median plasma ammonia concentrations at 16 and 48 hours after administration were significantly increased compared to baseline. Six dogs had adverse events following L-asp administration. No significant clinical signs were noted that could clearly be attributed to hyperammonemia. No risk factors for developing hyperammonemia were identified; however, there was a positive correlation between the development of hyperammonemia at 16- and 48-hour time points. Subclinical hyperammonemia in dogs with lymphoma or leukemia after L-asp administration appears to be common. No risk factors were identified for the development of hyperammonemia after L-asp treatment, and severe adverse events were rare.

Canine central corneal thickness measurements via Pentacam-HR® , optical coherence tomography (Optovue iVue® ), and high-resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy.

To compare central corneal thickness (CCT) values in canine eyes using Pentacam-HR® Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam), Optovue® iVue spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and high-resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and generate normative canine Pentacam CCT values. Twenty-four client-owned dogs (37 eyes) with nondiseased cornea(s) presenting to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Corneal images were acquired via Pentacam, SD-OCT, and UBM in the listed order. Machine-calculated values of CCT from Pentacam and SD-OCT were compared to operator-measured values from UBM. Bland-Altman analysis was performed to evaluate agreement between instruments. Mean CCT ± SD measured by Pentacam was 629.73 ± 64.57 μm, by SD-OCT was 610.56 ± 57.48 μm, and by UBM was 689.77 ± 55.93 μm. On average, Pentacam CCT was 19.17 ± 32.90 μm (3%) thicker than SD-OCT and 65.12 ± 44.52 μm (10.3%) thinner than UBM. SD-OCT was on average 82.47 μm (13.5% ) thinner than UBM. The 95% limits of agreement were (-45.31, 83.65), (-152.38, 22.13), and (-126.674, -38.270) for Pentacam vs. SD-OCT, Pentacam vs. UBM, and SD-OCT vs. UBM respectively. All differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). Considering there is an average of 7.5% normal diurnal variation in canine CCT, a 3.0% difference between Pentacam and SD-OCT values is likely not clinically relevant. However, Pentacam measurements were both statistically and clinically significantly different from UBM and SD-OCT measurements.

Completeness of handwritten preanaesthetic records at two veterinary referral institutions

ObjectiveTo retrospectively analyse handwritten preanaesthetic records for completeness at two veterinary referral institutions: a university veterinary teaching hospital and a private veterinary referral hospital. To evaluate if emergency records were less complete compared with non-emergency records. Animal or Animal Population Two hundred and fifty preanaesthetic records at each referral institution. Materials and MethodsHandwritten preanaesthetic records were analysed for completeness. Data was described as complete or incomplete. In order to be classified as complete information had to be present, legible and correct. Sections of the preanaesthetic record analysed included the date, anaesthetist, clinician, presenting problem, procedure, time food withheld, temperature, pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (fR), American Society of Anesthesiologists-Physical Status Classification (ASA-PSC), premedication drug name, premedication drug dose, premedication route of administration, premedication time, effect of premedication, induction drug name, induction drug dose, induction time, induction quality, maintenance anaesthetic agent, endotracheal tube (ET) diameter, anaesthetic breathing system and monitoring equipment. ResultsAt both referral institutions 250 records were analysed. Completeness of data was generally poor, however, several differences did exist. Completion rates were generally higher at the university veterinary teaching hospital. A mix of structured and unstructured (requiring free text) data fields were poorly complete. Emergency records were significantly less complete with respect to: Time food withheld (p = 0.006) and Temperature (p = 0.0275). ConclusionsDifferences observed may be due to anaesthetic record design, anaesthetic caseload, case discussion, education or quality assurance programmes. Clinical relevance Increased emphasis on education and implementation of quality assurance programmes should be considered in order to improve completeness of preanaesthetic records.

Causes and outcomes of dogs presenting with hyphema to a referral hospital in Colorado: a retrospective analysis of 99 cases.

To investigate the causes of hyphema in dogs and identify factors associated with poor visual outcomes. Ninety-nine dogs (120 eyes) that presented with hyphema. Medical records from the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital between the years 2004-2015 were reviewed. Overall, 36.4% of dogs were diagnosed with hyphema from systemic causes, 32.9% due to local ocular disease, 26.1% due to trauma, and 4.5% due to idiopathic causes. Regardless of cause, 55.4% of eyes were blind at their last recheck, but the percentage of eyes that lost vision ranged from 11.1 to 100%, depending on the cause. Causes of hyphema with poor outcomes were ocular neoplasia, chronic uveitis, and trauma. Enucleation was performed or recommended in 36 eyes (39.5%), and 27 eyes (31.4%) were diagnosed with glaucoma. Initial exam findings associated with a significantly increased risk of blindness were absent consensual PLR (odds ratio (OR)=28.6), absent dazzle (OR=19.4), elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) (OR=9.1), presence of a retinal detachment (OR=7.6), unilateral hyphema (OR=5.8), and complete hyphema (OR=3.9). Factors associated with a significantly increased risk of glaucoma included hyphema present for 8-30days (OR>6), absent consensual PLR (OR=6.4), absent dazzle (OR=5.3), and the presence of a retinal detachment at the final evaluation (OR=5.8). Prognosis for vision is highly dependent on the cause of hyphema and initial exam findings. Poor prognostic factors on presentation include absent dazzle, absent consensual PLR, elevated IOP, unilateral hyphema, and complete hyphema.

Bovine fascioliasis risk factors and space-time clusters in Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

A hospital-based case-control study was undertaken to identify risk factors for - and space-time clusters of - bovine fascioliasis in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Fascioliasis cases diagnosed using fecal sample test between January 2006 and December 2015 (n=593) at the Bangladesh Agricultural University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (BAUVTH) and three controls per case (n=1563) were selected. Data on date of report, location, age, breed, sex and body weight were extracted from the hospital records. A mixed multivariable logistic regression model with location as a random effect was built to identify risk factors for fascioliasis. The scan statistic (Bernoulli model) was used to identify space-time clusters. Compared to cattle ≤1year of age, the odds of fascioliasis were 5.2- (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.6-7.4), 6.1- (95% CI: 4.2-8.7) and 10.7-times (95% CI: 6.9-16.6) greater in cattle aged >1-3, >3-8 and >8years, respectively. The odds of fascioliasis were 1.4- (95% CI: 1.03-1.99) and 1.5-times (95% CI: 1.13-2.11) greater in post-monsoon and monsoon seasons, respectively, compared to winter. Five significant (P<0.05) clusters (7-13 locations each) were identified, lasting from six months to 5years. Six locations - Bhangnamari, Deuhakhola, Gauripur, Ishwarganj, Nandail and Rasulpur - appeared to be at more risk for fascioliasis: these locations were part of at least 3 significant clusters. Anthelmintic treatment should focus on high risk age groups (>1year, especially those >8years). Importantly, we have demonstrated high-risk periods (monsoon and post-monsoon) and disease hotspots of bovine fascioliasis. Focusing disease control efforts in time and space offers an opportunity to more effectively control bovine fascioliasis in Bangladesh and in other similar geo-climatic zones throughout the world.

Retrospective study on the occurrence of canine lymphoma and associated breed risks in a population of dogs in NSW (2001–2009)

To identify risk factors for canine lymphoma in dogs from New South Wales, Australia, and to compare factors affecting remission duration. Client-owned dogs diagnosed with lymphoma presented to the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UVTH), University of Sydney, between 2001 and 2009 (n = 134) were compared with a control population of dogs seen in that period of time with a diagnosis other than lymphoma to evaluate association of explanatory variables (breed, age and sex) with the outcome (case or control status). The Australian Cattle Dog (odds ratio (OR) = 4.71; 95% confidence interval (Cl) 2.31-9.62; P < 0.001), Doberman (OR = 7.64; 95% Cl 2.87-20.34; P = 0.001) and Rottweiler (OR = 4.52; 95% Cl 2.09-9.73; P = 0.001) had increased odds of lymphoma among dogs attending the UVTH compared with crossbreds. The results suggested that the Border Collie (OR = 3.38; 95% Cl 1.52-7.53; P = 0.008) and Boxer (OR = 3.85; 95% Cl 1.65-8.95; P = 0.006) also have increased odds of lymphoma among the pure-breed dogs attending the UVTH when compared with crossbred dogs. The results of this study confirmed a breed predilection for lymphoma in dogs, with the Australian Cattle Dog and Doberman having increased odds of lymphoma.

Peste des Petits Ruminants risk factors and space-time clusters in Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

Using a hospital-based case-control study design, our aim was to identify risk factors for-and space-time clusters of-Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Three hundred and eighty PPR cases diagnosed between January 2005 and December 2014 at the Bangladesh Agricultural University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (BAUVTH) were selected; three controls per case from BAUVTH were then selected (n=1,048). From records, data extracted included information on date of report, location, age, breed, sex and body weight of goats. A mixed multivariable logistic regression model was built to identify risk factors. Location was included as a random effect and season and demographic variables as fixed effects. The approximate geographic coordinates of locations were collected, and the scan statistic (Bernoulli model) was used to identify space-time clusters of PPR. Compared with goats <4months of age, the odds of PPR were 3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.95-4.66), 1.9 (CI: 1.34-2.76) and 1.8 times (95% CI: 1.19-2.58) greater in goats aged 4-6, >6-12 and >12-24months, respectively. The occurrence of PPR was also significantly higher (odds ratio [OR] 3.2; 95% CI: 1.15-8.59) in the Jamunapari breed than Black Bengals. Significantly higher odds of PPR were observed in winter (OR 1.6; 95% CI: 1.06-2.14) and the monsoon season (OR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.04-2.11) compared with the post-monsoon season. Two significant (p<.05) space-time clusters were identified between 2 December 2006 and 6 September 2007 (two locations) and 28 November 2006 and 13 February 2007 (five locations). Peste des Petits Ruminants is endemic in Bangladesh, but also occurs as discrete outbreaks. Control efforts-such as vaccination-should focus on high-risk groups (4-24months of age, Jamunapari breed), prior to the onset of winter and the monsoon season so as to increase immunity during high-risk periods, and focus on disease hotspots.

Prevalence and molecular detection of shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli from diarrheic cattle

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are zoonotically important pathogen which causes hemorrhagic colitis, diarrhea, and hemolytic uremic syndrome in animals and humans. The present study was designed to isolate and identify the STEC from fecal samples of diarrheic cattle. A total of 35 diarrheic fecal samples were collected from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The samples were primarily examined for the detection of E. coli by cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics, followed by confirmation of the isolates by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using gene specific primers. Later, the STEC were identified among the isolated E. coli through detection of Stx-1 and Stx-2 genes using duplex PCR. Out of 35 samples, 25 (71.43%) isolates were confirmed to be associated with E. coli, of which only 7 (28%) isolates were shiga toxin producers, and all of them were positive for Stx-1. However, no Stx-2 positive isolate could be detected. From this study, it may be concluded that cattle can act as a reservoir of STEC which may transmit to human or other animals.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(1): 63-68, June 2016